The 6 best tote bags of 2025, tested and reviewed by WIRED

Compare the 7 best tote bags

Honorable mentions

Photo: Kat Merck

Peak Design Everyday Tote Bag for $160: The first time I used this bag for my regular bag, at a youth basketball tournament, I was disappointed by dozens of parents who thought it was cooler. “I thought you brought a drink,” one friend said dejectedly. To their credit, this bag actually looks like a cooler with the collapsible top and soft cover made of 400D nylon fabric. Designed for camera gear (but easy to use for any type of gear), it has removable divider cubes that are perfectly sized for lenses and accessories, as well as external straps for tripods. The main opening flips up to open with a magnetic closure, and there are front and back pockets and a laptop section. A detachable crossbody strap is included if you don’t want to carry it by the handles. I appreciate its diversity. Unisex, waterproof, and a great companion to the Peak Design Roller Pro Portable Bag. The only issues I had during my testing period were the fact that it doesn’t open wide, it’s narrow, I didn’t find it easy to get things in and out, and the straps aren’t very comfortable when wearing it as a shoulder bag. —Kat Merck

Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Bag, $298: This lightweight Italian leather bag is a fashionable and practical option for carrying around if you don’t need a lot of space or compartments. It’s large enough to hold a 16-inch laptop as well as a few other essentials. Just like the System Bag, you can personalize it with additional accessories, like a pouch accessory or an adjustable strap that attaches to its D-rings. Additionally, it features a secret top zipper that keeps your items secure, which is great for preventing theft or items falling out. With this work bag, I’m mostly concerned with protecting my electronics inside due to the lack of structure.

Nordstrom Le Pliage for $165: I spent most of my high school and college dodging the noise of Longchamp Le Pliage. But when my mother handed me her beloved Le Pliage bag, I finally had it. This bag is the equivalent of a classic white T-shirt: timeless, versatile, and built to last. This bag is roomy enough to fit all the essentials—laptop, notepad, and snack stash—without feeling bulky. It’s also inspired by origami, so it folds up small when you need to pack it like a suitcase.

Tory Burch Berry Bag, $395: The Perry Tote is one of those designer bags that transcends trends and serves as a modern business bag. Just like Leatherology’s Alex laptop bag range, I wouldn’t use it as a lunch bag, but it’s definitely the kind that radiates quiet authority – and it’s a bag you’ll want to sport when you want to make an impression. Made from pebbled Italian leather, it wears incredibly well over time. The removable logo charm adds a touch of luxury, but I can take it off whenever I want a simpler look. It has a zippered laptop compartment in the middle, as well as three slip pockets to keep your belongings organized.

Courtesy of Comfortable Earth

Comfortable Waxed Canvas Tote $68: If you’re a fan of simple, functional fashion with a touch of ‘quiet luxury’, this 12 oz waxed canvas tote delivers just that. Aesthetically, think of the Yeezy brand circa 2017 (without the anti-Semitism). I love the washed-out navy blue, but earthy tones—cedar brown, palm green, taupe—are no less on trend. It’s durable enough to withstand a farmer’s market spree, an overnight trip, or be used as a beach bag. The design is simple but still thoughtful: exterior pockets for quick grabs (keys, phone, emergency snacks) and two interior pockets (including a zippered compartment) to keep your valuables organized.

Ölend Ona Soft Bag for $115: The Ölend Ona Soft Bag is fluffy, vibrant and available in a rainbow of colours. Made from water-resistant nylon, it’s a smart twist on the standard bag, and designed to maximize its utility with every new outfit or occasion. You can wear it four different ways: as a clutch, a clutch, a shoulder bag, or even a backpack. The soft bag also includes adjustable side straps. Although it fits laptops up to 16 inches, I wouldn’t risk storing my laptop here because there’s no dedicated sleeve. But the exterior zippered pocket is a fun touch for storing small essentials.

Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Bag for $300: Petra is made from recycled polyester and plastic bottles. It is permanent and huge– Fits a 16″ laptop and is approximately 17″ long. Maybe too big for a day bag, but it works for the weekend. The hardware is made of heavy metal, and the laptop compartment is padded. For parents, this is also a convenient diaper bag.

Courtesy of Fjallraven

Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $100: we love Kanken backpack. Its Totepack is basically the same bag but can be converted from a bag to a backpack. The downside is its size, as it only has a pocket for a 13-inch laptop and two side pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella — but it’s narrow, so don’t expect it to hold a 1L Nalgene.