Buying guide for best rolling briefcase
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
A briefcase means business. Whether it's to and from the courthouse, or the medical practice, or the airport terminal, a briefcase keeps your vital documents and office gear protected and organized — and professional-looking, too. But all that paper and electronics can literally weigh you down. When a messenger bag is too casual and a backpack too heavy, a rolling briefcase may be just the ticket.
A rolling briefcase, wheeled briefcase or mobile office is a piece of luggage primarily designed to transport documents and office equipment. It has space for printed matter, paperwork, binders or books, plus a laptop and accessories. Some of the best have compartments where you can stash a change of clothes and a water bottle for quick overnight trips. All this weight rests not on your shoulders or in your hand, but on wheels you can pull with you.
We've looked at a number of rolling briefcases available for professionals on the go. For comprehensiveness and quality, we like the Wenger Granada Pro Wheeled Business Case, an excellent companion for any office road warrior. But if you need something smaller, more structural or more stylish, we have the rolling briefcase options for you.
Editors’ picks
Wenger Granada Pro Wheeled Business Case
Dimensions: 16.5” W x 9.8” D x 13.8” H | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 24 L | Laptop size: 16" | Wheels: 2
With its fuss-free styling and spacious expanding compartments, the Wenger Granada Pro Wheeled Business Case is our editors' pick for the best rolling briefcase. It has the features, capacity and durability needed to do business on the go, whether that's the next city, or halfway around the world.
Made of sturdy polyester, it features a telescoping trolley handle and two solid rear wheels. It offers 24 liters of total capacity divided into a laptop compartment, a main compartment and front organizer compartment with multipocket organization panel. The padded laptop compartment fits up to a 16-inch laptop as well as having a padded sleeve for an 11-inch tablet. The main compartment offers expandable file pockets that are perfect for organizing papers, folders and other materials.
The Wenger Granada Pro's long trolley handle folds up neatly into a discreet top pocket when not in use. With the handle fully stowed, it can be carried as a day bag or slipped onto the handle of a larger suitcase if necessary. A reinforced bottom plate between the wheels keeps its contents protected when speeding down stairs.
Amazon Basics Rolling Laptop Case
Great Value
Dimensions: 17” W x 7.5” D x 14.5” H | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 28 L | Laptop size: 15.6" | Wheels: 2
At half the price of our top editors' pick, the Amazon Basics Rolling Laptop Case is our choice for a low-cost rolling briefcase that offers the best bang for your buck. While it may not be ideal for long hauls and the heaviest loads, it should be more than adequate for commuting, short trips or the daily hustle.
A two-wheeled rolling briefcase, it offers about 28 liters of capacity based on its dimensions. It's made of a standard polyester fabric with a hardened plate between and behind the wheels to act as a stair and shock guard. It has a 22-inch telescoping trolley handle that folds away behind a zippered closure to use the bag as a handheld laptop case.
It offers two main compartments, one of which is subdivided with a padded laptop sleeve and Velcro closure. Additionally there's a front pocket with organization panel for small items and accessories, and on the back is a clear plastic window for slipping in a business card as identification.
Alpine Swiss Rolling 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase
Best Hard-Sided Briefcase
Dimensions: 17” W x 9” D x 14” H | Material: Nylon | Capacity: 25 L | Laptop size: 17" | Wheels: 2
Sometimes your work stuff needs more structure than a soft-sided bag can provide. A good hard-sided rolling briefcase, like the Alpine Swiss Rolling 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase, can keep your folders, binders, equipment and laptop protected and secure while you're on the go.
The Alpine Swiss rolling briefcase features an elegant, professional leatherette finish and a hard-sided frame for more rigid protection of its contents. Inside is a large main compartment with a laptop sleeve capable of holding a 17-inch machine and featuring a snap closure. An expandable flap-over front pocket features a classic button latch, while flap-over side pockets are ideal for small accessories. This hardside rolling briefcase has a load carrying capacity of up to 44 pounds.
The telescoping handle tucks away discreetly when not in use, creating the impression of a sturdy old-fashioned briefcase. The Alpine Swiss features riveted construction, internal nylon lining and even has dual combination locks for security while traveling. It's also sized to be carry-on compatible on most airlines.
BAGSMART Rolling Laptop Bag
Most Stylish
Dimensions: 17.7” W x 9.3” D x 14.2” H | Material: NA | Capacity: 38 L | Laptop size: 17" | Wheels: 2
When presentation is an important part of the job, you need a rolling briefcase that delivers as much style as your outfit. The BAGSMART Rolling Briefcase is an excellent example of a practical rolling bag that's high on style and glamour. It stands out with its quilted fabric offset by contrasting metallic zippers and pulls. Leather handles with a snap tie add an extra touch of sophistication, as does a leather strip on the front panel.
Inside, a roomy main compartment offers elastic straps for use to pack clothing as a small overnighter, while an organized compartment includes a sleeve for a 17-inch laptop. Two zip front pockets are complemented by a side zip stash that can hold a water bottle.
The BAGSMART rolling briefcase is easy to transport, thanks to its 25-inch telescoping handle, plus a luggage pass-through for attaching to a bigger suitcase's trolley handle. Its own dual soft-roll wheels glide smoothly and silently when needed. Plus it comes in three colors, including bright red and vivid blue.
Targus 16-Inch Transit Four-Wheel Rolling Laptop Bag
Dimensions: 16.14” W x 8.66” D x 14.37” H | Material: NA | Capacity: 29 L | Laptop size: 16” | Wheels: 4
For a four-wheeled rolling briefcase, we suggest the Targus 4-Wheel Carry-On Briefcase. This four-wheeled spinner briefcase is a comprehensive workhorse from a trusted band that's ideal for taking with you on a business flight.
Suitable as carry-on luggage with almost any airline, the Targus Transit rolling laptop bag measures 16 inches tall, 14 inches wide and 8 inches thick. It features four double-spinner wheels on plastic struts like those found on spinner suitcases, letting you maneuver the Targus Transit in any direction and walk it in front of or next to you.
Inside, it has two large compartments, one of which can hold a 16-inch laptop, plus a front organizer pocket and a smaller but still capacious front stash pocket, for a total of 29 liters of capacity. It has a rear luggage strap if you need to slip it onto the trolley handle of a bigger suitcase for longer trips as well.
How we analyzed
To compile this guide, our editors chose a selection of rolling briefcases based on brand reputation, sales popularity and user reviews. We then evaluated each according to size, capacity, features, number of wheels, number of compartments and durability. We also looked at customer reviews to assess whether there were any issues with durability and longevity.
Key features to consider
Materials and durability
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided
Like suitcases, rolling briefcases may be hard-sided or soft-sided and come in a variety of materials.
- Soft-sided rolling briefcases tend to be lighter and made of materials such as polyester, nylon, canvas and leather. While they can flex to fit in tighter spaces, their flexibility is limited by their wheels and handle rails. Polyester is the most economical of these textiles and may be found in most low-cost rolling briefcases; premium briefcases, on the other hand, are typically made of ballistic nylon and Cordura, which are especially tough fabrics used in high-quality luggage. Fabric strength is denoted in denier or "D," and 600D polyester is considered a good value for a fabric rolling briefcase.
- Hard-sided rolling briefcases include boxy catalog cases. These pieces have stiff sides and frames that are more protective of their contents than soft-sided cases, but they are bulkier and heavier. While soft-sided rolling briefcases are more common, hard-sided metal options or those with a hard-sided frame are excellent when you need extra protection or prefer a sleek-looking case.
Wheels
All rolling briefcases have wheels, but some have two while others have four.
- Two-wheeled rolling briefcases are more common. They feature two wheels on the bottom rear edge, allowing you to pull the briefcase behind you as you walk. Having just two wheels make these rolling briefcases less likely to break and more compact overall, but they can be tricky to maneuver. The wheels on two-wheeled briefcases are often solid discs, also known as skate-style wheels.
- Four-wheeled briefcases may have from four to eight wheels on four struts at each bottom corner. These wheels are almost always spinner wheels like those found on suitcases, and allow you to pull, push or walk your rolling briefcase in any direction.
Locks
Rolling briefcases are frequently used to carry expensive items, such as laptops and other equipment, or sensitive documents, such as contracts and legal briefs. Security, therefore, is a major concern.
- Look for rolling briefcases that integrate combination locks or other security mechanisms.
- You can also get travel locks that hook onto the zipper pulls of your rolling briefcase.
- It's helpful if either your personal locks or the locks on the briefcase itself are TSA-compliant, to avoid damage if it needs to be checked in before a flight.
Size and organization
Dimensions and capacity
Rolling briefcases range from 20 to 40 liters in capacity. They regularly carry not just a laptop but also printed matter, including books, binders, folders and files. Being able to fit US legal-size paper (8.5 by 14 inches) is highly desirable.
A rolling briefcase can be small enough to fit underneath a standard airline seat, and so can count as a personal item. If it doesn't, it may still be under the 22 by 14 by 9 inches that are the limits for carry-on luggage on most airlines.
Pockets and compartments
A rolling briefcase can have from one to four main sections or compartments, which take up the full length and width of the case. The more interior organization in these compartments, the better.
- Laptop pocket or sleeve: This should be padded, with a strap or latch to hold the laptop in place if possible, and ideally will be easily accessible should you need to quickly pull the laptop out (such as at airport security.) Before buying a rolling briefcase, remember to confirm the dimensions of the laptop compartment and if your current computer will fit.
- File pockets and dividers: These help organize documents and paperwork. Expandability is a plus.
- Tablet sleeve: This is helpful for those who use one in addition to or in place of a laptop.
- Front pockets: These are convenient for loose accessories and may include an organization or admin panel with multiple smaller pockets and pen loops.
- Side pocket: Though not always present, they are helpful to have for water bottles or folding umbrellas.
- Stash pocket: This is useful for small personal items like keys and sunglasses, especially while traveling.
Some rolling briefcases have a compartment that open suitcase-style for clothing, with straps for folded clothes and pouches for delicates, cosmetics or toiletries.
Appearance and additional features
Colors and styles
Many rolling briefcases look utilitarian at best. Still, within the restrictions of their shape and function (holding documents and laptops and rolling on the ground), there are options for those who are more fashion-conscious or who want to project a glamorous image, or those who want something more colorful and sporty. These include
- Genuine leather, bonded leather or patent leather, with a luxurious smell and feel, often glossy
- Bright or deep colors, such as red, burgundy, and navy
- Contrasting zippers and pulls with metallic finishes, including gold, chrome, brass or nickel
- Contrasting piping or detailing
Handles
A rolling briefcase comes with a telescoping trolley handle about 20 inches or so in maximum height. This handle collapses into a comparatively small space that allows the briefcase to function as hand luggage.
Grab handles located at the top are used to carry the briefcase as normal. Look for models whose handles have soft, contoured or padded grips for comfort whether rolling or carrying.
Zippers
Look for rolling briefcases with lockable zippers for security. Self-healing zippers are convenient for anyone taking luggage on the go. See if the brand advertises its zipper manufacturer: YKK, for example, is the go-to zipper brand for high-end and premium luggage.
Device charging
A rolling briefcase with a dedicated power bank pocket and cable port is a desirable feature for many travelers. These ports connect to a power bank you supply yourself and provide charging for smartphones or tablets without needing to open the briefcase.
For safety, make sure any power bank is kept with you as carry-on luggage if you're on an aircraft.
Warranty
A warranty is generally a good idea when buying any piece of luggage. Warranties from three to five years that cover manufacturing defects are solid, but 10-year or lifetime guarantees may be better. Luggage warranties rarely include wear and tear or airline damage. Check for shipping costs as well: a replacement or repair may be free, but you're often on the hook for shipping your product back to the manufacturer.
FAQ
Q. How much does a rolling briefcase cost?
A. Basic options, starting at around $60 and going up to about $100, offer lightweight, sturdy construction, clever interior storage and a sleeve for a laptop with a 15.6-inch or smaller screen. Once you move into the $100 to $300 range, you’ll find briefcases with more durable ballistic nylon exteriors, larger laptop sleeves, more wheels and increased storage. Spend over $300 and you get all the bells and whistles, including spinner wheels, integrated locking, device charging, reinforced corners, even more storage, and a more aesthetically pleasing design.
Q. What advantages does a rolling briefcase have over a backpack?
A. A rolling briefcase takes weight off your back and shoulders. Since they're often used to ferry equipment and papers, they can carry heavier loads than a backpack. Rolling briefcases are also more professional-looking than most backpacks and are more suitable in situations where professionalism is required — for example, in legal or medical settings, or in client and executive meetings.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol is a writer for BestReviews. Since 2021, he's written or co-written over a hundred articles and buying guides on subjects ranging from electronics to travel to kitchen gear. He has written several buying guides about luggage, including guides on backpacks and suitcases. An experienced traveler, he's always on the lookout for the best way to carry stuff to the corner coffee shop or across the world.
