In 2020, everyone’s bag has a VIP passenger: their laptop. Like our smartphones, we use our laptops every day, carrying them to and from work or class. But, because our laptop is one of the most expensive belongings we own, it’s important we take good care of it.
This necessity to protect our computers while in transit has created a huge new market for laptop bags. The options range from backpacks to briefcases, come in nearly every style and cater to any price point. In short, there are many laptop bags out there. And that’s where this list comes in. One of the most popular answers to the problem which combines style and function is a leather laptop bag.
To help you decide which laptop bag is right for you, we combed through all the options to find the best bags for users who love leather. There are options for budget-friendly shoppers, designer lovers, minimalists and even vegans who still love a leather finish.
But before browsing, it’s worth considering what you’ll be using the bag for. Will you be taking your laptop on a long commute, storing it away quickly or traveling for work? Also be sure to think about what other necessities you want to fit in the bag.
After you finish pondering, take a stroll through our list to find the 21 best leather laptop bags available right now.
1. Samsonite Laptop Case
BEST OVERALL
You can’t go wrong with a Samsonite bag no matter what, but we think this laptop case is exceptionally well crafted. Stylistically, the bag showcases a blend of vintage and modern elements with a flap-over design, antique brass buckles and high-quality Colombian leather. It also delivers on the usability front with an organizer pocket under the flap, plus a dedicated padded laptop sleeve. It’s just the right size for daily essentials including gadgets, chargers, a few books and a laptop, making it perfect for daily commutes. Plus, at $90 for a genuine leather bag from a trustworthy brand, it’s a great deal too.
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2. FYY Laptop Sleeve
BEST SLEEVE BAG
If you don’t need a full bag, and only need a way to carry and protect your laptop, pick up one of these simple laptop sleeves from FYY. It’s great as an everyday carry with a sleek black PU leather construction and padding to protect your laptop, but it also makes a good addition to your travel ensemble with a strap for attaching to your roller bag. Inside you’ll find a surprising amount of space divided into a laptop pocket, a spot for documents and two mesh pockets for pens, notebooks, a mouse or other essentials. The bag also features a handy outside pocket for quick access to your phone, keys or subway pass.
3. The Clownfish Vegan Leather Briefcase
BEST VEGAN-FRIENDLY
If you love a leather finish but don’t want any animal products used in the production of your bag, this The Clownfish Vegan Leather Briefcase was made for you. It delivers the sharp and professional look of real leather without the accompanying guilt. The bag is available in either chocolate or dark brown and includes a detachable shoulder strap and twin-grab handles for a choice of carrying options. The laptop compartment can accommodate devices up to 14 inches in size and the design also includes an expandable element for when you need to fit a few extra items inside.
4. Wowbox Messenger Satchel Bag
BEST SATCHEL
The Wowbox Messenger Satchel Bag is a great choice for anyone who loves a satchel-style carry case. It’s available in seven different colors and boasts a high-quality leather construction. The bag’s main compartment can hold laptops and notebooks up to 14 inches in size and sports a flap closure with magnetic buckles. This magnetic closure is great for quick and easy access to your belongings. In addition, the bottom of the bag is cushioned to provide better protection for your things inside.
5. Timbuk2 SMITH BRIEFCASE
BEST FOR BIKE COMMUTERS
The best laptop bag for bike commuters, but why? Well, while it would almost be fair enough to consider this a proper biking bag simply because it’s made by Timbuk2 (who know a thing or two about cycling), that’s not the reason. We find this bag to be excellent for the cycling commuter because it is made with durability, flexibility and style in mind. For starters, the base of the bag is comprised of a hardy wax canvas that will fight off rain and wind as you fight off traffic. Next, the leather accents give it a stylish (and durable) look/feel so it won’t give out on you mid-ride. And finally, the internal organization (as well as the designated water-bottle holder) show us this has the active person in mind. If you find yourself looking for a bag that can hang on your daily commute but don’t want to drop more than a couple bills, give this bag a try.
6. Ted Baker FINLIE Leather Document Bag
BEST OLIVE LEATHER
In a similar vein as the gray leather bag from Coach, Ted Baker’s Finlie bag in Olive is not for the timid or bashful. It’s the sort of style piece that will instantly upgrade your outfit as soon as you step out of the door, and if you’re not ready for that sort of attention, don’t buy it. However, if you’re keen for those eyeballs, this bags will help you catch them and catch them quick. The base of the bag is a gorgeous olive hue that would make Kermit blush. The accents of the bag utilize a slightly darker, murkier green that work incredibly well, and help ground the bag’s outrageous color. As for the inside, Ted Baker has lined it with a polyester lining of all-over-print Ts. The inside is a bit loud, but in typical Ted Baker-style, they keep the loudest parts out of eyeshot. The bag sports multiple pockets and enough space for your laptop or files, along with a leather-tie closure uptop and two buckles to lock it all down.
7. Ben Sherman Karino Leather Laptop Travel Messenger Bag
BEST FOR TRAVEL
Coming in a choice of black or brown, this Ben Sherman Karino Leather Laptop Travel Messenger Bag is a versatile answer to your laptop carrying woes. The genuine top-grain Karino leather and single-buckle closure give the bag a professional look, while its large capacity ensures there’s plenty of room for your laptop and other essentials. It also includes a shoulder strap and a built-in trolley strap for hands-free carrying when you’re at the airport. Plus, it has a soft, polyester lining for keeping your belongings safe.
8. Jack&Chris Men’s Genuine Leather Briefcase
BEST BRIEFCASE
With its beautiful, oil-tanned leather construction, the Jack&Chris Men’s Genuine Leather Briefcase is a classy way to get your laptop from point A to point B. The briefcase-style bag can hold laptops up to 14 inches in its padded sleeve and also includes a front pocket with space for your smartphone, pens, cards and other office essentials. Carrying options include a removable over-the-shoulder strap and button-locked handles. Furthermore, the bag’s main compartment includes dividers for separating files and other papers and includes a zippered closure for security during transit.
9. Samsonite Leather Slim Briefcase
BEST SLIMLINE
If all you’re looking for is a stylish way to transport your laptop and a few other essential items, consider this Samsonite Leather Slim Briefcase. It’s crafted from genuine leather and features a padded main compartment which can accommodate devices up to 15.6 inches across. The front of the suitcase sports a handy pocket which is large enough for your essential documents, while the choice of a removable, over-the-shoulder strap and double carry handles ensures your comfortable as you go.
10. Kenneth Cole Reaction Colombian Leather Laptop Bag
BEST RFID-BLOCKING
With several zipped pockets and a padded space which is large enough to accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Colombian Leather Laptop Bag is ideal for the daily commute. It has a business-savvy exterior design and is constructed from soft, genuine full-grain Colombian leather in a choice of black, brown or cognac. The bag also incorporates RFID-blocking technology in organizer pockets to protect your personal information. Furthermore, the top handles and removable shoulder strap offer a choice of carrying options during the journey to and from the office.
11. Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Laptop Backpack
BEST BACKPACK
Backpacks have recently graduated from an elementary school staple to a workplace must-have. They’re now acceptable in professional environments, making them a great way to carry your heavy laptop to and from work or on business trips. We recommend this Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Laptop Backpack, because it has a high-quality, grown-up look that will actually upgrade your outfit while providing an efficient means of carrying your stuff. The sizing is great, too, because it doesn’t look bulky on your back, but fits almost any laptop up to 16 inches. It works as an everyday work or school bag, but it also makes a good backup for traveling or days when you have to carry extra stuff.
12. Alpine Swiss Men’s Sloan Slim Laptop Backpack
MOST STYLISH
With its slim and modern profile, the Alpine Swiss Men’s Sloan Slim Laptop Backpack effortlessly combines style and function. It’s constructed from a sleek, black top-grain leather which transfers from your home to the office and everywhere in between with ease. The bag includes space for a 14.1-inch laptop along with a tablet, your smartphone and other work-related items. It houses three individual pockets and comes with padded and adjustable straps and a top-mounted handle to give you a choice of carrying options. Furthermore, you’ll find a zippered internal pocket for keeping your valuables safe and out of sight.
13. Coach Leather Hamilton Laptop Bag
DESIGNER PICK
This Coach Leather Hamilton Laptop Bag oozes class. The design is simple yet ideal for professional situations. The brown pebble leather adds to the overall look of the bag, while the three zippered compartments provide space for your laptop and other important office items. You’ll also have the choice of a shoulder strap or double leather handles to carry your bag. Plus, it includes a named Coach tag so observers will see you know style.
14. Briggs & Riley Unisex @Work Leather Backpack
BEST UNISEX
The Briggs & Riley Unisex @Work Leather Backpack is a sleek and stylish way to transport your laptop. It’s crafted from a supple, luxurious leather which gives the backpack its appealing finish. You’ll also find plenty of room inside for storing all your office essentials. There’s a Front SpeedThru™ pocket at the front for quick and easy storage of your tablet, smartphone and other office essentials. It also includes an orange lining to alert you if it’s unexpectedly open. Furthermore, the laptop compartment can accommodate most laptops up to 15.6 inches, while the middle compartment can hold papers and charging accessories.
15. TUMI Alpha 3 Laptop Pack
BEST SPLURGE
Simply calling this TUMI backpack a ‘laptop pack’ doesn’t really do it justice. Yes, the bag has a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, but it also boasts 11 other pockets (including a water-resistant pocket for your bathing suit) and an eye-catching, all-leather construction. Plus, it comes with Tumi Tracer, a special code that allows TUMI to find the bag if it goes missing or gets stolen. It’s really everything you could ask for in a go-to travel bag: versatile, large enough for all your stuff, highly functional and head-turning in a sea of normal bags.
16. Bosca Dolce Messenger Bag
BEST BUCKLE
If you’re looking for a leather laptop bag that stands out a bit from the rest, give this option from Bosca a try. The base of the bag is made from a supple and rich Italian leather in a cognac color, while the strap is a sturdy nylon. What really sets this bag apart though is the gorgeous buckle closure on the front. While it may not always be the most practical way to lock up your bag, there’s something old-timey and classic about a buckle closure, especially one that helps to accent the bag so well as this option from Bosca.
17. Stuart and Lau The Cary Briefcase
BEST ACCENTS
For some, a laptop bag made entirely of leather is a little too much. Could be because the price is too high, but it could also be too flashy. If you fall into this category, take a look at this briefcase by Stuart and Lau. While the bulk of the bag is comprised of the brand’s DuraLite fabric (which, by the way, is water-resistant AND good-looking), all the accents are made with a fine leather. The navy of the DuraLite and the light hue of the leather work well together, giving a more laidback feel for this bag. It will still set you back a bit, but if you’re looking for a classic style that isn’t too flashy, this is the bag for you.
18. Coach Metropolitan Slim Brief
BEST GRAY
You’ve seen black leather. You’ve seen brown leather. But what about gray leather? If the idea of gray is unappealing, you need only look at this gorgeous bag from Coach to change your mind. The base of this beautiful leather laptop bag is made of a glove-tanned, heather gray leather that will easily set you apart from the crowds. As for the rest of the bag, Coach has chosen blue leather accents to give just an extra dash of style. The construction of the bag, however, remains fairly modest, which we think is a win. With a laptop bag that is rather loud (at least compared to others on this list), it’s good that the design isn’t too radical.
19. Filson Original Briefcase
MOST RUGGED
Filson is well known for their generally rugged gear, so when we found they also made a laptop bag, we had to share it. Available in Olive, Navy and Tan, these bags are built for the commuters who are likely to face crowds and weather to and from the office every day. Though all three colors look great, especially with those dark, chocolatey leather accents, our favorite has to be the Olive colorway. It looks the most military-inspired and feels as though nothing can stop it. The main pocket is large enough for your laptop and boasts a few other side pockets to carry the rest of your daily work essentials.
20. Cuero Leather Messenger Bag
MOST ROOMY
If you need a spacious laptop bag, this messenger bag from Cuero has you covered. The largest option boasts an 18-inch width that’s big enough for nearly any laptop, plus an extra zippered pocket inside the flap and two quick-access pockets on the outside. The laptop pocket is fairly deep as well, making it a good place to store textbooks, chargers or anything else you carry on the daily. The versatile size makes it especially good for students with extra books, or travelers looking to maximize that one personal item limit on the plane.
21. KomalC Leather Laptop Bag
BEST VINTAGE STYLE
Vintage-inspired messenger bags have become a go-to for stylish guys looking to upgrade their everyday carry. If this is more your style, pick up one of these highly-rated leather laptop bags from KomalC. The bag is crafted from buffalo leather with light distressing for an added throwback character but features a minimal flap-over style with two quick-snap buckles on the front. The medium-to-small size of the bag and a removable shoulder strap allows you to use it as a briefcase on light days, or a messenger bag when you need to go hands-free while traveling.