Nothing beats a good old-fashioned backpack for lugging your textbooks, your sports gear, and your emotional support water bottle from home to school to your bestie’s house. The patterns! The prints! All those useful pockets and compartments! But if you’re currently on the hunt for the best laptop backpacks to ensure your computer doesn’t break in transit, we’ve found some that are specifically designed to keep your most precious cargo safe and sound.
Each of these backpacks has a spot for your laptop that's padded, zippered, sectioned off, or cushioned to protect your tech. Some are more professional or sportier styles, while others are stylish and colorful for everyday use. Most are pretty affordable (hello, Amazon 2-day shipping) and a few are splurge purchases with luxe hardware and charging ports. Best of all, so many of these picks are under $150.
Below, the best laptop backpacks to shop for back to school and beyond.
This buckled backpack is perfect for anyone who prefers to travel with just a carry-on (hey, those checked bags can be expensive!) but it works just as well for school, too. Multiple compartments help with organization.
This backpack's laptop compartment is accessible through a completely separate zipper from the main compartment, for easy access. Store all of your other necessities in several other inner, outer, and hidden pockets.
This lightweight backpack pretty much does it all. It has a laptop sleeve in the back, multiple organizational pockets, a charging port, and an anti-theft pocket for essentials that sits against your back. Also, this bag is structured to keep its rectangular shape whether it's empty or full.
This top-rated backpack has almost 500 reviews and 4.5 stars. It offers a slightly bigger laptop compartment than other options, compression straps to maximize your backpack space, internal organizers, and a sleek, professional look for interviews, business classes, and more.
You want pockets? This bag has POCKETS. It also comes with a sneaky anti-theft pocket that sits against your back, so any valuables like your credit cards, cash, or phone will be protected as you walk around.
If you scored a corporate internship, this bag with a padded laptop pocket can transform from a backpack into a sideways briefcase for those ~professional vibes~. There's also an adjustable shoulder strap.
This is the backpack version of Calpak's viral Luka tote that pops right onto the handle of your suitcase. It's super lightweight, and you can snag the matching bag for *immaculate* travel vibes.
Looking for a bag to stash all your tech? This is it. Not only does this bag have a zippered laptop compartment, but it also has a tablet sleeve for your Kindle or iPad.
You can't go wrong with a colorful JanSport, especially with this one made of RENU® recycled waste fabric. The padded laptop sleeve will keep your computer safe from bumps and bruises each day.
If you're an overpacker, the rectangular shape of this popular backpack helps you max out the amount of ~stuff~ you can fit inside. It comes with straps, handles, and a small front pocket as well as a laptop pouch.
Looking for a backpack that's as stylish as it is practical? We're right there with you. This chic bag comes with a padded laptop sleeve, and the neutral color will match tons of different outfits. Plus, the charging port will ensure your phone never dies.
Calling all athletes — this backpack has compartments for your water bottle and your Gatorade (yes, *two* side pockets), your laptop, and anything else you might need to take you from class to practice.
The laptop compartment in this backpack comes with a magnetic locking zipper to keep your tech extra secure. It's a great option for travel, especially because it'll pack flat if you need to store it in a pinch.
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.