In today’s fast-paced world, we must keep up with our busy lifestyles. And what better way to carry all our essentials than with crossbody bags for laptops? They’re perfect for people like us who are always on the go, whether students, working professionals, or digital nomads. Sure, we can probably find many in every store we pass by. However, not all of them are good enough for daily use. That’s why we’ve researched the best ones to make our commute to work a total breeze!
They are travel-friendly and spacious enough to store all of our essentials. On top of that, they can also be super practical without sacrificing style. Here, we’ve rounded up a list of the most excellent bags to satisfy all everyday needs. From stylish leather options to functional and durable nylon, we’ve got something for everyone. We’ve also considered factors like size, comfort, and additional storage space, so you can find one that’s practical and suits your personal style. Please keep reading to find out more about them.
Table of contents
- Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L
- Chrome Industries Mini Metro Messenger Bag
- Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Bag
- FRYE Men’s Logan Messenger Bag
- Solo New York Duane Hybrid Convertible Laptop Bag
- Ytonet 17-inch Laptop Bag
- NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag
- Esterer Computer Messenger Bag
- Amazon Basics Laptop Case Bag
- tomtoc Travel Messenger Bag
- Voova 17 Laptop Bag
- Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag
- Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Crossbody Bags for Laptops
- Are messenger bags good for laptops?
- Can messenger bags carry laptops?
- How low should a crossbody bag hang?
Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L
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We’ve had the privilege of putting the Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L to the test, and we must say it’s an exceptional investment. While it may have a higher price tag than other alternatives available, the bag’s meticulous craftsmanship and well-thought-out design make it worth every cent. One aspect of this bag that truly captivated us is the MagLatch closure, which seems nothing short of enchanting. It effectively keeps the bag securely fastened yet effortlessly opened. Another notable advantage lies in the adaptable FlexFold dividers, affording you the ability to create personalized storage arrangements tailored precisely to your needs.
Furthermore, we love the comfort and versatility of the shoulder strap. It boasts ample padding and can be easily adjusted to accommodate individuals of all body types. The supplementary hip straps also demonstrate thoughtful consideration, facilitating even weight distribution when dealing with heavier loads. For a comprehensive understanding of how impressive this bag is, we recommend checking out the complete review of the Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L on Outdoor GearLab.
Pros
- It has a MagLatch closure.
- We love the customizable storage dividers. With that, we can adjust the storage according to our needs.
- It has a sleek, minimalist design.
- The construction is very durable.
Cons
- It’s pricier than other bags in its class.
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Chrome Industries Mini Metro Messenger Bag
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While most bags accommodate right-handed wearers, this cute option from Chrome Industries is designed to be comfortable for both lefties and righties. As its name implies, the Chrome Industries Mini Metro Messenger Bag isn’t as big as other bags, but it’s big enough to fit a 13-inch laptop along with other daily essentials.
We especially find the seatbelt release clasp on the shoulder strap useful as it doubles as a bottle opener. What a unique feature! With its features and size, this crossbody bag is also perfect for motorcyclists or anyone commuting on two wheels. It might be expensive, but it’s definitely worth the money as it will last for years to come.
Pros
- Some of us are left-handed, and this bag caters to people like us.
- The seatbelt release clasp doubles as a bottle opener.
- It’s lightweight, durable, and compact.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the bag couldn’t accommodate a 15-inch laptop after we tried it.
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Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Bag
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Best value for money. After an extensive search and diligently scouring every corner for the ideal laptop bag to endure our demanding routines, we are overjoyed to have stumbled upon the Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Bag. The fabric’s water-repellent properties prove to be a savior, particularly during those damp journeys. Moreover, we greatly appreciate the interior’s complete lining with softly padded ridges that protect our laptop from unexpected falls.
However, the three practical external pockets and concealed zippers truly distinguish this bag from the rest. Our iPhones, car keys, and notebooks can be effortlessly stowed away, while the concealed zippers instill in us a sense of assurance regarding the security of our valuable belongings.
Pros
- We love the fact that it’s stylish yet also functional.
- We use the outside pockets a lot since it offers quick access.
- The bag is water resistant.
Cons
- It has no other color options.
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FRYE Men’s Logan Messenger Bag
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Are you feeling rich? Then it would be best if you didn’t stop yourself from getting one of the most luxurious bags, the FRYE Men’s Logan Messenger Bag. FRYE has been making high-quality leather goods for over 150 years, and this sleek and supple bag is no different. The roomy interior is big enough to fit a laptop, water bottle, notebook, and more.
This leather messenger bag is also a nice option for those hunting for crossbody bags with flap. We appreciate the magnetic flap closure as it keeps our belongings secure and safe at all times. Some of us, including picky ones, love this bag because of its timeless design and quality construction. It might not be a wallet-friendly option, but it’s still way cheaper than some designer crossbody bags.
Pros
- We like its premium construction because it’s timeless and attractive.
- The interior is roomy.
- There are plenty of pockets and a magnetic flap.
Cons
- We love everything about it. However, the bag is quite expensive.
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Solo New York Duane Hybrid Convertible Laptop Bag
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The Solo New York Duane Hybrid Convertible Laptop Bag might look like a regular briefcase bag, but its secrets are revealed once we turn it on its side. This bag’s hybrid carrier seamlessly converts into a backpack when our arms are tired and for better maneuverability or in a more formal setting. So, if you’re looking for the best crossbody bags, this one is a nice option.
We have a 15-inch laptop like the MacBook Pro. We’re able to clip them into the bag’s padded laptop compartment. Meanwhile, the huge front pocket will help us organize our other tech products. There’s even a pair of quick-access pockets for our smartphone, keys, wallet, and other small essentials.
Pros
- It features a fully padded laptop compartment.
- We can style it however we want because the bag offers three comfortable carrying methods.
- The exterior is water-resistant.
- There are quick-access pockets.
Cons
- The hooks on the straps can be better.
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Ytonet 17-inch Laptop Bag
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Best for businessmen. If you ever find yourself needing more space in your bag while you’re out and about, consider getting the Ytonet 17-inch Laptop Bag. Why? Well, that’s because this bag is expandable. As one of the best crossbody bags, this bag comes with a padded laptop sleeve as well as 10 (yes, 10!) pockets and compartments to hold essentials like your cell phone, pens, tablets, and more.
On top of that, it can easily expand from 7 inches to 9 inches wide just by unzipping the expansion zipper. This feature is useful, especially for salesmen with many catalogs and marketing materials. We don’t have to worry about running out of space. As if that’s not enough, this bag is also water-resistant. Trust us. We’ve tried it. You’ll never be disappointed with this amazing option.
Pros
- We love the expandable design, especially when we need to carry many things on hectic days.
- It has many pockets and compartments.
- It’s strong and water-resistant.
Cons
- The bag is quite heavy.
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NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag
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High-quality leather bags don’t always cost you hundreds of dollars, and the NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag is proof. Made from crazy horse leather and water-resistant canvas, we fell in love with the unique vintage look. This is a brilliant choice for discerning gentlemen with a large main compartment and plenty of extra pockets.
Besides, the bag also features a padded sleeve that with enough room to carry a 15-inch laptop comfortably. Like other popular crossbody bags with flap, the magnet snaps, ensuring our device is safely tucked away. There are also five outer pockets and four inner pockets that can keep our wallet, smartphone, cash, and other personal items well-organized as we go.
Pros
- The bag has tons of pockets, and we use it a lot.
- We can separate our keys, stationery, and other things.
- The bag is water-resistant.
- The vintage design is timeless.
Cons
- The magnets aren’t that durable.
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Esterer Computer Messenger Bag
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Best for heavy loads. Another must-have item on this list is the Estarer Computer Messenger Bag. One of the top-selling crossbody bags features a sleek, modern design with leather accents. Because of the modern design, we’re confident in carrying the bag for work or daily use. Aside from that, many people also fancy this bag as it’s made from high-quality canvas that enhances durability and makes it water-resistant.
Aside from the roomy main compartment that can fit a 15.6-inch laptop, there are also tons of additional pockets. Thanks to them, we can organize our small belongings tidily. Furthermore, its two side pockets can fit two water bottles! There’s a large pocket under the flap that can hold our ID cards, pens, and others.
Pros
- It has a large pocket under the flap.
- We’ve been searching for a bag with side pockets for water bottles. This one’s perfect.
- It’s made of water-resistant materials.
- The main compartment is roomy.
Cons
- The shoulder strap isn’t removable.
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Amazon Basics Laptop Case Bag
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Best for light travel. On a tight budget but want to have excellent-quality laptop bags? Then you should take a look at the Amazon Basics Laptop Case Bag. This bag is all about maintaining a low-key presence. We appreciate its slim design and compactness. It lets us discretely carry any laptop over the shoulder or by the handle.
Unlike some other fancy crossbody bags, we didn’t turn our heads at the subdued black design. However, it still serves its purpose of safely getting our laptop from point A to point B. There are no jaw-dropping features, but this bag is unbelievably cheap, and we couldn’t ask for much more than it already affords, which are flexibility and organization. Can’t decide if this one’s good for you? Check out the Amazon Basics Laptop Case Bag review on Youtube.
Pros
- It features a multi-purpose shoulder strap.
- There are organized compartments for multiple gadgets.
- We love carrying this bag everywhere because it’s super lightweight.
Cons
- Compared to other bags, its design is pretty bland.
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tomtoc Travel Messenger Bag
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From laptop bags for teens to crossbody bags, you can expect nothing but first-rate stuff from tomtoc. Among all that’s available out there, the tomtoc Travel Messenger Bag is one of the most popular ones. It has two huge pockets on the front that can carry all of your charging cables, power bank, AirPods, and other dongles that you might need, and honestly still has room to spare.
With this bag, carrying our laptop around is so much more pleasant, especially because it can hold so much more than just a laptop. We also think that no additional laptop sleeve is necessary. Even if we don’t have a cover on our laptops, the inside of this bag is so plush that we don’t have to worry about scratches. Best of all, it’s very sturdy. Our costly laptop would be 100% protected if you were to drop it.
Pros
- It’s sturdy but lightweight.
- There are 2 huge front pockets.
- The inside is plush.
- We feel secure when storing our laptops inside because the bag has thick padding at the bottom and sides.
Cons
- The quality of the zippers can be improved.
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Voova 17 Laptop Bag
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We’ve been searching for a functional laptop bag, and our search has concluded with the Voova 17 Laptop Bag. This bag presents all the necessary features to ensure the organization and safety of our essentials. Among the aspects we admire most about this bag is the commodious laptop compartment. The frontal zippered pocket comprises three slots for pens, three slots for cards, and two open pockets designed to accommodate pens and business cards. We no longer need to be concerned about misplacing these small items.
“We love the compact nature of this laptop bag. It’s lightweight, simple and comfortable to carry wherever we go.”
WOW Travel
The well-padded interior laptop sleeve and a Velcro strap isolate and safeguard our laptop. Additionally, we are delighted by the concealed expansion zipper located at the bag’s base, which can be unfastened to extend the interior space by an extra 1.77 inches.
Pros
- It’s compact and convertible.
- The bag is made of sturdy polyester fabric.
- The size is expandable.
Cons
- The strap is not the most comfortable.
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Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag
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Kenneth Cole is no stranger to making top-notch bags. And the Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag might be the perfect bag. Made from supple and soft full-grain Colombian leather, this bag is built to last. We tried carrying this bag while strolling the city. It’s incredibly comfortable. The padded shoulder strap will maximize carrying comfort. Even better, it’s adjustable.
Another reason why thousands of people have bought this bag is because of its functionality. This bag can hold a 15.6-inch laptop, tablet, notebook, and other stuff on the inside. Similar to other bags, there are also additional pockets beneath the flap that we can always take advantage of. Plus, the frontal pouch comes with slots for cards, pens, and smartphones.
Pros
- We love the spacious main compartment since we often carry plenty of stuff alongside a laptop.
- There are plenty of additional pockets.
- The strap can be easily adjusted.
Cons
- The overall capacity isn’t that high.
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Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag
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Best overall. Whether foldable travel bags or carbon fiber luggage, chances are you’ll mention Samsonite’s products. Since we’re discussing the best crossbody bags for laptops, we have to talk about the Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag. Constructed from genuine leather, this fantastic item is an all-rounder that’s hard to beat. It’s comfy, durable, and can carry whatever you need for your upcoming business meeting.
Like other options, its padded shoulder strap is adjustable and offers maximum comfort. Oh, it’s removable too. The zippered main compartment features a dedicated laptop sleeve and small pockets to help us better organize our belongings. We’ve been using this bag for a while for commuting to work, and our experience has been a breeze. Moreover, it’s secured by a flap along with a simple press button closure, so our belongings will always be safe. For more details, check out Samsonite’s official website.
Pros
- We’re blown away by the quality. It’s made from genuine leather and features a timeless design.
- The strap is adjustable and removable.
- There are many pockets and compartments.
- The bag is incredibly durable.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than other brands in its class.
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Our Verdict!
Ultimately, the ideal cross-body bag for a laptop should be practical and functional, look great, and withstand the wear and tear of daily use. We hope that our top picks can help you find the perfect bag to carry your laptop and other essentials. While the Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag is the best all-rounder, here are some other options based on their respective categories:
- Best value for money: Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Bag
- Best for heavy loads: Esterer Computer Messenger Bag
- Best for light travel: Amazon Basics Laptop Case Bag
- Best for businessmen: Ytonet 17-inch Laptop Bag
- Best overall: Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag
How To Choose The Best Crossbody Bags for Laptops
Having a cross-body bag for laptops will make life much easier. But before you decide which one to get, there are some important features to consider, which are:
Durability
When choosing tote bags for laptops, you want them to be durable. The same thing applies when you’re hunting for crossbody bags. Frequent use of your bag will inevitably lead to little wear and tear. Thankfully, there are many ways to minimize damage. Personally, we recommend getting something that’s made of strong material like leather or canvas. The former is generally more expensive, while the latter is more wallet-friendly.
Padded shoulder strap
Since you’re going to carry your tablet inside the bag, chances are it will be heavy. Thus, it’s important to ensure that the bag you want to get has a padded shoulder strap. If not, chances are you’ll end up with a sore shoulder. And trust us, one of the most uncomfortable things in the world is to carry a crossbody bag with an unpadded strap over your shoulder.
Style
There are so many different styles of crossbody bags out there. From sporty, rugged, minimalist, the list goes on. But if you’re looking for a casual look, we recommend getting a leather or canvas model. It’s more formal and timeless. For something more casual, you can look for a sporty bag.
Compartments
If you tend to have plenty of small knickknacks when commuting or traveling, you should opt for crossbody bags with many hidden pockets. But if you’re an on-the-go businessman or woman, you’ll probably prefer one with a compartment that can safely keep your files and folders away.
Are messenger bags good for laptops?
Yes, they are! However, not all messenger bags can fit your laptop. So, you should always check whether the one that you like is big enough for your laptop. Plus, they should be sturdy, safe, and capable of holding other essentials as well.
Can messenger bags carry laptops?
Today’s messenger bags are designed to fit common-sized laptops. They’re typically spatially well-designed and comfortable to carry. Many even come with organizational features that make them quite versatile.
How low should a crossbody bag hang?
Crossbody straps are generally in the 50-inch range. It allows the bag to be worn securely over your head so that the strap rests on your shoulder, and the bag crosses your chest and then sits around your hip area on the opposite side of your body.