I always consider these 5 features when buying a laptop bag

I carry my laptop daily, and I can’t go without a bag to keep it protected and store all my essential accessories. Choosing a good laptop bag is almost as important as selecting the laptop itself, because it must be comfortable for daily transportation while protecting your investment from bumps and knocks.

Finding the right laptop bag for your requirements can be challenging because there are countless options in different styles and price points. If you just got a new laptop and want to keep it safe, consider these five features before buying a bag.

1 Size

Depends on your laptop

Most laptops are between 13 and 17 inches, and your chosen bag should offer a snug fit with enough space for accessories. A massive 17-inch laptop can damage the zips or material if it is squeezed into a bag designed for smaller models, and there will also be less padding to prevent damage. On the other hand, a small laptop can get scratched if it moves around in a bag that’s too big for it, which also becomes unnecessarily heavier because of its size.

It’s worth choosing a laptop bag designed for your specific laptop’s size because the straps and the inner lining will be the perfect size to ensure it stays in place and protected. The best bags will have enough space for your charger and other accessories without squashing them together, which can lead to bent cables and other issues.

2 Type

Let’s get personal

Laptop bags come in various styles, and the best one for you comes down to your requirements, style, and requirements. Laptop sleeves are slim, compact, and perfect for people who want to travel lightly. They offer limited space for accessories but can easily fit into larger bags when traveling. Messenger bags are popular for carrying laptops because they look classy while providing enough space for accessories and convenient handles and straps for easy carry.

Tote bags are an excellent choice if you don’t want to advertise that you’re carrying a laptop. They often come in stylish designs that are perfect for taking to functions. Backpacks are the best choice for frequent travelers because they have enough space for laptops and travel documents. Their hands-free design makes it easy to push trolleys or luggage around busy airports.

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3 Comfort

Critical for on-the-go working

When you’re working on the go, it’s crucial to choose a bag that’s comfortable for all-day carrying and light traveling. Laptop sleeves, while convenient, can become uncomfortable if you carry them for long periods. If you do opt for a sleeve, consider one with a carry handle, especially if you don’t plan to tuck it inside a larger bag while moving around. Tote bags are another great option — they typically feature larger carry handles. If you go this route, look for a tote with a long, adjustable strap that can comfortably fit over your shoulder — those are much easier to manage.

The same applies to messenger bags. The smaller carry handles are fine for shorter hauls, but it makes sense to have a longer strap that fits over your shoulder when walking far or traveling. If you have a laptop backpack, the straps should have ample padding and an adjustable design to fit perfectly when working on the road.

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4 Compartments

It depends on the accessories you need

Some laptop users only need compartments for a charging brick, while others need enough space for a mouse, external SSD, stand, earbuds, and a myriad of other accessories. You can never have enough space; even if you travel light, it’s worth having extra space in case you need it one day.

The available space depends on the type of laptop bag you choose. Sleeves and totes typically offer fewer compartments for accessories due to their streamlined designs, while messenger bags and backpacks usually provide more organizational options and space. It’s a fair call to make a list of all the accessories you need to carry alongside your laptop to make sure the bag you choose can accommodate everything. Don’t discount bags with separate compartments — they’re especially useful because they prevent your items from getting scratched or damaged and make it easier to quickly locate what you need.

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5 Material and linings

Style and durability

When choosing a laptop bag, you’ll need to decide which fabric you prefer. Soft canvas bags are lightweight, affordable, and come in stylish colors with ample interior padding. However, they don’t offer the best moisture protection and might not provide the same long-term durability as other materials. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon aren’t as environmentally friendly, but they do provide outstanding durability and water resistance in many styles.

Genuine leather offers fantastic durability, but it isn’t available in that many colors and can be pricier than other options. Imitation leather provides the same classy look while being ethical, but it isn’t as durable and can start flaking with long-term use. Anyone looking for the most protection can try hard plastic cases, which are highly durable but often heavier and more expensive than other types.

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