best laptop travel bag 2023

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

Dimensions 18" x 7" x 11.5 "
Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
Capacity 24L
Laptop compartment size 17"
Best use Everyday and travel

Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
Well-structured and protected
Full panel loading access
Limited color schemes

There’s a multitude of reasons the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) was our pick for the best laptop backpack of 2024. From the office to photography sessions and weekend trips away, this backpack really does it all due to its high-capacity storage and organization systems.

The first reason we love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the highly protective construction and abrasion-resistant materials it’s designed with. Evergoods uses a custom-developed 840d ballistic nylon that is treated with a water-resistant finish that makes this backpack last through countless trips to and from the office or journeys across the globe in all the various elements.

The thick padding throughout protects your electronics from drops or spills, giving you a major sense of security while in use. We were super impressed with the plastic shield that is integrated directly into the back panel, even furthering this backpack’s level of laptop protection.

Evergoods certainly did not compromise any level of comfort when they designed this backpack. The Civic Panel Loader 24L has moisture-wicking straps and back panel. Our tester wore this around town during a work-from-cafe day in which she walked in both cold and snowy weather. Her back and shoulders stayed cool and dry while not even getting remotely sore despite the heavy amount of gear she packed.

While 24 L may not seem like much, this backpack can actually pack quite a bit despite its size. Our tester was able to fit a luggage cube full of clothing, her computer, a keyboard, a mouse, and a book into it for a weekend trip away.

Much like the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack , the front vestibule of the Civic Panel Loader opens fully — which makes it super easy to pack and unpack on those shorter journeys. This is also a major plus if you are a frequent flier and constantly going through airport security.

And while $279 is a steep price to pay for a laptop backpack, this piece is truly a lifelong investment thanks to its overall functionality and durability. Even better, Evergoods has placed a lifetime warranty on the Civic Panel backpacks, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship on these products.

Whether you’re a graphic designer needing a safe place to rest your tablet or laptop, or you’re regularly traveling for work, be sure to check out the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L for its exceptional design, top-of-the-line device protection, and sleek aesthetic. Overall, this laptop backpack is simply a standout.

Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210

Dimensions 17.93 x 13.4 x 5.91 in.
Weight 1 lb.
Capacity 23L
Laptop compartment size 15.6 in.
Best use Office, non-commuter environments

Deep exterior zippered pockets
Large interior can fit a computer and plenty of other accessories
Interior pockets are not zippered
Lack of water bottle pocket
Flimsy, not durable design

At only $22 on Amazon, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 is our most affordable option listed for this buyer’s guide. And while it may lack in engineering and features that the other packs listed can boast, this one is still a simple option for those seeking a backpack that can just “do the trick.”

With a spacious interior compartment and deep exterior pocket, this backpack can fit a large laptop, plenty of books, and other gear. The Lenovo B210 has a simple construction with decent padding. Even after tossing this pack around, the laptop inside stayed completely safe, which came as a surprise, seeing as how low the price tag is.

Where the Lenovo B210 lacks is in its materials. While it is listed as water-resistant on its product specs, we found that the pack did not ward off any water when put under a running faucet. The straps are also made of an itchy foam textile that feels uncomfortable when wearing a tank top or sleeveless shirt. We also found that the adjustable straps and buckles are made with flimsier, less durable materials that do not boast too much longevity.

We also wish that this laptop backpack had more internal organization as the interior pockets lack any zippers. The front exterior pocket is extremely spacious, but this, in turn, makes it challenging to find smaller supplies or accessories. If you still desire a lower price and require some organization in your backpack, an option like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack may be better catered toward your needs.

However, we understand that everyone can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a laptop backpack. For this price, we were honestly impressed with how well this backpack blended in with the other more pricey packs of this guide. Especially if you’re on a budget as a student, working professional, or just need a temporary option while you search for something nicer, this backpack is still a good choice — it just won’t last you a few years.

Overall, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 is just fine for the extremely reasonable price. For 22 bucks, this backpack can securely hold your laptop, but don’t expect it to last a lifetime or hold up through the daily wear and tear of life.

TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Dimensions 18.9 x 11 x 5.3 in.
Weight 2 lbs., 6.4 oz.
Capacity 20L
Laptop compartment size 17 in.

Plenty of secure pockets
Generous padding keeps laptop and shoulders protected
Streamlined, modern design
Front zippered pocket is harder to open
Water bottle pocket is narrow
Limited colorways

When considering the top spots for the best laptop backpacks of 2024, there was no question that the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe ($159) would be near the top of our list. Not only did this pack pass our “laptop drop test” with flying colors, but it also is extremely versatile in the office, classroom, or on board an airplane.

The TimBuk2 Authority is minimally designed, but includes several useful features like two interior pockets that are lined with a microfiber material so you can safely store your glasses while in transit. This pack also has a mesh, zippered interior pocket for pens, chargers, and other small gear.

Thanks to the thick, waffle-style padding on the back panel and shoulder straps, this backpack is genuinely comfortable while on. The moisture-wicking materials will keep you cool while commuting on foot to the office. If you opt for cycling to and from work, you can be assured that the reflective straps on the underside of this backpack will keep you plenty visible to those passing by via car.

In terms of protection, this laptop backpack is not too shabby. Our lead tester accidentally dropped this backpack with her actual computer in it (not the dud, oops) out of her truck onto an icy patch of her driveway. Unsurprisingly and thanks to the stiff padding included in this backpack, her computer was completely fine. Even though the backpack sleeve isn’t suspended like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , it still functions superbly.

While we wouldn’t necessarily use this backpack as a full-on carry-on bag due to its narrower design that doesn’t accommodate bulky items like excessive clothes or shoes, it still is the perfect companion when traveling via plane. It has a luggage strap located on the back panel so you can toss it onto your roller bag on those longer connections.

Another remarkable aspect of the Authority is the front panel pocket that unzips completely — making it super easy to find that pesky SD card or cord that may have fallen to the bottom of your backpack. No more having to awkwardly dig around for things when you can easily get the full scope of what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re looking for a laptop backpack to use as a daily driver to and from work or you need a personal item to hold your tablet and other necessities for your next trip, the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a supreme option for less than 160 bucks. This durably made and highly protective pack is a more than worth it investment that will be sure to last a lifetime.

Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack

Dimensions 16.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 in.
Weight 1 lb., 1.6 oz.
Best use School and travel

Cube design more conducive to storage
Extra foam insert doubles as a seat pad
Stylish and carry-on compliant
Side pockets are not stretchy enough for larger bottles
Only two zipper pockets
Fabric is easily creased

Designed with style and storage in mind, the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack ($125) performed exceptionally well in our testing process. Using it as a carry-on bag while traveling across the United States, our tester was able to fit her laptop, camera cube, hard drives, book, wallet, and keyboard with some room to spare. It slid easily under the seat in front of her while airborne and was easy to maneuver on and off during security checks.

The Fjällräven Kånken has a padded 17-inch laptop sleeve that kept our tester’s 13-inch laptop well-protected during her travels and conveniently doubled as a sitting pad, thanks to the removable foam insert. Due to the box shape that provides the generous 20L storage capacity, this backpack opens up wide and fits lots of gear. Our tester’s camera storage cube fit pretty much perfectly, with extra room for her book and headphones.

This iconic backpack is stylish and retro, making it perfect for students and young professionals looking for a minimalistic look. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the Kånken is constructed with Vinylon F, Fjällräven’s durable and water-resistant synthetic material seen in all of its Kånken models. This material helps their Kanken packs stay stiff, without losing any of its designs’ iconic shape and construction.

One of our qualms with this laptop backpack is the strap adjustment system and materials. With a little more padding on the straps and a way to tuck the dangling adjustment straps, in a way similar to the Topo Designs Daypack Tech , the Kånken 17″ Pack would be pretty much perfect. Even with these minor flaws, this pack was one of our all-time favorites in this guide.

Whether you’re a college student looking for a fashion-forward laptop backpack or an on-the-move graphic designer, be sure to check out the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack . Between its large storage space and padded computer compartment, this backpack is a fantastic choice for all users.

Tortuga Travel Daypack Pro

Dimensions 17.3 x 11.6 x 6.5 in
Capacity 21L
Laptop compartment size 16 in.
Best use Jet-setting work trips, and as a personal item with electronics protection

Dialed in as a personal item while traveling
Large laptop sleeve accommodates modern computers
Soft structure can be packed away in a larger bag while traveling
High-quality exterior and interior materials
Bag can be a bit floppy when under filled
Zippers are slightly tough to pull one-handed

Sporting a fashion-forward sense for high-quality textiles (and a good understanding of airline baggage maximums), the Tortuga Travel Daypack Pro ($125) has newly usurped the Everlane ReNew Transit as our new favorite laptop backpack to travel with. With a sleek look that reminds us of the care put into the Evergoods CPL series, the Daypack Pro is a bit more trim at 21L but packs on a good amount of functionality into that capacity.

Dialed in perfectly to hit the personal item maxes and slide under an airline seat (which we can confirm — it fits!), this pack has earned its keep in our travel arsenals of backpacks we use to jetset with. It’s near the smaller end of the volumes we tested and tied for the lightest pack of the review (with the uber-minimal Lenovo B210 ), making it better suited to more minimal remote working setups.

In practice, we could easily fit in our 16″ MacBook Pro, mouse, notebooks, chargers, and headphones inside, with room still for a layer or two and a bottle riding in the exterior pocket. Joining other highbrow brands like Able Carry and Evergoods, its obvious that material choice is at the top of the list for Tortuga bags, and this pack is no different.

The shell material of the bag (named, yes, ‘SHELL’) is a laminated sailcloth of three layers that uses no PFCs or TPU/PVC coatings. This material is both uber-tough and reminds of X-Pac, but also pliable enough to scrunch the bag up when needed.

The downside of that supreme packability, of course, is a general floppiness when underfilled. At this capacity, its not the biggest deal in the world, though it does tend to make unzipping the pack single-handed a bit of a chore. Again, no flagrant foul here, but it is a concession to consider. We also did want for a luggage pass-through when cutting through the terminal with this pack recently, but the bag is small enough to keep shoulder-bound most of the time.

While the Osprey Ozone is still probably our pick for a travel-oriented pack with a bit more space, the Travel Daypack Pro certainly has the smaller end of the spectrum locked down. And while not the most important metric in our testing, this bag just plain looks good, easily netting us a few compliments during testing.

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L

Dimensions 19 x 12 x 6.5 in.
Weight 1 lb., 12 oz.
Capacity 30L
Laptop compartment size 15 in.
Best use Hiking

Generous storage space
Removable laptop sleeve/desk caddy compartment
Hydration hanger and pass-through access
Lacks structure
May not be a professional enough aesthetic for the office

If you’re looking for a laptop backpack that performs well on trail and off, be sure to consider the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L ($129). Designed for students, outdoorsy folks, and working professionals, this backpack instantly impressed us with its versatile design and applicability. It really does have all the bells and whistles.

With an included removable laptop sleeve that also functions as a desk caddy so you can store all your office supplies, the Refugio pack is highly durable and water-resistant thanks to its 100% recycled polyester makeup with a PFC-Free DWR finish.

At 30L, this pack has plenty of room for books, gear, layers, and your computer. Our tester wore this pack while ski touring both in the backcountry and at her local resort. She opted to swap the laptop sleeve for her hydration bladder, and really appreciated the pass-through access point for the hose.

After skinning for miles with this backpack on, her back remained cool with plenty of air regulation thanks to the mesh back panel. Because this backpack lacks stiffness from any internal hard plastic elements, like those in the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase , it’s super lightweight and easy to toss on and off.

This ease was even further evident by the top-loading pocket she filled with granola bars. Being able to grab one of these without having to fully take the pack off was a major plus.

Available in several earth-tone colors, the Refugio has a padded back panel and straps that make it super comfortable to wear while commuting to work or hiking for miles on end. These breathable panels stayed dry and supportive despite a decent amount of weight in our tester’s pack. The outer bungees make for extra storage space if you need to attach a jacket or helmet too.

Even though it is a tad flimsy for a laptop backpack, the Refugio is still a great option for the mid-range price of $125. Like most Patagonia products, it’s a decent investment and will last you a lifetime thanks to its warranty repair program. If you find that this pack has torn or become damaged in use, they should repair or replace it for free or at a low cost.

Whether you’re a hiker looking for a daypack that functions well in the office and out, or a student needing a pack that can hold a lot without sacrificing comfort, the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L is a solid pick thanks to its multifaceted design and included accessories.

Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase

Dimensions 12 x 17.5 x 11.5 in.
Capacity 27L
Best use Office and travel

3 different modes of carry
Protective laptop padding
Plenty of storage space
Shoulder carry strap lacks any padding
Strap buckles challenging to open and close
Bulky design

If you’re stuck deciding between a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, be sure to check out the 3-in-1 Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase ($229). With a simple reconfiguration of the straps, this laptop backpack can transform itself into a backpack or shoulder bag style within seconds, making it perfect for those craving a more versatile and adjustable design.

At 27 L, the 3 Way 27 Briefcase is spacious enough for a computer, tablet, keyboard, notebooks, and other necessities for the office or classroom. The laptop compartment includes stiff padding, meaning your electronics will stay safe should any undesirable drops or spills occur. Manufactured with Mystery Ranch’s CORDURA fabric, a highly durable and recycled nylon, this backpack can withstand even the most treacherous commutes.

Mystery Ranch calls this pack a “portable office” and we couldn’t agree with that title more. With several organizational storage compartments, you can keep your pens, cables, hard drives, and other supplies in their own spot. If you work on the go, you can use this stiff briefcase as a lap desk thanks to its inner plastic panel. The bag itself opens via side zippers, making it easy to look around for those pesky headphones or pencils that may be at the bottom.

If you tend to fly with a checked bag or carry-on suitcase, be sure to consider this briefcase as your personal item. Because of its versatility as both a briefcase and backpack, you can easily give your back a rest by carrying it with the side handle, or use the backpack straps to throw it on during those quick connections where you need to run. The options are truly endless with this one.

One of our few complaints about the 3 Way Briefcase is the shoulder strap included for the messenger bag configuration. Because it lacks padding, the strap is not super comfortable when in use as it digs into the wearer’s skin. Needing a little bit of elbow grease, the buckles for the shoulder strap are hard to attach and detach. However, we do appreciate the rotating mechanisms on each end of the strap that prevent it from getting twisted when worn.

As a laptop backpack, the 3 Way Briefcase is easy to wear and comfortable when on. We appreciate that the backpack straps pack away inconspicuously into the back panel so there’s no risk of losing them or taking up precious storage space.

Much like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , when you have this bag on in backpack form, remember that it is side panel loading — so double-check that all the YKK zippers and buckles are closed up so that nothing comes tumbling out.

Overall, the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase is a fantastic choice for those needing an EDC laptop backpack that triples as both a messenger bag and briefcase. With its internal organization and durable materials, this pack is ideal for those needing a daily office companion or adjunct travel bag.

Topo Designs Daypack Tech

Dimensions 11 x 19 x 5 in.
Weight 1 lb., 9.6 oz.
Best use Travel and daily use

Well-padded external laptop compartment
Simple design with durable materials
Neon inside liner makes it easy to find gear or supplies
Lack of internal organization
Less pockets than other options

Topo Designs has been making superb backpacks and luggage since 2008, and the Daypack Tech ($129) is no exception. This simple yet effective design is great for students or working professionals seeking a laptop backpack that is protective and applicable to any environment. With the ‘RidgeBack’ molded back panel, this backpack is super comfortable while on and can fit a decent amount of books, chargers, and other workplace accessories.

The main compartment of this backpack is pretty generous in terms of space. We found that it was best suited for books and notebooks, but not anything super bulky like a big binder. The external laptop compartment really can only fit smaller 15-inch computers that are not thick, so anything bigger would have to go in the thinner sleeve in the main compartment. We tried to fit an older, thicker 15-inch MacBook in there, and it simply wouldn’t budge — which keeps this pack from being higher on our lineup.

Like other Topo products, the Daypack Tech is available in a handful of nature-inspired, subtle colors. However, all of the models are designed with an inner neon lining that naturally keeps the interior of the pack well-lit so you can easily find your notebooks, pencils, and other supplies that may be buried in the bottom. The external laptop sleeve on the back panel kept our computer separate and protected from the other objects we put in this backpack.

And while this pack is fantastic for students who have numerous textbooks and notebooks, we would not recommend it for any tech-oriented working professionals. With the lack of internal storage pockets, there is no secure place to store SD cards, cords, or hard drives while commuting. Also, the canvas-like fabric seems to be a total magnet for dog hair, so pet owners be wary.

Much like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack, the Topo Designs Daypack Tech , is a minimally designed pack for folks needing a simple yet durable solution to store their computers and other office necessities. Overall, this backpack keeps things simple and safely stored.

Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack

Dimensions 19.2 x 13.3 x 11 in.
Capacity 28L
Best use School, travel, outdoor

28 liters provides generous storage space
Multi-compartment and several pockets provide organization
Lightweight frame and materials
Would benefit from a open front panel loading system
Zippers prone to grabbing
Slightly cumbersome design

With a streamlined design, large storage compartments, and an outdoor aesthetic, the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack ($170) is a fantastic option for those needing to maximize space and functionality in a pack.

Mostly known for its high-performance hiking and backpacking packs, Osprey also soars (pun intended) in the EDC bag and luggage department as well. The Ozone is no exception to this rule, thanks to its ultralight materials and travel-friendly tech.

Unlike any of the other laptop backpacks we’ve tested, this pack has an included Travel Sentry identification tag, or TSID , on the handle that can be scanned should your backpack become lost and found by someone else. This isn’t where the travel-friendliness of this pack stops.

The Ozone is lined with an ultrasoft, bright gray fabric that won’t scratch your sunglasses or make it hard to navigate when digging around in its interior. Also, there is a secret pocket located on the back panel so you can safely store flat high-risk items like a passport, cash, and other documents.

The harness system on the Ozone is some of the best we tested in terms of comfort and breathability. The mesh panels are moisture-wicking, and the backpack itself sits at a comfortable, high spot on the user’s back. The sternum strap helps bring much of the weight forward, lessening pressure on the shoulders, but we think this backpack would benefit from a hip buckle if it’s packed super heavily.

While this backpack operates fantastically in an office environment or while traveling, we really wish it had a fully openable compartment much like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L . It can fit plenty of packing cubes and toiletries, but being able to flatly organize them while packing would make it that much better.

Overall, if you pack a heavy load for the office or need something perfect for travel, especially international, then take a gander at the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack for its multi-compartment organization and security accessories.

The North Face Router Backpack

Dimensions 12.5 x 9 x 21 in.
Weight 2 lbs., 2.4 oz.
Capacity 40L

40L provides plenty of storage space
Over 5 different pockets that can be used for organization
Microfiber lining protects screens and glasses against scratches
Some pockets open from the bottom, making objects prone to falling out
Main shoulder straps attach to the backpack with weaker stitching and materials
Not ideal for folks with petite frames or shorter torsos

When it comes to searching for a laptop backpack that can both carry your computer and a plethora of layers, snacks, bottles, and more, be sure to check out The North Face Router Backpack ($159) for its high carrying capacity and organizational system.

Best used in traveling, school, or commuting environments, the Router has two main compartments and several inner/exterior organizational pockets. We super appreciate that this laptop backpack has a microfiber-lined tablet sleeve and pockets so your screens and sunglasses don’t get scratched when inside.

The main harness and back panel of The North Face Router is designed with the FlexVent suspension system, which is approved by the American Chiropractic Association for its rounded back panel, stiff and breathable padding, and grid-like structure. This backpack was pretty comfortable on our tester’s back, but due to its length, it would be best worn on someone with a longer torso. While the main curved portion of the back panel is highly supportive, the top and bottom ends put some unideal pressure points on the upper hip and mid-neck area.

While it is durably made and decently spacious, the Router is heavier than other laptop backpacks we tested during this buyer’s guide build. There are quite a few buckles, materials, and features on this pack that certainly weigh it down a bit. However, our tester was able to fit a plethora of things in here like notebooks, a laptop, a large novel, headphones, a water bottle, and more.

The internal pockets are fantastic for safely stowing small gear like hard drives, chargers, pens, and keys. Be warned that some of the pockets are situated upside down, so if you forget to zip them up, things will inevitably fall out.

Much like the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L , the Router has a noticeable outdoor aesthetic and can be used both in the office and on the trail. With two water bottle holders and plenty of straps to clip gear to, this backpack is another great choice for those seeking more versatility in a laptop pack.

Overall, if you don’t want to completely break the bank on a backpack and are seeking something with plenty of bells and whistles, be sure to consider the Router Backpack for its 40L carrying capacity, multiple carry handles, and carry-on compliance.

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

Dimensions 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 in.
Best use Travel

Minimalist design with plenty of storage space
Attaches to luggage handle for easy travel
Separate zippered laptop compartment
Protective foam not thick
Water bottle side pocket does not fit larger bottles
Top storage panel only secures down via small magnets

With a minimalist design and four zippered pockets, the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) is a fantastic travel-friendly option at less than a hundred bucks. With a separate zippered compartment for your laptop, you can keep your computer protected from any spills or other gear you may have in the main storage area.

If you’re an environmentally conscious person, you can feel good about purchasing the ReNew Transit since it’s made from 100% recycled polyester that’s been treated with a water-resistant finish. Our tester even poured a glass of water onto this pack and it beaded right off. Furthermore, this backpack was manufactured with Bluesign-approved dyes, which are better for workers and the environment.

Our tester was impressed by how travel-friendly this pack is. The back panel laptop compartment keeps the user’s computer safe from any potential pickpockets, and the luggage strap makes it easy to attach to the handle of a roller suitcase to save your back any unnecessary aches. With a higher storage capacity like the Osprey Ozone , at 32 L, you can store enough clothes and supplies needed for a weekend trip away while also being able to fit your computer easily.

While the Everlane ReNew Transit is superb for travel, keep in mind that the padding for the laptop compartment is minimal so you’ll want to be careful maneuvering this pack around. When dropping this pack off a table with an old computer inside of it, we found that the padding just was only slightly sufficient enough to protect it. We would opt for pairing this backpack with a laptop sleeve or case when in use.

Overall, if you seek a minimalist design that does not sacrifice inner pockets and compartments, be sure to take a look at the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack . Its ergonomic design performed well on most fronts and the sleek design is truly timeless.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

Dimensions 17.7 x 10.6 x 6.7 in.
Weight 1 lb., 8 oz.
Capacity 13L
Laptop compartment size 14 in.
Best use Short commutes, crowded bus rides

Compact silhouette is barely noticeable on your back
Impressive organization in a 13L bag
Available in both Cordura nylon or X-Pac
Stealth pocket behind the back panel
Light interior color aids in finding small goods
Laptop sleeve only fits computers up to 14"
Bit pricey for such a small bag

Small but mighty, the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag ($149) is true to its name and offers up a compact 13 liters of space for those who are on the minimalism kick, or just simply don’t need to tote around a lot of remote worker kit.

In practice, we found this pack well suited to bumping around in crowded cities where a large laptop backpack would otherwise be a nuisance. If you’re just jetting out to the local coffee shop with your laptop and charger in tow, the Thirteen Daybag is primed for it.

To be sure, there’s a broad schism between the Thirteen and our best budget and similarly compact pick, the Lenovo B210 (a $127 gap, to be exact) — but those extra bills are all tucked into the fit and finish on the Able Carry pack. Available in both a rugged Cordura nylon or even more rugged X-Pac (for an extra $30), the Thirteen makes use of materials on par with brands like Evergoods and is sewn with an attention to detail that’s obvious even from across the room.

At 13 L, there’s not much space to work with, but the pack breaks it up smartly. A 14″ laptop sleeve is flanked by an additional sleeve to stash your tablet or journal, as well as two internal stretch pockets for caching bottles or a compact umbrella. A final zippered accessory pocket has all your small items under control, and the rest of the space is yours to pack as you please. We found we could make a full day on the go working out of the Thirteen, with nothing left on the sidelines.

The exterior of the pack has some smart features built into it. A hidden pocket behind the back panel is perfect for quickly stashing your phone and going hands-free, while the card slots in the shoulder straps keep your plastic close at hand. At such a small capacity, we didn’t expect much padding, but Able Carry again over-performs and uses a high-quality closed cell foam in the straps and back panel that meant even to-the-brim carries went easy.

At $150, the weight-to-capacity ratio on the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag might seem upside down at first, but that’s before you realize what a nice laptop pack this is. For those who simply don’t need a 30L pack for their 15-minute commute, the Thirteen is a style-forward and tough pack that will get the job done, and look good doing it.

Laptop Backpacks Comparison Chart

How we tested the best laptop backpacks.

The most important aspect of these laptop backpacks we tested was their protection factor and durability. When carefully examining each pack, our lead tester noted how thick the padding was where a computer was meant to be stored. Was it less than an inch, thicker than an inch, or somewhere in between?

She also examined the materials in which the padding was made — typically foam, plastic, or a combination of the two. After noting the quality of the padding, Meghan literally threw the backpacks. Yep, you read that right.

To trigger what would be an “oopsy” moment like accidentally nudging the backpack off a desk or an unideal strap failure, she placed an old, non-functioning laptop in each backpack before tossing it across her apartment. (She would like to sincerely apologize to her downstairs neighbors for this stage in the testing process).

Since the laptop was completely dead, she based the protection factor on each sound the packs made when they hit the ground. For example, if the backpack made a dull thud rather than a sharp thunk , this meant that the backpack was doing a superb job at protecting the computer since the sound was absorbed.

For water resistance, Meghan tested this by placing each backpack that was advertised as waterproof or coated with a DWR (durable water-resistant finish) under a running sink. She noted if the water beaded off, was absorbed, or stained. This is an important attribute to consider especially if you live in a moisture-prone climate like a coastal city or snowy ski town. Since Meghan lives just outside of Aspen, Colo., she was able to wear these backpacks in both snow and shine.

The next factor she felt significantly mattered in testing was comfort. If you’re going to be commuting via bike or foot, you’re going to want a backpack that is comfortable and supportive. Whereas, if you’re traveling frequently for work or have heavier gear, you’ll want a laptop backpack with streamlined, adjustable straps and a back panel made to conform to your torso.

The testing process for scoring the comfortability of these laptop backpacks was pretty simple. Meghan loaded up each backpack with a significant amount of gear and then walked at least a consecutive 2 miles with one on. During this, she carefully noted any pressure points she felt, the usefulness of supporting straps at the chest or waist, and generally how her back and shoulders felt throughout the trek.

The fourth and final factor Meghan heavily tested was the internal organization and pocket systems for each laptop backpack. When you’re using a laptop backpack in the office, travel, or educational environments, it is important to consider how well you can store your equipment, accessories, bottles, and other supplies.

To assess this, Meghan counted each pocket and how well it fit glasses, hard drives, wires, or pencils. Another aspect she considered was pocket placement and direction. Were the pockets in easy-to-reach areas? Were they lined with a certain material? This internal organization varied heavily between each pack, but certainly affected how they performed in her multifaceted testing process.

Why You Should Trust Us

Stock full of writers who frequent local coffee shops, office spaces, and outdoor vistas, GearJunkie understands the importance of finding that ideal laptop backpack that can provide space, back support, and technology protection. We’ve rounded up what we think are the leading EDC, or “everyday carry,” backpacks of the industry. As new products hit the market or catch our eye, we will continue to test and update this guide.

As a full-time graphic designer, freelance photographer, and writer, lead tester Meghan LaHatte is no stranger to the world of laptop backpacks. Due to her work at a local newspaper and for GearJunkie, she is constantly on the move between her home desk, office in Aspen, and local coffee shops. Meghan certainly did not take the genesis of this buyer’s guide lightly as she put each of these backpacks through the wringer for testing.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Laptop Backpack

In today’s modern world where most professional workers operate from a computer, it can be overwhelming to swim through the massive ocean that is the laptop backpack market. Now that most employees are returning to the office, there’s certainly a push to find a laptop backpack conducive to commuting, travel, and most workplace environments.

Be sure to read through our buyer’s guide to discern what makes a laptop backpack a laptop backpack and all the bells and whistles that typically come with one. Some of these factors can be protection ability, internal organization, purpose of use, price, and more. Hopefully, by the time you’ve reached the end of the road on this guide, you’ve found that laptop backpack that is your own pièce de résistance .

What Is a Laptop Backpack?

An EDC, or “everyday carry,” laptop backpack is an investment one makes for the health of not only their computer, but also their back and shoulders. A laptop backpack will always have a padded sleeve or compartment where you can safely stow a computer or tablet, a thick back panel that increases that protection, and a supportive harness system so you can comfortably wear it on commutes and travel days.

When shopping for a laptop backpack, be sure to understand how it differs from, let’s say, an ultralight hiking backpack or a backpacking backpack . Outdoor-oriented backpacks tend to have higher-liter carrying capacities and accessories meant for attaching gear like sleeping pads, ropes, tents, etc.

While there can sometimes be an overlap of the two, a laptop backpack will always have a compartment meant for protecting a computer. Laptop backpacks will also typically be smaller than backpacking packs as they are more conducive to fitting smaller gear like office supplies, notebooks, and other technology.

When it comes to commuting between the home and office, or flying across the country, laptop backpacks are our favorite way to carry our mobile workspaces. Sure, you can use a tote bag or briefcase, but a backpack will leave your hands empty and give you the peace of mind that your stuff is super safe.

Laptop Backpack User Profiles

The Daily Commuter: If you’re someone who opts for biking, walking, or bussing to work, you’ll want a laptop backpack that is comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. The last thing anyone wants on that long trek to work are any aches or pains from an ill-fitting backpack or lack of breathability.

Backpacks made with supportive harnesses that include a chest or hip strap to help shift weight forward are best for folks who are walking, running, or biking to the office. Also: laptop backpacks with reflective materials certainly excel for these people, especially if you’re heading home after the sun has gone down.

For commuters and hikers alike, we recommend the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L for its lightweight and breathable design and the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for its city-like aesthetic with reflective tape for increased visibility. Both of these laptop backpacks excelled during our long walking tests and stayed supportive without compromising comfort or style.

The Frequent Flier: Whether you’re flying internationally or traveling across the states, finding a laptop backpack that is advantageous to travel environments is key. When you’re on and off airplanes, there can be a lot of transferring your backpack from the overhead bin, under a seat, to TSA shifting it around during their screening processes.

For these reasons and more, it is important to get a laptop backpack with a higher protection factor and easy access panels. These can include thicker back padding, front-loading panels, and secure pockets for important documents like passports and tickets.

You’ll also want a backpack with a higher storage capacity should you need to throw some clothes or toiletries in there. Our choices for the best travel-friendly laptop packs are the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L for its front panel loading system with additional side padding and the Tortuga Travel Daypack Pro for more minimal trips when you need a personal item. Both of these laptop backpacks, however, perform well as a personal item on a longer journey or as an overnight bag for a weekend trip.

The Minimalist: We get it — sometimes you just don’t need all the bells and whistles these laptop backpacks come with. Extra buckles, straps, and pockets can oftentimes make a computer bag too cumbersome and add to its overall weight. Having these extra accessories can cost you as well since typically more materials = an increased retail price.

For those wanting a simple aesthetic without much of a cost at all, we recommend the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 for its super simple style and minimal design. Since it does not have any extra straps or many pockets, this backpack remains lightweight but is best suited for folks who don’t have much of a commute to work.

Another minimal design we appreciate is the Topo Designs Daypack Tech which has a large exterior pocket and bright interior that makes it easy to find and organize items within. The monochrome exterior looks slick and isn’t as flashy as some of the other options listed.

The Student: Whether you’re just getting a start on your college career or navigating through those formative high school years, you’ll want a supportive laptop backpack that can provide enough space for books, binders, and other school supplies.

Because you’re in school, you are probably ballin’ on a budget, so we understand how important it is to find a pack that won’t empty your wallet without sacrificing precious packing space. Be sure to consider backpacks with extra supportive harness systems since you’ll be carrying more weight thanks to those textbooks.

Our picks for all sorts of students — high school, college, medical, you name it — are the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase and Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack . We love the 3 Way Briefcase for its versatility and organization system that can fit all sorts of school supplies like pencils, erasers, flash drives, and notebooks.

It is easily carried from class to class thanks to its multiple handles. The thick adjustable straps are super supportive as well. The Kånken got more style points from us than anything, but still can fit so much stuff. This vintage-style bag is great for younger folks who want a little more swagger in a laptop backpack.

Laptop Protection

Perhaps the most important attribute of a laptop backpack is its protection factor. Simply put, a laptop backpack’s protection factor relates to its ability to protect the given technology inside, whether that is a computer, tablet, keyboard, or a combination of the three. This is executed through the materials, padding, and anatomy of the laptop backpack itself.

Much like knee pads when you’re skateboarding, the protective padding of a laptop is designed to absorb shock and thus protect what’s inside from damage due to impact. This padding can take many different shapes and placements throughout your backpack. It also can contribute to the pack’s supportive position on your back.

As we mentioned earlier, we heavily tested these packs’ abilities to protect a computer by throwing them against the ground of our lead tester’s apartment. Depending on how loud each thud of the backpack hitting the ground was, we were able to discern how well it protected what was inside. We also periodically examined the inside computer for any cosmetic damages after each test.

Access Points

Typically, the laptop compartment of a backpack is located in the panel closest to the wearer’s back, where it will have the most support and remain secure. This location prevents it from jostling around too much and increases back stability.

Now where laptop backpacks differ on this element are the actual access points. Some unzip from the top where you can slide in your computer vertically, while others slide in horizontally on the left or right side of the pack. This is totally up to personal preference, but we found that the side panel loading is more conducive to folks wanting a more secure spot for their computer, away from the rest of the items they may have packed in their bag already.

Side panel loading systems, like in the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L and Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack , will always be zippered, whereas some top-loading systems may have an internal sleeve that is not zippered for your laptop. This is evident in packs like the Topo Designs Daypack Tech and The North Face Router Backpack .

In terms of design, some laptop backpacks are made with padding throughout, on the main sleeve compartment, the sides, or all three. A well-made laptop backpack will accommodate your computer’s size and protect it from those inevitable drops and spills. This padding is generally made from thick foam and plastic elements that provide structure and shielding.

Sometimes these protective elements are stiff enough that the backpack can stand on its own, thus preventing your computer from toppling over within. This was evident when the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase was in its briefcase form.

Anatomically, the padding of a laptop backpack should be located throughout the bag, but it is usually thickest on the back panel and inside the actual sleeve. We were impressed by the laptop backpacks that had thicker padding on the harness straps.

Not only do these thicker straps make the pack more comfortable when on, but they also soften any blows to your computer should the backpack tip over onto the ground. Furthermore, backpacks with extra padding on their sides help protect them when you’re swinging them on and off throughout the day.

Winning our overall award for this buyer’s guide, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L simply took the cake for its protection factor thanks to its 360-degree stiff padding and durable materials. It truly did pass our drop test with flying colors. Even with its minimal but thick padding, the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 did well during this testing portion, despite its uber-low price.

If we didn’t think any of these backpacks were incapable of protecting your precious tech, they simply wouldn’t be on the list. However, we felt that the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack could benefit from some better laptop protection through increased foam thickness.

If you find yourself traveling a lot or commuting daily to work via foot or bus, you’ll want a laptop backpack with security attributes like hidden pockets, zipper locks, an ID tag, or highly durable materials. A secure laptop backpack will typically be inconspicuous, without having easy-to-access compartments or flashy elements.

In terms of laptop and gear security, we were highly impressed with the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack for its hidden passport pocket located on the unexposed back panel, digital ID tag, and overall incognito design.

The zippers themselves blend well into the bag, making it harder for someone to suddenly open them while you aren’t looking. If you find yourself in high-traffic environments like trains, airports, or busy streets, definitely try out this backpack for its overall security factor.

The capacity of a laptop backpack refers to the amount of space available inside the pack for accommodating items like computers, books, layers, tablets, and more. These measurements encompass the storage space of all the compartments and pockets within the backpack.

By now, you’ve probably noticed that each laptop backpack has a storage capacity attached to it in the form of liters. This measurement can also be calculated in cubic inches, but for all intents and purposes, we will be discussing volume in the form of liters.

To test out the capacity of each backpack, our lead tester gathered all of her work necessities that she typically packs when she heads to the office, library, or coffee shop on any given day. This took the form of a 15-inch laptop, bulky headphones, a notebook, a novel, pens, chargers, and a keyboard.

She also traveled with some of the backpacks for both week-long and weekend excursions via car and plane. This loadout usually included two luggage cubes, a toiletry bag, a camera cube, her laptop, a book, and other small necessities.

Overall, almost every backpack suited her needs during this testing iteration, but some certainly stuck out more than others. As a personal item during a flight, the 20L Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack fit Meghan’s full remote working setup which included her computer, a camera, hard drives, a 400-page novel, over-the-ear headphones, and her keyboard. Its cubic shape was perfect for modularly stowing her stuff and it had zero issues sliding under the seat in front of her on the plane.

For a longer trip away for a wedding, Meghan used the 28L Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack in which she packed two clothing cubes , a makeup bag, a toiletry bag, her work-from-home setup, and some other small necessities like a wallet, wires, and a curling iron. The larger size of this pack was perfect for accommodating enough of her clothes and supplies without needing to bring a second bag.

It can be confusing discerning between liter counts on laptop backpacks so here is a helpful guide to assist you in crunching the numbers:

Small Capacity (Below 20L)

On average, most of the laptop backpacks in this guide are around 20 liters. And while there are backpacks listed below 20L, it is still important to consider how this size differs from larger sizes.

Smaller capacity backpacks like the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag are ideal for shorter trips and commutes since they do not boast as much space.
Backpacks with this capacity will typically only hold a small computer or tablet, maybe a book or two, and some other small layers and supplies.
Small-capacity backpacks are more lightweight and easy to carry.

Medium Capacity (20L to 30L)

This is the threshold where most of these laptop backpacks fall since this storage capacity is a great sweet spot for working professionals who need just enough space for their office needs, without being too cumbersome or bulky.

Packs like the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L , Lenovo B210, TimBuk2 Authority, Fjällräven Kånken 17″, Everlane ReNew Transit, Mystery Ranch 3 Way Briefcase, Topo Designs Daypack Tech, and Osprey Ozone fall into this storage capacity.

Sufficient for everyday use or short weekend trips out of town.
Offers a superb balance between compactness and being able to carry all the necessities.
Typically can fit a computer, tablet, multiple books, clothes, and other small supplies like chargers, SD cards, sunglasses, and more.

Large Capacity (30L and Above)

At the more robust end of the storage capacity spectrum are laptop backpacks made with over 30 liters of storage space. Because laptop backpacks are designed for more temporary environments like offices, libraries, and coffee shops, you won’t typically see them in higher capacity options since bigger packs are overall heavier and bulkier.

However, packs like the North Face Router , which measures in at a whopping 40 liters, are an exception to this rule. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider a large-capacity laptop backpack:

You’re a seasoned traveler who craves versatility in a laptop backpack that will afford you a week’s worth of clothing and supplies.
A large-capacity laptop backpack will fit not only a computer and other gadgets, but also luggage cubes, a toiletry bag, a jacket, a water bottle, and other luxuries.
If you’re someone with a larger frame, you can rock a higher capacity bag since it will be more conducive to your own proportions and thus give you ample back support.

In conclusion, capacity is totally up to your own personal preference and needs. Typically, a higher capacity will contribute to the overall size and weight of the backpack, so if you are a commuter by foot, you may want something with a smaller capacity. On the other hand, if you’re a photographer or student needing to max out storage space for gear and books, you can probably go with something at or above average on the liter count.

Laptop Compartment Size

When considering the capacity of your ideal laptop backpack, be sure to consider the size of its given laptop compartment. Most of the laptop backpacks we listed fall at the 17-inch laptop mark, but some can only accommodate a 15-inch model or less.

Small Compartments (15 in. or Less):

Typically, these laptop backpacks have a smaller liter count.
Best for small computers or tablets like the MacBook Air, iPad, HP Chromebook, or Kindle.
Usually have less robust padding.

Medium Compartments (15 in. to 17 in.):

The most common laptop compartment size.
Can accommodate computers like the MacBook Pro, HP ProBook, multimedia PC laptops, and large tablets.
Best for protecting laptops at this size as anything significantly smaller will jostle around in the compartment.

Large Compartments (17 in. and Above):

Usually included in larger-liter capacity backpacks meant for travel.
Best for large modular setups that include gaming laptops, small monitors, and more portable workstations.
Padding should be generous to accommodate the large-sized tech.

You should base your laptop compartment size on the size of your given computer. You’ll want your laptop to fit in the sleeve snugly. If your computer is too big for the compartment size, its protection will be compromised, especially if the backpack can’t be zipped up all the way.

On the other hand, if your laptop is too small, it may shift around too much inside the backpack and thus damage itself or other tech you may have stored adjacent to it.

In terms of laptop compartment size and padding, we loved the TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for its optional padded compartment and inner sleeve. It can accommodate a 17-inch computer and a tablet quite securely with plenty of room to spare.

Organization

Whether you’re headed to class, the office, or on a work trip, organization is key to optimizing the space of your backpack and keeping your valuables in easy-to-find places. Within laptop backpacks, organization can take the form of pockets, sleeves, removable cases, and exterior bungees.

The most common form of organization with laptop backpacks is through compartments. Most backpacks have a laptop compartment, a main compartment, and a smaller exterior compartment. For example, The North Face Router has this exact setup with a fleece-lined computer compartment, a middle open space, and a smaller exterior area.

We think that when it comes to compartment amount, three is the magic number. This gives you enough customization with your packing methods, without being too overwhelming or complex. Too few compartments and you can’t separate your valuables, but too many compartments will lead to the overall space in which the bag takes up and it requires more work to dig around items.

When it comes to organization, especially for smaller items like SD cards, batteries, chargers, and more, pockets will be your best friend. The best laptop backpacks will have a balance of interior and exterior pockets.

We appreciate backpacks that have mesh interior pockets, so you can easily see what you have stowed. Exterior pockets that are lined with fleece or microfiber are a great spot to store your glasses or phone, thanks to their anti-scratch properties.

We certainly prefer zippered pockets to not, but interior pockets don’t absolutely require zipper access and can be useful when you need to grab something in a pinch. The pocket system of the Mystery Ranch 3 Way Briefcase definitely impressed us with its multi-purpose use and varying material application.

Some organizational elements take the form of removable accessories, like in the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L . This backpack stands out from the rest as it includes a removable desk caddy that also functions as a padded laptop sleeve. This is great for mobile workers who need to take their desk space with them everywhere.

This customization is also great for switching the backpack from its professional mode to its outdoor iteration. For example, the desk caddy can easily be swapped for a water bladder thanks to the hydration hanger and pass-through access. There’s even an exterior bungee cord for attaching items you may want to grab more quickly or frequently.

When considering which laptop backpack might be right for you, don’t hesitate to splurge a little more on a pack that has the organization system you require. It will help make your workday much more productive and much less stressful.

Materials and Durability

Up there with laptop protection, the materials and durability are both highly important to the overall functionality of your backpack. From the exterior, back panel, zippers, and interiors, materials can make or break what is a good and reliable laptop backpack. Sometimes these textiles are manufactured with recycled materials, waterproof/resistant finishes, reflective elements, and more.

Exterior backpack materials are typically made with nylon, polyester, canvas, vinyl, and or a combination of textiles. These fabrics have the important job of protecting your computer and other things from wear and tear, water, spilled coffee, and other unideal accidents. Here is how a few of those materials work to do this and some product examples:

Nylon-constructed laptop backpacks are typically lighter, water-resistant, and durable against daily use. Scientifically speaking, nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic constructed from petroleum, so it can be easily combined with other materials and coating to increase its water-resistant performance and abrasiveness. Nylon can also be easily made into an array of different colors and hues.

The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is constructed with an 840D ballistic nylon that is extremely durable against drops, scrapes, and overall daily use. This nylon is also treated with a water-repellent finish and the micro-woven fabric itself is dust-resistant too.

If you’re seeking a nylon-based backpack that does not have a major environmental impact, be sure to consider a pack like the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase for its 500D recycled CORDURA re/cor nylon, another impressive textile made from sustainable materials.

Another highly common textile, polyester is found in several of our listed backpack options. It is a synthetic textile made of plastic polymers made from petroleum. Similar to nylon, polyester is lightweight, typically water-resistant, and easy to clean.

However, its durability is not as impressive as nylon and may wear away just a hair faster. To help increase a polyester’s abrasiveness, companies will often coat them with finishes like a durable water repellent (DWR).

Made with 100% recycled polyester, the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack was one of our favorite constructed backpacks of this material. It has a canvas-like aesthetic and doesn’t seem to attract much dirt or dust. The Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L was another fantastic polyester option, and the DWR finish helped repel any moisture from snow during a long day at the skin track.

Interior Materials

While exterior textiles and design are highly important to a laptop backpack’s overall protection and durability, don’t overlook the interior materials either. Typically, computer pack interiors are constructed with softer fabrics like microfiber or nylon that make for a scratch-free house for your tech to sit in.

These non-abrasive fabrics keep your items away from dust and become damaged if exposed to dirt that could scratch your otherwise pristine screens. The ultrasoft microfiber interior of the laptop compartment and glasses pocket of the The North Face Router was phenomenal at protecting our tester’s sunglasses and iPad from any devastating scratch exposure.

Best Laptop Backpacks — Interior Materials

One other thing to note about interior laptop backpack fabrics is the dye used. We appreciate backpacks that are manufactured with brighter colors like white, gray, and yellow. This makes your stuff so much easier to find, especially in a dimly lit coffee shop or under the seat in front of you on an airplane.

The neon interior found on most Topo Designs backpacks and luggage is one of our favorite examples of this application. This is just color theory plain and simple — brighter colored objects reflect light better than those of darker hues like black or blue.

Overall, if your laptop backpack is constructed with industry-standard materials and coatings, it should be great in keeping your stuff safe from exposure to the elements, expected wear and tear, and unideal tumbles. It should also have interior textiles that are brightly colored, softer than the exterior, and made to withstand a pencil poking through it.

Carry Options and Styles

Laptop backpacks typically take the form of, well, backpacks. However, sometimes laptop backpacks can be a satchel or briefcase. Whether you want a backpack style or messenger bag is completely up to personal preference and what best suits your needs.

We have found that backpacks are the most convenient when it comes to longer commutes, travel days, and trudges across campus. Briefcases and messenger bags are superb for office environments where you need to have documents, devices, or pens quickly at hand. They also tend to be a little more professional looking if your workplace requires more than just business casual.

If you truly can’t decide between a laptop backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase, be sure to consider the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase for its versatility as all three. It is easy to configure this laptop backpack into its three modes and it provides plenty of storage thanks to its cubic design.

Laptop backpacks can also have various carry handles so you don’t only have to transport them on your back. All the laptop backpacks listed have a convenient handle for carrying from the top. This handle makes it easy to maneuver your backpack in smaller spaces like airplanes, trains, and buses.

This is also great for when you want to shift your pack over a few feet or inches, but don’t want to have to grab the larger shoulder strap. The reinforced handle on the Osprey Ozone was one of our favorites right out of the gate for its soft and seemingly inconspicuous design.

Laptop backpacks can also have handles located on their sides as well. Much like the top handle, these carry styles are great for quickly moving your backpack or just taking some of the weight off your shoulders briefly. They also help when sliding your backpack into an airplane’s overhead bin or cubby at the gym.

We thought the side handle on the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L should be applied to most laptop backpack options on the market. It not only looks sleek, but also adds to the overall convenience of the pack itself.

For more travel-savvy folks that have roller suitcases, you may want to opt for backpacks like the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack or TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for their luggage straps located on the back panel. They simply slide over the metal roller handle and securely sit on top of the suitcase itself. These are useful when you’re shuffling through the terminal and want to give your back a breather.

Travel backpacks such as these have a certain minimalistic aesthetic that blends in well with most environments, making them more conducive to high-traffic areas where you don’t want to look too flashy or out of place.

Whether you want a briefcase or a backpack, be sure to try on the harness to make sure it’s a good fit. If you’re commuting by foot to work, you really should opt for a backpack style that will take the weight out of your hands to leave them open for your phone or much-needed coffee. If you have a car and don’t require much walking for work or school, then a messenger bag or briefcase would probably suit you just fine.

Price & Value

A factor that you definitely shouldn’t ignore or take lightly when it comes to laptop backpacks is price. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a few extra bucks to spend, these laptop backpacks will definitely suit your needs for school, the office, or travel.

The price of a laptop backpack is typically based on its overall material makeup, design, brand, and size. We have found that backpacks with inexpensive price tags function well but lack the added organization, protection, and durability that you would find in more pricey options. These pricier options tend to have reinforced zippers, security pockets, modular designs, and heightened longevity, thanks to better craftsmanship and textiles.

On the lowest end of the price spectrum is the Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 , which costs $15. While it has a good computer protection factor, it doesn’t boast much organization or durability. But for less than 20 bucks, we were pretty impressed by it. If you still have a little more to spend, consider the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) for its added organization, sleek design, and durable materials.

Jumping over to more mid-range price options at over $100 are options like the Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack ($125), Refugio Daypack 30L ($129), Topo Designs Daypack Tech ($129), Able Carry Thirteen Daybag ($149), The North Face Router Backpack ($159), TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe ($159), and Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack ($170).

These are all fantastic choices for their reinforced padding, removable accessories, adjustability, and heightened durability. For less than $200, any of these backpacks would most likely last for years (if not decades), making them a fantastic investment.

Lastly, at the higher range in price at over $200, are backpacks like the Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase ($229) and Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279). For the added investment, these laptop backpacks give you superb protection and overall versatility for their multi-functional designs that perform well in office, travel, and educational environments.

Remember that a laptop backpack is not only an investment in your own shoulder health and overall productivity but also in your actual computer itself. A laptop backpack’s ability to protect your computer will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars when utilized properly. You won’t be kicking yourself for spending a little extra on a good backpack when you inevitably drop it and it protects your precious technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

While they can sometimes look highly similar, there is a difference between a laptop backpack and one you would take hiking, backpacking, or just around the city. And really it all boils down to laptop security — a laptop backpack will always have some sort of computer protection factor in the form of a padded, suspended laptop compartment or an inserted sleeve.

Other backpacks are not designed to protect your computer or tablet, but are better suited for just storing gear and clothes. Sure you can throw your laptop in there, but just know that it probably won’t have the proper materials and construction to keep it very safe.

Typically no, your laptop shouldn’t require an additional sleeve or case once it’s in your laptop backpack as long as it has the proper padding to keep it cushioned. However, if you have one on hand already or feel as though your backpack isn’t sufficient enough to keep your laptop safe, it wouldn’t hurt to throw one on. Sometimes these additional cases and sleeves can prohibit your computer from actually fitting in the bag so just keep that in mind.

Depending on your needs as a working professional, student, or traveler, you’ll want a laptop backpack that can best store your necessities without compromising space, bulkiness, or comfort. If you have shorter commutes or only need to fit a small computer with a couple of other things, then you can opt for a pack that is 20 L or less.

If you find yourself wanting to store additional layers, snacks, and gear in your EDC backpack, then consider one in the 20-30L range for its additional space and reinforced support systems. Maybe you’re planning on traveling globally with your computer backpack and need space to fit clothing, toiletries, and souvenirs. If so, then snag one with a liter count that is higher than 30 for the generous amount of space.

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Meghan LaHatte is a contributor for GearJunkie and a graphic designer for the Aspen Daily News. A recent college graduate, she is excited to dive into work with the outdoor industry, journalism, and her role as a gear tester. She’s sharpened her skills as the head marketing photographer for Momentum Ski Camps, as a climbing instructor for Western Colorado University, and as a sales representative for Redline Gallery in Crested Butte, CO. Based in Western Colorado, Meghan is a passionate rock climber, roller skater, skier, artist and coffee connoisseur — all of which she does alongside her rescue dog, Opa.

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Buying Guides

The 15 Best Laptop Bags [Find the Right Bag For You]

For many in the EDC community, laptops are the most important (and most expensive) part of their daily carry, and figuring out how to bring one along safely and conveniently can be a big problem. Good laptop bags tend to be bigger and designed with protection in mind, with dedicated spaces for your tech hardware and enough padding to help make sure your computer survives life’s bumps and scrapes. You’re also likely to carry a lot of other office-, school-, or work-related gear like documents, stationery, and gadgets that help you get work done away from home. Hence, the added capacity and organizational space come in handy. Water resistance is important, too, because electronic tech doesn’t work well if it gets wet, after all. With that in mind, your choice of a bag to hold your laptop is very important, and to help you on your quest to find one that suits your everyday carry, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 of our favorite EDC laptop bags that you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

1 – The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag
2 – The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro
3 – The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck
4 – The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack
5 – The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken
6 – The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag
7 – EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag
8 – Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag
9 – Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag
10 – Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag
11 – Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag
12 – Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag
13 – Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip
14 – Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag
15 – Osprey Arcane Large Day Laptop Bag

The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro

The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck

The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack

The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken

The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag

EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag

Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag

Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag

Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag

Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag

Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag

Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip

Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag

Osprey Arcane Large Day Laptop Bag

Factors to consider when buying a laptop bag.

A good laptop bag isn’t only for commutes to the office or to campus. You should be able to seamlessly transition into weekend mode without needing to change out your bag entirely. Whether you’re a student who likes hiking on the weekends or you commute to an office during the week but like to do photography after work, the bag you choose should be able to handle both. Laptop bags are typically more of an investment than a daypack with all the sensitive electronics onboard, so it’s worth knowing your use case to pick a bag that checks all the boxes.

The type of laptop bag you go with will depend on your daily commute and how much you tend to carry. If you take the bus to work, then a bag then maybe you prefer a bag that can have a few different ways to carry it depending on if you can get a seat or not. For those that commute on a bike, it’s a better idea to prioritize weatherproof materials that protect your gear if you ever get caught in the rain. Others might require bags that don’t look out of place in a more corporate setting.

Once you’ve figured out what you’re prioritizing, the next thing you should remember is how big of a bag you are comfortable carrying every day. This will depend entirely on what you carry in addition to your laptop. If you typically only carry your computer and maybe a pen or two, a smaller capacity bag won’t be an issue for you. If you pack lunch daily and then head to the gym after work a few times a week, then a bag with a larger capacity might be better.

It’s also worth noting how big your laptop is and whether you will be replacing it soon. A smaller 13” laptop will fit in most bags fairly easily, but if you currently have or are planning to get a 15” or 17” laptop, then make sure the bag you like can handle it. Some options on this list come in multiple capacities, so in this case, it might be worth upgrading to the larger capacity so that you have some wiggle room.

A bag you hate will not be a bag you use very often. Regardless of whatever cool features, hidden pockets, or material a bag might have, it’s a good idea to get a bag that you like the look of. As with most EDC items, the gear you use is more than just a tool that gets the job done. A backpack is no exception. Make sure that It’s something you enjoy using, whether because of the aesthetic or the craftsmanship that went into making it.

The material that a bag is made from can have a huge impact on its overall aesthetic. Plus, your laptop is most likely the most expensive piece of gear that you’ll have on you, so making sure the bag you choose adequately protects your investment is a good idea. A material like X-Pac is super water-resistant but has a somewhat tactical aesthetic that might not work for everyone. Similarly, a classic waxed canvas messenger bag might look out of place if you’re rocking GORE-TEX from head to toe. Of course, that’s entirely up to you to decide, but being familiar with what materials look and feel like is a good idea.

Any ballistic nylon, CORDURA, X-Pac, or waxed canvas material will likely be enough to cover your bases. Still, if the bag you like doesn’t have any of those materials, it might be worth getting a rain cover to protect your gear. Then there are also the zippers and shoulder straps to look into. If you carry a heavy 17” laptop plus accessories daily, it’s worth getting a backpack with a comfortable harness, contoured shoulder straps, or sternum straps that will help distribute the weight evenly to take the pressure off your lower back. For anyone looking into messenger bags, a cycling strap might be a good idea, even if you’re not a cyclist, just to ease the weight distribution.

As is the case with all EDC gear, laptop backpacks can range wildly in price. If you want more premium features or materials, be prepared to splurge. While there are plenty of affordable options, there are also plenty of not-so-affordable ones. It’s probably better to check with your budget first and then find the best bag that fits within it, versus picking the bag first and then scrambling to find the budget.

Which Bag is Best For Laptops?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but depending on your use case, there are some features that make a bag more likely to protect your expensive laptop.

A bag that has good padding is key. Not only in the laptop compartment but also on the shoulder straps and back padding. You want to protect your laptop from any bumps, but you also want to protect your back from the pressures of carrying a heavy bag daily.

False Bottom

If you tend to place your bag down on the floor often, whether riding on the subway or just in between classes, a false bottom is important. This bag suspends your laptop off the ground so that it never actually hits the ground when you put the bag down. This can save you from those heart-stopping moments when you put your bag down a little harder than intended and hear an expensive thump.

Weather Protection

Unless you live in a desert, getting a bag that will protect your gear from rain is essential. It doesn’t matter how nice your bag is if it isn’t at least a little water-resistant because one downpour can destroy everything inside. Bags that are made with weatherproof materials tend to be a little on the pricier side, but this is one aspect of the bag that’s worth splurging for unless you want to also add a rain cover to your EDC.

Soft Lining

It’s safe to assume that the laptop you carry every day is not something you’d be okay with constantly replacing. Laptops are expensive, so a bag that has a soft interior or added padding for a little extra protection is always nice. You can always throw your laptop in a dedicated sleeve first for even more protection, but a little soft lining in the laptop compartment never hurt anyone.

Laptop Bag FAQ

Are laptop bags worth it.

A good laptop bag is, without a doubt a worthy investment. Not only will it protect your laptop from accidents but a great laptop bag can double as an excellent weekender or hiking backpack as well.

What is the best way to carry your laptop?

The best way to carry your laptop is in a bag with a dedicated padded laptop compartment. Most people don’t walk around with their cash and credit cards loose in their pockets, and most people shouldn’t walk around without some kind of bag for their laptop.

What are some tips for buying a laptop bag?

When buying a laptop bag, first make sure that it’s big enough to carry your particular model. Then you want to see if the materials that the bag is made from is weatherproof. If it is, great! If not, then you should either keep looking or also look into picking up a rain cover just in case. Lastly, make sure you’re sticking to your budget. There are a lot of great, expensive bags, but there are also plenty of great inexpensive ones as well. Find one that checks all your boxes before making a final decision because your perfect bag is out there somewhere.

What are the benefits of laptop bags?

A good laptop bag can protect your most expensive gear and give you peace of mind. Plus, laptop bags are typically big enough and tough enough to withstand a weekend adventure or some heavy travel. A good laptop bag will also distribute the weight of your load evenly to minimize negative effects on your lower back as well.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

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The Best Laptop Bags in 2023, According to Style and Gear Experts

Keep your tech safe and sound.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

NO MATTER if you're using your laptop for work or for leisure, a proper laptop bag is a worthy investment to help protect your tech. These days most bags are suitable for carrying your laptop, however you should proceed with caution if you're looking for a laptop bag that's going to actually give you true protection. After all, a brand can simply sew in an internal pocket and say the bag features a "laptop sleeve".

We're from the camp of thought that a laptop bag needs careful vetting, which is why we tested all the different ones out there to find the best of the best. Below, you'll find the top backpacks , messenger bags , and sling bags for carrying your precious tech. Each pick was curated with a wide arrange of tastes and styles in mind, so there's something in here for every individual.

All you have to now is spot the laptop bag that appeals to your needs and budget. You might even find some of these bags on sale.

Best Backpack

Incase a.r.c. commuter pack.

Amazon's Choice

Lenovo laptop carrying case t210.

Best Messenger Bag

Filson rugged twill original briefcase, what is the best way to carry a laptop.

The best way to carry your laptop is the way that keeps your laptop the safest from both getting damaged and getting stolen. Secure closures and ample padding are paramount. Having said that, you also want a bag that will look cool getting the job done. You really have two decisions to make: Do you want leather or modern fabrics? and Do you want a backpack or should bag?

Leather bags are more stylish and provide that classic look but you sacrifice a level of protection for your gear. Modern fabrics are more secure, weather resistant and allow for more padding. As for a backpack or shoulder bag, that is a matter of how your travel or commute looks. If you need to carry your bag for long periods of time, then a backpack is better. If you need to pick it up and put it down frequently, say getting in and out of your car, then a shoulder bag is better.

Which Brands Make the Best Laptop Bags?

We found that InCase is making the best bags with modern innovations right now. Topo Design and Alpaka are right behind them as well. If you want a rugged and stylish look, then Filson's waxed canvas bags are the best on the market. For an old-fashioned leather messenger bag that will always be in style, Tecovas and Shinola make great options.

What Is the Best Laptop Messenger Bag?

Filson makes some of the best overall messenger bags in the world. They've established themselves as the industry standard not just for waxed cotton bags but for rugged, vintage style bags in general. Filson bags are incredibly durable, so they protect your stuff and last a lifetime if you take care of them. They have a timeless aesthetic that will always look cool. Plus, even though they look old fashioned, they have as much cargo space as modern fabric messenger bags.

Sleek and wonderfully accessible, the Commuter Pack is a tried-and-true water resistant backpack that caters to (you guess it) daily work commuters. Padded shoulder straps and a soft, protective laptop sleeve are just a few of the many subtle design notes we love.

Incase Transfer Two-Way Tote

Designed to work as a tote and a backpack, the Transfer Two-Way is best suited for who enjoy versatility. Woven from recycled 300D ripstop nylon, and designed with a zippered top and a plush lined laptop compartment, this convertible tote will prove to protect your precious tech no matter where your day takes you.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

It's true this backpack gets high praise for it's travel abilities, but the design of the bag makes it efficient for storing your laptop while also having easy access for when you need to take it out. We see this as a solid weekend getaway bag for those who like to travel light.

Topo Designs Global Briefcase 14L

The Global Briefcase packs everything you need for your work desk into one smooth looking bag. A mind boggling amount of compartments are packed away in this carry on size bag. Plus, it works as a backpack or shoulder bag.

Tecovas The Briefcase

Tecovas became one of the top boot brands in the business practically overnight. So when they applied their leather working expertise to a briefcase it turned out pretty darn good. They used solid brass hardware that wont tarnish with age and included a 15" padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet.

Bellroy Tech Briefcase New

Minimal and functional, this airport-friendly briefcase features multiple pockets for your laptop and files and a pass-through strap that lets it attach to rolling luggage.

Shinola Post Bag

If you want a classic look, then look no further than this brown leather number from Shinola. Made from fine American leather and featuring an adjustable strap, this laptop bag will continue to get more and more comfortable over time.

Alpaka Gear Elements Tech Brief

This is the bag for anyone who needs an extra level of protection for their commute or travel. The Elements Tech Brief is made from a rip-stop fabric that is water resistant and ultra durable. All your stuff gets tucked away into several padded envelopes.

F.A.R. Messenger 16L

This minimalist nylon sling is made with 100% recycled materials and is weather resistant, making it the perfect bag to take with on those weekend coffee shop runs.

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

Designed with an active lifestyle in mind, this water-resistant bag is loaded with extra pockets to carry everything from your portable electronics to protein bars and a water bottle.

AWAY The Large Everywhere Bag

For a quick trip, this nylon bag is a carry-all option for your laptop, as well as your personal goods. Fully-lined with multiple pockets, this piece is a perfect option for a weekend getaway.

How We Selected

For the past 18 months, we consulted with Men's Health 's editors and writers on the top laptop bags for men. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, tested several laptop bags and evaluated their durability, ease-of-use, and price point.

We also considered top-reviewed laptop bags with high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

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Best laptop backpacks in 2024

The best laptop backpacks for every budget

Best backpack overall

Best travel backpack

Best rugged backpack

Best hybrid laptop backpack

Best fashion-forward backpack.

How to choose
How we test

Why trust Laptop Mag

1. The list in brief 2. Best backpack overall 3. Best travel backpack 4. Best rugged backpack 5. Best hybrid backpack 6. Best fashion-forward backpack 7. How to choose 8. How we test 9. Why trust Laptop Mag

Packing for adventure demands the best laptop backpacks – the kind that conquers chaos and keeps your tech safe alongside your intrepid spirit. Whether you're looking to bring along the best laptops for college , business laptops , 2-in-1 laptops , Ultrabooks , or Chromebooks , you need an excellent backpack to accompany you.

My number one pick is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L, which is built with a 400D nylon shell to protect your belongings, and is an excellent choice for heavy duty packers who use important equipment like cameras or drones. If you prefer a more traditional backpack for cheaper budgets that still has more than enough room to fit your laptop, the Volher Laptop Backpack is an excellent choice and is available in plenty of colors.

There are plenty more great laptop backpacks to buy, so here are my best picks!

The Quick List

Best laptop backpacks 2023: Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L

Best overall

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L is loaded to the gills with useful features and protected by a 400D nylon shell that’ll guard all your gear when you’re on the go. It's pretty perfect for on-the-go photographers or drone operators.

Best laptop backpack Overall

1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L leads the *ahem* pack in terms of overall ergonomics, rugged weatherproofing, and clever compartments galore. The adjustable laptop sleeve can fit laptops ranging from 13 to 16 inches. The main compartment also has three removable origami-style dividers to help with organization. There are loads of pockets inside and out for all of your peripherals, chargers and smaller electronics.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is also waterproof on the outside, which makes this a great choice for traveling, whether around the world or just on your commute. The 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas exterior is super durable, too, so you won't have to worry about this bag ripping on you.

The design of this bag is slightly futuristic, but still low-key enough you can take it to the office. It's tough enough to take on weekend adventures to the outdoors, too. If you want a laptop backpack that can double as a camera bag, you'll love all of the organization features. Despite it's high price, this is the laptop bag to beat.

See our full Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L review .

Best travel laptop backpack

Best laptop backpacks for travel 2024 - Volher Laptop Backpack

2. Volher Laptop Backpack

If you frequently travel with your laptop, you need a durable, spacious, feature-rich backpack to protect it. The Volher laptop backpack is a top choice, boasting plenty of space in the main compartment, a cushy sleeve for a 15.6-inch laptop, an anti-theft pocket and even a USB port for portable power banks.

The exterior fabric is water-resistant polyester, so you don't need to worry about your laptop if you get caught in the rain. Our review unit was a vibrant pink, but the Volher laptop backpack is available in 8 colors so you can pick a different one if pink's not your thing. Outside, there are a few smaller zipper pockets and mesh side pockets for storing drinks or umbrellas. The straps and padding are comfortable enough for long hours of use when you're on the road or navigating airports.

One of the best features of this laptop backpack is the integrated USB port. You can plug in a portable power bank so you're able to charge your gear directly from the backpack. It's super convenient for those times when you're away from a charging station on a trip, like wandering airports or theme parks.

See our full Volher Laptop Backpack review .

Best rugged laptop backpack

3. Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0

Timbuk2 is known for making tough yet stylish backpacks, including the Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0. It's a more ergonomic refresh of one of the company's best-selling laptop bags, featuring premium durability and organization. This rugged utility backpack earned an Editor's Choice award from us, so it's definitely worth checking out.

The Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 is top-loading with flap-top closure, which is great for quick access. In back there's also a hidden zipper for the laptop compartment, which can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches. The outside is water-resistant and features daisy-chain tactical webbing for keychains, safety lights, a bike lock or other gear. The front pocket also has several sleeves inside for extra organization.

See our full Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 review .

4. Solo New York Duane Hybrid Briefcase

If you're searching for a laptop bag that can go from work to play with ease, take a look at the Solo New York Duane Hybrid Briefcase. It's convertible from a messenger bag to a backpack with a hidden back compartment for packing away the shoulder straps. This is a pretty budget-friendly option, too, coming in at $64.99 (although you can often find it on sale for half that).

The Solo New York Duane Hybrid Briefcase isn't the most durable bag on this list by any means, but it does have a lot of pockets for organization. For the low price, you get dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, three exterior pockets for stowing smaller gear, and a design that will blend in at the office.

See our full Solo New York Duane Hybrid Briefcase review .

5. Targus 15-inch Newport Backpack

Not all laptop backpacks are plain gray rectangles. The Targus 15-inch Newport Backpack has a sleek, stylish design featuring premium leatherette accents, metallic trim and a minimalistic tan exterior. It balances style with function so you can protect your laptop and look good at the same time.

Inside are two large main compartments included a padded laptop compartment. There's also two smaller zippered pockets in front and a luggage sleeve in the back. The shoulder sleeves are padded without being too bulky, which also makes this a good backpack for people with narrower shoulders. It's not as durable as some of the other laptop backpacks on this list, but it does come with a limited lifetime warranty.

See our full Targus 15-inch Newport Backpack review.

How to choose the best laptop backpack

Choosing the best laptop backpack to suit your lifestyle (and budget) is hardly a one-size-fits-all process, and there are a variety of factors to consider when shopping for tip-top tech totes:

Price — First things first. What's your price range? There are plenty of budget bags to be found around the $50 mark, but the very best laptop backpacks can cost a pretty penny, upward of $150. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. That being said, if you own an expensive gaming laptop or laptop for programming , you'll want to keep those larger displays protected when you travel. After all, a premium bag is worth the extra spend if it can protect your tech from the occasional "Hulk smash."

Size — How big is the laptop that you plan on schlepping around town with? Some laptop backpacks are petitely portioned (ie, 15L capacities or less), and meant to hold smaller notebooks (ie, up to 13-inch screens). Content creators, business professionals, and gamers on the go will likely be interested in bigger bags (ie, around 30L capacities), which are designed to accommodate larger notebooks (ie, up to 17-inch screens) and a lot more stuff inside the main compartments. Long-story-short: make sure the laptop backpack you buy lines up with the laptop going inside, not to mention the extraneous gear you'll be carrying on the regular. You'll thank us later.

Style — As the name suggests, "laptop backpacks" look like regular backpacks from the outside, with a dedicated sleeve to house your notebook on the inside. Hybrid-style laptop backpacks, however, can transform between backpack and messenger bag with a simple rearranging of straps, adding some extra versatility to your commutes. Hybrid bags are great for office workers and students who rely on top-tier organization to get through the day, with less of an emphasis on rugged features.

Construction — Speaking of which. The best laptop backpacks we've tested have extra-durable construction made from water-resistant materials (eg, 400D nylon canvas shells, anodized aluminum hardware) to keep your tech dry when you get caught in the occasional squall. (Or if you accidentally set the bag down in a puddle.) Premium models may feature leather or twill construction, fleece-lined laptop sleeves, and hardcore hardware holding everything together. For anyone who takes their tech into the great outdoors on the regular (eg, photographers, drone operators), the more rugged the build materials, the better.

Extra features — Laptop backpacks are, first and foremost, designed to protect your laptop as you jet from point A to point B. Some models, however, come with internal dividers to keep smaller gadgets in place, which is perfect for mobile mavericks everywhere. Look for hidden compartments, built-in keyrings, side-access zippers, luggage straps, daisy-chain tactical webbing, and stretchable side pockets on the premium backpacks we've tested. If you're waffling between a few different models, comparing special features might help you make a final decision.

Can a laptop backpack fit any laptop?

Why you can trust Laptop Mag Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

No. Laptop backpacks come in different sizes and have limits on what laptops they can fit. It's important to check the largest size laptop compatible when purchasing a backpack. Every laptop on this list has a section detailing the largest laptop dimensions it can store, and if you're unsure, you can check the dimensions of the bag to see if it would fit your exact laptop.

Are all laptop backpacks waterproof?

If you're specifically in need of a waterproof backpack, the only option in this list that is waterproof is our overall winner, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L. Otherwise, some backpacks in this list are water resistant or water repellant, but it's always best to be safe than sorry, so while you can expect they will resist rainy days, there's no guarantee they will be safe when submerged in water.

How we test laptop backpacks

In order to test out the best laptop backpacks, I begin by examining the bag itself, taking note of build materials and overall construction. Does the stitching feel sturdy? Do the zippers open and close in one smooth motion? Are the main compartments intuitively placed? Is there a sternum strap to secure the bag to my chest as I walk? As I examine the backpack inside and out, I ask myself, "Who is this bag for, exactly?"

Once I have a general feel for the bag, it's time to check out the inner laptop sleeve. If possible, I'll test sleeve dimensions with a laptop that has the largest display it's rated to fit. For example, if a given backpack is rated to hold laptops with a 17-inch display, I'll slip a 17-inch system inside; it should be a snug fit. (Extra points for fleece-lined sleeves, which help keep your notebook scratch-free.)

To get a real feel for each laptop backpack, I load them up with roughly 15 pounds of weight, and then go for a casual stroll outside. As I walk around my neighborhood, I first take note of the shoulder straps' padding and overall comfortability; it should be easy to make subtle adjustments to the shoulder straps when I'm on the move, without having to take the bag off.

Some bags might take some time to break in, of course, but the best laptop backpacks are instantly comfortable across my back, with equal weight distribution that doesn't bounce around when I walk. Which is why my favorite backpacks have adjustable sternum straps across the chest to keep everything as snug as a bug in a rug as I'm chugging along.

Last of all, I consider any special features that add extra value to the bag. Is there a water bottle pocket? Extra tablet holders? A luggage strap? Hidden pockets? Budget backpacks won't have much to offer in this regard, but premium backpacks include such goodies as daisy-chain webbing (for exterior carry), stretchable side pockets (for water bottles and/or umbrellas), and hidden pockets to stow your valuables.

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming accessories. (Which includes the best laptop backpacks.)

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades, and we continue to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our editorial trustworthiness is enforced by one of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing . As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

Stay in the know with Laptop Mag

Get our in-depth reviews, helpful tips, great deals, and the biggest news stories delivered to your inbox.

As a freelance journalist, TJ has over a decade of multi-medium storytelling under his belt. Leveraging a quarter century of collective coddiwompling amid the ever-evolving landscape of wireless gadgetry, his unique editorial background allows him to explore a variety of tech-centric subsectors on this fascinating planet. When he's not field testing new gear in the Catskills, Adirondacks, or an actual field, he can be found sipping Negronis in his living room and crafting Dr. Seussian poetry inside a tattered moleskin.

Claire Tabari Contributing Writer

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The Best Laptop Tote Bags

By Kaitlyn Wells

No professional wardrobe is complete without a great-looking bag to carry all of your gear. For people who have to lug around a computer, laptop bags are a more polished, grown-up option than a backpack, and they offer more storage space than a briefcase.

After years of testing, we’ve landed on six favorites: a water-repellant polyester tote with clever pockets ; a well-padded tote that can also be used as a cross-body messenger bag ; a refined leather tote with a zippered laptop compartment ; a splurge-worthy leather bag, with internal organization, that you’ll have forever ; a minimalist vegan tote that’s extra-roomy ; and a budget faux leather bag with a dedicated laptop compartment .

The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition, one of our favorite laptop tote bags, shown in black with a pen, sunglasses, and keys.

The research

For laptops up to 13 inches, for 15-inch laptops (and larger), how we picked and tested, the competition, a durable, water-repellent polyester tote: bellroy tokyo tote second edition.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition

A sturdy and smart commuter.

This tough yet polished laptop tote bag is thoughtfully designed, with features like internal popout bottle pockets and leakproof zippers. But its durable fabric shell is abrasive and may make some sweaters and blouses pill.

Buying Options

Who should get this: Anyone who prefers something more casual than a briefcase but still wants to look pulled together.

Maximum laptop size: 13 inches

Why it’s great: The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition is a good-looking, well-made piece that transitions perfectly from the coffee shop to the conference room. It strikes a happy medium for professionals who appreciate a polished look and want some protection for their devices but don’t want to flout a semi-casual dress code.

The Bellroy tote we tested is made of a fine-weave polyester (created from recycled water bottles) that’s durable and water-resistant. This bag is ideal for people who need something that will survive scuffs, drops, stains, and routine overpacking. Commuters caught in the rain will also be comforted to know that the laptop tote’s shell repelled water well when we held it under a running faucet. And the exterior zip pocket offers an airtight seal to keep water from destroying valuables.

View of the inside of the Bellroy Tokyo Tote, containing a laptop in one of the pockets, a scarf, and several books.

When we tested a previous generation of the Tokyo Tote, our panelists’ favorite features were, of all things, the interior pop-out, magnetic pockets (for holding a water bottle upright inside the bag). The Second Edition has the same pockets they loved. When the pockets aren’t in use, you can just push them inward, and they spring back into the tote’s frame. These internal pockets are located on both sides of the bag, and they’re also big enough to fit a pair of flip-flops or dirty gym clothes you want to keep separate from the rest of your stuff.

The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition also has a large exterior zip pocket, plus two interior pockets (one with a key clip) that are large enough to hold a Field Notes book , a smartphone, sunglasses , or a wrapped USB cord. And the padded laptop section provides ample protection and snugly holds laptops with screens up to 13 inches. The carry handles have a 12-inch drop, so they’re longer and more comfortable to use than the handles on any other bag we recommend. Those handles are padded for added comfort, and they’re coated with no-skid rubber, to prevent the bag from sliding off your shoulder while you’re commuting.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Bellroy Tokyo Tote ’s durable shell is similar to that of the now-discontinued sibling tote we previously tested. This shell can be abrasive against delicate work clothing, and in previous testing, the tote’s exterior pilled knitted sweaters and snagged blouses made of polyester blends. The new handles have softer edges that didn’t snag our shirts as much during testing. The straps also feature no-slip patches, which further reduce pilling at the shoulders (but not near the bust, where most pilling occurs during carry).

This laptop tote’s weave also attracts pet hair like a magnet. If you’ve got a furry friend at home, we don’t recommend the black version, which spotlights pet hair of every shade.

Dimensions: 14 by 18.5 by 5 inches Handle drop: 12 inches Weight: 1.4 pounds Warranty: three-year warranty Colors: Melbourne black, raven black, navy, cream, deep plum, light green

A tote and messenger bag in one: Lo & Sons The O.G. 2

Lo & Sons The O.G. 2, one of our favorite laptop tote bags, shown in black with a pen, sunglasses, a notebook, and keys.

Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 (medium)

Utility player.

This nylon tote doubles as a messenger bag, works well for frequent flyers, and offers lots of organization and padded laptop protection. But its added functionality makes it the heaviest of our picks.

Who should get this: Commuters who like the look of a tote bag but prefer the functionality of a cross-body messenger.

Why it’s great: We love the nylon Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 (medium) for its versatility. It has a conveniently long crossbody strap and a variety of storage compartments, and it offers ample laptop protection. It’s the just-right blend of a tote and a messenger bag.

This bag grabbed our attention with touches like gleamy accent hardware, contrasting interior lining, plentiful pockets, and studded feet. The O.G. 2 features a three-color design consisting of a neutral exterior, which you can spice up with several fun interior colors. It also comes in medium and large sizes.

This laptop tote boasts a ton of organization: four large zip compartments, four slip pockets, two pen pockets, a laptop or document holder, a hidden shoe compartment, and a long key leash. Thanks to the bag’s concealed zipper design, half of its storage features are in an external compartment that’s hidden out of sight. We like to think that means subway thieves will overlook you when they’re hunting for an easy mark.

The O.G. 2 provides more laptop protection than any other tote we recommend. The laptop compartment, the exterior, and even the individual pockets are padded to shield electronics from cracks and dings.

View of the inside of the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, containing headphones, a scarf, a book, and a notebook.

This bag does a good job of keeping liquids at bay. It has tight seams, so spilled drinks won’t penetrate the base, unlike with its sibling, the Lo & Sons Seville Tote, in the Competition section .

The O.G. 2 model is the only laptop tote bag designed for travel that we recommend. Both the medium and large sizes should fit under most airplane seats. And the backside features a zippered trolley sleeve, so travelers can secure the bag over luggage handles.

And this tote is also one of two bags we recommend with a crossbody strap—our EaseGave Laptop Bag pick is the other. Each has a wide, thick strap, like a seatbelt, but we prefer The O.G. 2’s design, which consists of thicker hardware and a longer strap. The thicker slide adjuster ensures that the strap won’t suddenly become slack on your trek to work. Also, the longer strap—up to 7 inches longer than that of the competition—lets you adjust it to accommodate a wider variety of body sizes and heights. And we like that this bag allows you to carry it with the shorter handles, which are easier to grab and go.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The slimish profile of the The O.G. 2 isn’t ideal for commuters who carry a ton of gear. The bag is cushiony, and the sides taper at the top, so the space is narrow. That also makes it harder to rummage in the bag and find what you need while you’re on the move.

At 2.6 pounds, this bag in medium is one of the heaviest we tested. Only the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (Classic), the Lo & Sons Seville Tote, and the Mosiso Laptop Tote Bag (all in the Competition section) were heavier, weighing from 2.7 to 3 pounds each. (Note: The large-size Lo & Sons O.G. 2 bag weighs slightly more, at 3 pounds.)

Some 14- and 15-inch laptops can fit inside the bag’s main compartment but don’t fit inside the padded laptop compartment.

Dimensions: 13.75 by 16.6 by 6.75 inches (medium); 14.25 by 16.5 by 6.75 inches (large) Handle drop: 9.5 inches (medium); 10 inches (large) Weight: 2.6 pounds (medium); 3 pounds (large) Warranty: one-year warranty Colors: black/gold/gray, black/gold/lavender, black/gold/camel, black/silver/lavender, black/silver/gray, black/gunmetal/gray, deep navy/gold/camel, gray/silver/azure

A sophisticated leather tote: Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote

The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote, one of our favorite laptop tote bags, shown in pale leather with an orange tag.

Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag

A refined open-top tote.

If you’re ready to invest in a high-quality bag, this pebbled leather tote offers style and sophistication. Though there is a dedicated laptop compartment that zippers closed, the rest of the bag stays open at the top.

Who should get this: People with a higher budget who want an upscale leather tote with a refined silhouette.

Why it’s great: The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag is spendy, but for the price it delivers sophisticated styling, supple pebbled leather, and structured design. The stitching on ours was perfect and didn’t fray, the leather felt luxuriously smooth, and the upright design never slouched or tipped.

Since we first made the Perry a pick, it has been slightly redesigned; we have not tested the new model, but the minor changes appear to have made the updated bag even more functional than its predecessor. It is now an inch bigger and includes three small internal slip pockets.

The Perry has a dedicated laptop slot in its center, dividing the bag into two parts. We like that the division offers some organizational structure, which is hard to find in a high-end leather tote.

The laptop compartment zips shut and is large enough to hold a 13-inch model and maybe a thin document or two. The Perry’s compartment is also raised off the bottom of the bag, so if you mistakenly plop your bag on the ground, you won’t dent your laptop in the process.

The Perry is a dream to carry. The original version weighed 1.8 pounds, half as much as many other contenders we dismissed ; the new version is nearly the same weight, according to the manufacturer specs. But what really surprised us was that the Perry, despite its somewhat thin straps, was still comfortable enough to carry, packed with gear, for a full day of commuting.

A laptop tucked into the zippered inner pocket of the Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag.

Some of the priciest laptop tote bags we tried—including the over-$500 Lo & Sons Seville Tote , in the Competition section—aren’t leakproof. So we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the Tory Burch Perry tote is. In our tests, the burnished seams were reliably strong, neither buckling under a heavy load nor allowing spilled beverages in.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like most open-top bags we tested, the Perry doesn’t offer much protection from the elements. Only the laptop compartment has a zipper, so the bag doesn’t shield the rest of your stuff very well.

Also, the laptop compartment isn’t padded. But because it’s elevated off the bottom of the bag and isn’t exposed on either side, we’re not overly worried about a computer or tablet getting banged up while inside.

Dimensions: 14 by 5 by 11.6 inches Handle drop: 10 inches Weight: 1.8 pounds (previous version; current version is the same, according to manufacturer’s specs) Warranty: 30-day return policy Colors: black, clam shell, new ivory, light umber, new cream, brick, feather gray, devon sand, natural

A classic leather tote to last a lifetime: Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote

The Carl Friedrik Ashby, one of our favorite laptop tote bags, shown in black with a pen, sunglasses, a notebook, and keys.

Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote

An elegant forever bag.

Handmade in Italy, this leather tote looks and feels extra special, has plenty of room for your belongings, and zips securely across the top. It’s the priciest of our picks, but it is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Who should get this: Those in search of a timeless leather bag that’s only going to get better with age—and those willing to pay a premium for it.

Why it’s great: The Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote is a bag that commands attention. This gorgeous leather tote is handmade in Italy, and though it’s the most expensive option we tested, it’s well worth the price. For about $650, you get a bag with unquestionable quality, beautiful lines, and a lifetime warranty.

Carl Friedrik is a brand known for elegance, and it delivers with the Ashby tote. With its clean lines and pristine details, this tote radiates classic good taste. The longer you own the Ashby, the better it will look: It’s made of vegetable-tanned, full-grain Vachetta leather, which will develop a patina over time and get even richer with use. The surface is finished, which gives it a slight sheen and protects against water stains and scuffs.

Heavy-duty zippers with polished teeth glide smoothly, and the stitching is near-perfect and incredibly sturdy. The Ashby reliably stays upright with no slouch—we pushed the bag from side to side, and it rocked but never fell over.

The Ashby is large but manageable, and it will work for many occasions. The straps fit comfortably over the shoulder. There’s a spacious main compartment that will easily hold commuting essentials, including a 13-inch laptop in a dedicated pocket. Note that this bag will easily accommodate a 15-inch laptop in the main compartment. There is also a large zip pocket and three slip pockets for storing smaller gear, like a wallet, pens, and charging cords.

View of the empty inside of the Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote, one of our favorite laptop totes.

Lastly, over the course of our testing, this is one of only four companies we’ve found offering a true lifetime warranty (the others are Duluth Trading Co. , Peak Design, and Timbuk2; Herschel, Targus , and others offer limited lifetime warranties that protect only against manufacturer defects not caused by long-term wear and tear). For a bag that costs as much as a car payment, we’ll take all the protection we can get.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This is an expensive bag, though its cost is tempered by its excellent quality and lifetime warranty, which covers both wear and tear and manufacturer defects.

The Ashby’s straps are among the thinnest we’ve seen—on a par with those on our Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote pick. We found the Ashby’s straps comfortable to use, even when the bag was full. But this is something to be aware of if you haul extra-heavy loads.

This bag’s base lacks studded feet (found on both our EaseGave Laptop Bag and Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 picks), which protect the base from wear and tear.

Dimensions: 18 by 11.5 by 5 inches Handle drop: 9 inches Weight: 2.5 pounds Warranty: lifetime warranty Colors: cognac, black

A sleek, minimalist vegan tote: Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag

The Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag, one of our favorite laptop tote bags, shown in pink with a pen, glasses, a notebook, and keys.

Matt & Nat Abbi Vegan Tote Bag

An understated vegan leather bag.

Longer-than-average straps make this simple tote—roomy enough for larger laptops—easy to carry. But it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop compartment, so electronics could float around unprotected.

Who should get this: Those who care less about bells and whistles and just want a sleek bag that’s big enough to fit a laptop plus their daily gear.

Maximum laptop size: 15 inches

Why it’s great: The Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag is a spacious, no-frills work tote with a practical zippered top closure and long carry handles. It’s made of soft, vegan leather (produced from recycled windshield-glass resin) that’s thick enough to keep your bag’s contents from bulging uncomfortably.

The body of the bag is softly structured, and the base is wide and thick, ensuring that the bag remains upright when full and doesn’t spill. The zipper’s metallic accent color and long, tapered pull tab add to the tote’s sleek, understated look. The lining is made of 100% recycled plastic nylon, so it’s especially easy to spot-clean.

The Abbi tote’s interior has one open pocket that’s big enough to hold a smartphone or a slim wallet, plus one wallet-sized pocket with a zipper that echoes the exterior’s metallic finishes. But there is no dedicated laptop compartment.

We especially appreciate the Abbi’s long handles, which make tucking the bag under the arm easier (especially for those who have a larger chest). The handles have a 10-inch strap drop, 2 inches longer than those of many totes we researched, including some bags listed in our Competition section, from Cuyana, Dagne Dover, and Lo & Sons . Two inches may not seem like much, but when you’re hauling your laptop, commuting gear, and a few dinner ingredients, you’ll likely be thankful for the extra length.

Finally, we’d trust the Abbi to keep our belongings safe and dry if we were forced to rest it on the floor of a subway car. There’s a feeling of dread many commuters experience whenever they lift their bag off the ground, fearing they’ll discover that it’s dripping wet and their stuff is ruined. During our tests, the Abbi’s clean, tight seams didn’t let spills seep through this bag. And the vegan leather is easy to spot-clean.

View of the inside of the Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag, with a laptop tucked inside.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Abbi’s minimalist design lacks a padded compartment for a laptop. For shock absorption, we recommend using a padded sleeve for your laptop in this bag.

The Abbi’s zipper doesn’t create an airtight seal—not unusual among zippered totes—so water may trickle in from above during a heavy rainstorm. When you’re traveling sans umbrella, carrying the bag under your arm should keep out most rainwater.

Vegan leathers can flake and peel after extended use (though Wirecutter’s Sasha VanHoven has had a Matt & Nat backpack made of a similar material for more than a year and hasn’t seen any peeling).

Matt & Nat’s one-year limited warranty policy doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. To extend the life of the bag, we recommend cleaning stains with warm water and dish soap, and coating it in faux-leather polish as needed.

Dimensions: 13.5 by 5.75 by 12 inches Handle drop: 10 inches Weight: 1 pound Warranty: one-year limited warranty Colors: truffle black, daffodil yellow, pear green, doll peach, rosebud, canal blue, sorbet red, resort blue, citrine yellow

A sturdy budget tote: EaseGave Laptop Bag

EaseGave Laptop Bag

An inexpensive faux leather bag.

This bag is well priced and extremely durable, and it has plenty of useful features—including a detachable messenger strap and metal feet. But it’s heavy and stiff, and few will mistake the exterior for real leather.

Who should get this: Commuters seeking a durable, functional tote on a budget.

Maximum laptop size: 15 inches (for the 15.6-inch bag), 17 inches (for the 17.3-inch bag)

Why it’s great: The EaseGave Laptop Bag is the cheapest bag we recommend, but it doesn’t skimp on features. Made of top-grain polyurethane leather (PU leather for short), this laptop tote bag was thicker and more durable than other faux leather bags we tested, such as the flimsy Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote (featured in the Competition section). It mirrors the structured, rolled carry handles and the mixed compartments of the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (also in the Competition section), which costs nearly four times as much. The EaseGave’s carry handles and messenger strap are both adjustable, to give you the best fit, which is especially impressive for a bag at this price.

Our panelists were impressed by the EaseGave bag’s functionality. “I really think this is a great affordable bag,” said Wirecutter product manager Samina Begum. “It had an outside pocket for all the things that I needed to keep close at hand, and the fake leather did not scratch no matter how roughly I treated the material.”

Testers also appreciated this bag’s metal feet, which lift the bag slightly off the ground, keeping spills and grimy subway platforms at a distance. Studded feet aside, the EaseGave bag didn’t soak up liquids during our spill tests.

Close view of the handles and crossbody strap on the EaseGave Laptop Bag.

The EaseGave bag comes in two sizes (15.6 inches and 17.3 inches), with a dedicated, padded compartment that can fit a tablet or laptop (up to 15 and 17 inches, respectively). The compartment fastens shut with a Velcro strap, and although it isn’t the most secure option, it’s enough to prevent a laptop from sliding out.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although testers liked the EaseGave bag’s structured, rectangular shape, they occasionally found it cumbersome to carry on a crowded bus or subway; it’s so stiff and rigid that it doesn’t compress down when tucked under an arm.

The EaseGave bag’s interior is rough and feels like cheap polyester, which isn’t surprising at this price. The padding of the laptop compartment is on only one side. The other side is a wall-to-wall zippered pocket, but the material is flimsy, and our commuters worried about its long-term durability. “I was super anxious that my keys in my zip pocket would rip through the thin fabric and scratch my computer,” said one tester.

The EaseGave bag is pretty heavy, even when empty: The 15.6-inch model is 2.3 pounds, and the 17.3-inch model is 2.6 pounds, which is almost double the weight of most laptop totes we recommend.

Dimensions: 15.35 by 4.53 by 12.2 inches; 17.1 by 4.53 by 13.1 inches Handle drop: 6 inches Crossbody strap: 27 to 47 inches Weight: 2.3 pounds (15-inch laptop model); 2.6 pounds (17-inch laptop model) Warranty: 30-day return policy Colors: purple, lemon, mint green, blackish green

To determine what makes a great laptop tote, we researched style blogs, bag forums, and online reviews, and we consulted our coworkers. We then compiled a list of dozens of well-reviewed laptop tote bags in a variety of styles, recording key information like price, size, materials, availability, and third-party reviews.

We also listed each bag’s notable features, such as zippered compartments, a dedicated laptop pocket, a crossbody strap, color options, and warranty coverage.

A laptop bag dripping with water suspended over a shallow clear container of water.

Once we had narrowed the pool and selected bags for in-person testing, we assessed each tote for its overall quality, the durability of the laptop compartments (when applicable), carrying comfort, weight, and water resistance.

We also had Wirecutter staffers commute with the semifinalists and then share their feedback.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

Open-top tote bags

Our panelists liked the bucket shape of the Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote . It has leather ties that can be used to help keep its open top closed, but our panelists balked at having to partially tie a bag closed using thick pieces of leather, which easily came undone.

The Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Bag is lightweight and packs nicely into itself for storage, but our panelists preferred bags with a dedicated laptop compartment or some exterior padding.

Budget laptop bags

The Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote was really thin and showed wear and tear easily, so our panelists weren’t comfortable carrying a delicate laptop in it.

Our testers liked the gunmetal hardware accents on the Mosiso Laptop Tote Bag , but they found the zippers to be sticky and a pain to use.

Traditional laptop tote bags

The vegan leather on the Dagne Dover Daily Tote looked unattractive, the zipper was clunky, and the straps were too thin to be comfortable. The Dagne Dover Signature Tote , also in vegan leather, was—at 3 pounds—the heaviest bag we tested. The carry handles were rope shaped, rather than flat like on most bags, and frequently fell off the shoulders of our testers. On top of that, our panelists thought the bag’s weight, rigid design, and thick, sharp edges made for a poor combination during commutes on a crowded subway train.

The Duluth Trading Co. Lifetime Leather Tote was heavy, thick, and uncomfortable to carry. The leather is treated with oil; it darkens when wet and takes forever to dry. And the zipper doesn’t offer a tight seal to protect delicate electronics from water damage.

The Lo & Sons Seville Tote is expensive and heavy, and the latch on the laptop compartment is hard to secure. Also, it didn’t keep out liquids during testing.

Travel laptop bags

The roomy Knomo Grosvenor Place Laptop Tote Bag had clean stitching, but it failed our liquid-blocking tests.

Although the Solo New York Jay Leather Tote has a full-grain leather body, we found the quality wasn’t as nice as that of most other leather bags we tested. The zippers were sticky, too, and the bag soaked up water during our liquid tests.

The Targus 15″ Newport East-West Tote is well made and offers ample laptop protection. But the carry straps were uncomfortable for us, and our panelists hated the bag’s traffic-cone orange interior color.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

The Best Tote Bags

by Zoe Vanderweide

Wherever you may be headed, we’ve found five great totes to take along on your schlep.

Four laptop sleeves in various colors and styles; one with a laptop poking out.

The Best Laptop Sleeves and MacBook Cases

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If you need an extra layer of protection for your pricey laptop, a sleeve is a great option that doesn’t take up a lot of extra space.

The Best Gym Bag

by Kit Dillon

The KNKG Plus Duffel is a versatile, durable bag for most gym goers. We also have options for those who prefer other types of bags, such as totes and backpacks.

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Best laptop bags in October 2024

The best laptop bags for all of your everyday use

Best laptop bags under $50

Best laptop bags under $100, best laptop bags over $100.

The best laptop bags are perfect for college, work and everything in between. And with back to school season in full swing, all the biggest brands from Adidas to the North Face are kicking off sales on the best options.

We've put together a list of the best laptop bags for every budget and for all occasions below. From courier bags to backpacks, these laptop bags are suitable for college, work, or everyday use. Plus, make sure to check out our back to school sales guide for all the essentials you'll need.

Mancro Laptop Backpack: was $29 now $16 @ Amazon The Mancro Laptop Backpack has more than 10 compartments, one of which can house a 15-inch laptop. It also has a combination zipper lock, which ensures no one will open your laptop bag and steal its contents when you're not looking.

Volher Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $23 @ Amazon The Volher Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags you can get. The budget-friendly bag has a 30-liter capacity and is spacious enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. We especially like the bag's built-in USB-charging port and cable, which provides a more convenient way to charge your devices as you travel. (Battery not included).

Matein Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $21 @ Amazon Don't let its cheap price fool you. The Matein Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags on the market. This 27-liter bag features a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 17 inches in size. It also has a USB-charging port, which connects to a battery backup in the bag that lets you charge your devices without having to open your backpack. (Battery not included).

Under Armour Hustle Backpack: was $55 now $43 @ Amazon If you want a laptop bag with a sporty look, the Hustle Backpack is for you. Available in a wide assortment of colors, the this bag features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, water-resistant finish, and a zippered bottom compartment. It's one of the best laptop bags around.

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack: was $55 now $39 @ Amazon This Adidas Excel 6 is a simple but very stylish backpack. It offers four outside zippered pockets, and dual water holders on either side. Plus, there are internal organization slots and a 16" padded computer sleeve for storing your tech devices.

SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack: $89 @ Amazon The SwissGear 1900 is made with 1200D ballistic polyester to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. It's also a TSA-friendly laptop bag, which means it's designed to produce a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. The 31-liter bag can hold up to a 17-inch laptop.

Travelon Signature Slim Backpack: was $75 now $59 @ Kohl's If you're after a backpack that is a heavy on the style, then this Travelon Signature Slim Backpack could be the perfect pick. It doesn't favour looks over function either with two interior zippered wall pockets, a main compartment that can easily fit a tablet or slim laptop and a slash pocket that offers quick access.

The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $84 @ Amazon The 27-liter North Face Pivoter Backpack features a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleep. The front compartment has a padded tablet sleeve along with additional organizational pockets. It's available in various colors at Amazon.

Mous Day Backpack: was $159 now $139 @ Mous Crafted using sustainable materials that are durable and water-resistant, this 20-liter backpack is deceptively large in capacity — giving you space for up to a 16-inch laptop, a bunch of pockets, and a central zip that gives you access to the entire main compartment.

Kaban Backpack: $149 @ The North Face Made of ultra-durable, water resistant 900D polyester, the North Face Kaban backpack is virtually indestructible. It features a 26-liter capacity and has a dedicated sleeve to protect laptops up to 15 inches.

How to choose the best laptop bag

Everyone has their own style, but there are a few things you should look for when shopping for the best laptop bags.

Size: First, you'll want to know what size laptop your bag can accommodate. Some can accommodate laptops as big as 17 inches, whereas others are limited to ultraportables no bigger than 13 inches, ideal for one of the best laptops for battery life .

Compartments: You should also check if the bag has a dedicated laptop compartment and if there's space for other devices like a tablet or college books. The last thing you want is for all your devices to share one large compartment.

Travel friendly: There are also various laptop bags that are TSA-compliant. These bags are designed so that they offer a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop/tablet when they're undergoing X-ray screening at an airport. The TSA doesn't endorse any bags or brands, but bag manufacturers will usually highlight if they're bags are TSA-friendly.

Durability: If you live in a region with changing seasons, we also recommend you investigate what type of material your laptop bag is made of. Investing in a waterproof laptop bag can be extremely useful as it can protect your laptop — and other devices — from water damage.

Versatility: Finally, with many gyms now reopened, you may want to invest in a laptop bag that can double as a gym bag. Some bags even feature special compartments for dirty clothes or sneakers, so that they can be stored away from your laptop or tablet.

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As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Capacity 5 /5
Design 5 /5
Durability 5 /5
Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

Capacity 4 /5
Design 3 /5
Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

Design 4 /5
Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

12 Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023

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12 Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023

We compared all the most popular laptop backpacks and shared the 12 best ones down below. All of them have dedicated laptop sleeves that fit 17-inch laptops. We made sure to include backpacks for many different occasions (for office, everyday use, cycling, and traveling) and ones in different styles (minimalist, adventure, regular, and gaming). You’ll also learn what to look out for when buying a 17-inch laptop backpack.

Top-Rated 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks

Best overall laptop backpack: Matein 17-inch business laptop backpack
Best office laptop backpack: eBags Professional Slim 17-inch laptop backpack
Best budget office laptop backpack: Matein 17-inch collage laptop backpack
Most minimal office laptop backpack: Kroser 17-inch laptop backpack
Best-looking laptop backpack: Fjallraven – Kanken 17-inch laptop backpack
Best travel laptop backpack: Osprey 17-inch laptop backpack
Best budget travel laptop backpack: Yorepek Extra Large 17-inch travel laptop backpack
Most popular travel laptop backpack: SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 17-inch laptop backpack
Best modern travel laptop backpack: VANKEV Travel Backpack, Extra Large Laptop Backpack
Best gaming laptop backpack: Lenovo Legion 17-inch laptop backpack 2
Most minimal laptop backpack: Kopack 17-inch laptop backpack
Best convertible laptop backpack: TOTWO Laptop Backpack, Extra Large Backpack

Tips on Buying a Laptop Backpack (Guide)

Selecting the correct type of laptop backpack.

a man sitting on a metal ledge with a black laptop backpack

1. Office Laptop Backpacks for Everyday Use

If you’re using your backpack every day , and you commute by public transport or car, then you need an ‘office’ or ‘business’ laptop backpack. They’re usually a bit slimmer, aren’t waterproof, have a less-spacious main compartment, and have lots of pockets and compartments for organization. Most of them will also retain their shape when they’re empty because people usually carry a half-empty backpack to the office with just a laptop, water bottle, and not much else.

2. Waterproof Laptop Backpacks for Cycling

Essentially, these types of backpacks are similar to office backpacks, only waterproof or water-repellant. That’s because many people nowadays like to commute with a bicycle or an electric scooter and may get caught up in light rain. Most of them have a roll-down top, which is better for keeping the contents of your bag dry. That said, no backpack is truly waterproof, which is why we’d recommend also getting a waterproof backpack cover , even if the manufacturer says the backpack is waterproof.

3. Travel Laptop Backpacks

Travel laptop backpacks usually put less emphasis on the laptop compartment and more on having a spacious main compartment. Most of them come with a TSA-approved laptop compartment, which unzips at 180 degrees, so you don’t have to take out your laptop when going through airport security. In general, they’re a bit larger, but they still fit within the carry-on size requirements . They’re also built from more durable materials for withstanding all the abuse that comes from travel, they’re often water-repellent, and they have fewer pockets and compartments for organizing everyday items.

Understanding What Size Backpack Should You Get

If you’re planning on using your backpack only for everyday use and not for traveling, then the size doesn’t really matter. Just get something that’s comfortable, fits your laptop, has plenty of pockets and compartments for organizing all the smaller stuff, and looks good when half-empty.

But if you’re planning on traveling, then your backpack needs to fit certain size requirements. If you’ll be using your backpack as a personal item, then it needs to be below 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) to fit under the airline seats. Some airlines will allow slightly larger personal items. But in general, if you’re traveling with a 17-inch laptop, you should pack it inside your carry-on, not personal item. If you’ll be using your backpack as a carry-on for traveling, then it needs to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches to fit in the overhead compartments.

That said, take these size restrictions with a grain of salt because backpacks aren’t stiff, unlike suitcases. This means that if they aren’t packed too full, you’ll be able to squeeze them slightly to fit the airline requirements. You can get a backpack that’s one or two inches above the limit and use it anyway.

Other Things to Look out for Before Buying 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks

What materials is it made from? The most durable backpack fabrics, ranked from the most durable to least, are ballistic nylon, canvas, Cordura nylon, nylon, ballistic polyester, oxford cloth, and polyester. Many brands use different, innovative materials, such as twisted dobby fabric or Vinylon F . It’s hard to tell which ones are better than others, but among the most common materials, nylon will always be better than polyester.
Is it water-repellant? No backpack is 100% waterproof, even if the manufacturer says that it is. Backpacks coated with a water-repellant finish won’t get wet instantly in light rain. Waterproof, roll-top backpacks will be able to withstand extended periods of light rain. But no backpack will be able to withstand heavy rain, which means that you shouldn’t risk getting your laptop wet. For additional protection, you could get a waterproof backpack cover , but an even better solution would be to always put your laptop inside a waterproof laptop sleeve.
Is the main compartment roomy enough? If you’ll be traveling or bringing your own lunch to the office, you’ll need a backpack with a somewhat spacious main compartment.
Does it come with enough compartments for organizing your items? If you’re getting an everyday laptop backpack, we suggest you find one with a lot of pockets and compartments for organizing all of your chargers and other smaller items.
Is it made by a reputable brand? Although that’s not always true, generally, reputable brands will be more durable compared to Chinese manufactured brands. Reputable backpack brands include Samsonite, Eagle Creek, North Face, SwissGear, eBags, Osprey, Fjallraven, Rei, and a few others.
Does the bag retain its shape when empty? Personally, I really hate it when a backpack sacks down when it’s half-empty. It just looks weird. Pretty often, I’m carrying just my laptop in there, and I want the backpack to still look good. That’s why it’s important to find a bag that keeps its shape when packed half-empty.

Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023 Compared

1. best overall: matein 17-inch business laptop backpack.

12 Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023 - Clever Journey | Travel Gear Reviews, Packing Tips, Travel Advice

Personally, I own the slightly smaller version of the Matein 17-Inch Business Laptop Backpack, which is meant for 15.6-inch laptops. Instead of 19 x 13.8 x 7.8 inches, it’s 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches inches in size. I’ve been using it as a personal item when traveling, and I believe that the slightly larger 17-inch version still wouldn’t be too large to be used as a personal item. I’ve owned this backpack for about two years now, and it still looks brand-new even though I’m using it as my daily backpack.

Although in the medium-low price range, you can find several similar options, the Matein laptop backpack is by far the most popular one, with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon. And it’s there for a reason – it’s well-made, exceptionally well-reviewed, and packed with many useful features .

On the 17-inch version, the laptop compartment unzips all the way around and opens up at a 180-degree angle. This is great for airline security because this means that you won’t have to take the laptop out of the backpack.

Although it’s made out of polyester, I haven’t gotten any tears in the fabric, and its stitching still looks in a good condition. I’ve used it in light rain several times, and although the fabric definitely isn’t waterproof, my laptop didn’t get wet.

At first glance, the main compartment seems quite small, but actually, it’s pretty spacious. It also comes with many smaller pockets inside, which are great for organizing all of my cables, laptop accessories, and all the other smaller items. Although it has a USB charging port at the side, personally, I’ve never used it.

But what I like the most about this bag is that it retains its shape even when it’s empty or half-full. Also, I really like the hidden pocket at the back, which is great for storing my passport and wallet when I’m traveling because I don’t have to check if anything is stolen every 15 minutes.

This bag has been through a lot. I’ve been in 13 different countries with it, in addition to riding my bicycle to the office every day when I’m not traveling. Currently, it’s the best laptop backpack on the market, especially when you consider how affordable it is.

2. Best for Office: eBags Professional Slim 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

If you can afford to pay extra, then you should really consider getting the eBags Slim 17-Inch laptop backpack instead of the more affordable Matein backpack. It’s very cleverly designed, and although overall it has less space, it’s better for everyday office use. The eBags backpack will look good even if you’re dressed in a suit because it’s very discreet and professional.

It’s built from durable twisted dobby fabric, which people reported holds well even after a few years of use. We couldn’t find if it’s weaved polyester or nylon, but from the looks of it, it’s probably polyester, just weaved in a more durable “twisted dobby” weave. eBags hasn’t mentioned that this bag is waterproof or water-repellant, but people said that even after 10 minutes of heavy rain, nothing got wet, which means that it’s somewhat water-resistant.

The laptop compartment is pretty large and padded from all sides. The bottom padding of the laptop compartment is removable to accommodate even larger laptops. Even though the main compartment isn’t too large, this backpack comes with plenty of pockets and compartments for organizing all the smaller items. You’ll find a larger pocket for headphones at the bottom of the pack, several smaller ones ad the front of the pack, and another one at the side of the pack.

Compared to other backpacks we’ve mentioned here, this one is on the smaller side, which is great if you’re using it for everyday use and if you’re planning on using it as a personal item. What sets it apart, though, is all the unique organization features, which you won’t find on other backpacks, and exceptional build quality.

3. Best Budget Office Backpack: Matein 17-Inch College Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a super cheap 17-inch laptop backpack that looks good and does the job just right, then you should choose the Matein 17-Inch College laptop backpack.

Although Matein says it’s waterproof, we wouldn’t bet on it. No backpack is really waterproof, especially if it’s priced so cheaply. What’s great, though, is that they’ve used nylon instead of polyester for the fabric, which isn’t typical for an affordable backpack. Nylon is more durable and more water-resistant, which is good if you’re commuting with a bicycle.

The largest drawback that you get with this bag is that it doesn’t retain its shape when empty or half-full. Essentially, it has just one large main compartment with a padded sleeve for a laptop and a tablet and a few smaller pockets on the sides for organizing all the smaller items. From the outside, it’s fitted with two side pockets and a larger front pocket for all the smaller quick-grab items.

We’d say that this backpack is better for traveling and day-hiking, but also can be occasionally taken to the office for work. It lacks the organization features and the “structure” to be used as an everyday office laptop backpack, but it’s roomy enough and just in the right size to be used as a personal item when you’re traveling.

If you’re looking for a versatile, but affordable 17-inch laptop backpack, this one is probably your best choice.

4. Most Minimal Office Backpack: Kroser 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a backpack for everyday use that looks professional and doesn’t cost too much, the Kroser 17-inch laptop backpack is a rock-solid choice. It’s affordable, practical, and well-rated, which is why it’s one of the best choices out there.

This backpack is made out of polyester, and although the manufacturer says it’s water-repellant, really, the contents get soaked pretty quickly. So this option would be better for those who use a car or public transport to get to the office. Otherwise, you should get an additional waterproof backpack cover. In size, this backpack is quite compact, which means that you can use it as a personal item when traveling.

In the back, it’s fitted with a laptop pocket that holds additional tablets and chargers. The main compartment is quite simple, and because this backpack is so slim, it’s perfectly sized for everyday use. When the backpack isn’t packed full, it retains its shape, which is nice. Other than that, it’s fitted with four additional smaller pockets for organizing all the smaller items, which will come in handy if you’ll be using it every day. One drawback is that the two shoulder straps could be a bit more padded.

For a somewhat affordable option, this is a really great backpack for everyday office use.

5. Best-Looking: Fjallraven – Kanken 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

The Fjallraven – Kanken 17-Inch Laptop Backpack is a good-looking, versatile laptop backpack that’s good for traveling and everyday use. We think that this backpack is the best-looking one on this list.

Fjallraven is a well-known brand, especially in Europe, and they make durable products that last a really long time. This backpack is made from Vinylon F ( their signature material ), which is durable, naturally water-resistant, and doesn’t get dirty too fast. If you’d get caught in light rain, your laptop wouldn’t get wet, which is nice.

In the back, this backpack comes with a padded laptop sleeve that opens halfway. It isn’t TSA-friendly, so you’ll have to remove the laptop when you go through security.

The main compartment is quite simple and roomy. It has just one large pocket for several smaller items and nothing more. From the exterior, this bag is fitted with a side pocket for a water bottle and a front pocket for smaller items.

This bag lacks all the smart organization features that you would find on most other office laptop backpacks. Instead, it’s made in a simple, minimalist way. It’ll be a solid option for traveling or for college because it’s good-looking, versatile, and roomy. That said, it is pretty expensive.

6. Best for Traveling: Osprey 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

If you’re mainly looking for a backpack for traveling, then you should get the Osprey Packs Nebula. This bag is built to withstand rough traveling . It’s perfect for digital nomads who work from a cafe one day and fly to Asia on the next one.

Although it’s quite expensive, it will last a long time because it’s built from durable materials. Osprey is known to make some of the most durable backpacks out there, which is why they’re one of the most popular choices for hardcore travelers. That said, many people complained that this backpack could be more waterproof, so we’d advise also getting a waterproof backpack cover or a waterproof laptop sleeve .

The padded 17-inch laptop compartment unzips fully, which means that you won’t have to remove the laptop when going through the security. The main compartment is quite roomy, which is nice for those who mainly use it for traveling. It doesn’t do a good job of retaining its shape when packed half-empty, but it comes with compression straps on the sides, which will make the bag slimmer when you need to. Speaking of straps, it also has a chest strap and a hip belt, which is great for day hiking.

Unfortunately, this bag doesn’t come with too many organization features, unlike most laptop backpacks that are meant for everyday use. Essentially, in terms of organization, this bag has just two side pockets for water bottles and one front pocket for organizing all the smaller items.

If you’re mainly planning on traveling, then you won’t find any laptop backpack better than the Osprey Packs Nebula. It’s durable, spacious, and comfortable, yet sleek enough to occasionally be used in the office.

7. Best Budget Travel Backpack: Yorepek Extra Large 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

The Yorepek Extra Large 17-inch laptop backpack is a really great option for traveling . On Amazon, it’s incredibly well-reviewed and really popular. Essentially, it’s a slightly more affordable version of the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900, which we placed 7th on this list.

It’s not made in the modern-minimalist style, which is the preferred look for digital nomads. Instead, they went for a more classic travel backpack look. It’s made out of polyester and comes with durable waterproof zippers. Because the fabric is quite thick, people said that this bag still looks almost brand-new even after a few years of use.

The padded laptop compartment is unzippable all way round, which means that when you go through the airport security, you won’t have to remove the laptop from the bag. The main compartment is quite large, which is great for traveling. Out of all the bags we’ve mentioned in this list, this one is definitely on the larger side, which means that when it’s packed full, you most likely won’t be able to use it as a personal item and have to use it as a carry-on instead. From the exterior, it’s also fitted with quite a few pockets and compartments for organizing all the smaller items.

Because this bag is intended for traveling, we’d like to see chest and belly straps, as well as a hidden anti-theft pocket in the back, but unfortunately, the Yorepek doesn’t come with any. We think that this backpack is one of the best options if you’re planning on traveling because it’s so durable, versatile, roomy, and cheap.

8. Most Popular Travel Backpack: SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

The SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 laptop is very similar to the Yorepek laptop backpack, ranked in 6th place. The only differences are that the Swissgear’s model is slightly smaller, built by a much more reliable brand, and it’s slightly more expensive.

SwissGear is a very reputable and well-known brand among travelers. Although their suitcases aren’t made to the top standards, their backpacks are known to be one of the most durable ones on the market. And what’s even better, usually they’re also quite affordable. If you didn’t know, they’re the same company as Wenger and Victorinox, which make the famous “Swiss Army Knife.”

Similar to the Yorepek, this backpack is also aimed at travelers. It’s mainly built for traveling, but you can also use it for the office. Because of the slightly more compact size, you’ll be able to use this backpack as a personal item when traveling. Compared to Yorepek’s model, this one is made out of ballistic polyester instead of regular polyester, which means that the fabric threads are slightly thicker and more durable. That said, some people complained that the contents of the bag easily get soaked in rain, so you’d also have to get a waterproof backpack cover .

On the backside, it’s fitted with a fully unzippable laptop compartment, which means that you won’t have to remove the laptop when going through the security. The main compartment is quite large, despite the backpack’s smaller size, which will be great when you use this backpack for day trips and vacations. From the outside, it’s fitted with many smaller pockets for organizing everything, which is nice.

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-made backpack for traveling, then the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 is a really good choice.

9. Most Modern Travel Backpack: VANKEV Travel Backpack, Extra Large Laptop Backpack

Introducing the VANKEV Travel Backpack – the ultimate companion for women and men embarking on their educational journeys, professional endeavors, or thrilling adventures. This backpack stands out as a versatile and functional accessory designed to cater to the needs of students, business professionals, and travelers alike.

The VANKEV Travel Backpack boasts an extra-large design to accommodate all your essentials effortlessly. With its spacious interior, it can easily house a 17-inch laptop, making it ideal for students and professionals who rely on technology for work or study. Multiple compartments and pockets provide organized storage for textbooks, notebooks, gadgets, and personal items, ensuring you stay well-prepared throughout your day.

Security is paramount, and this backpack understands that. Crafted with an anti-theft design, it keeps your belongings safe and secure during your travels. The hidden zippers and pockets deter potential thieves, giving you peace of mind in crowded areas. Moreover, the TSA-approved design allows for convenient and hassle-free airport security checks, saving you time and stress.

Stay connected on the go with the built-in USB charging port. Charge your devices conveniently, whether you’re on a long flight, in a bustling coffee shop, or on campus. Keep your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic gadgets powered up and ready for action.

Constructed with high-quality materials, this backpack is built to withstand the rigors of daily use and travel. The sleek and modern design, highlighted by the vibrant blue color, adds a touch of style to your look, whether you’re in a classroom, boardroom, or exploring a new destination.

VANKEV Travel Backpack is a versatile and stylish choice for individuals seeking an extra-large backpack with an array of features. From its spacious interior and anti-theft design to the convenient USB charging port, it’s an ideal companion for students, professionals, and travelers who value functionality, security, and style in one comprehensive package. Elevate your daily commute or journey with the VANKEV Travel Backpack and experience the perfect blend of form and function.

10. Best for Gaming: Lenovo Legion 17-Inch Armored Laptop Backpack 2

The Lenovo 17-inch laptop backpack belongs to the “Gaming” backpack type. Other laptop manufacturers have made similar options, such as Dell, ASUS, and others. We looked at many, but this gaming laptop backpack from Lenovo was the best one.

If you’re a programmer or a gamer, then you’ll probably enjoy the looks of this bag. This backpack is actually one of the most durable ones mentioned on this list, which is useful if you’ll be carrying an expensive gaming laptop. The exoskeleton is made out of a weatherproof vinyl hard shell, which helps with protecting your laptop from any damage. This backpack is actually pretty comfortable because a lot of padding has been used, and it’s also quite weatherproof, so the contents of your bag won’t get wet after a light rain. But the best part is probably that this backpack retains its shape, even when it’s empty.

The only cons of this bag are that it’s too large to be used as a personal item when traveling and that you don’t get too many pockets for organizing all of your smaller items. In addition to the padded laptop compartment in the back, you also get a spacious main compartment and a smaller front pocket with a built-in organizer for all the smaller gadgets.

If you’re down with the gaming look, this backpack is a really solid choice for everyday use. Although it isn’t cheap, it isn’t too expensive either, which is nice.

11. Most Minimal Backpack: Kopack 17-Inch Laptop Backpack

The Kopack 17-inch laptop backpack is probably the most minimalist backpack on this list . But hidden beneath the simple and professional looks, it also comes with quite a few pockets and compartments for organizing all the smaller items. It’s an affordable and well-rated option, which will be great for everyday use in the office.

It’s made out of nylon, and a lot of people said that in light rain, the contents of the bag won’t get wet. In size, it’s quite tall, which means that you’ll have to use it as a carry-on when traveling. It’s nicely padded in the back and around the straps, so it’s also quite comfortable. It’s worth noting that this bag will retain its shape when empty, which is nice.

In the back, it has a padded laptop compartment and a hidden anti-theft pocket for storing your phone, passport, wallet, e.tc. In the middle, it has one large main compartment for storing all the larger items. And from the exterior, it’s fitted with a medium-sized front pocket, a smaller pocket with a zipper on the side, and a side bottle holder.

We think that this is a really solid choice for an everyday backpack – it’s cheap, good-looking, well-reviewed, and organized.

12. TOTWO Laptop Backpack, Extra Large Backpack

Introducing the epitome of convenience and functionality, the Extra Large Laptop Backpack is designed to cater to the diverse needs of both men and women in today’s fast-paced world. Crafted with precision and innovation, this laptop backpack is more than just a bag; it’s your reliable companion for all aspects of life. With an expansive interior, this backpack offers ample space to accommodate up to 17-inch laptops, ensuring that tech-savvy individuals have room for their most essential gadget. Beyond laptop storage, it features multiple compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized. Whether you’re a student carrying textbooks or a professional with a myriad of accessories, this backpack ensures everything has its place.

Never worry about running out of battery again with the integrated USB charging port. This backpack empowers you to stay connected on the go. Simply connect your power bank to the external USB port, and you can charge your devices hassle-free, making it perfect for those long commutes, business trips, or college lectures.

Built with durability in mind, the backpack is constructed from water-resistant materials, safeguarding your valuables from unexpected drizzles or spills. Additionally, it features an anti-theft design with concealed zippers and pockets, providing an added layer of security when you’re on the move, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.

Frequent flyers will appreciate the TSA-approved design, which ensures a seamless experience during airport security checks. You can keep your laptop snug in its designated compartment while the backpack unfolds easily, allowing for hassle-free screening.

The sleek and timeless black design of this laptop backpack exudes professionalism. It’s perfect for students, business individuals, and travelers who want a versatile and stylish accessory that complements any outfit or setting.

The Extra Large Laptop Backpack is a testament to the fusion of form and function. Whether you’re a student, professional, or frequent traveler, this backpack caters to your specific needs. Its roomy interior, USB charging port, water-resistant construction, anti-theft features, and TSA -approved design make it a go-to choice for those who demand practicality, security, and style in their everyday lives. Elevate your daily routine with this exceptional laptop backpack and experience the perfect blend of convenience and sophistication.

FAQs About 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks

Laptop backpacks are indispensable accessories for individuals who rely on their devices while on the move. If you’re considering a 17-inch laptop backpack, you likely have some questions. Here, we address the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed choice:

1. What size laptop can a 17-inch laptop backpack accommodate? A 17-inch laptop backpack is designed to comfortably fit laptops with screen sizes up to 17 inches diagonally. Ensure your laptop’s dimensions match the backpack’s laptop compartment dimensions for a secure fit.

2. Are 17-inch laptop backpacks only for business professionals? No, 17-inch laptop backpacks are versatile and cater to various needs. They are suitable for students, travelers, gamers, and anyone who needs to carry a larger laptop securely.

3. Do all 17-inch laptop backpacks have USB charging ports? Not necessarily. While many modern laptop backpacks feature USB charging ports, it’s essential to check the product details to ensure the specific model you’re interested in includes this convenient feature.

4. Are 17-inch laptop backpacks TSA-approved? Some 17-inch laptop backpacks are TSA-approved, designed with a separate laptop compartment that can be unfolded for security screening without removing the laptop. Check product descriptions for this feature if it’s important to you.

5. Are these backpacks water-resistant? Many 17-inch laptop backpacks come with water-resistant or water-repellent materials to protect your laptop and belongings from light rain or spills. Check the product’s specifications for details on water resistance.

6. Are 17-inch laptop backpacks comfortable to wear for extended periods? Comfort varies among models, but many feature padded shoulder straps, ergonomic designs, and breathable materials to enhance comfort during extended use. User reviews can provide insights into comfort levels.

7. Can I use a 17-inch laptop backpack for other purposes, such as traveling? Absolutely. These backpacks are often designed with multiple compartments and organizational features, making them suitable for various purposes, including travel, work, school, and leisure activities.

8. Do 17-inch laptop backpacks offer anti-theft features? Many 17-inch laptop backpacks come with anti-theft features such as hidden zippers, lockable compartments, and RFID-blocking pockets to enhance security and protect your valuable items.

In conclusion, 17-inch laptop backpacks are versatile, accommodating larger laptops and catering to various lifestyles and preferences. To make an informed decision, consider your specific needs, whether it’s for work, school, travel, or everyday use, and review product details to find the perfect 17-inch laptop backpack that suits your requirements.

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One response to “12 Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023”

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The best laptop 2024: top portable picks for all budgets

We've reviewed hundreds of laptops from all brands, all shapes and sizes and all price points, so that we can bring your our definitive list of the best laptops you can buy today

Surface Laptop with screen open on purple background

Best overall
Best budget
Best MacBook
Best for Windows 11
Best student laptop
Best home working laptop
Best laptop for creatives
Best for gaming
Best large screen
Best OLED laptop
Best cheap gaming laptop
Also consider
How to choose
How we test

If you're looking for the best laptop of 2024, then you've come to the right place, as on this page you'll find our picks for the greatest laptops, MacBooks, Chromebooks and more for a wide range of needs and budgets. Most importantly of all, every single one has been tested by our laptop experts here at TechRadar, so you can trust our recommendations, as we only recommend laptops we've used and tested.

You can read about how we test laptops , and all the ways we put laptops through their paces during our reviews.

At the moment, the best laptop you can buy in 2024 remains Microsoft 's excellent Surface Laptop 7 , a fantastic all-rounder with a gorgeous design and all-day battery life. There's also the new Dell XPS 13 (2024), which is also in this guide, and proves that it's an exciting time for Windows 11 laptops.

If you don't want to use Windows 11 , then don't worry - I've included plenty of alternatives, including the best MacBooks and best Chromebooks as well. No matter what your budget is, then, there will be a laptop for you on this page, I guarantee it.

Recent updates

This page has been updated as of 10/07/2024 with the latest model of the Razer Blade 14 (2024) added as the best gaming laptop you can buy.

The best laptop overall

1. microsoft surface laptop.

Our expert review:

Specifications

After years of this year being dominated by various MacBook Air models, Microsoft has surprised us all with the release of the Surface Laptop - a device that's stylish, powerful and with a long lasting battery, and has earned its place as the best laptop for most people in 2024.

Microsoft is calling the 2024 edition simply the Surface Laptop, in a bid to highlight that despite this actually being the seventh version, it's a major reinvention - and for once, this isn't just marketing bluff. Thanks to the revolutionary Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip that powers the new Surface Laptop, not only does Windows 11 feel fast and responsive, but thanks to how efficient it is, battery life is seriously impressive - and the fans rarely kick in, so you're not distracted by their whirring.

As a flagship entry in a new range of 'Copilot+ PCs', the Surface Laptop also has deeply integrated AI (Artificial Intelligence) features included, such as the Copilot assistant and Cocreator tool that turns your scribbles in Paint into AI-generated art. Most of this is all done on-device thanks to the Snapdragon X chip, which means you don't need an internet connection, and your data is kept safe and secure. The AI features are currently in their infancy and far from essential, but the potential is huge - and even without them, the Surface Laptop is a brilliant device that will the ideal laptop for most people. Microsoft has finally come up with a MacBook killer.

Get the best deal on your next Microsoft product with our Microsoft coupon codes .

Reasons to buy

✅ You want the best laptop in the world: The new Surface Laptop is a stunning reinvention, offering build quality, performance and battery life that puts most competitors to shame.

✅ You want a long-lasting portable laptop: The Surface Laptop comes in 14-inch and 15-inch configurations, and even the larger model is thin and light enough to carry around - and its battery life means you won't need to look for a plug socket.

✅ You want a great productivity machine: The Surface Laptop offers excellent performance thanks to the new Qualcomm chip that powers it. Designed for AI tasks, it works particularly well with Windows 11's Copilot features.

Show expert analysis ▼

Reasons to avoid

❌ You need lots of ports: Sadly, the thin and light design of the Surface Laptop comes at a price, as you only get two USB-C ports and a USB-A port (though the 15-inch model also sports a microSD slot).

❌ You want to play games: The ARM -based chip comes with an integrated GPU, which is fine for most tasks, but isn't able to handle demanding games.

❌ You hate Windows 11: The Surface Laptop offers a stylish design and dependable performance you'd usually expect from an Apple device... but running Windows 11. If you don't like that operating system , then get the MacBook Air (M3) instead ( which is also in this guide ).

In-depth analysis

Microsoft's Surface devices have always been stylish products, and 2024's Surface Laptop is no different. It has a thin and light chassis that is easy to carry around, yet feels sturdy and premium. The keyboard feels comfortable and responsive to use, the screen screen with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate is stunning and the overall design is very reminiscent of MacBooks. The only issue is a lack of ports.

Thanks to the ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, the Surface Laptop is an incredible productivity performer, and in our review we found that Windows 11 felt fast and responsive, and all the apps we loaded up worked without issue. This is great to see, as previous ARM-based Windows laptops could not run apps that were designed for Intel or AMD chips. Thankfully, that's no longer the case. While you can't play demanding games on this thing, for day-to-day use, it's an incredible laptop.

Thanks to the power efficiencies of the ARM chip inside the Surface Laptop, the battery life of this device is excellent, offering 15 hours of life on a single charge during our time with the device. In real-world use, I found I only needed to charge the 15-inch model once, then happily used it as my main work laptop for three work days before needing to charge it again - which is seriously impressive. The 15-inch model has a larger battery, but due to the larger screen, battery life should be similar between 13-inch and 15-inch models.

The smaller model of the Surface Laptop starts at $999.99 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,899, while the larger model starts at $1,299.99 / £1,349 / AU$2,399. While these certainly aren't budget prices, they still offer excellent value for money compared to similarly-powerful laptops - and it means the Surface Laptop is also cheaper than the MacBook Air (M3) as well.

💻 The Surface Laptop is truly an incredible portable machine, all thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip it's equipped with. Performance, battery life, light and thin, price, sound quality, and more are all top-notch, making it an easy pick for best laptop of 2024. Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

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The best budget laptop

2. lenovo ideapad duet 5 oled chromebook.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is the best ultra-low price laptop you can buy, and it's a brilliant follow-up to the original IdeaPad Duet. While it’s been out for a while, Chromebooks don’t date as quickly as Windows laptops, and it's still one of the best Chromebooks we've used. If you're a Chromebook skeptic, the IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook just might convert you. It can be used as both a laptop and a tablet thanks to its detachable keyboard, while also boasting an impressively long battery life. You're simply not going to find a Windows 11 laptop that can outlast the over 16-hour battery life the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook offers – especially at this price. It’s a particularly good choice for students who want something reliable, flexible and affordable.

✅ You want an OLED Chromebook : An OLED display on a Chromebook is uncommon, so if that's what you're looking for, this is the best choice.

✅ You need long battery life: It's possible to squeeze over 16 hours of battery life out of this Chromebook if you make the right adjustments in settings.

✅ You want a more robust system than Android or iOS can offer: As powerful as Android and iOS have become, mobile operating systems are still far more restricted than Windows, macOS, or Linux OS.

❌ You have more limited manual dexterity: Some may find the Duet's smaller-than-standard keyboard a bit fiddly. If that's likely to be the case for you, a larger laptop such as the Acer Swift 3 (skip to that entry) may be a better option.

❌ You're on a tight budget: The Duet 5 Chromebook is incredibly affordable for the premium features it offers, but it's not the best option out there for those on a tight budget.

❌ You want a traditional laptop OS: Chrome OS isn't as robust as Windows 10 or macOS and it isn't meant to be. If you want a traditional laptop environment, a Chromebook will only get you part of the way there, which may not be enough to satisfy your needs.

The Duet 5 Chromebook's keyboard is Ultrabook-worthy in quality and comfort, and it can be easily detached, turning the Duet 5 into a tablet-like device. Meanwhile, the magnetized backplate on the Duet 5 Chromebook has a small clip to house a Lenovo Active Pen stylus, even though the stylus isn't included in the box. The best thing about the design, however, is the gorgeous 1080p OLED display, which offers exceptional image quality - especially considering the price.

When it comes to general web browsing, video streaming, and basic productivity use, the Duet 5 does exactly what you want it to do without so much as a hiccup. Its CPU is upgraded to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen2 processor, which is a step up from the last model, and the 8GB of RAM is a decent amount for a Chromebook, keeping things running very smoothly.

While Chromebooks on average get about 10 hours of life on a fully-charged battery, the Lenovo Duet 5 lasted a huge 16 hours. This is a drop from the previous model (which managed over 20 hours), which is disappointing.

As far as Chromebooks and 2-in-1 laptops go, this is hands down the best value you're going to find in a portable device of its kind. When it launched, it was more expensive than its predecessor, but over time, its price has dropped, making it superb value for money. However, it would be even better value for money if a stylus was included. If you want to make the most out of this Chromebook, you’ll need to spend a bit more money for a compatible stylus.

💻 The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook packs a punch with outstanding battery life, a gorgeous display, and a new form factor that improves on last year's model – as long as you're looking for a laptop more than a tablet. Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

The best MacBook

3. apple macbook air 13-inch (m3).

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) is the best MacBook you can buy right now. The design remains thin, light and stylish, and it's packed with Apple's latest M3 chip, giving this slimline laptop excellent performance for day-to-day tasks - and it even does a great job of handling more intensive workloads like editing videos. A new lower price for the entry-level model means this is an easy recommendation for people looking for a brilliant all-rounder of a laptop, but be warned: the base model’s specs - especially the 8GB of memory and 256GB SSD storage - feel a bit outdated in 2024.

✅ You want the best MacBook for your money: The new MacBook Air 13-inch is now the MacBook we'd recommend to pretty much anyone thanks to a great design, excellent performance and relatively affordable price.

✅ You want a laptop for traveling with: The stylish thin and light design, plus the long battery life, makes this an excellent laptop for going out and about with.

✅ You want power - but not too much: The new M3 chip powering the MacBook Air is great at day-to-day tasks, as well as video editing and AI.

❌ You only have the budget for the cheapest MacBook: The MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) comes with a new, lower price, but the M2 model ( also in this list ) has also dropped in price, making that the cheapest MacBook you can buy.

❌ You want plenty of ports: The MacBook Air (M3) once again features just two Thunderbolt ports. If you have a lot of peripherals to plug in, you'll need to use a hub or adaptor.

❌ You want a bigger screen: The 13-inch screen of the new MacBook Air makes it nice and portable, but some people may find it a bit too small to work on - in that case, you should consider the 15-inch model instead.

The latest MacBook Air sticks to the same design as the previous M2 model - but that's fine with us. It has a stylish and modern look that's easy to carry around and comfortable to work on. This does mean that port selection remains limited, which won't be a deal breaker for many people, but if you have lots of peripherals you need to plug in, you'll want to invest in a USB-C hub or look into getting a MacBook Pro.

The new MacBook Air comes with the latest M3 chip - and there are actually two versions you can buy: a base model with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, and a more powerful version with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The base model also comes with 8GB of memory, which is quite low by today's standards. If you have the budget we recommend configuring the MacBook Air (M3) to come with more memory, up to a maximum of 24GB. While reviewing the MacBook Air (M3), we found it to perform brilliantly, with macOS booting fast and running smoothly, even with multiple apps open at once.

Apple claims the MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) can last up to 18 hours watching Apple TV shows and 15 hours browsing the internet, though in our battery life benchmark tests (which involve playing a looped 1080p video) the 13-inch MacBook Air lasted a bit less than that, at 14 hours and 19 minutes. That's an excellent time for a laptop of this power, however it is slightly less than the previous model lasted in the same tests, which could suggest the bump in performance has come at the cost of efficiency.

The MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) starts at $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,799. This is slightly higher than the older M1 MacBook Air’s launch price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,599. However, this is less than the M2 model's launch price, which began at $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899 when it launched in 2022. It's great to see prices go down, rather than up, with new models, though it should be noted that with the launch of the M3 model, the M2 model is still being sold by Apple for a new, lower price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,599. So, if you want real value for money when buying a MacBook, the M2 model is now the one to go for.

💻 The MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) is easily the best MacBook (and one of the best laptops overall) that money can buy for most people, though we recommend boosting the memory and storage space when ordering. That makes it more expensive, but far more future-proof. Read the full review: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)

The best for Windows 11

4. dell xps 13 (2024).

When it comes to making the best Windows laptops , Dell is the company to beat, so it's little surprise to find the brand-new Dell XPS 13 (2024) in our best laptops list. Coming with a stylish thin and light design that we've come to expect from Dell's XPS range of laptops, the new XPS 13 features the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip - the same one found in the Surface Laptop 7, which is also in this list . As well as providing excellent performance, this highly-efficient chip means the new XPS 13 has a phenomenal battery life - it managed almost 17 and a half hours in our battery benchmark test. If you're looking for the slickest Windows 11 laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks with ease, and with a battery life that means you can go several workdays on a single charge, then the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is the laptop to get.

✅ You want a powerful Windows 11 laptop: The Dell XPS 13 features cutting-edge mobile tech, a stunning screen and up to 64GB of RAM.

✅ You want exceptional battery life: The Dell XPS 13 (2024) offers one of the longest-lasting batteries we've seen with a Windows 11 laptop, hitting almost 17 and a half hours on a single charge.

✅ You want the best Windows 11 laptop: The solid, stylish and lightweight design, excellent performance and stunning screen makes the Dell XPS 13 (2024) the best Windows 11 laptop out there.

❌ You want to plug in lots of peripherals: The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is a very thin device - but that comes at the cost of ports - you only get two USB-C ports.

❌ You're after an affordable laptop: With a starting price of $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$2,099, the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is an expensive, premium, laptop. There are far cheaper laptops on this list that will be more suited to most people's budgets.

❌ You want to game on a laptop: The Dell XPS 13 (2024) does many things extremely well, but it's not a gaming laptop. Simple indie games may run OK, but for anything more demanding you'll want a machine with a dedicated GPU.

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) continues the XPS lineup's reputation as being some of the best-designed Windows 11 laptops you can buy. It looks gorgeous with a thin and light design that rivals any Apple product, and it feels sturdy and well built as well. You can pick from three different screen resolutions, with the 3K touchscreen option being a particular highlight.

The Dell XPS 13 (2024) offers excellent day-to-day performance thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite that rivals any M3-toting MacBook. Windows 11 is fast an responsive, and most apps have no issue running on the X Elite hardware - though there are some compatibility issues with VPNs. What the XPS 13 can't do, however, is play games.

In our battery life benchmark, we found the XPS 13 (2024) lasted over 17 and a half hours, almost eight hours longer than the Dell XPS 14 . Its battery life outpaces pretty much all Windows 11 laptops, as well as most MacBooks and even some Chromebooks as well. This is seriously impressive, and it means you can go for several workdays without needing to plug the laptop in.

While the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is one of the best laptops running Windows 11 you can buy, it isn't the cheapest - by a long shot. The starting price will put a lot of people off, and it gets a lot more expensive as you configure the specs. Of course, for the (high) price you're getting a lot - including a brilliant design, stunning screen (especially if you pay extra for the 3K model) and cutting-edge components.

💻 The Dell XPS 13 (2024) , is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip, and is the best Windows 11 laptop you can currently buy thanks to its excellent performance and battery life. Much improved ventilation doesn't throttle the CPU, the display is phenomenal, and the build quality is leagues better than previous models. Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2024)

The best value laptop

5. acer aspire 5.

As long as you keep your expectations in check, the Acer Aspire 5 remains the best cheap laptop you can buy in 2024. Its design is lightweight yet doesn't feel cheap, its large screen size is comfortable to work on, and you can even configure it to come with an Nvidia GPU. Don't mistake this for a gaming laptop however. But, the GPU can help make the Aspire 5 punch above its weight when it comes to video editing. For the price, you'll pleasantly surprised.

✅ You want a cheap laptop: The Acer Aspire 5 is a no-frills laptop that does the job well for a lot less than other Windows 11 laptops.

✅ You want a very portable laptop: This budget laptop is impressively light without feeling cheep and tacky, and that means it's comfortable to carry around with you throughout the day.

✅ You don't want a Chromebook: There are cheaper Chromebooks out there, but due to the limitations of ChromeOS, they aren't for everyone. The Acer Aspire 5 is cheap, but also runs Windows 11.

❌ You want a gaming laptop: The Acer Aspire can be configured with a discrete GPU, but that ups the price, and still doesn't turn it into a gaming laptop.

❌ You want long battery life: At around six and a half hours, the battery life isn't awful, but nor is it exceptional. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet, above, offers much better battery life.

The Acer Aspire 5 won't win any design or innovation awards, but it offers you a solid, dependable laptop design that will at least feel familiar. Weighing 1.7kg and measuring 18mm thick, it's a laptop you can easily carry around with you. We didn't love the L-shaped power connector in our review, however, which sticks out a bit when plugged in.

The Acer Aspire 5 doesn't wow when it comes to performance - but nor does it disappoint. This is a solid and dependable laptop that you can rely on for your day-to-day needs. However, gaming is out of the question with the base model, which comes with integrated graphics. However, you can buy a model with a dedicated GPU, and this offers improved graphical performance - but don't expect to play demanding games on this thing.

In our review we found the Acer Aspire 5 lasted around six and a half hours on battery. While this isn't awful, there are cheap laptops out there, especially Chromebooks, which offer much longer battery life. So, you'll likely want to bring its charging cable with you when you're out and about.

As you might expect from a laptop we consider to be the best budget device money can buy, the Acer Aspire 5 offers excellent value for money, going for around $600 in the US and £500 in the UK. Even at that low price you get good performance, a nice design and 1080p screen.

💻 Acer’s hype pitches the Aspire 5 almost as mobile workstation for video-editing work - in fact, this 14-inch model is an affordable entry-level laptop that provides respectable performance and battery life for the price. Read the full review: Acer Aspire 5 (2022)

The best student laptop

6. apple macbook air 13-inch (m2).

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) is in our opinion the best laptop for students you can buy right now. Thanks to a stylish design that makes this thin and light laptop feel more modern than previous models, this is a MacBook you can take almost anywhere. Not only is it portable, in my review I found that it offers a very decent 16-hour battery life, and the screen is a joy to work on. One of my biggest complaints about the M2 MacBook Air was the bump in price for the base model compared to the previous M1 version. The good news is that now that a newer model has been released, the M2 MacBook Air has had a big price cut - and you can get a further $100/£100 knocked off if you are a student. This makes it a brilliant laptop for school and university use - it'll easily last your entire course.

✅ You need a laptop that's thin and light: Thanks to a redesign, the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you can buy.

✅ You want a powerful laptop for school or university: With the launch of the M3 MacBook Air ( also in this list ), the M2 model has had a major price cut - and students can get a further cut, making it a brilliant laptop for school.

✅ You're thinking about getting the 13-inch MacBook Pro: Because it's thinner, lighter, and cheaper, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a better choice. Factor in its similar performance, and you've got a winner.

❌ You are on a budget: The MacBook Air (M2) is now the cheapest MacBook model, but if it's still too much, consider a Chromebook instead.

❌ You want a lot of ports: The MacBook Air (M2) comes with only two Thunderbolt ports. If you need more ports, consider the MacBook Pro 16-inch below instead.

❌ You need a bigger display: To some folks, a 13-inch screen isn't enough. Luckily, you can always go for the 15-inch MacBook Air .

After years of sticking to a safe tried-and-tested design, Apple finally gave the MacBook Air a much-needed makeover with this model. It’s thinner and lighter than before, making it more portable, and by slimming down the bezels around the screen, it’s allowed Apple to include a larger display without making it bulky. The screen is bright and vibrant, and the new modern look and new color options makes the MacBook Air (M2) one of the best looking laptops you can buy, even a few years after its launch. The newer M3 model keeps the same design, so the M2 MacBook Air still feels modern.

During my time reviewing the MacBook Air, it delivered incredible performance across the board. It quickly boots into macOS, and apps run smoothly (and look fantastic on the improved display). I loved that even when browsing the web in both Safari and Chrome with lots of tabs open, the MacBook Air (M2) kept up, though the 8GB of memory that comes with the base model a bit too limited. Meanwhile, thanks to the redesigned keyboard, whipping up documents and composing emails feel effortless and comfortable.

In TechRadar’s battery benchmark tests, the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) lasted a huge 16 hours on battery while playing a 1080p video – that's a 30-minute improvement over the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) , and five hours longer than the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) . This laptop will last you throughout an entire workday or on a long-haul flight, and then some. It's not the longest life you'll find in a MacBook - the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max) almost hits 24 hours on a single charge.

The MacBook Air launched at $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899, a substantial leap from the older MacBook Air’s launch price. However, with the launch of the M3 MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M2) is now officially on sale for $999 / $999 / AU$1,599 - making it much better value for money, and arguably selling for the price it should have launched at. Even better, if you're a student with an appropriate ID, you can get it for $899 / £899 / AU$1,439. For that price you're not going to get a better laptop.

💻 The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is now Apple's cheapest MacBook thanks to an official price cut. With a fantastic new design, bigger screen and incredibly long battery life, the M2 MacBook Air is a great upgrade from the MacBooks that came before, and it's ideal for students. Read the full review: MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)

The best laptop for working from home

7. acer chromebook plus 515.

If you've found yourself working from home more and need a new laptop, then don't think you have to spend a fortune. While a new MacBook will do everything you need, a great Chromebook like the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 can cope with most day-to-day workloads for a fraction of the price. You get a large screen and comfortable keyboard to work on, and performance is snappy - especially when you boot up into Chrome OS, the operating system Chromebooks use (rather than Windows 11 or macOS).

✅ You want a laptop for working on at home: This is a great Chromebook for productivity with a large screen, comfortable keyboard and excellent performance.

✅ You want an eco-friendly laptop: This is an eco-friendly Chromebook made of recycled materials where possible.

✅ You want a portable 15-inch laptop: It's impressively thin for a laptop, and its battery life means you won't need to worry about plugging it in too often.

❌ You need specific Windows or macOS apps: As a Chromebook, this uses Chrome OS which doesn't have all the apps a Windows laptop or MacBook have access to.

❌ You want a powerful laptop: The specs of the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 are relatively high for a Chromebook, but pale in comparison with regular laptops or MacBooks.

❌ You want the very cheapest laptop: The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers superb value for money, but there are cheaper Chromebooks out there.

The design of the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is pretty straightforward, with a gray body and Google logo, and while that might not make it the most interesting of laptops, it's solidly built and dependable. The 15-inch screen makes it comfortable to work on, though it also means the overall size of the laptop is quite large.

As far as Chromebooks go, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is an excellent performer, with the Chrome OS operating system booting quickly, while apps run impressively smoothly. It feels fast and responsive - something you wouldn't be able to say about many Windows 11 laptops at this price. For day-to-day tasks, including document creation, emails and video calls, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 performs very well - though you are limited to apps built for Chrome OS or Android. This is an important consideration when buying the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 - or any Chromebook for that matter - as a lot of applications for Windows or macOS won’t run. The good news is that there are a growing number of Chrome OS versions, and some decent alternatives, and being able to run Android apps gives you even more choice. However, there is also a chance that a piece of software you rely on every day on a traditional laptop may not have a version for Chromebooks, so make sure you do a bit of research before you buy.

Usually the battery lives of Chromebooks are one of their main selling points, but in our tests, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 only lasted a disappointing five hours and 13 minutes. While that's not ridiculously low, it is surprisingly short for a Chromebook, which is a shame.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers exceptional value for money. Selling for $399.99 / £399.99, it's an affordable laptop that punches well above its weight. While we recommend it for working from home, it's also a great choice for students or anyone who wants a budget laptop but doesn't want to make compromises on performance.

💻 The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is both a solid productivity machine in its own right, with specs tailor-made for work, and a surprisingly balanced laptop that can handle light editing and even native gaming. Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Plus 515

The best laptop for creatives

8. macbook pro 16-inch (m3 pro/m3 max).

The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max) is hands-down the best laptop for creative professionals we’ve ever tested – even though it comes just nine months after the last model. It's powered by the M3 Pro and M3 Max SoCs, Apple's most powerful chips - for now, at least. There wasn’t a task it couldn’t handle during our testing. It did an impressive job of handling 4K video editing, even with multiple 4K and 8K video files, as well as running the latest and most demanding games. Along with the MacBook Pro 14-inch , this may be the very first MacBook for gaming.

✅ You need the most powerful MacBook: You’re guaranteed incredible performance that’ll crush the more demanding workloads, whether it's the M3 Pro or M3 Max model you go for.

✅ You’re a traveling creative pro: If you're a creative who needs power, a gorgeous display, great-sounding speakers and lots of ports, this is the perfect travel companion.

✅ You want to game on a MacBook: The MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max boasts seriously impressive gaming prowess.

❌ You have an earlier 16-inch MacBook Pro: The M3 Pro and M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro models are the second to have launched last year, so if you have the M2 Pro or M2 Max models, don't worry - they are still very good.

❌ You’re looking for an affordable workstation laptop: The 16-inch MacBook Pro is an expensive investment, which means it may be priced out of many people's reach. The 14-inch model is more affordable, and you can get it with the base M3 chip.

❌ You’re a casual user: Unless you’re a creative professional, you’re unlikely to need the kind of performance that the MacBook Pro 16-inch offers, especially with the M3 Max chip. For regular use, the MacBook Air 15-inch will be a better buy.

Design-wise, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max) doesn't deviate from its predecessor. There is, however, a new color option, called Space Black, that's apparently made with a material with an anodization seal that's designed to minimizes fingerprint retention, helping you maintain a clean laptop.

Our independent benchmark tests showed a hefty leap in performance between the M3 Max and M1 Max MacBook Pro 16-inches. We saw a good 35% increase in single core and a considerable 69% increase in multi-core CPU performance in Geekbench 6. You should, therefore, see a noticeable time reduction when completing workloads, specifically graphics-intensive ones. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max's performance makes workloads fast, fluid and incredibly seamless, especially for creatives. At the moment, the M3 Pro and M3 Max remain Apple’s most powerful chips, but if you’re concerned that they might be outdated soon I don’t blame you. They came out less than a year after the M2 Pro and M2 Max, and Apple has recently released the M4 chip in the iPad Pro . While the M4 doesn’t reach the performance levels of the M3 Pro or M3 Max, it does suggest we may see an M4 Pro and M4 Max, along with updated MacBook Pros, sooner rather than later. However, even if these do arrive soon, I believe that it won’t mean the current MacBook Pros will suddenly feel underpowered.

Apple promises up to 22 hours of video playback, and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge for the MacBook Pro 16-inch, with what it says is the "longest battery life ever in a Mac". The good news is that those claims are pretty spot on, as I found that in our battery life benchmark test, where I ran a looped 1080p video until the MacBook Pro turned off, the battery lasted over 24 hours. Considering the power on offer here, that's extremely impressive.

The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max) is an incredibly ambitious laptop both in terms of hardware and design, and it’s aimed at creative professionals who need powerful mobile hardware. Yes, it's an expensive laptop - but if you need all that power, it's well worth paying for it.

💻 The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3) is the latest and greatest version of Apple’s powerful prosumer laptop. With a choice of the new M3 Pro or M3 Max chips, and support for up to 128GB unified memory, this is an incredibly powerful laptop that’s ideal for heavy workloads, especially graphically intensive ones. Read the full review: MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)

The best laptop for gaming

9. razer blade 14 (2024).

This year’s Razer Blade 14 refresh has been outfitted with the latest specs, including the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, offering a good bump over the 2023 model, which we previously included in this list. You get a choice of RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 laptop GPUs, which are the same as last year, but that's because Nvidia has yet to launch their successors - and they remain very good GPUs that can handle any PC game with ease. Add in a gorgeous 2560 x 1600 screen and an impressively thin and light design, and it's easy to see why the Razer Blade 14 (2024) is the best gaming laptop you can buy right now.

✅ You want a lightweight gaming laptop: We're not talking about performance, but the actual build and design of the Razer Blade 14 is seriously svelte.

✅ You want excellent perfomance: Not many 14-inch gaming laptops can match the Razer Blade 14 (2024) for sheer firepower.

✅ Image quality is important: The 240Hz QHD+ IPS panel is a real looker, and while it's not the highest resolution, it means modern games can feel extremely fast and responsive with the high refresh rate. It's also factory calibrated so colors look stunning out of the box.

❌ You’re on a budget: Razer laptops are notoriously expensive, and the Razer Blade 14 is no exception. Check out the MSI Katana 15 instead , which we've picked as the best cheap laptop you can buy right now.

❌ You want the very best performance: The Razer Blade 14's slimline design is great, but it does mean the components inside it can't be pushed as far as bulkier gaming laptops with better airflow.

❌ You want to travel really light: While thin compared to most gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 14 has a chunky power brick. Yes, you can use USB-C instead, but it won’t supply enough power to keep up when gaming.

Razer makes some of the best thin and light laptops on the market, and the Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a great example of this. Not only is it impressively thin and light, but it manages to pack in cutting edge components from Nvidia and AMD, so gaming performance isn't compromised. The screen is a highlight, with vibrant and realistic colors, and offering silky-smooth performance thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate, and the new Mercury silver colorway is gorgeous.

In our tests, the Razer Blade 14 (2024) performed extremely well, mainly thanks to the cutting-edge Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and RTX 4070 GPU in our review unit. It's the fastest 14-inch gaming laptop we've reviewed in 2024, and it blew past its predecessor in games like Assassin's Creed Mirage, where it hit a huge 107 frames per second.

According to Razer, the Razer Blade 14 (2023) should offer up to 10 hours of battery life, but in our review, we found it fell short of this, especially when playing demanding games. The good news is that its fast charging feature will get you back up to 80% in an hour, and the power brick is easily portable. Still, you'll always want to play next to a power outlet with this thing.

Razer's reputation for expensive laptops is well deserved here. Despite it being a 14-inch laptop, its starting price point of $2,199.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,999 will be far too high for many people. The model we reviewed, with the RTX 4070 graphics card and 32GB RAM, is even more pricey at $2,699.99 / £2,699.99 / AU$5,199.

Take a look at our Razer discount codes for the best Razer offers and savings.

💻 The Razer Blade 14 (2024) stands out with its stylish design, top-tier performance specs, and beautiful display, though its high price and some design choices might not be for everyone, especially when last year's model is just about as good for a fair bit less cash. Read the full review: Razer Blade 14 (2023)

The best 17-inch laptop

10. dell xps 17 (9730).

The Dell XPS 17 (9730) remains the best large-screen laptop you can buy. If you find that working on a 13-inch or even 15-inch laptop isn't comfortable, then this is a laptop that's well worth considering. One of the best things about the Dell XPS 17 is that as well as offering an excellent large screen to work on, it maintains the thin, light and stylish design of the smaller XPS 13 and XPS 15 models, so you're not making too many compromises to portability for the bigger display. As a flagship laptop, the Dell XPS 17 comes with some of the most powerful mobile components around, including a discrete graphics card from Nvidia's latest RTX 4000 series, and while it can play game, it's best used as a productivity laptop. Digital creatives will especially love its mix of large screen and powerful components.

✅ You want a solid and attractive 17-inch laptop: The Dell XPS 17 (9730) features the premium design and build quality we've come to expect from Dell's XPS lineup, alongside a large 17-inch screen.

✅ You want excellent performance: The XPS 17 comes with very powerful components that means it performs brilliantly no matter what you throw at it.

✅ You want a laptop that lasts: Despite its large screen and powerful components, battery life of the Dell XPS 17 impresses, with almost 10 hours on a single charge.

❌ You want a gaming laptop: The Dell XPS 17 can be configured to come with a dedicated GPU, but this is not a gaming laptop. Serious gamers can get better performance with the Razer Blade 14 ( click for details ).

❌ You want a budget laptop: The Dell XPS 17 is a large, flagship laptop with a premium design, which means it's quite expensive compared to other laptops - even big screen ones.

❌ Portability is a must: Unsurprisingly, this 17-inch laptop isn't the easiest to carry around compared to 13-inch Ultrabooks. That said, for the size, it is impressively svelte.

The Dell XPS 17 looks and feels extremely premium thanks to its machined aluminum body. Thin bezels surround the display, giving it a modern look while also keeping the overall size of the laptop as compact as possible. This isn't a laptop you can comfortably carry around in a small bag, mind you, but Dell has done a great job of making sure it's not big or bulky.

This is an excellent performer, packed with high-end components from Intel and Nvidia. Day to day tasks feel fast and responsive, and heavy creative workloads, such as 3D rendering and 4K video editing, are handled well. If you want a powerful workstation laptop with a large screen for creative work, and you don't fancy the MacBook Pro 16-inch ( which is also in this guide ), then this is an excellent alternative.

Powerful laptops with large screens often suffer from poor battery life, but thanks to the efficient hardware in the Dell XPS 17, it avoids that fate. During our review, we found that for watching videos and web browsing, it'll last just under 10 hours on a single charge, meaning you can use it unplugged for a whole workday - though heavier workloads will see the battery deplete faster.

The Dell XPS 17 (9730) starts at $1,599 / £2,698.99 / AU$4,398.90, though the base model varies depending on location. This is certainly pricey for a laptop, though you do get good specs, a large screen and thin and light design for your money. If you configure it with more powerful components, expect the price to rise even further.

💻 The Dell XPS 17 is everything one could want out of a larger laptop. By giving up the portability of smaller laptops, it can offer a large, vibrant screen and powerful performance. Of course, it also keeps the elegant trappings set out by the XPS laptop line. Read the full review: Dell XPS 17 (9730)

The best OLED laptop

11. samsung galaxy book4 pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is a truly impressive Ultrabook that proves that Samsung can make laptops as stylish and desirable as major laptop brands such as Dell, HP and Asus... and Apple, which is a clear inspiration. Offering cutting-edge components alongside an absolutely gorgeous AMOLED screen and premium design, this is a laptop that is a joy to work on. It also offers an excellent battery life of over 10 hours, so you can keep working without worrying about being near a power outlet.

✅ You want high-end performance: This laptop handles all kinds of workloads with ease thanks to Intel's latest processor.

✅ You want a great screen to work (and play) on: Thanks to its AMOLED screen with HDR support, this is the best display you can currently get on a Windows 11 laptop.

✅ You want amazing battery life: Offering easily over 10 hours on a single charge, you could use this through a whole work day and still have battery left.

❌ You want an original design: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is clearly inspired, looks-wise, by the MacBook Air, and while that's not a particularly bad thing, it does make it feel less original.

❌ You love watching movies: The OLED screen is stunning, but sadly the built-in speakers can't compare, so you'd be better off looking elsewhere - or investing in some PC speakers .

❌ You don't need a powerful OLED-equipped laptop: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro comes packed with cutting edge tech and an industry-leading screen, but if you don't need the kind of performance on offer here, your money is better spent elsewhere.

If the design looks familiar to you, then that's because the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro features a look that's heavily influenced by the MacBook Air. This isn't particularly bad, especially for people who love the look of Apple's laptops, but want to stick with Windows 11, but it also means it's hard to get too excited about the look of this laptop. One thing we do love, however, is the gorgeous AMOLED screen that really makes images look bright and vibrant. It's also a touchscreen - something you won't get on a MacBook.

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro offers excellent performance curtesy of the new Intel Core Ultra 7, which is Intel's latest mobile CPU and means this laptop can power through pretty much any task you throw at it - though don't go expecting it to play games on its integrated graphics. The screen is the real star of the show, however, and makes working on this laptop a joy. However, while the screen is also great for watching movies and TV shows on, unfortunately the built-in speakers aren’t as good, leading to tinny sound quality. If you want audio to go with the spectacular visuals, you’ll want to connect some external speakers.

Last year's Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra did a lot of things right, but its battery life was very disappointing. Thankfully, the new Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is a massive improvement, offering over 10 hours of life on a single charge.

As a Samsung Galaxy product, you should expect a premium price tag, and while the $1,449 / £1,599 puts it above the base MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) model, it offers better specs, a larger SSD and a better display as well thanks to AMOLED technology. It's not cheap, but you get a lot for your money.

💻 Physically, the new Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro looks like a dead ringer for the outgoing Galaxy Book3 Pro. Inside, however, it's running Intel's very latest Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 CPU. That means more performance than ever and even better battery life. You also get the same stunning 14-inch OLED screen as before and great build quality that almost matches Apple, but some features including the speakers still disappoint. Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro

The best affordable gaming laptop

12. msi katana 15 (2023).

The MSI Katana 15 is in our opinion the best cheap gaming laptop you can buy right now. While it's not the cheapest gaming laptop out there, it offers fantastic value for money considering its modern specifications, including a 13th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia RTX 4050 and 1TB of storage. These specs put a lot of cheap gaming laptops to shame, as they often come with older hardware. And, while you won't be playing the likes of Cyberpunk 2077 in all its visual glory with settings cranked up to the max and ray tracing on, it does do a great job of playing games at 1080p, and thanks to the lower price, it's a great first gaming laptop for many people.

✅ You play at 1080p : While it won't manage 4K visuals, this laptop plays modern games at full HD without issue.

✅ You want a cheap gaming laptop that doesn't suck: Despite its lower price, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) offers strong performance and good build quality.

✅ You new to PC gaming: The mix of performance and price makes this a great first gaming laptop for people.

❌ You want to max out your games: The MSI Katana 15 (2023) can play most modern games at 1080p and medium settings, but if you want 4K gaming at ultra settings and with ray tracing on, you may want to check out the Razer Blade 14 if you have the money.

❌ You want a long battery: In our review we found that its battery lasted just two hours and 40 minutes when web browsing. Even by gaming laptop standards, that's not great.

❌ You want a thin and light gaming laptop: When reviewing the MSI Katana 15, we found it to be quite heavy, so it's not the most comfortable laptop to carry around with you.

The MSI Katana 15 isn't an ugly gaming laptop, but the design does feel a bit old fashioned. This is a bulky, heavy gaming laptop, rather than a thin and light model, but that's the price you pay for a more affordable gaming laptop - you're not going to get premium designs and build quality here, though the Katana 15 doesn't feel like it would easily break. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen does the job well, and with a high 144Hz refresh rate, competitive games in particular feel fast and responsive.

While you definitely shouldn't expect to play the latest games at their very highest settings, the MSI Katana 15 does a very good job. The 1080p screen means that the RTX 4050 GPU, Nvidia's lower-mid-range graphics card, isn't put under too much stress, and slightly older games, such as Far Cry 6, can hit over 80fps (frames per second) at Ultra settings. Considering that game remains an impressive graphical showcase proves that the MSI Katana 15 can certainly punch above its weight. Considering the relatively affordable price tag, you'll be very impressed with the performance on offer here.

Gaming laptops often struggle to offer decent battery life, and unfortunately the MSI Katana 15 is one of the worst offenders. In our web surfing test, which is hardly intensive, it lasted two hours and 40 minutes, and the PCMark battery test, which replicated light to medium-intensity work, didn't even hit an hour. So, this is a laptop that will need to be plugged in a lot of the time.

The MSI Katana 15 is excellent value for money, which is why it's our pick for the best affordable gaming laptop you can buy right now. It's not the cheapest, but we recommend you saving up a bit more to get this laptop thanks to its new components - cheaper gaming laptops often stick with older tech to keep down costs. The MSI Katana 15 is far more future-proof, and offers excellent performance when gaming at 1080p, so if you can afford the slightly higher price, your investment will certainly pay off.

💻 The MSI Katana 15 balances design and performance with a relatively affordable price to be a great option for those seeking their first or at least an affordable gaming laptop. It has solid 1080p performance and everything – except for the battery life and trackpad – is good enough. Read the full review: MSI Katana 15 (2023)

Other laptops to consider

New laptops are launched every month, and while this guide has the very best of the best, there are many alternatives which are worth checking out, even if they didn't quite manage to make it on to our main best laptops list.

Here are some honorable mentions of other laptops we've tested in 2024 that are worth checking out:

Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+: a new entry in the Copilot+ PC category, this is an excellent laptop that proves just how good the Snapdragon X Elite chip is - with exceptional performance and battery life, and a gorgeous OLED screen. Read the full Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ review
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024): this laptop proves that gaming Chromebooks aren't just a gimmick - thanks to the high-end display and powerful components, this is a premium Chromebook that makes use of Google's Gemini AI tools. Read the full Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) review
Huawei MateBook D 16: if you're looking for a laptop that features a premium design and performance, but doesn't come with a sky-high price tag, then this is well worth considering, especially if you have a Huawei phone. It's not available in the US, however. Read the full Huawei MateBook D 16 review
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3): While we've included the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip in our main list, the 15-inch model is also worth considering if you prefer a bigger screen to work on. It lacks the portability of the smaller model, but otherwise it offers the same great design and performance. Read the full Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) review

How to choose the best laptop for you:

What are the best laptop brands? The best brands for laptops include Apple, Dell, Lenovo and HP, and they all have their strengths. For example, Apple make brilliantly-designed slim and light laptops, while Dell does a great range of high-end ultrabooks, as well as affordable devices and Chromebooks as well. Lenovo's well known for making solidly-built business laptops (and some great 2-in-1 laptops as well), and HP’s also been making some gorgeous laptops recently that are some of the best laptops in the world.

When it comes to gaming, the best laptop brands include Alienware, Asus and Acer.

How much RAM does a laptop need? RAM (Random Access Memory) is an important specification to look for in a laptop. You’ll want 4GB at the very least for a Windows laptop – though we’d actually recommend for many people to go for 8GB. That will ensure that the laptop runs well for years to come. Budget Chromebooks can get away with less RAM, such as 1GB or 2GB.

Battery life considerations Finally there’s battery life. This is likely to be one of the most important considerations you have when choosing what laptop to buy. The best laptops need to be able to let you work - and play - for hours on end without you having to scramble for a power adapter. Modern laptops are getting ever more power-efficient, which has led to longer battery lives. For a laptop to be included in our best laptops list, it needs to offer a battery life of five hours or more.

What to look for

Battery life: The best thing about laptops is that they allow you to break free from your desk and use them almost anywhere - which is why checking the battery life is essential. For pure battery life, Chromebooks are the best laptops you can buy – but Apple’s latest MacBooks with M1, M2 and brand-new M3 chips come close, offering well over 10 hours of battery life. Meanwhile, gaming laptops usually sacrifice battery life for performance instead.

Performance: When looking to buy the best laptop for your needs, you should consider the performance a potential purchase offers. You don’t want to be stuck with a laptop that starts lagging after a few years. For Windows laptops, look to get one with a modern 14th generation (or 13th) Intel processor, or AMD Ryzen 7000 series. With a MacBook, go for an M1, M2 or new M3 model – which are Apple’s powerful chips made specially for its laptops.

You should also go for a minimum of 8GB of RAM, though 16GB is more future-proof. Recently, Microsoft suggested that 16GB of RAM would be the minimum requirement for the next generation of 'AI laptops'. For Chromebooks, however, 4GB of RAM is fine.

Which type of laptop is best for you?

General laptops: Where the best cheap laptops are found, devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than $600 or £400.

Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – $700 or £500 to $2,000 or £1,800.

2-in-1 laptops: The best 2-in-1 laptops double as tablets and are outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.

Chromebooks: The best Chromebooks , running Chrome OS, do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than $300 or £200 and some can even withstand a slight tussle.

Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops . These machines generally cost from $800 or £600 to upwards of $3,000 or £2,800 and they’ll likely be the ones to take advantage of AMD’s laptop-grade Ryzen processors first. If you're really on a budget, then you can check out the best cheap gaming laptop deals .

Laptop-tablet hybrids: Designed from the tablet-first approach to laptop-tablet hybrids, the best Windows tablets pack beyond-HD touchscreens, sometimes with kickstands in their frames or provided via keyboard covers. These generally shine with a stylus and range from the budget to the premium price ranges.

What I'm looking for

Every year, hundreds of laptops are released, but only the very best get to make it onto this list. So, what makes a laptop good enough for me to recommend them in our best laptops guide?

I’ve been updating TechRadar’s best laptops page for almost 10 years, and here are the things I look for when deciding what devices should be on this page – and where.

Value for money

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

This is probably the most important consideration when it comes to picking the best laptops to recommend to you. No matter if it’s a powerful gaming laptop that costs thousands of dollars, or a humble budget Chromebook, each device needs to justify its price tag by excelling in the tasks it’s designed for.

Battery life

This is another hugely important consideration for many people when looking to buy a new laptop. One of the best things about laptops is how portable they are – but if you need to always look out for a power outlet to keep using your device, then you’re going to get very annoyed very quickly.

Of course, battery life expectations will vary depending on the type of laptop. For Chromebooks and modern MacBooks, a time of around 10 to 20 hours between charges should be expected.

Windows laptops based on AMD or Intel hardware should expect around 10 hours on a single charge, but the latest range of Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops, also known as ‘Copilot+ PC’ devices, should offer battery lives similar to Chromebooks and MacBooks.

Gaming laptops, however, will typically offer around four to eight hours of battery life. This is because they value performance over efficiency, and their high-powered components can quickly deplete any battery when playing games. These gaming laptops, along with powerful workstation laptops often known as ‘desktop replacements’ are usually designed to be used while plugged in. However, you should expect at least a few hours of battery life for when you’re using the laptop for less strenuous tasks such as emailing and editing documents.

When reviewing laptops, I also look at the hardware within the device – often known as the hardware specifications. This can give you a good idea of how well the laptop will perform, whether or not it’s good value for money, and if the laptop will be future-proof.

When I say ‘future-proof’ what I mean is that if you buy a laptop, you won’t need to upgrade or buy a new one for a long time. A laptop with old hardware might be cheaper, but if you feel the need to buy a new laptop after only a year or so, it’ll cost you more in the long run.

Depending on the type of laptop you’re looking for, the hardware specifications will vary. For standard Windows 11 laptops, I recommend 8GB RAM as a minimum, but ideally 16GB, 512GB of storage and a current generation Intel or AMD processor.

If you want to make use of on-device AI tools, like image generation, then you’ll want to look at the new range of ‘Copilot+ PCs’. These laptops meet certain criteria set by Microsoft so they can make use of AI features in Windows 11, such as having 16GB of RAM and a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit) that’s capable of 40 trillion processes a second (TOPS).

If that’s a lot of jargon, don’t worry as these laptops will be clearly labelled with Copilot+ PC branding, which means they come with the right hardware.

When looking for a MacBook, you’ll want to make sure it has a new M-series chip, with the M3 currently being the most recent. Entry level MacBooks come with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD, and while this is OK, I recommend going for 16GB and 512GB if you can afford it, as that will ensure it keeps running well for years to come.

As ChromeOS, which Chromebooks use as an operating system, isn’t as demanding a bit of software as Windows 11 and macOS, it means Chromebooks don’t need as high specifications – and that’s why they are often quite a bit cheaper than laptops and MacBooks.

So, an older processor, 4GB of RAM and even just 64GB of storage (due to Chromebooks using a lot of cloud-based services) should get you decent performance on a budget Chromebook. However, investing in a Chromebook with 8GB of RAM, a larger SSD and new processor will give you a much better experience.

When picking laptops for this guide, I’m looking for products with stylish yet functional designs. Laptops should be compact enough to carry around with you easily, while also being comfortable to use for long periods.

The design should also feel solid and dependable, being able to withstand knocks, drops and scratches.

How we tested these laptops

15-inch MacBook Air on wooden table at home

How we test the best laptops

✅ More than 1,800 laptops, Chromebooks and MacBooks reviewed ✅ 15 years of product testing ✅ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total ✅ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

We understand that a new laptop is a significant investment, so each laptop on our list has been thoroughly tested by our team (read more on how we test laptops ). We integrate these laptops into our daily routines to evaluate their performance comprehensively, in addition to running industry standard benchmarks like GeekBench, PCMark, 3DMark, and the latest PC gaming benchmarks.

Our assessment includes examining a laptop’s design, with special attention paid to the aesthetics, portability, and overall comfort for everyday use. We also consider any additional accessibility and security features like haptic feedback, key backlighting, fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, and physical privacy shutters for the built-in webcam.

On the performance side, we use a combination of real-world tasks and synthetic benchmarks to determine the laptops' capabilities. We test all laptops in a given model year using the same benchmark versions to ensure consistent comparisons across reviews for the laptops you might be considering. And since benchmark scores can sometimes be difficult to interpret, we leverage our expertise to explain these scores for you to help you compare the performance of competing laptops in easy-to-understand terms.

Battery life is another critical factor we measure. We track how long we can use each laptop before needing to recharge. Additionally, we perform our own battery life test, which involves looping a 1080p movie until the battery depletes, a proprietary web surfing script, and the PC Mark 10 battery life benchmark, which simulates real-world usage such as web browsing and document creation. These tests provide us with a clear understanding of the battery longevity for each laptop.

Finally, we consolidate all our findings and compare them to the laptop’s price, determining if it offers the best value for customers.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best luggage sets for 2024, tested & reviewed.

A good luggage set goes a long way.

The Best Luggage Sets

Away Luggage Set with Away bags on top, against a tan wall with tan stairs on the right and yellow panels on the left

Courtesy of Away

A quality luggage set is a worthy expenditure no matter how often you travel, especially since you can use each bag on its own – not just as a set – depending on the trip and your needs. While many brands offer full luggage sets for one price, others sell each bag individually, allowing you to customize your purchase.

Upgrade your travels with one of these luggage sets, all of which are highly rated and have been tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Away The Carry-On and The Medium

Best expandable: briggs & riley essential 22" carry-on expandable spinner and medium expandable spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light & checked light classic set, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero 3 piece set, best budget: amazon basics softside spinner suitcases, best luxury: carl friedrik the luggage set.

Best for Families: COOLIFE Luggage 4 Piece Set

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors.)

Price: $570 or less

If you've ever considered The Carry-on by Away , we recommend bundling it with The Medium (or The Large or The Trunk , depending on your travel style). Not only will you be investing in the best luggage set on the market, but you'll actually save $50 by purchasing a carry-on and a checked bag at the same time.

Away luggage is known for its featherlight yet indestructible design – as well as the sleek aesthetic and interior storage features, including zipped mesh pockets and compression for maximizing space. Each piece comes with a luggage tag and laundry bag.

What our editors say:

In addition to The Everywhere Zip Backpack (which fits neatly under an airplane seat), I've found that using one or both of these bags has been more than enough luggage for my travel needs. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner and Medium Expandable Spinner.

Courtesy of Briggs & Riley

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner in blue.

Price: $1,458 or less

Whether you're a heavy packer and/or looking for luggage that can expand if needed, Briggs & Riley is the top choice. Its 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner and Medium Expandable Spinner feature a patented system that allows them to significantly expand and compress with the touch of a button. The soft-sided bags are also designed to keep clothing wrinkle-free with garment folders, cinch-down garment panels and the brand's signature Outsider handle, which is an exterior-mounted design that creates a flat packing surface.

Other features include self-repairing zippers, impact-resistant corner guards and a PowerPocket for charging devices on the go. One of the best luggage brands on the market, Briggs & Riley stands by its products with a lifetime guarantee.

The expandability and overall quality of this luggage is unmatched. Although expensive, this is one of those rare situations where the price is right. – Amanda Norcross

July Carry On Light & Checked Light Set.

Courtesy of July

Price: $505 or less

The July Carry On Light weighs in at 3.9 pounds (the lightest double-wheeled suitcase on the market), and the checked case is 7 pounds, making it our top pick for the lightest luggage set. Constructed with durable aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, this hard-sided combo doesn't sacrifice quality or functionality in order to weigh less.

Both pieces have a three-stop telescopic handle, double spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks. The interior has a stain- and water-resistant lining and zipped mesh dividers to keep contents from shifting. When you're not on an adventure, the carry-on size nests within the checked size to save storage space.

Having a suitcase that doesn't start out too heavy is extremely important to me. I've tried multiple different types and styles over the years, and this set from July is far superior to any other lightweight options I've tried. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS

Interior of DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero International Carry-On - Expandable Spinner.

Price: $579.99 or less

This DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero three-piece hard-sided luggage set features a large checked bag, a medium checked bag and a carry-on. The 19-inch spinner fits within the strict luggage size requirements on the majority of international airlines, making it an excellent option for those who only need to travel with a carry-on. The 25-inch and 29-inch checked bags offer many of the same features as the carry-on, just with more room to store clothes and accessories.

All of these luggage pieces are lightweight with a durable polycarbonate exterior shell, a TSA-approved lock and smooth double-spinner wheels. There are tie-down interior straps on one side of each bag and a mesh pocket enclosure on the other. The bags are expandable (in case you need to squeeze in just a bit more stuff), and the carry-on provides an easy-to-access front pocket for important paperwork or a laptop up to 15.6 inches.

The lightweight and sleek DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero luggage set is a great addition to any globe-trotter's luggage arsenal. I know I can travel with the carry-on and fit it into the overhead bin no matter where I'm going because of its slightly smaller measurements. However, even though it's smaller, it can accommodate an impressive amount of clothes, shoes and accessories, and its interior straps and organizational pockets make it easy to use. I love the glossy and textured exterior, and it has held up incredibly well with no dents or dings. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

The Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch in black.

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $191 or less

The Amazon Basics line of luggage is the best bang for your buck on the market – you can't really beat three reliable suitcases for less than $200. This soft-sided luggage set includes a small 21-inch carry-on, a medium 25-inch checked bag and a large 30-inch checked bag. The bags are durable and feature a top-load design with a large interior zippered pocket and compression straps to keep everything snug. There are handles on the top, side and bottom to allow for easy placement in overhead bins, in cars or on luggage scales.

The luggage set is available on Amazon Prime, so if you need quality, affordable luggage in a pinch, you can get it shipped to you quickly.

This affordable soft-sided luggage is a steal – the quality is excellent. The wheels (very smooth) and zippers (durable and easy to zip) are particularly impressive for an Amazon bag. – Erin Evans

Price: $1,085 or less

Courtesy of Carl Friedrik

The Carl Friedrik The Carry-on Pro in black.

If you're looking for sleek, understated luxury, this set is just the ticket. These suitcases have a durable aluminum frame; a tough yet classy polycarbonate hardshell exterior; and Italian leather details. The Carry-on X has an integrated front pocket for your laptop, travel documents and other quick-find essentials. On the inside, there's a compression pad and compression straps to hold your items in place and maximize space. Both pieces have a sturdy telescoping handle, silent spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks.

Combining classic styling with durable materials, Carl Friedrik luggage is ideal for travelers seeking the finer things in life. From leather details to luxury accents and the way these suitcases glide along, if you want a sophisticated set, this is it. – Rachael Hood

Best for Families: Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set

Courtesy of COOLIFE

Price: $199.99 or less

Not only can the Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set accommodate the whole family's belongings, but it's also one of the best luggage deals you'll find. The hard-sided luggage set has earned nearly 30,000 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon for its lightweight design, easy-to-use TSA locks and overall quality at a surprisingly affordable price.

Inside each suitcase you'll find packing straps to secure clothing as well as zippered pockets for organizing accessories and other items. With two carry-on sizes (the 16-inch and 20-inch) and two checked bags (the 24-inch and 28-inch), several or all family members can each have their own bag.

You really can't beat the price of this four-piece luggage set (which often has an Amazon coupon available at checkout). The colors, which are even more vibrant in real life, also make it easy to locate your luggage at baggage claim. – Amanda Norcross

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

To determine the best luggage sets, our team of travel experts tested carry-on and checked luggage pieces from a range of price points. We tested their wheels on every type of surface from moving walkways to cobblestones, packed them with a variety of clothing and essentials, carried them on planes, checked them on overseas flights and more. We combined our test findings, a comparison of unique features and our travel expertise to curate this list.

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Travel Products

The 13 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From suitcases to backpacks, these are our budget-friendly favorites.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Whether you’re planning a domestic city break or the long-haul adventure of a lifetime, travel is expensive enough without spending a fortune on your luggage. By saving on wallet-friendly suitcases, backpacks, and more, you’ll have more room in the budget for unforgettable experiences when you reach your destination. Opt for luggage from reliable brands that focus on durable materials and hardware rather than aesthetic frills and unnecessary extras. And remember that even when you’re shopping on a budget, buying well-made pieces the first time around beats having to fork out cash a second time a little further down the line.

Our Travel + Leisure editors have tested more than 500 pieces of luggage (from carry-ons and checked suitcases to weekenders and backpacks) in our New York City lab, constantly testing new suitcases to find the best of the best. For this article, we chose the most affordable pieces under $150 that performed well both in our lab tests and during our long-term travels. We paid special attention to capacity, design, value, durability, and maneuverability, resulting in the category winners listed below.

Best Overall

Amazon basics expandable hardside 21-inch spinner.

This carry-on offers amazing durability and maneuverability at an unbeatable price point.

There are no external pockets, and the handle is a bit wobbly.

Since the Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner exceeded our expectations at every turn when we first tested it two years ago, we recently tested another to make sure the suitcase still meets our standards — and it does. Designed to meet the carry-on restrictions of most major airlines, it’s constructed of extra-thick ABS plastic with a textured, scratch-resistant finish. We were amazed that it survived our durability tests unscathed in a show of function and form that suggests excellent value for money. "Even after whacking it pretty aggressively with a baseball bat, this bag stood up to scuffs and scratches beautifully," says T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant . "The few imperfections that I did notice after the bat test were easily buffed out by rubbing them gently with my finger."

The suitcase’s fully lined interior features cross-straps on one side and a divider panel on the other. This panel includes three zippered pockets perfect for stashing smaller items. We were able to fit everything on our packing list inside with ease, even without employing the expansion feature, but you can also expand it for 25 percent more space, providing plenty of room for any souvenirs you might pick up on your trip.

We were also impressed by the carry-on’s maneuverability. With four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle, it was easy to push and pull over rough and smooth surfaces, turned nicely through our obstacle course, and handled bumps well — though the handle was wobbly at times. Color choices are fairly limited, but include navy blue, light blue, black, and orange.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Softside Checked

Swisstech softside luggage.

This suitcase is incredibly spacious yet smartly organized, with multiple interior and exterior pockets.

It prioritizes practicality over style and is not particularly fashionable.

While the SwissTech Executive 29-inch Softside suitcase may not win any particular style points, we thought it far out-performed many of the more expensive suitcases we tested. It’s made of a high-denier softside fabric that stood up to our durability tests well, emerging with just one small dent after we dropped it off a counter and hit it with a baseball bat. The zippers run smoothly, and there are multiple zippered pockets on the inside and outside to suit even the most organized packer.

We loved that the zippered expansion feature meant we had plenty of space leftover after packing everything on our list. Cross-straps keep everything in place, while the integrated TSA lock means security agents can open the suitcase without breaking it if necessary. The 360-degree spinner wheels and telescoping handle afforded smooth maneuverability on concrete and carpet, and we felt the suitcase fared well on gravel given its size.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29 x 19 x 10.5 inches | 9.1 pounds | Expandable | Denier

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Hardside Checked

Kenneth cole reaction out of bounds suitcase.

This suitcase is cavernous yet easy to maneuver despite its large size.

As is to be expected in a suitcase of this size, it handled better on smooth surfaces than when hauled over gravel.

If you’re looking for a sturdy hardside option for your next family trip or extended international vacation, we love the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 28-inch Checked Spinner. It’s made of durable yet lightweight ABS plastic, with molded corner guards for extra impact resistance. We found that it stood up well to our durability tests, despite sustaining a few scuffs around the edges. The interior is fully lined, with cross-straps on one side and a zippered divider that essentially creates two separate packing spaces.

We found it deceptively spacious and could easily have fit enough clothes and extras for a month-long trip. Organization was good thanks to a hanging accessory pocket, and the multidirectional spinner wheels and retractable handle made for easy, 360-degree mobility even around tight corners. The lightweight trolley system also gives you a little extra leeway before exceeding airline weight restrictions. We loved the suitcase’s modern, sleek look. Choose from a range of colors including black and rose gold.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.8 inches | 9.6 pounds | ABS, PC, polyester | Limited lifetime warranty

Best Softside Carry-on

American tourister 4 kix 2.0 carry-on spinner.

The soft polyester is both durable and expandable.

While it's extremely easy to pull, it's more cumbersome to push.

Prefer traveling light? This compact carry-on fits just the right amount for a short trip (or up to 10 days, if you're a light packer like us). As we tested it in our lab, though, we were extremely impressed with the stretchy interior compression belt and expander, which efficiently packed down our clothing and accessories — freeing up space to add a bit more if needed. It also has quite a few pockets, ranging from internal mesh pockets to external zip pocket perfect for items you'd need to easily access in transit.

This suitcase shines when it comes to maneuverability, which we quickly realized while rolling it through our lab obstacle course. It's very lightweight and easy to move, and you can adjust the telescoping handle to several different heights. All four 360-degree spinner wheels glided so smoothly, we can't imagine ever having an issue pulling this bag.

Best Hardside Carry-on

Delsey paris x united colors of bennetton carry-on spinner.

It's so much more spacious than it looks, and it has a durable hardside shell.

The handle wobbles slightly when in use.

Don't let this Delsey carry-on's small stature fool you — it's built to haul plenty of items from points A to B. We were able to fit everything on our packing list (including multiple outfits, toiletries, and shoes) with ease. While this bag doesn't have an expander, it does have quite a bit of give, which allows for a few extra items. It's also equipped with compression straps and an internal pocket for added space and organization.

At right around 6 pounds, this bag is incredibly lightweight , which is ideal for overpackers whose luggage tends to exceed weight limits at the airport. And despite its weight, it actually performed beautifully through all our lab tests — from rolling seamlessly over multiple surfaces to getting tossed around and whacked with a baseball bat without a scratch or dent. While the handle seemed to wobble a bit as we wheeled the bag around, it remained intact through our tests and fully supported the weight of the bag. This limited-edition collab between Delsey and the United Colors of Benetton is almost sold out, so get it while you can.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.75 x 13.75 x 9.75 inches | 6.2 pounds | 48-liter capacity | ABS/polycarbonate blend

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Underseater

Samsonite spinner underseater.

This underseater stood out for its exceptional organization features, quality construction, and flawless maneuverability.

It was a tight squeeze to fit the suitcase into our simulated underseat area, so it could be too large for smaller planes.

Designed to fit under most airline seats and small enough to qualify as a personal item, the Samsonite Spinner Underseater impressed us with its good looks and quality materials. We liked the smart color choices, too, which range from jet black to ocean or purple. Organization is a highlight, with front and side pockets for storing items you want to keep within easy reach and a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve. We were able to fit everything on our list for a two-day trip, even without compression straps.

The front pocket includes an organizer panel with slots for your credit cards and pens. And there’s a USB port for on-the-go charging (although you’ll need to purchase a power bank separately ). We found the underseater amazingly easy to maneuver through our obstacle course thanks to its multidirectional spinner wheels and retractable, locking handle. It rolled smoothly and was light enough to pick up by the top handle for seamless transitions between stairs, escalators, and rougher terrains.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Garment Bag

Misslo 43-inch gusseted travel garment bag.

This garment bag is easy to operate and comfortable to carry using the heavy-duty handles.

The length is a little too short for longer dresses, and we would have liked a few more pockets.

The Misslo Gusseted Travel Garment Bag is made from a breathable, nonwoven fabric that feels somewhat flimsy but is actually thicker than similar budget options we’ve seen. It’s best suited to light travel and is not water resistant. We loved the bag’s straightforwardness, though. It took less than a minute to pack, folds in half easily, and boasts sturdy carry handles that are comfortable even after an extended period of time. You can also pack the folded garment bag into your checked luggage.

There’s a hole in the top for up to five clothes hangers for easy storage at your destination. We were able to fit two dresses, a dress shirt, dress pants, a suit jacket, and a belt with space leftover, although we had to fold long dresses awkwardly to fit them in (but there are longer versions available). There is a single clear plastic, zippered accessory pocket; ideally, we’d add a few more. We liked the clear window for viewing contents, though.

The Details: Personal item | 43 x 22.6 x 3.5 inches | 7.8 ounces

Best Duffel

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

This duffel offers two comfortable carrying methods and ample pockets for easy organization.

The main compartment is a little small, and we found the relatively narrow opening made packing somewhat tricky.

Made from high-density cotton canvas with plastic feet to keep it off the ground, the Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag impressed us during our durability tests. We felt the material was likely to last and easy to keep clean. The interior has one small, zippered pocket. We found the main compartment a little tight and had to use the exterior pockets to fit everything in. However, we loved the lengthways expansion feature and the fact that the side pockets are spacious enough to accommodate a pair of low profile shoes.

The duffel also stands out for its easy portability, offering two comfortable carrying methods. We liked that you can fasten the top grab handles with a Velcro strap for added security and cushioning. And the adjustable, removable shoulder strap is padded enough to make lengthy cross-terminal walks a breeze. We found that the bag’s overall aesthetic does not look particularly high-quality, but we like that it comes in classic shades of gray, army green, and blue.

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Best Weekender

Hyc00 travel duffel bag.

This weekender offers great style and durability for a very reasonable price.

Don’t expect to be able to fit enough for more than a couple of nights away.

Constructed of high-density, water-resistant nylon, the HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag survived our durability tests without a mark. This weekender is designed to adhere to airline carry-on restrictions and offers multiple carrying methods. We found the top handles and the removable, adjustable shoulder strap soft and comfortable. We also appreciated the integrated trolley sleeve, which allows you to attach the bag seamlessly to your other luggage.

The bag offers abundant organization with six internal pockets and two external ones. We liked the open pocket on the outside of the bag for keeping quick-grab items handy. On the inside, our favorite feature was the waterproof pocket for separating toiletries or damp clothes. We were able to fit everything on our packing list; however, there wasn’t much space leftover (don’t expect to pack for longer than a weekend away). The bag comes in colors to suit all tastes, from coral red to olive green.

Best Laptop Backpack

Tzowla travel laptop backpack.

This backpack is lightweight, impressively water resistant, and offers pockets for every purpose.

You will need to purchase a separate power bank if you want to use the integrated USB port.

The Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is made from durable 300-denier nylon, which held up impressively in the pouring rain. It’s much more spacious than similar backpacks we own yet lighter and less bulky when fully loaded. We loved its many pockets, including a padded section for laptops of up to 15.6 inches and double-sided pockets for your water bottle and umbrella. There’s even an organizer in the zippered front pocket with slots for your pens and a dedicated key fob.

Our favorite features include the integrated USB and headphone ports, and the combination zipper lock. We felt the lock was a particularly thoughtful touch considering the backpack is designed for carrying valuable tech . There’s even a small zippered compartment on the back of the bag for keeping valuables safely against your body when you’re in an area prone to pickpocketing . Finally, we found the backpack extremely comfortable thanks to wide, padded shoulder straps with a breathable mesh lining.

The Details: Personal item | 20 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 1.8 pounds | USB and headphone ports | Polyester

Best Packable Backpack

Osprey ultralight stuff pack.

This backpack folds up into a tiny square so you can easily pack it into a larger suitcase if you need an extra bag.

There is no padding or structure to this backpack because of how lightweight it is.

You never know when you may need an extra bag on your travels, and this Osprey backpack folds into a compact square that you can pack inside a suitcase or weekender. "This backpack takes up no room at all inside another bag, and you'd be able to pack this anywhere — even in your pocket," says T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco , who tested this bag during a packable backpack test .

It's on the smaller size for a backpack, though it did hold most of our packing list, including a pair of shoes and a fleece pullover. Though it's not padded or structured at all, it is outfitted with several pockets, including a small interior slip pocket with a key leash and two stretchy exterior slip pockets. Other features include adjustable shoulder straps and smooth zippers. We think it's a great choice for a foldable bag from a trusted outdoor gear brand.

The Details: Personal item | 7.48 x 8.66 x 16.54 inches | 5.3 ounces | 18-liter capacity | Nylon

Best Rolling Duffel

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

This rolling duffel offers space for days and enough pockets to satisfy even the most strategic packer.

Some effort is required to maneuver the duffel over rough or uneven surfaces.

The Travelers Club Xpedition 30-inch Upright Rolling Duffel is made from adventure-ready 600-denier polyester, which stood up to our durability tests without a single dent or tear. Two in-line blade wheels make it easy to transport heavy loads, although we felt that the retractable handle could benefit from a smoother, longer extension. The duffel rolled smoothly over concrete and paver gaps but was a little trickier to maneuver over carpet and gravel.

We loved the deceptive spaciousness of the main compartment, which easily accommodated 10 to 14 days’ worth of winter clothing with room leftover. It’s completely unstructured to suit the “chuck it all in” packer but complemented by a slew of external zippered pockets for the more organized traveler. Other perks include two hard plastic feet so that the duffel can stand upright on its own and a trifold bottom board for compact storage. Choose yours in plain black or with colored accents ranging from burnt orange to forest green.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 30 x 13 x 12 inches | 6.7 pounds | 77-liter capacity | 600D polyester

Best Briefcase

Vankean laptop briefcase.

The quantity and sizing of the various interior pockets make this an organizer's dream.

The bag looks a bit clunky.

For any professional looking for a well-organized personal item or commuter bag , this strong and durable briefcase is the perfect choice. While it may not be the most lightweight option, nearing 3 pounds when empty, this bag features so many organizational components that even the less neat travelers will be able to keep all of their items in place. The well-sized bag fit every item on our packing list without becoming too cumbersome to carry for long periods of time thanks to padded, wide straps that grip the shoulder and help distribute weight. We also love the amount of padding along the lining of the bag itself, so items — including laptops and tablets — will stay protected even after dropping the bag. The exterior is also resistant to water for an added layer of durability against rain or spills.

The Details: Personal item | 18 x 12.8 x 7.5 inches | 2.88 pounds | Canvas polyester | Water resistant

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Other Affordable Luggage Pieces We Liked

Here are some other luggage pieces worth mentioning. Though we found some minor issues during testing, they could still be a fit for certain travelers.

Coolife Carry-on With Pocket : We loved this bag’s attractive aesthetic, roomy interior, and butter-smooth zippers. It survived our durability tests without a mark but lost points for a lack of maneuverability and interior compartments that were a little too tight.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner : Although we were able to fit everything on our packing list inside, it was a squeeze even with the expansion feature. The suitcase was also much easier to maneuver on two wheels than four; however, we were impressed by its durability and clever organization features.

Seyfocnia Convertible Carry-on Travel Garment Bag : We loved this bag’s intuitive design, which includes convenient straps, spacious pockets, and sturdy zippers. It was comfortable to carry, and if we had to change anything, we'd addwe wish it had a padded laptop sleeve.

Traveler’s Choice Lares Carry-on Spinner : We love that this expandable carry-on is easy to pack and is large enough to hold all of the essentials, but we thought the wheels felt flimsy, and we wish they were more durable.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

We are constantly testing luggage in our New York City lab, and for this article we put together a list of the more affordable pieces that also performed well. First, we weighed each bag, then examined it to determine the quality of its materials and hardware. Next, we packed each bag with a prescribed list of items designed to imitate a real-life trip, taking note of capacity and organization features.

If the suitcase had wheels, we rolled it around on concrete, carpet, and gravel to see how smooth they felt. We also took each suitcase through an obstacle course meant to mimic a busy station or airport to check how well it handled tight turns. If the bag had straps, we carried it around for at least 5 minutes to see if they were comfortable. We placed carry-ons and underseaters into overhead bins and underneath airplane seats on our mock airplane set.

Finally, all bags were subjected to a durability test. We pushed each fully packed bag off a counter or from the top of a stepladder multiple times, then beat them repeatedly with a baseball bat to see how well the exterior, interior, and contents withstood rough handling. We took notes on the capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value of each bag, choosing the lowest cost bags with the highest results for this article. We will continue testing each bag on our travels over the course of six months, and we are constantly testing new bags to update our articles with the latest results.

Tips for Buying Affordable Luggage

Decide if you want hardside or softside .

Luggage falls into two main categories: hardside and softside . There are pros and cons to each, and you must decide which best suits your needs. Hardside luggage is made from strong, lightweight materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic. The rigidity affords an extra level of protection for fragile items, while these materials’ natural water-resistance is great in inclement weather. They are easier to wipe clean and may look new for longer, although some styles are prone to scuffs, scratches, and dents. Hardside luggage is also not particularly flexible, making it harder to close when you stuff it full.

Softside luggage is typically made from durable nylon, polyester, or canvas. It’s often lower in cost, making it a good bet for those on a budget (although this is obviously brand dependent). The added flexibility is a pro for overpackers or those who need to fit irregularly shaped objects into their backpack or duffel bag . Adventure travelers often prefer softside luggage, because it’s easier to throw into small spaces (like the back of a safari jeep or the hold of a cross-country bus), and it's usually more lightweight than hardside bags. These are less prone to scratches; however, the fabric may stain or fade and is harder to clean.

Prioritize well-made items

When it comes to affordability, it’s important to consider cost per use and not just the initial layout. Sure, you can find a suitcase for $20, but if it only lasts for two trips before the wheels and zipper break, it could be more expensive in the long run than a pricier option that lasts for several years. Quality is key if you’re looking for good value. We recommend choosing luggage that prioritizes durable materials (including sturdy hardware), while keeping costs down by forgoing luxury extras.

No matter where you're going or how long you're staying, you don't want to be lugging around some poorly made suitcase that falls apart on the first leg of your journey. A good way to make sure you’re buying a reliable product is to stick with a trusted midrange brand like Travelpro or Samsonite and to diligently check industry and customer reviews. Just remember: you don't have to spend a ton of cash to get something that's sturdy and reliable. The key is knowing what you want and doing your homework beforehand.

Look at special features

Although you wouldn't want to pay more for unnecessary frills, it may help you decide between two suitcases if they're around the same price point and one has some extra features, like an expandable zipper to add extra space or USB ports to charge your phone on the go. It's helpful to explore the features ahead of time so that you're aware of what you're buying because some bags have more to offer than others. Smart features can mean many different things — even if the bag has a charging port, the power bank might not be included. If you're looking at suitcases, look at photos or descriptions of the interior to see what types of pockets there are (or if there are no pockets at all). For weekenders and duffel bags, see how many different handles there are — some have removable straps so you can carry them multiple ways. Read the descriptions thoroughly to avoid surprises.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Frequently Asked Questions

If you really only need a single suitcase, then of course you’ll spend less buying it separately. But if you’re in the market for a whole new set (whether that’s for different types of trips, for that coordinated look at the luggage carousel, or to divide between family members), then buying luggage as a set is typically — but not always — a lower cost than buying each piece individually. Sets most commonly come with two or three pieces: a carry-on and one or two checked bags of varying sizes. You can also find sets with many more pieces, from underseaters to totes. Make sure to buy only what you’ll actually use if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Often, buying luggage online is significantly cheaper than buying in-store. This is especially true if you use a retailer like Amazon, Target, or Walmart that offers many reliable luggage brands and the option to filter results by price for a side-by-side comparison on what’s available at your chosen price point. The ability to view unbiased customer reviews also helps ensure what you see is what you get and that the luggage is of the kind of quality you can live with. Don’t forget “own-brand” luggage from Amazon Basics and Walmart’s Protégé line — they may not have many bells and whistles, but they offer reliable products at a very reasonable rate. If you're not in a rush to buy, you can wait for big shopping events to find some suitcases on sale.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Jessica Macdonald has been writing about the travel industry, with a particular focus on luggage, for more than a decade. For this article, she drew inspiration from her own research and the results of laboratory tests carried out on nearly 500 different luggage pieces by T+L’s team of travel experts.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Duffel Bags
Duffel Bags: The Buying Guide

Best Duffel Bags in 2024 | Tested by Survivalists & Travelers

Variations Of Duffel Bags Stuffed In A Car

These duffel bags include only products tested in the field by hand-picked individuals with profiles that demand good outdoor apparel.

To learn more about how these bags were tested, click here or scroll down below.

A duffel bag, often alternatively spelled as “duffle bag,” stands out as a versatile accessory for various needs. We have chosen duffels with a waterproof design, backpack-style products, models equipped with durable wheels for smooth transport, or options abundant in compartments, pockets, and lash points for organized storage.

Our writers and editors have been using duffels for all the activities we practice and test for, making our experience one based on longer evidence and observation. Take note of the features and the cost of this curated list of options. We’ve actually tested and used all of them. Read about how we tested them below.

Prices are also compared down below, too.

The Quick 6 of the Best Duffel Bags in 2024

Backcountry.com

The North Face Base Camp

Where to buy:

Where to buy the north face base camp:.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel is available in sizes ranging from a minimal 31L to a colossal 150L. The 31L is good for both rugged adventures or trips to the gym. The 50L is accepted as a carry-on by most airlines and from there, the larger sizes are great for just about anything you can throw them at.

I’ve got a lot of trust in these bags for some of the most demanding voyages sailing in open vessels and camping in rough terrain. The Base Camp design is also useful for organization–if you have packing cubes.

Its strength lies not in the availability of pockets, but rather in the simplicity. Two side pockets work for smaller items, but there’s no shoe compartment.

The main compartment is easily accessible and flexible, so you can pack your duffel to the brim.

Best Suited For: Hiking, Day Trips, Outdoor activities, Travel
Material: 1000-denier phthalate-free thermoplastic elastomer fabric laminate/840-denier ballistic nylon
Volume: 95L
Dimensions: 15.75 x 27.56 x 15.75 inches
Weight: 4.1 pounds

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Backcountry

Gregory Alpaca Backpack Duffel

Where to buy Gregory Alpaca Backpack Duffel:

These Gregory Alpaca duffels are made with the same 900D Polyester Ripstop with TPU weather-resistant coating as the Patagonia Black Hole duffels. Although initially seemingly similar, these Gregory Alpacas have a few tricks up their sleeves .

One of these great features is an external pocket that keeps dirty shoes and laundry separate from the main compartment.

The Gregory Alpaca is available in 40L, 60L, 80L, and 100L for overnight trips or something that demands more gear. Their weather and abrasion-resistant padded bottom and reinforced grab handles make them a reliable choice for any urban outing or rugged expedition .

Sizes/Volumes: 40L, 60L, 80L, 100L
Dimensions: 22.83” x 13.39” x 11.42” | 12.76” x 27.52” x 15” | 28.74” x 28.35” x 12.99” | 31” x 17.5” x 14.5”
Colors: Obsidian Black, Fir Green, Red Rock, Slate Blue, Mirage Tan
Weight: 2.65lbs, 3.38lbs, 3.54lbs, 3.92lbs
Material: 40% Recycled 900D Polyester Ripstop with TPU Weather resistant coating, 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135D Polyester with PFC-Free DWR, EVA Foam

Stahlsac Abyss Duffel Bag

Where to buy Stahlsac Abyss Duffel Bag:

If you’re on the hunt for a sturdy duffel bag that can protect your gear from Mother Nature’s worst, Stahlsac Abyss duffel bags can be quite compelling.

Backpack straps and a durable bottom with a squarish main compartment come in handy with larger gear items. But that will appeal to other travellers too.

Designed with divers in mind, this duffel bag is made with weatherproof ultra-durable TPU nylon that’ll protect your gear from all the elements and any inevitable boating mishaps.

Coming in a cabin-sized convenient 50L, a medium 75L, and a robust 100L, these Stahlsac Abyss duffel bags seem like they can endure any storm that comes their way.

Sizes: 50L, 75L and 100L
Dimensions: 50L: 22.25”x14”x10” / 56.5x35.5x25.5cm
(L x W x H): 75L: 28”x14”x12” / 71x35.5x30.5cm
100L: 33.25”x15.75”x13.75” / 84.5x40x35cm
Color : Grey
Weight: 50L: 2.4lbs / 1.1kg
75L: 2.9lbs / 1.3kg
100L: 3.4lbs / 1.5kg
Material: Weatherproof & strong double-TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminated
nylon material and RF-welded seams.

STUBBLE & CO.

Stubble & Co The Weekender

stubble-and-co-the-weekender-on-bradley-shoulder

Where to buy Stubble & Co The Weekender:

Stubble & Co has been making some interesting bags defined by function and form. The Weekender is the company’s premium travel bag designed to accommodate overnight getaways and weekend-long business trips. Its dimensions make it a carry-on that will fit in the overhead compartment of a plane and its design will appeal to travelers that might want something a little more elegant.

This “Designed in London” duffel will immediately appeal to those traveling with a trolley bag. It has both a laptop sleeve and a trolley sleeve for a complete, carry-on-only setup.

But after getting to know this bag, it seems designed for something a little more too.

Its water-resistant canvas material with a hardened body extends the bag’s area of use as far as glamping. Depending on the gym or country club, it will also do well as a sports bag too.

There are some nice features on this 40-liter weekender bag–typical of the British company’s small, but adroit lineup of bags.

After using this bag for camping, sailing and a weekend trip to the lake, our review measures the success of this travel bags’ intention against our expectations and actual experience.

Material: Water-repelling British Millerain Tekwax canvas, full-grain leather, 100% cotton lining
Packed Dimensions: W 55 (22) x H 30 (12) x D 25 (10) cm (in)
Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs.)
Capacity: 40L
Style: Weekender
Size: Cabin-sized
Colors: Black, Olive, Pirate, Navy

Peak Design

Peak Design 65L Travel Duffel

Where to buy Peak Design 65L Travel Duffel:

Peak Design has another product that will excite and please organization-obsessed travelers.

The Travel Duffel has a lot of pockets, specialized pockets for items like SD memory cards, power banks and notebooks. It took our two testers some time before they optimized their packing approach, but PD’s bags are similar to Apple products in that they are great when used the way they were designed.

Additionally, Peak Design packing cubes really take advantage of this bags organization strengths, but add another cost/benefit analysis that might scare casual travelers away.

As part of our duffel bag review guide, this bag passed our gauntlet of tests. So, the Peak Design Travel Duffel is also a capable bag in the face of abuse and rain. It’s just not ideal for any kind of hike.

Materials: 600D Nylon Canvas Shell with DWR Coating, 900D Nylon Base, #10 UltraZips, Hypalon Pulls
Capacity: 65 Liters
Dimension: 13.4” x 29.9” x 12.6”
Weight: 2.9 lbs.

Rains Texel Duffel Bag

Torben wearing the Rains Texel Duffel, a unisex multifunctional bag.

Where to buy Rains Texel Duffel Bag:

The waterproof, backpack capable Rains Texel Duffel Bag is as stylish as it is versatile. While the smaller 34L works really well as a gym bag for the yoga studio, the larger option makes for a great weekender, travel duffle. It can stay upright almost anywhere, making it easy to grab and carry with its multiple handles and design .

It features a reinforced bottom with Rains’ signature soft DWR PU material on the upper. Rains has done a good job of improving the sustainability profile of their production and sourcing too.

The Texel’s main compartment is large and it has several mesh pockets inside and out. It is a good multi-purpose solution at a lower price than one might expect from this company. Not much for organization, but it hits home on style and water protection.

Material: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating
Capacity: 56 liters / 14.8 gallons
Dimensions: H34 x W62 x D34cm / H13.4 x W24.4 x D13.4 inches
Weight: 1260 gr / 2.77 pounds
Waterproof rating: W3 – Waterproof protection from light rain

Jack Wolfskin

Jack Wolfskin 65L Expedition Trunk

Where to buy Jack Wolfskin 65L Expedition Trunk:

We in continental America live in a bit of a vacuum of influence when it comes to our outdoor equipment. Occasionally, I’ll have the chance to take a look at gear from European manufacturers- in this case it’s Jack Wolfskin’s 65L Expedition Trunk, a sensibly priced alternative to “adventure duffles” employed by travelers and explorers alike.

This heavy-hitting German retailer has one foot in the outdoor sporting world and another in urban “athleisure” wear. A closer look at the trunk reveals it’s firmly rooted in this dichotomy- taking aim somewhere between an overbuilt gear bag and a versatile valise. For a weekend at the cabin or living out of it for weeks at a time, the duffle certainly merits further investigation.

Stowable padded shoulder straps
Large and lockable D-zip
Reinforced webbing carrying handles
External gear loops
3 Meshed internal compartments
Water-resistant external pocket
1680D fabric construction

Osprey Transporter 65L

Where to buy Osprey Transporter 65L:

The Osprey Transporter duffel doesn’t have too many features that separate it from other options. The best features of this pack are easily the u-zip opening and the solid quality of the zippers and shoulder straps.

I tested the 65-liter variant on a 14-day sailing and camping voyage, plus other smaller weekend trips. It proved to be a robust bag that protects against some considerable abuse (read review) as well as rain.

It’s a moderately expensive bag that returns substantial returns in experience measured by potential days of use and protection.

Material: 840D Nylon TPU Double Coated
Volume: 65L
Dimensions: 23.6 X 14.2 X 12.6 inches
Weight: 3.1 pounds

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60

Where to buy Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60:

A solid and practical duffel backpack is the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler.

Tested against conditions that get it dirty, sat on and tossed about, the 60 liter Cargo Hauler we used several times did well. With a robust construction using Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite fabric, this duffel is water-resistant and can handle frequent travel.

The bag features versatile carrying options, including padded backpack straps, top handles, and side grab handles for easy maneuverability.

Best Suited For: Hiking, Day Trips, Camping, Weekend trips
Material: 600D TPU, 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill
Volume: 60L
Dimensions: 26.75 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches
Weight: 2.3 pounds

Stubble & Co

Stubble & Co. The Kit Bag Duffel

Where to buy Stubble & Co. The Kit Bag Duffel:

This bag stays true to the Stubble & Co signature phrase ‘go anywhere, do everything.’

The Kit by Stubble & Co comes at 38L and is not a typical gym bag .

Its versatile hybrid character is its top-selling point. It can be carried as a backpack and by removing the shoulder straps, you are left with a sleek, stylish duffel for a weekend escape or a carry-on , all in one.

For an above-average but more than reasonable price, you get multiple pockets, a padded laptop sleeve and a separate shoe compartment protected by Stubble’s durable and sustainable fabrics.

Material: Recycled 200D & 900D PET & TPU fabrics, water-resistant zips, vegan-friendly
Capacity: 10 gallons / 38L
Dimensions: 21.26 x 8.66 x 13.77 inches / 54 x 22 x 35 cm
Weight: 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg
Waterproof rating: Waterproof, suitable for light rain

Related Reviews

Read full review

Why Trust This Guide

The primary reviewer of this guide, yours truly, has extensive experience with duffel bags. I used to spell it “duffle” while I was canoe tripping and sailing. Not until I started systematically testing bags 5 years ago, did I understand what Dernier means and how to value some of the more subtle features of these bags.

As is revealed in the image below, I sail two weeks on an open 72-foot viking ship with 30-40 others, each bringing along one or more duffle bags. During these 14 days, I prod and pry at their bags and at the owners, peppering them with questions about their experience.

Lately, I’ve found it helpful for this guide to lend them duffel bags and enlist their views. The authority of this guide is, therefore, based on a community of research and plenty of data. Most of them are survivalists.

Building on the foundation of testing at sea (saltwater) and camping on land, the duffels have been tested for water protection and features quantitatively and qualitatively respectively.

To measure water protection, the bags were placed outside in the rain for 30 minutes and measured for how much water seeped in.

duffel-bag-water-protection-test-results

Continuing some of our stress-testing and probing for any weak points in construction, we took turns with different packs in the shower, pointing the water at the closed zippers to see how well those seams protected the contents from splashes or rain.

This simulates a bag that’s been put on its side, something that I’ve experienced a lot during camping and sailing trips.

Additional testing for any weakness in water protection at the seams and zippers

Choosing the Right Size Duffel for the Price

Duffel bags come in various sizes, from compact 30L models ideal for gym use to spacious 100L options perfect for extended trips.

Popular choices include the 71L North Face Base Camp and the 60L Gregory Alpaca. Consider your needs and budget, as prices vary from stylish options like the Rains Texel at $170 to premium models like the Peak Design 65L at $169.

Evaluate your gear requirements to select the best duffel bag that offers optimal capacity and value for your investment.

What is a Duffel Bag

Duffel bags were originally designed to give you the possibility to carry your gym gear and travel-related items in one safe and secure place. They were also used utilized for storing the same pieces in a dust-free and moisture-free place. As more and more brands started releasing their versions of duffel bags, their purpose became more diverse than ever.

Rock-climbing amateurs along with avid world travelers and extreme sports fanatics started purchasing duffel packs that would meet their particular needs. Nowadays they are the go-to accessory that every other person has in their wardrobe regardless of the leisure activity he or she dives in every now and again. This means that you will certainly find the right model of the duffel bag from the 20 items we reviewed in this guide.

Take into consideration factors like purpose, size, features, and price, and you will be able to narrow down your list to just one model that fits your requirements the best.

Backpack Duffel Designs

Backpack duffel designs combine the convenience of a backpack with the spaciousness of a duffel bag, making them a versatile choice for travelers and adventurers. These hybrid bags are designed to offer the best of both worlds, with features that cater to a variety of needs.

One of the primary advantages of backpack duffels is their versatility. They can be carried on the back, allowing for hands-free movement, or by their handles, like a traditional duffel. This makes them ideal for situations where you need to switch between carrying styles, such as navigating through airports or hiking to a campsite.

Dernier Explained

The numbers standing next to the word ‘Denier’ are commonly used to showcase the durability of the item from the material’s point of view. Always expressed by a number with a “D” at the end. The higher the number is, the more long-lasting the duffel bag (in our case) is.

It is essential to remember that deniers of the same value may still vary in quality depending on the type of used fabric. But that is a good measure to look out for when choosing one bag from the big crowd of bags. Don’t be alarmed by the two values the denier some manufacturers can mention for some particular bags. Usually, the higher one refers to the bottom part of the bag’s fabric, whereas the lower one refers to the top part of the bag’s fabric.

More Fun Outside

Get more Outdoor fun in this series: Duffel Bags , Dry Bags , Hiking Backpacks , Waterproof Backpacks , Waterproof Watches, Waterproof Cameras , Waterproof Jacket , Windbreaker Jackets , Life Jackets , Selfie Sticks & much more.

Frequently asked questions

Duffel bags have become the ‘go-to’ for many travelers, hikers, and sports enthusiasts over the last few decades – they are comfortable to carry, weigh less than Hiking Bags , and are affordable.

This prompted us to create a duffel bag guide that comprises the best items available on the market.

Check out our top choices:

Patagonia Black Hole 55L
Samsonite Luggage Andante Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag
Osprey Transporter 65 Bag
Kenneth Cole Reaction Colombian Leather Duffel
The North Face Rolling Thunder 22”
NIKE Brasilia Training Duffel
Thule Chasm 70L Duffel

Read full reviews of each duffel bag on DIVEIN.COM by clicking the links above.

While there are dozens of duffel bags out there, the standard size of the duffel that suits most people’s needs is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

The Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Bag is 25 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches. The Osprey Transporter is 24 x 14 x 13 inches. The North Face Rolling Thunder is 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches

Surely, there are rolling duffels that are bigger than that and athletic duffels that tend to be smaller, so rest assured you will find the bag of the dimensions that will meet your specific criteria. Check out our guide for Duffel Bags in all Sizes and shapes .

Unless you are bringing with you multiple pieces of bulky equipment, duffel bags are almost always the better alternative to a suitcase .

Duffel bags don’t weigh a lot, they are quick to pack and easy to transport. It is basically the most practical type of bag you could ever invest in.

Thankfully, there are countless duffel bags options on the market, which means you can find the one that will meet the onboard requirements.

Before purchasing a duffel bag for traveling purposes, make sure to check the airlines’ requirements so that you are not stuck with a bag that is too large to pass as a carry-on.

The beauty of duffel bags hides in the fact that a vast majority of them can be worn in several different ways. One of them, you guessed it, is on your back.

Click on these duffel backpacks we found to be the best in this category:

YETI Panga 75
Arc’teryx Carrier Duffel 55L Bag
Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack
Marmot Long Hauler Duffel Backpack

If the Duffle Backpack doesn’t fit your needs, you can check out the Hiking Backpacks , Travel Backpacks or Waterproof Backpacks .

If you already have a Duffel Backpack or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.

Continue reading

Stubble & Co. The Kit Bag Duffel

iKamper Skycamp Mini-Tent

Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof

Gallery of duffel bags: the buying guide review.

One full scuba set with a 5mm wetsuit can fit into the 50L

A view of how rigid the Kit Bag is when carried like a straight duffel.

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Getting into Sailing
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Paddle boarding

Everyday Life

Article updated on October 22, 2024 at 5:53 AM PDT

Best Laptops of 2024

Whether you're after a MacBook, Windows PC or Chromebook, these are the best laptops we've tested and reviewed, including the best laptop overall.

Our Experts

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Statistically, you’ll hold onto your next laptop for at least three years. The current sweet spot for a reliable laptop to handle average work, home office or school tasks is between $700 and $800 and a reasonable model for creative work or gaming is upward of about $1,000. The key is to look for discounts on models in all price ranges to get the best configuration you can for your money.

Operating System

Choosing an operating system is part personal preference and part budget. For the most part, Microsoft Windows and Apple's MacOS do the same things but they do them differently. Unless there's an OS-specific application you need, go with the one you feel most comfortable using. MacBooks currently start at $999, so if you need a laptop for significantly less, it’s Windows. A Chromebook running on Google’s ChromeOS is an excellent (and less expensive) alternative to Windows or MacOS if almost everything you do is in a web browser. They can’t run Windows or Mac software.

When it comes to deciding on a screen, there are a myriad number of considerations: size, resolution, what types of content you'll be looking at and whether or not you'll be using it for gaming or creative work. Higher resolutions are better for fitting more on a screen and look for a dot pitch of at least 100 pixels per inch as a rule of thumb. If the color range is important, look for at least 100% sRGB, or better yet 100% DCI-P3.

Intel and AMD are the main CPU makers for Windows laptops with Qualcomm emerging as a third option with its Arm-baed Snapdragon X chips. Apple makes its own Arm-based chips for MacBooks, which makes things slightly more straightforward. You'll still want to pay attention to the number of cores -- the more, the better -- to gauge potential performance as well as Intel x86 vs Arm.

The graphics processor handles all the work of driving the screen and generating what gets displayed, as well as speeding up a lot of graphics-related (and increasingly, AI-related) operations. For Windows laptops, there are two types of GPUs: integrated (iGPU) or discrete (dGPU). Because the iGPU splits space, memory and power with the CPU, it's better for smaller, lighter laptops, but it doesn't perform nearly as well as a dGPU. For things like video editing, gaming, design and so on, you'll need a dGPU.

For memory, we highly recommend 16GB of RAM (8GB absolute minimum). RAM is where the operating system stores all the data for currently running applications, and it can fill up fast. After that, it starts swapping between RAM and the storage drive, which is slower. A lot of sub-$500 laptops have 4GB or 8GB, which in conjunction with a slower disk can make for a frustratingly slow Windows laptop experience. Also, many laptops now have the memory soldered onto the motherboard.

You'll still find cheaper hard drives in budget laptops and larger hard drives in gaming laptops, but faster solid-state drives have all but replaced hard drives in many models. Not all SSDs are equally speedy, and cheaper laptops typically have slower drives. Get the size you can afford, and if you need to go with a smaller drive, you can always add an external drive or use cloud storage to bolster a small internal drive. The one exception is gaming laptops: Get at least a 512GB SSD.

What is the best laptop overall?

The Apple MacBook Air M3 has captured the top spot on our list of the best laptops of 2024. If you're looking for a do-it-all laptop that doesn't sacrifice portability and battery life for performance, I recommend the M3 MacBook Air. It's available in 13- and 15-inch sizes, so you can choose between greater mobility or more workspace. The latest MacBook Air starts at $1,099 from Apple , and you can usually find it for less than $1,000 at Amazon . For students and those on tighter budgets, I suggest the MacBook Air M1 , which is still an all-around excellent pick for $649 and one of the best laptops.

A Windows rival to the MacBook Air has arrived in the form of Microsoft's first Copilot Plus PC . Based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite X CPU, the Surface Laptop 7 offers strong application and AI performance and outstanding battery life. It's the first Windows laptop I've tested with a longer runtime than that of the MacBook Air. With a design that's on par with the Air's, the Surface Laptop 7 is one of the best laptops . So is Dell's first Copilot Plus PC, the Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 , which is the second Windows laptop to outlast the MacBook Air and offers an even longer runtime than the Surface Laptop 7.

At CNET, we test all kinds of laptops, from budget models for everyday tasks to high-performance laptops for gaming, content creation and everything in between. Each member of our team has decades of experience testing and reviewing laptops. We conduct performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use. This helps us find not only the best laptop overall but also the best laptop for your needs and in your price range. If you're ready to start checking things off your holiday shopping list, we've also got a list of the best laptops and tablets to give as gifts this season.

Best laptops of 2024

Sizable performance gains over M1/Intel Airs
All-around great design, features
Adds dual display support, Wi-Fi 6E
Base configuration short on memory, storage

Best overall MacBook

M3 macbook air (13-inch, 2024).

For Apple's latest MacBook Air, little has changed from its predecessor beyond a move from Apple's M2 silicon to M3 chips. The performance differences are overall modest, but graphics performance does get a notable bump. The biggest feature additions are faster Wi-Fi 6E support and the capability to run dual external displays, albeit at the cost of having the Air's lid closed. Still, since Apple gave the M2 MacBook Air (our previous best overall laptop pick) the full update treatment, the fact the M3 version is nearly the same except for faster performance doesn't bother us in the slightest -- it's just that much better. If you're still rocking an Intel-based Air or an M1 Air, the M3 MacBook Air is a worthy upgrade.

The M3 Air starts at $1,099 at Apple, and you can usually find at least a $100 discount for it at Amazon. The baseline 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most people, but you might consider doubling the 256GB SSD to 512GB to give yourself more local storage.

XPS 14 9000 Series nontouch notebook

Dell xps 14 laptop.

Power in motion. AI-ready. The XPS 14 balances performance and mobility in a striking form factor. Create on the go with its lightweight 3.7-pound design, slim 18mm size and long battery life. Powered by AI-enabled Intel Core Ultra processors.

Excellent overall performance
Gorgeous OLED display
All-metal chassis
Comfortable keyboard
1440p IR webcam with privacy shutter
Weak speakers
No Thunderbolt 4 support

Best Windows laptop

Hp pavilion plus 14 (2023).

There are a lot of Windows laptops. A lot. Which makes it more than a little tricky to narrow it down to just one. The HP Pavilion Plus is exemplary because it can meet the needs of a lot of people while still being affordable. It’s available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. We tested the 14-inch model, which is small enough for travel but big enough that you won’t feel cramped while working. HP offers AMD and Intel processors, and it can be configured with entry-level discrete graphics too. There are also multiple displays to match your budget, including a beautiful OLED panel.

HP has discontinued its Pavilion laptops in favor of the OmniBook brand, and this model is now out of stock at HP. But you can find our AMD-based test model -- complete with a 2.8K OLED display -- at Amazon for a reasonable $1,099. That's a pretty good price for an all-metal OLED laptop with a sufficient 16GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD.

HP Pavilion Plus 14 laptop on a table next to a plant

Beautiful, durable design
Class-leading battery life
Strong performance
Awesome and accurate haptic touchpad
No OLED option
Upgrades get costly and don't include dedicated GPU
Your Arm-on-Windows compatibility mileage may vary

Best Windows ultraportable

Microsoft surface laptop 7.

The Surface Laptop 7 reverses earlier Arm-on-Windows efforts that were plagued by lackluster performance and limited compatibility, with many x86 apps unable to run on an Arm-based system. This time around, performance has improved, and so has compatibility.

We saw a strong overall performance from the Snapdragon X Elite processor and jaw-dropping battery life. The Surface Laptop 7 ran for nearly 20 hours in testing -- that’s the longest runtime of any 13- or 14-inch laptop we ever reviewed -- including the M3 MacBook Air. The Surface Laptop 7 competes with the MacBook Air not only in performance and battery life but also supplies a similarly sleek and solid build. For general use, you probably don't need the 32GB of RAM of our test system and can save some money and configure the system with 16GB of memory.

We wish there was an OLED display option, and you’ll need to do a compatibility check for your mission-critical applications before embracing the Arm-based Surface Laptop 7, but if you can get past those hurdles, then you’ll get a well-built, good-looking and long-running Windows ultraportable.

Insane battery life
Strong overall performance from Snapdragon X Plus
Sharp, bright display
Design is basic (read: boring)
So-so touchpad

Long-lasting Copilot Plus PC

Dell inspiron 14 plus 7441.

Dell’s new Copilot Plus PC lasted for more than 23 hours on our YouTube streaming battery drain test. That's one of the longest laptop runtimes we have ever seen.

Inspiron 14 Plus 7441’s design is fairly basic and doesn't match the sleekness of Microsoft’s own Copilot Plus PC, the Surface Laptop 7, or Apple’s MacBook Air, but the Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 still supplies a rigid, all-metal chassis and crisp, 2.5K IPS display. At just $1,000, it's a bit more affordable than Microsoft’s and Apple’s models and is a great pick for a general-purpose, long-lasting laptop. Most people won't notice much if any performance difference between the higher-end Snapdragon X Elite chip and the Snapdragon X Plus chip of the Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 model that I tested.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7441 Copilot Plus PC laptop at an angle

Great battery life and performance
Fanless design runs cool and quiet
No external design or feature changes
Still more expensive than equally capable Windows laptops

Most affordable MacBook

Apple macbook air m1.

Despite the availability of the newer -- and better -- M3 and M2 MacBook Air models, the M1 MacBook Air (one of the first to switch from Intel to Apple silicon) stays around, exclusively from Walmart, and that's a good thing.

As Apple's entry-level laptop, it's still a good choice for a MacOS laptop for basic everyday use. It has great performance, long battery life and is thin and light. The M1 processor and 8GB of RAM offers enough performance for school work, but you may need to embrace the cloud for storage because the 256GB SSD could fill up quick, especially if you have a large photo and video library.

Excellent battery life
Enough performance for basic use
Decent build quality for the price
Dismal viewing angles for display
128GB SSD is tight for Windows laptop
Grainy 720p webcam
Terrible speakers
Slow USB-C connectivity

Best cheap laptop

Acer aspire go 14.

For just $300, Acer’s entry-level Aspire Go 14 holds its own against other budget models that cost twice as much or even more. The design cannot be described as enticing or exciting, but it's functional and unlikely to offend. Performance from the quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series CPU and 8GB of RAM suffices for basic use, and its battery life is surprisingly long.

The 14-inch display features a modern 16:10 aspect ratio and is sufficiently bright, but it suffers from poor viewing angles that might take some getting used to before you settle on the right angle to position the display. Another drawback is the tight storage of the laptop’s meager 128GB SSD. Neither drawback is a deal-breaker when you consider the bargain-basement price. The Aspire Go 14 provides great value with its acceptable build quality, capable performance and long battery life.

Acer Aspire Go 14 laptop on a black desk mat against a gray wall

Strong build quality
Great performance for the price
Long battery life
Comfortable, quiet keyboard
Good port selection
A little on the heavy side
Clacky touchpad
Uninspired audio output

Best 2-in-1 laptop

Lenovo yoga 7 14 gen 9.

With its excellent build quality, adequate display, strong performance and lengthy runtime, the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 provides a ton of value and is a great fit as a versatile machine for home use or students. It's a great deal at its price of $900 at Best Buy and an even better deal at its regularly discounted price of $800 direct from Lenovo. We like its solid, all-metal chassis and the power and efficiency you get from its AMD Ryzen 7 8000-series CPU. It lacks some of the refinement and extras you get with Lenovo’s flagship Yoga 9i 14, but the midrange Yoga 7 14 is much more affordable and the better pick for most people.

Excellent OLED display
Very good battery life
Class-leading NPU performance, for now
Finally, mainstream-Intel-comparable performance
Nice kickstand
Mixed graphics performance
Optional Pen and keyboard can get expensive
Can get hot while plugged in or during intense usage
16GB is not enough

Best detachable 2-in-1 laptop

Microsoft surface pro 11.

Two items help make the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 our favorite two-in-one detachable laptop: Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Elite X processor and an excellent OLED display. The Arm-based CPU delivers competitive performance and far fewer compatibility issues for mainstream use than previous Windows-on-Arm efforts. It helps the Surface Pro 11 deliver a long runtime. The 13-inch OLED display supplies a crisp, 2.8K resolution along with P3 calibration and real HDR capability. It's the best Surface Pro we’ve seen in a while, but you still have to pay extra for a keyboard and stylus.

Decent performance for its class
Dual-refresh display
Not as much of a performance drop on battery compared to older CPU generations
Display has just-OK image quality
Keyboard feels a little stiff
Side vents can get quite hot
Comparatively heavy
Has a little trouble with weak wireless signals

Best gaming laptop

Alienware m16 r2.

Alienware rejiggered its midrange 16-inch m16 to fit more comfortably into its place in the company's gaming laptop universe. That meant lowering its configurations and redesigning it to meet the lower price target buyer. It's now easier on your wallet and to slip into a backpack. There are certainly more powerful gaming laptops , but the m16 meets the needs of a broader audience, so for the moment, it's our top pick.

The line starts at $1,499 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR5-5600, 1TB SSD and the basic single-zone RGB keyboard. The only display available is the sRGB 16-inch, 2,560x1,600, 120Hz/240Hz dynamically switchable model. Bumping to an RTX 4060 costs $100 and to the RTX 4070 another $200. 32GB of RAM adds $150, or $250 over that for 64GB.

Leading 3D performance among budget gaming laptops
Plastic keyboard deck is solid
Aluminum top cover adds durability
Roomy and bright 16-inch, 16:10 display
Crisp, 1080p webcam
Plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4
Bulky and heavy
Design borrows liberally from Acer's entry-level Nitro 16
Weak audio output
Short battery life

Best cheap gaming laptop

Acer predator helios neo 16 (2023).

Like other gaming laptop makers, Acer has two lines: the budget-friendly Nitro series under the Acer brand and midrange and premium models that carry the Predator label. Oddly enough, it's under the latter you'll find our budget gaming pick: the Helios Neo 16. It is strikingly similar to the Acer Nitro 16 but with slightly better build quality and graphics performance from its RTX 4050 GPU. The only place it really faltered was its speakers, which put out disappointingly flat audio with nonexistent bass.

The Predator Helios Neo 16 currently costs $1,200. That is high for a budget gaming laptop. The trick is to be patient and wait for a sale, which happens regularly, and the price drops below $1,000 where it's a good deal for a system that has any type of Nvidia RTX graphics.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 at an angle against a gray wall

Stellar build quality
Great compromise between screen size and portability
Constructed with recycled materials
Awesome keyboard
Competitive application performance and long battery life
RAM soldered on so can't expand post-purchase
Touchpad is undersized

Best business laptop

Lenovo thinkpad x1 carbon gen 11.

It delivers no surprises or revolutionary upgrades from past iterations, but the ThinkPad X1 Carbon's security features, build quality and performance remain excellent. Its 14-inch display and 2.5-pound weight are the sweet spot of enough screen space to work long stretches without needing to connect to an external display, while also being light enough for daily travel. With an industry-best keyboard, long battery life and greener construction, the X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a near-perfect business laptop.

Lenovo has increased pricing from previous Gen 11 to Gen 12 models to where we've reached a point where the latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is no longer our recommendation for business execs unless your organization is large enough to qualify for volume pricing. For individual buyers, it's simply too expensive for the performance and battery life it provides. For most business users, the previous Gen 11 is the better buy. Its 13th-gen Core i7 CPU is getting a little long in the tooth, but I would recommend the Core Ultra Gen 12 model only if you can find it at a steep discount.

Excellent screen
Great battery life for its class
iPhone-like camera notch
Merits a better webcam

Best laptop for creators

M3 pro macbook pro (16-inch, late 2023).

Apple's latest update its 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max processors along with a new space black color. The screen is also slightly brighter, moving from a rated 500 nits to 600 nits compared with the previous M2 version. Other than the new color option, the design remains largely unchanged from the previous version, but under the hood, the new M3 Pro chip offers better overall performance and, in particular, big gains in multicore and rendering performance. Battery life is strong too.

Like the previous series, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro processor starts at $2,499, and the M3 Max model starts at $3,499. It's our Editors' Choice for graphics pros and creators for its excellent combination of design, performance and battery life.

The laptop open, sitting on a blue couch with a gray pillow behind it, open and angled to your right. A multicolor wallpaper is on the screen

Excellent webcam performance
Bright, matte touchscreen
Durable build
No keyboard backlight
Lots of flex on the keyboard, touchpad
Slower 5Gbps USB-C ports
Best Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

This new Chromebook Plus model delivers good performance and even better battery life along with a respectably bright display with a matte finish to limit glare. It has more storage than you'd typically find at its price. The model we reviewed lacked keyboard backlighting, which was a bit of a bummer, but Acer does sell models with a backlit keyboard that aren’t that much more expensive.

It's a fixed configuration based on an Intel Core i3-N305 CPU and 8GB of RAM. Those specs might seem underpowered but suffice for ChromeOS, which is must more lightweight than Windows. With its mix of features and performance for the price, it’s easy to recommend for school, work or home.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 open and facing left on a wood table in front of a light gray sofa.

Other laptops we've tested in 2024

Lenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 : Lenovo's 16-inch convertible is a good budget buy, but it's better as a secondary machine than your daily driver.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 : Lenovo's flagship two-in-one has AV advantages over its midrange sibling, but you'll pay a premium price for the OLED display and quad speakers.

Asus Zenbook S 14 : Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 processors show improvement from the first generation, but Apple's and Qualcomm's ARM-based chips still lead the way.

HP OmniBook X 14 : The latest Copilot Plus PC runs for more hours than there are hours in a day.

Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9I : It's super cheap, with a dedicated Intel Arc GPU that lends it a wee bit of 3D muscle for casual 1080p play.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 : It’s a top gaming laptop for creators too.

Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 7445 : A dim display dulls Dell's otherwise well-rounded, AI-equipped and affordable 14-inch convertible laptop.

Acer Swift X 14 (2024) : The design won't wow you, but the 14.5-inch OLED display powered by RTX 4070 graphics is a great combo for on-the-go content creation.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 : Content creators may bemoan the display choices, but this midtier, 16-inch laptop offers well-rounded performance from its Core Ultra chip and RTX graphics.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 : Lenovo makes strides with its second foldable-display laptop, but further refinements are still needed before it's ready for the masses.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Q425 : It's a boon to get an OLED display in such a portable package with great battery life for roughly $1,000, but the fit and finish feel decidedly midrange.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 : The latest X1 Carbon has many charms, but they will remain out of reach for many business buyers constrained by budgets.

Dell XPS 16 9640 : Dell's new 16-inch XPS model offers a unique design backed by strong performance and surprisingly long battery life. Just be prepared to pay for its many configurable charms.

Alienware m18 R2 Gaming Laptop : When you're this big, the sky's the limit.

Dell XPS 14 9440 : The radical look is sure to turn heads, but some of the daring design elements could be turn-offs.

HP Omen Transcend 14 : Neither a featureless slab nor a carnival of lights, HP's latest 14-inch Omen has its own unique flair. It doesn't scrimp on substance either.

Lenovo Slim 7i : With an OLED display and a solid build, this is a rugged option for mainstream shoppers, but other touches are decidedly midrange.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7440 : For a reasonable $1,000, this 14-inch Dell model based on an Intel Core Ultra CPU lets you be productive and remain portable

How we test laptops

The review process for laptops consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features with respect to price. A final review verdict is a combination of both objective and subjective judgments.

We test all laptops with a core set of benchmarks, including Primate Labs Geekbench 5 and 6 , Cinebench R23 , PCMark 10 , a variety of 3DMark benchmarks (whichever can run on the laptop), UL Procyon Photo and Video (where supported), and our own battery life test. If a laptop is intended for gaming, we'll also run benchmarks from Guardians of the Galaxy , The Rift Breaker (CPU and GPU) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider .

For the hands-on, the reviewer uses it for their work during the review period, evaluating how well the design, features (such as the screen, camera and speakers) and manufacturer-supplied software operate as a cohesive whole. We also place importance on how well they work given their cost and where the manufacturer has potentially made upgrades or tradeoffs for its price.

The list of benchmarking software and comparison criteria we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. You can find a more detailed description of our test methodology on our How We Test Computers page.

Best time to buy a laptop

Amazon’s Prime Day is a great time to find a laptop at a great price. Other times of the year when you can find the best laptop deals are during back-to-school sales in late summer or early fall and a bit later in the year during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. You can find discounts on laptops throughout the year, but if you're looking for the best deal and can afford to wait, these are typically the best times to buy one.

Best laptop brands

Apple’s MacBooks are the most popular laptops and for good reason. They offer excellent build quality and leading performance and battery life ever since Apple introduced its M series processors in 2020.

The top two brands on the Windows side are Lenovo and HP. Both offer a wide variety of models, from thin-and-light ultraportables to larger, more powerful models for gaming content creation. Lenovo’s ThinkPads have long been a favorite among business laptops, and its Yoga models are usually highly rated two-in-one laptops.

HP is in the middle of a branding transformation . It's ended its Pavilion, Envy and Spectre laptop brands in favor of OmniBook consumer models and EliteBook business models. Its Omen brand will continue as the home for its gaming laptops. I liked the first OmniBook laptop I reviewe d and look forward to testing more.

Factors to consider when shopping the best laptops

There are a ton of laptops on the market at any given moment, and almost all of those models are available in multiple configurations to match your performance and budget needs. If you're feeling overwhelmed with options when looking for a new laptop, it's understandable. To help simplify things for you, here are the main things you should consider when you start looking.

The search for a new laptop for most people starts with price. If the statistics chipmaker Intel and PC manufacturers hurl at us are correct, you'll be holding onto your next laptop for at least three years. If you can afford to stretch your budget a little to get better specs, do it. That stands whether you're spending $500 or more than $1,000. In the past, you could get away with spending less upfront with an eye toward upgrading memory and storage in the future. Laptop makers are increasingly moving away from making components easily upgradable, so again, it's best to get as much laptop as you can afford from the start.

Generally speaking, the more you spend, the better the laptop. That could mean better components for faster performance, a nicer display, sturdier build quality, a smaller or lighter design from higher-end materials or even a more comfortable keyboard. All of these things add to the cost of a laptop. I'd love to say $500 will get you a powerful gaming laptop, for example, but that's not the case. Right now, the sweet spot for a reliable laptop that can handle average work, home office or school tasks is between $700 and $800 and a reasonable model for creative work or gaming is upward of about $1,000. The key is to look for discounts on models in all price ranges so you can get more laptop capabilities for less.

Operating system

Choosing an operating system is part personal preference and part budget. For the most part, Microsoft Windows and Apple's MacOS do the same things (except for gaming, where Windows is the winner), but they do them differently. Unless there's an OS-specific application you need, go with the one you feel most comfortable using. If you're not sure which that is, head to an Apple store or a local electronics store and test them out. Or ask friends or family to let you test theirs for a bit. If you have an iPhone or iPad and like it, chances are you'll like MacOS, too.

When it comes to price and variety (and PC gaming), Windows laptops win. If you want MacOS, you're getting a MacBook. While Apple's MacBooks regularly top our best lists, the least expensive one is the M1 MacBook Air for $999. It is regularly discounted to $750 or $800, but if you want a cheaper MacBook, you'll have to consider older refurbished ones.

Windows laptops can be found for as little as a couple of hundred dollars and come in all manner of sizes and designs. Granted, we'd be hard-pressed to find a $200 laptop we'd give a full-throated recommendation to, but if you need a laptop for online shopping, email and word processing, they exist.

If you are on a tight budget, consider a Chromebook. ChromeOS is a different experience than Windows; make sure the applications you need have a Chrome , Android or Linux app before making the leap. If you spend most of your time roaming the web, writing, streaming video or using cloud-gaming services, they're a good fit.

Remember to consider whether having a lighter, thinner laptop or a touchscreen laptop with a good battery life will be important to you in the future. Size is primarily determined by the screen -- hello, laws of physics -- which in turn factors into battery size, laptop thickness, weight and price. Keep in mind other physics-related characteristics, such as an ultrathin laptop isn't necessarily lighter than a thick one, you can't expect a wide array of connections on a small or ultrathin model and so on.

When it comes to deciding on a screen, there are a myriad number of considerations: how much you need to display (which is surprisingly more about resolution than screen size), what types of content you'll be looking at and whether or not you'll be using it for gaming or creative work.

You really want to optimize pixel density; that is, the number of pixels per inch the screen can display. Although other factors contribute to sharpness, a higher pixel density usually means a sharper rendering of text and interface elements. (You can easily calculate the pixel density of any screen at DPI Calculator if you don't feel like doing the math, and you can also find out what math you need to do there.) I recommend a dot pitch of at least 100 pixels per inch (ppi) as a rule of thumb.

Because of the way Windows and MacOS scale for the display, you're frequently better off with a higher resolution than you'd think. You can always make things bigger on a high-resolution screen, but you can never make them smaller -- to fit more content in the view -- on a low-resolution screen. This is why a 4K, 14-inch screen may sound like unnecessary overkill, but may not be if you need to, say, view a wide spreadsheet.

If you need a laptop with relatively accurate color, that displays the most colors possible or that supports HDR, you can't simply trust the specs -- not because manufacturers lie, but because they usually fail to provide the necessary context to understand what the specs they quote mean. You can find a ton of detail about considerations for different types of screen uses in our monitor buying guides for general purpose monitors , creators , gamers and HDR viewing .

The processor, aka the CPU, is the brains of a laptop. Intel and AMD are the main CPU makers for Windows laptops, with Qualcomm as a new third option with its Arm-based Snapdragon X processors . Both Intel and AMD offer a staggering selection of mobile processors. Making things trickier, both manufacturers have chips designed for different laptop styles, like power-saving chips for ultraportables or faster processors for gaming laptops. Their naming conventions will let you know what type is used. You can head to Intel's or AMD's sites for explanations so you get the performance you want. Generally speaking, the faster the processor speed and the more cores it has, the better the performance will be.

Apple makes its own chips for MacBooks, which makes things slightly more straightforward. Like Intel and AMD, you'll still want to pay attention to the naming conventions to know what kind of performance to expect. Apple uses its M-series chipsets in Macs. The entry-level MacBook Air uses an M1 chip with an eight-core CPU and seven-core GPU. The current models have M2-series silicon that starts with an eight-core CPU and 10-core GPU and goes up to the M2 Max with a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU. Again, generally speaking, the more cores it has, the better the performance.

Battery life has less to do with the number of cores and more to do with CPU architecture, Arm versus x86. Apple’s Arm-based MacBooks and the first Arm-based Copilot Plus PCs we’ve tested offer better battery life than laptops based on x86 processors from Intel and AMD.

The graphics processor handles all the work of driving the screen and generating what gets displayed, as well as speeding up a lot of graphics-related (and increasingly, AI-related) operations. For Windows laptops, there are two types of GPUs: integrated (iGPU) or discrete (dGPU). As the names imply, an iGPU is part of the CPU package, while a dGPU is a separate chip with dedicated memory (VRAM) that it communicates with directly, making it faster than sharing memory with the CPU.

Because the iGPU splits space, memory and power with the CPU, it's constrained by the limits of those. It allows for smaller, lighter laptops, but doesn't perform nearly as well as a dGPU. There are some games and creative software that won't run unless they detect a dGPU or sufficient VRAM. Most productivity software, video streaming, web browsing and other nonspecialized apps will run fine on an iGPU.

For more power-hungry graphics needs, like video editing, gaming and streaming, design and so on, you'll need a dGPU; there are only two real companies that make them, Nvidia and AMD, with Intel offering some based on the Xe-branded (or the older UHD Graphics branding) iGPU technology in its CPUs.

For memory, I highly recommend 16GB of RAM (8GB absolute minimum). RAM is where the operating system stores all the data for currently running applications, and it can fill up fast. After that, it starts swapping between RAM and SSD, which is slower. A lot of sub-$500 laptops have 4GB or 8GB, which in conjunction with a slower disk can make for a frustratingly slow Windows laptop experience. Also, many laptops now have the memory soldered onto the motherboard. Most manufacturers disclose this, but if the RAM type is LPDDR, assume it's soldered and can't be upgraded.

Some PC makers will solder memory on and also leave an empty internal slot for adding a stick of RAM. You may need to contact the laptop manufacturer or find the laptop's full specs online to confirm. Check the web for user experiences, because the slot may still be hard to get to, it may require nonstandard or hard-to-get memory or other pitfalls.

You'll still find cheaper hard drives in budget laptops and larger hard drives in gaming laptops, but faster solid-state drives have all but replaced hard drives in laptops. They can make a big difference in performance. Not all SSDs are equally speedy, and cheaper laptops typically have slower drives; if the laptop only has 4GB or 8GB of RAM, it may end up swapping to that drive and the system may slow down quickly while you're working.

Get what you can afford, and if you need to go with a smaller drive, you can always add an external drive or two down the road or use cloud storage to bolster a small internal drive. The one exception is gaming laptops: I don't recommend going with less than a 512GB SSD unless you really like uninstalling games every time you want to play a new game.

Laptop FAQs

How much do good laptops cost.

Setting a budget is a good place to start when shopping for the best laptop for yourself. The good news is you can get a nice-looking, lightweight laptop with excellent battery life at prices under $500. If you're shopping for a laptop around $500 or less, check out our top picks here, as well as more specific buying advice for that price range .

Higher-end components like Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen processors and premium design touches like thin-display bezels and aluminum or magnesium bodies have made their way to laptops priced between $500 and $1,000. You can also find touchscreens and two-in-one designs that can be used as a tablet or a laptop -- and a couple of other positions in between. In this price range, you'll also find faster memory and SSD storage -- and more of it -- to improve performance.

Above $1,000 is where you'll find premium laptops and two-in-ones. If you're looking for the fastest performance, the best battery life, the slimmest, lightest designs and top-notch display quality with an adequate screen size, expect to spend at least $1,000.

Which is better: MacOS or Windows?

Deciding between MacOS and Windows laptops for many people will come down to personal preference and budget. Apple's base model laptop, the M1 MacBook Air, starts at $999. You can sometimes find it discounted or you can get educational pricing from Apple and other retailers. In general, it'll be at least $1,000 for a new MacBook, and the prices just go up from there.

For the money, you're getting great hardware top to bottom, inside and out. Apple recently moved to using its own processors, which resulted in across-the-board performance improvements compared to older Intel-based models. The company's most powerful laptop, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, still hasn't been updated to Apple silicon.

Again, that great hardware comes at a price. Also, you're limited to just Apple laptops. With Windows and Chromebooks (more on these below), you get an amazing variety of devices at a wide range of prices.

Software between the two is plentiful, so unless you need to run something that's only available on one platform or the other, you should be fine to go with either. Gaming is definitely an advantage for a Windows laptop.

MacOS is also considered to be easier and safer to use than Windows, especially for people who want their computers to get out of the way so they can get things done. Over the years, Microsoft has done its best to follow suit and, with Windows 11 here , it's trying to remove any barriers . Also, while Macs might have a reputation for being safer, with the popularity of the iPhone and iPad helping to drive Mac sales, they've become bigger targets for malware .

Are Chromebooks worth it?

Yes, they are , but they're not for everyone. Google's Chrome OS has come a long way in the 10-plus years since they arrived and Chromebooks -- laptops that run on Chrome OS -- are great for people who do most of their work in a web browser or using mobile apps. They are secure, simple and, more often than not, a bargain. What they can't do is natively run Windows or Mac software.

What's the best laptop for home, travel or both?

The pandemic changed how and where a lot of people work. The small, ultraportable laptops valued by people who regularly travel may have suddenly become woefully inadequate for working from home. Or maybe instead of needing long battery life, you'd rather have a bigger display with more graphics power for gaming.

If you're going to be working on a laptop and don't need more mobility than moving it from room to room, consider a 15.6-inch laptop or larger. In general, a bigger screen makes life easier for work and is more enjoyable for entertainment, and it also is better if you're using it as an extended display with an external monitor. It typically means you're getting more ports too, so connecting an external display or storage or a keyboard and mouse is easier without requiring a hub or dock.

For travel, stay with 13- or 14-inch laptops or two-in-ones. They'll be the lightest and smallest while still delivering excellent battery life. What's nice is that PC-makers are moving away from 16:9 widescreens toward 16:10- or 3:2-ratio displays, which gives you more vertical screen space for work without significantly increasing the footprint. These models usually don't have discrete graphics or powerful processors, although that's not always the case .

Which laptop is best for gaming or creating?

You can play games and create content on any laptop. What games you play and what content you create -- and the speed at which you do them -- varies greatly depending on the components inside the laptop.

For casual browser-based games or using streaming game services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming , you don't need a powerful gaming laptop. Similarly, if you're trimming video clips, cropping photos or live-streaming video from your webcam, you can get by with a modestly priced laptop or Chromebook with integrated graphics.

For anything more demanding, you'll need to invest more money in discrete graphics like Nvidia's RTX 30- or 40-series GPUs. Increased system memory of 16GB or more, having a speedy SSD of at least 512GB for storage and a faster processor such as an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 will all help you get things moving faster too.

The other piece you'll want to consider is the display. For gaming, look for screens with a high refresh rate of 120Hz or faster so games look smoother while playing. For content creation, look for displays that cover at least 100% sRGB color space or, better yet, 100% DCI-P3.

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What are the latest Lenovo laptops available in the market?

Lenovo continually refreshes its lineup with the latest technology and features. Among the most recent Lenovo laptops to hit the market are updated versions of our flagship models: ThinkPad, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, Lenovo Slim, and Yoga series. These notebooks incorporate the latest in processing power and design. The Legion series also frequently sees new models with enhancements tailored to gaming performance.

How to choose the right Lenovo laptop for my needs?

When choosing the right Lenovo laptop, consider your primary use cases—whether that's work, gaming, study, or entertainment. This will help you determine the amount of processing power, memory, and graphics your laptop needs. If you’re always using the laptop on the go, remember to keep in mind the weight of your laptop for portability and battery life. Lenovo offers a variety of series catering to different needs, from the robust ThinkPad series for professionals to the IdeaPad and Yoga series for versatility, and the Legion series for gaming.

What differentiates Lenovo's ThinkPad, IdeaPad, and Yoga series?

The ThinkPad series is known for its business-oriented design, offering robust durability, advanced security features, and premium keyboard experiences. The IdeaPad series provides a balance between performance, affordability, and aesthetics, making it ideal for everyday use and productivity. The Yoga series stands out with its 2-in-1 flexibility, offering laptops that double as tablets with touchscreens and pens for a highly versatile user experience.

Which Lenovo laptop models are best suited for gaming or graphic design?

For gaming or graphic design, Lenovo's Legion series is designed to accommodate high-end gaming with powerful graphics cards, processors, and cooling systems. For design professionals seeking high-resolution displays and color accuracy, the Yoga series offers excellent screen quality and performance suited for creative work .

Are Lenovo laptops good for students and professionals on a budget?

Absolutely. Lenovo caters to a wide audience, including students and professionals who are mindful of their budget. The IdeaPad series offers a range of models that don't compromise on performance or build quality despite their attractive price points. Additionally, Lenovo Chromebooks are an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking a device for web-based tasks, document editing, and e-learning.

Shopping for a Laptop at Lenovo

Finding the best laptop for your money can feel like an endless search. There are so many quality laptops on the market that choosing a suitable one at a great price takes a lot of effort. That's why at Lenovo, we organize our laptops into categories, breaking down the best laptop for each purpose and lifestyle.

We want to help you find a laptop that feels tailored to your needs. Our laptops are customized based on work, entertainment, education, gaming, and everyday use. We design laptops with user satisfaction in mind, at a price everyone can love, including:

· High-performance laptops for creators, professionals , or gamers - we've got powerhouses that rival what desktops deliver.

· Ultraportable, thin, and light laptops for folks who are always on the go.

· Budget laptops that give you value and performance in a single package.

· Web-based Chromebook laptops - great for students or anyone seeking a cheaper price tag for more lightweight computing.

· Transformative 2-in-1 laptops are great for people who need a high-performance computer, but also want the flexibility of a laptop. Yoga and Flex laptops are two great choices for anyone looking for a 2-in-1 laptop .

· Legion and IdeaPad laptops are high-performance gaming laptops . These laptops are powerful and provide an immersive gaming experience. They are perfect for gamers who want the best gaming experience possible.

· Lenovo offers high-performance laptops that are perfect for both home and school use. Their IdeaPad laptops are equipped with the latest technology and features, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful laptop.

· For work and businesses, high-performance laptops are essential. The ThinkPad and ThinkPad P series offer the power and performance you need to get the job done. Both laptops offer great features and an enjoyable user experience.

The reliable Chromebook

Lenovo Chromebooks are the perfect choice for easy browsing and web-based apps. While not full-fledged laptops, Chromebooks are some of the most affordable computers on the market with some advantages over traditional laptops.

Lenovo Chromebooks offer a high-resolution display, a wide range of storage and memory options, and longer battery life than many other laptops on the market. In addition, these Chromebooks are relatively affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded shoppers. Many Lenovo Chromebooks are available for under $500, which is a total steal. So, whether you're looking for a simple and efficient way to browse the web or a powerful machine for work or school, a Lenovo Chromebook is a great choice for you!

The transformative 2-in-1 laptop

For the same features and low cost, but with an innovative design, check out our 2-in-1 laptops like Lenovo Yoga and Flex. These cutting-edge PCs easily convert from laptop to tablet and back. You can enjoy the touchscreen functionality of a tablet, while still taking advantage of the speed and versatility of a laptop with touchscreen features, 4K display options, and more.

When it comes to 2-in-1 laptops, it doesn't get much better than the Yoga and Flex from Lenovo. These gorgeous machines come with an OLED and FHD touchscreen display, making them perfect for watching movies or working on creative projects. They are equipped with a comfortable LED keyboard, making them ideal for getting work done on the go. Plus, they come with a PC operating system, so you'll have all the features and applications you need at your fingertips. Thus, if you are looking for a powerful machine for work or a stylish tablet for entertainment, the Yoga and Flex from Lenovo have you covered.

Gaming laptops: PC gaming beyond your desk

Gamers don't have to feel bound to their desktops anymore. A gaming laptop from the Lenovo Legion or IdeaPad Gaming line will let you dominate your competitors wherever you are. Are you hardcore? We've got you covered with customizable models that boast powerful graphics, VR-ready options, and overclockable CPUs. We’ve also got budget options for casual gamers. Whatever laptop you choose to game on, be prepared to lose yourself in immersive audio and vivid displays.

Lenovo's Legion and IdeaPad laptops are two of the most popular gaming laptops on the market. Both are designed for gamers who want the best performance and features. Legion laptops feature NVIDIA graphic chipsets for the best graphics and extra storage hard drive space for games. IdeaPads are more compact and portable, making them ideal for gaming on the go. Both laptop lines offer a wide range of features and options to choose from, so gamers can find the perfect laptop for their needs.

For home, school, and more

Ideapad laptops from Lenovo are a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile and powerful computer. The HD support and LED-backlit screens make for great visuals, while the NVIDIA graphics provide the power you need for demanding tasks. And despite all that power, these laptops are still lightweight and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. Thus, whether you're using it for school, work, or just everyday browsing, an IdeaPad laptop will get the job done.

You'll find that our slim and lightweight IdeaPad laptops are also a perfect fit for travel. They're small enough to slip into your backpack, with a durable build quality that can handle airport security checks.

Many of our traditional IdeaPad laptops start under $1000 and can be outfitted with a wide range of features to suit your needs. These laptops are ideal for everyday use, whether you're drafting documents, posting on social media, or playing video games.

For work and businesses

For the powerhouse of our laptop lines, check out the legendary Lenovo ThinkPad . This includes the ThinkPad P Series -- the most robust, high-performance workstations we've ever created. They're outfitted with stellar graphics, terabytes of storage, and a potent amount of memory. Certified by independent software vendors (ISVs), these laptops are recognized worldwide as an industry workhorse. For professionals that need to work fast and effectively, but affordability is a must, the ThinkBook is designed with ThinkPad-like features at a price point perfect for small- to medium-sized businesses.

The ThinkPad and ThinkPad P Series line of laptops from Lenovo is designed for work, business, and professional users who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. The devices in the ThinkPad series are tested against twelve MIL-STD methods and twenty procedures to ensure that they can withstand rough use. In terms of graphics, the devices are powered by Intel HD Graphics. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The laptops come with 3 USB ports for connecting external devices. Thus, if you're looking for a powerful laptop that can handle demanding workloads, Lenovo ThinkPad and ThinkPad P series are worth considering.

Why buy at Lenovo.com?

Our laptops are designed for work and play, so you can get the most out of your computer. We want to give you the versatility to take your laptop with you around the world or enjoy it at home on the couch. We also offer free shipping on all orders, the MyLenovo Rewards loyalty program, and easy returns. We've even expanded our online store with a selection of laptop accessories from top brands.

Buying a powerful laptop doesn't have to be complicated. If your'e having trouble narrowing down our laptop selection, feel free to call our specialists at 1-855-253-6686.or take a look at our laptop buying guide .

We'd love to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs, while also staying within your budget.

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Expect more from a modern computer with an SSD

Today's computers look different because they are different. With solid-state drives (SSDs) and the latest in technology, you get speed, security, durability, and great design. We've taken a poll, and as it turns out, people are just happier when they go with a modern PC1.1Source: Microsoft Customer Usage & Satisfaction Program -US FY18 (Q1-Q4)

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IMAGES

17 Best Travel Laptop Bags (2023 MASSIVE Review)
The 15 Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Travel Bags With Laptop Compartment of 2023!
15 Best Travel Laptop Bags & Backpacks for 2023
17 Best Travel Laptop Bags (2023 MASSIVE Review)
15 Best Travel Laptop Bags & Backpacks for 2023

VIDEO

Lovevook Travel Backpack Review
#ytshorts #youtubeshorts #shorts #youtube |Gaming best laptop
HONOR MagicBook X14 Pro 2024, 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H (16GB/512GB NVMe SSD, 14-inch (35.56 cm)
Motorcycle Riding LED Bag Waterproof LED Bag with Eyes Programmable Screen #shorts
நான் வாங்கிய கேமிங் லேப்டாப்
Multi Function Office Laptop Travel 3G System Oxford Fabric Bag & Backpack 01875166809

COMMENTS

The 11 Best Laptop Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
But this is why the trolley strap is handy — just slip the backpack right over your carry-on's telescoping handle instead. The Details: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | 3.8 pounds | Nylon, leather ...
The 11 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Our Testing Process. Between several different lab testing occasions, we tested more than 50 laptop backpacks from highly rated brands like The North Face, Away, Samsonite, Swissgear, and more. We ...
The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024
Best Overall Laptop Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L. Best Budget Laptop Backpack: Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210. Most Versatile Laptop Backpack: TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe ...
The 5 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024
A structured, polished-looking bag: Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack. A rugged backpack for wrangling tech: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe. A sleek office-to-airport travel pack: July Carry ...
5 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024
The Best Laptop Backpacks for 2024. We've tested over 40 of the best laptop backpacks since 2011, and this article features side-by-side testing of 14 of today's most promising bags. Though many types of backpacks and bags exist, this review focuses on those with the intentionally designed capacity to carry at least one laptop computer.
Best laptop backpacks for travel 2024
Travel in luxury with the eBags Luxon Laptop Backpack. There's plenty of space inside, and a few premium bonus features. 5. Herschel Pop Quiz Laptop Backpack. The Herschel Pop Quiz bag offers a ...
Best laptop bags in 2024: Our top picks for work, students, travelers
Best for work. 5. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase. View at Amazon. Check Walmart. Best laptop bag for work. Thanks to its convertible design, the Solo Duane is the perfect companion for your ...
Best Laptop Backpack for 2024
At $300 (£236, AU$457), the Nomatic Travel Backpack is not exactly a bargain, but given its versatility, the quality of materials and thoughtful design, it's worth every penny. Hide our expert ...
Best laptop backpack and bag of 2024
Another of the best-selling laptop bags on Amazon, the Shrradoo travel laptop back is an absolute beast with both 50L and 52L capacities, capable of holding up to a 17" laptop.
The 15 Best Laptop Bags in 2024, Ranked & Reviewed
1 - The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag. 2 - The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro. 3 - The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck. 4 - The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack. 5 - The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken. 6 - The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag.
The Best Laptop Bags in 2023, According to Style and Gear Experts
Fits up to 15". $119 at Huckberry. This is the bag for anyone who needs an extra level of protection for their commute or travel. The Elements Tech Brief is made from a rip-stop fabric that is ...
Best Laptop Bags 2023
Best Laptop Bag For Traveling: Aer Travel Pack 3 Backpack. Best Laptop Bag For Daily Commutes: Brooks England Pickwick Cotton Canvas. Best Laptop Bag For Cyclists: Chrome Industries Citizen ...
Best laptop backpacks
Best travel backpack. The Volher Laptop Backpack strikes the perfect balance of style, function, and comfort — it's the perfect pick for traveling with your laptop. Read more below. Best rugged ...
The Best Laptop Tote Bags of 2024
At 2.6 pounds, this bag in medium is one of the heaviest we tested. Only the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (Classic), the Lo & Sons Seville Tote, and the Mosiso Laptop Tote Bag (all in the ...
Best laptop bags in October 2024
Best laptop bags under $50. Mancro Laptop Backpack: was $29 now $16 @ Amazon The Mancro Laptop Backpack has more than 10 compartments, one of which can house a 15-inch laptop. It also has a ...
The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. Our Top Picks. Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack at Amazon $200. Jump to Review.
The 10 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
We're talking ample pockets, removable garment bags, laptop sleeves, USB ports, lockable zippers, and TSA-approved locks. ... The 13 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel of 2024, Tested ...
12 Best 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks in 2023
Personally, I own the slightly smaller version of the Matein 17-Inch Business Laptop Backpack, which is meant for 15.6-inch laptops. Instead of 19 x 13.8 x 7.8 inches, it's 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches inches in size. I've been using it as a personal item when traveling, and I believe that the slightly larger 17-inch version still wouldn't be too large to be used as a personal item.
The best laptop 2024: top portable picks for all budgets
At the moment, the best laptop you can buy in 2024 remains Microsoft's excellent Surface Laptop 7, a fantastic all-rounder with a gorgeous design and all-day battery life.There's also the new Dell ...
The 7 Best Luggage Sets for 2024, Tested & Reviewed
This DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero three-piece hard-sided luggage set features a large checked bag, a medium checked bag and a carry-on. The 19-inch spinner fits within the strict luggage size ...
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The North Face Base Camp 71-Liter Duffel Bag. Best duffel bag for outdoor adventures. The North Face. This ultra-rugged bag is durable enough to withstand serious abuse and has enough storage for ...
The 13 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Discover the best affordable luggage pieces from carry-ons to checked bags, laptop backpacks, and duffels with favorites lab-tested by T+L experts.
Best Duffel Bags in 2024
The Quick 6 of the Best Duffel Bags in 2024. 1. Excellent Durability: The North Face Base Camp. 2. Backpack Comfort & Organization: Gregory Alpaca Backpack Duffel. 3. Ideal Watersport Duffel: Stahlsac Abyss Duffel Bag. 4. Canvas Classic: Stubble & Co The Weekender.
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Lenovo Laptops
When choosing the right Lenovo laptop, consider your primary use cases—whether that's work, gaming, study, or entertainment. This will help you determine the amount of processing power, memory, and graphics your laptop needs. If you're always using the laptop on the go, remember to keep in mind the weight of your laptop for portability and battery life.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210

TimBuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop Pack

Tortuga Travel Daypack Pro

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L

Mystery Ranch 3 Way 27 Briefcase

Topo Designs Daypack Tech

Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack

The North Face Router Backpack

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

Laptop Backpacks Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Laptop Backpack

What Is a Laptop Backpack?

Laptop Backpack User Profiles

Laptop Protection

Access Points

Small Capacity (Below 20L)

Medium Capacity (20L to 30L)

Large Capacity (30L and Above)

Laptop Compartment Size

Small Compartments (15 in. or Less):

Medium Compartments (15 in. to 17 in.):

Large Compartments (17 in. and Above):

Organization

Materials and Durability

Interior Materials

Carry Options and Styles

Price & Value

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

The Best Camera Backpacks of 2024

Gear Up and Get Out

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The 15 Best Laptop Bags [Find the Right Bag For You]

Our Top Picks

The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro

The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck

The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack

The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken

The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag

EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag

Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag

Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag

Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag

Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag

Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag

Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip

Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag

Osprey Arcane Large Day Laptop Bag

Which Bag is Best For Laptops?

False Bottom

Weather Protection

Soft Lining

Laptop Bag FAQ

What is the best way to carry your laptop?

What are some tips for buying a laptop bag?

What are the benefits of laptop bags?

How we picked

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