OUR TOP PICKS:
FOR STUDYING: 13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods for students — save $100
FOR STREAMING: Hulu student membership — save $4 per month
FOR THE DORM: Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote — save $15
The new school year is upon us, and even though classes have already started, it's not too late to score on some solid back-to-school deals. As students head back to in-person classes for the first time in over a year, this back-to-school season is expected to fuel lots of spending — and even more deals.
Last fall's back-to-school season was way different than years past. There was much more emphasis on tech due to remote learning, and most physical school supplies became obsolete in the face of virtual Zoom school. Think about it: You didn't need pens, backpacks, or new school clothes just to sit in front of the computer at home all day.
With students going back to full-time — or at minimum, hybrid — in-person learning, we're definitely seeing more deals on traditional physical school supplies. Expect to see online discounts on everything from pens and pencils to planners and backpacks, as retailers get students excited to return to their classrooms.
Even though most schools are expected to return to in-person learning per the new CDC guidance, there's a chance that hybrid models will be implemented for colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools. In short, we're thinking that tech-forward learning is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.
With the flexibility of going remote at a moment's notice and easy (or easier) communication between students and schools, having a good laptop or tablet on hand is almost a necessity. Luckily, back-to-school season is one of the best times to purchase laptops and tablets without completely draining your bank account, thanks to widespread deals. We're already seeing Apple's yearly education pricing, with free AirPods offered with the purchase of select MacBooks and iPads.
Whether you're a parent looking to check crayons off an elementary school supply list or you're a college student looking for a laptop that will take you through four years at a university, we've rounded up the best sales for the upcoming school year. This list will be regularly updated, so check back frequently for even more deals.
LAPTOPS
MacBook Pro with free AirPods — Starting at $1,199
The MacBook Pro is the laptop of choice for most college students, and for good reason. While it's pricey, the latest edition with Apple's exclusive M1 chip is the most powerful laptop Apple has put out to date — making it a worthy investment for your college career. With super-fast performance and graphics that beat out previous MacBook generations by a landslide, the MacBook Pro is ideal for completing assignments, running large apps, editing photos and videos, and more.
You'll be able to choose from 13-inch or 16-inch models and customize your storage. As an added bonus, if you buy your MacBook Pro from the Apple Store, you'll score a free pair of AirPods with purchase.
13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods — Starting at $899
Don't need all the bells and whistles of a MacBook Pro? Get the lighter, cheaper MacBook Air for $100 off the regular price, and get a free pair of AirPods while you're at it. Choose the 8-Core CPU, 7-Core GPU model with 256GB storage for $899, or select the 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU version with 512GB Storage for $1,149. You'll also get three months of Apple TV plus with purchase of either configuration, so you'll have something to watch when you're taking breaks from doing homework.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop — $443.75
A 2-in-1 laptop offers the most versatility and portability for college students, and this Asus Chromebook Flip is a great option. It has a 14-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge, and a quick processor for solid multitasking. It's also super lightweight at only three pounds, so taking it from the dorm to class and back again won't break your back.
Samsung CB4 11.6" Celeron 4GB/32GB Chromebook — $129
At only $129, this Samsung Chromebook is a great budget laptop option for younger students who still need solid tech at home. It's completely Google Classroom compatible, has a compact 13.3-inch display, and gets up to 12.5 hours of battery life — so it will hold up to full days of remote learning for kids who end up on a hybrid schedule for the upcoming school year.
TABLETS
iPad Air — Starting at $549
Portability is the name of the game with the iPad Air. Students who are constantly on the go will appreciate the lightweight design — it's perfect for taking to class instead of lugging around a full-sized laptop. The upgraded 7MP FaceTime HD camera has improved low-light performance too, so if you end up in Zoom school again, you're covered.
iPad Pro — Starting at $749
The iPad Pro is ideal for anyone studying digital art, graphic design, or other creative pursuits in college. The M1 chip makes for speedy performance and an ultra-long battery life, while Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility mean that you basically won't need a laptop ever again.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 — $599
For students studying art and graphic design, a high-quality tablet is non-negotiable. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is endlessly versatile — it can go from your desk to class to the couch to bed with ease. It also boasts all-day battery life, so it will hold up to long school days, and the 10th Gen Intel Core processor will help you multitask.
HEADPHONES
AirPods Pro — $197.99
The beloved AirPods Pro are once again over $50 off, just in time for back-to-school season. With a compact design, active noise canceling, and a customizable fit thanks to multiple silicone tip options, it's no wonder everyone either has or wants a pair.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — $158.98
If the college student in your life needs to stay on task from class to the gym to the library, grab them these Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. You'll get active noise cancellation, immersive sound, water resistance, a compact charging case, and a long battery life — all in a size that's perfect to toss in a backpack.
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WHCH710N — $98
We get it: Focusing on your schoolwork can be hard. Between living in a dorm with roommates and trying to study in loud common areas, it can feel impossible to get anything done. Good noise canceling headphones can help, though, and this pair from Sony is a great budget-friendly pick thanks to this deal. Get smart noise cancellation, 35 hours of battery life on a single charge, and crisp, clear sound.
DORM ESSENTIALS
Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote — $34.99
College students need time to wind down, and a Fire TV Stick will ensure that all your favorite streaming services are at your fingertips in 4K. Use Alexa to voice control your watching experience, and get access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes included with your Amazon Prime account.
100% Cotton Towel Sets — $29.99
Your first round of "adult" home products should include a good set of towels, and these will hold up for multiple years. This set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths, and it comes in over 30 different colors, so you can match your towels to the rest of your dorm decor.
Echo Show 5 (First Gen, 2019 release) — $44.99
Make sure you're on time to class every day by employing the help of a smart assistant. The Echo Show 5 is the ideal bedside alarm clock, smart hub, and entertainment hub, and it'll keep you organized throughout those busy college years. Set alarms and timers, manage your day with to-do lists, calendars, and timers, and even video call your family when you're feeling a little homesick.
SUBSCRIPTION DEALS
Amazon Prime Student — Six-month free trial, then $6.49 per month
Prime Student gives you access to exclusive Amazon deals and free shipping, but you'll also get a ton of other perks. When you sign up for Amazon Student, you'll score a free Grubhub+ membership, three free months of Calm Premium, one free month of Course Hero, discounted premium Prime Video channels, and more.
Amazon Music Unlimited — $0.99 per month
If you're a Prime Student member, you'll also be able to get Amazon Music Unlimited for less than a dollar per month. Listen to your favorite podcasts and music in HD audio for way less than the price of other music streaming services.
Peloton App Student Membership — $6.99 per month
Making time for working out is important to a lot of students, and a Peloton digital membership gives you access to tons of guided workouts that you can follow at your school's gym, or in your dorm. It's worth it even if you don't have access to a spin bike, since there are over 10 different class genres with live and on-demand classes. The hype trainers will get you excited to crush your fitness goals, too.
YouTube Premium Student Membership — Two months free, then $6.99 per month
If you rely on YouTube for help with homework or entertainment, YouTube Premium will give your watching experience a boost. You'll ditch ads for good, unlock the download feature for offline watching, and finally be able to play videos in the background (even if you open another app on your device). You'll also get access to YouTube Music Premium to listen to all your favorite bangers.
Hulu student membership — $1.99 per month
Let's be real, college isn't all studying and going to class — students deserve to stream their favorite shows and movies, too. Hulu offers $1.99 monthly memberships to folks who are enrolled in a college or university, so even if you're a broke college kid, you can still watch and rewatch all the episodes of The Handmaid's Tale.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
16 Count EXPO Chisel Tip Dry Erase and Expo Whiteboard Board Eraser — $18.04
Teachers and students alike know that dry-erase markers get pricey. This bundle deal gives you 16 chisel-tipped Expo markers in vibrant colors and a whiteboard eraser for over 50% off — perfect for stocking the classroom.
Save up to 72% on select Pilot Gel Pens
If you have to take notes, at least make sure you have a good pen. This deal brings solid discounts on six different types of Pilot pens, with options ranging from single or multi-packs and black ink to colored ink.
