You need a bag to safely transport your laptop with you to work or school, but not all laptop bags are created equal. Some bags aren’t robust enough to carry heavier models or large enough to carry your charger and extra supplies. Some bags come at an affordable price, while other options are more of an investment.
Whether you’re in search of a sleek briefcase or a tricked-out gaming backpack, skip the guesswork and read on to find out the best ways to carry your laptop in 2023.
Want even more options? Check out our guide to the best laptop bags, no matter what size machine you have.
Best overall
Vaschy 17-inch Laptop Backpack with USB charging port
- Water-resistant
- USB charging port
- Lightweight, but has lots of storage space and organizing pockets/sections
- No water bottle pocket
This simple and reliable Vaschy backpack is made of water-resistant polyester and offers plenty of extra storage while still staying lightweight. The pack includes multiple sections, five interior pockets, and, of course, a padded laptop compartment. It also has a USB charging port built-in. This allows you to easily charge your devices on the go, and is a nice feature for those frequently on the move, such as remote workers or students.
Best for gamers
Asus ROG Nomad V2 backpack
- Dedicated pockets for gaming accessories
- Water-repellent
- Back padding is ventilated
- A bit bulky
This Asus bag is designed with school or backpacking in mind and specifically for gamers who need to carry their heavy-duty systems around. It is also made to look like a gladiator helmet, which, well — judge for yourself on that count. However, the rugged design is handy, and there are lots of dedicated pockets for headsets, mice, water bottles, keyboards, and other accessories that gamers may need on the go, making this a very complete package.
Best briefcase-style option
Everki Advance Laptop Bag - Briefcase
- Extra large: Can fit up to 18.4-inch laptops
- Has a trolley handle passthrough
- High-contrast lining to help you see your items
- Only comes in one color/no variety in appearance
Everki is all about productivity and usability, and this simple briefcase is an excellent choice for all kinds of work or play environments. Everything about it is no-nonsense, and it’s big enough to carry 18.4-inch laptops if necessary. The top-loading laptop compartment is padded, and the briefcase also includes a shoulder strap and a trolley handle passthrough.
Best luggage-style option
McKleinUSA Damen
- Gorgeous design, made with cowhide leather
- Has a detachable wheel and handle system
- Expandable three-file divider in the front compartment for more storage space
- Pricey
We have to admit, this is a seriously classy laptop case for those who want to make a real statement on their travels. And “travels” is the operative word, too — no backpacking around campus for this suitcase, with its built-in wheels and extendable towing handle. The suitcase material is made from soft, plushy “cowhide leather” material. The laptop case itself includes a foam-protected compartment to minimize shock.
Best business option
Solo Fifth Avenue Attaché
- Easy to use
- Has combination locks
- Sleek, professional look
- A true briefcase, so it only has a carry handle
One of the essential features of a stellar laptop case is its convenience. Sure, it has to protect your devices, but it primarily needs to be effortless to use. One excellent, statement laptop case is the Solo Fifth Avenue Attaché. This case typically comes in a sleek silver color and has an extra layer of security with combination locks. You’ll find that the interior features a laptop compartment with adjustable spacers, an organizer section, and a file compartment.
Best durable gaming laptop backpack option
Razer Rogue v3 18-inch Gaming Laptop backpack
- Lots of features that emphasize durability
- Bright interior colors
- Handy compartments for a variety of accessories
- Huge company logo on the front may not be ideal for those who prefer a more low-key look
For a more dedicated gaming backpack, we recommend this hardy (and stylish) Razer pack that's designed to be durable enough for all your gaming accessories, including up to an 18-inch laptop. The outside is designed with water-resistant materials that resist tears. Inside, in addition to bright interior colors, you’ll find compartments for a variety of gaming accessories.
The Rogue will shine most for gamers on the go who still like to show off a little.
Best budget-friendly option
Kroser Laptop Backpack
- Budget-friendly backpack that still offers tons of helpful features
- Has a USB charging port
- Water-repellent
- It is very large, and may be too bulky for some people to carry around
Those looking for a more affordable bag that can still handle large laptops will be pleased by Kroser’s budget-friendly pack. The outside is made of a water-repellent fabric blend and is available in two colors. On the inside, you will find a padded compartment compatible with your 17-inch laptop. This Kroser bag has front pockets for storing small accessories like your phone or keys, and it has two zipped side pockets. The backpack also includes a built-in USB port for easy device charging.
It's a great, affordable carry-all option for those who own larger laptops.