How to Choose a Briefcase for a Laptop and Tablet
By Travel Style Luggage: Buy Premium Bags & Travel Gear | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a laptop and tablet briefcase, from padded compartments to eco-friendly materials, with practical decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick Answer
Choose a briefcase with dedicated, padded compartments for both your laptop and tablet, plus organization for files and small essentials. Match the size and features to your daily load and travel style.
Why dedicated compartments matter
A briefcase that protects your devices starts with separate, padded sleeves. A laptop compartment that also holds a tablet forces you to choose which device gets the padding, and the other may slide around. Look for a main compartment with a built-in divider or additional tablet pocket so both devices stay cushioned and secure.
Organization also affects how quickly you can get through security or settle into a meeting. Hidden pockets for valuables and a file divider keep your work separate from your tech, reducing the chance of scratches or pressure damage.
Material and sustainability trade-offs
Eco-conscious buyers may want a briefcase made with certified materials. bluesign® certification, for example, indicates that the manufacturing process meets strict environmental and worker-safety standards. This often comes with a higher price, but it supports sustainable production without sacrificing durability or style.
If you prioritize a lower price over eco-certifications, you can still find a functional briefcase. Just be aware that some budget options may use less sustainable materials or lack the same level of craftsmanship.
Decision rules for picking your briefcase
- Check device fit: Measure your laptop and tablet diagonally and compare them to the briefcase's stated capacity. Look for dedicated pockets that match those sizes, and allow a little extra room for cases or chargers. Always verify the maximum device size before buying.
- Prioritize padding and protection: Ensure each device has its own padded compartment or that the main compartment has dividers. Avoid designs where devices share a single unprotected space. If a briefcase lacks a separate tablet pocket, consider whether a padded sleeve can fit inside.
- Evaluate organization for your workflow: Think about what you carry daily: files, chargers, phone, sunglasses. Look for a file divider, hidden pockets, and enough small-item storage to keep everything accessible without digging. List your daily essentials and match them to the briefcase's pockets before buying.
- Consider material and sustainability: If eco-friendliness matters, choose a briefcase with bluesign® certification or similar. If budget is the priority, weigh the trade-off between sustainable materials and price. Certified materials often cost more but support responsible manufacturing.
Briefcases worth considering
- Thule Subterra 2 16'' laptop and tablet attaché: This attaché safely stores your tablet, laptop, and other small essentials for effortless commuting or travel, and is bluesign® certified. You get a secure, padded space for both devices in a bag that meets strict environmental and safety standards, ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
Thule Subterra 2 16'' laptop and tablet attaché - Thule Accent Briefcase 17L: This 17L briefcase has elevated, dedicated pockets for a 17" laptop and an 11" tablet, plus a built-in divider to keep files separate from bulkier items. The dedicated pockets and divider let you carry both devices and paperwork without worrying about damage, making it a strong choice for work commutes.
Thule Accent Briefcase 17L
Who this is for
Best for
- Commuters who need to carry both a laptop and a tablet to work
- Travelers who want a single bag for devices and small essentials
Not for
- Those who only carry a laptop and prefer a lighter, minimal bag
- People needing to carry bulky items like a change of clothes or large files
