I’m not a huge fan of carrying my laptop, especially if I’m traveling. I find it uncomfortable, to say the least. This is why I believe rolling laptop bags to be the best alternative. They combine functionality with style, providing ample room not just for my beloved laptop but also for documents, accessories, and personal items. In fact, some bags are big enough to replace your entire travel suitcase! But which is the best rolling laptop bag out there?
Continue reading as I review today’s 5 best laptop bags on wheels, as rated by experts. Also, learn what to look for before you buy a rolling laptop bag.
Table Of Contents
- 1 What Is the Best Brand for a Rolling Laptop Bag?
- 2 What to Look for Before You Buy a Rolling Laptop Bag?
- 3 5 Best Best Rolling Laptop Bags – Summary
- 4 5 Best Rolling Laptop Bags – Detailed Reviews
- 5 1. Best Overall Rolling Laptop Bag
- 6 2. Best Value-For-Money Rolling Laptop Bag
- 7 3. Best Women’s Rolling Laptop Bag
- 8 4. Best Rolling Laptop Backpack
- 9 5. Best Office Rolling Laptop Bag
- 10 Best Rolling Laptop Bag: FAQs
- 11 Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- A rolling laptop bag makes it easier to carry your laptop, along with other essentials and personal items.
- Solo, AirTraveler, BAGSMART, ROSECER, and JanSport are popular rolling laptop bag brands.
- Some things to consider while shopping for a rolling laptop bag are the handle quality, wheels, number of compartments, the material it’s made of, etc.
What Is the Best Brand for a Rolling Laptop Bag?
Today, the market is flooded with countless rolling laptop bag models from different brands. Out of these, here’s a detailed comparison of the top five leading manufacturers to help you choose wisely.
Note: The following parameters will vary from model to model.
Brand | Price (Avg.) | Material | Wheels | Compatible Laptop Size | Ideal For |
Solo | $$$ | Colombian leather | Smooth-rolling and bolted | 15.6 inches | Office, travel |
ROSECER | $ | Polyester | Durable & silent | 17.3 inches | Office, travel |
BAGSMART | $ | Polyester | Durable & silent | 17.7 inches | Office, travel |
JanSport | $$ | 600d polyester | Easy moving | 15 inches | School, office, and travel |
AirTraveler | $$ | Nylon | Spinning wheels | 14.1 inches | Office |
Related: Ultimate Review of the Best Smart Luggage in 2023
What to Look for Before You Buy a Rolling Laptop Bag?
Consider these factors before buying a rolling laptop bag for yourself.
Size
Regarding the size of the rolling laptop bag, you must factor in two things. First, the dimensions of your laptop, and second, the other essentials (say, files, accessories, personal items, etc.) you plan to carry along.
Handle
A retractable and perfectly built handle is something you shouldn’t overlook. After all, you’ll need it while commuting through a crowded place like an airport, or a bustling city street. So, check its construction and whether it has screws that are steel-reinforced.
Note: Avoid bags with cheap-quality handles, as I always find them snapping, breaking, or falling apart.
Wheels
Next come the wheels. I prefer them bolted to my laptop bag, as it reduces the odds of them loosening or falling off. Plus, check if the wheels are replaceable, too.
Replacing the entire bag just because its wheels have gone bad doesn’t make sense, right?
Material
Some common materials used for rolling laptop bags include leather (durable & stylish), nylon (lightweight & water-resistant), canvas (sturdy & economical), and polyester (affordable & wrinkle-free). So, you can opt for any of these, depending on your personal preference and budget.
Storage
The best rolling laptop bag should have ample storage space, both for the laptop and other essentials. What I prefer are multiple compartments, pockets, and organizers to keep everything well-organized and easily accessible.
Related: Ultimate Review of the Best Laptop Cooler in 2023
5 Best Best Rolling Laptop Bags – Summary
- Best Overall Rolling Laptop Bag – Solo Walker Leather Rolling Laptop Bag
- Best Value-For-Money Rolling Laptop Bag – ROSECER Rolling Laptop Bag
- Best Women’s Rolling Laptop Bag – BAGSMART Rolling Laptop Bag for Women
- Best Rolling Laptop Backpack – JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack
- Best Office Rolling Laptop Bag – AirTraveler Rolling Laptop Briefcase
5 Best Rolling Laptop Bags – Detailed Reviews
Now, let’s have a look at the detailed reviews of 5 top-quality rolling laptop bags, together with their features, pros, and cons.
1. Best Overall Rolling Laptop Bag
Solo Walker Leather Rolling Laptop Bag
Specifications
- Primary Material: Colombian leather
- Best For: Office, travel
- Dimensions: 13″ x 17″ x 7″
- Available Colors: Tan, Black
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
If you’re a fan of leather laptop bags like me, you can’t go wrong with the Solo Walker Leather Rolling Laptop Bag. Here’s why.
Costing a little over $250, the product is the perfect combination of durability, flexibility, and versatility. One of my pals has been using this rolling laptop bag (after my recommendation) for over three years, and it’s still in fine condition for office and travel purposes. All credit goes to its long-lasting Colombian leather construction.
Quick Fact: Colombian leather is made from the hides of cattle raised in the Colombian Andes, known for their thick, strong skin.
Besides its high-quality construction, the bag’s interior is also thoughtfully designed. This provides adequate space for everything you need on the road. Regarding the laptop compartment, it comes fully padded and measures the standard 15.6 inches. My HP Intel 10th Gen i3-1005G1 laptop fits in nicely, for instance.
There’s also a front zippered compartment. It features an organizer with a hook ‘n loop flap closure mesh pocket for frequently needed items.
Another plus point of the Solo Walker rolling laptop bag is its hidden telescopic handle at the back. I found it very sturdy and well-built, making it easy to lift the bag where rolling along the ground isn’t possible. When not in use, the handle will retract back into a zippered compartment.
As for the wheels, I would rate them 4/5 for two reasons. First, there are only two wheels and second, their bearings are quite average.
Lastly, an all-inclusive 5-year warranty covers this expensive, yet value-for-money leather laptop bag.
Pros
- Retractable handle
- Made from soft yet sturdy leather
- Rolls smoothly and quietly
- Generous storage space
Cons
- Wheel bearings are average
- Just two rolling wheels, instead of four
Check the Solo Walker Leather Rolling Laptop Bag’s latest price on Amazon.
2. Best Value-For-Money Rolling Laptop Bag
ROSECER Rolling Laptop Bag
Specifications
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Best For: Office, travel
- Dimensions: 17.3″ x 9.1″ x 16.5″
- Available Colors: Black
- Weight: 5.95 lbs
For shoppers on a budget, the ROSECER Rolling Laptop Bag is the ideal value-for-money model.
The best thing about the bag is its waterproof polyester fabric. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or if you travel frequently, this rolling laptop bag will protect your laptop (and other items) from water damage. Plus, the material’s strength and flexibility get a 5/5 from me. I just loved it!
Coming to the storage space, the bag is super spacious. There are multiple zippered and non-zippered pockets to store all your belongings, from your 17.3″ laptop to an iPad, wallet, and documents. Everything can be easily accessed, too. In addition, the leftover space can be utilized for other daily essentials for overnight trips, including 2-3 days’ worth of clothing!
Note: The main compartment’s two buckles and hook-and-loop straps are also a great feature we can’t ignore, as they prevent anything from falling out.
For commuting, you can roll the bag on its two high-quality silent wheels. Or just use the hidden shoulder straps if in a crowded place, like any regular laptop backpack. You’ll only need to retract the telescopic handle by using the intuitive push button.
ROSECER has made your business and personal trips more convenient by providing a luggage strap on the back of the laptop bag. This means that you can attach it securely to your travel suitcase.
Pros
- Very spacious with lots of pockets
- Can convert to a laptop backpack
- Professional aesthetics
- Premium quality zippers
Cons
- Isn’t very sturdy
- Quite heavy
Check the ROSECER Rolling Laptop Bag’s latest price on Amazon.
3. Best Women’s Rolling Laptop Bag
BAGSMART Rolling Laptop Bag for Women
Specifications
- Primary Material: Polyester
- Best For: Office, travel
- Dimensions: 17.7″ x 9.3″ x 14.2″
- Available Colors: Black
- Weight: 5.51 lbs
Being a woman, you can’t leave home without carrying your purse, makeup bags, and other essentials. So, the extra-large BAGSMART Rolling Laptop Bag for Women is an ultimate pick.
This 2-in-1 rolling laptop bag looks classy and trendy, due to the all-black textured exterior with golden zippers. The pink interior is also pretty elegant, made from polyester. In addition, the bag doesn’t disappoint, in terms of durability and reliability in the long run.
With regard to storage space, there’s no dearth of pockets and pouches to accommodate your daily essentials.. The main compartment is also huge, capable of holding a 17.3″ wide laptop with the utmost protection.
While the sturdy handle and rubber pulleys work fine to ensure smooth maneuvering for a pleasant travel experience, I wasn’t really impressed with the wheels. So, BAGSMART needs to work on this.
On the security front, the lockable zippers provide reliable protection for your valuables. You also have the option to use third-party safety locks for added security. If you want to buy one, check out this TSA-approved luggage lock.
Pros
- Multiple security features for valuables
- Easy to carry on a flight of stairs
- Rolls nicely without dragging
- TSA-approved
Cons
- Average rolling wheels
- Not very sturdy
Check the BAGSMART Rolling Laptop Bag Women for Women’s latest price on Amazon.
4. Best Rolling Laptop Backpack
JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack
Specifications
- Primary Material: 600d polyester
- Best For: School, office, travel
- Dimensions: 16.7″ x 13″ x 8.5″
- Available Colors: Black, Floral Glitch, Navy, Purple Petals, Space Dust, Russet Red, Daisy Haze
- Weight: NA
Are you a fan of rolling laptop backpacks? If yes, you can’t afford to miss the JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack.
I’ve tried and tested 25+ rolling backpacks for this review guide, but only the Driver 8 by JanSport proved the most value for money to me.
One main reason for this is the tough 100% recycled 600d polyester construction. As a result, the backpack is far more resistant to wear and tear than its competitors.
Although the laptop sleeve isn’t very long at just 15″, its all-around padding compensates well. But I appreciate that there are not one, but two main compartments, a side water bottle pocket, and a front pocket for all your essentials.
Keeping you on the move is the two-wheel system, together with a telescopic handle. There are also tuck-away shoulder straps for an effortless travel experience. Still, I wish the straps were wider to evenly distribute the weight across my shoulders.
Lastly, remember that the JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack isn’t fully waterproof. So, step out in rainy or snowy weather with suitable protection for your laptop and other items.
Pros
- Holds an amazing amount of stuff
- Wide wheels
- It doesn’t fall over while rolling
- Best-in-class strength and durability
Cons
- Narrow shoulder straps
- Noisy wheels
Check the JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack’s latest price on Amazon.
5. Best Office Rolling Laptop Bag
AirTraveler Rolling Laptop Briefcase
Specifications
- Primary Material: Nylon
- Best For: Office, travel
- Dimensions: 16.5″ x 9.1″ x 13.8″
- Available Colors: Black
- Weight: 7 pounds
Last but not least, the AirTraveler Rolling Briefcase Rolling Laptop Bag is an irresistible pick for office goers. Here’s why.
This laptop bag is made of nylon, making it affordable and resistant to creases. It also dries quickly, offers good color retention, and, most importantly, low maintenance. These are some of the reasons I’ve added this AirTraveler rolling laptop bag-cum-briefcase to my list.
Furthermore, the main laptop compartment is elegantly designed and fits 14.1″ laptops (or ultra-thin notebooks) easily. Yes, I agree, this is too small! Nevertheless, the bag makes up for this with its assortment of pockets and pouches. The roomy interior consists of a large zippered organizer that nicely accommodates your other office or travel essentials.
Thanks to its multi-zippered design, you don’t need to worry about where to store small and frequently needed stuff like paper notepads, pens, markers, business cards, sticky notes, and other office essentials.
When it comes to maneuverability, the pair of rolling wheels and adjustable push-button locking upright handle make the briefcase easy to roll, carry, or lift from one location to another. The best part? Both the wheels and handles are bolted and screwed to the bag, respectively.
All these features make the AirTraveler Rolling Briefcase Rolling Laptop Bag a worthy buy!
Pros
- Also fits above the seats on big airplanes
- Ideal for daily use
- Adjustable and retractable handle
- Velcro strap for enhanced stability of your laptop
Cons
- No shoulder straps
- Average zipper quality
Check the AirTraveler Rolling Briefcase Rolling Laptop Bag’s latest price on Amazon.
Related: Best Laptop for Microsoft Office – 4 Options to Consider in 2023
Best Rolling Laptop Bag: FAQs
Q: What Is the Best Way to Carry a Laptop?
A: A rolling bag is the best way to carry a laptop, especially if you’re traveling. It reduces any strain on your back, shoulders, and neck, for a start. In addition, the bag is big enough to accommodate other essentials and personal items.
Q: What Is Better: A Laptop Bag or a Backpack?
A: A laptop bag is often the better choice because it gives you a more professional look. However, if you’re a college student, taking your laptop to a summer retreat, a backpack might be more suitable for this purpose.
Q: How Do I Carry My Laptop for Long Travel?
A: Below are some of my personal tips that would help you carry your laptop for a long trip with proper protection.
- Choose the best rolling laptop bag, as discussed above.
- Store the laptop in its dedicated compartment. I also recommend using an additional laptop sleeve and screen protector for extra safety.
- Keep the USB cables, chargers, and adapters separately.
- Finally, store your laptop in the overhead compartment or under the seat during flights or road trips.
Q: What Is the Best Material for a Laptop Backpack?
A: Although each backpack material has its pros and cons, I prefer and recommend leather. It’s durable, stylish, and all-weather resistant. Still, nylon, canvas, and polyester aren’t bad choices either.
Conclusion
Here you go. I hope this article helped you get the best rolling laptop bag per your requirements.
In today’s dynamic world, you need to be productive on the go! That’s why a rolling laptop bag is of great importance. From sturdy construction to proper organization, these briefcases not only protect your valuable gadgets but also boost your overall work experience. But since no bags are made equal, you should pay special attention to certain factors like the quality of the handle and wheels, in order to make an informed decision.