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Best Backpacks Under $50

Updated November 2022
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.

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
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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.

HotStyle TrendyMax Backpack
HotStyle
TrendyMax Backpack
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Most Fashionable
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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.

Samurai Tactical Wakizashi Tactical Backpack
Samurai Tactical
Wakizashi Tactical Backpack
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A tough polyester backpack that's comfortable to wear on long hikes and outdoor hunting trips.

Pros

The standard-sized, high-density fabric backpack stays safe and secure as you walk and travel. There are plenty of straps and cords that adjust to your backpack's contents. Molle system to attach your gear with ease.

Cons

The plastic straps do not match the fabric's high-end quality.

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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. About BestReviews  
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.About BestReviews 
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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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.

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