Best Laptop Backpacks (2026)

What We Tested

We loaded up eight laptop backpacks and carried them through three weeks of daily commuting, airport travel, and weekend trips. We evaluated laptop protection, shoulder comfort over long carries, organization layout, water resistance, and build quality. Each bag was tested with a 16-inch MacBook Pro and typical daily accessories.

The price range here is wide — from $26 to $290 — so we made sure each pick earns its spot at its price point.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is an engineering masterclass. The MagLatch closure opens with one hand and adjusts capacity on the fly, while dual side-access panels let you grab gear without opening the top. Internal FlexFold dividers reorganize in seconds to accommodate cameras, laptops, or just a change of clothes.

The recycled nylon shell is weather-resistant and looks professional enough for client meetings. At nearly $290, it is an investment. But the build quality and design thoughtfulness justify the cost if you carry your laptop every day.

Best Value: Targus Drifter II

The Targus Drifter II has been a reliable workhorse for years. It fits laptops up to 17 inches — one of the few bags in this price range that can — and the padded laptop compartment lays flat for airport security screening. The workstation layout opens wide for easy packing.

The materials and zippers are not in the same league as Peak Design, but they hold up well through daily use. At $40, it is hard to find a more practical laptop backpack.

Best Budget: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Under $26, the Matein backpack delivers features you would not expect at this price. A built-in USB charging port routes your power bank cable externally, and a hidden back pocket keeps your wallet and phone secure in crowded spaces. Water-resistant fabric handles light rain without soaking through.

The laptop sleeve padding is thinner than the other picks, so you will want a sleeve for extra protection on rough commutes. But as a daily carry bag at this price, the Matein punches well above its weight.

Bottom Line

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is the best laptop backpack you can buy if your budget allows it. The Targus Drifter II covers the practical bases at a fraction of the price. And the Matein Travel Backpack proves you do not need to spend much to get a functional, well-organized daily carry bag.