Laptop Bags Buying Guide

Laptop Bags Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying a bag for your laptop!

Are you looking for a new laptop bag or is this the first time you’re starting to look? If you don’t know how to choose the right one for your needs, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a detailed look at the individual features and what you should pay attention to when buying.

1. Type

To choose the right type of bag for you, you need to think about your needs and how you will use your new bag. Let’s take a look at who each type is intended for.

Messenger Bag | For you who are a student

If, therefore, you need a bag so you can take your laptop with you to class, then a messenger bag is the ideal choice. It is a shoulder bag with a more strict and professional design, which usually closes with a top flap and offers both good portability and storage space.

Top picks in messenger bags

A suitable choice for you who work in an office and want to carry not only your laptop but also other items, such as your agenda, pens, the laptop charger, or anything else.

Shoulder/Hand Bag | For You Who Are a Professional

If you need a professional laptop bag for your work, then a shoulder/hand bag, which resembles the classic briefcase, is the most ideal choice for you. It has a handle for simple and easy carrying by hand, while most of the time it also comes with a strap, so you can wear it crossbody. This is a larger bag, designed to provide plenty of separate compartments, both for the laptop, stationery, and anything else you may need for your work.

Top choices in shoulder/hand bags

Backpack | For you who travel often

Do you like traveling or do you need to travel often because of your studies or work? The best choice for you is a backpack, which offers stability, large capacity, and comfort for longer periods of use. It is the classic backpack in design, with more storage spaces and a specially designed compartment for storing and carrying the laptop. This way the laptop does not need to come into contact with the rest of the bag’s contents and remains protected.

Top choices in backpacks

Bag with wheels | For you who are a professional & travel frequently

Do you make many and frequent business trips and need something more convenient? Then it’s worth investing in a bag with wheels, which will make your life easier. You can safely store your laptop, take along a few essential clothes, as well as the basics for your work. And you’ll be able to carry all of these with comfort and style. 

Top choices in wheeled bags

Case | For you who want extra protection

The case is an ideal solution for you who take care of your laptop... like the apple of your eye. If you don’t want it to collect dust on the desk, or you’re afraid it might get scratched inside the bag by other items, all you have to do is get a case. It is an option with a minimal and simple design, which you can use together with a bag for extra protection. It is very lightweight compared to a bag and fits exactly over the laptop. Suitable to be used as a complementary accessory.

Top Picks in Cases

Cover | For you who want something simpler

Finally, if you want something for protection, but not as bulky as a bag, you can look at a laptop cover. It is a cover that can be easily applied to the outside of the laptop, to prevent scratches. It is an easy and more economical solution for you who are looking for protection and do not need to carry your laptop often.

Top choices in covers

2. Dimensions

Another very important parameter you should take into account when making your choice is of course the size of the laptop, so you can find the corresponding bag size that can fit it comfortably. 

To reach the right decision:

  • If you do not already know your laptop size in inches, measure its diagonal and convert the centimeters to inches.
  • On the product page you can select the size based on your laptop's size, so it will show you the options that are suitable.
Laptop Bags Buying Guide
  • Alternatively, you can measure the dimensions of your laptop and choose a bag with slightly larger dimensions.

For example, for a 13" laptop with dimensions of approximately 32 cm width, 22 cm length, and 2 cm thickness, you will need a bag with dimensions of at least 40 cm width, 27 cm length, and 4 cm thickness, so that the laptop fits comfortably and is fully protected.

In the table below, you can see which type of bag is ideal depending on the size of the laptop:

In the table below, you can see which type of bag is ideal for which laptop size:

Laptop Size Type of Laptop Bag
11-12" Case
Cover
Small backpack
Small messenger bag
13-14" Case
Backpack
Messenger bag
Shoulder/hand bag
15-16" Large backpack
Messenger bag
Shoulder/hand bag
>17" Very large backpack
Wheeled bag
Large shoulder/hand bag

3. Material

Material is another feature that is worth considering before buying a laptop bag. 

  • There are leather laptop bags, which are very durable in weather or other difficult conditions and usually have a more formal appearance. They are aimed mainly at professionals, since they are more expensive bags.
  • However, you can also find faux leather laptop bags, which are a more affordable option.
  • There are also covers and plastic laptop bags, which are quite lightweight, offering easy carrying and comfort. Plastic is a material with excellent resistance to water, which makes bags made from this material ideal for use by those who travel frequently and are outdoors.
  • Finally, the majority are fabric laptop bags. These are the most practical and affordable bags. They are lightweight and do not tire the user. They can be carried easily and usually are a more casual choice. 
Laptop Bags Buying Guide

4. Extra features

Waterproofing: If you travel often or commute a lot because of work, you will definitely need a waterproof laptop bag. Such a bag is usually made from materials like nylon, polyester, or fabric with a waterproof coating, which offer great water resistance. In addition, special sealed zippers with extra protective covers, as well as lined interior pockets, are features of such bags.

USB ports: Many laptop bags come with USB ports, so you can charge your phone or even connect your headphones, for those of you who are away for many hours.

Anti-theft design: Especially in backpacks, you can find designs with hidden pockets and hidden zippers, so they are not easily accessible by third parties. Ideal for you if you travel often or carry your backpack on your back for many hours.

Ergonomics: For maximum comfort and relaxed use, look for shoulder bags with padded straps or backpacks made from breathable materials.

Don't forget! Taking into account the above individual features and combining those that suit your needs and the use you want to make of your laptop bag, you can arrive at the ideal choice for you. Before you decide, you can also take a look at the reviews from other users, so you can see their opinions and experiences, which may help you reach your final decision much more easily.

You can also take a look at the guide to the best laptop bags on the market, where you will find the best options based on user feedback, depending on how you will use it and the budget you have available.

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