When you spend a good amount of money on a laptop, it just makes sense to get a backpack that’ll keep it safe while you’re on the move. Whether you’re flying across the country or just walking around campus, a comfy, well-made backpack with a padded laptop sleeve is essential.
To help you find the best ones, we tested over 50 laptop backpacks both in our New York City lab and in real-world situations. We loaded them up with laptops, iPads, sweatshirts—you name it—and carried them around to see how they felt. We also dropped each one from a table (don’t worry, we used dummy laptops!) to test how tough they really are.
Here are our top picks for backpacks that combine style, comfort, durability, and value:
💸 Best Splurge
Lo & Sons Rowledge
Why We Love It
It looks sleek and stylish thanks to its nylon material and leather accents, and it still protects your tech.
What to Keep in Mind
The laptop pocket is only big enough for laptops up to 13 inches.
The Rowledge is one of the priciest backpacks we tested, but it definitely impressed us. It has a clean, timeless design that’s perfect for both travel and the office. Don’t be fooled by its compact look—it easily fits a sweatshirt, laptop, iPad, notebook, and water bottle.
However, the laptop compartment is a bit small. If your laptop is over 13 inches, it won’t fit.
On the plus side, the padded straps and overall build make it very comfortable and sturdy. It was a bit stiff at first, but after a few uses, the material softened and molded nicely to our backs. It passed our drop test initially, but after six months of regular use, we did notice some scuffs and the hardware starting to tarnish.
Specs: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches | 21L | 3.2 lbs | Nylon and leather | Fits laptops up to 13.5 inches
Also Read: What Features Make a Backpack Ideal for Hiking?
Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack & Tote
💰 Best Budget
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
Why We Love It
It’s packed with smart features and very affordable.
What to Keep in Mind
The materials don’t feel as high-end as pricier options.
This budget-friendly backpack surprised us in a good way. It comes loaded with features you’d usually see on more expensive bags—like a USB charging port, a headphone jack, and a combination lock. After four months of use, we were especially impressed by its padded laptop sleeve, which fits laptops up to 15.6 inches.
The main compartment is roomy enough for bulky items like a jacket or lunchbox, and the front pocket is great for organizing smaller things. The material, a polyester blend, feels decent and held up fine during our durability test, though it’s not quite as nice as higher-end bags.
The padded shoulder straps and adjustable buckles also make it comfortable to carry for long periods.
Specs: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 34L | 1.83 lbs | Polyester blend | Fits laptops up to 15.6 inches | USB + headphone port | Password lock
Also Read: Is a Convertible Backpack a Good Option for Multiple Trip Types?
Laptop Backpack for unisex
🧳 Best for Organization
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Why We Love It
It’s full of compartments to keep everything in its place.
What to Keep in Mind
The main compartment could be a bit bigger.
If you like everything to have its place, you’ll love the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. It has a pocket for pretty much everything: a padded laptop sleeve in the back, a roomy main compartment with various slip and zip pockets, a big front pocket for notebooks, a side pocket for a water bottle, and even a trolley sleeve so you can attach it to your suitcase handle.
You can access your laptop from either the back zipper or through the main compartment, which we found super convenient. It also has compression straps to help adjust the size, but we still felt the main compartment could use a bit more room.
The straps are padded and comfy for all-day wear, and the water-resistant recycled nylon is great if you’re often out in the rain.
Specs: 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches | 20L | 2.51 lbs | Recycled nylon | Fits laptops up to 17 inches | Water-resistant
Also Read: How do I Choose a Waterproof Backpack for Rainy Travel?
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
🎒 Best for Students
Fjällräven Räven 28
Why We Love It
It’s great for walking across campus and has lots of pockets for school supplies.
What to Keep in Mind
The fabric collects lint and isn’t as durable as we hoped.
For students, the Fjällräven Räven 28 is a top choice. It’s lightweight and breathable, with enough cushioning to keep you comfy while walking between classes. The slim design is easy to wear in crowded hallways without bumping into people.
It’s got plenty of space inside, with dedicated pockets for school gear and side slots for water bottles. That said, the fabric tends to pick up dust and lint easily when set on the ground.
Still, the padded laptop sleeve did a great job protecting our laptop, even in the rain. After six months of daily use, the bag held up well. We just wish the water bottle pockets were a bit bigger to fit larger bottles like a Hydro Flask or Yeti.
Fjallraven Raven 28 – Black
Specs: 18.5 x 14 x 6.1 inches | 28L | 2.2 lbs | Polyester and cotton with wax coating | Fits laptops up to 15 inches | Water-resistant
