Looking for a good lunch box under ₹500 that’s reliable for office, school, or travel? You’re in the right place. While most cheap tiffin boxes are either flimsy or leak-prone, we’ve filtered the options to bring you budget lunch boxes that don’t compromise on build quality, sealing, or practicality.
Whether you want a lightweight single-container lunchbox or a small set that fits in your bag without spilling, this guide has the best options — all under ₹500 and tested by real users across India.
Quick Picks – Best Lunch Boxes Under ₹500
Cello Max Fresh Click Polypropylene Lunch Box – ₹479 → Best overall for daily use
Milton Econa Thermoware Tiffin – ₹449 → Best insulated budget tiffin
Signoraware Plastic Executive Lunch Box – ₹399 → Great for compact office use
Tupperware Style Smart Lunch Box (1 container) – ₹499 → Best single-box quality
Home Puff Stainless Steel Lunch Box (1-piece) – ₹489 → Most durable build
How We Picked These Lunch Boxes
We compared 40+ lunch boxes under ₹500 available on Amazon, Flipkart, and major kitchenware brand websites. Products with poor lids, leaky seals, or low user ratings were removed.
Our shortlisted picks had to meet these basic criteria:
Leak resistance and tight sealing
Food-safe plastic or steel materials
Microwave or insulation support if possible
Compact enough to carry daily
High user trust and strong ratings
This article was updated in June 2025. All prices were under ₹500 at the time of writing.
Quick Look: Pros & Cons Table
| Product | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cello Max Fresh Click | BPA-free, leakproof, colorful | Plastic can stain with curry |
| Milton Econa Thermoware | Insulated, keeps food warm | Slightly bulky |
| Signoraware Executive Lunch Box | Slim design, durable plastic | Not microwave-safe |
| Tupperware Smart Box | Brand trust, tight lid | Single container only |
| Home Puff Steel Lunch Box | Sturdy steel body, compact size | Heavier than plastic |
Top 5 Lunch Boxes Under ₹500 - Reviews
Cello Max Fresh Click Polypropylene Lunch Box (3 Containers) – ₹479
This lunch box from Cello offers a complete value-for-money set under ₹500. It includes three containers with secure click lids, all made from BPA-free plastic. The lids close tightly, making it leakproof for daily use. Ideal for home-packed office or college meals.
Users say it’s easy to clean and fits well inside a regular backpack. However, some mention that heavily spiced foods may stain the transparent plastic over time.
Specs:
Material: Polypropylene
Containers: 3
Microwave-safe: Yes
Carry pouch: No
✅ Pros:
Leakproof and lightweight
Value set for the price
Durable lids
❌ Cons:
May stain with oily food
No insulation or pouch
Best for: Daily office/college users on a budget
Milton Econa Thermoware Tiffin (2 Stainless Steel Containers) – ₹449
The Milton Econa lunch box is thermoware insulated, meaning it helps keep food warm for longer durations. The steel containers are placed inside a small insulated box with an outer lid that snaps on tightly.
People love how food stays warm till lunch and say it feels like a premium product despite the low price. Slightly bigger than compact tiffins, but worth it if warmth matters.
Specs:
Material: Stainless steel + plastic
Containers: 2
Insulated: Yes
Carry strap: Yes
✅ Pros:
Insulation keeps food warm
Sturdy and trusted brand
Includes carry handle
❌ Cons:
Slightly bulky
Not microwave-safe
Best for: Office workers who eat later in the day
Signoraware Plastic Executive Lunch Box (2 containers) – ₹399
This compact lunch box from Signoraware is ideal for those who carry dry items or smaller portions. It includes two containers with air-tight lids, fitted into a soft carry case with a zip. Though not microwave-friendly, it performs well for dry or semi-dry food.
Reviews highlight its durability and how well it fits into laptop bags. However, it may not be ideal for full Indian meals with multiple dishes.
Specs:
Material: Plastic
Containers: 2
Microwave-safe: No
Pouch included: Yes
✅ Pros:
Compact and easy to carry
Branded zip pouch
Lightweight
❌ Cons:
Not microwave-safe
Best for dry food
Best for: Students or light office lunches
Tupperware Style Smart Lunch Box (1 container) – ₹499
Tupperware is a globally trusted name, and this smart lunch box offers their trademark sealing quality even in the under ₹500 range. It has one large container with a firm locking lid, perfect for sandwiches, poha, or parathas.
Users appreciate the longevity of this box — the plastic doesn’t warp, and the seal remains effective even after months of use. It’s not a full meal solution but great for light eaters or snack carriers.
Specs:
Material: Virgin plastic
Containers: 1
Microwave-safe: Yes
Leakproof: Yes
✅ Pros:
Excellent seal
Durable and long-lasting
Trusted brand
❌ Cons:
Only one container
No pouch included
Best for: Snack packing, light meals, brand lovers
Home Puff Stainless Steel Lunch Box (1 container) – ₹489
A solid pick if you want steel durability with modern features, this Home Puff lunch box includes one steel container with a secure clip-on lid and silicone ring to prevent leaks. It also has a small steam vent, helpful when carrying hot food.
Reviewers like the feel of the product — heavier but premium — and note that it holds up better than typical steel containers at this price. Ideal for solo meals or carrying side dishes.
Specs:
Material: Stainless steel
Containers: 1
Leakproof: Yes (with silicone seal)
Microwave-safe: No
✅ Pros:
Strong and long-lasting
Clip-lock and seal design
Easy to clean
❌ Cons:
Heavy for its size
No carry case
Best for: Steel lunch box seekers under ₹500
Buying Guide – What to Expect in a ₹500 Lunch Box
At this price point, here’s what you can realistically expect:
Materials: Mostly plastic (BPA-free) or single-container stainless steel
Leakproof lids: Good brands offer secure sealing even at this range
Microwave support: Common with plastic; rare with steel
Insulation: Available in 1–2 budget models only
Multi-container sets: 2–3 boxes possible, but usually without carry pouches
Avoid very lightweight or unbranded tiffins — they often fail in a few weeks.
FAQs – Lunch Boxes Under ₹500
Q. Are plastic lunch boxes safe?
Yes, if they’re BPA-free and from reputable brands like Cello, Signoraware, or Tupperware.
Q. Do these lunch boxes leak?
The ones listed here are generally leakproof, especially when sealed properly. Avoid overfilling liquids.
Q. Is thermoware available under ₹500?
Yes — Milton and other brands offer basic insulated boxes in this budget.
Q. Can I use these in a microwave?
Only plastic containers marked “microwave-safe” are suitable. Steel boxes should never go in microwaves.
Q. What’s the best for kids?
Cello or Signoraware are lightweight and colorful — perfect for school bags.
Final Verdict – Editor’s Pick
If you want a complete, dependable lunch box set under ₹500, go for the Cello Max Fresh Click. It’s lightweight, practical, leakproof, and comes from a trusted brand — making it perfect for office or school use.