Finding the right laptop bag for work is about much more than having somewhere to put your laptop and tablet. The best options balance style, practicality, comfort, and durability, whether you are commuting every day, travelling for business, or simply want enough compartments to keep cables, chargers, and other essentials organised.
Thankfully, laptop bags have moved well beyond boring briefcases and plain messenger bags. Many now come as backpacks and other ergonomic shapes, with tougher or more sustainable materials, better internal organisation and useful extras such as built-in charging ports, so you can top up your devices without digging around for a power bank.
Here is a guide on how to choose the best laptop bag for work and some recommendations you can purchase.
How to pick a laptop bag?
A good laptop bag should combine protection, comfort and organisation. Look for a padded laptop compartment, durable materials, comfortable straps or handles, secure closures and enough separate pockets for chargers, cables, a mouse and other everyday essentials. Here is a quick summary on the few key factors to consider when choosing a laptop bag:
- Size and compatibility: Ensure the bag fits your laptop size (13-inch, 15-inch, or 17-inch).
- Material an durability: Leather, canvas, and waterproof materials offer different benefits.
- Comfort and ergonomics: Padded straps and breathable back panels enhance comfort.
- Storage and organisation: Extra compartments for chargers, documents, and accessories.
How do you choose the right laptop bag size?
Start with your laptop’s actual dimensions rather than relying only on its advertised screen size. The laptop should fit snugly inside the padded compartment without being squeezed, while leaving enough room for the other items you regularly carry.
Which is better, a laptop bag or a backpack?
Whether you should choose a laptop bag that is in a briefcase or folio style or backpack depends almost entirely on how far you carry it and how much else goes in.
Backpacks distribute weight across both shoulders and are the only sensible choice above roughly 5kg or for a commute involving walking, stairs or public transport. For men, a laptop bag that is in the briefcase and folio styles look most appropriate in formal settings and take the least abuse, but they’re the worst option for a long walk.
There’s also a third laptop bag option: messenger bags. Messenger bags are quicker to access without taking off, which suits people moving between meetings, but everything hangs on one shoulder, and that becomes uncomfortable past about 3kg. If you cycle, a backpack with a sternum strap is close to mandatory, since a messenger bag will swing forward every time you lean.
Is a waterproof laptop bag worth getting?
Water resistance is highly recommended, particularly for commuters. A water-resistant exterior can protect your laptop from light rain and accidental spills, while waterproof zips and reinforced seams provide additional protection. For frequent outdoor use, look for stronger weatherproofing rather than relying on basic water resistance.
What’s the best laptop bag to buy?
Here are our laptop bag recommendations that you can browse, sorted by laptop bag style.
Best laptop bags: Tote bags
Elecom OFF TOCO Tote Bag 15.6-inches
$67.90 $79.90 15% off
Best organised laptop tote for work
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