Apple released a new MacBook Air in March 2020. This marks the company’s third iteration of its 2018 upgrade, which featured a new look compared to past models.
Those with an older Air will still want to carry it around in style – and safely. Luckily there’s a whole industry devoted to creating bags, cases, sleeves for Apple’s laptops, but that equally means there’s an almost overwhelming amount of choice.
We’ve sorted through what’s on offer, and here are our recommendations for tried and tested MacBook Air cases with the best protection – that hopefully don’t look too shabby either. We’ve kept a good mix of styles that should appeal to both women and men.
While versions from 2017 up to the latest model share a 13in screen, they do vary in dimensions (see the full comparison).
The lighter 2018/2019/2020 versions measures 0.41-1.56cm x 30.41cm x 21.24cm while the 2017 version measures 0.3-1.7cm x 32.5cm x 22.7cm. This means you can’t use the same cases interchangeably, unless you go for bag options, which of course will fit the old 11in models too (though will probably be oversized).
MacBook Air 2018 & 2019 owners should check out our separate dedicated cases round up. We also have similar round ups for the 12in MacBook and the MacBook Pro.
Herschel Anchor Sleeve for MacBook Air
Herschel has made a name for itself the world over with its range of backpacks, and it also makes quality laptop cases.
We love the Anchor Sleeve, which is fully padded and fleece-lined so you can just zip up your MacBook and carry it under your arm.
Available for the 12in and 13in MacBook Airs directly from Herschel for £45.
Tech21 Impact Snap Case
Tech21 has an excellent reputation for making high quality Apple accessories, and this snap-on case for the MacBook Air is no exception. You can get it in pink or purple.
The case contains “Flexshock” which offers robust drop protection. Tech21 also offers a lifetime warranty.
Usually £79.95/$104.95/AU$139.95, but now £39.98/$52.48/AU$69.98 directly at Tech21.
Woolnut Macbook Air 13 Sleeve
Swedish company Woolnut produces sleeves made of premium leather and a soft, wool (of course) felt lining.
It’s a stylish alternative to fabric-based bags and plastic hard cases. Woolnut promises a long lasting life to the leather, which should stretch and adapt to a perfect fit for your MacBook Air over time.
It fits the MacBook Air models up to 2017. Pick it up directly from Woolnut for € 87.00 (around £77.69/US$98.15/AU$141.59, ships internationally) or from Amazon.
Mujjo Leather Sleeve 13in
Mujjo is another brand that produces beautiful and classy leather and felt cases for Apple products, and in this case for the older 13in Macbook Air laptop – though it should also fit the 13in Macbook Pro Retina.
The case is water-repellent and comes with a handy pocket as well so you can stow away notes and papers.
Pick it up directly from Mujjo for £62.91/US$78.29/€69.90/AU$111.84.
Hex Alliance Backpack
Many laptop rucksacks are bulky things, laden down by all the extra padding and pouches. That makes sense for organising your stuff, but it does make them a bit unwieldy – exactly the opposite of the MacBook Air itself.
That’s why we’re big fans of the Hex Alliance, a slim backpack that’s actually slim. There’s only one main compartment, with a few small internal pouches and a padded (and fluffy fleece-lined!) laptop section, along with a padded front pouch ideal for storing your phone, eReader, or a small tablet.
Pick it up directly from Hex for £91.95/US$71.96 (usually $89.95) but you can get it for cheaper on Amazon.
AmazonBasics 13in Laptop Sleeve
Amazon runs a great Basics range of accessories for tech products, and this neoprene case for MacBook Air is no exception. One of the simplest cases going is also sensibly designed: a small flap covers the zip on the inside so your laptop doesn’t get scratched on the move.
Other than that it’s exactly as it appears, which is no bad thing for under a tenner.
Inateck MP1300 Sleeve
Inateck makes some excellent kit for Apple products and this sleeve is no exception. Made of felt and lined with soft flannel, it has an understated modern look, and has room for a tablet, papers and credits cards in separate sections.
It comes with a complimentary felt pouch to store accessories such as your mouse or power adapter. This is secured with elastic, as opposed to the case, which has a Velcro closure.
Available on Amazon for £11.89. US and Australian shoppers can find a similar option from AmazonBasics for $13.85/ AU$22.05.
Inateck 13in Laptop Sleeve Bag
ere’s another option from Inteck that also doubles as a caddie for accessories, such as the power cord and adapter – and other devices such as an eBook reader or iPad mini.
There’s a pocket at the back of the case to keep papers or a notebook too. Keep in mind, it’s designed to hold the MacBook Air on its own without a separate case.
Acme Made Skinny Sleeve
The Acme Made case is designed to enclose the MacBook in neoprene. Unlike other cases, it’s made from a Stretch Shell material and doesn’t have a zip – you just stretch the bag around it.
It’s clever, because the zip is the one thing that may cause scratches to your MacBook on other cases, defeating the object of keeping it in a case in the first place. It’s also relatively affordable given its good design.
Author: Henry Burrell, Phones Editor
Henry is Tech Advisor’s Phones Editor, ensuring he and the team covers and reviews every smartphone worth knowing about for readers and viewers all over the world. He spends a lot of time moving between different handsets and shouting at WhatsApp to support multiple devices at once.