Best laptop bags in January 2023

Best laptop bags in 2021
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Now is an ideal time to pick up one of the best laptop bags. Although back to school season is long behind us, laptop bags from popular brands including Targus, Adidas, The North Face, and more are on sale. 

We've put together a list of the best laptop bags for every budget and for all occasions down below. From courier bags to backpacks, these laptop bags are suitable for college, work or everyday use. Plus, make sure to check out our ultimate back to school guide for all the essentials you'll need.

Best laptop bags under $50

Mancro Laptop Backpack: was $29 now $21 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

Mancro Laptop Backpack: was $29 now $21 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Mancro Laptop Backpack has more than 10 compartments, one of which can house a 15-inch laptop. It also has a combination zipper lock, which ensures no one will open your laptop bag and steal its contents when you're not looking. 

Matein Laptop Backpack: was $41 now $26 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

Matein Laptop Backpack: was $41 now $26 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
Don't let its cheap price fool you. The Matein Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags on the market. This 27-liter bag features a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 17 inches in size. It also has a USB-charging port, which connects to a battery backup in the bag that lets you charge your devices without having to open your backpack. (Battery not included). 

Volher Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $27 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

Volher Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $27 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
The Volher Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags you can get. The budget-friendly bag has a 30-liter capacity and is spacious enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. We especially like the bag's built-in USB-charging port and cable, which provides a more convenient way to charge your devices as you travel. (Battery not included). Click the on-page digital coupon to save 15% and drop the price to $27. 

Targus Octave: for $39 @ Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Targus Octave: for $39 @ Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Looking for a versatile laptop bag? Best Buy has the Targus Octave, which can secure up to a 15.6-inch laptop via its padded laptop pocket. Its padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps also ensure it remains comfortable to carry. 

Under Armour Hustle Backpack: was $55 now $39 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

Under Armour Hustle Backpack: was $55 now $39 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
If you want a laptop bag with a sporty look, the Hustle Backpack is for you. Available in a wide assortment of colors, the this bag features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, water-resistant finish, and a zippered bottom compartment. It's one of the best laptop bags around. 

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack: was $55 now $41 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack: was $55 now $41 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
This Adidas Excel 6 is a simple but very stylish backpack. It offers four outside zippered pockets, and dual water holders on either side. Plus, there are internal organization slots and a 16" padded computer sleeve for storing your tech devices. 

Best laptop bags under $100

The North Face Jester Backpack: $68 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

The North Face Jester Backpack: $68 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
The North Face Jester backpack is the ideal campus backpack. It has a 30 liter capacity, a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, and a front organization pocket with mesh water bottle holders. 

SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack: was $89 now $69 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack: was $89 now $69 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
The SwissGear 1900 is made with 1200D ballistic polyester to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. It's also a TSA-friendly laptop bag, which means it's designed to produce a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. The 31-liter bag can hold up to a 17-inch laptop. 

Travelon Signature Slim Backpack: $75 @ Kohl's (opens in new tab)

Travelon Signature Slim Backpack: $75 @ Kohl's (opens in new tab)
If you're after a backpack that is a heavy on the style, then this Travelon Signature Slim Backpack could be the perfect pick. It doesn't favour looks over function either with two interior zippered wall pockets, a main compartment that can easily fit a tablet or slim laptop and a slash pocket that offers quick access. 

The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $78 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)

The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $78 @ Amazon (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)The 27-liter North Face Pivoter Backpack features a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleep. The front compartment has a padded tablet sleeve along with additional organizational pockets. It's available in various colors at Amazon.

Best laptop bags over $100

Kaban Backpack: $129 @ The North Face (opens in new tab)

Kaban Backpack: $129 @ The North Face (opens in new tab)
Made of ultra-durable, water resistant 900D polyester, the North Face Kaban backpack is virtually indestructible. It features a 26-liter capacity and has a dedicated sleeve to protect laptops up to 15 inches. 

How to choose the best laptop bag 

How to choose the best laptop bag

Everyone has their own style, but there are a few things you should look for when shopping for the best laptop bags.

Size: First, you'll want to know what size laptop your bag can accommodate. Some can accommodate laptops as big as 17 inches, whereas others are limited to ultraportables no bigger than 13 inches, ideal for one of the best laptops for battery life

Compartments: You should also check if the bag has a dedicated laptop compartment and if there's space for other devices like a tablet or college books. The last thing you want is for all your devices to share one large compartment. 

Travel friendly: There are also various laptop bags that are TSA-compliant. These bags are designed so that they offer a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop/tablet when they're undergoing X-ray screening at an airport. The TSA doesn't endorse any bags or brands, but bag manufacturers will usually highlight if they're bags are TSA-friendly. 

Durability: If you live in a region with changing seasons, we also recommend you investigate what type of material your laptop bag is made of. Investing in a waterproof laptop bag can be extremely useful as it can protect your laptop — and other devices — from water damage. 

Versatility: Finally, with many gyms now reopened, you may want to invest in a laptop bag that can double as a gym bag. Some bags even feature special compartments for dirty clothes or sneakers, so that they can be stored away from your laptop or tablet.  

Louis Ramirez

As deals editor at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.

With contributions from