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Wole Femi Asaolu
- June 6, 2025
I love me carry-on bags with laptop pocket because not only does it offer the best protection, but it also allows for quick access to my laptop when needed.
After testing and researching dozens of options, I’ve compiled this 2025 guide to the top carry-on bags with built-in laptop compartments.
Some are compact spinners; others are roomy backpacks or sleek duffels but all of them have one thing in common: smart storage that protects your gear and helps you travel light.
Our recommended choices for the best carry-on bags with laptop pockets are the Nomatic Carry-On Pro for those who prefer suitcases, the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 for backpack enthusiasts, and the Samsonite Underseater Spinner with built-in USB Port for those seeking an underseater option. These three selections will protect your offer protection for your electronic devices, while avoiding the inconvenience of checked luggage fees.
SwissGear
Best Backpack
Nomatic
Best Suitcase
Samsonite
Best Underseater
Nomatic
Best Suitcase
To be clear, there are other options besides these three. Keep reading to discover the reasons behind their inclusion on our list of the best bags with secure laptop compartments!
All the options are shown below:
Full list
This is a preview of our top 16 selections across 3 categories:
Best carry-on suitcases with laptop slots
- Nomatic Carry-On Pro
- COOLIFE Carry-on Suitcase
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Suitcase
- Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket
- Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-on Luggage
- LEVEL8 Pro Carry-On
Best backpacks with built-in laptop sleeve
- SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart
- Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L
- EVERKI Atlas Business Backpack
- MATEIN 17” Laptop Backpack
- Herschel Tech Backpack
Best weekender & specialty bags with laptop storage
- Samsonite Underseat Carry-on Spinner with USB Port
- July Carry All Weekender
- Beis the Weekender
- Monos Metro Duffel
- Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
This section includes both hardside and softside suitcases with a laptop compartment.
As someone who likes to travel carry-on only, I can attest to the exceptional organizational features of this bag, which is sure to impress business travelers, minimalist digital nomads, and frequent flyers alike.
There’s of course, a compartment for you tech. In there, you’ll see several dividers and padded sleeves to keep your laptop, tablet, power bank, and headphones organized without tangling or wasting space in the main compartment.
The included removable laptop case (fits 16″ MacBook Pro) can be easily removed when you reach your destination or need to pass through security checkpoints.
What we also love
I like that it has a lifetime warranty, is crafted from Makrolon polycarbonate with silent Hinomoto spinner wheels, and YKK zippers, and is built to withstand years of use, whether you’re staying in airport hotels or pulling it along the cobblestone streets of Europe.
I can also attest that this business suitcase is a fashionable accessory for any traveler’s ensemble, boasting a sleek exterior design and tasteful branding accents.
What we don’t love
What I don’t like about the Pro is its small carrying capacity, especially considering its steep price point, as echoed by reviews from users. The bag’s tech section takes up a significant portion of the main compartment’s usable space, limiting the amount of space available for other items.
As a result, I wouldn’t recommend this bag for trips lasting 3-5 days since the bag is not expandable and can’t fit many clothes and a pair of shoes, contrary to what the advertisement image portrays.
With over 3,300 satisfied Amazon customers, this budget-friendly option proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality laptop protection.
The front pocket easily holds laptops up to 13.3 inches along with documents and small essentials. Customers consistently praise its accessibility for TSA checkpoints and general convenience.
Other practical features I like include multidirectional wheels, TSA-compliant locks, telescoping handle, and convenient grab handles for effortless lifting.
What we also love
You’ll find its stunningly beautiful minimalist design to be almost as impressive as those of high-end brands. Regarding durability, the suitcase is crafted from a blend of anti-scratch ABS and polycarbonate hard-shell plastic.
While this material may not be as resilient as polycarbonate or polypropylene, from the reviews I’ve seen, it does offer flexibility and the ability to absorb impact when subjected to stress.
What we don’t love
As I said earlier, the materials used are not of the highest quality, and there are some reviews about damaged handles, wheels, zippers, and/or dented exteriors. While it can last for a year or more, it most likely can’t withstand heavy use.
However, despite these limitations, the bag remains an economical and highly-rated luggage piece with a laptop compartment.
This professional-grade suitcase shines with its comprehensive organizational features, making it ideal for business travelers who need everything in its place.
And it’s one of the best carry on bags with laptop pocket becaust it has got a padded laptop and a tablet sleeve to protect your valuables from bumps and knocks. Plus, it means you don’t have to carry around a separate bag for your laptop – hallelujah! But that’s not all.
The interior features a garment bag for suits or dresses (handy for business trips), accessory pockets, and expansion capability for up to 2 extra inches of space.
What we also love
I also like that this model is particularly suitable for frequent flyers who are hard on their luggage, thanks to its strong nylon fabric, duraguard coating, and reinforced corners that show no signs of wear and tear, after years of use.
And guess what? Customers who have used the bag praise its compact size (measures 21x 14 x 9 inches), which fits most overhead bin spaces, and includes a built-in USB port for device charging.
What we don’t love
While this bag offers the convenience of being expandable, don’t overload it because the bag can become quite bulky when expanded and may end up exceeding the airline’s restrictions on carry-on size. My advice is to avoid overpacking and keep the bag within the allowed size limit.
In my experience, the best carry-on bags with a laptop compartment come with smart features packaged in an attractive design.
With that in mind, I want to highlight the many A+ features of Arlo Skye, such as airline-compliant removable charger, TSA-approved lock, a leather luggage tag, antimicrobial interior lining, 2 shoe bags, a storage cover, and a laundry bag.
The front pocket provides quick access to laptops up to 15″, books, headphones, passport, and other in-flight essentials. In my view, this eliminates the need for an additional carry-on item such as a backpack or laptop bag.
What we also love
After going through customer feedback, it appears that the impact-resistant polycarbonate exterior, tamper-proof zippers, and the silent spinner wheels of this luggage are loved by people for the high quality and durability.
The 47L carry-on is available in five vibrant colors, and from what I have observed, they are not very common. Therefore, you’ll have no trouble standing out with your unique carry-on with a laptop pocket.
What we don’t love
In my view, the cost of the Arlo Skpe Carry-On Max is a disadvantage, particularly considering that competing brands like Away and Monos, which have greater brand recognition and offer similar carry-on luggage with pockets, are priced more affordably.
Additionally, its hard shell adds some extra weight to the luggage, even when it’s empty.
In comparison to the Monos Carry-On Pro, which weighs 7.8 lbs, and Away’s The Carry-On with Pocket at 7.7 lbs, the Carry-On Max is heavier, weighing in at 8.1 lbs without any items inside. This aspect is crucial to keep in mind when traveling internationally since several foreign airlines have weight restrictions for carry on spinner bags.
Recognized as one of the most durable and well-reviewed options available, the Helium Aero features a front compartment accommodating laptops up to 15.6 inches with convenient front-access design.
In addition, the bag includes two spacious internal main compartments, complete with tie-down straps, zippered dividers, and multiple pockets for efficient organization.
The expandable feature allows extra packing without exceeding weight limits. All in all, this bag is certain to simplify your packing process.
What we also love
The Aero’s lightweight design is augmented by features such as a sturdy grab handle, robust telescopic handle, and multi directional spinner wheels, making it easy to lift and maneuver.
What we don’t love
Several Amazon reviewers who have traveled with this bag have left negative reviews citing issues such as broken handles, damaged wheels, and faulty zippers, so that’s something to keep in mind when handling this bag.
Spirit Kat reported that the handle of the luggage got stuck halfway on their way home from the airport, which they believe is the most important feature for comfortable rolling.
On the other hand, Elaina Jackson mentioned that the zipper of the luggage kept coming undone, even though their suitcases were not overpacked and had plenty of room for their belongings.
This is not one of those flimsy, carry-on suitcases with some afterthought pockets that you find on some bags. No, no, no. The laptop pocket on the exterior of this thing is serious business. It’s padded, easy to open, and can hold laptops up to 15.6 inches!
And the interior is just as impressive. It has a spacious main compartment with two zipper pockets and compression straps to keep your clothes and belongings in place. And just like the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-on which has held up well during my many travels, the Pro suitcase is also finely crafted with aerospace-grade Bayer Makrolon material that is water-resistant, lightweight, and incredibly sturdy.
What we also love
My other favorite thing about this bag is how sleek and stylish it looks. This isn’t some boring old bag that you’ll be embarrassed to be seen with.
And like the rest of the best carry-on luggage with padded laptop sleeves on this list, this one is suitable for most aircraft overhead bins with a dimension of 14.5” x 9.3” x 21.6” (measurement includes the wheels).
What we don’t love
The pristine appearance of this suitcase may not last very long, as some people have reported that the smooth shell is prone to scratching.
Unfortunately, this is something I also noticed with my Level8 suitcase, and there don’t seem to be any measures in place to mitigate the visibility of these scratches.
Related: See my review of Level8 suitcases!
We’ll now discuss backpacks that have protected compartments or sleeves for transporting laptops.
This 31L bag not only won me over with its affordable price but also has impressive organizational features, which are worth boasting about.
For example, it fits a whopping 17″ laptop and tablet and is padded to safeguard your precious tech gadgets from any nasty knocks or falls, even if you happen to drop the bag in a rush.
And here’s the icing on the cake – the SmartScan laptop and tablet compartment lay flat for easy TSA screening.
According to the company’s website, the bag measures 18.5 x 13.25 x 9 inches, but I found that its actual luggage dimensions are 21 x 15.5 x 6 inches. Despite this, the bag is still compact enough to function as carry-on luggage stowed in the overhead bin.
What we also love
This backpack has amassed a whopping 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon! That’s people all over the world who have put their trust in this backpack for their travels, and it has not let them down.
And for carrying comfort, it has contoured padded shoulder straps that can easily be adjusted to suit your frame and a heavily-padded airflow back panel for excellent ventilation and ergonomic support for those long hours of wear.
What we don’t love
I have a concern about the 1900 backpack as it lacks a chest strap that provides additional support. This becomes problematic when carrying heavy loads as it can strain your back when the backpack is filled.
The Outbreaker is one of the few backpacks I’ve found that meets all of my requirements for long-term and digital nomad travel.
That said, it could be argued that the Travel Backpack from Tortuga is the improved (or better) version of the Outbreaker. It weighs less, only 2kg, and comes in smaller sizes of 40L and 30L, to comply with the increasingly strict carry-on size limits both domestically in the US and internationally.
And if you’re wondering why I think this is one of the best carry on with laptop pocket, the fleece-lined and padded sleeve fits a 17 inches laptop is located at the back of the bag, close to your body for the best weight distribution.
Plus, with 30 liters of space and convenient pockets, this bag is said to be able to hold enough clothes and all of your other essentials like toiletries, water bottles, a key clip, and more for a 2-5 trip.
What we also love
This pack comes with a hip belt and an adjustable harness system for carrying heavy loads or traveling long distances.
Moreover, the contoured back panel, load lifters, (removable) sternum straps, and padded straps all contribute to comfortable wear.
Unlike its predecessor, this bag is less boxy, which is a feature that always bothered me. And it is made with 100% recycled and water-resistant fabric that is both lightweight and exceptionally durable.
What we don’t love
To begin with, it is relatively expensive and tailored toward regular travelers. Therefore, it may not be suitable for other purposes such as daily commutes or hiking due to its size.
Furthermore, a few users have pointed out that the water bottle pocket becomes useless when the bag is at full capacity and that there are numerous straps, which can be distracting, especially when traveling on trains or buses.
The Atlas is comfortable and practical, with multiple compartments (4 of em) and lots of pockets for efficient organization, all handy features to have in the best carry-on bags with laptop pocket.
The dedicated laptop compartment which fits a 17.3-inch laptop and tablet, opens up to 180 degrees, allowing for easy and convenient security checks.
What we also love
I really appreciate how the Atlas backpack’s five-point ergonomic strap system and padded back panel distribute weight evenly to prevent fatigue, while the strap management system keeps straps tidy and secure.
And with its moderate 32L size, I believe the pack is easy to maneuver in crowded places, such as airports, trains, and buses, without encroaching on the personal space of other passengers.
What we don’t love
As much as I like the Atlas, the pack is already quite heavy at 4 lbs when empty, and it can get even heavy when fully packed, and the water bottle pockets are a tight fit for larger bottles. But if you need a solid luggage for laptop, this one won’t let you down.
While it may not bear a designer label or have the most striking style, I can confidently say that the Matein pack is a reliable workhorse. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and has garnered similar praise from over 68,000 other users.
I promise it’s really easy to stay organized with this 34L bag. It comes equipped with a tech compartment that has ample pockets and padding to safeguard your smartphone, tablet, and even a 15.6-inch laptop during transportation.
What we also love
Measuring 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches, and weighing slightly over 1.5 pounds, this backpack is relatively compact. It’s perfect not only as a carry-on but also as an everyday commuter bag.
Equally important, the bag ensures comfortable carrying with excellent weight distribution. Its ventilation back design promotes airflow, and the shoulder straps are padded for back support.
What we don’t love
Remember that this budget-friendly bag is not the strongest piece of carry-on luggage with a laptop compartment, and if you use it frequently, it is unlikely to last more than a few years.
That said, if you’re just looking for something affordable, and practical, you can’t go wrong with the Matein backpack.
Herschel is renowned not only for creating excellent school backpacks but also for their travel backpacks.
Among them, the Travel Backpack is my personal favorite due to its spacious interior, contemporary design, and exceptional safeguarding for your laptop and other electronic gadgets.
The laptop sleeve is well-cushioned and lined with fleece to safeguard any 16″ laptop from scratches and provide gentle cushioning. Even if your backpack experiences a fall or an accidental drop, your laptop should stay unscathed.
What we also love
The back panel is thoughtfully designed with ample padding and ventilation, ensuring comfortable wear, even on long treks. And if that weren’t enough, there’s a handy luggage strap on the back that lets you attach the backpack to the top of your suitcase.
What we don’t love
After a thorough examination, the only downside I could spot in the Travel Backpack is the lack of a hip belt or sternum strap. In my opinion, these features are particularly useful for a 30L backpack like this, which can quickly become weighty when packed to the brim.
Below, I have reviewed underseater, weekender, and duffel bags that come with laptop pockets.
I am impressed by the many unexpected features of Samsonite’s Spinner Underseater. It weighs just 2.5kg, fits under the seat of most airlines, and is made to last because, well, it’s Samsonite and they don’t scrimp on quality.
This laptop friendly bag may seem small, but don’t be fooled by its size.
An Amazon customer was able to fit a week’s worth of clothing, two pairs of shoes, toiletries, and small items such as headphones, a deck of cards, and a charger in this bag. And even if you do not adhere strictly to minimalist packing, I still think you can get away with packing for a 3-4-day trip, and even more.
What we also love
The Samsonite underseat carry-on luggage with laptop compartment is perfect for both business and leisure trips, which is why I love it. It even comes with a built-in USB port, so you can conveniently charge your phone or other devices while on the move ((power bank is not included).
What we don’t love
Users of the Underseater have pointed out some downsides of the bag. These include the absence of a TSA lock and the laptop sleeve’s inability to accommodate laptops larger than 13 inches.
Furthermore, several users have complained about the quality of the zippers and handle, which can be wobbly and unreliable. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for modern, high-quality carry-ons, this is still an excellent choice.
The July’s Carry All Weekender is a chameleon—perfect for work, flights, or weekend getaways.
The bag is designed with multiple compartments including a padded 16-inch laptop pocket secured with a press stud tab, a front access zip pocket, and a concealed external pocket.
And with a generous 22L capacity, the bag’s interior is roomy enough to accommodate clothing, toiletries, a laptop, a phone charger, and other personal items needed for a short overnight trip.
What we also love
In terms of style, I am enamored with the bag’s sophisticated design, muted color palette, and leather accents on the zippers and handles. It is undoubtedly one of the most refined and stylish carry-on bags with laptop compartment.
Moreover, the bag exudes professionalism, making it easy to shift from a work-related journey to a weekend getaway.
What we don’t love
This bag comes with a considerable price tag, and many of the negative reviews revolve around its limited capacity to hold more items. For instance, one person remarked, “Great quality…however just a whole lot smaller than I would ever expect from a weekender”.
This best cabin luggage with laptop compartment functions as diaper bag, travel bag, or work bag with impressive 49-liter capacity providing ample space for extended trips.
Plus the padded laptop slot can accommodate devices up to 13″ and 15″. And the bottom compartment separates shoes, toiletries, and other items for better organization.
What we also love
Another feature I like is the zipper pocket located on the back, which doubles as a trolley sleeve! This makes it easy to attach the bag to the handle of your luggage for effortless travel.
Also, you can carry it in two ways: either over one shoulder using the handle straps or tote-style- the choice is yours!
What we don’t love
The Beis Weekender bag can get too big and heavy when packed to full capacity and I have found that it can be too large to be a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you when flying on an airplane.
This 23L duffel maintains simplicity and class with streamlined design suitable for office, gym, co-working spaces, or weekend getaways.
Interior side pockets secure umbrellas and water bottles, while the exterior pocket provides additional storage. Of course, the 15″ padded laptop compartment ensures device protection.
Moreover, this duffel bag comes with a pass-through sleeve that doubles as an additional pocket when not in use. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate extra pockets?
What we also love
This bag is offered in two versions: one made of water-repellent nylon twill with vegan leather accents, and another made entirely of vegan leather. The vegan leather model is crafted from ethically sourced ultra-microfiber material, making it one of the best eco-friendly carry-on bags with a laptop sleeve available.
What we don’t love
Some people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the bag’s narrow top opening, which limits the amount of space available for packing.
They suggest that if the zipper extended further down the sides, similar to the full wraparound zip opening of the Everywhere Bag, the bag’s space could be better utilized.
The 18-liter Landon Carryall features extensive organizational elements including 13-inch laptop sleeve, adjustable key leash, water bottle pocket, and removable mesh shoe bag.
You can carry the best travel bag with laptop compartment in whichever way is most comfortable for you, either by hand using the sturdy grab handle, or on your shoulder using the detachable shoulder strap.
What we also love
Dagne Dover is a company that designs stylish bags using eco-friendly materials, and the Landon Carryall is no different.
It’s crafted from the brand’s signature water-resistant Neoprene material, featuring a recycled reprieve lining made from recycled plastic bottles. By choosing the Landon Carryall, you can do your part in preserving the environment while still looking stylish for years to come!
What we don’t love
Many people have complained about the Dagne Dover Carryall staining easily. If you’re concerned about having to deal with stained or scuffed fabric frequently, I recommend opting for a darker shade of the bag.
Other than that, the bag seems to be of good quality and has a lot of compartments for organization.
How to choose the best carry-on bag with laptop pocket
When shopping for a luggage, I especially pay attention to the quality, features, and what reviews say about a bag.
That’s why in this section, I will discuss the important factors that can help you shape your decision-making when you want to buy a carry on bag with laptop pocket.
Choose the right type of luggage (suitcase, backpack or weekender)
When it comes to selecting the best carry on laptop bag, you have to choose the type that meets your travel needs.
And that’s precisely why I’ve narrowed it down to the three most popular carry-ons: suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags (including rolling underseaters and totes). So, which one’s the perfect match for you?
Suitcases are the way to go if you prefer to travel light with just one bag.
They’re roomy, well-organized, and can fit all your essentials without breaking your back. Plus, you don’t have to worry about checked baggage fees or schlepping heavy bags around the airport. If you plan to walk around a lot with your luggage, a suitcase with sturdy wheels will make your life a lot easier.
If you’re a traveler who values mobility and versatility, backpacks are the perfect option for you.
But if you’re more of a free spirit who likes to explore your destination on foot, a backpack might be more your style. They’re lightweight, versatile, and leave your hands free for other tasks. You can easily navigate through crowds, stairs, and uneven terrain, making them a great option for city breaks or outdoor adventures.
For those who want to balance functionality and fashion, weekender bags are the way to go.
They’re perfect for short trips, business travel, or weekend getaways. These bags are lightweight, easy to carry, and can fit all your travel essentials, including your laptop. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, so you can choose one that matches your taste.
Laptop size & protection
Your laptop must have a snug fit in the allocated compartment to avoid dents and scratches.
It’s easier to find luggage that fits smaller laptops, but if you have a larger device like a 17-inch laptop, you need to pay attention to the dimensions of the main compartment.
Check that the actual measurements of the laptop compartment will fit your laptop model. For instance, a bag that fits a 15-inch MacBook Pro may not necessarily fit a 15.6-inch Dell laptop.
Next, let’s discuss laptop protection.
Look for bags with thick foam padding on both sides of the laptop pocket and extra cushioning at the bottom to safeguard your device from abrasions, bumps, and drops during travel. Some bags even have separate compartments with extra padding for better protection.
Lastly, check for features like water-resistant fabric, lockable or anti-theft zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, shock-absorbing technology, and more to provide extra protection and security for your laptop and other belonging
What carry-on luggage size should you get?
Obviously, the purpose of using a carry-on bag is to have it with you in the cabin, so it’s essential to choose a bag that meets the airline’s size requirements. The maximum size for a carry-on bag is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
If your bag exceeds this size, you may be forced to check it in, which can be a hassle and may result in additional fees.
Alternatively, your bag could also be a personal item if it’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
FAQs
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item with them on their flight. Personal items can be a laptop bag or handbag. So you can bring a laptop bag along with your main carry-on bag as part of your hand luggage.
But if your laptop bag is too big to fit under the seat as a personal item, it could be considered carry-on luggage that goes in the overhead compartment.
That said, airline regulations regarding carry-on is different so double-check with your airline before your trip.
Most airlines allow a personal item such as a laptop bag to have dimensions of up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and fit easily under the cabin seat in front of you or the overhead locker.
You can have a backpack and a laptop bag as carry-on items when traveling on an airplane. Since most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, your big backpack can be a carry-on, while the laptop bag would be a personal item.
A laptop bag can be counted as either a carry-on or a personal item, depending on the airline’s policy. In most cases, a laptop bag can be brought on board in addition to a carry-on bag as a personal item, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
Use bags with padded compartments, avoid overpacking, consider laptop sleeves for extra protection, and keep devices in carry-on rather than checked luggage.
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Why You Should Trust Travelccessories
If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on travel accessories, you can count on Travelccessories. Femi, an expert in travel gear, and our team have put together a comprehensive review that draws on our hands-on testing, extensive research on reputable brands, careful examination of product manuals and customer feedback, and evaluation of numerous luggage models.
We specifically looked for bags with robust construction, exceptional features, and high ratings from real users. And most importantly, our team consists of experts who do not accept payment for reviews and are committed to providing honest and thorough information to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right luggage.
Also, this article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
