A new school year often means loading up on the latest and greatest tech products. However, considering the new reality of remote or in-person classes and study sessions, as well as the convoluted market (new products are dropping almost on a weekly basis), we figured you might need some help.
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After countless hours of research and testing, we present you our favorite tech products you need in your life for the upcoming school year. The award-winning gadgets range from feature-packed laptops and smartphones, all the way to affordably priced accessories for them.
So we spent countless hours researching and testing today’s best back-to-school tech products in a number of categories, whittling down all that’s out there to a select few products that are certain to help you conquer what life throws at you, both in and out of the classroom.
The award-winning products are divided into several distinct categories: phones, tablets, laptops, sound, laptop accessories, and phone accessories. There are also a few tech products we vouch for, worthy of your living space for the year ahead (and beyond).
Find your next favorite gadget below!
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best phones
Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL
$370.98
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The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL by Google are our favorite Android phones to take back to school this year. They have an elegant and durable design, superb cameras, top-notch performance and battery life, as well as a price tag that’s simply impossible to resist. There are three cool colors to pick from: Just Black, Clearly White, and Purple-ish.
Like all Google phones, the Pixel 3a duo also offer the best user experience in the business (thanks to an OLED display and built-in stereo speakers), coupled with years’ worth of guaranteed firmware and security updates.
Google Pixel 4a Smartphone
$349.99
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The Pixel 4a by Google is the best Android phone to take back to school this year. It has a cool design, superb camera, top-notch performance and battery life, as well as a sub-$350 price tag that’s impossible to resist.
Thanks to a 5.8-inch screen with slim bezels, the phone is refreshingly compact, too. Like all Google phones, the Pixel 4a also offers the best Android user experience in the business, backed by years’ worth of timely firmware and security updates.
Apple iPhone 11
$849.00
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The iPhone 11 is the perfect Apple smartphone to start the school year with. Available in a multitude of captivating colors (black, white, green, red, yellow, and purple), it has unrivaled power and performance, a superb battery life, and an incredible dual camera. Crucially, starting at $699, the phone is also reasonably priced.
Like the pricier iPhone 11 Pro duo, the 11 has built-in stereo speakers, a waterproof build, support for fast charging, and an amazing selection of original and third-party cases and accessories.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
$1299.99
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The splurge-worthy Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra is the most feature-packed Android phone for the new school year. Thanks to a vast Infinity AMOLED display and an S Pen stylus, the big phone has more productivity and creativity features than most tablets.
Of course, the range-topping Samsung smartphone has a powerful chipset, a large battery, ample storage that’s easily expandable, stereo speakers, and a waterproof build. A more affordable Galaxy Note20 with a slightly smaller screen is also available.
Moto G7 Android Smartphone
$199.99
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Priced below $300, the Moto G7 is literally a lot of smartphone for not a whole lot of money. It’s our favorite budget-friendly Android phone to go to school with, thanks to its captivating design, solid specs and performance, as well as a polished user experience. Lenovo offers the Moto G7 in black or white.
The hardware design of the G7 is surely worthy of a higher price tag. The large 6.2-inch display of the phone has practically no bezels, and a tiny notch that’s home to the selfie camera. A dual main camera, fast-charging battery, and a splash-resistant build are other highlights.
LG G8 ThinQ Smartphone
$749.99
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The LG G8 ThinQ is a top-shelf Android smartphone that’s totally worth your attention. In addition to high-end hardware specs, it’s packed with a host of futuristic features. The coolest one is the ability of the device’s display to turn into an acoustic surface. Dubbed Crystal Sound OLED, the feature ensures that, in addition to an excellent Android phone, you are always carrying a surprisingly capable loudspeaker. It also eliminates the need for an earpiece, making the G8 ThinQ insanely elegant in the metal.
Users also have a choice of how to log in to their LG G8: a fingerprint sensor, a built-in facial scanner, or a palm scan. The tech also makes the device compatible with handy gesture controls.
Moto G Fast Smartphone
$169.99
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Priced below $200, the Moto G Fast is literally a lot of smartphone for not a whole lot of money. It’s our favorite budget-friendly Android phone to go to school with, thanks to a captivating design, solid hardware specs, and a polished user experience.
The hardware design of the G Fast is worthy of a higher price tag. Its 6.4-inch display has practically no bezels, making the phone surprisingly compact. A triple main camera and a massive battery that can last for up to 2 days are also among the device’s noteworthy highlights.
Apple iPhone SE
$449.00
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The latest iPhone SE is the reasonably-priced Apple smartphone to get.
It has the same monstrously powerful chip as the iPhone 11, a solid camera, and a compact design with a 4.7-inch Retina Display. Apple offers the device in black, white, or red.
Thanks to Apple iOS, the affordable iPhone offers access to a platform with an industry-leading selection of apps and content. Like every iPhone, the SE comes with an outstanding variety of protective cases.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
$999.00
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An iPhone XS or an iPhone XS Max is a great option to take back to school, so long as your budget has no restrictions. Compared to the iPhone XR we already mentioned, they have superior OLED displays with higher resolution, a more capable dual camera, and a decidedly more luxurious build with a stainless-steel frame.
The iPhone XS Max is the better option for power users, thanks to its massive 6.5-inch display and a battery life to match. The iPhone XS, on the other hand, is handily the best compact phone money can buy — you can easily use it with one hand.
OnePlus 7 Pro Android Smartphone
$549.00
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If you want to kick off the new school year with a new big-screen phone, look no further than the OnePlus 7 Pro. The Android smartphone is incredibly elegant (no screen bezels!) and more capable than any rival. The bezel-free design of the device comes courtesy of a pop-up selfie camera, which, in addition to taking great photos, is a great conversation starter.
The rest of the device’s key features include a massive 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a sophisticated triple camera, built-in stereo speakers, and a massive battery with the fastest charging tech in the business. The phone is available in a trio of colors: Nebula Blue, Almond, and Mirror Gray.
OnePlus 8 Smartphone
$669.00
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If you want to kick off the new school year with a feature-packed 5G phone without breaking the bank, consider the OnePlus 8. The Android smartphone is more powerful than any rival in its price range. It is available in green or eye-catching interstellar glow.
The rest of the device’s key features include a massive 6.55-inch AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh rate, a sophisticated triple camera, built-in stereo speakers, and a massive battery with the fastest charging tech in the business.
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best phone accessories
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
$29.99
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The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD is a stylish battery pack, capable of fast-charging your smartphone and other gadgets over a USB-C and a UBS-A connector. The accessory has enough capacity to charge most smartphones twice and have energy to spare.
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
$29.99
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The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD is a stylish battery pack, capable of fast-charging your smartphone and other gadgets over a USB-C and a UBS-A connector. Available in six colors, it has enough capacity to charge most smartphones twice and have energy to spare.
Anker PowerPort+ Atom III
$37.99
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The PowerPort Atom III wall charger by Anker can charge anything — and fast — including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets. A must-have school year accessory, the nifty gadget is made using gallium nitride instead of silicone. That’s why it’s mighty, yet compact.
Otterbox Dual Port Wall Charger
$24.95
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This dual-port wall charger by Otterbox can effortlessly and rapidly charge phones, tablets, and other gadgets. A must-have school year accessory, the compact device is stylish, and like all the brand’s products, incredibly durable.
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad
$33.99
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The Belkin Boost Up wireless charger is an essential back-to-school gadget. Stylish and compact, the device can rapidly charge iPhones, as well as compatible Android smartphones. Available in black or white, the Belkin Boost Up is backed by a sweet 2-year warranty.
mophie UV sanitizer with wireless charging
$79.95
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The mophie UV sanitizer is an essential gadget, because it can remove up to 99.99% of common surface bacteria from phones and small items. It can also rapidly charge iPhones, as well as compatible Android phones.
Lifeproof WĀKE Smartphone Case
$39.99
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The eco-friendly Lifeproof WĀKE smartphone cases are our favorites for the upcoming school year.
Available for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones, they are made from ocean-based recycled plastic. The thin cases can protect your phone from drops of up to 2 meters (almost 7 feet).
Otterbox Symmetry Series Smartphone Case
$23.93
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The Symmetry series of smartphone cases by Otterbox are our favorites for the upcoming school year. Available for iPhone and today’s popular Android smartphones, the Symmetry cases have an impressively thin profile without compromising the brand’s signature toughness.
mophie Juice Pack Access iPhone Battery Case
$79.95
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The mophie Juice Pack Access is a must-have accessory for iPhone users looking for backup power. Also available for iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro Max, it has a slim profile, enough power for an extra day of use, a USB-C connector, and compatibility with wireless charging.
Apple Smart Battery Case for iPhone XR
$102.00
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Apple’s own Smart Battery Case is the best option for iPhone users looking for available backup power before kicking off the new school year. Available for all iPhone models, the accessory has a slim profile, enough power for an extra day of use, and can replenish its built-in battery pack via a wireless charger.
Speck Presidio Stay Clear Case
$12.00
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The Speck Presidio Stay Clear is the protective case to get if you prefer to show off your smartphone’s stock color this year. The cover is available for iPhone, as well as popular Android devices. It delivers solid protection against scratches and bumps. It’ll help your phone survive drops from up to 8 feet, according to Speck.
Nimble Disc Clear iPhone Case
$39.95
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The Nimble Disc Case is the one to get if you want to show off your iPhone’s stock color this year. Made from recycled CDs, the case offers solid protection against scratches and drops, as well permanent antimicrobial protection. It is available for the iPhone 11 trio as well as the iPhone SE.
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The 2020 Back-to-School Tech Awards
HP Envy 15
$1249.00
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The HP Envy 15 is our top pick for a PC laptop. This notebook is stylish, durable, insanely powerful, and capable of making it through a full day of classes between battery charges (more than 18 hours of mixed use).
The Envy’s large display is equally great for schoolwork and Netflix. Its NVIDIA graphics can power through demanding school projects and gaming titles. Other highlights include a built-in fingerprint sensor, a button for disabling the webcam, and speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen.
Apple MacBook Air With Retina Display
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The latest MacBook Air is all the MacBook most consumers will need, as well as the perfect Apple laptop to take to school. It has the original’s iconic design, a gorgeous Retina display, a speedy Intel processor, up to a rather impressive 12 hours of battery life, and a price tag within reach for most consumers. Best of all, the notebook weighs less than three pounds, so you’ll almost forget it’s in your school bag!
Apple offers the MacBook Air in silver, gold, and space gray. You can spec the lightweight notebook with up to 1.5 TB of built-in storage.
Google Pixelbook Go
$649.00
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Google’s own Pixelbook Go is unsurprisingly the best Chrome OS laptop for the new school year. It has a durable and ergonomic design, a vibrant touchscreen, a superb keyboard, and up to 12 hours of battery life. Rather impressively, the notebook weighs only 2 pounds.
Even the entry-level Pixelbook Go is uncompromisingly capable for a Chrome OS laptop, courtesy of an Intel Core m3 CPU. Variants with speedier processors and more RAM are also available.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
$569.00
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The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is the best Chrome OS laptop to begin the new school year with. It has a stylish and durable design, a vibrant touchscreen with 360-degree hinge, and slim bezels. The latter make the notebook impressively compact in the metal — the C434 has a 14-inch display, yet it has the footprint of a 13-inch laptop.
The Chromebook Flip C434 is plenty capable for a Chrome OS notebook, courtesy of an Intel Core m3 processor. It can last up to 10 hours between battery charges.
Apple MacBook Air
$949.00
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The latest MacBook Air is the perfect Apple laptop to take to school. It has an iconic design, a gorgeous Retina display, an outstanding Magic Keyboard, plenty of power, up to 12 hours of battery life, and a reasonable price tag. It weighs less than 3 pounds, so you’ll almost forget it’s in your school bag!
Apple offers the MacBook Air in silver, gold, and space gray. We highly recommend that you spend a bit more for the variant with a quad-core Intel processor and more storage.
Dell XPS 13 9300
$2165.27
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The latest XPS 13 by Dell is the PC ultrabook to buy if your budget has no restrictions. The impossibly elegant laptop packs desktop-worthy hardware. However, thanks to ultra slim display bezels, it is compact beyond belief for a 13.4-inch screen-toting device.
Dell deserves praise for the amazing XPS 13 craftsmanship. The notebook is made from a single block of aluminum, genuine carbon fiber, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6, thus ensuring that you’ll enjoy every interaction.
MSI GS65 Stealth Windows 10 Laptop
$3999.11
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What we love about the MSI GS65 Stealth laptop is that it’s equally great for conquering a school project or your opponents in today’s hottest AAA video games. Even more impressively — because it’s surprisingly light, thin, and elegant (look at its ultra slim bezels!) — the powerful 15-inch gaming rig is also a great pick for use on the go.
With a ninth-generation, six-core Intel processor and an NVIDIA RTX 20 Series graphics card, the MSI GS65 Stealth is also as futureproof as a Windows 10 notebook can get. Yes, it is pricey, but well worth the investment if you’re an avid gamer.
Apple MacBook Pro With Touch Bar
$1424.05
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The MacBook Pro is the splurge-worthy Apple notebook to buy if your budget has no restrictions. Available with a 13- or 15-inch Retina display, the notebook has desktop-worthy hardware specs, yet it’s impressively thin and lightweight.
The 15-inch variant is the one to go for if you are a power user. It is available with up to a world-beating, octa-core Intel Core i9 process and 32 GB of RAM, so there’s practically no task that can slow it down. Every MacBook Pro is available in silver or space gray.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
$783.45
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The sleek and versatile Microsoft Surface Pro 7 can instantly transform from a big-screen tablet to a laptop, so it’s deservedly the 2-in-1 PC to get for the new school year. You can choose from a multitude of hardware configurations in platinum or matte black.
This variant of the slate comes bundled with a Type Cover — a must have accessory. The optional Surface Pen, on the other hand, is ideal for taking notes and for creative work.
Acer Aspire 5
$399.99
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The Acer Aspire 5 is the best budget-friendly laptop for the upcoming school year. The full-size notebook offers a sleek design and impressive hardware specs at a price point that is simply impossible to overlook.
Acer has equipped the notebook with a tenth-generation Intel processor, and an excellent set of wired and wireless connectivity features. They include a futureproof Wi-Fi 6 functionality, among others.
Acer Aspire E 15 Windows 10 Laptop
$1999.11
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The Acer Aspire E15 is the best budget-friendly laptop for the upcoming school year. The full-size notebook offers a rather impressive set of hardware specs at a price point that’s simply impossible to overlook. They include a speedy Intel processor, a dedicated graphics card, and an excellent set of connectivity features.
With up to 15 hours of battery life, the Aspire E15 is also worthy of a much higher price tag. Acer offers the notebook in a number of hardware configurations, including this legit, sub-$1,000 gaming rig.
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The 2020 Back-to-School Tech Awards
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
$219.95
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A stylish and practical backpack is an essential back-to-school accessory, and this Peak Design offering is our favorite. Available in three colors (black, ash, and midnight blue), the latest Everyday Backpack has a customizable interior, a sturdy zipper, dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, and countless pockets for tiny gadgets.
Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter V2
$79.99
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This USB-C hub by Satechi will make any new MacBook or PC notebook compatible with your older flash drives and peripheral accessories, among other things. Stylish and well-built, the accessory has three full USB ports, a USB-C port for charging, an HDMI port, a card reader, and a Gigabit Ethernet connector.
Satechi Slim Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter V2
$69.99
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This compact USB-C hub by Satechi will make any new MacBook or PC notebook compatible with your older flash drives and peripheral accessories, among many other things. Stylish and well-built, the accessory has two full USB ports, a USB-C port for charging, an HDMI port, and a card reader.
Omnicharge Omni 20+ Battery Pack
$189.00
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The Omnicharge Omni 20+ is a portable battery pack, capable of charging a laptop via a built-in AC/DC outlet, as well as a couple of additional gadgets via USB. In case that’s not enough, the handy accessory has a built-in wireless charging pad for smartphones. It’s a must-have for the new school year.
mophie powerstation AC battery pack
$199.95
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The mophie powerstation AC is a portable battery pack that’s capable of fully charging a laptop via a built-in AC outlet, as well as two additional devices via USB-A and USB-C connectors. The nifty accessory has a cool-looking fabric cover that will protect your gadgets from scratches.
Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD
$109.99
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The Samsung T7 Touch is an incredibly sleek portable SSD drive, capable of reaching fast data transfer speeds over a USB-C 3.2 connection. Available in silver or black, it has a drop-resistant design, as well as the ability to secure your school projects via a built-in fingerprint sensor.
Samsung X5 Portable SSD
$219.99
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The Samsung X5 is an incredibly stylish portable SSD drive, capable of reaching blisteringly fast data speeds over a Thunderbolt 3 connection. A must-have for graphic design students, it has a drop-resistant design, as well as the ability to secure your school projects via powerful 256-bit encryption.
SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Flash Drive
$9.49
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The astonishingly affordable SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive is a USB flash drive that deserves a spot in every bag this coming school year. Compatible with both USB-A and USB-C ports (it has a cool sliding button for choosing what you need), the tiny gadget is well worth its sub-$10 price tag.
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Flash Drive
$9.49
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The astonishingly affordable SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go is a USB flash drive that deserves a spot in every bag this coming school year. Compatible with both USB-A and USB-C ports (it has a swiveling design for switching connectors), the tiny gadget is well worth its sub-$10 price tag.
Native Union Stow Laptop Sleeve
$79.99
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The elegant Stow laptop sleeve by Native Union has a durable fabric and canvas exterior with leather accents (available in indigo or slate). Its interior has a soft lining to protect the notebook from scratches. It has a convenient external pocket for accessories and small gadgets, too.
Incase Flight Nylon Compact Sleeve
$49.95
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The Incase Flight Nylon laptop sleeve is stylish and durable in equal measure. Crafted from tough nylon material, the accessory has a faux-fur-lined interior to protect your metal laptop from scratches, as well as a pocket for essential accessories and tiny gadgets.
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best tablets
Apple iPad Pro (11-inch)
$799.99
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The latest 11-inch Apple iPad Pro is the best tablet to start the new school year with. In terms of sheer elegance and hardware capabilities, it is in a league of its own. Most importantly, thanks to iPadOS, the slate has the best selection of apps in the business.
Like all Apple products, the Pro also comes with a superb selection of accessories, including an Apple Pencil and a Magic Keyboard with a built-in trackpad. The latter makes it a legit laptop replacement.
Apple iPad (10.2-inch)
$329.99
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The Apple iPad has the best selection of apps in the business at a price point that’s simply impossible to overlook. It is the best in its price range by an insurmountable margin. With an optional Smart Keyboard cover, it’s also a capable laptop alternative.
The slate is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and we recommend that you get one. It is great for taking notes, as well as for unleashing your creativity — there are plenty of apps to help with both.
Apple iPad
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The Apple iPad delivers access to the best selection of apps in the business at a price point that’s simply impossible to overlook. The tablet is the best in its price range by an overwhelming margin, as well as a great companion for the upcoming school year.
The slate is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and we recommend that you get one. The accessory is great for taking notes, as well as for unleashing your creative powers — there are plenty of apps to help you with both.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
$299.99
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the best Android tablet to head back to school with. It has a magnetic S Pen stylus that is perfect for taking notes, as well as for keeping you entertained. The same goes for the device’s sharp 10.2-inch display and AKG-tuned stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Samsung has an optional Bluetooth keyboard cover for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. The accessory offers a solid typing experience, so it is worth investing in.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
$649.98
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Bundled with an S Pen stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is the best Android tablet to head back to school with. The accessory is perfect for taking notes, as well as for keeping you entertained. The same goes for the device’s captivating 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display.
Samsung offers an optional keyboard cover for the slate — it offers a solid typing experience, so it’s worth investing in. There are two colors to pick from: black and gray.
5/5 SLIDES
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The 2020 Back-to-School Tech Awards
JBL Club 950 Wireless Headphones
$169.95
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JBL’s Club 950 wireless headphones are our top pick for the upcoming school year. The comfy over-ear cans have a conversation-worthy design that’s inspired by professional headphones, a powerful sound, a long battery life, and noise-canceling tech that’s essential for study sessions.
Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
$348.00
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Sony’s WH-1000XM3 noise-canceling wireless headphones are our top pick for the upcoming school year. They have great sound, superb battery life, and the ability to completely tune out ambient noise — which is essential for study sessions. You can order the cans in black or gold, with the former sporting cool copper accents.
Jabra Elite 65t Completely Wireless Earbuds
$99.99
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The Jabra Elite 65t are the best completely wireless earbuds available today, as well as our top back to school pick this year. Available in a multitude of captivating colors, they have a seamless fit, superb audio quality you can easily customize, and top-notch battery life. Crucially, unlike some rivals, the Elite 65t also will maintain a robust connection with your favorite mobile device.
Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Earbuds
$148.00
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The Sony WF-SP800N wireless earbuds are among today’s best, and our top back-to-school pick. They have a seamless fit, a quality sound with noise-canceling tech, and solid battery life. With Bluetooth 5.0, the buds will maintain a robust connection with your compatible gadgets.
RHA MA650 Wireless Earbuds
$75.02
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The RHA MA650 Wireless neckband earbuds are a perfect audio accessory for the new school year. Designed and developed in the United Kingdom, they have a comfy fit, a finely tuned, seriously entertaining audio signature, and an industry-leading 3-year warranty. With a sub-$100 price tag, the earbuds are also plenty affordable.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Over-Ear Headphones
$162.37
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The Master & Dynamic MH40 wired headphones are once again among our favorites for this school year. The over-ear cans have a timelessly beautiful design, impeccable craftsmanship, and sound quality to match. Available in a multitude of finishes, they will keep you entertained for years.
Sony SRS-XB33 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
118.00
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The SRS-XB33 EXTRA BASS waterproof wireless speaker by Sony is the best one worth your attention. In addition to delivering a thunderous sound and fantastic battery life (up to 24 hours), it has customizable lights, and built in speakerphone. It can even charge your gadgets if necessary.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Over-Ear Headphones
$164.98
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The Master & Dynamic MH40 over-ear headphones are once again our favorite wired pick for this school year. They have a timelessly beautiful design, impeccable craftsmanship, and sound quality to match. Available in a multitude of finishes, the cans will keep you entertained for years to come!
Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker
$49.99
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The fully waterproof Tribit Stormbox Micro, as its name suggests, is a palm-sized Bluetooth speaker with a cool fabric cover, a surprisingly powerful sound with a thumping bass, and a silicone strap. The last feature is handy for attaching the gadget to a bag, a backpack, or a bike.
Soundcore Flare+ Wireless Speaker
$99.99
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The Soundcore Flare+ waterproof wireless speaker by Anker is the best budget-friendly pick worth your attention. In addition to delivering 360-degree sound and battery life worthy of a much higher price tag, it has built-in LED lights you can customize via a mobile app. Overall, the Flare+ is equally perfect for indoor and outdoor parties.
Marshall Tufton Bluetooth Speaker
$399.00
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The Marshall Tufton is a big and awesome-looking wireless speaker that’s capable of starting a party just about anywhere. Designed to look like a guitar amp, the Tufton has easily customizable, smile-inducing sound, superb battery life, and a splash-resistant body. It’s a great buy for the new school year.
Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Bluetooth Speaker
$971.99
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The Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM is a big and powerful wireless speaker that’s capable of starting a party just about anywhere. Its has a customizable sound, intuitive controls, superb battery life, and a splash-resistant build. It’s a great buy for the new school year.
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dorm room tech
Samsung TU-8000 Series TV
347.99
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The reasonably priced Samsung TU-8000 Series 4K TV is perfect for a dorm room or a small apartment. It has a surprisingly elegant design, with excellent picture quality and support for HDR-enhanced content.
Powered by Samsung’s intuitive Tizen platform, the TU-8000 Series will give you access to all major streaming services out of the box. The TV comes bundled with a universal remote that supports voice commands.
BenQ EL2870U 4K Monitor
$299.99
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The BenQ EL2870U is our top 4K monitor pick for the new school year. Our favorite bit about the product is that, in addition to being crisp and vibrant, it has built-in eye-strain-reducing tech. The latter automatically adjusts the monitor’s brightness and color temperature depending on the ambient light in the room.
The monitor is compatible with HDR content, so it’s perfect for streaming your favorite content. With AMD FreeSync compatibility and ultra fast response time, the BenQ EL2870U is also perfect for gaming.
LG UltraGear Full HD Monitor
$396.99
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The LG UltraGear 27GN750-B is our favorite external monitor for the new school year. It has an understated design and a virtually borderless 27-inch Full HD display panel with outstanding image quality.
The monitor can display HDR10 content, so it’s perfect not just for school projects, but also for video streaming. With NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, a 1 ms response time, and a 240 Hz maximum refresh rate, the UltraGear is also ideal for gaming.
Sonos Beam Soundbar
$399.00
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The Sonos Beam is our favorite smart soundbar, so it’s naturally a great pick for a dorm room or a small apartment. Compatible with both Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, it has a compact footprint, as well as excellent audio quality.
Being a Sonos product, the Beam allows you to upgrade its sound down the line. You can add thunderous bass via a Sonos Sub, or create a full surround-sound setup with Sonos One wireless speakers.
JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar
$299.95
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The JBL Bar 2.1 is one of our favorite soundbars, so it’s naturally a great pick for a dorm room or a small apartment. Despite its compact size, the soundbar delivers an immersive surround sound that’s among the best in its price range.
JBL has equipped the Bar 2.1 with a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass. Bluetooth connectivity is also on board for effortless pairing with mobile devices.
NVIDIA Shield TV 4K Streaming Player
$147.98
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The compact NVIDIA Shield TV streaming player has HDR compatibility and a sophisticated 4K upscaling engine. Powered by the Google Assistant, it can search for content, open apps, and control connected appliances with voice commands. It is also a legit gaming rig, thanks to support for NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW service.
Roku Premiere 4K Streaming Player
$35.00
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Priced like an impulse buy, the Roku Premiere streaming player will instantly transform any TV or monitor with an HDMI port into an entertainment powerhouse. In addition to being compatible with all major streaming services, the nifty gadget also offers access to a wide selection of completely free content.
Dyson Pure Cool Me Personal Purifying Fan
$328.99
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The Pure Cool Me personal fan by Dyson is all but guaranteed to instantly become one of your favorite objects during the new school year. The compact device has built-in HEPA and carbon filters, which, combined, capture 99.97% of the allergens and pollutants around you. We like the gadget’s built-in color display, which shows the airflow speed and the filter status.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Smart Air Purifier
$549.99
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The Pure Hot + Cool smart air purifier by Dyson is guaranteed to become a favorite of yours during the new school year. In addition to heating and cooling capabilities, the device has a built-in HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of the allergens and pollutants around you. It has a color display, which shows the air quality, the airflow speed, and the filter status.
Philips 2200 Series Espresso Machine
$548.99
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Staying properly caffeinated is essential during the school year, and the Philips 2200 automatic espresso machine is a great tool for the task. It has a cool design, intuitive controls, and a built-in milk frother. It will make you consistently great coffee and espresso from fresh beans during your study sessions and beyond.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
$199.95
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Staying properly caffeinated is essential during the school year, and the Nespresso Vertuo by Breville is a great tool for the task. Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo single serve capsules, the machine has a compact footprint, intuitive controls, and ultra fast heat-up time. It will make you consistently great coffee and espresso during your study sessions and beyond.
11/11 SLIDES
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