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 2020.
Want even more choice? Check out our guide to the best laptop bags, no matter what size machine you have.
Vaschy 17-inch Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
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, the padded laptop compartment. It also has a USB charging port built in. This allows you to easily charge on the go, especially if you have a charger pack that you use with your laptop — or charge your other devices with your laptop if necessary. This is a nice feature for those frequently on the move, such as busy professionals or students. It even comes with a waterproof cover.
$32 from Amazon
Mancro Laptop Backpack with Charging Port
This stylish Mancro backpack has plenty of space, making it an ideal choice for students: There are three main compartments, nine inner pockets, two sealed side pockets, and more — perfect for storing all your odds and ends no matter how much stuff you’ve brought. The exterior is made with a water repellent nylon fabric with padded shoulder straps. There’s also a USB port included in this pack. All the better for charging your devices.
$60 From Amazon
Asus ROG Nomad Backpack
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, adapters, USBs, mice, water bottles, keyboards, and other odds and ends that gamers may need on the go, making this a very complete package.
$169 from Amazon
Case Logic Laptop and Tablet Briefcase
There are actually quite a few Case Logic cases that fit the larger class of laptop — more than most other brands. But this particular case gets recognition for combining enough room for a 17.3-inch laptop with an extra pocket for your tablet computer, along with a few other odds and ends. It’s a nondescript, versatile case that, in addition to being big, is made for pretty much any purpose, from business to travel. Case Logic also has some of the least expensive cases available, and you can find this one for low prices online.
$45 from Amazon
Everki Advance
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 laptop compartment is a top-loading, padded option, and the briefcase includes a removable shoulder strap as well as a trolley handle pass-through. The lifetime warranty is pretty nice, too.
$48 from Amazon
McKlein Damen 80715
The name sounds like something James Bond would use, and 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.
$156 from Amazon
Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag (TSA-Friendly)
This convenient laptop bag is going to make your life easier if you fly often. It will help you save time with TSA, especially if you need to carry a larger laptop on your flight. The TSA-compliant external compartment can open quickly for an inspection. You won’t have to take your laptop out of the bag when going through airport security. There is a waterproof liner for some added weather protection, too. Otherwise, this bag is pretty bare-bones, but it gets the job done: Make sure you spring for the large version to fit your 17-inch laptop.
$60 From Amazon
$60 From Amazon
Solo Classic 17-inch Attaché
If you have been unimpressed by the laptop cases on this list, and they all disappointed you in terms of class, professionalism, or pizzazz it’s because we want to express their primary focus.
Most of the laptop cases on our list are convenient. Their purpose is to protect your laptop while remaining easy to use. If you’re looking for something a little more fun and original, look no further than the Solo 17.3-inch Laptop Attaché. It’s silvery (but also comes in black), it has combination locks, and it makes you look like you are carrying important documents. There’s not much inside except for a few pockets and room for your laptop and adapter, but this case has other advantages. It’s perfect if you want a fun accessory that makes a statement.
$60 from Amazon
Everki Beacon
Serious gamers may need a bag that can hold their large laptop, but that’s just the start of their storage requirements. The Beacon is a must-have laptop backpack for gamers. It can hold laptops up to 18 inches and has a console sleeve that can protect your gaming console while you fit it into the pack as well. Multiple internal pockets are great for notebooks, mice, controllers, cables, and whatever else you may need. There are also side pockets for easy access and dual handles for safer lifting. The backpack features a weather cover to protect your electronics on rainy days.
$202 from Amazon