The 7 Best Laptop Bags of 2023

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The best laptop bag is comfortable, durable, and has enough storage space for all your devices and daily needs. Most come with various pockets, allowing you to fit a laptop, notebook, battery pack, pens, water bottles, and cables. For those who travel a lot, there are also rolling laptop bags. 

Our experts tested Incase, Solo, and more products to find the best laptop bags for you. Here are our picks.

Best Overall

Incase ICON Backpack

4.6
Incase Designs ICON notebook carrying backpack

Walmart

What We Like
  • Durable material and build

  • Six pockets

  • Multiple comfortable straps

What We Don't Like
  • No water bottle compartment

  • Pricey

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

Incase Icon Pack

Best 2-in-1

Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack

4.2
Solo Laptop Hybrid Briefcase Backpack
Courtesy of Amazon.com
What We Like
  • Versatility

  • Protects valuables with a padded pocket

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Small amount of storage space

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

Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack

Best Briefcase

Solo New York Flatiron Slim Laptop Briefcase

4.9
Solo Pro
Courtesy of Amazon.com
What We Like
  • Durable material

  • Affordable

  • Suitcase connection

What We Don't Like
  • Not very stylish

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
Mancro Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

Amazon

What We Like
  • Water-repellent material

  • Variety of pockets

  • Theft-proof lock

What We Don't Like
  • Minimal padding for laptop

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

Mancro Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

Lifewire / William Harrison

Best Durability

Thule Paramount 24L Daypack

4.2
Paramount 24L Daypack
Courtesy of Amazon.com
What We Like
  • Popular, established brand

  • Durable material for protection

  • Storage space

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

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

Thule Paramount 24L Daypack

Best for Photographers

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

5
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

Peak Design

What We Like
  • Stylish design

  • Versatile space for laptop and cameras

  • Unique, quick opening system

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

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

Best Expandable

Taygeer 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase

Taygeer 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable for commuters

  • Splash-proof

  • Decent storage capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Not very stylish

The Taygeer 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase is perfect for those serious about storage. The utilitarian design won't win any beauty contests, but it's a reliable product that stands up to the daily grind and is at a shockingly low price.

The material is splash-proof, lightweight nylon fabric, and it has a soft leather handle and a comfortable shoulder strap for easy portability. If your job or lifestyle involves a decent amount of commuting or traveling with your belongings in tow, the Taygeer briefcase makes for a reliable companion. 

There's plenty of storage space inside the Taygeer briefcase with several functional compartments, including a dedicated padded laptop sleeve capable of fitting devices up to 17 inches. If you require even more storage, it also features an expandable zipper that adds an extra 1.2 inches of room to the bottom layer of the briefcase.

Material: Nylon | Compatibility: Devices up to 17.3 inches

Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack

What to Look For in a Laptop Bag

Comfort/Style

Do you want a backpack, over-the-shoulder bag, or briefcase? It’s entirely a matter of personal preference, but some types are better suited for specific lifestyles. For instance, a backpack is perfect for commuting by bike, while a briefcase lends a more professional look. Additionally, you may need extra support depending on the contents of your laptop bag. A backpack with a sternum strap makes it easier to carry a heavier load.

Durability

Padding and external materials determine laptop bag durability. Most laptop bags have added padding for extra protection, but it adds to the bag's bulkiness, which can be a drawback if you're looking for something easy to carry. Some models have removable padding to accommodate larger computers. Concerning material, some people prefer polymer, but it doesn't fare so well in a rainstorm; nylon is typically a tougher material.

Storage/Pockets

Pockets and storage space are vital to keeping your laptop bag organized. Some bags have pockets dedicated to chargers, cables, and water bottles. Although these thoughtful pockets are convenient, they increase bulkiness. If you want a more streamlined style, opt for something simpler. A built-in organizer can help handle loose items like charging cables and pens if you decide on a simpler laptop bag.

eBags Backpack

Lifewire / William Harrison

FAQ
  • How do you know if your laptop will fit in a laptop bag?

    Laptops are measured in screen size. A 15-inch laptop has a 15-inch diagonal screen, a 13-inch laptop has a 13-inch diagonal screen, and so on. Laptop bags typically list the size of the laptop they can hold.

  • What's the difference between a laptop bag and a laptop sleeve?

    The main difference between a laptop bag and a laptop sleeve is how you carry it. Laptop sleeves typically have a single opening for the laptop and generally don't have any kind of handle or strap. Laptop bags usually have multiple openings (including one for the laptop) and a handle or strap to carry them.

  • Will your laptop bag work as a carry on?

    Most of the bags listed here are small enough to work as carry-on bags on most major airlines. Of course, carry-on sizes vary from airplane to airplane, so it's important to double-check restrictions before going to the airport.

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