11 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Whether you need a work backpack or one that you can count on for hectic travel days, GH Institute analysts love this sleek pick that features comfy padded straps, a grab handle and a built-in luggage sleeve to secure it to your carry-on. It features a separate laptop compartment for quick access to laptops up to 17 inches, and it comes with tons of organizational pockets so you have enough room for headphones, notebooks and more.

The exterior is water-resistant nylon so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in light rain. “Everything fits snugly and feels well-padded and secure,” wrote one Amazon reviewer, while others applauded its compact, sturdy design that makes accessing essentials easy. It should also fit comfortably under an airplane seat. Just note that it’s only available in darker colors like black, blue and gray.

Not only does this laptop backpack have over 97,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, but it also costs less than most of the backpacks we tested. It’s loaded with features such as padded straps that won’t dig into your shoulders, plenty of compartments and pockets to keep everything organized and a built-in USB port for on-the-go charging (battery pack sold separately). With two water bottle holders and an anti-theft back pocket, this is a great laptop backpack for travel too.

Commuters who need to squeeze everything into a slim backpack will love this large 27L-capacity model from Everlane. Not only are we fond of its minimalist design that comes in four pretty neutral colors, but it has all the pockets you need — including a 15-inch laptop zip pocket on the exterior, two zip-closure pockets for important items like passports and earbuds, two water bottle pockets and two internal slip pockets.

A luggage strap is built-in as well so you can place it on your suitcase, and we appreciate the magnetic closure that makes opening and closing the backpack a breeze. Plus, the finish is water-resistant and the backpack is machine washable. Online reviewers claim it’s super lightweight, durable and comfy.

Chances are you’ve seen this popular backpack around before, and there’s a reason why. It’s super cute and versatile, making it a great fit for all types of activities from outdoor hikes to workday commutes. Plus, we love that it comes in tons of fun colors and sizes. It features a padded compartment suitable for 17-inch laptops, or if you need something smaller there’s a 13-inch and 15-inch version as well.

One of our analysts has used the Kanken backpack for years and raves about how durable it is. We also appreciate the padded shoulder straps, interior and exterior zippered pockets and two side pockets. “I love how versatile it is. I use it for work and even on weekends,” said one tester, who also noted that it is “durable, water-resistant and cleans easily.”

Osprey is recognized for making high-quality daypacks ideal for hiking, travel and other adventures. The brand is a 2024 Family Travel Awards winner, so we’re not surprised that this laptop backpack aced our Lab tests. While it’s on the pricier side and only available in black, it’s designed to be as comfortable as possible all while remaining durable and lightweight. It features a 16-inch laptop compartment to safely store your device, a luggage sleeve and several interior pockets. It even comes with a hidden passport holder and a Travel Sentry Luggage ID to help prevent your bag from getting lost. Online reviewers rave about how much the backpack can fit inside as well as its “great quality material and design.”

Unlike other backpacks featured on this list, this pick from Patagonia features a removable laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 15 inches plus other accessories (cords, pens, etc.) so you can quickly transition from workdays to weekends. It comes in a variety of colors and includes organizational components like a front panel pocket, water bottle holder and more.

We appreciate the breathable back panel to help prevent sweat from building up, as well as the built-in hydration hanger so you can accommodate a hydration reservoir on after-work hikes. Bonus: It should easily fit in the under-seat compartment on airplanes if you want to use it as a personal item. "It has become my go-to bag for work whether I'm flying or not because of how much room it has to pack a jacket or a small cooler bag," said one online reviewer.

This Herschel backpack is a classic that never goes out of style. We love it for its simple design and affordable price, as well as the various color and volume options it comes in. Featuring an exterior zipper pocket, an interior sleeve for laptops up to 14 inches, a water bottle holder and padded shoulder straps, it’s suitable for all occasions. One Amazon reviewer summed it up well: “Perfect size and love the look!" Others appreciate the padded straps and quality build.

Searching for a laptop backpack for work that’s both professional and practical? Look no further than this pick from Troubadour. While it is the priciest pick on our list, its quality design and super sleek look featuring a vegan leather trim make it worthwhile. We were impressed with its construction and love that it features multiple organizational pockets, including a handy zipped pocket on the shoulder strap for quick access to essentials like your phone or passport, bottle holders, a luggage sleeve and more. It also comes with a padded compartment for laptops up to 17 inches.

According to the brand, it’s waterproof so you can safely get it a bit wet. “As someone who is constantly traveling and needs organization and professionalism in my corporate occupation, the Apex Backpack from Troubadour is perfection in every sense of the word,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Our Textiles experts have been impressed with this North Face backpack for over 10 years. It stayed in great condition after abrasion and drop testing and can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. The exterior fabric proved water-resistant in our evaluations, keeping your items dry even if you get caught in the rain.

We love the padded straps that offer extra comfort and the padded mesh back panel to help with breathability against your back. It has mesh water bottle pockets, a waist strap and a sternum strap for a customized fit. College student survey respondents loved how versatile The North Face backpacks are, wearing them "hiking, traveling, going to classes and teaching."

Stand out in the crowd with a backpack that doesn't sacrifice style for organizational features. Calpak's Kaya Laptop Backpack has become a favorite among GH analysts for its chic faux leather design and well-organized interior that holds everything you need.

The easy-access front pocket is great for your wallet, keys, phone and anything else you may need to grab quickly. There's a separate back zippered compartment to hold your laptop, keeping it flat against your back to help protect it from rain or snow. One tester loved its stylish appearance, saying, "People stop me on the subway nearly every week to ask me where my backpack is from!"

GH analysts were pleasantly surprised that, unlike other backpacks that can feel stiff or rough, this Dagne Dover backpack felt soft and squishy when wearing it thanks to the neoprene fabric. Not only is it comfy, but this bag also has a laptop sleeve and an interior pocket to securely hold a water bottle or cell phone. The main compartment is large enough to hold work essentials as well as a change of clothes.

One tester especially loved the included shoe bag, saying, "Keeping my sneakers separate in my work bag has made going to the gym from the office so much easier." The neoprene fabric can be prone to pilling according to our evaluations, though this can be remedied easily with a fabric shaver.