Do laptop cases cause overheating?

Laptops are becoming thinner and lighter every year, making them more portable. But being thinner and lighter also means that many new laptops aren’t as durable as their predecessors. That’s where a laptop case comes in. The best laptop cases give your laptop a stylish look and better protect it from scratches, drops, and falls. But is your laptop case causing your new laptop to overheat?

If you’ve installed a new hardshell case on your laptop, you might be worried that the case will cause your laptop to overheat, putting unnecessary stress on the hardware and slowing down its overall performance. Is it true that laptop cases can cause laptops to overheat? Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can cause a laptop case to overheat your laptop.

Blocking the laptop vents

Cases that block the vents can lead to overheating

Unless you have a laptop without active cooling like a MacBook Air, your laptop will have some vents to dissipate heat. Your laptop’s fans keep all the components running cool, which keeps your laptop running at a decent speed. These vents are usually located on the bottom or side of your laptop’s chassis.

Make sure that the case you buy has the right cutouts for your laptop’s ventilation system. The cutouts on the case should match with the vents on your laptop to prevent your laptop from overheating. When buying a case, make sure to read the customer reviews and photos of the case you are considering. Also, make sure that the case you buy is specifically designed for the brand and model of laptop that you own.

passively cooled laptop case

Laptops with passive cooling dissipate heat through the chassis.

On some laptops, vents aren’t the only way heat escapes. As mentioned earlier, some laptops, notably MacBook Airs, don’t have fans or vents. Instead, the laptop stays cool under pressure through passive cooling. If you’ve ever felt a laptop be hot to the touch, that’s an example of active cooling: components generate heat, which is then dissipated through the laptop’s chassis.

A case on a passively cooled laptop could theoretically provide another layer of heat trapping in the laptop. However, passive cooling is a relatively small part of a laptop’s thermal management, even for laptops without active cooling systems, so a case is unlikely to cause overheating. Although a case may affect the passive cooling of a laptop, it is not a reason to avoid using a laptop case altogether. Case manufacturers generally build cases out of materials that are suitable for dissipating heat from laptops with passive cooling systems. Again, be sure to read customer reviews and see what others are saying before purchasing a laptop.

A well-made laptop case won’t overheat

The best cases feature cutouts and are made from materials that don’t retain heat.

Generally, laptop cases are not the main cause of laptop overheating. However, poor quality cases can cause thermal issues. Always buy cases from reputable brands such as Supcase, Casetify, and Mosiso. These brands customize their case designs to suit the thermal needs of the corresponding laptop. Leaving a case on your laptop has its downsides, such as a less sleek look, but overall, it’s a great way to keep your device safe without putting undue strain on the thermal system.

My favorite laptop case

These three cases will keep your laptop cool and calm

Here are three of our favorite cases designed to keep your laptop cool even during heavy workloads: These cases are designed for specific laptop models, so to get the most out of your case, be sure to check first that your case matches the year and model of your laptop.

Promotion Pick

SUPCASE for MacBook Pro 14 (2023)

Partnering with Supcase

This SUPCASE case is designed for the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) to keep your MacBook Pro cool while protecting it from scratches, spills and drops. It features a transparent design that doesn’t sacrifice the design of Apple’s flagship MacBook.

This case from Supcase is designed for the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023), but it also fits the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021). The bottom of the case has the right cutouts so it doesn’t interfere with the MacBook Pro’s cooling system. It’s a great wallet-friendly case and can be purchased on Amazon or the Supcase website for $37.

Best Value

Mosiso Laptop Sleeve

The Mosiso Laptop Sleeve is a great way to carry your laptop while keeping it safe. It’s a great budget laptop sleeve that will keep your laptop cool and protected during your commute.

If you are worried about overheating issues with your laptop, a laptop sleeve is a great alternative to a case. I personally use a laptop sleeve over my laptop case, which protects my laptop during storage and travel, while also eliminating any overheating concerns. I own this Mosiso laptop sleeve in multiple colors, and it’s a great, affordable option to protect your laptop from scratches, spills, and even minor drops.

Perfect for Chromebooks

Domiso 13.3 inch laptop case

The Domiso 13.3″ Laptop Case is the perfect choice for your Chromebook. This laptop case features a hard-shell exterior that is impact-resistant and can withstand scratches, spills, and drops, making it an ideal solution for students and people on the go.

If you’ve got a Chromebook, check out the Domiso 13.3″ Laptop Case. This case is lightweight yet features a shock-resistant hardshell exterior to keep your Chromebook safe while on the go. Ideal for students or people on the go, it comes with a convenient carry handle on the top of the case.

FAQ

Q: Should I buy a laptop case or sleeve?

Both are great options for keeping your laptop safe while in storage or on the go. If you’re concerned about overheating, we recommend a laptop sleeve over a case. A laptop sleeve gives you the best of both worlds: it makes your laptop more durable while you’re on the go, while still allowing you to easily remove your laptop from the sleeve and use it without worrying about overheating issues.

Q: Where can I buy a laptop case?

You can buy laptop cases from Amazon, but you should also check Best Buy and the laptop manufacturer’s website. Buying your laptop directly from the manufacturer gives you peace of mind that it’s certified to fit your laptop.

Q: What material should I use for my laptop case?

I personally prefer to buy a neoprene laptop case as it is waterproof, durable and scratch resistant. You can also consider a hardshell case or leather sleeve, but make sure it has a cushioned interior to protect it from drops.