A padfolio is an intermediate solution for carrying your laptop. It’s thicker than a laptop sleeve and can usually accommodate a legal pad, business cards, a few documents or file folders, and a pen or two. Most padfolios have zipper closures and a few have carrying handles. Padfolios are a nice solution for, say, carrying your laptop to a business meeting or conference where you’ll want to take notes and have company literature, contract documents, or reference material handy.
BEST LAPTOP BAGS – BEST LAPTOP BACKPACKS – BEST MESSENGER BAGS
Padfolio Pros
- A padfolio is slim and lightweight but lets you bring a legal pad and documents/files in addition to your laptop.
- Padfolios look professional and are available in upscale designs and materials.
- Depending on their design, some padfolios provide reasonable protection against bumps and small drops for your laptop.
Padfolio Cons
- Padfolios don’t offer room to carry accessories like chargers, so they may not be suitable for meetings that last longer than your devices will hold a charge.
- Padfolios must be carried by hand, which could be inconvenient for longer walks.
- Many padfolios won’t accommodate larger-size laptops.
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Most Portable
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Best Overall (Our Top Choice)
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Best Budget
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$155.00
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$29.99
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Gavarine Leather Padfolio
If you’re looking for a high-quality padfolio, this is a solid choice. While it comes at a higher price than some alternatives, you’re paying for durability, not a cheaply made product that falls apart after two weeks. Made from genuine cowhide leather with excellent craftsmanship, it has a sleek, ergonomic design that’s easy to carry—even without handles. With hundreds of five-star reviews praising its quality and functionality, this padfolio is a great investment for any professional.
Maruse Italian Leather Padfolio
The Maruse Italian Leather Padfolio isn’t just a portfolio—it’s a statement. Handcrafted in Italy from full-grain calf leather, this piece brings old-world luxury into the modern workspace. It looks like something you’d see on the desk of a CEO—and it’s built to last just as long.
Inside, there’s a padded compartment that can comfortably hold a laptop up to 13.3 inches, along with slots for documents, business cards, a pen, and a notepad. Everything has its place, and the whole setup zips shut for a clean, secure profile.
It’s not oversized, and that’s intentional. If you’re carrying a large laptop, this isn’t the padfolio for you. But if you want to keep things tight, professional, and impressively styled—this one delivers.
Wundermax Zippered Padfolio
If you’re just looking for a padfolio that’s functional and won’t let you down, the Wundermax is a solid choice. It’s made from faux leather, zips up fully, and offers enough compartments to keep your basics in order—documents, cards, pens, a notepad, and a laptop or tablet up to around 13 inches.
Don’t expect luxury materials or a super-polished finish, but for the price, it does what it needs to. It’s lightweight, holds up to daily use, and looks clean enough for a casual business setting.
This is a bag for someone who needs practicality over prestige. It won’t turn heads—but it won’t fall apart either.
Still Searching?
I broke this down further by style and use case:
- The Road Warrior: Best Laptop Backpacks – built for travel, protection, and practicality.
- The Urban Commuter: Best Messenger Bags – stylish, functional, and city-friendly.
- The Bag Obsessive: The Ultimate Laptop Bag Quest – a personal journey through dozens of bags to find “the one.”
