Best Briefcases
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Durability is important because accidents do happen- and the last thing that you want is a cracked laptop screen. Hardshell cases are really able to take a beating to protect its contents, but softer models do not have this level of protection. When selecting soft shell cases, we tried to find one that had added layers of protection for laptops– such as additional fabrics designed for shock absorption. Additionally, we wanted to make sure that we selecting cases that were resilient to various weather conditions. While you are most likely not going to be holding an important meeting in the middle of the woods, you might, however, run into a rainstorm while walking down the sidewalk into the building. We liked to pick products that had fabrics that were coated with water-resistant fabric so the next time you get caught in the rain walking into a building you won’t have to worry about all of your devices getting wet and becoming water damaged.
Use
You can take your time when finding the perfect case for you. Sure, it is designed to serve a functional purpose, but it is also designed to set an impression to all of the people that you will be meeting in all of your business endeavors. If you find yourself to be more of a classic business person- then a hard shell briefcase might be the thing to complete your look. If you are a little more casual and a little more modern, you might find that the soft shell cases are a perfect fit for you.
Above all else, however, functionality is key here. Take a moment to consider what you will be using it for. If you often worry about prying eyes sifting through your important documents, a hardshell with a set of dual locks may help you sleep easy a night. If you are someone who just really struggles with staying organized, a case that has an overabundance of pockets- such as the Lifewit Tactical Briefcase- might really be a benefit to you. Additionally, if you are someone that has to travel a lot for business, you might benefit from a briefcase that is a little bit bigger than most so that you can also pack a change of clothes and a toiletry bag.
Capacity
We want you to arrive at your next business meeting or conference in style, and with all of your important necessities easily organized at your size for easy access. With so many different styles, brands, and styles of briefcases- we had to sort through a lot of different brands to weed out the best of the best. While it is almost impossible to mess up the exterior design- cases that didn’t serve much functional purpose were automatically ejected from consideration. There were a number of criteria that we used when selecting the best bags out there to make sure that they would exceed all of your needs. The mark of a really great briefcase is one that can keep you just as organized away from your desk as you are sitting at your desk. One way of achieving this is by sectioning off the main compartment into different sections so that you have a place for your laptop or tablet, a place for all of your important documents, and smaller pockets that can be used for pens and pencils and other miscellaneous items. We tried to make selections that had a lot of different compartment and functional pockets, but while still looking sleek and sharp.
Value
Briefcases can go from affordable to painfully expensive in the blink of an eye. The most affordable cases out there start around the same price as you would spend on a nice lunch for two, and work their way up to the price of a used car. While it would be nice to think that we all lived in a world where everyone could afford to carelessly drop that much money on a product designed for carrying office gear- it’s most likely not the case. When we selected products for this list, we tried to keep the prices reasonable while keeping the quality good. While you won’t find us recommending any crocodile skin briefcases- there are a few on here that are made from genuine leather that won’t completely break the bank they way some of the others out there can.
10 Best Briefcases
1. McKlein Reagan Leather Attache Case
This briefcase is a great option for those that are in the market for something that is timeless and will never go out of style. Unlike some of the others out there, this product is available in various colors to match your personal style, and it made from high-quality materials that will last for many years of business travel and meetings.
Read moreDesign
This hard shell case comes in black, brown, and dark brown, and each color has a rich sheen and texture that looks like it costs a lot more than it actually does. Each case has gold accents along the top where the handle and locks are, and the inside is lined with a light gray material that has black accents.
Features
Dual locks make this case incredibly secure, and easy to use. Past users haven’t had any complaints about difficulty with the locks- which can sometimes be a problem with these types of briefcases. The interior has a large central compartment that is perfect for larger binders or office equipment, and the upper compartment has sectioned off spaces for small items such as pens and pencils, and can safely store important contracts and documents.
Durability
Like any hardshell model, this is designed to take a punch. With the addition of dual locks, you can feel secure in knowing that all of your important documents and devices are not only safe from becoming damaged but are also safe from potential thieves who begin to salivate that the mere sight of a quality briefcase.
Value
This case is going to cost you a little bit more than some of the more reasonable and affordable options on this list, but it is nowhere near the highest price point when it comes to briefcases (which can climb surprisingly high). It will most likely set you back the same amount of money you would spend taking two of your favorite clients out to a nice steakhouse for an evening.
Summary
If you are looking for a briefcase that will make you look like Don Draper when you roll up to your next meeting, this is the perfect selection for your style. It’s sharp, durable, and doesn’t carry the high price tag that some of the higher end briefcases carry.
2. Ytonet Laptop Briefcase
The Ytonet Briefcase is an excellent choice to tote around all of your office tools so that you will never be caught in a pinch on rare moments where you are able to unshackle yourself from your desk. It’s incredibly comfortable and easy to carry, making it our number one choice.
Read moreDesign
This briefcase is available in two different designs. One design is a solid black with black accents, and the second design is black with sleek gray panels and gray accents. It has tons of pockets to ensure that there is a perfect place for all of your important devices and papers. This briefcase is a perfect marriage of style and functionality.
Features
The exterior of this unit is coated with a water-resistant material so that if you are walking to a meeting in the rain, you won’t have to worry about all of your gadgets getting wet in the rain. It has a front pocket and a rear pocket that is ideal for contracts and magazines, and a padded, shock resistant layer of foam that is ideal for tablets, laptops, and cell phones. It has a comfortable and padded shoulder strap for short trips, and an elastic band along that back that is perfect for affixing it to the handles on a piece of luggage.
Durability
The exterior of this case is made from a canvas material, so it’s not as safe as hard briefcases. However, the interior is designed with the idea that it is being used to tote expensive devices, and the shock-resistant interior padding is designed to keep your things safe for those coffeeless mornings that you forget your case on the roof of your car and you drive away.
Value
What makes this briefcase fantastic is that is offered at an incredible price point. This product will set you back around the same amount that you would spend to take a client out for a nice lunch.
Summary
If you want a briefcase that combines the professional design of some of the best briefcases on the market, but also has the functionality of a messenger bag, this is an excellent option that is a great deal.
3. Solo Broadway
The Solo Grand Broadway Attaché is a great hardshell briefcase that has many additional features and pockets that is sure to keep all of your office tools safe and protected, all while looking sleek and stylish. If you were looking for a simple briefcase that looks like the style James Bond would carry, this is a perfect choice.
Read moreDesign
Many feel that you cannot perfect for the classic design of the sharp black briefcase, and this model adheres to that idea. The hard exterior shell is covered in a fully grained premium leather body material with two seam lines running up the center and has a thick classic handle. It is suited for laptops sizes up to 16 inches.
Features
This vintage style briefcase has all of the features that you would expect from this type of style. It has two combination locks that run along the top that are easy to turn and pop open once the correct numbers are lined up. The main compartment of this model has a large open space on the bottom that is great for larger items such as tablets or binders. The top compartment has organized slots that are designed to hold two pens, a smartphone, smaller notepads or a calculator, and the top section is great for binders and books.
Durability
The hard exterior shell makes this model really able to be thrown around and take a punch. Unlike some of the soft shell models, the interior doesn’t have any padding or slotted pockets, so if you don’t fill the interior with products, they have a tendency to rattle around a little bit.
Value
This briefcase is offered at an incredible value, and it will likely cost you the same amount as you would spend to take a client out for a nice lunch. In addition to the incredible price point, Solo also claims that their products are ‘Unstoppable’, and will refund or replace your product up to 5 years in there is any reason you are unhappy with the quality.
Summary
If you want a hard shell briefcase that sports that classic style but doesn’t carry the same heavy price tag as some of the other high-end briefcases on the market, this is an excellent choice so that you can invest more money in your business, and less money in office tools.
4. AmazonBasics Laptop Bag
This is a great option for the businessperson that wants a product that is able to carry all of their important documents and devices without being weighed down too much but maintaining a professional look. Since it is offered at an incredibly affordable price, you can spend more money on your clients and less money on your office gear.
Read moreDesign
The design of this briefcase looks as if a classic hardshell design merged with a messenger bag. You get all of the added benefits of a messenger bag- ease to carry, and endless pockets- with the sharp exterior look of a hardshell design. It is only available in one color: black.
Features
This case will be able to comfortably hold most size laptops (the dimensions of this product are 14.7 x 2.2 x 11.2), and also has additional pockets to be used to store tablets, pens and pencils, notepads, and binders. It has a comfortable shoulder strap if you perfect to carry this model as a shoulder or messenger bag, but it also has the classic briefcase handles if you prefer to carry it that way (and the shoulder strap is able to be easily detached).
Durability
One of the best features about this particular briefcase is that it is made of incredibly lightweight and durable material. It doesn’t have a hard shell like some of the others, and the interior lining doesn’t have any extra padding for an extra layer of protection for electronic devices. If you intend on using this case for your laptop or tablet, you will have a be a little more careful with it than you would some of the other models.
Value:
It is no wonder that the AmazonBasics is also one of the most affordable briefcases out there on the market, while still offering incredible design and materials. The cost of this product will run you about the same as it would cost you to buy yourself and a client a nice cup of coffee. As is to be expected with a company like Amazon, if you are not satisfied with it in any way up to 1 year, you can return it for a full and easy refund.
Summary
If you are looking for a briefcase that is a little lighter on both your shoulders and your pocketbook, this is an excellent choice. It has a sharp and professional design, and it light enough that you can really pack it full without breaking your back.
5. Alpine Swiss Briefcase
This Alpine Swiss briefcase gives you all of the features of that classic hard shell design, but without that heavy price tag. It is made from high-quality materials and has easy to use dual locks so that you will be comforted in knowing that all of your office supplied are safe and protected.
Read moreDesign
This model is only available in one color: black. The outside shell is covered in a matte black material that has two seam lines running up the middle of each side. The handle and locks are accents with gold hardware, and it has four metal protective feet at the bottom to prevent it from toppling over when not in use.
Features
In addition to having a hard outside shell to protect your belongings from damage, this model also comes with a sturdy set of dual locks to keep your important things safe from prying eyes. Often, users run into problems with locks that stick, or locks that just never lock in the first place- but not with this model. Many of the past users have found that these locks are solid, and make a pleasant clicking sound when unlocked. It also has a large center compartment for larger items, and a separate compartments on the top for miscellaneous office supplies.
Durability
Hard shell briefcases are known for being able to really take a beating, and not becoming dented or looking worn. The metal feet along the bottom ensure that when placed on its side it won’t topple over, and will stay in place by your side even on a bumpy subway or train ride.
Value
Sometimes hard shell classic briefcases can become quite costly, but not in this case. The cost of this model will run you about the same amount as it would most like set you back if you took a client out for a nice steak dinner. Plus, Alpine Swiss is so confident that you will love their product that they also offer a 1 year money back guarantee if, for any reason, you find that this item doesn’t meet or exceed your expectations.
Summary:
If you are in the market for a great suitcase that makes you look stylish like Don Draper, but has the price tag more suited to a Michael Scott- this in an excellent option to bring to your next business meeting or out of town conference.
6. Samsonite Leather Briefcase
If there is one thing that Samsonite knows, it’s how to transport important belongings from point A to B be efficiently, and in style. It should come as no surprise that one of the number one names in luggage also dabbles in the office gear world. This briefcase isn’t just tough and durable, it also is incredibly sharp and modern.
Read moreDesign
If you are looking for a case that is a little bit more modern than the classic hard shell designs but also want it to be just as durable and strong- this is a great solution. It has a thick but soft leather outer shell that comes in just one color: glossy black. It has very comfortable handles along the sides and also has a detachable shoulder strap for those times you want to wear it like a messenger bag.
Features
At a glance, this model looks like a classic hard shell briefcase, but upon closer inspection, you can see it have all of the zippered pockets and compartments that one looks for when shopping for a soft shell case. It has two zippers on the front and on that back that are great for storing items that you need quick access to- such as phones, plane tickets, and wallets. The interior is sectioned off into different compartments to store your laptop, tablets, binders, and contracts all separately to keep you organized. It also has the ability to be expanded outwards so that you can carry even more stuff.
Durability
The leather that composes this bag is incredibly tough and can take quite a beating. The zippers are tough and very few past users have run into any problems with the zippers- such as snagging or splitting. It weighs in at just over 3 pounds, making it lightweight yet tough- a perfect combination for a briefcase.
Value
This briefcase is a little bit more expensive than some of the other models that made this list- but this is nowhere near the most expensive case on the market. Given the brand recognition of Samsonite- this is an excellent price for a trusted brand that uses the highest quality materials.
Summary
If buying name brand products is something that is important to you, but you aren’t willing to pay top dollar for one of the more expensive models out there on the market- this is an excellent compromise that will likely last you for many appointments, conferences, and out of town meetings.
7. RoadPro Aluminum Briefcase
Forget about looking like Don Draper- you want to take your look to the next level and look like a businessperson that lives in the moment, and you will be able to achieve that look with this incredibly sleek aluminum hard shell briefcase. It is incredibly durable and lightweight and will make quite the business statement without straining your wallet.
Read moreDesign
Design is the name of the game when it comes to this model. It sports a sharp silver aluminum frame that doesn’t look like many of the other models out there on the market. The hardware of this unit is also silver, but with black accents as well.
Features
The interior of this case is lined with a soft gray material with a simple design. The main compartment is able to hold larger items such as binders, file folders, and tablets- and possibly smaller laptops. The top of the case is lined with matte black material with snaps that can hold calculators, pens and pencils, and other smaller items that you wouldn’t want rolling around down in the main compartment. It also has dual locks at the top to ensure that all of your important documents are safe from prying eyes.
Durability
Aluminum is one tough material, and this case can stand up to whatever it is that you can throw at it. Some past users have found that over time, the edges can become a little dinged up, but that in no way affect the competence of this unit.
Value
One would assume a hard shell model such as this one would be a little bit more expensive than some of the others like it on the market- but that’s where they would be wrong. This model is incredibly affordable, and will likely only set you back the same amount as it would take a client out to a nice afternoon lunch.
Summary
If you want to pick up something a little different that perhaps reflects you are a little more modern and sleek than some of your other coworkers, this is a great briefcase to conquer such a task- and it is able to do so without putting any unnecessary strain on your wallet, or on your back.
8. Taygeer Briefcase
This is a great quality briefcase that is able to carry just about anything- tablets, laptops, binders, books, and notebooks. It has a sharp and solid black design that is as professional looking as it is functional. If you were looking for a great case for all of your office gear that is available at an affordable price, this is a great option.
Read moreDesign
The design of this bag is simple and sleek, and it is only available in one color: black. It has comfortable handles on the top, but it also has a padded shoulder strap that is able to be attached whenever you are going to be traveling on foot for a while (like through an airport) and you need something that is going to take the weight off of your back a little bit.
Features
When it comes to the Taygeer Briefcase- pockets is the name of the game. This case has so many pockets on the outside as well as the inside that it would almost be impossible to be unorganized when using this product. The interior also unzips along the side to provide an additional 1.2 inches of storage space for those times you need to pretty much pack up your entire office and bring it along with you.
Durability
The fabric that this model is composed of is water resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about the status of all of your important documents and devices on the rare occasion that you stuck in a rainstorm. Sometimes this style of bags can be faulty because the removable shoulder strap isn’t very durable. The clips for this case are made from a sturdy metal to ensure that your shoulder strap is always attached to your bag, no matter how full you may have packed it.
Value
For as tough and durable this bag is, the price simply cannot be beaten. This bag will likely set you back about the same amount of money that you may spend on taking one of your favorite clients out for a nice lunch at a diner.
Summary
If you were looking for an affordable case to lug around all of your heavy office gear while you are out of the office for the afternoon, or out at a conference, this is a great option to get all of your tools safely from point A to point B, and won’t break the bank while getting there.
9. Lifewit Tactical Briefcase
The Lifewit Tactical Briefcase was designed not only to be a great tool to bring along with you whenever you want to work outside of the office, but it is perfect for traveling out of state and ensuring that not only do you have everything that you need to keep your business running, but also that you keep organized.
Read moreDesign
This briefcase is designed like a tank. It is a little bit bulkier than some of the other models on this list, but that’s just because it’s made to carry just about anything you would ever need when working away from the office. It only comes in one color: black. It has handles along the top the velcro together, and a comfortable shoulder strap when you need to bring it along on longer trips away.
Features
Pockets, pocket, pockets. This case has the most pockets out of the other options on this list. The exterior pockets aren’t just for holding magazines or passports- they are designed to hold bigger items such as snacks, bottles of water, or calculators. The interior is split into two compartments. The first one is designed to hold all of your devices securely in place, such as tablets or laptops. The second compartment is great for books and binders, or it could be used for a toiletry bag and a change of clothes if you are on an overnight business trip and did not want to check a bag at the airport.
Durability
The materials used to construct this case is coated with a water-repellent substance, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your devices or your documents if you happen to get caught in a rainstorm. It also has a strap on the back, so it is able to be affixed to a suitcase and rolled through the airport with ease.
Value
You are going to a little bit more for this soft shell case than you would for others on this list, but the quality of materials and the overall carrying capacity makes it well worth the little bit more.
Summary
If you need a briefcase that you can load up just about the entirety of your office into before hitting the road- and not spend an arm and a leg- this will be a welcome addition to your already fast-paced life you undoubtedly lead.
10. Krosher Briefcase
The KROSER briefcase is another one of those products that are capable of taking your entire office along with you, strapped securely to your shoulder. It has tons of room for everything from laptops and tablets to binders and textbooks.
Read moreDesign
The design of this case is simple, and it only comes in one available color: black. All of the accents and the zippers on this product are also black. The front panel is a has a small place to store smaller items, as well as a flat zipper to store things such as boarding passes or passports.
Features
The best part about this case is that it has tons of space to hold all of your work tools, and places to hold things that aren’t for work, and it is able to do this while still offering a sleek and compact design. The main compartment is separated into three sections that are really great for keeping all of your different tools organized. You will have to put in a lot of extra effort to remain unorganized while using this product.
Durability
There’s no reason to panic for the fate of your documents and devices with this case- the exterior is coated with a water-resistant material that makes it a great choice if you happen to live in an area of the country that gets a lot of rain.
Value
Considering the price of many of the other soft shell cases on the market, this particular brand falls right in the middle of the road. It is not the most expensive unit out there, but if far from being the least expensive. Considering the amount of room and all of the pockets, this comes with a fantastic deal.
Summary
If you are in need of a case to schlep all of your work supplies around, this is an excellent choice because of all of the pockets that is has, and how it is able to keep everything separate and organized.