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No matter how you get to work, one thing’s for certain: You’ll need a stylish everyday bag to get you and your work essentials safely and efficiently to and from the office. But not any old tote will do the trick. Bags that are too spacious without organizational pockets can rustle around your tech, cosmetics, and keys, while a bag that’s too small won’t be able to house the most important work accessory of all — your laptop. While a mid-sized minimalist bag from top designer handbag brands can be the most appealing to the eye, the best laptop bags need to be large enough to ensure the safety of your 15-inch Mac or PC device.
When searching for the best laptop bag, durability is one of the qualities at the top of the list. After all, its purpose is to transport your work essentials day-in and day-out. After that, priorities are up to you. For fashion stylist and content creator Audree Lopez, separate compartments, sleeves, and pockets that will protect the laptop while inside are essential. “Proper space is crucial,” she says, “You want to make sure your laptop fits on its side and doesn’t stick out the top. Making sure your laptop bag is comfortable and has a durable strap is a very important feature as well. You want to make sure you’re good on the go.”
To streamline your search for a fashionable laptop bag and limit your scrolling, fashion stylist Jeni Paolella suggests tailoring your bag choice to your lifestyle. “If someone’s day consists of running around New York City, I would choose a messenger style bag or stylish tote,” she says. For frequent business travelers, a leather briefcase or backpack is more appropriate.
On top of Lopez and Paolella, we also spoke with stylists Elizabeth Kassab and Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe for their input on selecting bags that do the job. To help you find your perfect work bag bestie, our guide offers the best laptop bags in a variety of fabric options — from durable nylon to timeless leather styles — in all types of bag shapes, from luxury tote bags to laptop backpacks.
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Top Laptop Bags of 2023
Béiis The Large Work Tote
Best Carry-On Laptop Bag
- Best for: Frequent flyers
- Materials: Polyurethane
- Special features: Trolley strap, zipper closure, exterior as well as interior pockets
- Pros: With a trolley strap, this tote is perfect to attach to a carry on.
- Cons: It only comes in one color.
- Retailer availability: Revolve
- Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand, Béis, has made waves on social media for her stylish and solution-oriented baggage options — and for being the best brand for laptop bags. The large work tote is a favorite among customers (it consistently earns five star reviews), and stylists alike. Kassab calls this one out because of its structure. “It has an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for comfort and it’s also suede, which elevates this bag a ton,” she adds.
Lopez echoes her sentiment. “Béis creates smart and user-friendly products. I love this large work tote because it’s great for work, travel, a carry-on or weekend trip,” she says. The zip closure keeps your items secure, the trolley strap attaches easily for travel, and the padded sleeve protects your laptop. Team it with a fall dress for an easy work ‘fit, or wear it with straight-leg jeans and a cashmere sweater for a casual Friday.
What reviewers say: “This bag is SO perfect for work and fit everything! I fit 2 laptops, 2 notebooks, multiple chargers and laptop accessories, and various little items in here and there’s plenty of room for all of it. Highly recommend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $148
Coach Rae Tote
Best Tote Laptop Bag
- Best for: Style-conscious shoppers, over packers, commuters
- Materials: Glove tanned leather
- Special features: Four protective feet across the bottom, detachable strap, suede lined inner pocket
- Pros: It offers all the organizational perks of a workwear bag in a stylish suit.
- Cons: The top doesn’t fully close.
- Retailer availability: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
- Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Coach’s leather legacy precedes them, so their designer tote bags are always a contender when adding one to your collection. An elevated carryall, this fashionable tote equally favors both form and function. This women’s designer laptop bag features a roomy compartment that can fit a laptop, a planner, a wallet, and even a stylish pair of ballet flats from time to time. The bright orange suede lining complements every colorway, and the protective feet prevents unwanted scuffs and keeps your pouch upright.
What reviewers say: “This bag is IT! I have purchased many coach bags over the years and believe Coach has come into its own special place right now. After watching the coach video for this bag I couldn’t wait to have my own. I bought the green color and love it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $750
Courtesy of Coach
Troubadour Apex Backpack
Best Unisex Laptop Bag
- Best for: Commuters, workers on the move
- Materials: Recycled polyester, vegan leather
- Special features: Trolley strap, breathable back pad, padded laptop sleeve
- Pros: The backpack’s sleek design works for all commuters regardless of gender.
- Cons: The shape changes a bit when the backpack is stuffed to the gills.
- Retailer availability: Saks Fifth Avenue
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
What started as a mutual love of travel blossomed into an elevated bag brand founded by two friends. The Apex backpack is built with your travel needs in mind. The cushioned laptop sleeve keeps your devices safe, and is big enough to fit 17-inch laptops. With recycled polyester fabric that’s waterproof, this bag is sustainable and rain-proof. Plus, the strategically placed pockets keep your odds and ends organized, but our favorite part is the five year guarantee the brand offers with each purchase.
What reviewers say: “Amazing bag… Unexpected compartments just where you need them. Service was above and beyond.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $245
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Away Everywhere Bag
Best Travel Laptop Bag
- Best for: Workers on the go, commuters, and frequent flyers
- Materials: Nylon and leather
- Special features: Water-resistant material, trolley sleeve, personal item dimensions, interior and exterior pockets
- Pros: For frequent flyers, this bag works as both a carry on companions and weekender tote.
- Cons: Some found that this size was too cramped to fit enough items to qualify as a weekender bag.
- Retailer availability: Away
- Away Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Away suitcases are the go-to luggage for professionals on the move, and their bags are no different. This bag is equipped with every perk you can think of: water-resistant material for extra protection, trolley sleeve for easy carry-on attachment, internal and external pockets for better organization. Check, check, and check! As icing on the cake, Away lets you monogram your bag with your choice of initials.
If this size doesn’t work for you, then you are in luck. It comes in two larger sizes to accommodate your travel needs.
What reviewers say: “I am very pleased with my Anywhere Bag! It’s very handy for all my carry-on needs. It was very roomy held all my extra purchases I made at the airport. It’s also extremely well-made and very stylish. It also held my son’s gaming system and all his games for our flight on vacation. I love the fact that it also fit nicely in the overhead bin or under the seat on the aircraft.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
Courtesy of Away Travel
Kate Spade Morgan Laptop Bag
Best Work Laptop Bag
- Best for: Formal offices, minimalists
- Materials: Saffiano leather
- Special features: Zip closure, padded interior, scratch proof leather
- Pros: The scratch proof leather exterior helps elongate this tote’s life.
- Cons: It only comes in one size.
- Retailer availability: Kate Spade
- Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Kate Spade bags are typically whimsical and feminine, but if that isn’t your style, this designer work bag delivers a more streamlined design — ideal for the office. Everett recommends this bag in the burgundy tone and classic black colorway, which she describes as “the definition of chic.” Beyond that, there’s a padded laptop section in the center that will fit and protect most laptops, and it comes with an adjustable strap to wear it as a crossbody bag, too. The bag only comes in one size, but their website has a handy tool that lets you see exactly what’s inside. Its understated design makes it one of the best work bags for female lawyers.
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Courtesy of Kate Spade
Bagsmart Briefcase Lockable Computer Bag
Best Affordable Laptop Bag
- Best for: Workers on a budget, overpackers
- Materials: Polyester
- Special features: Multiple sizes, water-resistant material, TSA friendly lock
- Pros: This bag offers the features of a luxury option (durable exterior, roomy interior, and multiple pockets) but for a fraction of the cost.
- Cons: The design is fairly bare bones, but it does the job.
- Retailer Availability: Bagsmart
Many laptop bags on this list require an investment upfront, but this one hovers right around $50. Still, it comes with a remarkably durable exterior. Many reviewers refer to it as their go-to work bag and claim that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The interior is designed with a laptop specific pouch that fits up to a 15.5-inch device, but they make a larger one if you need it. Plus, it comes in five different colors, so you can find one that suits your personal style.
What reviewers say: “This briefcase is great it’s got a lot of room and its super durable wonderful quality material can hold heavy stuff without bending out of or losing its ‘briefcase-y’ shape 10 out of 10 would recommend to a friend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Courtesy of Bagsmart
Monos Metro Backpack
Best Backpack Laptop Bag
- Best for: Low maintenance travelers
- Materials: Vegan leather, nylon
- Special features: Detachable pouches, device compartment, top handle, trolley straps
- Pros: The detachable pouches allow you to customize this bag to your needs.
- Cons: This item is popular. It frequently sells out, so you have to check back and see when it is available.
- Retailer availability: Monos, Ssense
- Ssense Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Monos’ brand philosophy is that we should all have fewer, better things — they aim to create chic, durable travel products that you will use again and again. Their Metro backpack is hardly reminiscent of your elementary school days — it’s gorgeous, and one of the best laptop bags for business travel. This backpack boasts sleek lines and is made from polished leather, which are just two reasons why Paolella lists it among her favorites. “It comes in a beautiful vegan leather that is water and scratch resistant, and offered in multiple colors,” she says, “Lastly it is not big and bulky, but rather tight and cozy to your back.”
What reviewers say: “This backpack is beautiful, first and foremost. Second, it’s incredibly functional. I like how it opens like a clamshell (no more digging for things at the bottom of your bag) and all of the compartments make organizing really efficient. I use the front removable case for my cords and other electronics and it has a great keychain in there as well. I also like the separate laptop compartment. I like not having to open my entire bag to grab it, especially in cafes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Courtesy of Monos
Everlane The ReNew Transit Messenger
Best Messenger Laptop Bag
- Best for: Commuters
- Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester
- Special features: Buckle closure, padded laptop slip pocket, padded bottom, internal pockets
- Pros: The bag sits comfortably across your front, has multiple internal pockets, and is made from sustainable materials.
- Cons: It is only available in three colors.
- Retailer availability: Everlane
- Everlane Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Everlane has built its brand on quality and transparency clothing, and its accessories are no different. Their messenger-style laptop bag uses extra padding across the bottom and along the sides to protect your computer from everyday bumps and bangs. It also comes with an abundance of internal pockets, so you can keep your pens and paper clips organized while you are on the go. The recycled material is easy on the environment, yet tough on your environment. On top of that, the bag rings in at under $100, so you can protect your most expensive piece of tech without breaking the bank.
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
Courtesy of Everlane
Rains Messenger Bag
Best Waterproof Laptop Bag
- Best for: Commuters, rainy city dwellers
- Materials: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating
- Special features: Waterproof material, works for devices up to 16 inch, magnet fastenings
- Pros: The waterproof material shields your possessions from the elements.
- Cons: It doesn’t fit as much as other options on this list.
- Retailer Availability: Amazon
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Aptly named, Rains makes clothing and accessories for wet weather, which is especially necessary for workers on the move. Their messenger bag is made from the same material as their iconic rain coats which means it will block out both droplets and melted flakes, so you can trust it all year long. The inner pocket is compact yet roomy. Designed for devices up to 16 inches, this bag fits almost all laptop models out there.
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Courtesy of Rains
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Medium Leather Tote
Best Luxury Laptop Bag
- Best for: Bosses, style-conscious workers
- Materials: Lambskin leather
- Special features: High-quality leather, understated style, magnetic closure
- Pros: It requires an investment upfront, but the high quality materials ensure this bag will last forever.
- Cons: It doesn’t have as many compartments as we would like.
- Retailer availability: Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus
- Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
- Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Quiet luxury may be having a moment in the Zeitgeist currently, but truthfully, it will never go out of style. Bottega Veneta is the authority on sophisticated style, and professional stylist and personal shopper, Kassab recommends it for her clients. The little details, like signature braided leather, brass hardware, and the versatile shoulder strap, deliver a polished effect, making it one of the most stylish laptop bags you can find. It’s pricey, but Kassab promises that the upfront investment will last a lifetime worth of wear.
Price upon publish date of this article: $4,900
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Cuyana Messenger Bag
Best Leather Laptop Bag
- Best for: Multitaskers, style-conscious shoppers
- Materials: Italian leather
- Special features: Comes in two sizes, can be monogrammed, internal laptop sleeve
- Pros: This messenger bag doubles as a purse.
- Cons: The interior doesn’t have as many internal compartments as some of the other options on this list.
- Retailer Availability: Cuyana
- Cuyana Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
Women owned and led, Cuyana accessories anticipate every single one of your needs. This women’s laptop messenger bag is crafted with soft pebbled leather that’s both sturdy and stylish, so you can wear to the office and keep on hand for after work cocktails. The shoulder strap is adjustable, so it can hang near your waist across your side. Plus, it can be subtly monogrammed for a small additional cost. Thanks to its versatile design, one of our WWD editors can’t leave the house without her Cuyana bag, and stylists agree. “This bag is designed for your laptop so it has a spacious zip pocket to hold it in,” says Kassab, “It’s so chic and goes with anything.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Courtesy of Cuyana
Lindsay Albanese The Daily Cactus Laptop Clutch
Best Laptop Sleeve
- Best for: Minimalists, commuters, remote workers
- Materials: Cactus leather
- Special features: Snap closure, slim design, made from sustainable materials
- Pros: The sleek design works on its own, but it can also be stowed in a tote or backpack.
- Cons: It doesn’t have straps, so it requires more energy to carry.
- Retailer Availability: The Fileist, Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Lindsay Albanese was a fashion stylist for 17 years, and during that time, she learned the pitfalls of women’s clothing and accessories. Her namesake brand aims to fix as many as possible. Simple and sophisticated, this no-frills laptop sleeve keeps your laptop protected and enclosed without a bulky tote or backpack. Naturally, it’s also a professional stylist’s top choice. “It holds more than just your laptop with an extra pocket for your work essentials which makes it perfect to carry alone as a clutch in the office or stashed in your bag when you’re out and about,” says Everett. Lopez seconds that. “It’s simple but a chic way to carry your laptop without the neoprene or fabric laptop case” she adds.
What reviewers say: “I am in love with this. It is so sharp, so smart, and works so well for my work days on the go. I have one of those larger Moleskin notebooks, and the front pocket even fits that. I also really like that this is a *sustainable* alternative to real leather. Not just another plastic faux leather accessory, thank you! So far so great!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $118
Courtesy of The Fileist
Calpak Hue Front Pocket Carry-On Luggage
Best Roller Laptop Bag
- Best for: Those who travel for work, remote workers, long haul commuters
- Materials: Polycarbonate
- Special features: Hard shell, designated pocket, TSA approved lock
- Pros: The outer shell keeps your devices safe from travel tumble.
- Cons: The luggage doesn’t expand, so it offers limited space.
- Retailer Availability: Calpak, The Container Store
Calpak may have started off making wallets and handbags, but their luggage is what put them on the map. For frequent travels and long haul commuters, this roller bag is a dream come true. The special outer pocket is designed specifically for laptops and prevents you from digging through your laptop when going through security. In the unfortunate circumstance you’re forced to check your bag, the tough outer shell shields your device from bumps and bruises. The exterior isn’t the only enticing part of this bag. The interior is loaded with pockets and compartments to keep your items organized.
What reviewers say: “I travel for work so this bag is perfect. I can finally get to my laptop without having to dig through my luggage. There is a pocket for everything so nothing gets lost.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $265
Courtesy of Calpak
Mansur Gavriel The Soft Tote
- Best for: Overpackers, stylish workers
- Materials: Italian Soft Calf Leather
- Special features: Detachable pouch, sophisticated design, reinforced handles
- Pros: The oversized tote fits everything from a laptop to an extra pair of shoes.
- Cons: There aren’t many dividing compartments on the inside.
- Retailer availability: Mansur Gavriel, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman
- Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
- Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
If you want your handbag and laptop bag to function as one, look no further than Mansur Gavriel. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Sienna Miller, Solange Knowles and more have been carrying the brand’s bags since they debuted their iconic bucket bags in 2018. The Soft Tote offers the brand’s signature simple yet elevated design. These slouchy bags come in six sophisticated shades, including black, sand, and more earthy colors like forest green. The roomy interior doesn’t offer sleeves or compartments, but it does offer plenty of space, meaning your 16-inch laptop and then some can fit.
What reviewers say: “This tote is beautiful, exactly what I was looking for. It is the perfect everyday bag that is versatile enough to be used as a work bag and takes me into the evening. There is enough space for everything I need and it is very well made. The bag itself is super light so is a pleasure to carry and I receive compliments often! My previous Mansur Gavriel bag lasted 8 years (I still use it) and plan to have this one indefinitely as well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Courtesy of Mansur Gavriel
Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote
Best Laptop Bag For Moms
- Best for: Working moms, multitaskers
- Materials: Neoprene, mesh
- Special features: Stain resistant fabric, changing pad, laptop sleeve, trolley straps
- Pros: This versatile bag works as both a diaper bag and a work tote.
- Cons: It is on the heavier side.
- Retailer availability: Dagne Dover, Crate and Barrel
- Crate and Barrel Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Owning a different bag for every circumstance is ideal but not realistic. Like other bags in their collection, Dagne Dover bags are built for almost every occasion. Their organized interiors can straighten out even the most chaotic pack rat. For a new mom, the stain-resistant fabric is easy to clean, and the bag comes with a portable changing pad for emergencies on the go. The convenient trolley straps on the back steady the bag against your carry-on — it’s one of the best work bags for travel — and the interior laptop sleeve is wide enough to fit up to 13-inch laptops.
What reviewers say: “My daughter recently had a baby and wanted the Dagne Dover diaper bag backpack. I loved the softness of the material and the durability. I was super impressed with the ease of being able to wipe it down when something was spilled on it. After 8 months of daily use, I decided I needed one of my own. I purchased the diaper bag and used it as a carry-on when I went on vacation. It is perfect, everything fit and it looks very sophisticated! Thank you, Dagne Dover for making such a versatile all purpose bag.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $215
Courtesy of Crate and Barrel
Related:
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Lululemon The Everywhere Backpack
Best Laptop Backpack for Commuters
- Best for: Commuters, remote workers
- Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester
- Special features: Interior padded laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water-repellent fabric
- Pros: This bag sits comfortably on the shoulders.
- Cons: Space on the inside is fairly limited.
- Retailer availability: Lululemon
- Lululemon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Lululemon may specialize in activewear, but their bags are not to be ignored. If half of your day feels like it’s spent trekking back and forth between your home, office, and the nearest coffee shop, a lightweight, easy-to-carry backpack should be your next purchase. And Lululemon’s The Everywhere Backpack is arguably the best laptop backpack for travel, and one of the best laptop backpacks for college. The interior pockets are on a need-to-use basis, meaning they don’t crowd the middle with unnecessary gadgets. The polyester exterior repels precipitation, so it is fit to use all four seasons.
What reviewers say: “This is my favorite backpack I have ever owned; the fabric is so high quality, soft, and perfect; it’s sleek and professional; ample room for everything I need without extra and unnecessary pockets and pouches; I will never not own one of these from here on out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $78
Courtesy of Lululemon
Oleada Captain Sleeve Suite
Best Clutch Laptop Bag
- Best for: Minimalists
- Materials: Re-plastic leather, canvas
- Special features: Made from recycled materials, minimalist design, doubles as a laptop stand
- Pros: A stylish solution, this bag functions as both a clutch and a laptop stand.
- Cons: It cannot fit much more than a laptop.
- Retailer availability: Wolf and Badger
- Wolf & Badger Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Large totes and backpacks are a must for pack rats and commuters, but if you prefer to keep things simple and streamlined, this small clutch is made for you. Oleada brand founders set out to create bags that married both style and function. This two-toned canvas bag adds texture to any outfit, and you can hold it like a clutch, which makes it a little more formal than other work bags.
What reviewers say: “I love it — it is a great case for my laptop. I just need to grab and go when I have to take my son to his tennis practice. The pouch is perfect for the charger, my wireless mouse and my pencil case. It is perfect and a smart design!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $265
Courtesy of Wolf and Badger
Tote&Carry Snakeskin Laptop Bag
Best 17-Inch Laptop Bag
- Best for: Creatives, minimalists
- Materials: Full alligator vegan leather
- Special features: Enlarged size, nylon lining, zip closure, multiple colorways
- Pros: This bag functions as a stylish solution to fitting your oversized device.
- Cons: This style sells out frequently, so keep checking in if you are interested in it.
- Retailer Availability: Tote&Carry
- Tote&Carry Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
17-inch laptops offer more screen real estate so creatives can easily edit videos or accountants can whiz through excel sheets. That being said, they are much more difficult to schlep around. Enter this oversized number, which is one of the best laptop bags for air travel. It zips shut which keeps your device safe, and the dual strap design allows you to wear this as a messenger or shoulder bag — which is what Lopez loves about it. Additionally, its compact design keeps your essentials organized and prevents you from overpacking. Plus, its multiple colorways allow you to find one that suits your personal style.
What reviewers say: “This bag is not only beautiful but very functional! Just drop my laptop, necessities, wallet, phone and keys and out the door! I have received many compliments and ‘where did you get that bag?’ Not to mention when I’m traveling with my carryon large duffel! I have the Apollo2 Crocodile Skin Emerald 3pc set, laptop bag and waiting for the matching medium Emerald roller to complete go-to travel companion! Love them and highly recommend Tote&Carry for your very stylish getaways!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Tote
Best Shoulder Laptop Bag
- Best for: Stylish workers, over packers, multitaskers
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Zippered pocket, easy to clean exterior, reinforced handles, protective feet
- Pros: This tote is as sturdy as it is stylish.
- Cons: Some reviewers claim the color options are not as vibrant in person.
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
For both office-friendly dresses and accessories, Tory Burch has been a working woman’s mainstay. The brand’s Perry tote is just as sturdy as it is stylish, so it can handle a bustling commute. Protective feet line the bottom to shield it from grimy floors and subway seats, and the longer straps deliver a more comfortable fit over your shoulder. Choose from five colorways, each of which comes with a bag charm in a contrasting color.
What reviewers say: “Elegant but spacious bag, prime quality leather, very professional. I travel for work and I needed a bag to carry the laptop with me. I love it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Kaai Midi Pyramid Bag
Best Multi-Purpose Laptop Bag
- Best for: Type A travelers. multitaskers, commuters, ‘Quiet luxury’ consumers
- Materials: Italian cow leather
- Special features: Unique design, zippered closure, water and scratch proof material, protective feet, reinforced handles
- Pros: On top of all of this bag’s features (spoiler alert: there are many), it comes in two sizes.
- Cons: The bag is on the heavy side.
- Retailer Availability: Kaai
- Kaai Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This list is full of functional and fashionable laptop bags, but Kaai’s Pyramid Bag raises the stakes. Yes, it is made for your laptop, but it doesn’t look that way. With an understated yet chic design, it looks far more expensive than it actually is. The protective feet keep the tote upright while you are on the go, and the scratch-resistant and waterproof material protects its contents, and elongates the life of your tote. And the interior suede shields laptops and phones from scratches and scrapes.
What reviewers say: “The inside has the right amount of organization for me. My first time out with it, nobody noticed. Exactly what I wanted. It doesn’t call attention to itself. But it is as beautiful as the photos. The key leash, with clips on both ends, is very useful. I have a habit of changing bags all the time, but this one could stay active for years.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $725
Courtesy of Kaii
What To Look For In a Laptop Bag
- Features: Before deciding on the right laptop bag, you need to pay special attention to their features. First, consider your laptop size. “Proper space is crucial! You want to make sure your laptop fits on its side and doesn’t stick out the top,” Kassab advises. She also stresses the importance of a comfortable and a durable strap especially if you are frequently on the go. In addition, Everett recommends looking for protective qualities like interior sleeves and pockets.
- Materials: Laptop bags come in all sorts of materials, with leather being one of the most common, and ranking among Kassab’s favorites. “Leather is always great for a laptop bag because of how sturdy and wearable it is,” she says. Nowadays, vegan leather, which is typically made out of agricultural waste or recycled materials, is also available. The jury is out on whether or not it’s as sturdy as the real thing, but it’s typically cheaper. Outside of leather, nylon and polyester are also fairly common, which are more water resistant and lightweight. However, if you do choose to go this route, Paolella suggests finding something with a thick leather laptop sleeve. “That way you know your devices are protected no matter what,” she explains.
- Size: When it comes to bags, size matters, and when it comes to laptop bags, size matters even more. In order for a laptop bag to be right for you, it needs to be roomy enough to stow your most important device. The website usually lists dimensions in the description. Make sure to check these measurements before purchasing your new tote.
How We Choose The Best Laptop Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To curate the best laptop bags, our team combed the retailer for top-rated, bestselling, and most-wished-for stylish accessories. We read through ratings, examined features, and personally tested different options to feel their function and experience their toting capabilities. We considered top factors for the best laptop bags when selecting these products, including bag material, organizational features, bag shapes and sizes, and overall quality and functionality. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Audree Lopez is a professional stylist and content creator based in New York City. She has spent years lugging garment bags and totes filled with accessories all over Manhattan. Her intimate knowledge with accessories makes her the perfect person to ask for recommendations.
Elizabeth Kassab is a stylist who specializes in street style looks, brand campaigns and capsule wardrobes. She’s worked with various influencers, styling looks for events, red carpets, and more.
Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe is a content creator and stylist based in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to her main job, she has contributed to publications like The Strategist, Insider, Instyle, The Boston Globe, and more.
Jeni Paolella is a fashion and lifestyle expert and a personal wardrobe stylist based in Connecticut. She regularly works with celebrities and real women to optimize their closets for their lifestyle.
Meet The Author
Anneke Knot is a freelance writer in the fashion and beauty space based in San Francisco, California. With over seven years of experience in beauty product testing and writing, she has extensive knowledge of hair tools and beyond. Aside from WWD, her editorial work can be found in publications like Instyle, The Strategist, Byrdie, Forbes, and more. Knot interviewed four experts and assessed top-rated tote, messenger, and shoulder bags to narrow down this list of the best laptop bags for any job.
