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- Best overall: Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch
- Best budget: Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch
- Best premium: Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch
- Best for large laptops: Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack
- Targus offers practical laptop bags and backpacks for everyday commuting, including options for laptops up to 17.3 inches.
- Thule’s Subterra 2, EnRoute, Paramount and Accent backpacks pair dedicated laptop storage with travel-oriented organization.
- The Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag suits shoppers who prefer a briefcase-style carry over a backpack.
- Check laptop fit, bag capacity and preferred carry style before choosing a Black Friday 2026 laptop bag.
Choosing between a Targus laptop bag and a Thule laptop backpack comes down to how you carry your device, what else you pack and how much organization you want. Targus has straightforward options ranging from slim briefcases to large backpacks; Thule focuses on backpack designs with features for commuting and travel. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify useful choices for different routines.
For this Black Friday 2026 buying guide, I’ve grouped the contenders by practical use rather than treating every bag as interchangeable. My pick for most people is the Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch, thanks to its everyday capacity and dedicated laptop storage. The product cards below also cover larger laptop fits, a compact Targus option and travel-friendly alternatives. Always confirm the listed laptop compartment dimensions against your device.
How We Picked
- Laptop fit: we prioritized models with a clearly stated maximum screen size, from 15.6-inch laptops to larger 17.3-inch devices.
- Organization: we compared dedicated laptop storage, accessory pockets and layouts that keep daily essentials easy to reach.
- Carry style: we included both Targus backpacks and the Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag for shoppers who prefer a briefcase-style carry.
- Travel usefulness: we considered capacity and access features that support commuting, campus use and longer trips.
- Owner feedback and value: we reviewed product information and owner feedback for useful features, common trade-offs and practical fit.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Laptop fit | Capacity | Carry style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop | Daily commuting | Up to 15.6 in | Not stated here | Backpack |
| Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch | Organized work carry | Up to 15.6 in | Not stated here | Backpack |
| Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack | Large laptops | Up to 17.3 in | Not stated here | Backpack |
| Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch | Slim briefcase-style carry | Up to 15.6 in | Not stated here | Laptop bag |
| Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch | Work trips | Up to 16 in | 21 L | Backpack |
| Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch | Commuting and short trips | Up to 16 in | 23 L | Backpack |
| Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch | Roomier work carry | Up to 16 in | 24 L | Backpack |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop
The Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop is the best everyday Targus pick for commuters who want a laptop backpack with a 15.6-inch device fit. The Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop's recycled-material construction adds an eco-conscious detail to a practical, work-ready design.
Best for: Daily commuting with a 15.6-inch laptop
- Laptop fit
- Up to 15.6 in
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Material feature
- EcoSmart recycled materials
- Dedicated laptop storage
- Backpack format keeps both hands free
- Recycled-material design
- Not designed for laptops larger than 15.6 inches
Is the Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop is a strong choice for everyday commuting when your laptop is 15.6 inches or smaller. The Targus Cypress Hero Backpack with EcoSmart 15.6-inch Laptop's backpack layout and recycled-material construction suit practical, lower-fuss daily carry.
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#2
Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch
The Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch is the best organized Targus commuter bag for workers who carry a 15.6-inch laptop and daily accessories. A dedicated laptop compartment provides a defined place for a standard work laptop.
Best for: Work commutes and organized daily carry
- Laptop fit
- Up to 15.6 in
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Laptop storage
- Dedicated compartment
- Work-focused organization
- Comfortable backpack carry
- Fits a common laptop size
- Less suitable for oversized gaming laptops
Is the Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch a good work bag?
The Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch is a good work bag for people who want dedicated laptop storage and backpack-style carry. The Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch's stated 15.6-inch fit covers many everyday work laptops, while its layout helps separate a computer from smaller essentials.
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#3
Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack
The Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack is the best Targus option for large laptops, with room for devices up to 17.3 inches. The Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack's larger-device fit makes it a more suitable starting point than compact commuter bags for bulky laptops.
Best for: Large laptops and heavier daily loads
- Laptop fit
- Up to 17.3 in
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Laptop storage
- Dedicated compartment
- Largest laptop fit in this guide
- Backpack format distributes carried items
- Useful for larger work or gaming laptops
- Bulkier than a slim laptop bag
Is the Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack worth buying for a large laptop?
The Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack is a suitable choice for owners of laptops measuring up to 17.3 inches. Check your computer’s actual dimensions before buying, since a large screen rating alone does not confirm a perfect fit for every laptop chassis.
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#4
Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch
The Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch is the best briefcase-style pick for commuters who want a simple carry option for a 15.6-inch laptop. The Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch's slim format works well when a full backpack feels unnecessary.
Best for: Briefcase-style laptop carry
- Laptop fit
- Up to 15.6 in
- Carry style
- Slim laptop bag
- Laptop storage
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Compact alternative to a backpack
- Suitable for office and meeting use
- Straightforward laptop-focused design
- Does not distribute weight like a backpack
Is the Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch a good alternative to a backpack?
The Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch is a good alternative when you carry a laptop and a small set of work essentials. The briefcase-style format suits short commutes and meetings, while backpack shoppers should compare it with Targus or Thule backpack options.
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#5
Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch
The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch is the best balanced Thule pick for travelers who want a 21-liter backpack with laptop storage for devices up to 16 inches. The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch's capacity supports daily essentials without requiring an oversized travel pack.
Best for: Work trips and everyday travel
- Laptop fit
- Up to 16 in
- Capacity
- 21 L
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Useful capacity for work and travel
- Fits a laptop up to 16 inches
- Purpose-built backpack layout
- A larger carry than a slim briefcase
Is the Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch good for travel?
The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch is a good travel and commute choice for people who want a 21-liter backpack with dedicated laptop space. The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch's stated fit supports laptops up to 16 inches, making it useful for many work and travel setups.
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#6 · Top pick
Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch
The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch is the best all-rounder for commuters who want 23 liters of storage and a laptop fit up to 16 inches. The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch's balanced capacity suits daily work carry, short trips and regular travel between home and office.
Best for: Commuting, work and short trips
- Laptop fit
- Up to 16 in
- Capacity
- 23 L
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Room for everyday work essentials
- Laptop fit up to 16 inches
- Useful across commuting and travel
- More capacity than needed for laptop-only carry
Is the Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch worth buying for commuting?
The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch is worth considering for commuting if you carry a laptop, accessories and a few daily essentials. The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch's 23-liter capacity and 16-inch laptop fit give it more flexibility than a narrow briefcase-style bag.
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#7
Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch
The Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch is the best premium-style pick for commuters who want a 24-liter capacity and space for a laptop up to 16 inches. The Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch's roomier format suits people carrying work gear alongside everyday items.
Best for: Roomier work and city carry
- Laptop fit
- Up to 16 in
- Capacity
- 24 L
- Carry style
- Backpack
- Largest stated capacity among the Thule picks here
- Fits laptops up to 16 inches
- Good for carrying work and personal gear
- Roomier profile is less compact than a slim bag
Is the Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch a good everyday backpack?
The Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch is a good everyday backpack for people who carry more than a laptop and charger. The Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch's 24-liter capacity offers extra room, and its stated 16-inch laptop fit covers many current work computers.
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Is a Targus laptop bag or Thule laptop backpack better for Black Friday 2026?
The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch is the strongest all-round choice, while the Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch is better for compact briefcase-style carry. The right pick depends on how much you carry and whether you prefer a shoulder bag or backpack.
Targus has a wider mix of practical formats in this comparison: a slim bag, standard commuter backpacks and the larger Drifter II for laptops up to 17.3 inches. Thule’s choices lean toward backpacks with stated capacities of 21, 23 or 24 liters. Compare the exact laptop fit and your typical load before choosing.
Which brand is better for commuting?
The Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch and Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch are strong commute picks for laptops measuring up to 15.6 and 16 inches. Both use backpack carry, which suits walks, transit and hands-free travel.
Choose the Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack 15.6-inch for a straightforward work-focused option sized for a common laptop class. Choose the Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch when a stated 23-liter capacity better matches your work gear and everyday essentials. Check the laptop compartment measurements against your laptop’s width, depth and thickness.
Which bag fits a large laptop?
The Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack is the clear large-laptop choice in this guide, with a stated fit up to 17.3 inches. The Thule models here list laptop fits up to 16 inches, while the Targus Cypress Hero and CitySmart options list fits up to 15.6 inches.
Screen size alone does not describe a laptop’s full dimensions, especially for gaming models with thick chassis or wide bezels. Measure your laptop and compare those figures with the manufacturer’s compartment dimensions before ordering. Skip it if your device exceeds the bag’s listed fit or needs extra protective clearance.
Are Thule backpacks better for travel?
The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch and Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch are useful travel choices because both combine backpack carry with laptop storage and stated capacity. The Subterra 2 lists 21 liters; the EnRoute lists 23 liters.
The extra room in the Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch suits people who pack more work or personal gear. Travelers who carry only a laptop and documents can choose the Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch instead. For any airport trip, check current airline carry-on rules and the bag’s complete exterior dimensions.
What should shoppers compare before choosing?
Laptop fit, bag capacity and carry style are the 3 most useful comparison points for choosing between Targus and Thule. A bag that matches your laptop but lacks space for daily essentials is a poor match for a full work commute.
Next, consider how you access the laptop, how many accessories you carry and whether the bag will double as luggage. Check the current product listing for exact dimensions, material details and included features. Black Friday 2026 is a useful time to compare models, but the best value is the bag that matches your routine and device.
Buying Guide
Match the laptop compartment to your device
Start with your laptop’s width, depth and thickness, then compare them with the bag’s stated compartment dimensions. Screen-size ratings such as 15.6, 16 and 17.3 inches are useful filters, not a guarantee that every device with that screen size fits.
Choose a backpack or briefcase
A backpack is the practical choice for longer walks and hands-free commuting. A slim laptop bag works well for a short office commute or meeting. The Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch gives shoppers a briefcase-style alternative to the backpack models.
Compare capacity with your daily load
Thule’s Subterra 2, EnRoute and Paramount options list capacities of 21, 23 and 24 liters. Think about whether you carry chargers, headphones, lunch or a change of clothes before opting for a roomier bag.
Check organization and travel needs
Look for dedicated laptop storage and accessible pockets for accessories. For travel, compare exterior dimensions with your airline’s current cabin-bag rules. For a daily commute, prioritize comfortable carry and storage that keeps your work essentials easy to find.
FAQ
Targus laptop bag vs Thule laptop backpack: which is better?
The Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch is the better all-round backpack, while the Targus Classic Slim Laptop Bag 15.6-inch suits briefcase-style carry. Choose by laptop fit, how much you carry and whether you prefer a backpack or shoulder bag.
Which Targus laptop backpack fits a 17-inch laptop?
The Targus Drifter II 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack is the Targus option in this guide with the largest stated laptop fit. Confirm your computer’s complete dimensions against the current product listing before purchase, since screen size does not fully determine chassis size.
Which Thule backpack fits a 16-inch laptop?
The Thule Subterra 2 Backpack 21L, 16-inch, Thule EnRoute Backpack 23L, 16-inch and Thule Paramount Backpack 24L, 16-inch list fits up to 16 inches. Compare the compartment measurements with your laptop’s width, depth and thickness.
Is a laptop bag or backpack better for commuting?
A backpack is usually the practical choice for a commute that involves walking or carrying other items, because it leaves both hands free. A slim laptop bag suits shorter trips and laptop-focused carry. The Targus and Thule picks here offer both carry styles.
What should I look for in a laptop bag on Black Friday 2026?
Compare laptop fit, carrying comfort, capacity and organization before choosing a model. Check exact compartment dimensions and current product details, then match the bag to your daily load. A lower-cost format is not a good value if your laptop or essentials do not fit.