You need a bag to safely transport your laptop with you to work or school, but not all laptop bags are created equal. Some bags aren’t robust enough to carry heavier models or large enough to carry your charger and extra supplies. Some bags come at an affordable price, while other options are more of an investment.

Whether you’re in search of a sleek briefcase or a tricked-out gaming backpack, skip the guesswork and read on to find out the best ways to carry your laptop in 2021.

Want even more choice? Check out our guide to the best laptop bags, no matter what size machine you have.

Vaschy 17-inch Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

This simple and reliable Vaschy backpack is made of water-resistant polyester and offers plenty of extra storage while still staying lightweight. The pack includes multiple sections, five interior pockets, and, of course, the padded laptop compartment. It also has a USB charging port built in. This allows you to easily charge on the go, especially if you have a charger pack that you use with your laptop — or charge your other devices with your laptop, if necessary. This is a nice feature for those frequently on the move, such as busy professionals or students. It even comes with a waterproof cover.

Mancro Laptop Backpack with Charging Port

This stylish Mancro backpack has plenty of space, making it an ideal choice for students: There are three main compartments, nine inner pockets, two sealed side pockets, and more — perfect for storing all your odds and ends, no matter how much stuff you’ve brought. The exterior is made with a water repellent nylon fabric with padded shoulder straps. There’s also a USB port included in this pack. All the better for charging your devices.

Asus ROG Nomad Backpack

This Asus bag is designed with school or backpacking in mind and specifically for gamers who need to carry their heavy-duty systems around. It is also made to look like a gladiator helmet, which, well — judge for yourself on that count. However, the rugged design is handy, and there are lots of dedicated pockets for headsets, adapters, USBs, mice, water bottles, keyboards, and other odds and ends that gamers may need on the go, making this a very complete package.

Victorinox Altmont 3.0

A backpack both stylish and durable, the Altmont 3.0 comes with a versatek main body fabric to resist tears and an abrasion-resistant ballistic nylon base. In addition to the 17-inch laptop sleeve, there is a 10-inch electronic device pocket for a tablet or similar device, dual storage pockets, pen slots, and a key fob, in addition to a variety of other compartments. The side and bottom compression straps also are excellent for attaching and stabilizing bulky accessories, making this pack fit for everything from hiking the country to packing for your next meeting.

Everki Advance

Everki is all about productivity and usability, and this simple briefcase is an excellent choice for all kinds of work or play environments. Everything about it is no-nonsense, and it’s big enough to carry 18.4-inch laptops if necessary. The laptop compartment is a top-loading, padded option, and the briefcase includes a removable shoulder strap as well as a trolley handle pass-through. The lifetime warranty is pretty nice, too.

McKlein Damen 80715

The name sounds like something James Bond would use, and we have to admit, this is a seriously classy laptop case for those who want to make a real statement on their travels. And “travels” is the operative word, too — no backpacking around campus for this suitcase, with its built-in wheels and extendable towing handle. The suitcase material is made from soft, plushy “cowhide leather” material. The laptop case itself includes a foam-protected compartment to minimize shock.

Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag (TSA-Friendly)

This convenient laptop bag is going to make your life easier if you fly often. It will help you save time with TSA, especially if you need to carry a larger laptop on your flight. The TSA-compliant external compartment can open quickly for an inspection. You won’t have to take your laptop out of the bag when going through airport security. The bag also features a waterproof liner for some added weather protection, too. Otherwise, this bag is pretty bare-bones, but it gets the job done: Make sure you spring for the large version to fit your 17-inch laptop.

Solo Classic 17-inch Attaché

In case none of the laptop cases on this list fit your expectations, or they seemed less than ideal in terms of professionalism or allure, it’s because we hope to spotlight their premier purpose.

One of the essential features of a stellar laptop case is its convenience. Sure, it has to protect your devices, but it primarily needs to be effortless to use. Some laptop cases may lack the wow-factor; we see that. But, you can still find bags that are colorful and dynamic, if you’d prefer that instead. One excellent, statement laptop case is the Solo 17.3-Inch Laptop Attaché. This bag is typically in a sleek silver and black color and has an extra layer of security with combination locks. You’ll find the interior features enough pockets and space for your computer, an adapter, and other items you may need.

Razer Rogue v3 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop Backpack

For a more dedicated gaming backpack, we recommend this hardy (and stylish) Razer pack, designed to be durable enough for all your gaming accessories, including a 17-inch laptop. The outside is designed with waterproof materials that resist tears, plus a padded bottom to help avoid shocks when setting the pack down. Inside, in addition to bright interior colors, you’ll find compartments for everything from cooling pads and headsets to cords, controllers, and tablets.

For more traditional purposes, the bag also includes straps and a mesh material back for carrying it long distances, along with a side pocket for a water bottle. But the Rogue will shine most for gamers on the go who still like to show off a little.

Kroser Laptop Backpack

Those looking for a more affordable bag that can still handle large laptops will be pleased by Kroger’s budget-friendly pack. The outside is made of a water-repellent fabric blend available in several colors, while inside you will find a padded foam compartment compatible with your 17-inch laptop and pockets for anything from an iPad to a portable power bank for recharging. And speaking of power banks, the bag also includes a built-in USB port for easy laptop charging.

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