The Macbook Air is a great example of slim computing. Apple’s latest model is even more powerful than ever, but the thin and light design sacrifices durability. Luckily, there are quite a few third-party products that can protect your laptop.
To keep your investment safe, consider using a case, cover, or shell. Below we list the best that we think you’ll love. Most cater to the A1932 and A2179 models with Touch ID. If you’re not sure of the model you have, check the tiny print on the bottom.
Sleeves
AmazonBasics Laptop Sleeve (all)
If you blew your whole budget on the MacBook Air itself, there’s no need to break the bank for a basic sleeve. This Amazon offering is the best trade-off between price and quality, a no-frills sleeve made from soft, stretchy neoprene, with a single zipper along the top. Even with the MacBook Air inside, the sleeve has room to spare.
Unfortunately, there’s also no strap or handle, so you’ll need a separate bag. Still, this sleeve is well worth a look for the price. It’s available in Black, Blue, Grey, Navy, and Purple color options.
Inateck MacBook Air Sleeve (A1932/A2179)
Want a fancy sleeve for your fancy MacBook Air? Inateck’s slick accessory features a high-quality felt exterior that not only looks great but absorbs shock. The main compartment adds additional protection, using soft flannel to keep that MacBook Air scratch-free during storage.
Moreover, a second compartment on the outside can hold extra items like books, a tablet, and so on. Two additional back pockets can hold an iPhone and earphones. This sleeve even ships with an additional smaller felt bag for carrying a mouse.
If you need a similar sleeve for an older MacBook Air, our previous pick should work with models A1465, A1370, A1304, and A1237.
Cases
iBenzer Hexpact Heavy Duty Protective Case (A1932/A2179)
Apple’s MacBook Air is sleek and thin, but delicate. It needs iBenzer’s heavy-duty case for owners who are accustomed to sturdier, thicker laptops. Constructed out of TUP and polycarbonate, it’s designed to handle heavy drops up to 4 feet and general heavy-handed misuse by dissipating all impact throughout the honeycomb body.
Available in black, blue, and clear, it’s not meant to be attractive, although the blue version is probably our favorite design. As shown above, the bottom portion sports a more refined honeycomb design while the upper portion reveals more of the MacBook Air’s lid. It also includes black rubber bumpers and bottom skid pads.
ProCase Protective Cover with Fold Kickstand (A1932/A2179)
While the iBenzer case targets rugged durability, this case by ProCase is more about style and usability. The big takeaway here is the folding kickstand that angles the MacBook Air up for better viewing and a more comfortable typing experience. Rubberized feet keep it from shuffling across the table, even in kickstand mode.
The casing itself features a semi-transparent shell framed by a shock-absorbent wraparound bumper. The bottom sports a similar bumper, protecting the MacBook Air from all angles. Vents along the bottom allow for proper heat disbarment, so there are no worries about overheating.
This case is available in gray, black, khaki, light blue, and rose red.
Shells
Mosiso Watercolor Marble Shell and Sleeve Bag (A1932/A2179)
If a shell is all that’s required, Mosiso provides various colorful solutions for protecting many different MacBook Air models. In this case, we chose a shell with a nice blue design to give the laptop a little extra flair. However, this bundle also includes two matching keyboard skins, webcam covers, a screen protector, and a sleeve bag. Not bad for the price!
Unlike other cases, this Mosiso cover only protects the lid of your laptop. That’s ok by us, as we don’t regularly showcase the bottom of our computers while working at the coffee shop or library. Mosiso does provide a sleeve bag to protect your machine while on the move, which accomplishes the same goal.
This isn’t any ordinary laptop sleeve, either. There’s a water repellent peony polyester exterior, a shockproof sponge around the edges, and a soft internal fluff cushion. Four small pockets inside hold the MacBook Air securely in place.
Top Case Rubberized Hard Shell (A1932/A2179)
To eliminate the need for a protective sleeve, Top Case uses two matching pieces. One piece is to protect your laptop lid, while the other’s purpose is to protect the bottom. Each of the pieces is easy to put on and take off. They also feature built-in vents so you can avoid your laptop overheating.
This shell excels at keeping your laptop safe from damage. The Top Case comes in a wide variety of 17 different colors. Best of all, the price point is extremely budget-friendly. Grab one for yourself and one for a friend.
An extra cool feature is that Top Case offers customization. You’re actually able to upload an image of a graphic and have it printed on your shell. It’s an upcharge but well worth it if you are trying to achieve a certain aesthetic.
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