Amazon Basics 15.6" Rolling Laptop Bag for Travel and Business, Briefcase with Wheels, Adjustable Locking Handle, Black

Why it's worth it

If you want wheels under a laptop without spending much, this Amazon Basics roller covers the fundamentals: a padded space for a 15.6-inch machine, a push-button locking handle and a front pocket for pens and cards. That's about the extent of it.

Sometimes you just need wheels and a working handle. This one has both, plus a compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches and a front pocket with slots for pens, a notepad and cards. If you're a first-year student who isn't sure the rolling thing will stick, or you only need the wheels a few times a term, there's no reason to spend more to find out.

It's slim enough to slide under an airplane seat, which is the main reason to consider it for travel over a proper carry-on. Around campus it does the same job as any wheeled case: it keeps the load off your shoulders on flat ground, and it stands upright next to your chair instead of slumping into the aisle.

From our review of 5 rolling backpacks for students and commuters

What we like

• +Sometimes you just need wheels and a working handle
• +It's slim enough to slide under an airplane seat, which is the main reason to consider it for travel over a proper carry-on
• +What you're giving up is everything past the basics

What to know

• –At roughly 5.1 pounds empty it weighs more than the High Sierra while holding less and doing less, which is the usual cost of…
• –There are no shoulder straps, so stairs mean carrying it by the top handle