The 10 Best Rugged Laptop Cases

Updated September 17, 2020 by Gia Vescovi-Chiordi

This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Laptops are expensive investments, so it is understandable that you'd want to keep yours safe from harm. These rugged cases come in a variety of designs offering varying degrees of protection to meet all needs. We included both hard- and soft-sided options, along with a few slim, sleeve-style models. Many of these are also waterproof to ensure bad weather and spills won't damage your computer. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. Pelican 1495
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

2. Nacuwa Shockproof
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

3. Thule Gauntlet 3.0
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

4. Lenovo Legion Armored
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

5. Casematix RMR21
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

6. UZBL Work-In
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

7. Smatree Hard Shell
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

8. Solo Fifth Avenue
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

9. Domiso Shock Resistant
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

10. Tomantek Sleeve
EBAY
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON

Special Honors

Tumi Deluxe 4 Wheeled Laptop Case Those who travel often who need peace of mind might want to consider this sleek carrier from Tumi. Notably expensive, it's crafted using ultra-durable FXT ballistic nylon that can handle a ton of abuse. It features an expandable main compartment with removable file dividers and a removable laptop sleeve that fits screens up to 17 inches and has a detachable strap and handles that make it functional on its own. tumi.com

Allcases Custom If your primary concern is safety, Allcases manufactures custom computer shipping and hard laptop cases that provide industry-leading protection. They are watertight, crush and dustproof, and come with a lifetime guarantee of excellence. Choose from an array of selections that can accommodate one or multiple laptops, including attaché style options, rolling units with custom foam inserts, and simple foam-filled cases. Each sports a rugged shell that can withstand extremely harsh conditions. allcases.com

Editor's Notes

September 14, 2020:

We made quite a few changes to this list during our latest update to ensure we had some of the most reliable, current selections out there. We wanted to maintain the balance we had previously between cases that offer adequate protection to the everyday user as well as intense options suitable for taking to a construction site, boating, hunting, or other harsh environments. To that end, you'll find everything from sturdy laptop sleeves to crush and waterproof cases that can withstand intense abuse.

We said goodbye to the NiceEbag Armor due to complaints of durability regarding the strap, stitching, and zippers. We removed the iBenzer Bumptect Pro because of availability issues and the Urban Armor Gear UAG. We love the minimalist design of the UAG, however, it's so strong that many users end up with damaged screens thanks to the way it clips in. It can also be difficult to remove.

To fill these gaps we brought on the Lenovo Legion Armored, a tough backpack perfect for gamers with plenty of accessories, the UZBL Work-In, which is ideal for students who use small Chromebooks, and the Smatree Hard Shell, which is best suited to MacBook Air and Pro computers and Apple accessories.

We also decided to add the Pelican 1495 in place of the Pelican 1095 in order to provide an option with the utmost protection. The 1495 model is more aggressive in its design and offers additional features, like a carrying strap, molded handle, integrated locking system, strong easy-open latches, a larger capacity, and more.

December 13, 2018:

Not everybody needs the same level of protection from a laptop case, which is why we included some models that can probably stand up to falling off a cliff, and others that are better suited to handle small drops and everyday bumps.

Last updated on September 17, 2020 by Gia Vescovi-Chiordi

Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.

Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships, free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking. For more information on our rankings, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price, which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website. If you believe that your product should be included in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.