The Best Laptop Bags

Laptops cost a decent chunk of money. Because of this, you'll want to keep your laptop safe when traveling. Whether you use it at home, a cafe, or an office, taking your laptop with you means putting it in a bag. Now, you could always throw it in a backpack, but those can be bulky and aren't as fashionable as a shoulder bag. If all you need is your laptop, charger, and other small peripherals, a laptop bag is the way to go.

What to Look For

We’ve handpicked some of the best laptop bags on the market for your perusal. These bags are well-made, with secure material that protects your precious computer. They also all include shoulder straps and handles to carry them. If you enjoy leather and need a large, rugged bag, Newhey has you covered with their messenger bag. If you prefer a flowery print, Dachee offers gorgeous prints on their waterproof laptop bags. For a classy, one-color design with plenty of pockets and compartments, you can’t go wrong with a Lenovo laptop carrying case. Make sure that your laptop will fit the bag before you buy it. Most laptops these days should fit these bags, but you want to be sure before investing. If you’re on the hunt for a new traveling home for your laptop, you’ve come to the right place.

Lenovo Laptop Carrying Case for 15.6-Inch Laptop

Stylish protection

From a big name in the world of laptops and accessories, this bag scores the top spot on our list with its sleek and protective design.
Best Overall

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This laptop bag from Lenovo has far too many great features to list in one article, so we’ll just focus on the best parts. First off, it’s the perfect pick for those in the market for a bag that will protect their laptop from harm. The outer material is waterproof, so a spilled coffee won’t spell disaster. Plus, the inside sports numerous inner pockets for keeping organized. It’s also stylish and comes in several different color options. Appropriate for the workplace or a college campus, no one will guess that you spent so little money on this stylish and comfortable laptop bag.

Pros:

  • This laptop carrying case features cushioning for enhanced shock absorption.
  • There’s an outside pocket for smaller items. There’s even a strap to go around a rolling luggage handle.
  • It sports a sleek, fashionable design, with three color options: blue, black, and grey.

Cons:

  • If you plan to use this for school, especially college, it might not be able to fit larger textbooks.

AmazonBasics 15.6-Inch Laptop Shoulder Bag

When basic is better

Those looking for a laptop bag that won't break the bank should consider this durable and spacious option.
Best On A Budget

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If you’re in the market for a quality laptop bag that won’t cost an arm and a leg, here it is. Although we’re usually skeptical of bags in this price range, AmazonBasics proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality. In fact, this bag checks all the boxes in terms of features, sporting a padded strap, a smooth zipper, and a tough outer canvas-like material. It isn’t the most spacious option on our list, but it does have ample room for a 15.6-inch laptop plus a charger, mouse, batteries, and accessories. There’s also a convenient partition inside the bag, so you can definitely get away with using it to carry around a couple of books.

Pros:

  • This bag is extremely affordable for its size and quality.
  • The strap includes a cushion for your shoulder. This makes it much less strenuous to carry for long distances.
  • The exterior is padded for protection against shock, falls, or accidental bumps.

Cons:

  • There isn’t much padding along the bottom.

Dachee Peony Pattern Laptop Shoulder Bag, 15.6 Inch

Floral fashion

If you like flowers and quality protection for your laptop, you'll love this stylish bag.
Most Stylish

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This fabulous shoulder bag from Dachee turns toting your laptop around into a fashion statement. Available in a wide range of sizes and floral patterns, this option sports rich colors and high-quality materials. In fact, style aside, this is another great overall option for the premium protection it provides. the thick canvas material is waterproof and provides shockproof resistance to bumps and drops. Smart and sweet, this bag is an absolute must-have for anyone that wants to protect their gear and look good doing so.

Pros:

  • With a wide range of beautiful floral patterns and colors, there’s a style for everyone.
  • A durable shoulder strap can handle everyday use.
  • The waterproof canvas material does a great job of protecting your laptop against rain or snow.

Cons:

  • The back zippered compartment is flat with the rest of the bag, so it doesn’t offer much extra room.

Men’s Rugged Leather 15.6 Inch Laptop Bag

Luxurious leather

This fashionable bag is worth the premium price for those looking for a hardy option that will protect their laptop.
Best Premium

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It turns out the most fashionable option on our list is also the most durable. Newhey’s leather messenger bag is stylish and heavy-duty. The waterproof exterior wicks away water, so you don’t have to think twice about going out and about in the rain. Plus, the laptop pocket is padded, and not just on the partition. This bag features padding all around the edges and corners, as well as extra cushioning along the walls. The price is relatively high, but it’s actually a reasonable investment for the peace of mind that this bag offers. It also sports one of the most comfortable shoulder straps we’ve come across. Best of all, the vintage look is something straight out of a cowboy movie, so your coworkers will know you mean business.

Pros:

  • The ringlets for the shoulder strap are made of metal. They’re sturdy enough to handle rough use and constant wear.
  • The thick leather repels water and absorbs shock.
  • The shoulder strap feels supremely comfortable compared to other laptop bags.

Cons:

  • Unfortunately, the belt straps on the front are just for show — there isn’t a way to lock this up besides the magnetic straps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a lightweight or heavy-duty laptop bag?

Some options will protect your laptop more than others. We recommend considering your commute before making a decision. Students that have a brisk walk across campus or to the library will probably appreciate a lightweight option, while commuters that take public transportation would be well-advised to use a more durable bag.

All of the laptop bags on our list are appropriate for business settings. Even the cheaper options are surprisingly stylish. Nonetheless, durability and functionality are always more important than fashionability.

My laptop is larger / smaller than 15.6 inches, will it fit?

Before you buy a laptop bag, it’s a good idea to double-check the size of your laptop. Laptop sizes are measured in their screen size, which is measured as the diagonal distance between two opposite corners of the screen. If you have a laptop that’s larger than 15.6-inches in size, fear not. Most of the options on our list have larger sizes available to accommodate larger laptops. If your laptop is smaller than that, it will obviously fit, albeit with some wiggle room. If you can’t find a smaller bag for your smaller laptop, we suggest putting some cloth or cushioning into the lining of the bag. A snug fit is important because a loose laptop is more prone to damage.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

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