When it comes to commuting or traveling to an airport, you may never have bags of time, but you can have a reliable bag for your laptop. If you rely on your trusty computer for work and play, it makes sense to invest in a protective case for it, and what better way to carry your computer and any bits and pieces than the best laptop bag available?
If you attend plenty of high-powered meetings, you may want a bag that impresses by flaunting luxury materials or a converted label, while if you have a busy commute, a comfortable and protective backpack may be just the ticket.
When choosing your case, you might like to consider the size of the laptop compartment itself, as well as any additional pockets that could house other hardware, including a trusty charger.
Then, of course, there are the handles, which are a personal thing. Then last but not least, it’s best to choose a material that suits your lifestyle, whether that’s practical and rugged nylon, or luxurious leather. After all, a leather briefcase isn’t great when it’s raining on you’re on a bicycle.
Whatever your needs or budget, we’ve rounded up the best laptop bags to keep your computers safe, in style.
1. Eastpak Provider 15″ laptop backpack
Practical backpack from a trusted brand
Reasons to buy
- Practical and comfortable
- Padded pocket for your laptop
Laptops are expensive and their contents are precious, so if you carry yours on your back, you better trust the bag you put it in.
Eastpak is a trusted brand when it comes to making tough and durable bags, and its Provider backpack contains a padded laptop compartment for a 15-inch machine, as well as plenty of space for the rest of your clutter.
It also has side compression straps, two large zipped compartments, and a padded back panel and shoulder straps for a comfortable fit, which matters if you frequently lug your laptop and a load of paperwork home every day. It’s a great value and is built to last.
2. Montblanc grained document case
Old school bag that could become an heirloom
Reasons to buy
- Resilient grained leather
- Classic style from luxury brand
- Great brand
If you love a bit of office romance and long for the days when workers carried elegant cases full of hand-written documents, Montblanc’s grained document case could make your dreams come true.
Crafted from grained leather, it has two top carry handles with a removable shoulder strap and is finished with writing instrument pockets to the inner.
This means it’s more suited to an office worker who likes to travel light, but you could squeeze an iPad or small MacBook inside. While you don’t get padding or roomy compartments, you may just gain a future heirloom.
3. Want Les Essentiels Kastrup backpack
All-black bag with interesting textures
Reasons to buy
- Stylish but practical
- Exclusive to Mr. Porter, so not too common
- Minimal design
Want Les Essentiels’ Kastrup backpack is ideal if you want something business-like but still favor a backpack. Designed for Mr. Porter, contrasting textures of cotton-canvas and leather make the black bag interesting.
There’s a dedicated sleeve for your laptop inside, plus multiple pockets for bits and pieces.
Minimalist in design, it’s unlikely to go out of fashion anytime soon and thanks to its careful construction and use of quality material, it will see you through your next promotion and beyond. It’s not the cheapest but will seem great value if you consider the cost per wear.
4. Knomo Princeton briefcase
Reasons to buy
- Looks modern and sleek
- Durable materials
If you like your clothes simple and minimalistic, this may be the laptop bag for you. Knomo’s Princeton Briefcase is subtly stylish, with a slim profile (29 x 41 x 7.5cm) while being super practical, It’s made from durable twill polyester with faux-leather trim and a soft protective lining to carefully shield your laptop from shocks, bumps, and scratches.
Besides a padded section to house any laptop up to 15.6 inches, the bag also has a full-length exterior pocket for quick access to notes or necessary bits and pieces such as your keys and phone.
The shoulder strap can easily be adjusted to ensure you get the best possible fit and the top handles are made of leather for strength – after all, your laptop is precious. It’s a great value and comes with a two-year guarantee, but it does weigh 1kg.
5. Paul Smith textured leather briefcase
A stripy slice of luxury
Reasons to buy
- Features signature stripes
- Amazing quality
Some designer bags are only cool for one season, but Paul Smith’s signature stripes are classic. This briefcase is trimmed with slim rainbow bands along with the top handles, adding plenty of personality to an otherwise plain leather briefcase, while remaining subtle and professional looking.
It’s a clever way of getting around strict dress code. Of course, designer labels don’t come cheap, but as it’s made from durable textured-leather it will wear incredibly well, while its padded internal sleeve will keep your laptop in top condition. The bag has two top handles, a two zip fastening as well as lots of zipped pockets for all your work must-haves.
6. FILSON Original twill briefcase
For your inner Indiana Jones
Reasons to buy
- Trimmed with leather for durability
- Super stylish and rugged
If you fancy yourself as more of an Indiana Jones than a Don Draper at work, you might want to consider a camel twill briefcase. A little structured but a lot stylish, the Filson bag is crafted in Seattle from ‘rugged twill’ that’s resistant to water and wear.
It’s also trimmed with resilient bridle leather for a touch of luxury. The spacious interior is fitted with three handy compartments and precisely sized to meet airline carry-on requirements, while there’s two top handles and a detachable shoulder strap so you can use it how you like.
It’s not for everyone, but someone who appreciates the craftsmanship and something a little bit different will love this bag.
7. John Lewis & Partners leather felt laptop case
A small, sleek option
Reasons to buy
- Very neat
- Easy to carry or pop in a bigger bag
If you need a bag for your laptop, but it never has to travel far, John Lewis’ leather and felt case may be for you. Made from contrasting smooth leather and soft felt in a zip-up design, it’s a simple and sleek option.
With a handle on the side, you can carry it like a clutch bag, or slip it inside a larger bag for good protection. It’s a good value for such a smart-looking bag, but if you need something super or that you’re able to carry hands-free, a backpack may be a better bet.
8. Targus CityLite shoulder bag
Simple, businesslike case
Reasons to buy
- Slim and lightweight
- Really good value
CityLite shoulder bag is slim and lightweight, featuring a spacious main compartment with room for additional notebooks or paperwork, and a front accessory pocket to save you fumbling for a pen or mouse during a meeting.
It’s got soft feel handles and a padded shoulder strap or comfort, which isn’t bad for its diminutive price tag. The only drawback is that it doesn’t look very fashionable. But if you’re after a simple bag that looks business-like without making a big investment, this case is a winner.
9. Knomo Reykjavik tote backpack
Hardwearing, fashionable backpack
Reasons to buy
- Loads of pockets
- Unique ID no. in case it gets lost
The Knomo Reykjavik tote backpack is stylish while providing plenty of storage space for your portable devices. Crafted from lightweight, splash-resistant polyester and hard-wearing leather trim for protection and strength, it’s built to last.
There’s a padded section to protect any laptop up to 15 inches, as well as the main compartment with a contrasting lining and two mesh pockets for wires and small accessories.
If that’s not enough space to stash USB pens (and emergency snacks) there are also two pockets with zip fastenings, although these may be handier for keeping your smartphone, cards, headphones and house keys safe.
The Reykjavik has a unique myKnomo ‘if lost’ ID number that can be registered with the company and will help reunite you with your bag if lost, although of course, your computer may be too big a lure for most thieves.
10. Prada Saffiano leather briefcase
A bag that says you mean business
Reasons to buy
- Timeless style
- Amazing materials
- Premium
If clothes maketh the man, you better make sure you have a nice laptop bag. This Saffiano leather briefcase will certainly impress if you flash it at your next meeting.
Crafted in Italy from high-quality leather, it’s designed in a streamlined, understated profile and is simply detailed with the house’s logo plaque.
There are card slots and a zipped pocket to help keep your belongings organized. There’s no dedicated pocket for your laptop itself, but the structured bag will hold it well and it gives you some extra versatility. The only real drawback is the price, as this briefcase is quite a big investment.
11. FAGUO Fratelli computer bag
A laptop bag with a heart
Reasons to buy
- Versatile with a choice of handles and pockets
- Does a tiny bit of good
- Attractive design
Faguo Fratelli Computer Bag is for cool customers. With top carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap, you’ll always find a comfortable way to carry your laptop, while two YKK nylon zip closure main compartments with a twill cotton lining, one of which contains a padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop, will help you stay organized.
The bag itself is distinctive in its navy/marsala color combination and as it’s exclusive to John Lewis, you probably won’t see too many around. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is stylish with good attention to detail including leather detailing and a stitch-embossed brand label.
The coconut button on it symbolizes the fact that the brand plants a tree for every product it makes, so you can pat yourself on the back for your choice too.
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