As always, back-to-school season is upon us once again, which means you (or those around you) might be shopping for the best gadgets to bring to the classroom, lecture hall, or library. With so many options, choosing the right equipment isn’t always easy.
That’s where this list comes in. These are our top recommendations for technology you can trust whether you’re studying in grade school, high school, college, or wherever else you’re studying. Once you have everything you need, you can focus on getting your education.
The best laptops to last for years
Apple MacBook Air
The latest 2024 MacBook Air is expensive, starting at $1,099, but it’s definitely worth it and will last you for years. It’s a great laptop, combining the excellent performance of the Apple M3 chip with a lightweight and sleek design that makes it easy to carry around.
Battery life is also top-notch (Helpful when you’re out and about all day and don’t have access to a power outlet.) It’s available in 13- and 15-inch screen sizes, and for sophistication and calm, nothing beats macOS (which just keeps getting better). If you want to save money, the older M2 version laptops are great too.
Maybe you don’t want to pay as much as a MacBook Air, or you’re just not interested in an Apple device.Then you can get the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus for under $500. This device offers great specs for the price, all packaged in a streamlined form factor and with high-quality 14-inch touchscreen display.
The screen bends back so you can prop it up to watch movies or make video calls, or use it as a tablet. You’ll want to be able to do all your computing within the Chrome browser (as most people tend to do these days), but if you can, you’ll find Google ChromeOS to be sleek and unobtrusive.
The best value for money smartphone
Google Pixel 8a
If you’re looking to spend less on a smartphone, you could opt for the iPhone SE or a mid-range phone from Samsung, but when it comes to value for money, it’s hard to beat the Google Pixel 8a. The fact that it’s so similar to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, yet so much cheaper, tells you everything you need to know about this device.
You get the latest Gemini AI technology, you’ll be the first to get Android updates as they come out, and great Pixel-exclusive features like the Pixel Recorder app that automatically transcribes what’s said (great for lectures). And, unique to Pixel phones, the photo and video capture capabilities are awesome too.
The Apple iPad remains the go-to device for anyone who needs a tablet, and our only concern about recommending the entry-level model is that it’s likely to be replaced quickly. Starting at $349, it’s significantly more affordable than other iPads, and it supports accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard cover cases.
The iPad has a great selection of apps, including those covering email, entertainment, education, and more, and it lets you multitask better than ever. Plus, it looks great, comes in a variety of funky colors, and is durable (though you’ll probably want to buy a case for it, too, just to be safe).
Even if your laptop lid has a built-in webcam, buying a separate one can be beneficial, especially if you make a lot of video calls to study or to keep in touch with friends and family. A separate webcam gives you more flexibility in placement and angle, and often offers better quality and more features.
At just $69.99, the Logitech C920s Pro HD packs a punch: It captures crisp 1080p video at 30 frames per second, has a wide field of view, and has automatic light correction (so your images won’t look washed out or silhouetted). The webcam also has two built-in microphones, so you’ll always be heard unless you mute it.
Going back to school (or college) means a really good pair of headphones is a must. You need them to listen to your online study materials, make video calls, and blast your favorite playlist. There’s a ton of choice in this category, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits your style and budget.
If you follow our recommendations, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones can be purchased for under $150 (i.e., definitely in the mid-range) and offer active noise cancellation, powerful audio output, and well-above-average battery life. This means you don’t have to pay a lot to get great sound.
If your course load doesn’t allow you to go completely paperless, the $120 Brother HL-L2405W is worth considering. It’s a monochrome laser printer, so it’s fast and reliable; it doesn’t print in color, but when you think about it, that won’t be an issue 99 percent of the time (and if you need photo prints, you can always order them online).
This printer has all the features you need to create essays, notes, or anything else you need to print on paper. You can even send documents from your phone, which is handy. More expensive models offer better quality and more features, but if you’re looking for an all-purpose printer for studying, this printer is a great choice.
