When it comes to sleeving your MTG cards, there are many brands to choose from. Some brands specialize in affordability, others in durability or aesthetics, and some offer a mix of both. Here’s a look at some of the most popular brands and what they offer:
1. Dragon Shield
Quality: Dragon Shield is a household name in the MTG community, known for its durable, high-quality sleeves. Their sleeves are made from thick, PVC-free plastic, providing excellent protection against wear and tear.
Strengths: Dragon Shield sleeves are incredibly durable, come in a wide range of colors, and are available in both matte and glossy finishes. The matte versions, in particular, are popular for their smooth shuffle feel and non-glare finish. Dragon Shield sleeves are also highly resistant to bending and warping.
Best For: Competitive players who need sleeves that can withstand heavy shuffling, and collectors who want reliable, long-lasting protection.
Notable Products:
- Dragon Shield Matte Sleeves (for a smooth, non-glare experience)
- Dragon Shield Glossy Sleeves (for a shiny, high-visibility look)
- Dragon Shield Perfect Fit Sleeves (ideal for double sleeving)
2. KMC (Karakusa)

Quality: KMC is a Japanese brand known for high-quality sleeves that offer durability and a smooth shuffle. They are especially popular for double-sleeving.
Strengths: KMC sleeves are thinner than Dragon Shields but still highly durable. Their Hyper Mat sleeves are particularly popular for competitive play due to their textured finish, which provides a great grip for shuffling. KMC also offers Perfect Fit Sleeves, which are great for double sleeving valuable cards, especially foils.
Best For: Players who want durable sleeves that feel smooth when shuffling and don’t mind paying a bit more for quality. KMC’s Hyper Mat and Perfect Fit sleeves are perfect for competitive players who want top-notch performance.
Notable Products:
- KMC Hyper Mat Sleeves (durable, smooth shuffle)
- KMC Perfect Fit Sleeves (for double sleeving and added protection)
3. Ultra Pro

Quality: Ultra Pro is one of the largest manufacturers of card sleeves. They offer a range of products that are affordable, widely available, and good for casual players.
Strengths: Ultra Pro sleeves are generally the most budget-friendly option, providing solid protection without breaking the bank. Their Pro Matte sleeves are especially popular for their smooth shuffle and non-glare finish.
Best For: Budget-conscious players who still want decent quality. Ultra Pro is often the first choice for casual players, new collectors, or those who need to sleeve a lot of cards.
Notable Products:
- Ultra Pro Pro Matte Sleeves (great for a budget-friendly, smooth shuffling experience)
- Ultra Pro Eclipse Sleeves (for double-sleeving or protecting high-value cards)
4. Perfect Fit Sleeves (Various Brands)
Quality: Perfect Fit sleeves, whether from KMC, Ultra Pro, or other brands, are specifically designed to fit snugly around individual cards. They are essential for those looking to double sleeve or protect valuable cards like foils.
Strengths: Perfect Fit sleeves provide a thin, close fit that hugs the card tightly without adding too much bulk. They help protect your cards from scratches, dirt, and bends, and prevent any unwanted shifting within a second, larger sleeve.
Best For: Players who want to double sleeve their cards, especially foils, or those who want extra protection for their high-value cards.
Notable Products:
- KMC Perfect Fit Sleeves (for snug, protective fit)
- Ultra Pro Perfect Fit Sleeves (ideal for foils and double-sleeving)