Top 10 Best 17-Inch Laptop Cases in 2021 (Case Logic, Tomtoc, and More)

Here are our top 10 laptop case favorites varying from material, padding, design and function to help you get started on your search.

As important as protection is, it’s equally important to find a case that fits in your life and that you’ll actually use. After all, the best laptop case isn’t going to do you any good if you leave it at home. The buying guide below will expound on considerations to remember when selecting a 17-inch laptop case.

Despite being called the same thing, not all 17-inch laptops have the same dimensions. Some have screens that are 17.3 inches but have a very slim bezel so your case doesn't have to be too large to accommodate the entire laptop. You can first take the overall measurements of your laptop then compare it with the inner dimensions of the laptop case.

Not all manufacturers explicitly indicate the inner dimensions of their laptop cases so you can confirm with the reviews or contact them directly if your laptop model and specifications would fit. 

As for the overall dimensions, these are also important to consider in case you will be storing the laptop sleeve, for example, inside another bag. The dimensions also give you an overview just how large the case is.

With that expansive screen size and often times fully-loaded specs, it can be deduced that 17-inch laptops are expensive. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your case is padded or lined with added protection. 

When considering the padding features of a particular case, we recommend looking at reinforced corners, shockproof padding or foam lining for extra assurance during accidental drops and bumps. 

In line with protection, you can also look at the zipper design, if any, as users often share that zippers can scratch your laptop when not designed properly. Check if the zipper’s path has an extra lining underneath or if the laptop has ample space away from the edges. 

Laptop cases often come in two designs, sleeves and bags. The former is pretty straightforward and function as a protective casing for your device. Laptop sleeves can be carried as is or placed inside a bag during transport. 

Laptop bags, however, are bulkier cases that often need a handle or strap to carry around. When considering straps, look for those with extra padding on the shoulder area to alleviate some pressure of the heavy laptop from your shoulders. The hooks should also be durable and fastened securely. You can confirm this with the product description or reviews. 

You can also consider versatile cases with removable straps or retractable handles, turning your laptop sleeve into a bag, and vice versa, for extra convenience. For example, you might need a sleek laptop sleeve getting around the office but require a strap for easy carrying outside work. 

Laptops don’t often travel solo and require a few more accessories in tow such as chargers, keyboards, mice, and headsets. An easy way to make sure everything stays together is to look for a case that has storage compartments. 

Some cases have just enough space for a charger and earbuds, while others can hold notebooks, folders and other essentials. You might be compromising size with the added compartments, but you are achieving an organized way of keeping the necessities in one accessible location.

If you plan on taking your home office with you, there are backpacks equipped with a laptop compartment, some equipped with a removable laptop sleeve, to meet your needs. A backpack is a great way to even out the weight between your shoulders, plus it frees up your hands. 

Rain, water bottle spills - they happen. While a regular case is meant to keep your laptop safe from bumps and drops, a waterproof or at least water-resistant one can protect your device from liquids.

While having a water-resistant body is generally good enough for most people, if you’re really serious about water protection, be sure to check if the zippers are also water-resistant and won’t malfunction after getting wet. A workaround would be avoiding zippers completely and choosing another design such as Velcro flaps. 

If you’re in the market for other laptop essentials to make your work setting more convenient and efficient, we’ve got a few suggestions to get you started. 

Finding the right laptop case for your 17-inch laptop is really about striking a balance between protection and functionality. Fortunately, there are many designs and options to choose from to suit your specific needs. Just do your best not to go without one!

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

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