Deploying one of the best MacBook Air cases will protect your Apple laptop from danger and give it a striking aesthetic. The MacBook Air is still a super-popular laptop for creatives, since its power and display allows your projects to sing. Sure, it isn't as expensive as the MacBook Pro but it's still pretty pricey so you'll want to keep it safe.
It's worth remembering that a bump in the wrong place could damage a laptop's hardware or charging ports, resulting in expense from a fix or even replacement. Since the best MacBook Air cases can prevent this, they're worth the money.
There are tons of options to choose from, and we've listed them right here. There are choices for different tastes and budgets, and we've always considered build quality, protection and durability. We'll begin with the best MacBook Air cases then move onto the best MacBook Air sleeves.
Check out our MacBook Air (M1 2020) review to see why we rate it so highly and bookmark our regularly updated guide to the best MacBook Air deals to browse the best prices. Or, if you're looking for more versatile protection for your laptop, take a look at our rundown of the best laptop bags.
The best MacBook Air cases
If you're after the best MacBook Air case available right now, then the Apple Incase 13in Hardshell Case is the clear choice. This hard case protects your laptop from knocks or bumps, and it fits perfectly onto the MacBook Air. It's almost as though it were specifically designed for that purpose by Apple itself. Oh, that's right... it was.
You'll hardly notice any extra bulk or weight to your MacBook Air with Apple's case. It remains just as portable and looks the part, coming in a choice of colours. This case is also ventilated to help prevent your laptop from overheating. Being Apple, it's got a higher price tag than anything else on this list, but if you want a great-looking case that provides great protection, it's worth paying for.
Don't want to shell out for Apple's own hard case? Don't worry, there are plenty of other options available. This one from Procase offers a heavy-duty polycarbonate shell with a shock-absorbent wraparound bumper, giving your MacBook Air great protection against scuffs, drops and scratches. There's also a built-in foldable stand for ergonomic typing angles and a better viewing experience, and you'll have no problem accessing the laptop's various ports and features. If that isn't enough, you also get a silicon keyboard cover to shield your MacBook keyboard against spills and dust.
Prone to accidentally dropping or damaging your tech? Then you'll want to give your MacBook Pro the best protection possible. The Urban Armor Gear Feather-Light Rugged MacBook Air Case offers military-grade protection without adding too much extra heft to your laptop. The polycarbonate shell has a grip that helps you to avoid dropping your device in the first place and the impact-resistant bumpers offer great protection if it does happen. There are vents on the bottom to ensure your MacBook Air doesn't overheat, and since it's transparent, you can still see your prized laptop inside. Just note that due to the snug fit, this isn't the easiest case to put on and take off regularly, so you want to be sure you like the aesthetics.
MOSISO's Protective Plastic Hard Shell Cover is another great option if you're put off by the price of Apple's hard case. It offers the same snap-on hardshell protection at less than half of the cost, and despite the price, it doesn't look like a cheap and tacky alternative. This case also has ventilation on the undercase, and rubber feet to help it stay still on your desk.
This case offers a lot more choice of colour than Apple's own too. There are no less than eight shades of blue, seven shades of green, and plenty more besides, including a transparent version if you want your Apple logo to remain visible (the others are translucent and will cover it to varying degrees). It's hard to argue with a price this good, and if you just need a decent hardshell case for a very reasonable price, this is your best option.
We've covered the pros and cons of hard and soft cases. Now we'll turn to some of the best looking MacBook Air cases. While protection and durability are still the most important considerations, finding a case that also allows you to express your individuality is a huge bonus.
We love the minimalist yet striking design of this iCasso MacBook Air case, which features sketched lines resembling two faces. You can buy this hard case on its own or in a bundle that also includes two keyboard covers (one compatible with the 2018/2019 MacBook Air 13-inch and another compatible with the 2020 MacBook Air 13-inch model), as well as a clear screen protector, dust plug and 13-inch sleeve bag.
This MacBook Air hard case from iCasso is even more striking than the above. Most creatives will have heard the theory that everyone has one more dominant side of their brain, with those who are 'left-brained' being more analytical and logical and those who are 'right-brained' being more artistic and creative. If you subscribe to that theory, you'll enjoy this fun and vibrant hard case.
The plastic case will protect your device from scratches, and it's easy to snap on and off, thanks to micro clips that securely fasten the skin to your MacBook Air. That said, the plastic is more brittle and a little less flexible than it is on the cases from Apple and MOSISO. There are cutouts for all charging ports and vents, but note that there's no cut out for the Apple logo on the top of your device.
After a more subtle design for your MacBook Air case? You might like this option from Dongke as much as we do. Designed to resemble a composition notebook, it reflects the idea that you might open up your MacBook Air on the go to jot down ideas like we would with a notepad. After all, inspiration can strike at any moment. It might also serve as protection against theft if you leave your laptop unattended as from a distance it really does look like a book.
Note that the very specific construction of the case and the keyboard cover means this product is only compatible with models of MacBook Air with Touch ID (the newest models released between 2018 and 2020).
The best MacBook Air sleeves
If you don't want to keep your MacBook Air in a semi-permanent shell, a sleeve still offers good protection from scuffs and scratches. When it comes to choosing the best sleeve for the MacBook Air, it's once again hard to beat Apple's own offering, if you can afford it. The sleeve is made from luxurious high-quality French leather with a microfibre lining. As you'd expect from an official product, it fits like a glove and the quality is undeniable.
Apple's case also has some stylish details, from the stitching around the edge to the debossed logo on the top. The base even features four impressions that line up with the feet on your MacBook Air.
Apple's own MacBook Air sleeve may be gorgeous, but it's also very expensive. If you're looking for a more economical option, we recommend considering this laptop sleeve from TomToc. Whilst it's not designed specifically for the MacBook Air, it offers a great fit, and it's slim and extremely lightweight. However, it's not the most protective sleeve on the market.
The sleeve has a main compartment with a soft, plush interior plus a secondary pocket for any extras. The zip works well and the sleeve boasts 'Military-Grade CornerArmor Protection' on the corners. It's great value, and, as it's made from recycled plastic, environmentally friendly. There's also a range of colours to pick from.
This MacBook Air sleeve from Bellroy is up there with the very best money can buy. It's one of the more expensive on the list, but you get your money's worth. This sleeve not only offers excellent protection against damage but it has a touch of luxury not found in many other designs.
The sleeve features a magnetic bumper entry for scratch-free security and a quilted microfiber lining for extra protection. It's available in five gorgeous colours (bronze being a particular favourite of ours), and is backed by a three-year warranty.
If you'd prefer a soft MacBook Air case, this Tolmount leather sleeve is our recommendation. The caveat is that it's only available in the UK for the time being. For a quality leather MacBook Air sleeve in the US, you might want to consider a Woolnut Leather & Wool Sleeve (opens in new tab).
Tolmount uses premium leather (so this isn't one for vegans or vegetarians) and offers an impressive level of detail. The interior is padded with real wool (again, not for vegans), cushioning your laptop against bumps and blows. Shock absorption is the biggest advantage of a sleeve over a hardshell case, the interior padding can be a lifesaver in the event of a drop or sudden impact.
After something fancy for your MacBook Air? The Londo Genuine Leather Sleeve offers premium materials and artistic flair. Coming in seven artsy designs, you're bound to get asked about this sleeve all the time. Again, this MacBook Air sleeve is made from real leather so it isn't suitable for vegan shoppers. The colourful patterns are woven from jacquard linen polyester or woven linen. There are two size options; one for the 13in MacBook Air and also a 16-inch sleeve, which could fit a MacBook Pro.
How to choose the best MacBook Air case
When choosing the best MacBook Air case for your needs, the most important consideration is whether you want a hard case (or skin) or a soft case (or sleeve). Generally, we recommend hard cases over soft cases because of the protection they provide. Unlike a sleeve, which you need to take your device out of in order to use it, hard cases click onto your laptop and stay there, protecting your laptop from drops, bangs and spills even when you're using it. For the ultimate protection, you can use both: clipping on a permanent hard case and then slipping your encased MacBook Air into a sleeve to provide extra cushioning when you travel.
The next important consideration is compatibility. With a hard case, you need to ensure it's exactly the right size for your laptop. All of the hard cases featured in the guide above are designed to fit 13-inch MacBook Air devices released from 2018 onwards. Manufacturers specify the exact model numbers, so always double-check before you purchase. Soft cases, on the other hand, are more flexible and the fit doesn't need to be so precise.
Once you've decided on the right MacBook Air case for you, it comes down to choosing your favourite design and deciding how much you're prepared to spend. Our list includes a couple of premium options, including Apple's own exclusive hard case and sleeve, which use superb materials and offer the peace of mind of the brand's own validation of the product, but more affordable MacBook Air cases and sleeves can still offer good protection and great value.
Read more:
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