The Best Smart Bags and Backpacks Under $100

While battery life on our mobile devices has certainly come a long way and gotten larger over the years, so is the content we throw at them, and if you’re constantly on the go, this can be problematic. Fast-charging is becoming a very popular solution in many mobile products, but not all, and let’s face it, there’s nothing like knowing without a doubt that your device isn’t going to die. The solution? A portable charging brick comes to mind, but if you’re both on the go and in need of a mobile charging solution that won’t add another thing to forget to put it in your bag when you need it most, then a smart bag is likely what you’re looking for.

Most smart bags offer ample storage with dedicated pockets to insert a charging brick, along with dedicated USB charging ports. Some, if you’re lucky to find one, already have a pre-installed battery, which is very nice. Below are 4 solid smart bags to check out.

Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a versatile but cheap smart backpack, the Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack could be just what you’re looking for. Featuring multiple compartments to fit a 15.6 inch laptop, a tablet, and plenty of other items you may need room for, this backpack serves is primary purpose very well.

Things get interesting when you see that the bag has to dedicated ports — one USB to charge whatever device you’d like and an auxiliary cable for headphones. We’re guessing the login here is that you can charge your phone while you’re holding it with the USB port and then listen to music without holding your phone by stowing it in your bag and running the Aux cable (no dongle included) from your phone to your headphones.

You’ll need to purchase a battery pack yourself, but given that the bag ranges from $29-$38, depending on which of the 7 colors you choose from, you won’t be hurting too much from this purchase.

kopack Lightweight Laptop Backpack

Another cheap option also happens to be the best-looking of all the bags on this list. The kopack Lightweight Laptop Backpack hits all the key points on being a bag: ample storage, two size options for 15.6 and 17-inch laptops, anti-theft features, water and tear resistance, and available in 5 different colors. The smarts come in the form of a single USB port, leaving you to provide your own charging brick and charging cable. Still, it’s hard to ask for more when the bag looks this good and it’s under $40.

Mancro Anti Theft Business Laptop Backpack

Much like the kopack backpack above, the Mancro Anti Theft Business Laptop Backpack offers up a super slick overall design, and all of the bells and whistles you’d like, including water resistance, anti-theft lock, and a total of 14 pockets. It also comes in three different sized for 15 inch, 17 inch, and 17.3 inch laptops.

Also like the kopack above, Mancro’s option includes a dedicated USB port to plug in your own charging brick and cable so you can charge on the go. You can also choose from up to 8 different color options, depending on the size you choose.

Ghostek NRGsolar Series

Unlike the other bags on this list, the Ghostek NRGsolar bag goes above and beyond by offering both a built-in 16,000 mAh battery and an 8.8-Watt Solar Panel. You’re also treated to 5 USB ports in total, allowing you to charge multiple devices at a time. Even better, there’s even a dedicated battery level LED so you know how juiced up the built-in battery is. Sounds great, right? Well, you’re going to have to pay for all of these extra features and this bag is about double the price as the others on this list, coming in right under $100.