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Best Backpacks Under $50
Updated August 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Volher Laptop Backpack
Volher
Laptop Backpack
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Professional Quality
Bottom Line

Secure and spacious, this is a comprehensive backpack that will store your business or travel essentials.

Pros

Built with several compartments to keep your electronics, documents, clothing, and other items separated. A specialized pocket protects your smaller items against theft. Elastic and flexible, so won't rub against your shoulders. Supports larger laptops with ease.

Cons

Can be prone to tearing, especially if you pack it with heavy objects.

Best Bang for the Buck
Maxtop Deep Storage Backpack
Maxtop
Deep Storage Backpack
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

This backpack arrives with the option of a USB port so users can charge their phones while on the go.

Pros

Full backpack comes with a front zipper pocket and 2 side pockets. Plenty of inside storage space. Includes a compartment for a power bank and USB charger. Simply attach the luggage strap to your carry-on bags to take both items with you.

Cons

May be more suited for traveling purposes than school or work.

Carhartt Trade Plus Backpack
Carhartt
Trade Plus Backpack
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Weatherproof Design
Bottom Line

The blend of materials of this backpack resists damage from the rain, wind, and sun.

Pros

Supports enough space for a laptop, charger, pencil, and additional items. Additional pockets are easy to reach, making it an excellent spot for keys, earphones, or your phone. Durable and tough, protecting against most weather conditions.

Cons

Can be difficult to get into the main compartment as it is not flexible.

HotStyle TrendyMax Backpack
HotStyle
TrendyMax Backpack
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Most Fashionable
Bottom Line

To those searching for a backpack for school, this pick arrives in a variety of colors and patterns.

Pros

Shoulder straps can be adjusted to suit your build. Feels comfortable on the shoulders while leaving enough room to hold textbooks and binders. Offers several fun themes, including galaxies, foods, and animals.

Cons

Not as long-lasting as some of the other models on the market.

Vaschy Classic Backpack
Vaschy
Classic Backpack
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

With durable cotton lining and user-friendly openings, this is a simple yet solid backpack for schools, traveling, and more.

Pros

Composed of polyester that resists damage from rain and water. Classic, 2-color design is subtle yet eye-catching. Features several compartments to safely organize and store all your items. Straps are reinforced for added longevity.

Cons

Can be quite heavy even without anything in it.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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64
Models
Considered
150
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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A backpack can easily cost hundreds of dollars, but sometimes, you don’t want anything fancy. In that case, you can find a quality, attractive backpack for under $50 to meet all of your needs. These tend to have simple designs with less organizational pockets than you might find on a more expensive model. Some backpacks under $50 that have laptop compartments can fit a computer up to 17”. Others have a USB port and room for a battery pack for charging devices on the go. Not all backpacks under $50 are durable enough, though, to withstand frequent travel. Padded straps are still standard on these less expensive backpacks, but additional comfort features like a padded back or a sternum strap may not be part of the design.

Our Top Picks
Volher
Best of the Best
Volher
Laptop Backpack
Bottom Line
Secure and spacious, this is a comprehensive backpack that will store your business or travel essentials.
Shop Now
Maxtop
Best Bang for the Buck
Maxtop
Deep Storage Backpack
Bottom Line
This backpack arrives with the option of a USB port so users can charge their phones while on the go.
Shop Now
Carhartt
Top Pick
Carhartt
Trade Plus Backpack
Bottom Line
The blend of materials of this backpack resists damage from the rain, wind, and sun.
Shop Now
HotStyle
Top Pick
HotStyle
TrendyMax Backpack
Bottom Line
To those searching for a backpack for school, this pick arrives in a variety of colors and patterns.
Shop Now
Vaschy
Top Pick
Vaschy
Classic Backpack
Bottom Line
With durable cotton lining and user-friendly openings, this is a simple yet solid backpack for schools, traveling, and more.
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Vaschy
Top Pick
Vaschy
Leather Laptop Backpack
Bottom Line
A smart-looking backpack that functions well for both school and work.
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Dickies
Top Pick
Dickies
Unisex Student Backpack
Bottom Line
A classic that lives up to its reputation in terms of durability and practicality.
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HIKPRO
Top Pick
HIKPRO
Water Resistant Travel Hiking Daypack For Men & Women
Bottom Line
Will hold up and resist wear and tear as you traverse the world or head across campus for class.
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Eastport
Top Pick
Eastport
Future Tech Backpack with Padded Electronic Storage Pocket
Bottom Line
Uncomplicated on the outside and filled with intelligently engineered interior storage features.
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Camel
Top Pick
Camel
Lightweight Hiking Backpack
Bottom Line
Thrives in the outdoors whether you're on an adventure or caught in a metropolitan downpour.
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