Best Laptop Bags for Men: The Ultimate Style Guide + Reviews

Best Laptop Bags for Men

Buying a laptop bag doesn’t have to be a chore. 

It’s an accessory that can compliment your overall style, so you can spend some time exploring the various options to find the perfect fit for you.

If you spend a lot of time travelling for work, or you enjoy using your laptop out and about, then it’s worth considering the options to see if you can find a stylish bag to go with your look.

Let’s dive into our top laptop pag picks! Here they are…

👑 Our Pick for Best Overall

⭐ Our Other Top Laptop Bag Picks for Young Men

• Our Top Pick: Samsonite Classic Briefcase
• Best Leather Option: Kenneth Cole Reaction
• Best Budget Option: AmazonBasics Laptop Bag

Best Laptop Bags For Men Reviews

Samsonite Classic Briefcase (👑 Top Pick)

The best laptop bag for men we found is the Samsonite Classic Briefcase. Samsonite is well-known for their long-lasting premium-quality luggage, so if you travel a lot then this laptop bag could be the only one you need for the foreseeable future.

This particular laptop bag is fit for laptops up to the size of 17″, which makes it perfectly suitable for larger models. If you have a powerful laptop built for high-performance gaming or high-level productivity, then this bag has you covered. 

Since Samsonite has such a great reputation for creating durable luggage, it goes without saying that this bag can stand up to a lot of punishment. Made from a military-grade nylon fabric, you can expect this bag to survive for a very long time, while adequately protecting the valuable electronics inside. This is a guarantee due to the fully padded out laptop pocket, which will lock your device in place and protect it well.

As for comfort, this bag has bale handles which can be interlocked and make it easy to carry by hand. When you’re on the go and need something a little more convenient, simply throw the strap over your shoulder and you should be fine. If the fit isn’t ideal, don’t worry, this strap is adjustable so you can alter it until it’s perfect for you. It’s also padded so you shouldn’t experience discomfort from the strap digging into your shoulder. Plus you can detach it if you need to put it through security or store it away easily.

Style-wise this laptop bag might not win any awards, but at the same time it isn’t unattractive. The classic black briefcase style will go well if you happen to be wearing a suit or more formal outfit. You also have a few pockets in the front of the bag so you can easily get out your essentials at the airport or anywhere else.

Kenneth Cole Reaction (💼 Best Leather Option)

The Kenneth Cole Reaction is made from premium leather, and is one of the best laptop bags for men in our opinion.

If you’re looking for a top of the range laptop bag, made from the finest full-grain leather, then look no further. This bag from Kenneth Cole is made from the best type of Colombian leather which lends it incredible durability to last you a lifetime. It comes in three classy colours: black, brown, and cognac. You can pick the colour which best compliments your attire, since this bag can be a luxury fashion accessory much like a quality watch or belt would be.

As for storage space, you will be able to carry a laptop up to the size of 15.6″ which is ideal for all but the largest of portable computers. There’s a compartment on the rear of the bag with a 2-file divider which can make carrying documents a breeze. Then there’s also the trolley strap on the rear. This will make going through the airport easy, as you can just hook the bag to your wheeled luggage for comfortable transport. The strap is adjustable, removable, and padded for your convenience while carrying.

On the front side of the bag there’s more. In the large main compartment which expands an additional 1.5 inches, you have a padded pocket for you

Features:

• Suitable for laptops up to 15.6″
• Available in 3 colours
• Adjustable/removable padded strap
• RFID shielding
• 2 file divider in rear compartment

AmazonBasics Laptop Bag (💸 Best on a Budget)

It’s hard to look much further than the AmazonBasics laptop bag when it comes to great budget options. While the AmazonBasics line of products can be hit or miss at times, with this laptop bag the company hit it out of the park.

The options offered by this laptop bag alone warrant the purchase, since you can get it in four different sizes. This means you can buy the exact bag for your laptop, and at an exceptionally reasonable price. The sizes go from as small as 7″ to the largest size of laptops 17″, so there’s something for everyone.

This laptop bag is therefore one of the best options for students on a budget, or anyone looking for a bag that serves its function over everything else. Having said that, this bag could pass for a more premium one, and isn’t ugly by any standards. 

The bag features a comfortable padded shoulder strap, as well as additional internal storage for accessories such as a mouse, phone, and even pens.

Features:

• Suitable for laptops up to 17.3″
• Available in 4 sizes
• Padded strap
• Storage for accessories

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Buying a laptop bag is simple; buying the right laptop bag is tricky.

If you’re interested in finding the best laptop bag for your needs, then read on.

We’re going to take you through all of the most important factors you should be thinking about as you ponder which laptop bag is best for you.

Size

The first thing you want to think about before anything else is the size of the bag.

Size is an important consideration for several reasons.

Not only will you want a laptop bag that is the best size for walking around with, but you’ll also want to ensure you get one that is big enough to fit your laptop.

Capacity

In the first regard, you might find that if you’re slightly taller, you prefer a larger bag. If you get one that’s too small, it might look like you’re carrying around a children’s bag. 

This is mainly a question of style and preference.

It’s also worth considering what else you want to be able to get in your laptop bag. 

Is it just for your laptop, or do you normally carry books around with you too?

This will also affect the size you should consider.

Laptop Fit

In the second regard, you will need to know the exact measurements of your laptop to determine which size bag you need.

Just like you can’t buy shoes that match the measurement of your feet exactly, you can’t just buy the bag that matches the size of your laptop.

You’ll need to factor in a bit of wiggle room, especially if you feel like you might end up with a larger laptop at some point in the future.

If you are very happy with the size of your current laptop though and you feel like you won’t get a larger one anytime soon, you can go for a more snug or exact fit.

This type of bag will generally range from 11″ to 17″. Smaller laptops and notebooks will sit at the lower end, while standard and larger laptops will be at the higher end.

Compartments

Closely related to the size and capacity of a laptop bag is the compartments it has.

It’s important to consider a few things when it comes to compartments. How many there are, how deep they are, and how durable they are. 

Quantity

How many compartments are you going to need for travel?

This will largely depend on what you intend to use the laptop bag for. If it’s just for casual trips to the library, cafe, or a friend’s house, you might only need a couple of compartments.

However, if you regularly travel further afield for work or go on a lot of business trips, you might want that extra charger compartment or a place to put your e-reader or a few books for the journey.

As a minimum, whatever the purpose, you should look for two or three compartments. This is fairly standard, so you should have no trouble finding bags like this.

If you need more though, it’s worth determining exactly how many more. If you get a bag with five compartments but you only regularly use four, then you could be spending more money than you need to or buying a bag that’s too big for your needs.

Think about a regular trip you take with your laptop, and even layout your things on a surface to get a good idea of how much separate space you’ll need.

You might also only want to consider laptop bags that have some kind of external compartment. This is especially useful if you’re going to need to take your passport out at the airport for example.

Depth

Depth is important not only for your laptop, but also for whatever other possessions you plan to bring with you.

There’s nothing worse than realising a pocket or compartment is more shallow than it seemed.

If it’s shallow or perhaps just too narrow, then you might struggle to get a thick book or business folder in there should you need to.

When looking at various laptop bags, check for photos which show the inside of the bag for a better idea. You could also check YouTube to see if someone has done an unboxing video, given that they’re so popular these days.

Quality

You might also consider the quality of the different compartments.

If you don’t care too much about having the most protective bag in the world then you could just opt for one with a simple laptop sleeve.

However, if you value extra protection, then look into bags which have extra padding or quality compartments that seal properly.

Padding will help prevent that slip or stumble from leading to a damaged laptop, which can be even more important if you cycle with your laptop bag or are accident-prone.

Material

The material of the laptop bag should play a significant role in your decision-making process.

Just as you’d take care to pick out a well-made pair of shoes, you should also spend some time picking out the best bag for you.

The material will determine how durable the bag is, how weatherproof it is, and how it looks.

The outer, or exterior, layer of the bag will influence the overall aesthetic. 

If you pick the right material, it can elevate your style and compliment your clothing well. If you pick one that isn’t ideal, you might find that it isn’t practical for what you need it for.

By far the most common materials are leather and canvas, but we’ll also take a look at natural and synthetic exteriors too.

Leather

For laptop bags, as well as belts, shoes, and other important items that make up your wardrobe, leather is the sign of real quality.

If you favour style over substance, then there’s no doubt that leather should be high up on your preferred materials list.

While they will largely be water resistant which is a big plus, if you want a leather laptop bag to stand up to wet conditions you will need to treat it with certain products.

Of course, there’s more to it than that. A leather bag can be any one of four things.

It can mean that it’s either full or top grain, corrected grain, or suede leather.

The type of leather it is will largely determine the quality and also how frequently you’ll need to work to maintain it.

• Full Grain. Full grain refers to the most premium quality of leather you can get. Not only does it give off a great impression, but it is also incredibly durable.
• Corrected Grain. Corrected grain is the next best thing to full grain leather. Unless you’re a true leather aficionado, you probably won’t notice the difference between the two. Corrected grain is leather which has been cleaned of its imperfections, for a smooth finish. It will still hold up for a long while, but will be a more affordable option.
• Suede Leather. Suede leather is taken from the lower part of the animal hide, and is the least expensive option. It is often treated with synthetics to give it a full grain-like finish, but it isn’t as high quality as the real deal.

Canvas

Canvas is a lightweight material that is commonly used for laptop bags.

If you’ve ever worn a pair of canvas shoes before, you’ll know how comfortable and breathable they can be. This is especially true in hot weather.

Canvas is ideal if you don’t want to be lugging around a bag that’s heavy even without the laptop in it. If you only need the bag for your laptop and nothing else, then this might be the best option for you.

You will also find that canvas bags are more affordable than bags made from other materials. So if you aren’t looking to spend big on one then canvas could be the way to go.

The downside with canvas as a material is that a fall or a wayward tree branch can tear it easily enough. Of course, this depends largely on the quality and thickness of the bag, but canvas isn’t the strongest material.

It also won’t be waterproof, which can prove to be an issue if you happen to get caught out in the rain one day with your laptop. However most manufacturers are aware of this and treat the canvas in a way that makes it hold up to some wet weather at least.

Synthetic

Synthetic material refers to anything that’s artificial.

While this might signal a lack of quality when compared to something like leather, synthetic materials are designed with durability and weather-resistance in mind.

If you can forego style in favour of substance, then you’ll be in for a treat with this type of material.

Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic materials used for laptop bags, and with good reason.

The qualities of nylon lend themselves well to a long-lasting, waterproof laptop bag.

The fact that nylon is used for a lot of rain coats should tell you all you need to know in this regard. You will also notice that nylon bags are extremely lightweight but don’t sacrifice any durability.

While you might gain a lot in terms of durability and weather-resistance with a synthetic material, you will lose the sense of style and quality that leather would bring.

Natural Materials

The last option is the least common, but is worth considering if you’re committed to making an eco-friendly purchase.

If you decide that you want to invest in a laptop bag that has the least negative impact on the environment, then a natural material would be the best fit.

While it may seem like an odd choice, wool is the most common natural material used for laptop bags.

This type of laptop bag can be surprisingly stylish, as well as environmentally-friendly.

A wool laptop bag can be a great addition to your winter wardrobe, and can stand up to a fair amount of stretching and general use.

You will also be able to maintain it easily enough by machine washing it.

The downside is that it can be a little uncomfortable to the touch, and too much heat or moisture can damage the material.

Straps

While it’s easy to not give the straps of a laptop bag a second thought, it really is worth considering what would be most comfortable for you.

The traditional messenger bag style is what most of us think of with regards to a laptop bag straps, but there are other styles of straps that you might be better suited for your needs.

When thinking about straps, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Where do I want the weight of the laptop bag to rest?
• What would be most comfortable?
• Do I want to be able to adjust or detach the strap?

The answers to these questions should be quite revealing, at least in terms of what style strap you end up with.

The main things to look out for in straps are whether they hook over one shoulder or both, whether they are detachable or adjustable, and whether they are padded.

Styles of Straps

A backpack-style laptop bag will have two straps, which makes it perfect for heavy loads and for comfortable carrying no matter how far you walk. However, if you live in a hot climate, this style of straps could make you sweat more than you need to.

The messenger bag style is a single strap which goes over one shoulder. This is ideal for keeping things light and is best for shorter distances like a walk to a coffee shop. It’s also better for hotter weather, but it can dig into your shoulder/neck if it’s too heavy.

Detachable and adjustable straps give you extra versatility, which is perfect for finding the most comfortable fit. They can help in situations like airport security or simply for storing your laptop bag away neatly.

Lastly, padded straps will give your shoulders extra support and protect them. If you walk a lot with a laptop bag, then this may be essential to avoid discomfort and pain.

Extra Features

Now for the fun part, the extra features that a laptop bag may or may not have.

Functionality should always take precedence over any extras, but sometimes these additional features can make the difference between a good bag and a great bag.

Let’s take a look at some of the extras you might find in your search for the perfect laptop bag:

Wheels

The first additional feature that could be of use to you is wheels.

While this might sound strange for a laptop bag, there are some which are designed to be transported in a number of different ways.

If you have to travel a lot for work then wheels could be a very useful extra to keep your eyes peeled for.

Having the option to wheel your laptop bag is handy for all of the time you spend at the airport, or moving from one location to another.

The downside here is that if the laptop bag has wheels, then it’s likely at the expense of a shoulder strap. This means for general use you might have to carry it in your hand.

USB Charge Point

Some laptop bags will have a USB charge point, so you can prevent your phone from dying while you’re out and about.

The catch here is that you will only find this feature on the traditional backpack style, so you won’t have the convenience of the messenger bag over the shoulder carry.

Checkpoint Friendly

While this isn’t a physical feature, it’s important if you plan on flying a lot with your laptop bag.

There are certain criteria which determine whether or not a laptop bag is ‘checkpoint friendly’.

If your laptop bag fulfills them, then you’ll have a much easier time getting through security at the airport. You might even get away with not removing your laptop from the bag.

Trolley Strap

A trolley strap can be another hugely useful feature for the airport. A good example is the one found on the Kenneth Cole Reaction bag we review in this guide.

A trolley strap, as you might have already guessed, will allow you to secure your laptop bag to your luggage.

This makes for easy transport when you’re at the airport, and gives you one less bag to worry about lugging around with you.

RFID-Blocking

RFIDi refers to the process of stealing someone’s credit card information digitally.

To prevent this from happening, some laptop bags and other accessories are fitted with RFID-Blocking technology.

This should give you peace at mind as you travel that your personal data and bank information won’t be compromised.

Bottle Holder

The classic additional feature for any bag is the trusty bottle holder.

It doesn’t matter what you use your laptop bag for or where you are, it’s always nice to have water on hand.

This is especially true if you are doing a lot of travelling or walking in hot temperatures.

While definitely not an essential feature, the bottle holder can provide extra utility which can add value to the bag.

Related: Best Minimalist Wallet for Men

Frequently Asked Questions About Laptop Bags

Which brand is best for laptop bags?

While there isn’t one brand that dominates the laptop bag market, there are a few manufacturers which you can trust to come up with the goods.

Samsonite is one of the best brands for luggage altogether. It’s a brand known for creating high-quality bags and suitcases which last a very long time. The Classic bag we review in this guide is our top pick overall, due to its excellent functionality, convenience, and durability.

Kenneth Cole is another solid brand. It specialises in urban gear like bags and accessories. The Reaction bag we took a look at in this guide is our favourite leather laptop bag due to its premium quality material and great design.

What is the best laptop messenger bag?

The best laptop messenger bag is the Samsonite Classic.

This bag features the convenience of a messenger bag style, with the business-style aesthetics of a briefcase.

Perfect for both casual and formal use, this is a bag which is versatile and will last you a very long time.

It has pockets for your essentials, and padding for your laptop. The strap is adjustable and detachable for extra convenience.

It can fit laptops up to 17″ which makes it perfect for the powerful portable computer, although it can carry smaller ones just as well too.

What kind of bag should a man carry?

One of the most fashionable bags a man can, and perhaps should, carry is the messenger bag.

The messenger bag is a type of satchel bag which is worn over the shoulder. This type of bag is perfect for anything from books and notepads to heavy technology like tablets and laptops.

If you are always on the go, then a messenger bag should be an essential investment.

A briefcase is another bag which most men should own, since it can serve multiple purposes.

There are briefcase designs, like the one we cover from Samsonite, which double up as laptop bags.

So essentially you have a bag fit for formal use if you need to attend a work meeting, but also one which is perfectly suited for a casual trip to a cafe with your laptop.

You might also consider a backpack, or a variation of it, too.

A bag with two straps that go over your shoulders can be especially easy to carry around with you, especially if you’re going to need more than just a laptop and a few books.

If you regularly carry around a lot of stuff, then such a backpack will serve you well.

Related: Best Cologne for Young Men

A Final Word on Laptop Bags

A laptop bag is essential if you need to travel for any reason, so why not make sure you invest in quality over convenience?

You don’t even need to break the bank to find the right bag for you, if you know exactly what you’re looking for.