The best rolling laptop bags should have a durable build, plenty of internal storage space, and be comfortable to carry. Rolling bags are particularly handy for commuters and frequent travelers because their wheels allow you to pull them through an airport or train station without carrying something heavy. Spinners are a type of rolling bag where all four wheels can spin in any direction, rather than two-wheel bags that can only go in one direction.
If you don’t want wheels on your laptop bag, then you may want to take a look at our list of the best laptop backpacks. They tend to have less rigid interiors, allowing you to fit more inside. For all others, read on to see our full overview of the best rolling laptop bags below.
The Solo Bryant 17.3-inch rolling laptop case is ideal for travelers who appreciate both room and value. The hidden push-button telescoping handle system is complemented by padded handles when the wheels aren’t ideal for moving up and down the galley way of an aircraft. The wheels are compact and durable and are seamlessly integrated into the case of the bag, so you can bank on a smooth glide without adding additional bulk.
Best Overall
Solo New York Bryant Rolling Case
Fits most laptops
Long warranty period
Good value
Zippers aren’t lockable
Handle is too tall for short people
No secure compartment for small devices
The polyester body feels both durable and long-lasting, measuring 14.75H x 17L x 8.75W inches (read: it’s appropriately sized for sitting underneath an airplane seat). The padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop, while the front zippered pocket and organizer section allow for a bevy of papers, books, pens and other travel knickknacks.
Dimensions: 14.75x17x8.75 inches | Weight: 1 pound | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment
“It combines space, sturdiness, and organizational features to make an incredibly practical travel bag.” — Hayley Prokos, Product Tester
Manufactured out of high quality ballistic nylon with Duraguard coating, the Travelpro Executive Choice 17-inch laptop bag is well worth the price of admission. The patented power scoping extension handle works to minimize any wobbling while in use. Also working to maximize durability are the high-performance, sealed ball-bearing inline skate wheels that guarantee a smooth roll. Another major benefit is the inclusion of an exterior USB port that connects to a separately purchased power bank which is held via a dedicated interior pocket (the cord will be able to run to the outside of the bag). The 7.5-pound bag also has RFID protection, which helps secure credit cards and passports against identity theft.
Best Splurge
Travelpro Executive Choice 2 Wheeled Brief
Multifunctional
Lockable zippers and RFID blocking
Robust construction
Lifetime warranty
Bulky
Expensive
Telescoping handle is hard to adjust
Only fits up to 15-inch laptop
Dimensions: 17.0x9.0x13.5 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating
“One of our favorite features was the external USB charging port, which you can connect to your own external battery.” — Hayley Prokos, Product Tester
Best Budget
Uncomplicated design
Built-in compartments for multifunctionality
Great value
Lightweight
No lockable zippers or other security features
The dedicated laptop compartment can store up to 17-inch devices, although it’s a tight fit (laptops 15.6 inches and smaller are recommended for complete protection). Once inside the laptop compartment, a velcro strap adds an extra layer of security to prevent the laptop from moving during transit.
Dimensions: 16.5x14.5x7.5 inches | Weight: 5.1 pound | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment
“The telescoping handle has a push-button lock for secure movement as you roll in and out of airports.” — Hayley Prokos, Product Tester
If you don’t like the look and feel of a rolling briefcase, the High Sierra rolling laptop backpack might be a better choice. The well-regarded brand offers a durable and tough fabric that can comfortably fit 15-inch laptops (High Sierra says it will also fit 17-inch models, but it’s probably a tight squeeze). The 20.5 x 13.5 x 8-inch bag has high-durability wheels for smooth rolling and has the superb ability to remain upright no matter how you package the interior. The large main compartment holds everything from books and papers and even has enough storage for overnight clothing.
Best Backpack
High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack
Padded zone to keep laptop safe
Extremely durable material
Flexible shape
Sturdy telescoping handle
Waterproof
Can’t fit a 17-inch laptop
Key fob location impractical
The built-in media pocket adds a headphone port, so you can have an audio device or smartphone stowed inside the bag and still be able to listen to music via a corded headphone. The hideaway telescoping handle securely locks when pulled out and is just as easily tucked away when not in use. In the event you want to go full-on backpack mode, the padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry just in case you’re running to catch your flight.
Dimensions: 20.5x13.5x8.0 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment
“The bag holds everything from books and paperwork for the office to clothing and toiletries for an overnight trip.” — Hayley Prokos, Product Tester
Made of espresso-colored Colombian leather, the Solo Walker rolling laptop case is a beautifully designed bag. Offering both front and rear pockets, the 15.2 x 10.4 x 1.7-inch padded laptop compartment protects models up to 15.6 inches. The full-grain leather body offers a telescoping padded handle system that easy locks back into the bag when not in use. Weighing just 6.3 pounds, the 17 x 13 x 7-inch bag is compact enough to easily fit in overhead compartments or stow underneath a seat on either an airplane or a train. The main compartment offers a zip-down organizer for dividing files, as well as other materials such as notebooks, pens and business cards. An added bonus: It’s backed by a five-year warranty.
Best Design
Solo New York Walker
Attractive design
Padded laptop compartment
Compact to fit in overhead or under seats
Has internal dividers
Can’t fit 17-inch laptops
Dimensions: 17x13.4x7 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment
The Samsonite Spinner Mobile Office is a wheeled laptop briefcase designed for the commuting office worker. It has four wheels, giving it a full range of movement, along with some stylish touches so it blends into a professional setting. The entire bag is made of durable 1680D ballistic fabric with EVA foam backing. The main compartment where the laptop is stored is padded, and there are additional accessory compartments to handle cables, phones, pens, notebooks, and anything else you may need to carry with you. A nice touch is the retractable, push-button locking handle that makes it easy to wheel the Samsonite Spinner through the airport.
Best High-End
Samsonite Spinner Mobile Office Wheeled Laptop Briefcase
Four wheels for full range of motion
Durable build material
Padded laptop pockets
Sturdy handle
Expensive
Dimensions: 17x14x7 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment
About Our Trusted Experts
David Beren has over 10 years of experience writing about tech and founded his own tech news website. He specializes in mobile devices and accessories.
Hayley Prokos has been writing for Lifewire since 2019, specializing in travel-friendly consumer tech, health, and accessories.
What to Look for in a Rolling Laptop Bag
Storage
How big is your laptop? And how much stuff do you need to carry with you? This is a major concern when it comes to buying a rolling laptop bag. After all, if you have a 17-inch laptop, but the bag you want only holds a 13-inch, that’s a problem. Or if you need room to carry a large assortment of cords and devices, but the bag itself is too slim, that’s not going to work. Figure out what you need to carry and pick a bag that fits the bill. Many of the rolling bags also come with numerous pockets, both external and internal mesh pockets, letting you carry a range of accessories in addition to your laptop.
Durability
When it comes to laptop bags, you can find one made out of all kinds of different materials. The question is, what will you be using the bag for? If this is mostly a business travel bag you’ll be taking with you to meetings, leather might be a good option. However, if durability matters more than style, the nylon or polyester varieties might be the way to go. Most rolling laptop bags won’t have a rating like MIL-STD 810G, but it’s still possible to determine if a bag is drop-resistant by looking at corner protection. A hard exterior and padded interior is particularly good for absorbing shocks. Waterproofing is harder to find and you’re unlikely to get an IP rating, but water-resistant material isn’t uncommon.
Comfort
It may seem like a rolling laptop bag doesn’t need to have additional straps for carrying, but you’d be surprised at how often these can come in handy. An additional strap could help take the strain off your arms or make it easier to navigate a crowded airport. You should also consider if you need a handle on top, or straps to attach it to the handle of a larger rolling bag. Do you want to be able to carry it messenger or backpack-style if necessary? These are important things to think about before purchasing a rolling laptop bag. A TSA-certified bag can also make it easier to get through checkpoints and airport security with minimal hassle.
If you’re concerned about the safety of your laptop, you want to make sure to get a heavily padded or hard-shelled bag. Those will offer better protection to your laptop and other devices. Also, make sure your laptop is secured in the padded pocket. For additional peace of mind, some rolling laptop bags are also resistant to water and shock.
