The laptop cover you choose for your computer can affect its long-term value. It can also play a major role in the level of protection it provides, aesthetics and price. A leather sleeve is often a top choice for those seeking a balance of style, function and durability, but there are many other materials to consider.
A sleeve is slim, snug-fitting and designed to encase a laptop in a protective layer, protecting it from scratches and minor impacts. It is a more minimalist approach to laptop protection than a case, which is a larger bag with handles, shoulder straps or wheels that can accommodate additional accessories.
One of our favorite sleeve choices is the Mosiso Protective Hardshell, which adds virtually no noticeable weight or bulk and can fit a 2022 or 2023 13.6-inch MacBook Air. It features 45 color options and varying degrees of transparency, allowing for maximum customization. It has open vents at the bottom to prevent overheating and is available for other laptop models, too. Its stiff marled texture offers enough grip to prevent accidental drops, but it won’t feel rough on the wrist when you carry it around campus all afternoon. This sleeve doesn’t have any extra storage pockets, so you’ll need to pack chargers and accessories separately.
Another option for a sleek, lightweight sleeve is the Society6 Sleeve. The stiff canvas-style polyester is thickly padded and seemed sturdy enough to withstand a slight drop, while the zipper is from YKK, an industry leader known for its strength and reliability. It’s also made from recycled fire hoses, a material that Muchaneta Kapfunde, who blogs about the intersection of tech and design at FashNerd, says is “literally made from the same stuff as bulletproof vests.”
If you want a sleeve that strikes a more refined note, consider Kate Spade’s Hollyhock. The black matte finish and gold logo provide just the right amount of pizazz without overdoing it. However, the sleeve is limited to a single pattern/color combination and doesn’t offer extra storage.
If extra storage and security are high priorities, check out the Matador laptop cover choices. This bag features a weather-resistant 420D nylon lining and 50D ripstop drybag liner that protects your computer against spills during turbulence on the plane or when you’re compelled to finish your complimentary drink. Its exterior mesh pocket is large enough to hold a tablet or book, too.
If you have a heavier budget, look into a more heavy-duty case from Pelican. Its super-strong ABS plastic is reinforced with foam and uses stainless steel hardware. The case can be found in a range of sizes, including for the largest MacBook Pro models. But it’s not the most affordable solution for your new gadget, especially considering it’s a hard shell instead of a soft-sided sleeve. If you’re willing to spend more, you can find even more luxurious cases made from leather and other materials at the Casetify website. You can also find some more rugged hard-shell designs from other manufacturers, too.