The 7 Best Laptop Bags of 2023

Best Overall

Incase ICON Backpack

4.6

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The Incase ICON Backpack is the perfect laptop bag for any lifestyle. Once you're done filling its six pockets with your computer, writing instruments, notebooks, and favorite colored sticky notes, carrying it all around won't be a hassle thanks to the ICON's well-tailored sternum strap and padded shoulder straps.

The ICON looks good even when it's packed to the brim. Its frame maintains its structure no matter how much gear you're carrying. But if you're looking for a collapsible bag, the ICON may not suit you. On the other hand, the backpack's structural integrity further supports its ability to carry around your school or work necessities.

Thanks to its heavy 840D ballistic nylon material, the ICON can withstand a laptop bag's typical wear and tear. Unfortunately, it's missing a water bottle compartment, but Incase didn't disregard folks on the go. The bag's first side pocket incorporates an opening to run a cable through while it's zipped to store a portable charger or music device and connect to your phone.

_{Material: 840D nylon | Compatibility: Devices up to 15 inches}

Best 2-in-1

Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack

4.2

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You may be confused when you first see the Solo Duane Laptop Hybrid Briefcase Backpack. It's a double agent as it's a messenger bag/briefcase/backpack all in one. Converting it takes mere seconds thanks to a shoulder strap and dual straps, while its slim profile conceals its unique functionality without sacrificing space, style, or cost.

The Duane is polyester, so it's not the most water-resistant bag on the planet. Nevertheless, it doesn't skimp on protection, so your prized possessions are safe. It includes a padded pocket offering 360 degrees of protection for a laptop up to 15 inches. It also provides enough storage for even short weekend trips.

In addition to a padded pouch for your laptop, the Duane has a secondary compartment for a tablet and front zipper pockets for your smartphone, chargers, and smaller gadgets. Though there's not much additional storage space, what's available helps the Duane maintain its profile as a briefcase or backpack.

_{Material: Polyester | Compatibility: Devices up to 15 inches}

Best Briefcase

Solo New York Flatiron Slim Laptop Briefcase

4.9

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Sometimes it's best to stick with the basics, which makes the Solo New York Flatiron Slim Laptop Briefcase the best briefcase-style laptop bag on our list. It has a feature we wish every laptop bag offered: a separate compartment that lays flat. Solo incorporated compartments for laptops up to 16 inches, and with this dedicated compartment, you have easy access to your laptop while traveling.

The Flatiron is made from ballistic polyester material, protecting your precious computer from harm. Although polyester isn't as eye-catching or beautiful as leather, it's durable and easier on your pockets.

Solo designed the Flatiron with business travelers in mind. It has a front zippered pocket and a front zip-down organizer for additional storage. It also includes a rear ride-along feature for easy connection to a suitcase for consolidated travel. But Solo's "clamshell checkfast design" is the Flatiron's claim to fame. The company says this bag makes business travel easier since the design helps you pass through airport security faster than usual.

_{Material: Polyester | Compatibility: Devices up to 16 inches}

Best Commuter or Traveler Bag

Mancro Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

4.2

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The Mancro Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is best suited for those who are always on the move. It's perfect for daily commutes, weekend getaways, or hiking and camping trips. The simple, understated design also works for students and young business professionals.

The fabric is made from eco-friendly, water-repellent nylon, which protects your bag against accidental spills. Mancro equipped the bag with durable metal zippers and a theft-proof combination lock to ensure maximum protection. Unlike most laptop bags on this list, it's available in seven different colors.

Inside, you'll find three main compartments, nine smaller pockets, and two sealed sleeves for your tablet or laptop up to 15 inches. Mancro also included a handy USB cable built-in. You can easily access a portable battery pack if you need to charge your phone on the go. Whatever you decide to carry in the Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack, you'll be comfortable as the bag features reinforced padded shoulder straps to alleviate strain.

_{Material: Nylon | Compatibility: Devices up to 15 inches}

Best Durability

Thule Paramount 24L Daypack

4.2

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Thule is known for toughness, and its Paramount 24L Daypack is no exception, constructed out of a durable 420D nylon material with a water-resistant finish. Thule incorporated "Safe Edge" protection to help avoid any damage to the bag's contents when it's dropped or bumped. It also has a welded bottom panel that enhances protection against elements such as rain or snow. 

Internally, a protective slip pocket with a soft interior lining secures your tablet or laptop. A laptop up to 13 inches can fit comfortably in this sleeve. Ultimately, the Daypack's top-loading compartment results from uncurling the roll-top and is a big-time saver. It doesn't require going through the central cavity, so you can quickly access your laptop. 

Beyond the ultra-protective laptop and tablet protective sleeve, the Daypack offers a slew of small sleeves and pouches, all totaling 24 liters of space. Specifically, two mini zipped storage compartments, two sleeves, a zip pouch (ideal for sunglasses), and a front pocket (perfect for storing cables and the rest of your day-to-day gadgets). The Daypack's ergonomics make it comfortable to carry around your valuables. Thule also carefully designed the bag's back panel and mesh shoulder straps to make it breathable and comfortable.

_{Material: 420D nylon | Compatibility: Devices up to 13 inches}

Best for Photographers

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

5

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The 20L is as much a camera backpack as a laptop backpack. With two separate, side-accessed compartments, the 20L can accommodate inserts to protect your lenses and camera gear. When you aren't out shooting pictures, you can use it as a daily work bag, as it also has a 16-inch laptop sleeve in the back.

The 20L comes with a top-mounted slip pocket, a key tether, a side-oriented water bottle, tripod slots, a ton of little odds-and-ends compartments, and a MagLatch system to open the bag quickly.

Peak Design created the 20L with Hypalon-reinforced and bar-tacked stress points and a cotton-twill interior for a longer-lasting, more durable build. The well-constructed bag maintains a lot of storage while still looking sleek. In terms of looks, you can decide between three different color options: gray, tan, and black. All of these premium features come at a cost.

_{Material: 400D nylon canvas | Compatibility: Devices up to 16 inches; one full-frame DSLR camera body and three to four lenses}