8 Best Crossbody Bags Under $50 (2025 Guide)

When safety and style need to coexist in a single compact package, the Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag steps up with confidence. Engineered for urban adventurers and frequent travelers, this bag integrates a 5-point anti-theft system—including slash-resistant stainless steel mesh lining and locking zippers—that actively deters pickpockets and bag snatchers. The adjustable stainless steel cable strap can be secured to fixed objects, turning your bag into a temporary lockbox at cafes or transit hubs. Crafted from cotton canvas with suede trim and nickel-plated hardware, it balances rugged security with a vintage-chic aesthetic that feels both timeless and intentional.

In real-world use, this crossbody shines in crowded environments like airports, festivals, and city commutes. Its 9.5” x 8” x 2.5” footprint offers enough room for essentials—phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses—without encouraging overpacking. The zippered RFID-protected pocket safeguards credit cards and passports from digital theft, while the front and rear slash pockets provide quick access to transit cards or lip balm. Though not fully waterproof, the material handles light rain with dignity. However, the fixed strap length (53”) may feel restrictive for taller users, and the lack of a padded phone slot could concern those with larger devices.

Compared to minimalist sling bags like the higouta Mini Sling Bag, the Travelon delivers superior theft protection and organizational depth, making it ideal for travelers prioritizing peace of mind over ultra-slim profiles. It doesn’t compete on weight or sportiness, but for anyone who’s ever felt uneasy in a packed subway or foreign market, this bag is a quiet guardian. While the North Face Jester emphasizes outdoor durability, the Travelon wins on urban resilience and security-first design, offering a more specialized solution for high-risk environments.

Built for the rugged explorer in all of us, the THE NORTH FACE Jester Crossbody Bag brings mountain-grade durability to everyday carry. With its signature front bungee system and DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish, this sling bag laughs off drizzle and brush scrapes, making it a go-to for outdoor lovers who refuse to let weather dictate their plans. The 2.3-liter main compartment is surprisingly spacious for its compact 6” x 8.13” frame, offering room for layers, snacks, or trail essentials—perfect for day hikes or urban commutes with a backpacker’s soul.

On the trail or in the city, the Jester proves its versatility. The adjustable strap (27”–50”) allows for crossbody, shoulder, or fanny pack wear, adapting seamlessly to different body types and movement styles. The external bungee system securely holds a light jacket or water bottle, while the zippered back pocket keeps IDs and cards within easy reach. Despite its rugged DNA, it’s featherlight at just 5 oz, ensuring zero fatigue even during long treks. However, the lack of internal organization beyond a single drop-in pocket can make small items hard to locate quickly—especially if you’re juggling gloves, keys, and a phone mid-hike.

Against the Pritent Crossbody Bag, the Jester trades some organizational flair for superior weather resistance and brand-tested endurance. While the Pritent offers more pockets and a breathable back panel, the North Face model excels where conditions get unpredictable. It’s not the best for tech commuters needing RFID protection or multiple gadget slots, but for those seeking a rugged, weather-ready sling that transitions from trail to town effortlessly, it’s unmatched in this price range. It outperforms budget fanny packs in long-term durability and outdoor readiness, even if it sacrifices a bit of urban polish.

For those who want maximum utility without breaking the bank, the MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack is a budget powerhouse that punches far above its price tag. With four zippered compartments, this 14.3” x 5.9” pack delivers exceptional organization for a fanny pack, letting you separate phones, wallets, keys, and IDs with ease. The adjustable strap (20”–50”) ensures a snug fit across body types, and the ability to wear it waist-forward, crossbody, or over-the-shoulder makes it adaptable to nearly any activity—from theme park marathons to weekend festivals.

In practice, this bag thrives in high-motion environments where hands-free access is non-negotiable. The water-resistant fabric shrugs off light rain and spills, while the reflective loop enhances visibility during evening jogs or nighttime walks. It comfortably fits large phones (even with cases), and the theft-proof hidden back pocket adds a smart layer of security for cash or cards. However, the material, while durable for the price, lacks the premium feel of canvas or leather alternatives, and the zippers can feel slightly flimsy under heavy daily use.

When stacked against the FEIBOON Spacious Nylon Bag, the MAXTOP wins on adjustability and multi-wear flexibility, but falls short in aesthetic refinement. While the FEIBOON offers a more polished look with gold zippers and a sophisticated profile, the MAXTOP is built for function-first users who prioritize capacity and versatility over fashion. It’s not the sleekest option for a night out, but for travelers, runners, or parents needing a no-nonsense, ultra-affordable workhorse, it delivers unmatched value. Compared to pricier slings, it trades elegance for raw, practical utility—and wins on pure bang-for-buck.

If organization is your love language, the Pritent Crossbody Bag speaks fluently. This medium-sized sling (7.5” x 14.5” x 3.5”) is a masterclass in thoughtful layout, featuring two front zip pockets, a buckle pocket, four internal open pockets, and a side mesh sleeve—all designed to keep your life sorted without digging. The detachable D-ring strap allows left- or right-shoulder carry, reducing strain during extended wear, while the reflective shoulder straps boost nighttime visibility for runners or urban cyclists.

Real-world testing shows this bag excels as a daily commuter or light hiking companion. The waterproof, abrasion-resistant fabric stands up to rain and rough trails, and the breathable mesh back panel prevents sweat buildup—ideal for hot summer walks or crowded subway rides. It fits an iPad, power bank, and essentials with ease, and the hidden headphone port keeps your tunes tangle-free. However, the main zipper doesn’t lock, and there’s no RFID protection, leaving digital theft a concern in high-risk areas.

Compared to the Simptech Mini Sling Bag, the Pritent offers far more storage and structure, making it better suited for all-day outings than quick gym runs. While the Simptech wins on lightweight comfort for workouts, the Pritent dominates in versatility and organization—perfect for students, photographers, or anyone who carries more than just a phone and keys. It’s not as fashion-forward as the BOSTANTEN quilted bag, but it outperforms in practical design and load management. For users who value clutter-free access and rugged comfort, it’s one of the most intelligent picks under $50.

For those craving a style upgrade without sacrificing substance, the BOSTANTEN Quilted Sling Bag delivers a luxe look at a fraction of the designer cost. Wrapped in soft-touch, water-repellent PU leather, this crossbody radiates sophistication with its quilted diamond stitching and vintage guitar strap design—perfect for elevating a casual jeans-and-tee look or complementing a business-casual ensemble. Despite its polished appearance, it’s surprisingly practical, fitting essentials like a phone, sunglasses, earbuds, and even a compact umbrella.

In everyday use, the bag proves both lightweight and weather-resistant, handling sudden showers with ease thanks to its sealed seams and water-shedding material. The adjustable strap ensures a custom fit across body types, and the ability to wear it crossbody, over-the-shoulder, or even on the back adds fashion flexibility. However, the interior lacks dedicated padding or organization—just one main compartment and a single inner pocket—making it easy for items to shift around. It’s not ideal for tech-heavy users or those needing quick access to multiple items.

Versus the FEIBOON Spacious Bag, the BOSTANTEN wins on aesthetic appeal and material elegance, while the FEIBOON offers more internal volume and plus-size strap adjustability. This is not a bag for maximalists or outdoor adventurers—it’s for the style-conscious urbanite who wants to look put-together while staying hands-free. It doesn’t match the Travelon’s security or the North Face’s durability, but it outshines them in fashion-forward functionality. For a chic, weather-ready purse alternative, it strikes a rare balance between glamour and practicality.

The higouta Mini Sling Bag is a master of lightweight security, packing smart safety features into a sleek, 1-liter silhouette that disappears under jackets or layers. Made from 500D heavy-duty nylon, it’s built to resist cuts, scrapes, and rain, while the slim, low-profile design keeps valuables hidden in crowded spaces—ideal for city travelers or festival-goers wary of pickpockets. The ergonomic 2.5” strap and breathable mesh back ensure comfort during all-day wear, even with winter coats zipped up.

This bag thrives in fast-paced, high-density environments. The multiple discreet pockets securely hold phone, wallet, passport, and cards, while the reflective stripes enhance visibility at night—perfect for runners or late-night commuters. It transitions effortlessly from crossbody to fanny pack to backpack thanks to its versatile strap system, making it a chameleon across activities. But its compact size means it won’t fit larger tablets or bulkier items, and the lack of a dedicated key clip may frustrate those who hate digging.

Compared to the MAXTOP fanny pack, the higouta is more discreet and secure, trading capacity for stealth. While the MAXTOP wins for families or festival campers needing space, the higouta is the urban minimalist’s secret weapon—ideal for those who carry only the essentials and demand maximum safety in tight spaces. It doesn’t offer the North Face’s outdoor toughness, but it outperforms in theft prevention and low-visibility carry. For travelers, runners, or commuters who value discreet, durable protection, it’s a top-tier choice that blends invisibility with intelligence.

When you need maximum capacity without sacrificing style, the FEIBOON Spacious Crossbody Bag steps in as the ultimate hands-free hauler. Measuring 14.3” wide with a 3D expanded design, it offers more room than most fanny packs in this category—easily fitting daily essentials, a small tablet, snacks, or even baby supplies, making it a go-to for parents, shoppers, or weekend travelers. The gold double zipper and large pull-tab add a touch of luxury, while the adjustable strap (up to 54.33”) ensures a comfortable fit for tall or plus-size wearers.

In real use, this bag excels during errands, short trips, or airport transits where you need more than just a phone and wallet. The removable strap allows for custom styling—swap it for a chain or leather band to match your outfit. The checkered nylon fabric is durable and wipe-clean, standing up to spills and daily wear. However, the lack of internal compartments means items can shift, and there’s no dedicated security pocket or RFID shielding—making it less ideal for high-theft zones.

Pitted against the MAXTOP fanny pack, the FEIBOON wins on aesthetic refinement and size inclusivity, offering a more fashionable, roomy alternative. While MAXTOP focuses on utility, FEIBOON leans into style and comfort for extended wear. It’s not built for rugged trails like the North Face Jester, nor as secure as the Travelon, but for fashion-forward users who need space and versatility, it’s unmatched. It delivers luxury vibes and practical volume in one polished package, making it the best choice for those who want to carry more and look great doing it.

Engineered for motion, the Simptech Mini Crossbody Sling Bag is the ultimate running and gym companion, designed to keep your essentials locked down during high-intensity activity. Its dual-pocket layout separates phone and keys to prevent scratches, while the quick-release buckle makes on/off a one-second move—ideal for gym transitions or race starts. The waterproof, breathable fabric resists sweat and rain, and the lightweight build ensures zero bounce or chafing, even during sprints or long jogs.

This bag shines in active scenarios: it securely holds phones up to 6.7 inches (with Otterbox cases), and the zippers stay closed under motion, eliminating fear of dropped items. It’s perfect for runners, cyclists, or gym-goers who want a no-bounce, no-slip solution for phone, cards, and keys. The multi-use design extends to hiking, travel, and leisure, but its small size limits it to absolute essentials—no room for wallets or bulkier items.

Against the higouta Mini Sling, Simptech offers better sweat resistance and targeted fitness design, though it lacks the higouta’s multi-carry versatility. While the higouta can convert to a backpack, the Simptech is strictly a chest or waist carrier—optimized for performance over flexibility. It doesn’t match the Pritent’s organization or the BOSTANTEN’s style, but for athletes who demand reliability and comfort, it’s the most focused performer. It delivers gym-ready durability and bounce-free fit, making it the top pick for active lifestyles.