Laptop computers are replacing the desktop in many work, school, and home environments. These devices have become pretty powerful and can handle the same workload as any high powered desktop. Portability is a huge benefit; you can practically go anywhere to work or play. However, laptops can be expensive, so keeping them safe is essential. is the best laptop bag for keeping your portable computer protected. Plus, tons of storage and a built-in Joey battery pack means your electronics will stay fully charged all day long.
Best Overall: North Face Resistor
This is the backpack that I use every day. It has plenty of internal pockets and tons of storage for everything I need daily. There is a dedicated padded laptop pocket that is separate from the rest of the bag. The cloth-lined pocket is large enough to hold a 17-inch computer, and it's TSA compliant. A quick zip and the laptop section can separate from the rest of the bag, allowing you to get through airport checkpoints without you having to take your laptop out.
The backpack itself has two deep pockets on the outside. Inner pockets are there for your tablet, VR headset, cables, notebooks, snacks, keys, headphones, a change of clothes, and anything else. There are also two lined pockets for your sunglasses and your mobile device. Solid construction and smart design will keep your laptop computer and everything else safe from any mishaps.
To make things extra special, the North Face Resistor has a great built-in USB Joey charger that you can use to keep all of your electronics charged for the entire day. Accessing the battery isn't as easy, but it's still great to have. On a full charge, the Joey will hold power for a couple of weeks if you don't use it. However, if you find yourself draining the Joey, you can plug it in overnight so it'll be ready to go the next day.
Pros:
- TSA approved
- Built-in Joey charger
- Lot's of storage
- Limited colors
- The charging port falls out of its hanging loop
- It's expensive
North Face Resistor
Your laptop is safe in this backpack
This laptop bag is a little on the pricier side but worth it when it comes to keeping your computer safe.
Best Messenger: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger
Timbuk2 has been making quality bags since 1989, and its Classic Messenger comes in multiple colors and sizes. Each messenger bag can hold a different size laptop from 13 inches to 15 inches.
The inside of Timbuk2's Classic Messenger is lined with super soft corduroy, ensuring that your computer is well protected from the daily grind. The individual inside pockets will keep your laptop charger and other cables well organized and prevent anything from denting your laptop lid. Plus, the outside is waterproof, so you don't have to worry if you get caught in a downpour. On top of being able to handle the weather, Timbuk2's messenger can take a beating in any environment. If your laptop bag does get damaged, Timbuk2 has a limited warranty and will repair it for you.
The laptop bag has a shoulder strap that is easy to adjust, and two velcro zippers and two double-loop CAM buckles to keep your laptop secure, but to access.
Pros:
- Lots of color choices
- Lightweight
- Waterproof and durable
- Limited storage
- Shoulder strap is uncomfortable
- Limited warranty
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger
Classic laptop messenger bag
The Timbuk2 Messenger Bag keeps your laptop safe without all the bulk.
Best Backpack: Nomatic Backpack
This is a great pick for anyone who needs a backpack. It has tons of essential features built-in. For starters, if you need more room, the pack expands from 20L to 24L. Security isn't an issue, because Nomatic's backpack has lockable perimeter zippers. There is also a hidden RFID blocking pocket built into the back of the bag, along with reflective printed ink to help make you visible during the evening.
However, though Nomatic is a great overall backpack, it's not necessarily a laptop bag. But it could still work as one with style, versatility, and a retractable key leash (my favorite feature). Plus, with hidden pockets and a roller bag sleeve, the Nomad is fantastic for travel. It's TSA friendly, so you can leave your laptop in your backpack while getting through airport checkpoints.
Pros:
- Able to expand from 20L to 24L
- Looks incredibly stylish
- Lifetime warranty
- It's pricey
- Comes in one color
- It's heavy
Nomatic Backpack
Business meets functionality meets fashion.
The Nomatic backpack has a great design while keeping your laptop safe.
Best Tote: Knomo Grosvenor Place Tote
Knomo's Grosvenor Place tote brings the perfect blend of work chic and functionality into this slick looking shoulder bag that will keep your laptop safe and sound. It has a simple design with a huge opening at the top for easy access to your laptop and anything else you would need for work.
The bag has a large zipper at the top that allows you to close the opening. Additionally, the outer shell is waterproof, so you're good if it's a little wet out. Just be careful not to get caught in a downpour.
The tote's design is versatile, so it can serve any function. If you need it to be a laptop bag, then that's what it'll be. It's excellent for commuting to work or over a weekend work trip. However, you might want to consider using a different bag for a hike in the woods. For something so simple, this tote is an excellent option for your laptop.
Pros:
- Lots of pockets
- Looks incredibly stylish
- RFID
- It's a little too stylish
- Straps could be longer
- It's a little heavy
Knomo Grosvenor Place Laptop Tote
Business meets functionality meets fashion.
Stylish tote that will keep your laptop computer safe.
Best Brief: Bellroy Laptop Brief
I have been a fan of Bellroy products ever since I purchased one of their wallets. Since then, they have gone on to make other excellent products such as the Bellroy Laptop Brief. It's a great-looking laptop briefcase that keeps your computer safe and very easy to carry with one hand.
The laptop brief is made out of water-resistant Venture-weave polyester and environmentally certified leather. Plus, it has a soft knit lining and padded drop-in laptop pocket for a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop computer.
If you don't want to carry it like a briefcase, there's a padded shoulder strap that you can pull out and use it as a messenger bag. Plus, the handle pass-through is great for a suitcase. It feels well balanced on your shoulder and an excellent choice for travel, a meeting down the hall, or the quick stroll across the city.
Pros:
- Stowaway shoulder strap
- Stylish
- Great internal organization
- Limited storage
- Laptop area is snug
- Not TSA approved
Bellroy Laptop Brief
Bellroy design brings style and function together.
An excellent laptop brief for everyday use and travel.
Best Sleeve: Lymmax Laptop Sleeve
Lymmax laptop sleeve offers a lot of protection for your laptop, considering it has a simple sleeve. The shell is formed into expressive ridges to safeguard your laptop from impact with tough outer edges shield your laptop's corners from drops.
The laptop sleeve is built with a perfect water-resistant fabric and a soft fluffy lining, providing full protection against dust and scratches. It's incredibly slim, lightweight, and can easily slide into your briefcase, backpack, tote, or whatever bag you're using. Velcro fastener keeps the lip closed so your laptop doesn't slide out.
The 15-inch version has great external pockets that you can use for things like a wireless mouse, charging cables, thumbdrives, and anything else you might need.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Tough outer edges
- External pockets (15-inch only)
- Velcro wears out fast
- No internal pockets on 13-inch or 14-inch
- Can be hard to remove laptop
Lymmax Laptop Sleeve
Lots of protection from a sleeve.
Works great with any type of laptop bag for extra protection.
Bottom line
Keeping your laptop computer safe is essential. backpack is ahead of the rest when compared to any other type of bag out there. It's TSA approved padded laptop sleeve, and extra pockets mean you don't have to worry about damaging your computer when you're running off to class, or dashing into a meeting at your local coffee shop. Extra storage space means you can bring your charger and anything else you'll need, while the built-in Joey charger is a bonus. The North Face Resistor is the bag I use every single day, and I love it.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bobby Carlton When not obsessively watching YouTube videos of backpack reviews and the best way to cook shellfish, you'll find him exploring VR and AR experiences in his basement tech lab. Follow him on !