The 16 Best Laptop Backpacks for Women in 2023

Stylish, take-anywhere backpacks that fit your laptop (and everything else, too).

selection of laptop backpacks for women including madewell and everlane
(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown / Courtesy of Brands )

If you’ve recently started commuting to the office again, you know how important it is to have a great laptop backpack to bring with you. While, yes, a regular cotton tote bag would probably cut it, there’s nothing worse than losing your keys, wallet, or your daily planner at the very bottom of your bag. Not to mention, having a secure, zipped-up spot for your laptop or work phone is a game-changer. So Marie Claire chatted with the experts—a.k.a. women who love having a laptop bag for work and know a thing or two about what to look for—about the very best work backpacks for women that can carry your laptop.

A step up from even the very best work bag, the laptop backpacks on this list make light work of carrying all of your essentials—be it a bevy of charging cables, a water bottle, or a change of gym clothes. And while all of the backpacks on this list are designed with function in mind, many of them are just plain stylish, too. Some are souped-up leather totes with a sleek, on-trend look, while others are made from water-resistant nylon or canvas. Ahead, we asked Cuyana co-founder Shilpa Shah and Bellroy's Co-Founder and COO Lina Calabria for their picks, in addition to rounding up a few of the laptop backpacks that keep the team at Marie Claire going from brands like Calpak, Longchamp, Herschel, and more. 

Deals on Laptop Backpacks

Senreve Maestra Bag, $945

Senreve Maestra Bag, $945 $662 at Senreve

Select colorways of this back from Senreve (including this wine shade and others) are on sale for 30 percent off right now. 

TUMI Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack, $150

TUMI Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack, $150 $119 at Nordstrom

A few colorways of this TUMI backpack are on sale right now at Nordstrom. This pale gray hue, a marble print, and a deep plum brown shade are all going for 20 percent off. 

Kate Spade New York Sam KSNYL Nylon Laptop Backpack,

Kate Spade New York Sam KSNYL Nylon Laptop Backpack, $298 $149 at Kate Spade

This nylon backpack from Kate Spade is 50 percent off right now with a discount applied at checkout. Snag it for under $150 while you can. 

How We Chose the Best Laptop Backpacks

There are plenty of laptop backpacks to choose from, and it’s our job to discern which are truly the cream of the crop. To that end, there are a few key factors that all of the laptop backpacks on this list share:

  • Pockets for organizing: If you’re on the hunt for a laptop backpack, it’s most likely because you’re sick of digging your belongings out of the bottomless pit that is your tote. All of the laptop backpacks on this list have several interior and exterior pockets; the majority of them have a dedicated sleeve for your laptop; and some come in several sizes to fit differently-sized laptops and other tech. As Shah says: "When shopping for a laptop backpack, organization is key."
  • Versatile: You likely want a laptop backpack that can take you from your office to happy hour to a date without looking out of place. All of these laptop bags come in neutral colorways and are sleek by design, so even the most practical bag in your collection looks tailor-made to your personal aesthetic. Some of the bags here also are convertible and can be worn as a tote bag or a crossbody bag, while others fold up into your carry-on suitcase for easy travel. 
  • Comfort: Odds are, you’re going to be carrying this backpack for hours on end. The backpacks on this list have thick, sturdy shoulder straps and are designed with weight distribution in mind so your back and shoulders won’t ache. Some also have padding along the backside of the actual bag (and on the straps!) to keep you comfortable even as your belongings move around.
  • High-quality materials: We want you to love the laptop backpack you choose for years to come. With that in mind, we only selected backpacks that are made from materials that are built to last like leather, neoprene, canvas, or nylon.

The Best Laptop Backpacks