Best laptop bags

Choosing the right laptop bag is no easy feat. No one likes to second guess themselves. Here are some of the best laptop bags on the market — from backpacks to sleeves — so you can get it right the first time around.

The first purchase for absolutely any laptop owner should be protection. Whether it’s a stylish messenger bag or a backpack for around town, a briefcase for travel or a simple sleeve, keeping your computer safe is essential. We’ve rounded up some the most stylish, fashionable, and practical laptop bags on the market.

Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger – $150+

Picky about style? Timbuk2 will build a custom laptop-friendly messenger bag that you can design. Customers can personalize the bag by choosing the size of the laptop insert, the colors of every panel, and even have the option to add additional gadget storage.

Skooba Designs Checkthrough Security Messenger – $170

Skooba’s “checkpoint-friendly” messenger bags unzip down the middle to reveal your notebook in a clear-sided pocket, eliminating the need to remove it when going through airport security.

Tenba Discovery Messenger – $110

The Discovery Messenger is built front to back for photographers (no, not the Instagram kind). Pack in a 13-inch laptop, a DSLR, two or three lenses, and whatever else you may need for your photo excursion. The camera insert is even designed to be removed for non-photo use.

Targus 16-inch CityGear Topload Messenger – $65

Dual compartments to house both your laptop and tablet simultaneously make the CityGear Topload notable amongst the rest of the Targus lineup. It’s durable, spacious, and reasonably priced to boot.

Case Logic Laptop Sleeves – $15+

Just the essentials, please. Case Logic’s sleeves are simple, padded, and can fit notebooks anywhere between 10 inches and 17.3 inches in size. And the prices certainly won’t break the bank.

Speck Tuckpack Sleeve – $40

Simple, yet practical. The Speck Tuckpack features a laptop compartment up to 15 inches, a thin front pocket, and a nice Velcro closure to secure the few belongings the sleeve will fit.

Cocoon NoLita Laptop Sleeve – $30

The market for vertical laptop sleeves seems scarce, but Cocoon builds one with a padded handle. The slender, neoprene sleeve provides lightweight protection and accommodates laptops up to 16 inches. Toss it in a backpack or suitcase for a bit of added protection on the move.

Booq Boa Flow Backpack – $200

We’re not going to lie: the Boa Flow is a beast. Weighing in at more than four pounds, the backpack can house anything and everything you may need – including laptops between 13 inches and 17 inches – for a weekend outing. Look no further if you need a little (actually a ton of) space.

The North Face Surge Backpack – $125

The North Face Surge is loaded with compartments, offered in seven colors, and fits most laptops up to 15 inches. Plus, it’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, meaning it’s pretty comfortable.

Belkin 15.4-inch Slim Backpack – $50

Want some protection, but don’t want to be weighed down while on the go? Belkin’s sleek pack does the trick and ditches the bulk at the same time. It even has a removal pouch for your power supply.