If you're toting your laptop to and from class or work frequently, it's a good idea to invest in the best laptop backpack to protect your computer and body.
The most popular laptop backpacks have one thing in common: they distribute the weight evenly for a more comfortable commute — and the ones on this list that feature separate padded compartments to keep your tech safe are no exception.
While many retailers like Amazon offer high-quality backpacks that are great for your laptops, plenty of fashion brands are upping the ante, too. Brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, and Tumi, traditionally known for their outwear, have released stylish laptop backpacks for college students and water-resistant messenger bags that double as carry-ons and are TSA-approved.
Whether you prefer a designer choice for college (this Kate Spade one will make the perfect college backpack!) or a water-resistant leather backpack, we took the time to find the creme de la creme by searching through hundreds of customer reviews. Ahead, find 16 of the cutest laptop backpacks for school.
What to look for when choosing a laptop backpack:
There are a few things to consider when searching for the best laptop backpack. Of course, you'll want the style to fit your taste, but you should also look for unique features to keep you feeling comfortable, like memory foam shoulder straps, padded laptop sleeves, and ventilated back panels. A good bag will also have multiple straps, so you can switch up different ways to hold it with either a removable cross-body strap, top handles, or shoulder straps.
Our top picks:
- Best Laptop Backpack for School: ESTARER Women PU Leather Backpack, $40
- Best Laptop Backpack for Work: Vrba Laptop Backpack Purse, $130
- Best Designer Laptop Backpack: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack, $140
- Best Leather Laptop Backpack: Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack, $125
- Best Stylish Laptop Backpack: CALPAK Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack, $138
- Best Laptop Backpack for Air Travel: Vankean Laptop Backpack, $27
Best Leather Laptop Backpack
Despite its sleek silhouette, this leather travel bag has two large interior compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6-inch device. Additionally, it has a zippered front pocket for smaller essentials. Choose from two sophisticated shades — black or cognac — both with brushed silver hardware.
Pros: ✓Can fit up to two laptops ✓Offers a limited three-year warranty ✓Has a full-size organizable pocket inside
Cons: Some users said they were cautious it contained DEHP phthalates
Color(s): 2
Size: 5.51 x 10.63 x 16.14 inches
Materials: Leather
Amazon Customer Review: "This seems to be a very well made backpack. It’s even better looking in person and I got compliments on my first trip with it. Protects your laptop and other devices well, with room for a notebook, water bottle (inside), etc. I don’t think you’d be able to fit a change of clothes with shoes and your laptop, if that’s what you’re looking for.
This suited my needs and fit extremely well under the plane seat."
Best Laptop Backpack for Air Travel
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This cute laptop backpack is made of environmentally-friendly nylon that repels water to keep your tech gear safe. The large bag has four compartments and two side pockets, including a separate laptop sleeve. The best part? It also has a built-in USB charging port, so you can charge your phone anywhere/anytime.
Pros: ✓Waterproof fabric ✓Feels extremely lightweight
Cons: Shoppers said the material left a lot to be desired
Color(s): 2
Size: 16.9 x 11.15 x7.5 inches
Materials: 100% Nylon
Amazon Customer Review: "[I] love that the bag actually stands up instead of flopping flat on the floor! I’m a pocket junkie and this bag has plenty for the smaller items I carry with me. Plenty of room for laptop and cable, iPad, small notebook, makeup bag, wristlet, and other miscellaneous stuff plus my cornicle water bottle in the outside pocket with room to spare."
Best Laptop Backpack for School
Y2K fashion is having a moment right now and this faux leather backpack is a throwback must-have. No matter what you pair it with — T-shirt and jeans, slip dresses, or skirts — it will add a vintage-inspired feel to every lewk! The special features include a padded laptop sleeve, a padded iPad pocket, and a small security pocket for your wallet.
Pros: ✓Has adjustable shoulder straps ✓Sturdy and durable
Cons: Some found it bigger than they needed
Color(s): 4
Size: 13 x 4 x 16 inches
Materials: 100% Faux PU Leather
Amazon Customer Review: "I’ve put my laptop, iPad, planner, umbrella, headphones, water, and other miscellaneous items in all at once, and it was still convenient to use while traveling on the train. A plus is the bag has received many compliments, [and] people are surprised when I tell them it’s from Amazon."
Consider this a budget-friendly dupe of the Herschel bag. It’s got the same classic style — canvas fabric with contrasting buckles — and is just as functional, thanks to a total of six pockets, including a roomy main compartment for books, a laptop pocket, a front zipper pocket for smaller accessories and gadgets, a pencil case, and two side pockets for water bottles.
Pros: ✓Has a total of six pockets ✓Includes an external USB charging port
Cons: The side pockets don’t have a lot of stretch
Color(s): 5
Size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches
Materials: Lightweight 600D Polyester, Leather Trim Exterior
Amazon Customer Review: "I ordered this for my daughter’s first year away at college. She took that bag everywhere, to every class and club meeting and the dining hall and in between, and now at the end of the year, it [still] looks brand new. It’s big enough to hold her notebooks, textbooks, and laptop and isn’t bulky. I highly recommend this backpack! I might even order a second one in case this one ever wears out so we have a backup."
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Available in 23 different colors, you can get a Lovevook laptop backpack to match every piece of clothing in your closet. The spacious book bag also has several interior pockets, including a sleeve for your laptop, two front zip pockets, two side pockets for a water bottle, and a USB charging port for your tech gadgets.
Pros: ✓Durable fabrications ✓Multiple pockets for organization
Cons: The interior pockets are not very spacious
Color(s): 23
Size: 12.5 x 17 x 7.8 inches
Materials: Nylon
Amazon Customer Review: "It is an amazing backpack. Great for traveling to put on top of a suitcase, and for school. I used this backpack for school [and] it was able to carry all my books and binder, and it even had more space. It has many pockets but is a little bigger than expected, but overall it was an amazing backpack."
This sleek nylon commuter backpack can double as a purse, thanks to its shape. It features chic gold hardware, top carry handles, and an exterior zip pocket. On the backside, you'll find wide comfortable straps to hook over your shoulders. The interior also has multiple compartments, including a spot for laptops and tablets and small mesh pockets to store cards and wallets.
Pros: ✓Has a built-in USB port ✓Has multiple compartments for laptops and tablets
Cons: Limited colors/prints
Color(s): 4 (varies by retailers)
Size: 16.9 x 11.15 x 7.5 inches
Materials: 100% PU/Leather, Nylon
Amazon Customer Review: "I love my backpack. It’s lightweight but durable and good quality. [There are] lots of interior compartments to keep you organized. I had a Fjallraven and realized how much I disliked it for work because of the size and lack of organization and that it made me look like a kindergarten student. This is the opposite. It’s sleek and didn’t overwhelm my 5’2 frame. At a glance, it looks like a Tumi.
Best Laptop Backpack for Work
Backpacks should be simple, cute, and easy to carry, like this pick genuine leather select. The soft cowhide leather gives it an overall elevated feel, and we love the beige and brown colorway. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps, multiple interior pockets, and silver hardware.
Pros: ✓Versatile design, can work as a purse or backpack ✓Fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop
Cons: Some reviewers noted that the straps were flimsy
Color(s): 6
Size: 11 x 15.5 x 5.9 inches
Materials: Leather
Editor Review: "When it comes to dressing up for work, I need my entire outfit to be cohesive from head to toe, and I tend to avoid using backpacks because they never match my ‘fit. But after coming across this gorgeous two-in-one bag from Bostanten, I now reach for it almost everyday. I love that I can turn it into a purse and then into a backpack when needed. It also has a sleek design and won’t give you that weird bulky look." - Shauna Beni-Haynes, Commerce Editor, Teen Vogue
Need one of the best school backpacks? You can take this one from the classroom to after-hour work events and on weekend trips. It's spacious and durable and comes with plenty of compartments. You'll find two exterior side pockets to store water bottles, one exterior zip pocket, an interior mesh pocket, and a separate laptop compartment.
Pros: ✓Laptop friendly ✓Two water bottle pockets
Cons: Some reviewers hated the straps
Color(s): 2
Size: 13 x 19 x 5.5 inches
Materials: Polyester, PVC, Nylon, Metal
Nordstrom Customer Review: “I love this bag. As a chronic over-packer, my goal was to pack for a weekend, and it delivered. I was able to pack five outfits, two pairs of shoes, all my makeup and toiletries, and a laptop! Score.”
This Everywhere Zip backpack is a top-rated pick among Away reviewers. It feels lightweight on and comfy on the shoulders thanks to the padded shoulder straps, has a heavy-duty, water-resistant nylon material that can withstand any scuff or spills, and is available in five colors. It also features multiple zipper pockets and a detachable key clip.
Pros: ✓Trolley sleeve ✓Water-resistant
Cons: Expensive
Color(s): 5
Size: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches
Materials: Nylon with leather
Away Customer Review: “I never thought I’d prefer a backpack over a tote, but adding this as my small carry-on for travel has been a great decision. I use it every day. It can easily accommodate my work computer, my personal laptop or tablet device, and a lot of other gear I keep with me. The construction is solid, and the straps fit great on one or both shoulders with no slipping.”
This laptop backpack is made from recycled polyester and has a surprisingly large interior compartment. You'll find a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket, two internal slip pockets, and an exterior water bottle pocket. As a bonus, you'll find a luggage handle pass-through strap.
Pros: ✓ Has a water-resistant finish ✓Crafted from all renewed materials
Cons: Some users note that the magnets are not too strong
Color(s): 3
Size: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches
Materials: 100% Recycled polyester
Editor Review: “The Everlane transit is great for commuting. The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless and it’s chic/minimal enough to go with any outfit. I get compliments on it every time I go to the office!”- Haley Welch, Associate Director, Condé Nast
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This Fjällräven Kanken backpack is a Teen Vogue reader favorite, so you know we had to include it on our list. It comes in various colors and sizes and features top handles, which means you can tote it around like a regular handbag. It also has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and an exterior zip pocket.
Pros:✓Extremely durable ✓Ample space
Cons: Some reviewers noted that they couldn't fit their water bottles inside properly
Color(s): 10
Size: 15.79 x 11.54 x 2.68 inches
Materials: 100% Vinylal
Amazon Customer Review: "Bought this to carry my 17" laptop from home to work. It fits perfectly and I have extra room for carrying an umbrella, water bottle, etc. The only con is that shoulder straps have very little padding and hurts my neck and shoulders a bit. Will try to find something to add to the straps. otherwise very sturdy, highly recommend."
You might have already spotted this popular backpack on your social feeds and there are many reasons why it has a huge fanbase. Aside from its sleek exterior, the roomy compartments are just as impressive. The main pocket is water-resistant, triple-lined, and houses a smaller padded, fleece-lined pocket that can fit laptops up to 15 inches.
Pros: ✓Made from recycled materials ✓It’s water-resistant
Cons: On the expensive side
Color(s): 7 (varies by retailer)
Size: 11.5 x 16.25 x 5.5 inches
Materials: 100% Polyester
Herschel Customer Review: “My favorite, inside out! I think it's a backpack that stands out with its distinctive style. I love the matte texture and yes, it might get a little sweaty on a hot summer day, but it's perfect in a city where it rains a lot. Optimal in size: has enough space for a laptop as well as other items and looks good on the back of an adult.”
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If you spend a lot of time at the gym (or sports practice), this might be the best backpack for you. It's designed for the most active person, featuring a water-repellant fabric, and a zippered exterior for ventilation (excellent for sweat-soaked clothing and sneakers). It also has an exterior padded laptop sleeve that can fit tablets or laptops up to 16 inches.
Pros: ✓Water-repellent material ✓Designed for those on the move
Cons: Some shoppers note that they had trouble with the zipper
Color(s): 4
Size: 11.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inches
Materials: 100% Nylon
Lululemon Customer Review: “[I] absolutely love this backpack! It's so cute but so useful at the same time. It’s perfect for school and has plenty of room. I totally recommend you buy it!”
Best Stylish Laptop Backpack
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If you're looking for a good bag to invest in, look no further, This structured laptop backpack is made from a smooth faux leather and has a gorgeous whipstitched trim all around the exterior. It also comes with a top handle and two shoulder straps, making it super versatile for various occasions.
Pros: ✓Two-way top zip closure ✓ Has a top carry handle
Cons: Some reviewers found the stitching didn’t last very long
Color(s): 2
Size: 15 ½ x 11 ½ x 4 ½ inches
Materials: Faux leather
Nordstrom Customer Review: “I love this backpack for work! It is very sturdy, and it is great for traveling! The slip on the back allows you to attach it to your suitcase. I got the blush color, and it is everything! I am considering getting it in black for the fall/winter. You will not be disappointed!”
Best Designer Laptop Backpack
Everyone is familiar with the Longchamp tote bag, but we're here to tell you, don't sleep on the Le Pliage backpack. It comes in beautiful vibrant hues (including Barbiecore pink!) and has the dark brown signature textured leather trim. It's also crafted from a water-resistant fabric, so you won't have to worry about it getting messed up on rainy days.
Pros:✓ A great bag for travel ✓Water-resistant
Cons: No pockets
Color(s): 5 (varies by retailer)
Size: 7.48 x 5.98 x 1.73 inches
Materials: 100% Nylon
Nordstrom Customer Review: “This is the perfect size for travel. It folds up to envelope size in the suitcase, is small enough that you do not have to check it in the museums, holds as much as a purse, is lightweight, and distributes weight evenly so one shoulder isn't carrying the weight, pickpocket-proof, and you can toss it into the washing machine. Best of all: it is highly water resistant and will keep your things dry in a downpour."
Why blend in when you can stand out with this bright blue eco-friendly backpack? Available in dozens of colors, you can go as bold or subtle as you want, and it features an all-over waterproof canvas. You'll also find plenty of interior pockets and spaces to store your class essentials, as well as a built-in USB port.
Pros: ✓Features a USB port ✓ Made from eco-friendly materials
Cons: The backpack isn’t as waterproof as reviewers hoped
Color(s): 35
Size: 16.5 x 12 x 8 inches
Materials: Lightweight canvas
Amazon Customer Review: “Love this backpack. My electronics feel protected when I’m using it. I love the zipper at the top and all of the compartments. [I] haven’t used it for travel so far, but I will be taking it on my next trip. Love the color, too!”
Ditch your shoulder bag and invest in this leather laptop backpack; it's the ultimate 2-in-1. Available in a slew of tri-toned color-block shades, the gorgeous structure is sleek and sophisticated and will hold all your essentials safely. It can also fit plenty of items thanks to the multiple storage compartments. You'll find a padded laptop sleeve, two inner slots, two pen loops, and three card slots.
Pros: ✓Has three main compartments for storage ✓High-quality design ✓ Beautiful gun-toned hardware
Cons: While it’s listed as genuine leather, some shoppers said it wasn’t
Color(s): 12
Size: 11.81 x 3.93 x 16.53 inches
Materials: 100% Genuine Leather
Amazon Customer Review: “I purchased this bag because I would often carry two bags. A small one for my items and then a computer bag, and my shoulders paid the price. I hate to call it a backpack because it's so pretty! I've gotten countless compliments basically every time I wear it. This bag has tons of storage space and all these hidden compartments. The wide straps make it comfortable if you're wearing it over one shoulder or behind your back. The leather is soft and has a quality look and feel.”
Topo Designs's light packs are a staple come college. This specific pick has one of the broadest ranges of colors and designs on our list. It comes complete with multiple compartments, one internal laptop sleeve, and a zippered front pocket for easy access to essentials like your dorm room key card. Best of all? You can toss the whole thing into the washing machine for a quick refresh.
Pros: ✓ Internal laptop sleeve ✓ Padded base and sides
Cons: Some users noted that the straps were too big
Color(s): 2
Size: 10w x 17.5h x 5.5 inches
Materials: 400D recycled nylon pack cloth
Editor Review: “I really love Topo’s bags. They have really fun color combinations, are incredibly functional, and have a simple design. I have taken the Lightpack on countless work trips and vacations, and I’ve found it to be very well-made and durable. The all-black with highlighter yellow interior has served me well for the past four years without a scuff or rip to be seen.”- Juan Velasquez, Editorial Business Manager, them. and Teen Vogue
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