xBriefcase Review: An Exceptional 16″ Laptop Bag with Professional Style and Organization to Spare

I usually carry a backpack, but sometimes a briefcase is a better option, as they often have more organization and look more professional. The xBriefcase from the makers of the xSuit is perhaps the finest example of a modern briefcase that I found. Thoughtfully designed, it offers a plethora of features. Let’s take a closer look.

xBriefcase Features:

• 19 Smart Pockets
• Drop Protection
• A padded magnetic removable laptop sleeve for laptops as large as 16″
• Detachable padded shoulder strap
• Removable snap key ring
• Dust bag included for storing
• Zip entry to the main compartment
• Front U-zip pocket with 9 compartmented front pockets
• Back zip pocket with a concealed luggage zip sleeve
• Inner zip pocket with 4 Compartmented inner pockets and a pocket for tablets

Checking out the xBriefcase in Person

At first pass, the xBriefcase looks like a standard black briefcase. It has handles, a removable shoulder strap, and a large interior space for a laptop and papers. But that simple exterior hides features that make this a modern piece of work gear that many professionals will love carrying.

The company explains it is “the ultimate briefcase for the modern man. Designed to protect and organize all your everyday essentials and let you look the part.”

The xBriefcase is made from a material that is both scratch and water-resistant. And while it is invisible to the eye, the materials and design also add significant drop protection to the case. That means it will look new for years to come, and when an expensive laptop or important work papers are inside, you can rest assured they will be well protected.

You’ll know this is a premium product from the moment you pull it from the box. It ships in a reusable storage bag that will keep it dust-free when not in use.

The metal zipper pulls, whose design is unlike anything I have previously seen, come wrapped in protective plastic sleeves. It took some force to remove them, but I didn’t mind since it let me know the company pays such attention to detail that they want to guarantee each bag arrives in pristine condition.

The metal feet on the xBriefcase’s bottom create a stable base for the bag and keep it raised off any surface onto which it might be placed. That’s especially important when you set the bag on the ground outside. I was pleased to find that even the metal feet came wrapped in protective rubber caps.

This company didn’t miss a thing!!

Constructed mainly from ballistic nylon with “premium bio-leather” employed for the trim, handles, and accents, the xBriefcase measures 16″ long by 12.0″ wide by 3.5″ deep and weighs 2.5 pounds when empty. Hand-polished nickel hardware adds to the classy, refined look of the bag.

The bio-leather handles are substantial and thick enough that they offer some padding. The nickel anchor points look great, and they appear quite durable.

Nickel D-rings on each side of the xBriefcase are attachment points for the included padded shoulder strap.

I tend to prefer using a shoulder strap over handles, so I was pleased to find that the xBriefcase’s shoulder strap is quite comfortable even when the bag is full.

Organizational Features Inside the xBriefcase

Despite the clean, simple lines of the bag, the xBriefcase offers a huge amount of storage space. Add in the fact that, as we will see, it has 19 smart pockets, and it quickly becomes apparent that this is a bag designed for professionals who heavily rely on their tech for productivity.

In the front of the bag, there is a zippered compartment with dual zipper pulls for easy access.

Unzipping this pocket reveals a nice organizational area with pockets of various sizes. Many have small, white icons indicating the item intended to be stored inside.

For example, a small pocket with a mouse icon is the perfect size for my Apple Magic Mouse. Another pocket has an icon indicating its use as a place to stow the power cable. Yet another has an AirPod icon, and, you guessed it, it is the perfect size for my AirPods Pro.

All of this may seem like overkill, but having the xBriefcase laid out so clearly forces you to be more organized. It’s a huge improvement from throwing everything into a backpack and having to fish around each time you need a specific item!

The interior front side of this pocket has a nicely sized zippered pocket for storing small miscellaneous items. There’s even a detachable key loop, so your keys are always easily accessible.

Unfortunately, I need to mention that the first time I opened this interior pocket, the zipper pull came off. I was able to reinstall it, but at some point, I’ll need to carefully crimp the attachment point a bit to prevent this from happening again. It’s a minor complaint on an otherwise exceptionally well-made bag.

Extra Features of the xBriefcase

On the xBriefcase’s back is a large, flat, zippered pocket that can hold papers, a magazine, or a small book.

Ingeniously, the bottom of this pocket has a second zipper.

Opening that second zipper turns the pocket into a luggage sleeve, so the xBriefcase can securely ride on the handles of a roll-aboard when running through the airport.

It is important to note that if you plan to place items in this rear pocket, you’ll want to double-check and make sure this bottom zipper is closed so items don’t fall out or that any stored items are removed before you unzip the second zipper to attach the bag to your carry-on.

The ample interior space can be accessed using the dual zipper pulls that allow full access inside.

This main storage space has three open pockets toward the front. The middle pocket has a more rigid design. It is intended for sunglasses, and the rigid material helps prevent them from being crushed.

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Behind the three open pockets is another open pocket that extends the entire width of this area; it’s ideal for a tablet.

The xBriefcase’s included padded laptop case is large enough to accommodate a 16″ laptop. It is substantial and provides a nice amount of protection.

Two ingenious magnetic attachment points keep the laptop securely in place but also make it simple to remove the laptop sleeve if you want to use it on its own. The design also means you can remove the sleeve for added space if you aren’t carrying a laptop.

I love the flexibility of being able to remove the laptop sleeve so it can be used on its own.

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The xBriefcase even comes with a luggage tag designed to accept an AirTag. How’s that for attention to detail?!

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The xBriefcase even comes with a lifetime warranty, which should give you a sense of how well-built the Briefcase is and how reliable the company expects it to be.

As I noted at the beginning of this review, it’s been a while since I carried a briefcase, as I tend to prefer backpacks. The xBriefcase has changed that. It looks professional but not stuffy. It is well-built and still looks brand new despite being used for the last few weeks.

The xBriefcase’s durable, textured material sheds water, and the sealed zippers offer a good amount of protection to the delicate and pricey electronics stored inside. The material is thick enough that it provides a substantial amount of drop protection. The removable padded laptop sleeve was an exceptionally nice surprise.

The magnetic anchors keep their position inside the bag and allow you to quickly remove it for days you are only carrying a laptop or, if you prefer, throw it in a different bag. It is thick and padded, and I appreciate knowing that my pricey 15″ MacBook Air is safe inside.

Should You Buy the xBriefcase?

This is by no means a relaxed, casual bag, and, as a result, it won’t be right for everyone, but if a briefcase is your preferred work bag, I can’t think of another option that comes close to offering what the xBriefcase does. It will keep you organized, let you carry everything you need for a long workday, and it looks very classy.

I’m quite taken with this bag and happy to have it as part of my work gear. In short, the xBriefcase is a high-end accessory for those who want to look professional while carrying their tech.

At $499 (discounted to $399 at the time of this review), the xBriefcase is not inexpensive. But it is a classy, thoughtfully designed, well-built bag with a lifetime warranty.

The entry price may be high, but the xBriefcase is the last briefcase you’ll likely ever need.

The xBriefcase sells for $499; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Well-constructed bag made with premium materials; Thoughtfully designed with smart pockets targeted to hold specific items; Removable 16″ padded laptop sleeve is ingenious; Water and dust resistance keeps electronics safe; Detachable shoulder strap is surprisingly comfortable; Zippers on the back panel can be opened to attach the bag to the handle of a carry-on

What Needs Improvement: The interior zipper pull came off the first time I used it, and it took a few minutes to reinstall