Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (2024)

Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (1)

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Bringing your laptop everywhere is the new reality for those following a hybrid work schedule. Yet, finding a stylish bag that is up for everyday use can be quite a challenge, whether you prefer a tote bag or a backpack. When commuting or traveling, all of these functional yet stylish laptop bags will keep you organized, hold all of your everyday essentials (with room to spare!) and most importantly, protect your laptop.

Our recommendations are based on real-world testing, editor favorites from brands we know and love (like Dagne Dover and Cuyana) and best-sellers with rave reviews.

Our top picks:

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested everything from carry-on luggage to travel backpacks to duffel bags and more, in addition to laptop bags. To make our top picks, we tested 20 different laptop bags and had consumer testers give feedback about comfort, appearance, laptop fit and more. We also placed a laptop in each bag to rate how well it fit and any features designed to keep it protected.

After our picks, keep reading to learn more about how we test laptop bags and a shopping guide to help you find your perfect bag.

    1

    Best Overall Laptop Bag for Women

    Dagne Dover Daily Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (12)

    1

    Best Overall Laptop Bag for Women

    Dagne Dover Daily Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (13)Many pockets for organization
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (14)Interior water bottle holder
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (15)Two size options
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (16)Only two color choices

    Go from work to a workout class with this spacious, well-organized Dagne Dover laptop bag. When testing this bag, we found that all the thoughtful details set it apart, like the interior water bottle sleeve, key strap, tons of pockets, padded laptop sleeve and designated slots for a cell phone and cards so everything stays organized.

    It’s spacious enough to hold your water bottle, a lunch container, a change of clothes and more (in both medium and large sizes). You have the option to carry it via the padded shoulder strap or the shorter handles. The bag is also structured enough to stand on its own without falling over, but it's only available in two colors.

    Laptop size: 13" (medium) and 16" (large)

    2

    Best Value Laptop Bag

    NUBILY Laptop Messenger Bag for Women

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (17)

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (18)

    2

    Best Value Laptop Bag

    NUBILY Laptop Messenger Bag for Women

    Now 26% Off

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (19)Lightweight
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (20)Multiple compartments and pockets
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (21)Zipper closure
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (22)May not fit large loads

    This sleek and simple laptop bag can be carried as a messenger bag or tote making it particularly versatile. It features a padded, built-in laptop sleeve as well as separate compartments and pockets to keep all your stuff organized. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 1.9 pounds. We love that this pick is available in 13 different colors and it's affordable enough to grab in multiple colors to match your whole wardrobe.

    With over 11,000 reviews on Amazon, shoppers love that it’s sturdy — but not bulky — and fits everything they need. It also has a top zipper closure and a water-resistant outer fabric for extra protection.

    Laptop size: 15.6"

    3

    Best Laptop Backpack

    Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (23)

    3

    Best Laptop Backpack

    Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (24)Can secure to a suitcase when traveling
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (25)Durable faux leather material
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (26)A favorite of GH Lab analysts
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (27)Straps are not padded

    If you'd rather carry everything on your back but hate the traditional look of backpacks, then try this fashionable laptop bag made of faux leather. This laptop bag is one of Calpak’s most popular styles and a favorite among GH Lab analysts.

    The laptop sleeve is located in a totally separate compartment in the back, so you don't have to worry about anything scratching it when you're digging for other items. It also has a trolley sleeve so you can secure it on the handle of your suitcase for easy traveling. In testing, we loved its appearance and appreciated the roomy interior that holds an impressive amount without looking like a traditional travel backpack. Note that the backpack straps aren't padded, so it's not ideal to wear it for long periods of time.

    Laptop size: 15"

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    4

    Best Laptop Bag for Women on Amazon

    EaseGave Multi-Pocket Work Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (28)

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (29)

    4

    Best Laptop Bag for Women on Amazon

    EaseGave Multi-Pocket Work Tote

    Now 65% Off

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (30)Adjustable straps
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (31)Available in multiple colors
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (32)Over 5,000 Amazon reviews
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (33)May be heavy for some

    Finally! A stylish laptop bag that doesn't cost a fortune. This popular pick on Amazon has adjustable straps and comes in multiple colors (including black and a pretty soft pink), and it fits laptops up to 15.6 inches in its padded laptop sleeve. We love the chic stitching and buckle details.

    One GH Textiles Lab analyst used this laptop bag throughout college. She says the structured, professional look makes it perfect for interviews, and over 5,000 Amazon reviewers agree that it's worth the buy. Just note that it's a bit heavy at 2.56 pounds, so this pick might feel heavy for some, especially once you add a laptop.

    Laptop size: 15.6"

    5

    Best Designer Laptop Bag for Women

    Cuyana System Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (34)

    5

    Best Designer Laptop Bag for Women

    Cuyana System Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (35)Different variations
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (36)Timeless design
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (37)Sustainable brand
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (38)Pricer than competing models

    Known as a sustainable fashion brand, Cuyana is popular for its versatile totes, designed to be classic and long-lasting. The System Tote uses Italian leather and features a "timeless design" that our testers loved.

    For ultimate organization, you can pair this bag with the brand's tote organizational system or laptop sleeve, but note that these items cost extra. One tester shared, "I love the functional design of this bag! It always surprises me how protected my laptop feels once I place it in Cuyana's laptop sleeve, which actually snaps into the bag for a secure fit." While it is on the pricier side compared to other totes, its classic design and elegant colors ensure that it will never go out of style.

    Laptop size: 13" or 16" options

    6

    Most Comfortable Laptop Bag for Women

    Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (39)

    6

    Most Comfortable Laptop Bag for Women

    Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (40)Comfortable padded straps
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (41)Interior organization pockets
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (42)Includes a pouch and dust bag to keep items organized
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (43)May pill with heavy use

    A backpack is often a more comfortable option than a tote, especially if you tend to carry a heavy load because it balances the weight on two shoulders instead of one. There are many laptop backpacks out there but we find this one extra comfortable thanks to the padded straps and smooth neoprene fabric. We love that this Dagne Dover bag is available in a range of colors. When we tested this at home, the straps felt soft and squishy, unlike some other backpack straps that can feel stiff or rough, making it feel luxurious to tote around.

    It also has a laptop sleeve and an interior organization pocket. It comes with a pouch that can be attached to a leash to hold smaller items like lip balm or keys as well as a dust bag to keep shoes separate. One thing to note: GH Executive Textiles Director, Lexie Sachs, found her Dagne Dover neoprene bag tends to pill but she says she’s also very rough with her bags. Pro tip: To easily remove pills you can use a fabric shaver.

    Laptop size: 13" (Medium), 16" (Large)

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    7

    Best Laptop Bag for School

    Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (44)

    7

    Best Laptop Bag for School

    Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (45)Durable nylon material
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (46)Spacious interior to hold
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (47)Great for students and graduates alike
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (48)No dedicated laptop sleeve

    This roomy tote bag from Longchamp has been a favorite among students for years, thanks to its simple design that holds everything they need while looking stylish. Its classic look makes it versatile with many online reviewers saying they have used this bag through college and beyond.

    "I LOVE how spacious this bag is and how many items I can fit in the bag without it feeling bulky or overfilled," says one GH Analyst. "I can comfortably fit my laptop, toiletries bag, lunch Tupperware and so much more in this bag daily." She notes that the bag easily packs up when not in use for simple storage. The only thing she wishes is that the bag offered more organizational features like pockets or compartments. "I cannot boast enough about this bag, and absolutely will be using it for many years to come and convincing all of my friends to get one for themselves!"

    Laptop size: 13"

    8

    Best Trendy Laptop Bag

    Beis The Work Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (49)

    8

    Best Trendy Laptop Bag

    Beis The Work Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (50)Unique croc embossed material
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (51)Structured shape
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (52)Zippered closure
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (53)Thin straps

    Beis Travel is popular for offering smart solutions with trendy designs. Testers share that this is the "ultimate work tote" because of its stylish appearance and functional design. One said they "especially love the zipped top and metal feet on the bottom" that protect the bottom of the bag from touching the floor. This pick maintains its shape even when empty and has a luggage sleeve to fit nicely on top of a suitcase.

    Testers loved its "classy and sleek" design and said, "The design of this tote works really well," and it's "surprisingly lightweight for such a spacious bag." Note that testers did find the straps quite thin, making it less comfortable to carry heavy loads. Multiple GH staffers swear by this tote for work, saying it's chic enough to bring along to after-office happy hours too.

    Laptop size: 13" (larger option is available for 16" laptops)

    9

    Best Affordable Leather Laptop Bag

    Quince Classic Italian Leather Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (54)

    9

    Best Affordable Leather Laptop Bag

    Quince Classic Italian Leather Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (55)100% leather
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (56)Laptop sleeve built-in
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (57)Stands up on its own
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (58)Testers wish the bottom had metal feet to lift it up off the floor

    For a 100% leather bag, this tote is a total steal at just $100. This Quince laptop bag features a laptop sleeve, open compartments and zippered pockets. The top of the bag doesn't zip closed, but testers appreciated its structured shape.

    "I like the look of the tote bag and how easy it is to pack: roomy in the center with a separate section for my laptop," says one tester. "Also, the roomy pockets inside are convenient and make sorting and separating contents easy so they are easier to find." Although this bag stands up on its own, testers wish the bottom had little feet to keep the base from touching the floor.

    Laptop size: 13"

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    10

    Best Versatile Laptop Bag

    Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (59)

    10

    Best Versatile Laptop Bag

    Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

    Now 35% Off

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (60)Removable organizational pouch with padded laptop sleeve
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (61)Fits larger laptops
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (62)Zippers shut to keep your belongings secure
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (63)Testers found it a bit heavy and bulky

    This clever bag from Calpak basically gives you two bags in one! You can use this bag with the included organizational pouch or without it. The organizational pouch has a ton of easy-access pockets, a padded laptop sleeve and magnets to attach it to the tote bag. When you want to lug home groceries or need more room, you can take the pouch out, and you have a spacious tote bag.

    Testers appreciated the impressive number of pockets and the comfortable crossbody strap for easy toting, but they did note that the bag felt heavy. We love that it's available in eight colors with light pink and green standing out as tester favorites.

    Laptop size: 16"

    11

    Best Travel Laptop Bag

    Lo & Sons O.G. 2

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (64)

    11

    Best Travel Laptop Bag

    Lo & Sons O.G. 2

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (65)Separate shoe compartment
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (66)Built-in padded laptop sleeve
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (67)Easy to clean materials
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (68)Bulky for everyday use

    It's a challenge to keep your laptop safe while traveling, so we love that this pick from Lo & Sons has a built-in padded laptop sleeve to keep your tech secure when on the go. It's nearly the size of a weekender bag, so this pick has a roomy interior to fit everything you need when jetting off on a work trip or vacation.

    One Textiles Analyst swears that this is the ultimate overnight bag. It features a separate shoe compartment, convenient zippered pockets and a sleek nylon exterior that's easy to keep clean. "I especially love the built-in water bottle holder and luggage sleeve to fit on top of my suitcase," she says.

    Laptop size: 13" in medium and large sizes

    12

    Best Zippered Laptop Bag for Women

    Leatherology Aleena Soft Zippered Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (69)

    12

    Best Zippered Laptop Bag for Women

    Leatherology Aleena Soft Zippered Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (70)Large size
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (71)Zippered top closure
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (72)Personalization options available
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (73)No laptop sleeve included

    When traveling on public transit or storing your bag in an overhead compartment, a zippered closure top is a must to keep your belongings safe. Leatherology is a favorite brand among GH staffers for creating high-quality pieces with a range of customization options like hand painting and debossing, which cost extra. This pick is available in seven shades of supple, full-grain leather with a non-structured shape. Although there is no specific laptop compartment, we appreciate that this bag is over 20" wide to accommodate larger computers.

    Laptop size: 16"

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    13

    Best Casual Laptop Bag

    Madewell The Transport Tote

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (74)

    13

    Best Casual Laptop Bag

    Madewell The Transport Tote

    Pros
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (75)Lived-in looking leather materials
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (76)Spacious interior
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (77)Tester favorite for versatile design
    Cons
    • Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (78)Not as formal for professional wear

    With many of us working from coffee shops and coworking spaces, a laptop bag no longer needs to be professional enough for office wear. The Transport Tote line from Madewell has a more casual, lived-in look while still using durable leather materials. This tote was a tester favorite for being ideal to use whether heading to work, running errands or traveling. Madewell also offers this bag in different sizes and materials too.

    One tester said, "I have other leather totes that are more saggy and flexible, but I like how this one kept its shape. It really has been so versatile for me — I've used it for work, with my kids and going to events, and it always fits everything I've needed." Some GH staffers have even noted that their Transport Totes have stayed in great shape even after years of use.

    Laptop size: 13"

    How we test laptop bags for women

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (79)

    Lab analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested hundreds of bags, from all types of luggage to backpacks for college students to tote bags and more. When we test laptop bags, we first evaluate them in our Textiles Lab, rating how well they fit a laptop, the number of pockets present and if there's a padded laptop sleeve included or built-in. Testers tried out laptop bags during their everyday routines, commuting to the office, traveling and more. These picks are based on a recent test where we evaluated 20 styles as well as expertise from previous backpack and luggage testing.

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (80)

    Senior Textiles Lab Analyst, Emma Seymour, loading samples into an abrasion tester to evaluate fabric durability.

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    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (81)

    Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, evaluates a backpack's shape, organizational components and laptop compartment to score the bag's overall design features.

    What to look for when shopping for the best laptop bags:

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (82)

    ✔️ Pockets: To conveniently grab items on the go, look for bags with a sufficient amount of pockets. We like styles that have a mix of open compartments and zippered pockets to keep items accessible and safe.

    ✔️ Laptop size: Before buying a laptop bag, consider the size of your laptop. Most bags will list what size computers they can accommodate, but if it's not listed, look at the bag's dimensions to ensure a good fit. While many laptop bags have a built-in or included laptop sleeve, not all do, so you may need to purchase a laptop sleeve separately in some cases.

    ✔️ Materials: Leather, faux leather and nylon are popular materials for laptop bags. While leather is more durable, faux leather is a more affordable option. Synthetic materials like nylon are easier to clean compared to leather styles.

    ✔️ Straps and handles: Tote bags feature shorter shoulder straps, but some also have a longer crossbody strap. If you plan to carry a heavier load, a padded crossbody strap can make it more comfortable to wear.

    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (83)

    Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where has been testing all types of bags, luggage and backpacks for over four years. She recently tested nearly 20 different tote bags for this story. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality assessment expertise.

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (84)

    Emma Seymour

    Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst

    Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

    Commute in Style With These Top-Tested Laptop Bags (2024)
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