The Best Laptop Bags and Sleeves for Protection on the Go

Your laptop is likely the most expensive thing you carry every day, yet many people protect it with nothing more than a thin neoprene sleeve. We tested 20 laptop bags and sleeves — dropping them from desk height with a laptop inside, pouring water on them, and using them daily for six weeks — to find the cases that actually protect your investment. The Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve is our top pick.

Best Sleeve: Tomtoc 360 Protective

The Tomtoc uses a CornerArmor design with reinforced edges that absorb corner impacts — the most common cause of laptop damage from drops. In our desk-height drop tests, a MacBook Pro inside the Tomtoc showed zero damage across 10 drops. The YKK zipper is smooth and durable, and the exterior pocket fits a charger and cables. Water resistance was excellent in our pour test, with zero moisture reaching the interior after 30 seconds of direct water exposure.

Best Full Bag: Thule Subterra 2

If you want a full bag rather than a sleeve, the Thule Subterra 2 offers dedicated laptop protection inside a well-organized commuter backpack. The clamshell laptop compartment is suspended away from the bottom of the bag, protecting your laptop even if you set the bag down hard. The 21-liter capacity handles a full work kit plus a change of clothes for the gym.