Let’s get something out there before we start. If you wear a collared shirt to work, even a polo, don’t wear a backpack. If you wear a suit to work, absolutely don’t wear a backpack. Backpacks are for tourists, hikers, and tech-y software engineers. We love backpacks for those uses, but let’s try to keep work formal. There are exceptions if you have a bike commute, or other physical or emotional need for a backpack, but this is one that classic menswear got right—carry a briefcase.
Though actually, there’s not a common name for them these days. Is it briefcase? Or is it messenger bag? Or is it just laptop bag? Not sure, but like a duffel, gym bag, or tennis bag, it should have one shoulder sling, as well as carry handles. Since this is something you’ll be taking to work or school, invest a little. Within reason, stretch your budget and buy something that looks nice. First impressions, dress for the job you want, and all that.
To get you started, our tech and style editors rounded up 13 of the best looking and most affordable laptop bags out there. From Rimowa to Filson to Troubadour, here are the best laptop bags on the market.
Best Laptop Bag for Travel
Rimowa Never Still Briefcase
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Best Large Backpack for Laptops
Troubadour Apex Backpack
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Best Looking Laptop Bag
Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase
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Another Great Leather Laptop Bag
Tecovas Bartlett Slim Briefcase
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Best Basic Laptop Bag
lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
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Best Laptop Bag for Travel
Rimowa Never Still Briefcase
Best Laptop Bag for Travel
Rimowa Never Still Briefcase
Pros
Perfect size and durability for travel
Cons
Pricey
We’re always going to recommend Rimowa. If you’re doing a lot of travel for work, nothing is going to serve you like this briefcase. It’s slim, sleek, and durable. Plus, it has every little compartment you’d ever need in a laptop bag.
Pros
Fits a 16-inch laptop, great capacity
Branding is lowkey and tasteful
Cons
Shoulder strap is a bit cheap looking
If you just want to keep it simple, this is it. Bellroy makes a great laptop bag that can fit a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you’ll need for work. The branding is minimal, and the shape is inoffensive. Just a great option all around.
The Best Laptop Backpack
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
The Best Laptop Backpack
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
Pros
Sleek, debadged look
Great price
Cons
Style isn't for everyone
If you really must use a backpack, make it this one from Everlane. The shape is nice, and we found it to be extremely durable. Plus, you can buy a it in a few colors without the branded badge.
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Best Large Backpack for Laptops
Troubadour Apex Backpack
Best Large Backpack for Laptops
Troubadour Apex Backpack
Pros
Fits larger laptops
Really durable
Cons
Pretty pricey for a backpack
Okay, fine, another backpack. If you have an especially large laptop, try downsizing. If that’s not an option, Troubadour's Apex backpack has a laptop sleeve that’ll fit a 17-inch laptop. And since it’s a backpack, it does a great job of dispersing all the weight you’ve got in there.
Best Looking Laptop Bag
Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase
Best Looking Laptop Bag
Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase
Pros
Just the perfect blend of beautiful and functional
Cons
That price tag
We’ve been blown away by anything we’ve touched from Métier. This laptop bag—fittingly named the “Closer” briefcase—is divine.
The leather is buttery soft, but the bag has enough internal structure to stand on its own. It’s got pockets for your computer, passport, pens, pencils, and whatever else you’re going to have in a work bag. If you want luxury, this is the one to get.
Pros
Clean look with minimal branding
Classic office look
Cons
Not a ton of space
If you want something super sleek, we’ve always loved TUMI’s Sycamore. It comes in the brand’s classic nylon, which gives it a sophisticated and understated finish.
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The Menswear Classic
Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase
The Menswear Classic
Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase
Pros
A classic menswear look
Rugged like an adventure bag
Cons
Everyone owns one, if you want to stand out
It’s the bag that defined the #menswear era. It’s the bag that menswear guys on Twitter (X, excuse me) are still telling you to buy. And you know what... it’s as trusty and as cool as it’s ever been. No matter how popular it gets, you can’t deny the twill-plus-leather look is just perfect.
Pros
Beautiful pebbled cowhide
Sturdy brass hardware
Cons
Pebbled leather look isn't for everyone
There’s a lot of durable nylon and canvas on this list, but if you’re looking for luxury that’ll last forever, you’re not going to beat leather. For us, Lucchese does it best (for a great price) with this pebbled cowhide with brass accents. The Western flair is there, but it’s not enough to make you stand out in your big-city office.
Another Great Leather Laptop Bag
Tecovas Bartlett Slim Briefcase
Another Great Leather Laptop Bag
Tecovas Bartlett Slim Briefcase
Pros
Smooth leather develops a nice patina
Sturdy, high-quality materials
Cons
Leather has more of a Western look to it
If you’re working in Dallas, Denver, or Jackson Hole, the Tecovas Bartlett bag is the look for you. The cowhide has a saddle-leather look, so it’s got an Americana feel to it. It’s another great all-around laptop bag from another one of the Western brands that are leading the way for American menswear at the moment.
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Best Basic Laptop Bag
lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
Best Basic Laptop Bag
lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
Pros
Tote style is versatile
Nylon is durable and easy to keep clean
Cons
Not the most formal of bags
Lululemon?! Yep, the athleisure giant makes a surprisingly sleek little work bag. It’s a tote, not a briefcase, but that makes it better in some cases. It’s got more space, so it can be a work-plus-gym bag or a work-plus-groceries bag.
Pros
The best weather protection you will find
Lowkey, city-ready look
Cons
A lot of tech for a simple bag
Want to get on your techwear, urban ninja sh*t? Arc’teryx’s Veilance line is where you need to go. The brand uses excess raw materials to make an incredibly overbuilt work tote. Taped seams keep any and all moisture out. The two sets of handles make it easy to carry. And it has plenty of space for any work items.
Pros
Master-of-None type of laptop bag
Great if you need something affordable and durable
Cons
Doesn't feel luxury
In the same vein, Herschel makes a nice laptop bag. It’s a bit bulky, and the canvas exterior doesn’t have a luxury feel. But no one can deny it’s a great work bag. It’ll hold up to abuse. The monochrome branding is tasteful. And it fits everything you need. A great option.
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Pros
Incredible look for the price
Cons
Still a budget bag, don't expect it to be very durable
The cheap category can be tough for laptop bags. Assuming this is a bag for work or school, you want to put your best foot forward. Cheap bags typically don’t do that.
But this messenger bag on Amazon really surprised us. For the dirt-cheap price, it looks quite nice. It’s the perfect option if you don’t want to shell out for a bag but want something that still looks elevated.