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A person in a suit carrying a leather messenger bag. Credit: Kenneth Cole

The Best Laptop Messenger and Shoulder Bags of 2023

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A person in a suit carrying a leather messenger bag. Credit: Kenneth Cole

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Product image of Timbuk2 Proof

Timbuk2 Proof

The Timbuk2 Proof messenger bag exudes class with a durable canvas design and leather accents. It’s a proven performer that we’ve used for years with absolutely no complaints. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent durability
  • Beautiful canvas design
  • Tons of capacity

Cons

  • Buckles tough to close when full
Product image of Kenneth Cole Reaction Leather Laptop Case

Kenneth Cole Reaction Leather Laptop Case

This handsome full-grain leather crossbody bag is perfect for a small laptop or tablet, with superb styling and excellent reviews. Read More

Pros

  • Slim
  • Fits 15.6-inch laptops
  • Beautiful full-grain leather

Cons

  • Needs maintenance
  • Not much extra storage
Product image of Case Logic 17" Laptop Messenger Bag

Case Logic 17" Laptop Messenger Bag

If you want a basic laptop bag that is simple, lightweight, but still stylish the Case Logic is a great choice. It isn’t fancy, but it more than gets the job done for a student or commuter. Read More

Pros

  • Fits up to 17-inch laptops
  • Simple, lightweight design
  • Hold the essentials

Cons

  • Lacking extra storage
Product image of Case Logic 14" LoDo 14" Laptop Attaché

Case Logic 14" LoDo 14" Laptop Attaché

If you have a smaller 13- or 14-inch laptop, the Case Logic LoDo Attache case is a stylish, durable option that will hold everything you need—but not much more. Read More

Pros

  • Stylish, sturdy design
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Not bulky

Cons

  • Designed for smaller devices
Product image of Mosiso 17.3" Laptop Tote Bag

Mosiso 17.3" Laptop Tote Bag

The Mosiso PU Leather Laptop Tote is a very stylish bag that comes in a range of colors and is designed to carry a 13-inch laptop or tablet. Reviewers love it, though the snug laptop pocket is a common concern. Read More

Pros

  • Stylish leather purse design
  • Lots of compartments
  • Durable

Cons

  • Snug laptop pocket
  • Doesn’t fit most 15.6-inch laptops

If you commute to work or school, a good laptop bag isn’t just a must-have—it’s critical to getting through your day. We’ve obsessed over laptop bags for years, and while everyone’s criteria will be different, we think most people will be happy with the laptop messenger bags that we’ve selected.

So what makes a great laptop messenger bag? It’s pretty obvious—you want something stylish, durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, and with enough space to carry what you need every day. Though some people will prefer to travel light (in which case we’ve got several great lightweight picks), others want to bring their entire life on-the-go.

No matter what kind of shopper you are, we’ve found a laptop shoulder bag that will be right for you.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Timbuk2 Proof
Timbuk2 Proof

The Timbuk2 Proof is, in our mind, the premiere laptop messenger bag. We’ve had several in use for years around our office and have taken them all over the world and back again. The main part of the bag is made of extremely durable, stylish canvas, with leather accents on the straps, flaps, and buckles.

The Proof features a main interior compartment that will fit a 15-inch laptop, two sewn exterior pockets, a zipped interior enclosure, a zipped rear enclosure perfect for holding a phone or tablet, and several interior pockets for holding business cards, cables, or whatever else you need. The shoulder strap is made of durable woven canvas and hasn’t snapped on us in over three years of daily usage.

Pros

  • Excellent durability

  • Beautiful canvas design

  • Tons of capacity

Cons

  • Buckles tough to close when full

Product image of Kenneth Cole Reaction Leather Laptop Case
Kenneth Cole Reaction Leather Laptop Case

The Kenneth Cole Reaction crossbody messenger bag features an incredibly stylish full-grain leather design. It’s available in three colors—a rich cognac, a deep chocolate brown, and a classic black—fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, and has an adjustable shoulder strap that extends to 60 inches.

This leather bag will look excellent with jeans or a suit. Though there's not much here for extra storage, it should have enough for the essentials. The flap doesn't lock as securely as some buckled designs,it does include snaps on the inside to keep it shut when you're on the move.

Pros

  • Slim

  • Fits 15.6-inch laptops

  • Beautiful full-grain leather

Cons

  • Needs maintenance

  • Not much extra storage

Product image of Case Logic 17" Laptop Messenger Bag
Case Logic 17" Laptop Messenger Bag

The Case Logic VNM-217 laptop is ideal for the person who wants a standard messenger laptop bag with a durable design and lots of storage but who doesn’t want a lot of frills. Its design is simple and no-nonsense, with lined compartments for your chargers, notebooks, pens, and other assorted essentials.

The bag can pretty comfortably accommodate laptops up to 17 inches, reviewers say. For most standard 13- and 15-inch laptops, you should have no trouble. The design here doesn’t scream “premium” with plastic attachments and accents, but it should hold up for a long time where plenty of metal, leather, and canvas stress points tend to break down over time.

Pros

  • Fits up to 17-inch laptops

  • Simple, lightweight design

  • Hold the essentials

Cons

  • Lacking extra storage

Product image of Case Logic 14" LoDo 14" Laptop Attaché
Case Logic 14" LoDo 14" Laptop Attaché

If you rely on a smaller laptop or tablet to get your work done, the Case Logic LoDo Attache Case is a great choice. This canvas bag is small compared to others, but it’s also lightweight and easy to bring with you everywhere without getting in your way.

Reviewers were particularly fond of the LoDo’s many easy access pockets, as well as its design, which takes some premium elements from more expensive bags but doesn’t drive up the price dramatically. It's a great bag from one of the most reputable names in laptop accessories.

Pros

  • Stylish, sturdy design

  • Plenty of pockets

  • Not bulky

Cons

  • Designed for smaller devices

Product image of Mosiso 17.3" Laptop Tote Bag
Mosiso 17.3" Laptop Tote Bag

Though most classic messenger bags use a traditional crossbody/over-the-shoulder design, the Mosiso Leather Tote Bag is more like a large tote or purse with an interior laptop pocket. It features excellent style, organization, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes, perfect for customizing it to your exact needs and taste.

The main drawback reviewers noted is that the actual laptop pocket is very snug, suitable primarily for 13-inch laptops and not larger 15- and 17-inch laptops. Those may fit in the bag, but it would likely have to just go into the main pocket, rattling around with whatever else you throw in the bag. Otherwise, this is an excellent commuter-friendly bag that offers excellent style at a great value.

Pros

  • Stylish leather purse design

  • Lots of compartments

  • Durable

Cons

  • Snug laptop pocket

  • Doesn’t fit most 15.6-inch laptops

Product image of KomalC 16" Leather Laptop Messenger Bag
KomalC 16" Leather Laptop Messenger Bag

The classic all-leather travel shoulder bag is a staple in many people’s closets, but it’s surprisingly tricky to find a nice leather laptop bag that doesn’t fall apart in a month—including high-quality designer ones. The KomalC seems to have figured it out, with a functional, durable design that can fit most laptops with style. The zippered pocket on the outside opens to reveal space for all your essentials.

It’s not perfect—reviewers were quick to note how the leather can get scuffed up rather easily—but it’s a gorgeous bag that should wear its scars well over time.

Pros

  • Beautiful leather design

  • Durable

  • Fits 16-inch laptops

Cons

  • Laptop pocket is open

  • Leather needs care

Product image of Lenovo 15.6" Laptop Casual Toploader T210
Lenovo 15.6" Laptop Casual Toploader T210

If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills laptop shoulder bag, the Lenovo T210 is the way to go. It’s one of the most popular (and affordable) laptop bags, with over 11,000 reviews and a wild 4.7-star rating. That’s remarkable, but it’s well deserved.

If you want a super stylish bag designed with premium leather accents and tons of storage for your entire life, this isn’t the bag for you. But if you want a water-resistant laptop messenger bag that will keep your essentials protected and organized while on the move, this is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to do that.

Pros

  • Muted style

  • Water-repellent

  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Basic design

  • Too small for bulky 15.6-inch laptops

Product image of Voova 17.3" Laptop Sleeve Bag
Voova 17.3" Laptop Sleeve Bag

Sometimes you really just need a basic laptop bag. The Voova padded laptop sleeve bag is it, with a very simple design that’s elegant and stripped down to the bone. Like the name suggests, this fully waterproof bag is effectively a laptop sleeve with a couple extra pockets and a shoulder strap.

It’s stylish, affordable, and it’ll keep your laptop well-protected while you’re on the go. It has just enough room to include your headphones, a notebook, and your charger—but little else. If that’s all you need, this is a refreshingly lightweight way to tote your gear around.

Pros

  • Fits up to 17-inch laptops

  • Stylish

  • Simple

Cons

  • No extra storage

Product image of Lacdo 17.3" 360° Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag
Lacdo 17.3" 360° Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag

The Lacdo 17.3-inch 360° Laptop Shoulder Bag is another barebones bag that is little more than a padded laptop sleeve with a shoulder strap. For a lot of people, that’s ideal, and this still comes with enough extra storage to get you through your day with two exterior zippered pockets.

Reviewers praise the bag’s style, and we’re inclined to agree. It comes in a variety of colors, with sizes ranging from 13.3 up to 17.3 inches, though we recommend that you size up relative to what you’re trying to fit, as the laptop pocket can be a bit snug.

Meet the tester

TJ Donegan

TJ Donegan

Former Director, Content Development

@TJDonegan

TJ is the former Director of Content Development at Reviewed. He is a Massachusetts native and has covered electronics, cameras, TVs, smartphones, parenting, and more for Reviewed. He is from the self-styled "Cranberry Capitol of the World," which is, in fact, a real thing.

See all of TJ Donegan's reviews

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