14 Great Laptop Bags That ELLE Editors Actually Use Every Day

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These days, it seems like our laptops come with us everywhere. We ELLE editors know this fact well. Our laptops are, in essence, an extension of ourselves. They home our schedules, (virtual) Rolodexes, work projects, shopping carts, hopes, and dreams. You can relate, can’t you?

For most people, laptop bags, leather tote bags, and other work bags are basically synonymous. But there’s more to consider if you want to shop smart.

Karla Gallardo, CEO and co-founder of Cuyana, urges shoppers to pay attention to quality when shopping for a new laptop bag. You want something durable that can stand the test of time, she notes. But above all, Gallardo says functionality is the most important thing to consider in your search. “We find that bags with several components are most helpful to organize your belongings so you’re not wasting valuable time digging through your items. Bonus points if it has a laptop sleeve for extra protection!” Mélissa Lambert of Canadian brand Lambert agrees on that note, saying, “It’s important to remember to protect your laptop since it’s your work tool.

Other aspects to pay attention to are the size and weight, Gallardo advises. As someone who is regularly weighed down by bags, I can confirm this is crucial. Lambert suggests ensuring your new laptop bag looks professional (or can at least pass for it). It’s wise to also account for “the quality-to-price ratio” and whether the bag can be worn in a variety of ways, per Lambert.

Because I know the power of personal recommendations, I’ve rounded up a list of shoppable options that ELLE editors have personally vouched for, plus a few additional options that are just too good to miss. Here, find 14 of the best laptop bags to shop now.

Soft Utility Square Backpack

Add this bag to the ever-growing list of things you just love about Target. Wear it as a backpack or hold it as a tote.

Fits: Up to 15” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 14.5 inches; width: 11 inches; depth: 6 inches

Customer review: “Love the size of this bag! It fits my laptop and other necessities for work! I also love how the side pockets fit my 32oz water bottle perfectly!!”

Daily Tote

This holds all your essentials (it even has an insulated neoprene water bottle holder!) and packs a real organizational punch, all the while, it can pass as your handbag.

Fits: Medium size fits up to 13” laptop; large fits up to 16”

Dimensions: Height: 12.25 inches; width: 15 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “I’m a girl on the go. Most days, I’m running from work meetings to workout classes to happy hours all in one not-so-fell swoop. The problem? I don’t want that fact to be obvious. I’m tired of lugging around a giant backpack or juggling four overstuffed totes. This is basically a purse, but it fits a laptop. Ingenuity.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

The Helena 2-In-1 Affogato Vegan Leather Handbag

This stunning leather briefcase even has a compartment for your Airpods.

Fits: Up to 16” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 12.2 inches; width: 16.9 inches; depth: 6.8 inches

Customer review: “I use my new bag for work, laptop, documents, beauty bag, everything is tidy and it looks very classy! I love it!!!”

The Backpack

This sweet backpack is available in four colors and is insulated, which is perfect for those packed lunches. Plus, you can monogram it.

Fits: Up to 13” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 14.25 inches; width: 11.5 inches; depth: 6 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “I walk to work and am regularly going to events for my job. I needed a bag that could fit my laptop, a salad, and sometimes a change of shoes while looking fashionable. This one is it! Comfy, roomy but amazingly compact, Modern Picnic’s backpack has shown me I don’t have to give up style to have an actually good work backpack.”—Alyssa Bailey, senior editor

Medium Shopping Tote

Undoubtedly, Telfar is the bag of the moment. (Thanks, Beyonce!) Although the viral style is often sold out, we recommend snapping one up if you get the chance.

Fits: Up to 13” laptop (for medium size)

Dimensions: Height: 10.7 inches; width: 10.7 inches; depth: 5 inches (for medium size)

ELLE’s endorsement: “I like to consider the medium Telfar Shopping Tote my ludicrously capacious bag. The beauty (and versatility) of Telfar's popular Shopping Tote is that it can be whatever the hell you want it to be, because it holds everything you need to make it through the workday. Each morning, the bright champagne gold hue stands out among my pile of unsuccessful work 'fits, and it houses all 12 of my nude lip glosses, my Macbook, a Tupperware packed with a homecooked meal, and a collection of ketchup packets (who loves dry fries, anyway?).”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

Kaya Laptop Backpack

Posture posse, rise up! Pick from 24 color options and organize all your bits and bobs in this pocketed faux leather backpack.

Fits: Up to 15” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 15.5 inches; width: 11.5 inches; depth: 4.5 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “As a firm believer in backpacks for work, this Calpak bag is the one I get complimented on the most. It’s chic, comes in a variety of colors, and has plenty of pockets to keep your things organized.”—Carine Lavache, senior content strategist

Metro Backpack Deluxe

This is the backpack that finally made me retire my (old) tried-and-true The North Face backpack. With plenty of organization, a detachable pouch, and a key leash, this bag really is all that.

Fits: Up to 15” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 16.5 inches; width: 12.2 inches; depth: 6.9 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “Some bags seem to weigh even more than my laptop does, but this MZ Wallace backpack is feather light. I also appreciate the luggage sleeve that slips easily over my carry on handle when I’m traveling.”—Sara Austin, executive editor

Tote Line Cord

For those looking to live la dolce vita, fine leather brand Tramontano is well worth a look.

Fits: Up to 12” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 6.2 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “Neapolitan brand Tramontano has been making some of the finest bags in the world since it was founded in 1865. The materials are soft but strong—and the brand’s large totes are big enough to hold your laptop plus a pair of commuting shoes and more.”—Rose Minutaglio, senior editor, features & special projects

Black Midtown Tote

One truly great, big black tote bag could likely replace your entire bag collection.

Fits: Up to 16” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches x width: 18 inches x depth: 12 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “I just got this Commission bag and it’s officially my new LCB (Ludicrously Capacious Bag). Laptop, phone charger, portable fan, my entire toiletry bag…check!”—Kevin LeBlanc, fashion associate

Leather Shopping Tote Bag

This streamlined silhouette is classy, clean, and timeless. The detachable keyring? That’s pure function.

Fits: Up to 16” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 16 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 5 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “It may not be great for my back, but this tote bag holds my MacBook Air perfectly and has a pouch for miscellaneous belongings (keys, phone, AirPods).”—Claire Stern, digital director

Jamie 4.3

I believe it’s your god-given right to put that hard-earned paycheck toward whatever you want. This bag makes a mighty fine option.

Fits: Up to 16” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 16.9 inches; depth: 3.5 inches

ELLE’s endorsement: “Saint Laurent has had a bevy of spacious bags come out in the last few years, including the Icare Maxi that was beloved by street style stars, and this season it’s continuing with the oversized trend we love with the Jamie 4.3 bag. It’s everything a classic black bag should have: gold hardware, plush quilted leather, and multiple ways to wear it. It’s also coincidentally perfectly sized for a laptop.”—Kevin LeBlanc, fashion associate

Laptop Briefacse

For a look that’s both posh and polished, a messenger briefcase style is the way to go.

Fits: Up to 15.6” laptop for smaller size, or 17.3” laptop for larger size

Dimensions: Height: 12.4 inches; width: 15.1 inches; depth: 4.13 inches (for smaller size)

Customer review: “The design and functionality of my bag make it a go-to favorite for everyday work usage. There is enough space for a 17” laptop, a wireless mouse, and other essentials. The computer is well padded and secured with a velcro strap and zippered section. I highly recommend this bag, and many have asked where to buy one.”

Laptop Briefcase for Women

If you need a bag that really performs, this sleek style provides tons of organization, storage, and functionality.

Fits: Up to 17” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches; width: 17 inches; 4.5 inches

Customer review: “I really like this bag. Really, I live in this bag. There is so much room. Holds my laptop, tablet, iPhone, all the cords and connectors, paperwork, and if I don’t feel like carrying a purse, it holds all that stuff, too. The bag feels durable, is nicely padded, and protects the laptop well...This is definitely the best and most versatile computer bag I have ever owned.”

Laptop Bag for Women

This bag looks like it could be designer, and that’s only one reason to buy it.

Fits: Up to 15.6” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 12.6 inches; width: 16.7 inches; depth: 5.7 inches

Customer review: “I bought this for an interview because I usually carry a backpack. I have received so many compliments and it has lots of room to carry my laptop, cables, notebooks, and water bottle. It can even double as your purse if you don’t want to carry two bags. I bought the tan color and it looks so expensive despite the reasonable price.”

Classic Slim Business Bag

You mean business. This bag shows it. It’s worth noting this briefcase has a reinforced back to help protect papers and important documents.

Fits: Up to 15.6” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 12.8 inches; width: 16.75 inches; depth: 3.25 inches

Customer review: “This bag is a great option for anyone who needs a functional, well-designed laptop case...Despite being quite spacious, this bag is not bulky or cumbersome to carry around. I appreciate that it can easily fit in tight spaces like under airplane seats or in overhead compartments. The bag is also very ergonomic, with a comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry even for extended periods of time.”

Messenger Bag 16-inch

Cuyana’s sustainable messenger bag is perfect for work on weekdays, leisure on the weekends, and travel anytime in between. Alternatively, you could also opt to add a laptop sleeve to one of the brand’s famed System Totes.

Fits: Up to 13” laptop, or 16” laptop for larger size

Dimensions: Height: 10.4 inches; width: 15 inches; depth: 3.9 inches (for larger size)

Laptop Compartment Tote Bag

Dress for the job you want, right?

Fits: Up to 15” laptop

Dimensions: Height: 15 inches x width: 14 inches x depth: 5 inches

Customer review: “This bag is absolutely beautiful and has a lot more space than I imagined. It has nice space for laptop which is very firm and soft with extra protection. It also looks like it costs more than it actually does. Beautiful bag, don’t rethink it, GET IT!”

What to Consider When Buying a Laptop Bag

• Form: Do you have a preferred type of bag? If your laptop is particularly heavy, or you suffer from back or shoulder pain, it might be wise to consider a backpack rather than a shoulder or tote bag. Do you need something that securely closes at the top, or would you prefer easy access to the contents? Think about your routine and how you imagine you’ll use the bag. If you already have one, what do you wish was different about your current bag?

• Size: What size is your laptop? Be careful to check measurements and ensure your laptop will actually fit in the bag. Will you need to store anything additional in the bag? Do you need space to fit gym shoes, a change of clothes, or a lunchbox?

• Versatility: Think about whether you’re buying a bag strictly for your laptop or if you’re buying a bag that happens to hold your laptop. Will this be used for non-computer purposes, or is it your dedicated work bag?

• Features: You want your bag to be specific to you, as much as possible. If you’re constantly digging for your keys, look for a bag with a key leash. If you are an avid brown-bag luncher, perhaps one with insulation. If you, like me, don’t go anywhere without your water canteen, you’ll want to check if a bag has space for it. You can also look out for features like charging ports, detachable pouches/shoe bags, or luggage trolleys depending on your lifestyle and needs.

• Style: Lastly, style counts! If you want it to, that is. There’s no use in having a stunning bag that is barely of any real use. Trust me—I’ve got the shoulder pain to prove it. There are lots of bags that offer style and function, so don’t feel like you have to skimp on personal flair if you go with a smart option.

Meet the Experts

• Mélissa Lambert is the president and founder of Canadian luxury bag brand Lambert. Lambert started the company on her own, making her an expert in all things related to bag design. Lambert specializes in slow fashion.

• Karla Gallardo is the CEO and co-founder of sustainable leather brand Cuyana, a brand loved by editors and customers alike. The brand’s status among competitors makes Gallardo an expert on quality.

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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