I Finally Invested In a Quality Laptop Bag, and It Changed Everything (2024)

Lubardy 15.6 inch Laptop Tote Bag

Looking for a holy grail work bag? Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor, has found it. "I bring anything I could possibly need to work just in case of an emergency—makeup, deodorant, dry shampoo, hairbrush, and gum. On top of all of that, I bring several notebooks, a water bottle, and my laptop, so I need a bag that can carry it all. This Amazon pick does just that," she shares. "All my essentials have their own dedicated spots, thanks to the tote's many pouches and sections. Plus it's completely waterproof and has held up well through months of everyday wear. "

Pros: Comes in 10 colors and prints; Can hold a 16" laptop; Has several internal pockets for extra storage and organization; Has a zip closure.

Cons: Reviewers say it doesn't hold its shape.

Customer Review: "It’s much more spacious than it looks. It’s very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and I find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you see carry it, it doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome. The bag does sag a bit after use. But has held up to wear and tear. I would recommend." — Amazon

MinkeeBlue Madison 16" Laptop Tote Bag

Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay calls this tote bag a city girl's dream. "I was so excited to receive this bag in the mail that when I opened the package, I squealed. It looks like a normal sleek black tote, but inside, it has a spacious laptop case (that actually fits both my personalandwork laptops), an outside compartment for items needed in a pinch (like a metro card), and a hidden compartment for a lunchbox or a change of shoes," she says. "The bag even comes with a matching lunchbox specially sized to fit in the latter compartment. Since getting this bag, I’ve no longer found myself struggling with multiple totes on the train or carrying an empty lunch bag to post-work drinks."

Pros: Fits Up to 16" Laptop; Has Comfortable straps; Has multiple compartments including a zippered interior pocket and a.key fob holder; Has multiple interior and exterior zipped compartments; Comes with a lunch bag and shoe bag.

Cons: Large in size; Can be a bit bulky

Cuyana System Tote

"My personal favorite, which is also perfect for a 'first timer,' is our Cuyana System Tote, created with a 3-in-1 approach in mind," Shilpa Shah recommends. "The System Laptop Sleeve and System Flap Bag can be easily snapped in and taken out, all pieces can work together or stand alone. This tote was designed to effortlessly transition throughout the day with you, while holding everything you need."

Pros: Has customizable interior pocket options for purchase; Comes in several colors; Has thick shoulder straps; Comes in two sizes depending on the size of your laptop; Has a magnetic closure.

Cons: Does not have a zipper at the top.

Madewell The Transport Tote

"This is truly the clown car of laptop bags, and I mean that in the best way possible," Entertainment Director Neha Prakash says. "It's incredibly spacious so you can fit not only your laptop, chargers, and work necessities, but anything you need to go from day to night without a pit stop at home—gym shoes, an umbrella, a makeup bag, and a snack. And thanks to Madewell's timeless design and quality leather construction, the bag will hold up for years (probably longer than your laptop)."

Pros: Comes in three colors; Has longer shoulder straps; Holds a 15" laptop.

Cons:Has only one interior pocket; Is unlined; No closure.

Customer Review: "I'd been pining after this back for a long time now. A friend had one in the brown color that I'd been eyeing for a while. I started a new job at the start of the year, and decided I'd break down and treat myself to a new bag for work. The bag is durable, spacious (fits my 14 inch laptop, folders, notebook, pens, etc) very comfortably. I decided to get the black bag with brown straps. Figured that way it'd literally go with any outfit. In addition to being practical, it is also so pretty, really soft leather, stylish shape. Would definitely recommend this bag to anyone!" — Madewell

Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

"For far,fartoo long, I relied on an old canvas tote to carry all my belongings," says Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor. "Blame it on my obsession with emulating a farmer's market-frequenting It girl, but that ragged bag was my go-to—to the point where it became threadbare and no longer could keep my essentials safe." When it was time for Childs to upgrade, she found a long-lasting replacement in Calpak's Haven Laptop Bag. "Made of durable faux leather, it's infinitely more sturdy than a measly canvas tote," she says. "It boasts multiple interior compartments and, best of all, features a removable laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch device. In short, this bag has changed my life, and I can't recommend it anymore."

Pros:Made of faux leather; Fits a 16" device; Comes in multiple colors.

Cons: Some reviewers say the strap comes loose.

Customer Review: "This bag is amazing! Great construction, easy to use, I love that the insert can come out, and it fits everything I need for work without being too bulky or too much like a utility bag." — Calpak

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

"I'm embarrassed to admit to how many bag straps I've ripped over the years, but I will say that I accepted it as inevitable—until I started using Cuyana's leather tote," Lucia Tonelli, Associate Director of Social Media, raves. "On the surface, the bag is well-proportioned, spacious, and, in the daffodil colorway, an instant mood-booster. The bag's low-and-wide design holds everything I usually carry—a 15-inch laptop, a lunchbox, my books, pens, and other miscellaneous doodads—with ease, and the flat base prevents things from becoming flipped around (a plus for someone who packs very saucy lunches). I toggle between the two strap lengths depending on what I'm carrying, and the soft leather design is comfortable on my shoulder, despite the fact that my things weigh approximately a million pounds.”

Pros: Comes in several colors; Sustainably made from real leather; Fits a 16" laptop; comes in two depths; Has two strap lengths.

Cons: Has only one interior pocket for your phone; No zip-top or buttoned closure.

Madewell The Shopper Tote in Soft Grain Pebbled Leather

Madewell’s leather tote selection got a new addition: The Shopper Tote in this pebbled leather fabrication. It’s available in two colors—this light brown and black—and has a 9.5” drop so that it tucks under your arm. The sides are collapsible and the top features a sturdy magnetic closure. It measures 12 3/4" in height, 12 3/4" wide, and 7 1/2" deep, meaning that it can fit a 13” computer. An interior pocket means you can keep track of your wallet and keys.The straps are sturdier than others on this list, too.

Pros: Comes in two colors; Has a magnetic closure; Has an interior pocket; Made from 100 percent leather.

Cons: Cannot fit a 16" laptop.

Customer Review: "I just got this bag today and it’s love at first sight! Super supple, great quality, and I love that it can be styled with the corners tucked in or out. This is my new go-to work bag." — Madewell

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

I have been carrying Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote on and off since I was in high school. It was the first bag I ever invested in (I bought the olive color) and it’s the only bag I go to time and time again when I need something to hold my computer. There are a few sizes to choose from, but I prefer the large option because it holds my computer, my makeup bag, a book or two, plus whatever else I have rolling around on my day-to-day commute. The small interior pocket on the side is great for keeping my card holder and phone handy, and the leather straps have never failed me over the decade of near constant wear and tear.

Pros: Has a zip closure and a snap closure; Made from easy-to-clean material; Waterproof material; Has long shoulder straps; Comes in several colors; Holds most laptops.

Cons: Has one small interior pocket.

Customer Review: "Why is this the perfect work bag? 1. It’s lightweight 2. It’s durable 3. It’s classic and professional in its style 4. It’s not too flashy, it’s subtle enough for work 5. It’s not too expensive, again it’s subtle enough for work 6. It doesn’t look cheap 7. It fits a 13 inch laptop 8. It fits my 40 ounce water bottle 9. It is easy to clean 10. It is durable in the rain 11. It’s subtle luxury and great for day to day life 12. It folds up, making it a great bag for travel I love it. I want to get a backup and another color." — Nordstrom

Rebecca Minkoff Mab Leather Hobo Bag

"For years I'd stash my laptops inbagsthat looked professional and uber-serious for the office," says Tanya Benedicto Klich, former Senior Editor. "But in a new, power-casual world, I'm ready to sport fun workbags, especially for the summer days ahead. RebeccaMinkoff's M.A.B. Hobo Bag, with its silver dog clips and sleek zipper tassel, brings the right amount of accents. But it's still a practical pick: TheSand Dune leather option goes perfectly with sundresses and work outfits alike." With interior dimensions of 13'' W x 10.75'' H, it's roomy enough for a laptop. Plus, the strap can convert to a shoulder or cross-body, so you can carry it however is most comfortable for you.

Pros: Has a convertible shoulder strap; Has a magnetic closure; Comes in several colors.

Cons: Won't fit a 16" laptop; Has one interior zip pocket.

Customer Review: "Absolutely stunning bag!! I am tote lover and actually have too many totes. This has the same interior feel of a tote while having the look of a hobo. The leather is luxurious, interior side pockets are just the world and stops this from feeling like just a bucket. Caramello color is so boho and warm, I couldn’t be happier with this bag!!" — Rebecca Minkoff

MZ Wallace Metro Quatro Quilted Nylon Tote

When Beauty Director Deena Campbell's children were infants, her so-called love affair with this MZ Wallace tote began. "I transformed it into a makeshift diaper bag that kept me organized on-the-go," she recalls. "Now that my kids are out of diapers (thank God!), I still use it to carry everything: my laptop, makeup bag, whatever book I’m reading, and all the beauty products I’m currently testing. It’s also great for travel—I can throw in two days worth of clothing and a chic heel and I'm ready for the airport."

Pros: Fits a 15" laptop; Has thick shoulder straps; Comes in 2 colors; Has a zip-top closure; Has interior and exterior pockets.

Cons: Some reviewers say it falls off their shoulders.

Customer Review: "Great bag. It’s lightweight and has pockets galore. Loved all the slip pockets and zippered pockets. The crossbody strap came in handy during a trip. The handles are long enough, padded and very comfortable. Really convenient when traveling and looks chic enough for work or fun. It’s a keeper!" — Nordstrom

Kate Spade Knot Commuter Bag

This laptop bag from Kate Spade is made from a scratch and scuff-proof pebbled leather, so it's a great durable option for those who spend a lot of time on their morning and evening commutes. Two interior slip compartments allow you to organize your essentials and keep any other tech you carry with you safe as you go. Plus, it has a sturdy top handle and an additional (and removable!) crossbody strap for a customizable look. You can shop it in two neutral colors—this easy black and a pale pink.

Pros: Made from pebbled leather; Has a zip closure; Has two interior slip compartments; fits up to a 15” laptop; Has a crossbody strap; Comes in two colors.

Cons: Won’t fit a larger laptop than 15”.

Customer Review:“I was looking for a professional laptop bag that doubles as a purse so that I wouldn't have to cart so much baggage. This tote was perfect. It's spacious, has multiple compartments, and storage spaces. It all closes tightly so perfect for airport runs. Overall love the bag. I want the brown color now as well.” — Kate Spade

Coach Willow Tote

This simple tote from Coach comes in five colors including this black, a bright red, a forest green, and more. You can also shop it in two fabrications—this scuff-roof pebbled leather and a sturdy canvas—and you can add a monogram design to the front for free. The spacious interior has one zip compartment for your laptop, and can hold a 13” device with, as one five-star reviewer put it, “room to spare.” It even has little feet along the bottom to keep it in its best condition.

Pros: Comes in two colors; Customizable; Made from pebbled leather; Has a center zipped compartment; Has protective feet at the base.

Cons: Won’t hold 15” laptops; Doesn’t have a zipper top.

Customer Review: “I bought this bag so it could hold my 13" laptop with room to spare! I can fit my laptop, charging cable and mouse along with my wallet, AirPods, and anything else I chose to add to the convenient middle zipper pocket. I also love that each side of the purse had a closure point at the top. One side is a magnetic closure and the other is a turn lock. Another great thing about this purse is that it stands upright without slouching over like other large bags and has little feet on the bottom to help keep everything upright. It's the best purse I've bought for work!” — Coach

Rothy's The Essential Tote

"I've long been a devout fan of Rothy's flats, which are repurposed from plastic bottles but—somehow!—feel like clouds on your feet," says Marie Claire Site Director Jenny Hollander. "A couple of years ago, they started making bags as well, and The Essential tote became a fast favorite. Like their shoes, Rothy's bags are machine-washable and crafted from marine plastic and thread made from plastic bottles, and this tote (which comes in colorways for every mood and season, to my bank account's horror) fits my 15-inch laptop, a book, an extra pair of flats, and then some."

Pros: Is machine-washable; Is made from thread made from plastic bottles; Comes in several colors; Has a zip closure.

Cons: Has only one interior pocket.

Freja New York Lafayette Tote

Freja New York founder Jenny Lei considers the Lafayette tote her everyday bag, carrying it everywhere over the past year. "It has the perfect amount of functionality, the oat color is so chic and pairs with absolutely everything, and the vegan leather is such a breeze to clean," she says. "The unique handles are a conversation starter and the contrast lining adds both a pop of color and hides any unsightly marks or stains. I also love how understated it is, and you’ll probably never run into anyone else wearing the same bag."

Pros: Made from vegan leather; Comes in several colors; Fits a 16" laptop; Has three interior pockets; Has a magnetic snap closure.

Cons: Measures 2lbs in weight without anything inside.

Strathberry The Strathberry Tote

Emma Childs, Marie Claire Fashion Features Editor, can attest to the mood-altering power of this structured laptop bag. "Strathberry's Tote Bag makes me feel put-together (those who know me know that's not really the case) and empowered, as if I could comfortably exist in the C-suite," she says.

It has the technical qualities to back up its attitude-enhancing effects: "It's big enough to hold my laptop, lunch, toiletries, and even the ballet flats I keep on hand as an emergency, break-glass-in-case-of-blister shoe. I own the classic black leather option, which is ideal for swapping and styling with various work outfits."

Pros: Editor-reviewed; Comes in eight colors; Has an interior pocket; Has a detachable shoulder strap; Can hold a 13" laptop.

Cons: Suede interior can be hard to clean.

By Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag

"I didn't expect a bag to change my life, and yet, here we are: Anthropologie's slouchy, knotted tote is a hero piece in every sense of the word," says Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor. "As a fashion editor, I'm always running around the city for appointments, runway shows, events, and what have you, but I need to have my laptop on me at all times. This roomy tote bag carries my standard 13-inch laptop with room to stash my commuter flats (another city-dwelling essential), snacks, and my touch-up makeup kit. And at under $100, it's practically a steal."

Pros: Fits a 13” laptop; Comes in several colors; Has a removable interior zip pouch.

Cons: Has a slouchier silhouette.

Customer Review: “I contemplated buying this bag in white for months but as soon as the red color launched I immediately purchased and LOVE! It is so big and can even hold my 16-inch laptop (with a little bit peaking out at the top).” — Anthropologie

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote

If you've seen this style before, it's most likely because Katie Holmes has been carrying it non-stop.It has all the makings of a great laptop bag, including 10" drop handles so it tucks nicely under your arm, and a width of 21.5" so you can fit any size laptop, including a 16" one. It doesn't have a dedicated laptop sleeve, but it does have a smaller zippered pouch for your wallet, keys, and other essentials. Reviewers note that the bag is lightweight and sturdy.

Pros: Made from 100% leather; Has a separate zip-top bag; Can fit a 16" laptop; Comes in several colors; Lightweight; Reviewers say it's sturdy.

Cons: No dedicated laptop compartment.

Customer Review: "You'll be surprised at how much you can comfortably fit in this bag. Easily holds two 13-inch laptops along with other basics. The shape and feel of the leather give it a more relaxed look that I find hard to find a bigger leather bag. I've gotten tons of compliments on it already, love it!" — Mansur Gavriel

Shilpa was drawn to Cuyana for the opportunity to enhance women’s lives by creating high quality products that were produced responsibly, priced accessibly, and that carried a story and a soul that could be delivered through human connection.

Beginning her career in Interaction Design, Shilpa has over 20 years of designing customer experiences, designing web and mobile interfaces for Fortune 500 companies such as Disney and AT&T. Before starting Cuyana, Shilpa added business expertise to her design and technical background by completing her MBA at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Today Shilpa leads the company as its CXO, the Chief Experience Officer, crafting a branded omni-channel journey across digital and physical touchpoints.