OUR TOP PICKS:
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FOR STUDYING: 13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods for students — save $100
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FOR WORKING OUT: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — save $30.91
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FOR THE DORM: Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV — Save $30
The new school year is upon us, and as classes start, back-to-school deals keep rolling in. 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'll definitely see 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. Amazon is leading the pack with deals that give $10 off purchases of $100 worth of select school supplies.
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.
Don't care about the free AirPods? You can also score this MacBook for $849.99 at Amazon, thanks to a $100 off on-page coupon.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop — $475
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.
HP Chromebook x360 14a 2-in-1 Laptop — $289.99
This versatile 2-in-1 laptop is great for video calls, taking notes in class, and more. The Wide Vision HD camera and integrated dual array digital microphones make for high quality video chatting — ideal for those who still have remote classes. With a 12-hour battery life, fast processing, and 64 GB of secure eMMC storage, this low-cost laptop is ideal for the college or high school student on a budget.
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 — $699
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 boasts all-day battery life, so it will hold up to long school days, and the 10th Gen Intel Core processor will ensure all your multitasking is seamless.
HEADPHONES
AirPods Pro — $189.98
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 — $169.08
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 WHCH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones — $98
The Sony WHCH710N headphones offer superb noise cancellation, hands-free calling, and crisp, clear audio. Active noise cancellation adapts to your environment, so even if you live in a noisy dorm, you'll be able to focus and get your homework done. These headphones feature the longest battery life of any Sony model — 35 hours on a single charge — and they have a quick charge feature that will give you 60 minutes of playback on just five minutes of charging.
Beats Studio³ Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $199.99
If you have a loud roommate (or live in a noisy dorm), these Beats headphones have Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling, so you can block out all that background noise and actually focus on your homework. The Pure ANC tech works by continuously selecting external sounds to block, and automatically adjusting music playback for a high-quality listening experience. You'll get 22 hours of use on a single charge with noise cancellation turned on, or you can stretch it out to 40 hours with it turned off.
DORM ESSENTIALS
Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV — $169.99
For weekend Netflix marathons and kicking back after long study sessions, a TV is a must. This 32-inch Insignia TV is the perfect size to fit in small dorm rooms, and it comes equipped with Fire TV smart integration, giving you easy access to all your favorite streaming sites.
Wayfair Dorm Decor and Essentials —Get up to 70% off
From microwaves to bathroom decor, Wayfair has everything you need to make your dorm room feel like a home. Invest in pillows and mattress toppers that will make the hard dorm bed more comfy, show off your personal style with printed duvet covers and sheet sets, or grab some organizational tools to help you keep all your belongings in order.
NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z Blender Combo — $122.15
Whether you're a college student addicted to pre-workout protein shakes or you're just a young amateur chef, snagging a blender that will take you from university to your adult life is a good investment. This Nutribullet combo comes with a multi-serve pitcher and a single serve cup, so its great for making a smoothie before you run out the door and preparing dips and soups for you and all your roommates.
Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag set — $84.90
Make your school lunch more eco-friendly by packing it in a Stasher bag. These silicone storage bags are dishwasher-safe, leakproof, and heat-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit; plus, they can be reused for years to come (unlike single-use plastic bags). This starter set comes with seven different sizes, so you'll have enough to pack a sandwich, multiple snacks, and can keep a few on hand for leftover storage.
Anker Nebula Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector — $249.99
If you don't have room in your dorm for a TV, a mini projector is a nice, portable alternative. This model from Anker is only about the size of a soda can, so it can move with you to different dorms and apartments throughout your college experience. With bright picture, 360-degree speaker, and the ability to project movies and shows up to 100 inches, your place will be the ideal movie night destination.
100% Cotton Towel Sets — $27.99
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 with 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.
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.
Headspace annual membership — $34.99
College can be rough, and students should definitely prioritize their mental health. A Headpsace membership will offer college kids the tools they need to relax and remain mindful, even when they're cramming for a big test or writing those long research papers. Currently, annual memberships are half off, so they're price-accessible for college students, too.
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
Save up to 57% on office supplies from Sharpie, Paper Mate, EXPO, and more
Back to school deals bring the heat when it comes to office supplies. This deal offers discounts on popular brands like Elmer's, Paper Mate, EXPO, and Sharpie, and you'll find sales on everything from permanent markers to pens to colored pencils. Feel free to go go crazy and stock up for the whole year while the prices are low.
16 Count EXPO Chisel Tip Dry Erase and Expo Whiteboard Board Eraser — $17.89
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.
Get $10 off when you purchase $100 or more in school supplies from Amazon
If you're buying supplies for multiple kids or just have an extra-long school supply list this year, this Amazon promo will save you a bit of cash. When you add $100 worth of select school supplies to your cart, you'll automatically get a $10 discount. There are over 100 qualifying items (You'll find everything from glue sticks to highlighters), and most of them are on sale, too.
DEALS ON BACKPACKS AND CLOTHING
Get up to 25% off on Under Armour Backpacks
You need a pack that will fit your laptop, your lunch, and all your school supplies. This Amazon sale lets you choose from 10 different Under Armour backpacks, so whether you're a high school student that needs to store their sports gear for after school practices or a college student carrying heavy textbooks around campus, you're sure to find one that fits your lifestyle.
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