The best MacBook Air cases in 2023

A product shot of the various best MacBook Air cases on a colourful background
(Image credit: Future/Apple/Procase)

Keep your MacBook Air in tip-top shape by kitting it in any of the best MacBook Air cases to protect it against daily use and accidental drops. There are plenty of options out there – from sleek, travel-friendly sleeves to heavy-duty hard cases – so you'll be able to find something that suits your lifestyle and budget. 

With different materials, weights, dimensions, and price points to contend with, we've done our homework and applied our expert insight into account to compile our list of the best MacBook Air cases on the market. Learn more about how we test and review products at Creative Bloq.

The best MacBook Air cases

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The best MacBook Air hard cases

The best MacBook Air sleeves

How to choose the best MacBook Air case

Choosing the best MacBook Air case for your device is a big decision and you have to take lots into consideration. One of the main choices is choosing between a soft case (a sleeve) or a hard case (a skin). In general we tend to recommend hard cases over the softer cases because they offer more protection for your device. Hard cases clip onto your laptop and stay on there; meaning you protect it from any unwarranted bumps, drops and spills at all times where as a sleeve needs to be removed in order you use your device. But by owning both, you can double your protection and make sure you reduce the risk of an expensive damages!

Another important element to consider is compatibility. If you opt for a hard case you need to make sure it's the exact right size for your laptop model. Our above guide lists cases specifically suited for the 13-inch MacBook Air line released from 2018 onwards. Each listing specifies exact model numbers and sizings, but it's always worth double checking before you buy. Whilst you have to be exact with hard case sizes, you have more flexibility when it comes to the soft sleeves so the fit doesn't need to be as precise.

The final and most important choices come down to your personal taste in design and budget. There's an array of options out there, which is why our guide above includes a wide range of all types to choose from including Apple's own exclusive hard case and sleeve that comes with the tech giant's guarantee of excellent protection. Alternatively you can check out some more affordable MacBook Air cases and sleeves can still offer good protection and great value.

A person using the Apple Incase MacBook hardshell case, one of the best MacBook Air cases

(Image credit: Apple)

Frequently asked questions

Is a case or a sleeve better for your MacBook Air?

This largely comes down to personal preference – do you want your MacBook Air to be protected at all times or only whilst it's in transit? 

Our personal recommendation is to go for a hard case since it offers more protection, especially from bumps, drops spills. Plus, once it's attached to your MacBook Air, it stays there. However, if your MacBook Air model has ventilation, you'll want to ensure a case doesn't obstruct that (more on that below).

If you're more careful with your tech or don't want to deal with the added bulk of a hard case, choose a sleeve. This will keep your MacBook Air safe when you travel but of course, you'll have to remove it from the sleeve once you're ready to use it.

If you're keen to be extra cautious, opt for a hard case and a sleeve. If you take your laptop with you to work, school or even the coffee shop, pick up one of the best laptop bags for easy transport and even more protection.

Will a MacBook Air overheat with a case?

If you have an older MacBook Air, it'll have ventilation near the hinges at the top of the chassis. You'll want to make sure any hard case you buy for it doesn't block that vent.

Meanwhile, M1 and M2 MacBook Air models rely on passive cooling so there aren't any vents to block. However, as we note in our MacBook Air M2 (15-inch, 2023) review, it can potentially run hot if you do a lot of heavy computing – for instance, running multiple graphic design and/or video editing programs at once. A case could potentially exacerbate that issue and affect the MacBook Air's performance. 

Thus, a hard case may be a better option if you don't rely on your MacBook Air for intensive tasks all that often.

How else can I keep my MacBook Air in good condition?

Cases and sleeves will only do so much if you're not regularly maintaining your MacBook Air. For one, you'll want to keep the screen in as pristine condition as possible – know how to clean a MacBook screen and even consider investing in a screen protector. 

Also, resist eating and drinking in front of your MacBook Air as this increases the potential for spills and crumbs to damage the chassis. (Yes, we know that's much easier said than done these days.) 

Regardless of whether you like to chow down next to your MacBook Air, you'll still want to wipe it down to get rid of lint, dust and germs. Apple support recommends soft, lint-free cloths as well as select disinfectants (70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes).

Georgia Coggan

Georgia is lucky enough to be Creative Bloq's Editor. She has been working for Creative Bloq since 2018, starting out as a freelancer writing about all things branding, design, art, tech and creativity – as well as sniffing out genuinely good deals on creative technology. Since becoming Editor, she has been managing the site on a day-to-day basis, helping to shape the diverse content streams CB is known for and leading the team in their own creativity. 

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