A laptop sleeve will help keep your new MacBook Pro pristine while you're out and about. We recommend the Bellroy Laptop Caddy ($59), which protects your device and organizes all your accessories.
Why You Need Laptop Sleeves With Extra Storage
The standard MacBook Pro sleeve is typically a flimsy piece of fabric that provides little room to store anything beyond your laptop. This makes sense, as most sleeves are designed for travel and intended to simply protect your computer from scratches and static electricity. But a sleeve can also be a great place to stash items like your power cord and USB drive.
I tried several sleeves that offered extra storage to see which was best. Some were too big, bulky, or padded - or had strange designs and superfluous features. Others were too small. But the Bellroy Laptop Caddy has just the right amount of space for a laptop and all my miscellaneous tech accessories.
How the Bellroy Laptop Caddy Works
The Bellroy Laptop Caddy is made of smooth, sturdy neoprene with a lustrous finish. It comes in black, midnight blue, carbon gray, and auburn red. The exterior is durable - and the padded interior keeps your laptop safe.
The Caddy's main compartment has room for a slim laptop, tablet, or portfolio. There's also room at the top for a smartphone or small wallet. But what really distinguishes the Bellroy Laptop Caddy from the rest is the large, multifunction flap that unbuttons to reveal two large pockets perfect for storing cables, batteries - adapters, cards, documents, or whatever else you need to keep close at hand.
Even More Ways to Use Your Laptop Sleeve
One of the two pockets within the flap has a smaller compartment perfect for stashing a power adapter. And since the pockets are made of a stretchy mesh, they can also accommodate thick items such as headphones or a wallet. Oh - and there's plenty of room for two pens between the two interior pockets as well.
At $59, the Bellroy Laptop Caddy is a bit pricey compared with other sleeves. But considering how much it can fit, it might save you from having to carry an additional bag. And unlike many sleeves, it doesn't have bulkier padding or design elements that make it difficult to slide into a backpack or bag.
Though I tested the Bellroy sleeve with a MacBook Pro, the company offers variations designed for tablets - large laptops, portfolios, and briefs.
More Options for MacBook Pro Owners
For those looking for something a little less pricey, here are some other sleeves that can accompany your new M2-powered MacBook Pro.
- FINPAC Hard Laptop Sleeve Case for MacBook Pro 14-inch ($25, plus an additional 10 percent off with coupon): This sleeve is made of hard plastic with foam padding - providing considerable protection for the body and screen of your new laptop. The interior is lined with soft velvet that prevents scratching, and there's room for cables and other small items.
- tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve for 14-inch MacBook Pro ($28, was $37): Made of protective anti-shock materials, this sleeve guards against impact, scratches - dust, and liquid. The interior has room for a power adapter and USB flash drive, and the sleeve is lined with soft microfiber.
- Lacdo Laptop Sleeve Case for 14-inch New MacBook Pro ($16, was $29): This budget-friendly sleeve is constructed from BPC carbon fiber with a soft, delicate microsuede lining. The interior has room for a power adapter and other small items.
Full-Sized Laptop Bags Worth Considering
These bags offer dedicated space for a laptop plus room for books - files, and other daily essentials. They often feature multiple compartments for organizing cords, smartphones, wallets, and more.
The Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote is a sleek - utilitarian bag that easily fits a laptop, tablet, folders, lunch, daypack - or diaper bag. Its standout feature is the padded laptop pocket with a neoprene hood that detaches to function as a small sleeve. Other highlights include two magnetic water bottle pockets, a mesh zip pocket for small tech, and a front pocket with a key leash and phone slot.
While the bag's interior is divided into various compartments to help keep things organized, the ports and slots can feel a tad restrictive. For instance, the headphone port is located at an awkward spot near the bottom of the bag - and the sleeve hood's zipper can become kinked if you aren't careful. But overall, the Apex Everyday Tote is a practical and attractive choice.
From camera equipment to cables, the Moment Everything Travel Tote has room for all your essentials. The star of this bag is its padded sleeve that fits a 16-inch laptop; you can slide it out to use as a protective sleeve. Beyond the main compartment, there are roomy zipped pockets on all sides, including one with an external slip pocket and a key clip.
Inside - you'll find a perimeter of small compartments to keep smaller accessories organized. Two water bottle holders are suspended from the bottom of the bag, allowing for easy access while also keeping them secure. Finally, two of the expandable pockets can accommodate a 1-liter bottle or a compact travel tripod.
While the bag's design is undeniably functional, it's not particularly stylish. Still, if you need a large day tote that accommodates a laptop and everything else you might need on a typical day - look no further.
