With many of us now embracing a hybrid work model, we’re faced with a new inconvenience – lugging a laptop back and forth between work and home.
Unless you’ve invested in an ultra-portable model, carrying a laptop around can quickly become a strain, especially if you’re tossing it into a bag that wasn’t designed to hold it.
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Luckily, there are plenty of tote bags, messenger bags and backpacks on the market with designated laptop sleeves or roomy main compartments, helping you to pack more in and distribute the weight evenly – such as the Louenhide Rhodes Laptop Bag, which is “well-made” and more affordable than others.
To help you find the best bag for your needs, we’ve listed our top picks below, based on customer reviews, ratings and our own experience with the products.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best laptop bags from premium to budget to help you find the right one for you.
In this article
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST LEATHER LAPTOP BAGS
Louenhide Rhodes Laptop Bag, $139.95 at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
I’ve had this Louenhide laptop bag for a couple of years now and it’s my go-to bag if I ever need to carry a lot of stuff to the office.
It’s so roomy that it can fit my work laptop, my 1L drink bottle, my breakfast and lunch tupperware, as well as all the various knick knacks I carry at one time (lip balm, hand cream, eye drops, hair ties, sunscreen, hand sanitiser etc).
It has a padded divider to neatly organise and protect my belongings, plus a number of inside pockets and an outside pocket for the things you need to quickly access.
The adjustable shoulder strap is nice and thick so it’s comfortable to carry over the shoulder, but also comes with a study carry handle.
Best of all I love the timeless classic design. It’s stylish unlike so many other laptop bags I’ve seen and the neutral colour goes with everything (my colour is no longer available but it comes in several nice colourways, I’ve got my eye on the tan).
It’s also well-made, as I said I’ve had mine for two years now and it still looks great and has kept its shape. Highly recommend if you’re in need of a chic work tote that can fit everything and the kitchen sink in it.
MAISON de SABRÉ The Snap Tote, $309 at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Writer
I’ve been searching for the perfect work bag for some years now, and after buying and returning several options, I came across MAISON de SABRÉ’s The Zipped Soft Tote. Crafted like a luxury handbag, the lightweight carryall holds a surprising amount, including my laptop, lunch box, purse, drink bottle, glasses, sunglasses, notebook and day-to-day essentials.
It even has internal pockets (something not a lot of tote bags have) which are perfect for storing things like keys and work passes within easy reach.
The length and material of the straps make the bag comfortable to carry and ensures my shoulders are never cut into, no matter how heavy it gets. While I do wish it had a dedicated laptop compartment, the bag has now become my go-to for work and everyday life, making it well worth the price tag.
The popular tote has now temporarily sold out in the Zipped variation, but it is still available in the Snap edition.
If you’re into monogramming, you can meanwhile shop the tote and personalise it through the MAISON de SABRÉ site.
KomalC Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag, $123.24 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a truly classy option for the office, this distressed leather messenger comes highly recommended. Boasting a huge 4.7 out of five star rating from more than 1100 reviews on Amazon Australia, the bag has been praised by customers for being both stylish and roomy.
Able to fit devices up to 15.6-inches, the bag features a separate padded laptop compartment and features plenty of pockets for storing daily essentials. There are also two front pockets to keep quick-grab items like work or transport passes within easy reach.
One five star reviewer called the messenger a “marvellous product,” saying, “in an age of flimsy yet often expensive bags and cases made of vulnerable and cheap man-made materials, this case is the antidote.”
BEST LAPTOP TOTE BAG
Bellroy Tokyo Tote Compact, $179 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
With a huge 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Google Reviews, Bellroy’s Tokyo Tote is ideal for those who don’t want to blow money on a designated work bag. Designed with plenty of pockets and zip closures, the bag stores a surprising amount for its scaled-down size, making it a great choice both for work and for casual use.
Capable of holding devices up to 13-inches, the 12L Tote features plenty of soft padding and is made with a durable, water-resistant fabric that keeps your gadgets protected on rainy days. It also has padded straps to stop it from constantly slipping off your shoulder.
One five star reviewer called it “money well spent”, saying, “it’s a great modern, practical tote bag that keeps your items organised and easy to access and find when in a rush. Fabric is durable and easy to wipe if you scuff the fabric.”
If you’re looking for a larger size, there’s also a Second Edition model which can hold up to 15L, giving you more room for lunch boxes or gym clothes.
BEST LAPTOP MESSENGER BAGS
tomtoc Messenger Bag, $64.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Boasting a 4.7 out of five star customer rating on Amazon Australia, this minimalist messenger bag is an easy buy. Available in a range of sizes from 13 to 16-inches, the slim bag features individual slots for your laptop and tablet, as well as two front pockets for storing accessories and other essentials.
Additional features include plenty of padding to protect your gadgets, a comfortable strap to reduce shoulder strain and a handy luggage belt that can be slipped over your suitcase handle whenever you’re travelling.
One five star reviewer noted: “The outer pocket has a lot of space and the fabric is insanely soft and delicate, you can be sure [nothing] will get scratched. The iPad compartment also fits a Nintendo Switch without a case so there’s that.”
Samsonite Boulevard Slim Briefcase, $119.40 (down from $199) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Known for its reliable range of travel bags, it’s little surprise that Samsonite made our list. Highly-rated by customers, the brand’s Boulevard Slim Briefcase comes packed with features including tech pockets, a 14-inch laptop compartment and a “Smart Sleeve” that allows you to stack your bag on your suitcase for hassle free travel.
One five-star reviewer on Myer said “I love this laptop bag. It is exactly what I need. It’s slim enough to fit my work laptop yet can still carry my other documents.”
“It has enough smaller pockets for my office supplies, and it can fit into the luggage handle. Looks great as well.”
BEST LAPTOP BACKPACKS
Bellroy Classic Backpack, $199 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
With a current rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Google Reviews, Bellroy’s best-selling Classic Backpack is a great pick for those with a busy schedule. Fitted with separate pockets for laptops up to 16-inches, the bag keeps devices safe while leaving plenty of room for food, gym clothes and other essentials.
It also features a water-resistant top pocket for smaller items, comfortable shoulder straps and back padding to make it more comfortable to wear. We also love that the bag is made from recycled plastic bottles and is completely leather-free.
“I’ve been looking for years for a beautiful, well-designed backpack that doesn’t cost a fortune. This is it,” said one five star reviewer.
“Has all the right pockets, high-quality zippers and lining. It’s sleek and simple but not boring. And it fits well on the body — my usual load feels much lighter in this bag. Highly recommend.”
Volher Anti Theft Slim Business And Travel Backpack, from $48 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
If you travel often, it could pay to invest in an anti theft laptop bag. This option by Volher comes with a hidden “anti theft pocket” that sits against your back, making it easier to protect items like your phone and wallet when you’re on the go.
Fitted with a dedicated laptop compartment, the backpack holds devices up to 17-inches wide and even features an external USB port with a built-in charging cable so you can juice up your phone as you walk to and from work.
One happy reviewer on Amazon Australia said: “I took it for my two week trip around San Fran and Orlando and it’s a perfect daypack. The charging ability was so useful when on the go. Also, the zips didn’t let water in when I was caught in the rain a few times.”
Rains Backpack Mini, $160 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you usually walk to the office, we highly recommend snapping up a waterproof work bag. With its smooth, waterproof shell, this street-style backpack by Rains is a great option for keeping your gadgets (and your lunch) nice and dry.
The slim bag comes in a range of different colour options and features adjustable shoulders straps, easy clasp fastening and an internal laptop sleeve that can hold devices up to 13-inches with a sleeve and devices up to 15-inches without one.
MAISON de SABRÉ The Backpack, $223.30 (down from $319) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you like the idea of a backpack, but don’t want to compromise on style, MAISON de SABRÉ’s The Backpack is for you. Available in a variety of colours and finished with a durable pebbled leather exterior, the bag is as sophisticated as it is functional.
Holding devices up to 14-inches, the backpack has plenty of storage, with six external pockets and five more inside, including a densely padded laptop section. There’s also plenty of padding on the back and straps to make the bag comfortable to wear on your daily commute.
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack, $100 (down from $150)
What You Need To Know
With its durable build and casual style, Herschel’s Pop Quiz Backpack is ideal for both students and professionals while remaining versatile enough for casual use too.
Accommodating devices up to 15-inches, the backpack comes with a range of pockets and organisers for separately storing a laptop, sunglasses, headphones and books. It also features a small zippered front pocket and key clip for easy storage of items that you need fast access to, making it a great all-rounder.
A reviewer on Google Reviews, who rated the pair five out of five, said: “We bought this backpack to replace our daughter’s old Pop Quiz Black/Tan one which she had for 8 years. That one saw her through a four year undergrad degree, two Master’s degrees, various part time and full time jobs – she absolutely loved and refused to retire it.”
BEST DESIGNER LAPTOP BAGS
Marc Jacobs The Leather Work Tote, $1065 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you’re feeling extra boujee, you can’t go past Marc Jacobs’ The Leather Work Tote. The carryall is crafted from 100 per cent pure pebbled leather and debossed with the signature branding, making it as much a subtle fashion statement as it is a convenient daily companion.
Boasting a top handle, divided compartments, a middle zip compartment and pockets.
One customer on Google Reviews, who rated the bag five out of five stars, said: “Love it. Perfect size. The interior dividers helps keep everything organised.”
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Slim Computer Bag, $249 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Add some flair to your work day with this stylish-yet-practical Tommy Hilfiger Computer Bag. Designed with a built-in laptop sleeve and several pockets, the bag will keep your items safe and scratch-free on your daily commute.
Equipped with two top handles, a removable shoulder strap and a trolley strap, the slim bag offers multiple ways to carry, and comes with a zipped front pocket for storing work passes and other quick-grab items.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAPTOP BAG FOR YOUR NEEDS
With seemingly endless laptop bag and backpack options, choosing the “best” one can be overwhelming. To help you pick, we’ve listed a few things to consider before making a purchase:
Size: The most important consideration you’ll need to make will of course be ensuring your laptop or device fits comfortably into your chosen bag. However, you will also want to consider which other essential items you may need to take to work (e.g. lunch box, gym clothes) and find a bag that can easily store these too.
Commute: You’ll also want to think about how each style of bag will work on your commute. For instance, if you catch a train, you may want to opt for a messenger bag or handbag/tote that you can easily place on your lap during rush hour. If you sometimes ride a bike to work, you’ll meanwhile want to invest in a backpack that you can easily carry with you on your journey.
Aesthetic: If you’re not particularly fussed about how your bag looks, you can focus instead on function and price. If you’re more style-centric though, or if you want a versatile bag that can also be used casually, you may want to shop for a laptop bag at a fashion retailer like The Iconic instead of at a tech or office supplies store. You’ll still have plenty of options to choose from, but the overall range will be much more fashion-focused.
Budget: Laptop bags are usually pricier than standard bags, as they often have padding, durable outer designs and separate pockets or sleeves for storing your devices. Messenger bags are typically the cheapest option, with standard designs retailing for around the $60-$75 mark. Handbags and totes can meanwhile be found for around $100-$150, while backpacks can go for upwards of $120.
Of course, you can find all mentioned styles for less, but cheaper options are often lower in quality and need to be replaced more often. If you can afford it, we recommend investing in a laptop bag that will last for years to come. If you do need to look for a cheaper option to accommodate your budget, we suggest looking at customer reviews and ratings to determine which budget-friendly options are going to be worth the purchase.
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