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The Best Work Bags

Last updated on September 30, 2022

Our Review Process

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Work bags are designed to hold laptops and other supplies like iPads, files and tools, plus personal items like water bottles, makeup, cellphones, glasses and your lunch. You’ll find them in different materials like leather, faux leather and nylon, which will be the main factor in the price. The price of these items can range from about $20 to thousands of dollars.

The type of material will be a good indicator of how durable the bag is, for the most part. Faux leather is a good option; you can find it in various colors and textures. While leather and thick canvas can be heavy-duty, both can be harder to clean. Nylon is durable, easy to clean and usually softer, which might make a bag more versatile. However, in some cases, it might not look professional enough for work, depending on your job.

Some work bags look like large carry-all purses, complete with top handles and shoulder straps. Others are backpacks, which can be easier to carry. Be careful with either of these options because they can hurt your back over time when worn incorrectly. Look for lightweight bags with wide, padded shoulder straps, and do not overload the insides with too many things.

The main concern when shopping for work bags is a main protective compartment to house your laptop. It should be padded to protect the computer in case the bag gets shaken, banged, bumped or dropped; you won’t want the screen to get cracked. Other features to look for include built-in USB charging ports, key fobs, zippered outer pockets and a good number of interior pockets. If you want it to hold up to the elements, you’ll want a water-resistant or waterproof bag as well.

Our Picks For The Top Work Bags

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

LOVEVOOK 19-Pocket Backpack Purse Work Bag

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

LOVEVOOK

19-Pocket Backpack Purse Work Bag

Measuring 12 inches by 7.5 inches by 16 inches and weighing less than two pounds, this durable backpack has top handles, two outside zippered compartments and 18 pockets to stash your school or work supplies. It also has a built-in USB charging port.

Overall Take

Bring Everything With YouYou will rely on this durable, stylish work bag to carry your essentials daily.

 Runner Up

‎Lubardy Waterproof Laptop Tote Work Bag

‎Lubardy

Waterproof Laptop Tote Work Bag

This faux crocodile leather, 16.9-inch by 5.5-inch by 12.2-inch waterproof tote bag has a large main compartment that accommodates a 15.6-inch laptop, plus plenty of extra pockets and pretty gold-toned hardware. This bag has a removable shoulder strap and handles.

Overall Take

Elegant FinishWith this work bag, you can transition from work to other occasions with no effort at all.

 We Also Like

MATEIN Clutch Bag & Satchel Purse Work Bags, 2-Piece

MATEIN

Clutch Bag & Satchel Purse Work Bags, 2-Piece

This sophisticated 16.7-inch by 6.7-inch by 12-inch work bag features bow detailing, a USB charging port, a stylish design, a reinforced flat bottom and extra pockets inside, and It even comes with a zippered clutch that fits right inside. You'll be able to locate your things inside this bag within seconds.

Overall Take

Includes a ClutchYou can carry this great-looking bag by the handles or slip it over your shoulder.

 Also Great

BUG Zippered Nylon Laptop Tote Work Bag

BUG

Zippered Nylon Laptop Tote Work Bag

Made from 100% nylon, BUG's 16-by-7-by-13-inch lightweight work bag has a built-in cotton liner, weighs just 1.31 pounds and has enough pockets to hold a laptop, folders, an umbrella, lunch bag and water bottle. You can even use it for the beach.

Overall Take

A Place for EverythingThis bag is so versatile and durable that it will be the only one you need for work or play!

What to Look For

  • If you head out to other destinations (dinners, meetings) after work, look for work bags that can quickly transition from the office to more formal occasions.
  • Never let anything rest on your backpack when your laptop is inside, as it could cause damage.
  • Be careful if you store a water bottle inside your work bag with electronics because leakage could also lead to irreparable damage.
  • Turn off your laptop (or put it in sleep mode) when it is inside your bag, or it might overheat.
  • Keep valuables inside your work bag. Never store them in the outside compartments, and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • If you use a nylon work bag and take it to the beach, remove all the sand before using it for work again.

More to Explore

You don’t need to spend a fortune on work bags, but you can pay a king’s ransom for some of the highest-end handbags on the planet. The Guinness World Record for the most expensive handbag goes to the Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Pearl Purse, which sold for more than $3.8 million in 2017. It certainly cannot accommodate a laptop inside, but it is heart-shaped, made from 18-karat gold and encrusted with 4,517 yellow and colorless diamonds.

More to explore