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Short answer: for most people, the North Face Borealis is the best laptop backpack: comfortable, durable, with a padded laptop sleeve, at a fair price. On a tight budget, the MATEIN Travel Backpack is hard to beat. Commuters who want something sleek should get the Osprey Arcane Large Day, and the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is the premium pick for photographers and frequent travellers.
Before you buy, measure your laptop. “Fits 15-inch laptops” is not the same as fitting a 16-inch MacBook Pro or gaming laptop. Check the sleeve’s actual dimensions.
Our picks at a glance
| Best laptop backpack for most peopleThe North Face Borealis Commuter | Check price |
| Best budget backpackMATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack | Check price |
| Best for commutersOsprey Arcane Large Day | Check price |
| Best for business travelSamsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Sweetwater | Check price |
| Best for airport securityTargus CitySmart EVA Pro (checkpoint-friendly) | Check price |
| Premium pickPeak Design Everyday Backpack 20L | Check price |
| Best for studentsJanSport Laptop Backpack | Check price |
Best laptop backpack for most people
The North Face Borealis Commuter
With tens of thousands of reviews, the Borealis has earned its reputation: a padded, raised laptop sleeve, comfortable suspension with a chest strap, water-repellent fabric and lots of organisation. It works equally well for campus, commuting and weekend trips.
Good: Comfortable for all-day carry, durable, padded sleeve, lots of pockets.
Not so good: Bulky for small frames, not a sleek office look.
Best budget backpack
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
A remarkably well-designed backpack for the price: a padded 15.6-inch laptop compartment, a luggage trolley strap, a USB pass-through port and over 100,000 reviews. It is perfect for students and travellers on a budget.
Good: Very affordable, trolley sleeve, lots of compartments.
Not so good: Materials and zips aren’t as durable as premium bags.
Best for commuters
Osprey Arcane Large Day
Clean, minimalist styling that looks at home in an office, made from recycled materials, with a padded laptop sleeve, comfortable straps and a design that doesn’t scream “hiking bag”. It is backed by Osprey’s excellent lifetime guarantee.
Good: Sleek look, comfortable, great warranty, sustainable materials.
Not so good: Less internal organisation than bigger bags.
Best for business travel
Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Sweetwater
A structured business backpack with a protected laptop compartment that opens flat, a trolley sleeve and smart organisation for chargers, documents and a tablet. It looks professional with a suit.
Good: Professional look, organised, protective, trolley sleeve.
Not so good: Heavier than casual packs.
Best for airport security
Targus CitySmart EVA Pro (checkpoint-friendly)
A “checkpoint-friendly” design: the laptop section unzips and lies flat so it can go through some airport scanners without removing the laptop (rules vary by airport and scanner type). It is a great, inexpensive choice for frequent flyers.
Good: Checkpoint-friendly, protective EVA shell, affordable.
Not so good: Boxy, less comfortable for long walks.
Premium pick
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Beautifully engineered, with weatherproof materials, side access, adjustable dividers for cameras and gear, and a dedicated sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. It is built to last for many years and suits photographers and travellers who live out of their bag.
Good: Superb build quality, flexible organisation, weatherproof, side access.
Not so good: Expensive, 20L size fits up to 15-inch laptops.
Best for students
JanSport Laptop Backpack
A simple, tough classic with a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, two big compartments and JanSport’s famous lifetime warranty.
Good: Durable, roomy, lifetime warranty, inexpensive.
Not so good: Basic padding, fewer organiser pockets.
What to look for in a laptop backpack
- A padded, raised laptop sleeve that keeps the laptop off the bottom of the bag, which protects it when you put the bag down.
- The right size: check the sleeve dimensions against your laptop, especially for 16-inch models.
- A separate pocket for the charger so it doesn’t press against the laptop.
- Comfortable, padded straps and a chest strap for heavier loads.
- A trolley sleeve if you travel with a suitcase.
More on packing safely: how to carry a laptop in a backpack. For extra protection inside any bag, add a padded sleeve.
FAQ
Is a backpack or messenger bag better for a laptop?
A backpack spreads the weight across both shoulders and is better for your back if you carry a laptop daily.
Do I still need a laptop sleeve inside a laptop backpack?
Not strictly, but a sleeve with reinforced corners adds drop protection and lets you carry the laptop on its own.
