Best laptop backpacks and bags in 2023

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REASONS TO BUY
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Best laptop bags
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Protect your beloved portable with the best laptop bag. For many of us, especially, our laptop is practically our lifeline. It’s our main tool for work, for creativity, for entertainment, and for staying in touch with loved ones. And, as such, we have to ensure that it’s protected at all times, whether we’re commuting to work, traveling, or simply heading to a cafe.

Don’t underestimate how important it is to get a laptop backpack or back. Carrying around a laptop might not be hard, especially if you’ve got an Ultrabook or a lightweight yet rugged Chromebook. However, accidents and theft do happen when you least expect them, and you can minimize those simply by investing in a bag that won’t even cost you that much money.

There are a few things to consider when picking out a laptop bag. Naturally, the look, design, and color are among those. But, more importantly, you want to take a look at type, form factor, quality, and durability as well. Because it serves as your laptop’s first line of defense from bangs, drops, and inclement weather, you’ll want to make sure that it offers the right protection – whether that means added padding because you spend a lot of time on the field or waterproofing because it rains a lot in your city.

You’ll also want something that has enough space to carry your portable as well as any peripherals you need to keep on hand to keep you productive while away from your desk and any laptop docking stations. Make sure there is room for your portable battery chargers, mice, headphones and more.Additionally, you’ll want to see if there are added useful features like a USB charging port or anti-theft technology.

Since there’s a great range of options out there at different price points, we thought we’d make your search easier. From compact sleeves and padded backpacks to casual messenger bags and smart satchels, we picked out the best laptop bags for you.

JanSport Baughman Backpack

1. JanSport Baughman Backpack

A classic backpack for your laptop

Specifications

Key Features: Fits 15-inch laptops; fleece lined media pocket; front flap with organizer; front zippered pocket with removable storage pouch
Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.6 x 5.7 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 2.4 pounds

Reasons to buy

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15-inch laptop sleeve
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Removable storage pouch
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Fine canvas look and feel

Reasons to avoid

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No weatherproofing

The tried and true JanSport is tough to go wrong with. A full-canvas bag with nylon mesh inside including a 15-inch laptop sleeve, this version of the JanSport comes in several colors for a variety of prices. Included in the price are also a media pocket lined in fleece as well as a removable storage pouch, making it an excellent business laptop backpack.

Eastpack Out Of Office

2. Eastpack Out Of Office

Classic design for a laptop

Specifications

Key Features: Fits 13-inch laptops; main compartment with front pocket; padded shoulder straps; multiple designs
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.6 x 8.6 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 1.10 pounds

Reasons to buy

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Comfortable design
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30 year warranty

Reasons to avoid

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No weatherproofing

With a simple, yet stylish, design, the Out Of Office laptop backpack is ideal for business users that makes carrying around your laptop comfortable, while also protecting your device from the rigours of daily life. One of the best features about this backpack is its 30 year warranty, which means you shouldn't have to worry about getting another laptop backpack for a long, long time.

Mammut Xeron Courier 25

3. Mammut Xeron Courier 25

A great laptop bag for the daily commute

Specifications

Key Features: Roll-top closure; Front pocket, laptop compartment, back plate for additional comfort and strength
Dimensions: 22 x 12.2 x 11 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 2.55 pounds

Reasons to buy

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Great for cycling
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Comfortable to wear

Reasons to avoid

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Design won't be to everyone's tastes

The distinctive design of the Mammut Xeron Courier 25, along with the name, suggests that this is a laptop bag that is designed for people who work or commute by bike. Even if that's not your usual mode of transport, this is a business laptop bag that's still worth considering thanks to its comfortable design that protects both you and the laptop when worn.

AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack

4. AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack

Basic but functional laptop backpack

Specifications

Key Features: Fits 15-inch laptops; zippered Speed Pocket; organization panel
Dimensions: 14.3 x 7.8 x 19.8 inches (L x W x H)
Weight: 1.6 pounds

Reasons to buy

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15-inch laptop sleeve
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Super affordable
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Quick-access speed pocket

Reasons to avoid

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Lacks premium look and feel

If you're not looking to pay huge amounts of cash for a laptop backpack, then this is a great budget choice. Made and sold by Amazon through its Basics program, this all-black backpack has a laptop sleeve for machines up to 15 inches, and several types of pockets, for but a pittance compared to most.

Herschel Pop Quiz backpack

(Image credit: Herschel)
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5. Herschel Pop Quiz backpack

The student laptop backpack

Specifications

Key features: Fleece-lined laptop sleeve, front pocket with organizers, sunglasses compartment, waterproof zipper
Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.75 x 6 inches (H x W x D)
Volume: 22L
Weight: 1.11 pounds

Reasons to buy

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Stylish
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Reasonable price
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Fleece lining protection
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Waterproof zippers

The Herschel Pop Quiz backpack is clearly designed with students in mind. It has a simple style and reasonable price, but comes with no shortage of features to meet your daily needs. It has a padded laptop sleeve with fleece lining to keep your computer safe, and its front pocket includes built-in organizers so you can keep all your school supplies in order. It even has waterproof zippers to help protect all your belongings. And, with a wide variety of styles, you can find a design that fits your personality.

AmazonBasics Laptop Bag

6. AmazonBasics Laptop Bag

Another good budget laptop bag

Specifications

Key Features: Fits 17.3-inch laptops; zippered Speed Pocket; organization panel, shoulder bag design
Dimensions: 17.5 x 2.8 x 13.5 inches (L x W x H)
Weight: 1.1 pounds

Reasons to buy

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17.3-inch laptop sleeve
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Low price
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Accessory storage pockets

Reasons to avoid

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Lacks premium look and feel

If you like the sound of a budget - yet dependable - laptop bag, but you don't want a backpack, then Amazon also does a laptop bag. This can be carried over your shoulder and can fit larger laptops as well. It's not as fancy as some of the other bags on this page, but it does the job well, and for a low price.

Topo Core Pack

(Image credit: Topo)

7. Topo Core Pack

Best for digital nomads

Specifications

Key Features: Hydration/electronic cord port, large front pocket with vertical zip entry, padded base, travel Bag attachment loops
Dimensions: 8.5" x 13" x 18" (L x W x H)
Weight: 2lbs

Reasons to buy

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Available in different colors
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Lots of compartments

Reasons to avoid

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Not cheap
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Back has no breathable mesh

While most laptop bags out there only come in boring neutral colors, the Topo Core Pack comes in several colors including red, blue and olive. That makes it an attractive option for laptop users who are tired of the same black or gray trope. But, this backpack isn’t just appealing on the outside. Its main compartment is cavernous, its front pocket is large and has plenty of pockets for organization, and it’s got a back compartment for easy access to your laptop. To protect your laptop and other devices, it boasts heavy-duty YKK zippers and a padded base. And for traveling, it’s got travel bag attachment loops as well as a waist belt. There are many laptop bags out there designed for digital nomads, but this one is certainly among the best of them.

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Still looking? Here are some extra option we've picked out:

Michelle Rae Uy
Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor

Michelle Rae Uy is the Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor here at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.