Looking for the best electric guitar case to protect a prized instrument? We’ve assembled a variety of top picks to ensure your guitar is safe and sound on the go, or even just at home. From Stratocaster- and Les Paul-style electrics to Flying V-type models and beyond, there’s a perfect fit for every body, no matter the shape.

Table of Contents

Why Is a High-Quality Electric Guitar Case So Important?
A Note on Storing and Transporting Your Electric Guitar
Our Top Electric Guitar Case Picks
   Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Electric Guitar Case
   Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson 335 Guitar Case
   Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson Les Paul Guitar Case
   Gator TSA ATA Molded Gibson SG Guitar Case
   Gator GC-JMASTER Deluxe Molded Case for Fender Jazzmaster Guitars
   Road Runner RRBTWE Boulevard Series Wood Electric Guitar Case
   Road Runner RRETT Electric Guitar Case
   Road Runner RRMEG ABS Molded Electric Guitar Case
   Road Runner RRMELP ABS Molded Single-Cutaway Guitar Case
   ENKI AMG-2 Gen 3 Guitar Case
   Fender Classic Series Wood Strat/Tele Limited-Edition Case
   Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat/Tele Guitar Case
   Gibson Les Paul Original Hardshell Case
   Coffin Case 300-VXR Universal Extreme Case
Closing the Case

Why Is a High-Quality Electric Guitar Case So Important?

A hard case is the best defense against dings, dents, scratches and potential breakages, whether you’re touring the world, playing the local dive or just rocking out in the garage. While it’s true that electric guitars can take a licking—more so than an acoustic, for example—most folks tend to avoid unnecessary roughness when it comes to their investment.

Pictured: Guild Polara Kim Thayil in Road Runner RRMEG ABS Molded Electric Guitar Case

Rather than leaving an instrument’s fate to chance, a high-quality case ensures its safety en route to practice, the show, the studio or anywhere your music takes you.

A Note on Storing and Transporting Your Electric Guitar

The ideal place for any guitar is in your hands, but putting it in a case is a close second for storage and safekeeping. Electrics aren’t as susceptible to environmental factors like dryness, humidity and extreme temperature as an acoustic instrument, but their wood may still react and shift over time. A cozy case becomes a carefully crafted habitat for your axe, and you won’t have to worry about dust or bigger mishaps, like drops.

For any sort of transportation, a case is essential. The last thing anyone wants is to toss their shredder in the backseat, have it bounce around during the trip and show up to the studio or venue with umpteen new finish chips and five broken strings. We trust, dear reader, this characterization does not apply—you’re here because you’re proactive about your instrument’s longevity.

Pictured: Fender Stratocaster in Fender Classic Series Limited-Edition Surf Green Case

How frequently you move your guitar, and under what circumstances, will dictate how much protection it needs, but even the occasional trip from your home studio to the Guitar Center Repairs counter for a tune-up warrants at least a decent gig bag. A durable hardshell electric guitar case is even better, which we’ll be looking at now.

Our Top Electric Guitar Case Picks

The following are some of the best-selling, top-rated electric guitar cases on our site. You’ll find everything from Gibson Les Paul and SG cases to universal S- and T-type enclosures, all the way up to specially designed hardshell containers for extreme body shapes.

Pictured: Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson 335 Guitar Case

Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Electric Guitar Case

Flying with a guitar can be precarious, which is why Gator’s Flight Pro V3 TSA Series case sets its sights on shielding your instrument from mishandling while it’s out of your hands. With a TSA-approved center locking mechanism, an ultratough ATA-molded polyurethane shell and a plush, icy blue EPS foam interior, this hard case protects most standard-shaped guitars, including Stratocaster- and Telecaster-type models. The rugged outer shell is capable of absorbing shocks, and its textured finish simultaneously resists scratches and scuffs. Most importantly, the soft, form-fitting inner lining holds your guitar in place and won’t mar its finish. Plus, two open spaces opposite the neck cradle are perfect for storing go-to accessories.

Pictured: Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Electric Guitar Case

Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson 335 Guitar Case

From the same lineup, this Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA series case is specifically designed for Gibson ES-335 and similarly shaped semi-hollow electrics. It features the same textured, ATA-molded exterior, TSA-approved lock and plush, protective foam interior, with an extended neck cradle and plenty of headstock clearance at the top. A convenient under-neck storage compartment can hold extra picks, strings, tuner, strap, capo or other essentials. Worry- and hassle-free air travel is the name of the game with the Gator Flight Pro V3 Series, offering peace of mind to professional musicians who routinely take the show on the road.

Pictured: Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson 335 Guitar Case

Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson Les Paul Guitar Case

Next in the Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series family is the Gibson Les Paul case, customized for the legendary single-cutaway guitar and models inspired by it. As anyone who’s played a Les Paul can attest, they can oftentimes be quite heavy, so this electric guitar case is purposely built for maximum protection without adding unnecessary weight. Security checks are a breeze with the Gator Flight Pro’s TSA-ready lock, while an ergonomic carry handle seemingly lightens the load by alleviating shoulder and back strain—a 10-pound vintage Gibson Les Paul suddenly seems to float through the airport ensconced in this Gator case.

Pictured: Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Gibson Les Paul Guitar Case

Gator TSA ATA Molded Gibson SG Guitar Case

Another model-specific hardshell container is the Gator TSA ATA Molded Gibson SG guitar case. Fans of the iconic, devil-horned Solid Guitar know how tricky it can sometimes be to find a safe, secure fit for their favorite electric apart from its stock case, so Gator created a solution. This flight-ready SG case boasts a military-grade, ATA-molded outer shell, a TSA-approved locking latch, a plush black interior shaped from EPS foam and an ergonomic grip for comfortable carrying. Another key feature is the extended protective cradle securing the double-cutaway’s unique neck joint. Rest assured, this Gibson SG case is as sturdy as they come.

Pictured: Gator GTSA-GTRSG TSA ATA Molded Gibson SG Guitar Case

Gator GC-JMASTER Deluxe Molded Case for Fender Jazzmaster Guitars

Gator’s GC-JMASTER is an ambidextrous case for right- and left-handed Jazzmaster-style guitars, uniquely built to store and preserve the famous offset shape. Its durable outer shell is molded from impact-resistant ABS plastic—inside, the plush-lined, EPS foam mold holds your guitar in place during transport, protecting its finish from scratches and scrapes. There’s additionally a spacious interior storage compartment for all kinds of accessories, including the Jazzmaster’s tremolo arm, a strap, capo, extra strings and more.

Pictured: Gator GC-JMASTER Deluxe Moded Case for Fender Jazzmaster Guitars

Road Runner RRBTWE Boulevard Series Wood Electric Guitar Case

The Road Runner RRBTWE Boulevard Series wood electric guitar case is a customer favorite. One of the top-rated electric guitar cases on our site, this universal-fit instrument holder boasts numerous five-star ratings, with 58 at the time of writing. Its five-ply wooden construction and tough-as-nails hardware make it stand out as a reliable case for gigging pros, and the cool black and grey tweed exterior gives it a classic, attractive look as well. A combination of durability, aesthetics and affordability have 91% of our customers recommending this Road Runner case to a friend.

Pictured: Road Runner Boulevard Series Wood Electric Guitar Case Black Tweed

Road Runner RRETT Electric Guitar Case

If vintage, ’50s-style tweed is your jam, look no further than the Road Runner RRETT electric guitar case. Virtually identical to the top-reviewed RRBTWE above, the RRETT is similarly popular among those who prefer the timeless look of brown tweed and a red plush interior. Naturally, a Stratocaster or Telecaster is right at home in a case like this, but its universal fit accepts a variety of body shapes and sizes. According to reviewers, this case comfortably houses the Fender Mustang, various PRS guitars and even a B.C. Rich Mockingbird. Versatile and rugged, the Road Runner RRETT comes recommended by 85% of buyers.

Pictured: Road Runner RRETT Electric Guitar Case

Road Runner RRMEG ABS Molded Electric Guitar Case

Road Runner’s RRMEG ABS electric guitar case is among the most popular selections at Guitar Center. With its hardened molded plastic shell, thick-pile, padded plush interior, and dual storage compartments, 67 out of 89 reviewers have given this case a full five-star rating. It passes the “Mockingbird test,” and the thickly padded neck brace offers the reassurance guitarists need that their instrument is tightly fitted and protected. If you’re looking for a straightforward case equally suited to storage and transport, the Road Runner RRMEG is a top choice.

Pictured: Road Runner RRMEG ABS Molded Electric Guitar Case

Road Runner RRMELP ABS Molded Single-Cutaway Guitar Case

Road Runner makes the RRMELP guitar case for the Gibson Les Paul, PRS Singlecut, ESP Eclipse and other carved-top, single-cutaway models. Offering the same level of protection as the universal-fit RRMEG above, the RRMELP uniquely features an offset handle to better balance the weight of an LP-style guitar during transport. Riveted latch enclosures can handle years of use, and rugged metal feet allow you to stand up, lay down or lean the case in a variety of positions. There’s also an oversized, lidded storage compartment for all your primary accessories. Of the customers who’ve purchased the Road Runner RRMELP for their single-cut guitar, 86% would recommend this highly reviewed case to a friend.

Pictured: Road Runner RRMELP ABS Molded Single-Cutaway Guitar Case

ENKI AMG-2 Gen 3 Guitar Case

The ENKI AMG-2 Gen 3 vault-style case is designed for touring professionals traveling with multiple guitars. The AMG-2 is rough, rugged and airline safe, crafted from lightweight roto-molded polyethylene surrounding soft, protective modular inserts for two guitars. Its wheeled enclosure is easy to roll through the airport and into a venue, and the case doubles as a side-stage rack when stood vertically. ENKI’s AMG-2 is an ultrareliable solution for dual-instrument transport, travel and storage.

Pictured: ENKI AMG-2 Gen 3 Guitar Case

Fender Classic Series Wood Strat/Tele Limited-Edition Case

An electric guitar case doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian, as this Fender Classic Series Strat/Tele enclosure in surf green demonstrates. Retro vibes make a serious fashion statement—the bold exterior is accented by a complementary green, crushed plush interior for a luxurious look and feel. Of course, the Classic Series case does its job of securing your Stratocaster or Telecaster, too, utilizing sturdy, three-ply wooden construction and steel latches. Travel in style with the Fender Classic Series Strat/Tele hard case.

Pictured: Fender Classic Series Wood Strat/Tele Limited-Edition Case in Surf Green

Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat/Tele Guitar Case

When it comes to the best-reviewed electric guitar case for a Strat or Tele, Fender’s Deluxe Molded ABS model comes in near the top, with an overall score of 4.71 stars out of five on several dozen ratings. Military-grade molded plastic forms an impenetrable outer layer for absorbing shocks and impacts, while the meticulously shaped EPS foam and plush interior creates a tight fit for your treasured Stratocaster or Telecaster. Industrial-strength hardware, nonslip rubberized feet and a TSA-approved center latch ensure the Fender Deluxe case is ready for the rigors of the road.

Pictured: Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat/Tele Guitar Case

Gibson Les Paul Original Hardshell Case

For everyday transport and storage, the Gibson Les Paul Original hardshell case provides a perfect fit for your favorite LP, straight from the brand itself. Its styling consists of a textured brown exterior and a red plush lining, incorporating a storage compartment beneath the neck cradle for holding gig essentials. The case firmly closes with five durable latches, and one features a lock-and-key mechanism for that extra layer of security. Is this the ideal match for your Gibson Les Paul? We’re inclined to say “yes.”

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Original Hardshell Case

Coffin Case 300-VXR Universal Extreme Case

Embrace the macabre with the Coffin Case 300-VXR Universal Extreme electric guitar “casket.” Bury your oversized, extreme-shaped guitars in a trademark Coffin Case, with interior dimensions measuring 59" x 22" x 3". Coffin Case’s signature red velvet interior offers the opulence your axe deserves on a dignified voyage to the goth or death metal show. A pillow is included for extra support wherever your guitar needs it, whether it’s under the neck joint or between the body and case edge. While finding the right fit for a unique body shape can sometimes be a difficult undertaking, Coffin Case makes it easy with the 300-VXR Universal Extreme.

Pictured: Coffin Case 300-VXR Universal Extreme Case

Closing the Case

Investing in a hard case for your electric guitar is the best way to prevent damage during transportation and storage. Ultimately, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to keep your instrument in tip-top aesthetic and playing shape for years to come. While certain hardshell cases are specifically built for air travel with features like TSA-safe locks, others offer more straightforward coverage for car rides and safekeeping in your home studio or rehearsal space.

To sum it all up, the best electric guitar case for you is the one that firstly fits your instrument and, secondly, provides the level of protection and looks you’re after. There are lots of great options presented here, so have fun shopping around. As always, you’re welcome to stop by your local Guitar Center store and review cases in person to find the absolute best selection for safe-housing your guitar.