Trading cards are popular with a wide range of ages and have been for many years. They can be used to play fantasy games, be traded between friends, or collected as beloved memorabilia. Whatever your purpose for collecting trading cards is, you'll need to buy some protective sleeves if you want to keep them in mint condition.
We've looked at the best trading card sleeves available and chose the Diamond Shield cards in matte silver by Arcane Tinman as our favorites. They will protect your cards and are perfect for use in games with friends or even in tournaments. We've also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
We've searched Amazon to find the best trading card sleeves available. We've picked a variety of sleeves, so no matter what you're looking for, we have some trading card sleeves for you!
AT-11008
$10.95
Sleeve type | Soft |
---|---|
Number | 100 |
Size | 2.6 x 3.6 in. |
$29.09
Sleeve type | Toploader and soft |
---|---|
Number | 100 toploaders, 100 soft |
Size | 3 x 4 in. |
$17.90
Sleeve type | Soft |
---|---|
Number | 300 |
Size | 2.6 x 3.6 in. |
$6.99
Sleeve type | Sheets |
---|---|
Number | 30 pages |
Size | 2.6 x 3.6 in. |
$9.99
Sleeve type | Soft |
---|---|
Number | 150 |
Size | 2.6 x 3.6 in. |
$19.99
Sleeve type | Soft |
---|---|
Number | 400 |
Size | 2.5 x 3.5 in. |
$7.95
Sleeve type | Sheets |
---|---|
Number | 32 pages |
Size | 3.6 x 2.75 in. |
Image | 1 ![]() Arcane Tinman | 2 ![]() Ultra Pro | 3 ![]() Quiver Time | 4 ![]() Toupeone | 5 ![]() Ultra Pro | 6 ![]() RYKER | 7 ![]() TitanShield | 8 ![]() Pro Support Trading Card Accessories | 9 ![]() BCW | 10 ![]() POKONBOY |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Dragon Shield Matte Silver | Toploaders and Clear Sleeves | Ultra Transparent Standard Deck Protectors | 9-Pocket Sleeves for 3 Ring Binder | Soft Card Sleeves | Standard Size Matte Card Sleeves | Black Standard Size Board Game Trading Card Sleeves | Perfect Fit Ultra Clear | Trading Card Toploader Holder | Trading Card Storage Pages |
Features | Durable Sleeves With Minimal Glare | A Set of Toploaders and Soft Sleeves | Easy to Shuffle For Smooth Gameplay | Good Fit and Durable | Perfect to be Paired With Toploaders | Opaque Black Backs for Tournaments | Cards Fit Neatly Into the Sleeves and are Easy to Shuffle | Durable Sleeves for Smaller Cards | Thick Toploaders That Keep Cards in Place | Good for Standard-Sized Cards |
Price | $10.95 | $29.09 | $17.90 | $6.99 | $6.50 | $11.97 | $9.99 | $19.99 | $8.98 | $7.95 |
Sleeve type | Soft | Toploader and soft | Soft | Sheets | Soft | Soft | Soft | Soft | Toploader | Sheets |
Number | 100 | 100 toploaders, 100 soft | 300 | 30 pages | 100 | 150 | 150 | 400 | 25 | 32 pages |
Size | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 3 x 4 in. | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 2.6 x 3.6 in. | 2.5 x 3.5 in. | 3 x 4 in. | 3.6 x 2.75 in. |
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Before buying any trading card sleeves, there are a few points you should take into consideration. To help you with this, we've put together this handy buying guide!
It’s common to see trading card collections kept in binders, but these aren’t always the most convenient way to protect and store them. If you’re looking to protect your cards in a more individual way, then there are three main types of card sleeves.
Soft sleeves are individual sleeves made from thin, clear plastic that are roughly the same size as standard trading cards. They will protect the cards from fingerprints or dust but offer little protection against being bent.
For cards that are often used in games, such as Pokemon or Magic the Gathering cards, these are the best option. This type of sleeve will protect the card during play no matter how many times it is handled but isn't bulky like toploaders. It’s easy to take cards in and out and they’re usually sold in bulk, making it easier to protect an entire deck.
If you're going to be playing in tournaments, you can look at soft sleeves that have colored opaque backs. This will mask the back of your cards, so differences in decks or any marks on the cards won't be seen by your opponents!
These are also individual sleeves made from clear plastic, but they are far more rigid and thick than soft sleeves. They’re usually a little bigger than the standard trading card size and offer more complete protection. Their thickness can be measured in mils, with anything above 10 mil being a strong thickness.
If you have 1:1 cards, signature cards, or art cards, you’ll want the extra protection that toploaders give. They’ll not only protect these cards from fingerprints and dust, but their rigidity gives them protection against being bent.
However, if you looking for the best protection possible for your rare cards, then the best option is to use both soft sleeves and toploaders! Put the card in a soft sleeve first and then insert this - open end first - into a toploader sleeve. The card will be then completely encased in plastic.
These are like the pages you will find in binders, only they’re loose. Typically they have nine pockets that are standard trading card size and are of a similar quality to soft sleeves.
Sheets can be used to display a set of trading cards. Some cards have special backs that when put together, make a larger picture. A single sheet is a great way to organize these and show off the completed image!
Most cards and sleeves conform to the standard size of 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Typically, toploaders are a little larger and are four inches by three inches. However, not every card conforms to these sizes! Even some cards that are the standard size might not fit if they are too thick.
Some trading card collections have patch or medallion cards that are several times the thickness of regular cards, and these will not fit in soft sleeves. They may not even fit in toploaders! Before you buy any sleeves, check that your cards will fit.
When buying soft sleeves for cards to be used in games, sleeves that have a matte finish are better than glossy ones. Matte sleeves will be easier to handle and are also less prone to glare.
Whatever type of sleeve you buy, look for ones that are waterproof. Plastic is naturally waterproof, but if the sleeves aren’t constructed neatly, it’s possible that water could soak through the edges or joins.
UV protection is another feature that will help protect your cards as it will stop them from fading due to the light. It’s also important to look for sleeves that are made out of safe materials. Many are acid-free and non-PVC, and these are the best options.
If you're looking for more hobbies you can do from the warmth and comfort of your home, we have some suggestions for you. Whether you're looking for solo hobbies or activities to do with friends and family, there are many options available!
We found that the best trading card sleeves depend on your purpose. If you're going to be handling your cars often as part of playing a game, then soft sleeves are the best. To protect valuable cards, such as rare variants or signatures, we suggest toploader sleeves.
The best trading card sleeves are durable, non-toxic, and can survive rough handling or accidents. We hope that no matter what trading card sleeves you choose, they protect your cards for years to come!
Author: Kellie Lacey
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