Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
A laptop bag is one of the most used items in any professional or student's daily carry — and the wrong one can ruin a commute or a work trip. In the UK, the 15.6-inch laptop is still the dominant screen size, so most bags in this guide are sized to fit that. The best laptop bags balance protection (padded sleeves, water-resistant exteriors), organisation (dedicated pockets for cables, chargers, and phones), and comfort (breathable back panels, padded shoulder straps). USB charging ports have become a standard feature even at budget price points, making them a baseline rather than a premium upgrade. We've compared six backpack-style laptop bags currently available on Amazon UK, looking for value, build quality, and the features that matter most for UK commuters and travellers.
Buying guide
What to look for in Laptop Bags
1For most UK commuters, a backpack-style laptop bag is more practical than a briefcase — public transport and cycling make two-shoulder carrying more comfortable than one-sided briefcases.
2Water-resistant fabric is essential in the UK. Look for polyester or nylon exteriors rather than canvas, which absorbs rain quickly and takes a long time to dry.
3Anti-theft features — hidden back pockets, lockable zippers — are worth prioritising in busy UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham where bag theft is a real concern.
4A luggage sleeve (the strap on the back that slides over suitcase handles) is valuable if you travel for work. It means your laptop bag doesn't have to be held separately when wheeling a suitcase.
5USB charging ports require you to provide your own power bank inside the bag — the bag itself has no battery. Make sure the internal cable routing is accessible and the port isn't blocked by other compartments.
Our process
How we choose our picks
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
USB charging port, anti-theft lock, 9 interior pockets
USB charging port, waterproof nylon, gold zippers
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USB charging port, thickened back panel, luggage strap
Dimensions
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45 x 30 x 19.8 cm
50 x 14 x 30 cm
43 x 32 x 20 cm
45 x 19 x 30 cm
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Compartments
3 (laptop, main, front organiser)
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5 compartments + 2 side pockets
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The rankings
The best Laptop Bags, ranked
1
Kono
Top Pick
Kono 15.6 Inch Laptop Backpack with Anti-Theft & Mesh Back
The Kono anti-theft backpack is the most well-rounded laptop bag in this guide. Its hidden back pocket, ventilated mesh panel, and practical three-compartment layout make it the top choice for UK commuters who want security and comfort without paying premium prices.
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6 inches
Compartments
3 (laptop, main, front organiser)
Features
Anti-theft back pocket, breathable mesh back, glasses hook on strap
What we like
+Tri-compartment layout keeps laptop, daily items, and organiser fully separate
+Hidden anti-theft zipper pocket against the back panel deters pickpockets
+Breathable mesh back panel reduces heat and sweating on commutes
Worth noting
–At £25.99 it's mid-range — not the cheapest option available
–No USB charging port unlike some cheaper competitors
MATEIN's laptop backpack is the organisational powerhouse of this group. With 15+ pockets, a luggage strap, and solid anti-theft design, it's the best choice for business travellers and commuters who carry a lot of kit and need to find things quickly.
The Kono with USB port is the pick for commuters who prioritise charging on the go and want a physical lock for security. At £18.98 it delivers genuine anti-theft features and a USB port at a budget price — impressive value for the specification.
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6 inches
Dimensions
50 x 14 x 30 cm
Features
USB charging port, anti-theft lock, 9 interior pockets
What we like
+Anti-theft lock secures individual pockets — unusual feature at this price
+USB charging port with internal routing cable included
+9 interior pockets for cards, pens, and small accessories
Worth noting
–Narrower 14cm depth may feel tight with a full pack
–Mesh back adds less ventilation than Kono's premium model
£18.98£35.99−47%Amazon.co.uk price as of 27 Jul, 22:44 (London time). Details
VANKEAN's backpack is the style-conscious choice for UK commuters who want to carry a laptop without looking like they're wearing a school bag. The quilted design, gold zippers, and waterproof nylon make it stand out, while the 5-compartment layout keeps daily essentials well organised.
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6 inches
Dimensions
43 x 32 x 20 cm
Compartments
5 compartments + 2 side pockets
Features
USB charging port, waterproof nylon, gold zippers
What we like
+Fashion-forward quilted design — looks more stylish than typical black rucksacks
+Separate tablet sleeve for up to 12.9-inch iPad alongside laptop compartment
+Waterproof nylon exterior handles UK rain without soaking through
Worth noting
–At £31.95 it's the most expensive bag in this guide
–Aesthetic-focused design may not appeal to all business settings
£31.95Amazon.co.uk price as of 27 Jul, 22:44 (London time). Details
Shavont Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch (3 Compartments, 25L)
The Shavont 3-compartment model is the pick for travellers and students who prioritise lightness above all else. At just 0.69kg it's remarkably light, and the 180-degree opening makes airport security effortless. A straightforward, reliable budget choice.
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6 inches
Capacity
25L
Dimensions
45 x 19 x 30 cm
Weight
0.69 kg
What we like
+Only 0.69kg — one of the lightest 15.6-inch laptop bags available
+Opens 180 degrees flat for easy security screening at airports
+Three-compartment layout at a budget price point
Worth noting
–No USB charging port on this model
–No anti-theft features — open back panel
£17.98£22.99−22%Amazon.co.uk price as of 27 Jul, 22:44 (London time). Details
Shavont Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch (2 Compartments, USB)
The Shavont 2-compartment model with USB port is the budget commuter pick. It covers the basics — charging, back panel support, and luggage strap — at £17.98, making it ideal for students or light commuters who want a reliable, no-frills laptop bag.
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6 inches
Features
USB charging port, thickened back panel, luggage strap
What we like
+USB charging port at an entry-level price point
+Thickened back panel provides extra structure and laptop protection
+Luggage strap for attaching to suitcase handles
Worth noting
–Only 2 compartments — less organised than 3-compartment models
–Less pocket variety than MATEIN or Kono options
£17.98£22.99−22%Amazon.co.uk price as of 27 Jul, 22:44 (London time). Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 27 Jul, 22:44 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
The laptop bag market is flooded with near-identical products from different brand names. In the UK, the key differentiators worth paying attention to are: genuine anti-theft features (not just marketing claims), the quality of the padded laptop sleeve (thick foam vs. thin padding), and the weight of the bag itself. UK commuters, particularly cyclists, should also check whether the bag has a rain cover or fully waterproof construction — water-resistant means splash-proof, not soak-proof. A truly waterproof bag will specify IPX or TPU-coated fabric. For airport use, a 180-degree flat-opening laptop compartment makes security checks significantly faster.
Our Take
UK airline hand luggage limits are stricter than most — always check dimensions against your carrier before buying. The Kono 15.6 Inch Laptop Backpack with Anti-Theft & Mesh Back is our top recommendation — it consistently outperforms alternatives in real-world UK use. If that's out of budget, the Kono Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch with USB Port offers solid performance at a lower price point. The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch is worth considering if you want a step up in build quality or features. Avoid the cheapest unbranded options on Amazon UK — they rarely survive past six months of regular use and UK consumer protection only helps if the seller is still trading.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
