7 Best Work Totes, Tested by Style Editors

ProsTwo exterior pockets add storage to this bag Designed with pockets for a water bottle and laptopLays flat when placed on a surfaceConsNo metal feet at the bottom of the purse From work to travel, the Apryl Laptop Tote Bag is the best overall work tote for its smart compartment placement, durability, and comfy straps. Even better: At $50, it’s budget-friendly, too. When our tester first ordered this bag, they didn’t have high expectations for it because of the affordable price point, but it quickly became the best tote they tested.Our tester is obsessed with the bag’s comfort, which makes it easy to hold and tote. Made of faux leather, the bag has structured but flexible straps that don’t dig into your shoulders or hands, no matter how long you hold the bag. Inside the bag, you’ll find a padded laptop pocket that closes with Velcro to keep your device secure. There are also six additional smaller compartments inside (all cotton-lined), including a water bottle holder that’s also padded.One thing I particularly love about this bag is that it’s also designed with two exterior compartments, one on each side of the bag, that each close with magnetic buttons. "I found these useful for throwing keys, and other items I don’t necessarily need throughout the day, like an emergency Tylenol," our tester says.When you put the bag down, it lies flat, which makes it really easy to reach inside and find specific items. However, the bag doesn’t have studs at the bottom, so it does touch whatever you place it on. While the red color our tester received can hide stains or dirt fairly well, another color option, like the beige choice, may not.Read More: Best Travel Backpacks MaterialPU leatherDimensions15.4" x 11.8" x 5.9"Compartments2 exterior compartments, 5 interior pockets, laptop pocket, water bottle pocketMax. Laptop Size15.6"ClosureZipperProsLaptop pocket is lined with suedeDesigned to feel like you have two purses in oneItalian leather gives purse a high-end feel ConsStraps may be too thin for someI tested Quince’s Leather Shopper Tote, and it has quickly become my go-to work bag. While most bags on this list have a laptop pocket, this work tote has the best one. Its laptop compartment is lined in soft suede, which protects your device against scratches. I also like to throw my sunglasses in there, since I’m pretty bad about carrying their case, but I’m always afraid the keys in my bag will rough them up. What I love about this zippered laptop holder, which sits in the center of the purse, is that it also serves as the bag’s divider, essentially dividing the bag into two separate compartments. It’s almost like you have two purses.I like using one side to store my work essentials, like my planner or other important documents, and the other for extras, like my makeup, hand cream, and, on rarer occasions, even a pair of shoes. Each side also has smaller compartments to increase your organization options: One side has two smaller compartments, while the other has just one. I do wish at least one of these compartments was zippered to keep small items, like my wallet, more secure during crowded commutes, but I just throw it in the same pocket as my laptop, and that works for me.I also like that this bag is structured and more on the rigid side because it gives the bag a just-purchased feel, while giving me a more put-together look. I find that the straps are a little too thin, though, which, as a chronic overpacker, makes me worry about how much of a load the bag can really handle. I’ve had experiences where I’ve hung bags with thin straps onto hooks (like those inside a bathroom stall) only to have a strap detach from the bag, and it’s not the best experience. So while I do use some work totes for short weekend trips, this is one I would likely leave behind.Still, it’s the perfect bag for professional settings or errand-running on weekends. Its price point of $150 is also exceptional for a bag made from real leather. Other options, like the Cuyana bag in this guide, are much more pricey.Read More: Quince Italian Leather Tote ReviewMaterialItalian leatherDimensions12" x 17.5" x 5.5"CompartmentsSuede-lined laptop pocket, two big interior compartments, three smaller compartmentsMax. Laptop Size13"ClosureOpenAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPadded compartment for your laptopBag can appear smaller when not stuffedooks much more expensive than it isConsGold accents may fade over time Amazon has a boatload of bags that look pricier than they are, and, at $35, this work tote is just that. It’s designed with a crocodile pattern that gives the bag a stylish touch and high-end feel, which is what originally drew me to it, but it’s also one of the best-rated tote bags on the site. Like our best overall bag, it’s made with a padded laptop pocket that closes with a small Velcro strap, but there’s also a zipper compartment in the middle that’s big enough to store a laptop.Inside the bag, you’ll find two small mesh pockets on the narrower sides, perfect for storing small valuables, pens, or travel makeup essentials. “On days I wore a watch to the office, I would take it off and store it in one of those pockets until it was time to leave (I find it hard to type and wear a link-chain watch at the same time because of the friction between my hand and the desk),” one tester says. “I also used those pockets to store cough drops, lip gloss, and other trinkets I didn’t want to get lost in the abyss of my work tote.”There’s a smaller zippered pocket inside of the purse, which I appreciate for storing items you want to keep secure, like cash, plus two other smaller compartments for a phone, wallet, or other mid-sized items. For perspective, you could probably fit a bottle of perfume in each of them.I also appreciate this bag’s versatility. It’s designed like an accordion, meaning it widens when stuffed to the brim, but appears narrower when it’s not packing a heavy load. The purse also comes with an additional strap, so you can detach the tote’s carrying handles and use it as a crossbody bag if that’s your preference.Our tester’s only concern with this bag is that the gold accents on the straps may fade over time, which may make the bag unsightly. However, they have used it for over a month, including on rainy days, and have had no issues yet.Read More: Best Everyday TotesMaterialPolyesterDimensions16." x 5.5" x 12.2"CompartmentsPadded laptop pocket, two small mesh pockets, small zippered pocket, four large compartments, two smaller compartmentsMax. Laptop Size15.6"ClosureZipperProsLeather gives the bag a durable and high-end feelCan customize compartment setupMaterial offers more give than other bags ConsYou have to pay more for organizational accessoriesThere’s just something about real leather that feels so luxe. That’s one of the reasons this leather tote from Cuyana is worth the splurge. The material feels soft and has proven to be durable, despite how much our tester stuffed this bag or threw it on the ground after a long day.The bag features only one big compartment, which may be a con for some. (There is a smaller pocket inside—about twice the size of an iPhone plus—but nothing else besides that.) If you prefer a little more organization, you can buy accessories that attach to the inside of the bag using button clasps. These include zippered pockets of different sizes and a laptop compartment. “Though I don’t love having to pay more for these accessories, I do like that these make the bag’s design totally customizable,” our tester says.Our tester used the bag without organizational pockets and was impressed at how much it could hold. “I’ve thrown a laptop, a pair of shoes, extra clothes, and my toiletry bag in there easily,” they say. “While I wouldn’t call this bag stretchy, its material is less structured, offering a little more give than other bags on this list.”They particularly liked that the straps are built into the bag, instead of sewn onto it. “This gives me extra reassurance that this purse won’t fall apart on me when I’m on the go,” they say. “The straps are also pretty wide and flexible, so they feel very comfy on my shoulders, no matter how heavy the bag is.” It is a little tougher to wear this tote on your shoulder when wearing a thick, puffy coat, but it just takes a little more effort to throw on than some of the other bags on this list.MaterialLeatherDimensions11" x 19" x 5.5"CompartmentsOne medium compartmentMax. Laptop Size16"ClosureButton clasps, but if you attach accessories it stays openAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsClassic, chic design Roomy interior compartmentZipper closure and two interior pocketsConsExpensive for nylonDoesn’t offer much structure or organizationThe Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is a cult-classic bag that you’ve probably noticed someone else carrying on your commute before. The large nylon tote with leather trim comes from a luxury French brand, which explains the $165 price tag.While it doesn’t offer a lot of internal organization—just two pockets—the large internal compartment is great for those who need to stash bulkier items, like an extra pair of shoes.Plus, the water-resistant nylon exterior is flexible and durable, so you don’t have to worry about the elements as much as with an all-leather bag.With the Le Pliage Tote, you’re paying for the Longchamp name and classic design, but you could definitely do worse than a bag as durable and functional as this one.Features at a GlanceMaterialNylon with leather handlesDimensions12.25" x 11.75" x 7.5"CompartmentsLarge compartment with two interior pocketsMax. Laptop Size13"ClosureZipper and snapProsSleek vegan leather design in six colorsZipper closure and dedicated spots for a laptop and water bottleCompartments make it great for travel and workConsLaptop sleeve runs along the side and isn’t paddedOn the expensive side for vegan leatherFrom one of our favorite luggage brands, the Monos Metro Tote is perfect for someone who travels frequently for work or fun. The vegan leather design is simple, yet stylish, and it comes in six colors to coordinate with your luggage set.While it’s priced at nearly $250, the bag boasts the most extensive organization I’ve seen in a work tote, including a laptop compartment, water bottle holder, and handy exterior pocket for quickly stashing items during airport security. And the zipper closure ensures that all of your belongings will stay secure, whether commuting or jet-setting.Features at a GlanceMaterialVegan leatherDimensions15.2" x 12" x 7.2"CompartmentsLaptop slot, water bottle holder, two interior pockets, and one exterior pocketMax. Laptop Size14"ClosureZipperAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHas a thick, quilted, adjustable strapIs machine-washableReasonably priced and comes in a variety of colors and pattern optionsConsSmaller capacity than other work totesYou may know Baggu for its reusable grocery totes, but the brand also makes durable purses and work totes in its signature slouchy, patterned nylon style. This shoulder bag is for someone who packs light and just needs a versatile, casual bag to carry a laptop and a few extra items.The Baggu Shoulder Bag is a workhorse with a thick, adjustable strap, zipper closure, and a spot to attach your keys. The tote is completely machine washable, which is an anomaly among work bags. However, the bag’s main compartment is narrow with space for a 14-inch laptop and a slim notebook or two.At $54, it’s a great everyday bag and comes in a fun variety of colors and patterns, including leopard and gingham, for someone who wants to show a little personality at work.Features at a GlanceMaterialNylonDimensions10.5" x 14" x 4"CompartmentsOne narrow compartment and a small zippered pocketMax. Laptop Size14"ClosureZipperGrace Cooper is a writer who reviews sleep, wellness, and kitchen products. Her work has appeared in Gear Patrol, Apartment Therapy, Food & Wine, CNET, Wellworthy, and more publications. She loves finding innovations that make everyday life a little bit easier, whether getting a good night's sleep or making the best chocolate chip cookies.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.