Laptop backpacks are a great alternative to messenger bags, briefcases, and rolling bags. They give you a hands-free way to carry your laptop and can be used to bring along all of your other gear as well.
The best backpacks for laptops will be designed to comfortably and safely carry your computer while also striking a good balance of utility and style.
Some laptop backpacks have minimalistic ergonomic designs while others are loaded with helpful accessories and storage compartments.
With so many backpacks to pick from, this list of the best laptop backpack options can help you narrow down your search.
We’ve also added a buyer’s guide so that you can figure out which laptop backpacks will be best for your unique needs.
1. Kopack Business Laptop Backpack (Top Pick)
A high-quality backpack that comes at a great price, the Kopack Business Laptop Backpack is perfect for conveniently organising your computer and its accessories.
It also comes with an external USB interface that lets you charge your smartphone without having to take out a power bank.
With dual access anti-theft zippers, this backpack is safe, secure, and tamper-proof. It also comes in five trendy colours.
All in all, this is a stylish and handy backpack that comes with plenty of useful accessories all for a great price.
The laptop storage compartment is located safely at the back of this bag beneath its shoulder straps for portable security.
If you want a convenient and durable backpack with attractive design features at a good price, this is a great option to look into.
What We Like:
- Attractive exterior with five colour options
- Secure and safe design
- USB external interface
- Great value
What We Don’t Like:
- Minimal computer sleeve padding
2. Lenovo Passage Laptop Backpack
Lenovo is well known for its quality products. The Lenovo 17” Passage Backpack is versatile, travel-friendly and comfortable to wear.
It comes in a dark charcoal colour and features a durable yet soft-to-the-touch exterior material.
With a USB plug charging port and a padded laptop compartment, this is a well-made and reliable laptop bag with all of the features you need when you’re on-the-move.
Apart from the main compartment for laptops, this bag has a second small compartment that can store a tablet or other small devices.
This is one of the best laptop backpacks for those who need a well-organised and nicely made bag for travel, school, or daily use.
What We Like:
- Durable travel-optimised design
- Great for storage and organisation
- Stylish
- Safe and comfortable
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited colour choices
3. The North Face Borealis Backpack
This premium quality Northface backpack is great for carrying your laptop and all of your other gear as well.
It works for various applications including camping, airport travel, and daily commuting.
It has a balanced and comfortable design with wide padded shoulder straps and large storage compartments.
It can also easily accommodate a water bottle. The secure padded laptop compartment on the back allows you to safely stow your computer wherever you go.
The North Face Borealis backpack is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a durable and heavy-duty laptop backpack that can serve various purposes.
It offers plenty of storage and has many flexible compartments and features. While its design is attractive and subtle, it may feel a bit masculine for women. It also sports a high price tag.
What We Like:
- Versatile and durable multi-purpose design
- Stylish and subtle appearance
- Secure and safe for laptops
- Comfortable to wear
What We Don’t Like:
- A relatively expensive option
4. Kathmandu Cubic 32L Laptop Pack
If you’re looking for eco-friendly utility, the Kathmandu Laptop Pack may be the perfect solution. This large and capable bag is made from REPREVE recycled materials.
This means that it’s good for the environment and for your wallet. With a large design and various organisation compartments, it’s user-friendly and convenient.
It can easily accommodate a 17″ laptop as well as a tablet, smartphone and any important documents you need to carry.
This is a sophisticated yet minimalistic backpack that can serve a multitude of functions. Its only downside is its balance.
When full, some users have found this bag does tend to pull on the shoulders and will jostle around a bit. However, if you leave it only half full, it’s a great option for all-day wear.
What We Like:
- Eco-friendly with recycled materials
- Comes at a great value
- Padded laptop storage compartment
- Impressive storage capacity
What We Don’t Like:
- May jostle and lose form at full capacity
5. July Carry All Laptop Backpack
This trendy and minimalistic laptop backpack has a designer look and strikes a great balance between style and mobility.
With large padded straps, it’s comfortable to wear as you walk, travel, or take the train. It has a capacity of 20L and can accommodate most laptops.
This laptop backpack also holds its shape well, even when it’s full.
If you want something that’s extremely stylish and accommodating, this laptop backpack may be for you. However, all that style doesn’t come cheap. This laptop backpack is among one the more expensive options in its category.
What We Like:
- Designer aesthetic
- Durable and well-made
- Holds its form when full
- Easily accommodates a laptop
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
6. Matein Business and Laptop Backpack
This large backpack for laptop users is a great all-in-one option for those looking for a competent value. It showcases impressive user reviews and includes a built-in USB charger.
If you need a convenient way to carry your portable computer, charge your devices, and organise your belongings, this bag is definitely worth looking into.
It comes available in black and grey colour options and is priced fairly.
Other key features include adjustable padded shoulder straps, mesh pockets, interior storage pockets, a pocket for your tablet, a water-resistant finish, and a space for a water bottle.
While the design itself is a bit underwhelming, if you want easy access to your belongings, comfort, and utility, this might be your bag.
What We Like:
- Utility optimized
- Plenty of pocket options
- Ideal for travel organization
- Comfortable and adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky
7. Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Pack Deluxe
This attractive bag has been beautifully designed and is made of sturdy premium-quality materials.
Its features include a front pocket, rear access to a padded 17″ laptop pocket, a luggage pass-through for attaching to luggage, a large main compartment for books and carry-on essentials, and an internal organiser.
It also has a water-resistant bottom and a side stretch pocket that holds a water bottle or smart device.
Unfortunately, this bag is on the smaller size, so if you have a large laptop or need to carry a lot of items with you, it may not be the best option for you. With that being said, its design really is great and the Timbuk2 brand is known for crafting quality travel bags and accessories.
What We Like:
- Quality design with durable material construction
- Easy to use and comfortable to wear
- Well organized laptop compartment and pocket storage
- Stylish exterior with a water-resistant bottom
What We Don’t Like:
- On the small side
8. Lenovo Legion Recon Gaming Backpack
Have you been looking for a high-quality gaming laptop backpack? You may want to check out this impressive and durable laptop bag from Lenovo. Its hands down one of the best laptop bags for serious gamers or keyboard warriors.
The Lenovo Legion 15.6″ Recon Gaming Laptop bag has been designed specifically for gamers who carry their virtual lives on their back. This protective and durable bag for laptop protection is sleek, innovative, and modern looking.
The Lenovo Legion Recon bag comes with an array of storage pockets as well as added space for any other gear you want to carry along. While this is the best laptop bag for gamers, it isn’t as ideal for those who want a simplistic solution. This is a heavy-duty bag designed for serious device protection and all-day wear.
What We Like:
- Very protective
- Durable and well-made
- Plenty of storage and organisation
- Modern and sleek design
What We Don’t Like:
- Mainly for gamers
laptop backpack Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve seen some of the best laptop backpacks available, let’s go over what you’ll need to know to choose the best option for your needs.
Laptop Sleeve
For a backpack to be suitable for carrying a laptop, it must come with some kind of computer-optimized padded pocket or laptop sleeve.
The best laptop backpacks will offer an adequately padded pocket to keep your device safe and secure as you travel.
A padded compartment or laptop sleeve can be styled in many ways. Laptop sleeve compartments come in a range of device-friendly sizes.
It’s important to be sure that the laptop bag you like will easily accommodate your laptop. For example, a 15-inch laptop compartment will easily fit a 15-inch laptop, a 14-inch laptop, and so on.
Most computer-optimised bags will offer at least one padded 15-inch laptop storage pocket. The largest laptop storage pockets are around 20 inches and the smallest are usually no less than 13 inches.
Pocket Organisation
It’s also a good idea to consider which compartments you will need and where you prefer them to be located. For example, bags with front pocket access are great for carrying books, small items, and anything that’s not particularly valuable.
Front backpack pockets aren’t usually a good place to keep your valuables but they’re great for easy access to other items.
Valuables like your laptop should almost always be stored in more secure backpack pockets. Laptop compartments are usually located at the back of a bag against your shoulders and back for added safety.
Water Bottle Storage
If you need to carry a water bottle with you, a mesh or canvas water bottle holder will be helpful. For laptop bags, make sure that your water bottle compartment is on the outside of your bag. After all, you don’t want your drink spilling on your laptop.
Some backpacks include a waterproof laptop sleeve, which will help to protect your device from leaks, rain, or other water damage.
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Tamper Proof Zippers and Safety Features
Many computer backpacks will also feature tamper-proof zippers and clasps. These help you stay safe as you travel and serve to protect your valuables. Travel computer backpacks may also have places where you can install a zipper lock. These zipper locks are great if you’ll be travelling in airports or on trains.
Comfort and Balance
Be sure that your bag fits comfortably and is adjusted and balanced properly. After all, you don’t want your bag rubbing against your shoulders and back all day causing you discomfort. Padded straps and lightweight materials help to improve all-day comfort as well as utility.
