The best laptop backpack picks

There are hundreds of backpack options out there but not all backpacks are created with laptops in mind. A laptop backpack is one that at the very least has a dedicated internal compartment, which is ideally secured with extra padding and maybe even a false bottom for extra protection. Even with those inclusions, there are still dozens of viable backpack options, which is where versatility, comfort and, more importantly, the sleeve size relative to the laptop/s you want to stick in it come into consideration.

In terms of costs, you can get a decent cheap laptop backpack from around $50 but of the dozens of options appraised for the categories on this page, a lot of options were around $100, with prices extending to closer to $300 (and beyond).

Scroll on for the best laptop backpacks in Australia.

For us, the best overall laptop backpack should be big enough to support a laptop of any size and versatile enough to be a sturdy travel companion for a day or weeks if you’re on the road. Enter the Samsonite Leviathan Backpack. This Samsonite unisex laptop backpack has a lot going for it. In terms of laptops specifically, it supports up to a 17.3-inch model, so all sizes are welcome in the dedicated rear internal compartment. For travellers, there’s a back sleeve beneath the shoulder straps to slide the backpack over a luggage handle, plus the shoulder straps are wide and adjustable. We also like that the zippers have lock-sized loops for extra security, plus there’s a dedicated water bottle holder, top-mounted haul loop, and loops on the front of the backpack for straightforward expansion.

For other great laptop backpack alternatives, consider any of the other categorised picks below alongside the Herschel Heritage Backpack, The North Face Unisex Adult’s Jester Backpack, the JanSport SuperBreak Plus Laptop Backpack and the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus.

If you’re not fussed about a fully featured laptop backpack, you can pay around half the price for a slim entry-level alternative. Case in point, the Nike Brasilia 9.95 Training Backpack. This unisex Nike backpack is built to survive the rough and tumble of everyday life with some basic features. For the all-important laptop component, there’s a dedicated internal compartment, which supports up to a 15.6-inch laptop, one of the more common sizes. Because Nike is more about fitness than laptop transportation, this backpack has two side-mesh pockets for water bottles. There’s also a smaller front zippered compartment for easier access to smaller items.

For cheap laptop backpack alternatives, consider the HP Renew Business 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack, the Dell EcoLoop Urban Backpack or the Hap Tim Laptop Backpack.

These days, most laptop backpacks tend to focus on unisex designs but there are several options that cater to women. Of those, the one that rose to the top for us is the Hp Hope Smart Laptop Backpack, which supports up to a 15.6-inch laptop in a dedicated separate internal compartment. The main storage compartment has additional separated sleeves and a zipper-isolated top section for straightforward organisation, plus there’s a front double-side compartment. This laptop backpack is built for travel, too, with a separate wet-and-dry pocket; size-wise, it’s designed to easily slide under a plane seat. We also like the inbuilt USB-A and USB-C ports, which can connect to a BYO power bank for convenient device charging.

For alternatives, consider any of the unisex options on this page alongside the Vankean Laptop Backpack for School.

The Tomtoc Travel Backpack is built for those who want a laptop backpack with plenty of capacity. It supports up to a 17.3-inch laptop in a dedicated front compartment that’s part of a 180-degree-opening system for faster airport security scanning (not to mention easier all-round access). That laptop compartment has a double sleeve, either for a larger and second smaller laptop, or a portable laptop monitor (or tablet). The rest of the main compartment is designed to be easily accessed and organised, too. There’s also plenty of versatility with the rest of the backpack, starting with a 40-litre capacity and a dedicated water bottle pocket with a securing strap.

For alternatives, consider any of the other unisex options on this page alongside the Volher YK-006 and Duslang 17 Inch Travel Laptop Backpack.

One of the more popular search terms around laptop backpacks, surprisingly, was for leather laptop backpacks. If you’re in the market for a leather laptop backpack, we recommend starting comparisons with the Samsonite Sam Classic Leather. It’s a reasonably priced option from a trusted brand and it comes in either black or brown. Internally, there’s a dedicated laptop compartment at the back (up to 14.1 inches), a separate main section and a front compartment with a range of sleeves and zippered compartments. There’s a smaller sleeve in the main section for a portable monitor, tablet or a second slimline laptop. Additionally, there’s a front zippered stash pocket for foldable over-ear headphones and other smaller items.

For leather laptop backpack alternatives, consider the Hulsh 16 Inch Genuine Leather Backpack, Jaald Leather Laptop Backpack or the Tiding Full Grain Leather Expandable Backpack.

The main reason to buy a laptop backpack is to store your laptop, so ensure that it meets the size requirements of your current and/or intended future laptop purchases. In terms of our contenders, most laptop backpacks could happily accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop or below, but keep an eye out for larger-capacity sleeves if you have a 16-inch or above laptop.

Ideally, you want a dedicated laptop compartment with plenty of padding—to protect the laptop and make it comfortable against your back—and, ideally, a soft false bottom so you don’t have to be too careful with how you put the backpack down. From there, it’s all about the storage versatility and what you’d want from a regular backpack.

Consider the overall capacity, number of compartments and how many internal organisation options there are in terms of sleeves, pockets and zippered sections. If you like to carry a water bottle, you’ll want a laptop backpack with at least one bottle compartment. Then there are other features, such as fast access to items that are typically scanned at airport security and nice-to-have inclusions like inbuilt USB ports that connect to a power bank.