Best Backpacks Under $50
Updated October 2020
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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 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
Vaschy Leather Laptop Backpack
Vaschy
Leather Laptop Backpack
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Bottom Line

A smart-looking backpack that functions well for both school and work.

Pros

Fits 15-inch laptop. Carries books, laptops and water bottles in an organized fashion. Reviewers especially like the leather and canvas touches that set this backpack apart from others.

Cons

A padded laptop sleeve would enhance the backpack's comfort.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dickies Unisex Student Backpack
Dickies
Unisex Student Backpack
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Bottom Line

A classic that lives up to its reputations in terms of durability and practicality.

Pros

Noted for its spaciousness and reliability. Ideal for travel as well most levels of school. Customers love that this backpack is consistent in regard to its appearance and function.

Cons

Covers the basics extremely well but may not suit professionals.

HIKPRO Water Resistant Travel Hiking Daypack For Men & Women
HIKPRO
Water Resistant Travel Hiking Daypack For Men & Women
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Bottom Line

Will hold up and resist wear and tear as you traverse the world or head across campus for class.

Pros

A lightweight backpack you can take from land to sea and safeguard your belongings along the way. Packs up tightly for easy travel. We love that it looks good enough to use exploring a city just as it does in a rainforest.

Cons

While highly durable, this backpack is not 100% waterproof.

Eastport Future Tech Backpack with Padded Electronic Storage Pocket
Eastport
Future Tech Backpack with Padded Electronic Storage Pocket
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Bottom Line

Uncomplicated on the outside and filled with intelligently-engineered interior storage features.

Pros

Handsomely structured to project style and organization. We love that the interior includes a mesh layer that protects precious tech equipment and also maintains cleanliness. A price point students will love as well.

Cons

Some note the straps will exhibit wear and tear quickly .

Camel Lightweight Hiking Backpack
Camel
Lightweight Hiking Backpack
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Bottom Line

Thrives in the outdoors whether you're on an adventure or caught in a metropolitan downpour.

Pros

Designed for wearing all day long with sufficient padding that helps prevent muscle fatigue and soreness. Appreciated by explorers, commuters and moms who especially like the storage and easy access to staple items. Sized right for students.

Cons

We wish it came in more color options.

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
Category cover

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
Vaschy
Best of the Best
Vaschy
Leather Laptop Backpack
Bottom Line
A smart-looking backpack that functions well for both school and work.
Shop Now
Dickies
Best Bang for the Buck
Dickies
Unisex Student Backpack
Bottom Line
A classic that lives up to its reputations in terms of durability and practicality.
Shop Now
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.
Shop Now
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.
Shop Now
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.
Shop Now