Key takeaways
- Best laptop backpack: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L ($279 – $299).
- Best budget backpack: Targus CitySmart ($35 – $50).
- Choose a padded, suspended laptop compartment that fits your laptop size, and check carry-on dimensions for travel.
In this article
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The best laptop backpacks for work and travel protect your laptop, organize your accessories and stay comfortable on long commutes and trips. Here are our picks for 2026, from premium everyday carry bags to budget travel backpacks that fit 17-inch laptops.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price on Amazon.
Quick answer
- Best laptop backpack: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L ($279 – $299)
- Best for MacBook protection: Incase Icon Backpack ($150 – $180)
- Best for travel: Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L ($150 – $180)
- Best slim everyday bag: Bellroy Classic Backpack ($129 – $149)
- Best budget backpack: Targus CitySmart Laptop Backpack ($35 – $50)
- Best budget travel backpack: MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack ($30 – $40)
- Best power bank to pack: Anker Prime Power Bank (26,250mAh, 300W) ($180 – $230)
- Best compact charger to pack: Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) ($40 – $55)
Laptop backpacks compared
| Product | Best for | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L | Best laptop backpack | Buy | 8.9/10 | $279 – $299 |
| Incase Icon Backpack | Best for MacBook protection | Buy | 8.5/10 | $150 – $180 |
| Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L | Best for travel | Buy | 8.6/10 | $150 – $180 |
| Bellroy Classic Backpack | Best slim everyday bag | Buy | 8.4/10 | $129 – $149 |
| Targus CitySmart Laptop Backpack | Best budget backpack | Buy | 8.0/10 | $35 – $50 |
| MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack | Best budget travel backpack | Buy | 8.1/10 | $30 – $40 |
| Anker Prime Power Bank (26,250mAh, 300W) | Best power bank to pack | Consider | 9.0/10 | $180 – $230 |
| Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) | Best compact charger to pack | Consider | 8.5/10 | $40 – $55 |
Our picks in detail
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Best laptop backpack · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $279 – $299
Key specs: Fits 15–16-inch laptops, weatherproof, side access, modular dividers
Why we picked it: Exceptional build quality, weatherproofing, side access and a lifetime warranty make the Peak Design Everyday Backpack worth its premium price.
Pros: Exceptional build and weatherproofing · Side access · Lifetime warranty · Flexible organization
Cons: Expensive · Heavy empty · Complex for simple needs
Buy it if you want a premium bag for daily commuting and travel.
Skip it if you want a cheap, simple bag.
Incase Icon Backpack
Best for MacBook protection · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $150 – $180
Key specs: Fits up to 16-inch laptop, padded sleeve, durable fabric
Why we picked it: A heavily padded laptop compartment and professional look suit daily commuters.
Pros: Excellent laptop protection · Comfortable straps · Clean design · Many pockets
Cons: Pricey · Heavy · Limited color options
Buy it if you want a professional backpack that protects your MacBook.
Skip it if you want a lightweight bag.
Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L
Best for travel · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $150 – $180
Key specs: Fits up to 16-inch laptop, weather-resistant, clamshell opening
Why we picked it: A clamshell opening and weather-resistant build make packing for trips easy.
Pros: Durable and weather resistant · Easy packing · Comfortable · Good organization
Cons: Pricey · Heavy · Large for daily use
Buy it if you want a durable travel backpack.
Skip it if you want minimal weight.
Bellroy Classic Backpack
Best slim everyday bag · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $129 – $149
Key specs: Fits up to 16-inch laptop, water-resistant fabric, magnetic strap
Why we picked it: Slim, stylish and water-resistant for minimal carry.
Pros: Slim and stylish · Water resistant · Good organization · Comfortable
Cons: Smaller capacity · Pricey · Limited padding
Buy it if you want a slim, stylish everyday bag.
Skip it if you carry lots of gear.
Targus CitySmart Laptop Backpack
Best budget backpack · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.0/10 · Typical price: $35 – $50
Key specs: Fits 15.6–16-inch laptops, padded compartment, trolley strap
Why we picked it: Affordable with a padded laptop section and trolley strap.
Pros: Affordable · Padded laptop section · Trolley pass-through · Good organization
Cons: Basic materials · Not waterproof · Plain style
Buy it if you want a reliable work backpack on a budget.
Skip it if you want premium materials.
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
Best budget travel backpack · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.1/10 · Typical price: $30 – $40
Key specs: Fits 15.6–17-inch laptops, USB charging port, luggage strap
Why we picked it: Lots of space for 17-inch laptops and travel gear at a low price.
Pros: Large capacity for the price · Luggage strap · Many pockets · Charging pass-through
Cons: Bulky · Average zippers · Generic design
Buy it if you want a roomy travel backpack cheaply.
Skip it if you want a slim, professional look.
Anker Prime Power Bank (26,250mAh, 300W)
Best power bank to pack · Verdict: Consider · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $180 – $230
Key specs: 26,250mAh, 300W total, two 140W USB-C ports, smart display
Why we picked it: Keep your laptop charged on the go.
Pros: Can fast-charge two laptops · Smart display shows power flow · Airline-friendly capacity · Premium build
Cons: Expensive · Heavy at over 1 lb · Overkill for phones only
Buy it if you want to fast-charge a laptop away from outlets.
Skip it if you only top up phones.
Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W)
Best compact charger to pack · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $40 – $55
Key specs: 65W, 3 ports, GaN, compact
Why we picked it: A pocket-size 65W GaN charger keeps your backpack light.
Pros: Small and light · Charges most ultrabooks · Three ports · Good value
Cons: 65W not enough for gaming laptops · Shares power across ports · Gets warm
Buy it if you want a compact travel charger for a thin laptop.
Skip it if you have a power-hungry laptop.
What to look for in a laptop backpack
- Laptop compartment: padded and suspended so the laptop does not hit the ground when you set the bag down.
- Size: match your laptop, from 13 to 17 inches.
- Organization: pockets for chargers, hubs, power banks and documents.
- Weather resistance: water-resistant fabric and zippers.
- Comfort: padded straps, back panels and chest straps.
- Travel features: luggage pass-throughs and clamshell opening.
Which backpack should you buy?
If you want the best bag, buy the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. MacBook commuters should consider the Incase Icon, travelers the Thule Subterra 2 and minimalists the Bellroy Classic. On a budget, choose the Targus CitySmart or the spacious MATEIN.
Pack smart
A lightweight setup includes a compact charger, a power bank, a small USB-C hub and a cable organizer. Keep your laptop in its padded compartment and avoid overstuffing, which can press on the screen.
What to check before you buy
- Measure your laptop and check the compartment dimensions.
- Check carry-on size limits if you fly.
- Look for a warranty; premium brands often offer lifetime coverage.
What to skip
Common mistake: carrying a laptop in a bag without a padded, suspended compartment. Drops and bumps can crack screens and damage hinges.
When to buy
Backpacks see good discounts during back-to-school sales, Prime events and Black Friday.
Compare more options
Search laptop backpack on Amazon See top-rated laptop backpack on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the best laptop backpack?
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L for its build quality, weatherproofing and side access.
What is the best budget laptop backpack?
The Targus CitySmart offers a padded laptop compartment and trolley strap for under $50.
What size backpack do I need for a 16-inch laptop?
Look for a compartment rated for 16-inch laptops; many 15.6-inch bags fit thin 16-inch laptops, but check dimensions.
Should a laptop backpack be waterproof?
Water-resistant materials and zippers protect your laptop in light rain; fully waterproof bags are best for cyclists.