It's back-to-school season. If you've got a budding scholar at home — or just want to score some crisp, autumn deals — brands are offering solid bargains on laptops, tablets, backpacks, and other scholastic gear.
The options seem limitless, but there's no need to doomscroll through TikTok or open a zillion tabs to compare review guides. We've done the heavy-lifting so you don't have to.
Here's what the experts and editors at CNET, The Wirecutter, Tom's Guide, Forbes, and The Strategist are recommending to readers as the best back-to-school buys.
Some items are deeply discounted while others are a splurge, but all deliver great value for your dollar.
Top Smart Buys for School
We've laid out the top purchases for students by category, covering everything — from earbuds to bento boxes — for pre-schoolers to med students.
- Apple Products
- Laptops and Tablets
- Electronic Accessories
- Earbuds and Headphones
- Water Bottles
- Alarm Clocks
- Dorm Living
- Lunch Boxes
- Backpacks for Kids
- Backpacks for Teens and University Students
- Road Gear for Biking to School
- Sneakers for Kids
1. Apple Products
Apple discounts are rare, but right now some deals are worth it.
Best School Laptop: Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air (M4) — $799 — On Sale $200 Off
The Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air is on sale for $200 off at Amazon
Apple isn't known for its sales, but you can score the Apple 13-inch MacBook Air for $200 off. It delivers lightning-fast performance, crisp display, and powerful specs that blow the M1 out of the water.
Best MacBook Powerhorse: Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (M4 Pro/512GB) — $1,785 at Amazon — On Sale 11% Off
Built for students who need serious horsepower for data, dev work, or design, this goes far beyond Google Docs and basic internet browsing. It has a stunning display, 24GB of RAM, and twice the storage of older models.
Right now, Amazon has the lowest price, beating out B&H and Best Buy. If you've wanted to upgrade and have been waiting for a deal, now's your cue.
Apple AirPods (4th Generation) — $169
Apple still owns the schoolyard when it comes to earbuds, and these AirPods prove why. Named CNET Editors' Choice for best earbuds, these AirPods pack in active noise cancellation, Apple's powerful H2 chip (same as the pricier Pros), and a kid-friendly design that fits smaller ears better.
Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic Chip — $449
Sleek, colorful, and surprisingly powerful, the 10th-gen iPad handles school, Netflix streaming, and everything in between. It's a reliable pick for busy students (and parents) — and it's $50 off right now.
Apple AirTags (4-pack) — $80 — On Sale 19% Off
Perfect for forgetful kids (or parents), AirTags make it easy to track down missing backpacks, lunchboxes, or hoodies. This four-pack is $80 right now — a reasonable price for the added peace of mind.
I've even bought Apple AirTags for my daughter to wear (in a wristwatch-style bracelet) when she goes on solo bicycle jaunts.
Vetted by: CNET, The Wirecutter, Tom's Guide
2. Laptops and Tablets
Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Plus 514 — $332
The Acer Chromebook Plus is on sale for $332.
Need a reliable laptop that won't blow your back-to-school budget? This Chromebook checks the boxes: solid battery life, sharp webcam, and a tough, lightweight build.
Best Value Laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15 Laptop — $299 — On Sale $50 Off
Big screen, small price. The Acer Aspire Go 15 is our top value pick for students who want a solid Windows laptop without the sticker shock. It comes with a spacious 15.6-inch display, comfy keyboard, 10-hour battery life, and all the ports you need.
Best Student Dell: Dell 3520 15 15.6-Inch Laptop — $458 — On Sale $141 Off
This Dell 15.6-inch laptop is a workhorse for under $500. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a speedy 512GB SSD, it's built for multitasking, streaming, and surviving midterms.
Vetted by: CNET, Tom's Guide
3. Electronic Accessories
Wireless Mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Mouse — $79
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Compact Wireless Mouse
Small but mighty, the MX Anywhere 3S is a travel-friendly mouse that works on pretty much any surface, even glass. It features Logitech's upgraded sensor, smooth clicks, and a comfy, compact shape. It's great for students bouncing between the home, hospital rounds, and coffee shops.
Wireless Keyboard: Logitech MX Keys Mini Keyboard — From $89
A keyboard that keeps things minimal but mighty, the Logitech MX Keys Mini Keyboard drops the number pad for a tighter setup. It's ultra-comfy for long typing sessions and plays nice with Macs and PCs.
Anker Portable Power Bank — From $19
No charge? No worries. This compact power bank is a must for students glued to their phones and laptops. It's fast-charging, pocket-sized, and comes with a handy USB-C lanyard cable so it's always within reach.
Speck Phone Case — From $13
Speck cases are built to take a beating — whether it's getting tossed in a backpack or bounced off the gym floor. With options for nearly every phone model (and prices starting at just $13), you can find a case that's tough and stylish.
Be sure to check their page for different models!
Bluetooth Speaker Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 — From $89
Small but seriously loud, the WONDERBOOM 3 is the ultimate student-friendly speaker. It's rugged, water-resistant, and about the size of a Granny Smith apple. The speaker's long-range Bluetooth and simple controls make it a campus go-to.
Vetted by: CNET, The Wirecutter, Tom's Guide
4. Earbuds and Headphones
Best Budget Headphones: EarFun Wave Pro Headphones — $55
Only $55, these noise-cancellation headphones give pricey vibes..
Big ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) vibes, tiny price tag. The EarFun Wave Pro headphones don't know they're in the budget leagues. They quietly boast two levels of noise cancellation, Bluetooth multipoint pairing, and up to 80 hours of battery life.
Best Student Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — $79 — On Sale $20 Off
These budget earbuds don't sound budget. The Liberty 4 NCs deliver shockingly great sound (according to user reviews) plus legit noise canceling, spatial audio, and customizable EQ settings.
Best Mid-Range Quality Headphones: Sennheiser ACCENTUM — $130 — On Sale $60 Off
These mid-tier over-ear headphones are anything but mid. With Sennheiser's signature sound, hybrid noise canceling, and a wild 50-hour battery life, this headset delivers premium features at a great price.
Best Battery Life Headphones: Marshall Monitor III — $318 — On Sale $62 Off
Rockstar looks, studio-quality sound, and a battery that refuses to quit. The Marshall Monitor III delivers up to 70 hours of ANC playback and a jaw-dropping 100 hours with noise canceling off.
Best Premium Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — $449
Bose's best just got better. The QuietComfort Ultra takes noise canceling to the next level and also boasts immersive spatial audio and improved battery life in a featherlight design.
Vetted by: The New York Post, The Wirecutter, Tom's Guide
5. Water Bottles
Best “Cool Student” Water Bottle: Owala FreeSip — From $30
Eye-catching Owala FreeSip water bottles start at just $30.
Stanley who? The Owala FreeSip is the new campus status symbol — and for good reason. It's leakproof, easy to toss in a backpack, and has a built-in straw that makes all-day hydration effortless. Think of it as the Porsche Taycan of water bottles: sleek, functional, and actually worth the hype.
One Amazon mom says, “This is the first water bottle that has lasted the whole school year for my son… I also like how it keeps my water cold forever and never had any issues with leaking. It also fits nicely in my car cupholder. This is not a cheap water bottle for sure and I think it's worth it!”
They also have licensed products in case you want Disney Princess, Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Marvel merchandise.
Best Wide-Mouth Water Bottle: Hydro Flask — From $21
It may not have TikTok clout like the Owala, but the durable, leak-proof Hydro Flask still holds its own. The standard-mouth version is a student favorite. It's easy to grip, fits in backpacks and cup holders, and keeps drinks cold for hours.
Best Filtration Water Bottle: LifeStraw Go — $39
If your student is hitting the trails or just doesn't trust the tap, the LifeStraw Go is a no-brainer. Its built-in two-stage filter removes over 99.99% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and nasty chemical tastes. It's not insulated, but it is BPA-free.
Best Children's Water Bottle: Ello Emma — $15
Cute, tough, and built for chaos. The Ello Emma is a 14-ounce insulated water bottle that survives everything from gym floor drops to daily dishwasher runs (according to other parents, although the brand says not to). It's perfect for younger kids who need a small, easy-to-spot bottle with personality.
Vetted by: CNET, Forbes
6. Alarm Clocks
Best for a Peaceful Wake-Up: Jall Wake-Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock – $32
Jall Wake-Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
Dragging in the morning by your second class? Brutal. This sunrise alarm clock makes rise-and-shine more effective. The Jall Wake-Up Light gradually brightens to mimic the sun, helping boost focus and energy.
The clock's seven colors offer 20 brightness levels and nature-inspired sounds, making mornings more refreshing and less punishing.
As a life-long, snooze-button addict (spare me the lectures, I've heard them all), I'm going to give this one a go.
Best for Heavy Sleepers: Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock — $43
This is what every sleep-deprived student needs. The Sonic Bomb rips you out of bed. Built for the deepest sleepers, it combines an ear-splitting buzzer with a vibrating disc that slips under your pillow.
Best for Kids: Hatch Rest — $70
The Hatch Rest isn't just for babies and toddlers. The device reinforces school bedtime routines and also functions as a nightlight, white-noise machine, and sunrise-style alarm clock.
Customize everything from light color to wind-downs, all from your phone. It's not the cheapest option, but if you want fewer meltdowns, you need this sleeping aid.
Vetted by: CNET, Forbes
7. Dorm Living: Bed and Bath
Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter — $20
Utopia Bedding Twin Comforter Duvet
The Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter is the perfect comforter for dorm life: cozy, cheap, and not too precious. It fits both twin and twin XL beds, holds up surprisingly well, and keeps you warm at night. At just over $20, it's a great starter comforter — upgrade later if you feel fancy.
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow — From $38
Dorm beds aren't known for comfort, but this pillow can help. The Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers firm, adjustable support for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
As a heads-up, only the cover is washable, and this one sells out fast.
3-Inch Green Natural Latex Topper for XL Dorm Bed — $229
Most dorm mattresses feel like punishment, but this latex topper changes that. It's springy like memory foam, but cooler and more supportive. Available in three firmness levels and thicknesses, you can also add a washable cover to keep it fresh all year long.
Mind Reader 50L Slim Laundry Hamper — $38
This narrow hamper makes the most out of tight spaces. The slim profile tucks neatly into tight corners, and the vented design helps sweaty gym clothes air out instead of stewing.
Best Portable Laundry Hamper: Azhido Laundry Backpack — From $26
Dragging laundry across campus? This backpack-style hamper makes it way less painful. The Azhido Laundry Backpack slings over your shoulder for easy hauls to the laundry room, and it even hangs on a hook for everyday use.
Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator — $80
Dorms without A/C are a special kind of misery. The Vornado 630 is a compact, basketball-sized fan that moves serious air without sounding like a jet engine. It's powerful enough to cool your space but small enough to stash when temps drop.
Blueair Blue Pure 511 Air Purifier — From $85 ($15 Off)
The Blueair Blue Pure 511 is our top budget pick for small-space air purifiers, ideal for rooms under 180 square feet. Its compact, lightweight build fits on a desk, shelf, or floor, and its minimalist design with auto display shut-off keeps it from being an eyesore.
Vetted by: The Wirecutter
8. Lunch Boxes
Best Premium Children's Lunch Box: PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel — $62
Yes, it's a splurge, but trust me, it's worth it. The stainless steel design can survive years of backpack beatdowns and dishwasher cycles. The Wirecutter has named the PlanetBox Rover its top high-end pick.
This is a buy-it-once and be done with it sort of purchase. My daughter (entering second grade this fall) began kindergarten with brown-bag lunches because I was too cheap to shell out for a lunch box.
But the compostable Ziploc bags were running me at about $6 a month, which meant I could break even after a year. And more importantly, I hated washing up yogurt slime and jelly. I can toss the PlanetBox into the dishwasher daily.
Best Bento-Style Lunch Box: Bentgo 5 Compartment Lunchbox — $29
This plastic bento box is roomy, kid-friendly, and way easier to clean than you'd expect, according to parent editors at The Wirecutter.
It's spacious with a removable divider for flexible compartments, and leakproof seals that actually work. Just know it may need replacing after a year of daily use. Still, for $29, it's a solid value.
Best No-Fuss Lunch Bag: Thermos — From $18
Named Forbes' “Best Value Lunch Box for Kids,” this Thermos lunch kit checks all the boxes: roomy interior, water bottle holder, zip pocket, and an easy-to-clean hard liner that wipes out in seconds. It's fully insulated, PVC-free, and the buckle handle clips right onto a backpack.
Best Freezable Lunch Bag: PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box — $20
No ice packs, no problem. The PackIt Freezable has built-in cooling gel, so the whole bag is the ice pack. Just toss it in the freezer the night before. It keeps food cold all day — even during late lunch periods.
Best Cooler-Lunch Bag: Stanley All Day Cooler Bag and Lunch Bag — $100
This isn't your average lunch bag. It's built like a tank and has retro-doctor-bag handles. With room for up to 10 cans, all-day insulation, and a leak-resistant liner, the Stanley All Day Cooler Bag keeps lunch chill from first bell to the end of sports practice. It also comes in 12 colors.
Vetted by: The Cut, The Strategist
9. Backpacks for Kids
Best Vintage-Vibes Style: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Bag — From $109
If vibes are as important as utility, the Kånken's your bag. This compact, retro-cool backpack easily fits a laptop and daily essentials. Lightly padded straps make it more comfy than the original, though it's not made for hauling bricks.
Best Classic Backpack for Kids: JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve — From $49
A classic for a reason. The JanSport Cool Backpack blends old-school reliability with smart, student-ready features like a padded laptop sleeve, dual compartments, and a water bottle pocket. With a lifetime warranty and designs to fit every style, it's a forever backpack great for littles and adults.
Vetted by: The Wirecutter, Forbes
10. Backpacks for Teens and University Students
Best Heavy-Duty Backpack: The North Face Recon — $109
The North Face Recon is a classic, rugged backpack.
Built for campus chaos and whatever comes after, the Recon is North Face's do-it-all pack. It's tough, roomy, and loaded with compartments for your laptop, books, water bottle, and daily essentials. It's rugged enough to survive years of wear and tear without flinching.
Best Briefcase Backpack: Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack — $47
It's a backpack and a briefcase. This hybrid from Solo Duane does double-duty with stowable straps and a sleek design. It fits laptops up to 15.6-inches and is a versatile, budget-friendly option.
Best Value Backpack: Herschel Classic Backpack XL — From $48
Clean lines, cool colors, and no fuss. The Herschel Classic XL keeps things simple with a roomy laptop sleeve and enough space for your daily haul, but without all the extra compartments and padding. It's lightweight, durable, and comes in tons of colors and patterns.
Best Long-Lasting Backpack: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack with Lifetime Warranty — $169
If you want one backpack to last through college and well beyond, this is it. The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack is built like a tank, with a padded laptop sleeve, waterproof bottom, and a sleek, professional look. It's pricey, but with its lifetime warranty and commuter-ready features, this bag earns its keep.
Vetted by: CNET, The Wirecutter
11. Road Gear for Biking to School
Giro Tremor Helmet – $59
This is The Wirecutter's top helmet pick for most school-age kids. It's breathable, high-quality, and fits a wide range of head sizes thanks to its universal fit. The Giro Tremor's safety and comfort are top-tier.
Shop now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FLQ7TVN/?th=1
woom LOCKKI Bike Lock — $30
A smart pick for school: This 24-inch chain lock is easy for kids to wrangle. The fabric sleeve keeps bikes scratch-free, and the heavy-duty steel chain is tough as nails.
OTTOLOCK Sidekick Compact U-Lock — From $40
U-lock security at kid-friendly weight. At just 1.65 pounds, the OTTOLOCK Sidekick is light enough for big kids to carry but tough enough to offer solid protection. It comes in bold easy-to-spot colors and includes three keys.
Vetted by: The Wirecutter
12. School Shoes for Kids
Best for Active Kids: Saucony Cohesion KDZ — From $21
Saucony makes some of the most comfortable kids' shoes on the market, also earning the APMA seal of approval. They're built for active kids, comfortable right out of the box, and come in a wide range of sizes and widths.
Best Running Shoe for Kids: HOKA Clifton 9 — From $99
The HOKA Clifton 9 Youth is a top pick for big kids who love to run — or just want ultra-cushy shoes for everyday wear. With a roomy fit, plush cushioning, and a lightweight feel, they're built to support growing feet while holding up to serious activity.
Best Value Running Shoe: Asics Kids Contend — From $40
The Asics Contend is a top-rated kids' running shoe that delivers comfort, support, and durability — all for under $50.
Backed by the APMA, it's a great value pick for families who don't want to compromise on foot health or quality. The shoe comes in all sizes, although the designs tend to skew toward younger kids.
Best Slip-On Shoe: Kizik Kids Sneaker — From $45
Kizik's slip-on sneakers offer the ease of a laceless shoe with the look and feel of a traditional sneaker — no bending or tugging required. For everyday convenience, comfort, and a fuss-free fit, these slip-ons punch above their weight.
They also have options for little kids.
Best All-Weather Shoe: Native Shoes Jefferson Sneakers — From $38
The Native Jefferson is a popular go-to for a reason. Made from EVA or more eco-conscious materials like algae and sugarcane, these slip-on sneakers are good for the planet and little feet.
The shoe's slip-on style is lightweight, easy to clean, and quick to dry. With a wide, flat footbed, Natives offer plenty of toe room and stay comfortably on without fuss.
Best Dressy Sneaker: Cienta Canvas Mary Jane Shoe — From $31
For kids who need some back-to-school sparkle, Cienta's Mary Jane canvas slip-ons are glittery and practical. With hook-and-loop closure, they're built to make busy mornings easier and keep feet comfy all day long.
Best Playground Shoe: Merrell Trail Chaser 2 — From $35
The Merrell Trail Chaser 2 is a rugged, dependable kids' sneaker that's ready for playgrounds and muddy, gravel trails. The thick, grippy outsole and reinforced toe cap make it ideal for everyday, multi-terrain wear.
Vetted by: Forbes, The Strategist
Bottom Line
Depending on the state and school district you're in, you could be in the full throes of back-to-school spending or several weeks out.
Regardless of when the academic year kicks off, parents (and broke med school students) everywhere need to stock up on supplies for the year ahead.
While spending money frivolously (fancy a pair of $1,800 leggings?) is ill-advised, students need gear for school — even if mom and dad are pursuing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). The top picks in our guide aren't always the cheapest out there, but offer sturdy, expert-vetted, mom-approved value for the frugal wallet.
And as a final word of parent-to-parent advice, if you get nothing else off the list, get your child a lunchbox. Don't be like me and wait until ants start to colonize rotten apple cores and moldy napkins at the bottom of your kid's backpack. Get a leak-proof, easy-to-clean lunchbox and be done with it — trust me.
If you're cringing at the price like I did (because your child also loses everything), you can always AirTag it or tie a string around their finger.
Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned are subject to change. All information in this article was current as of its publication date. Nothing within this article should be construed as an invitation to overspend or deviate from your financially independent, retire early (FIRE) budget. Bargains referenced from third-party deal guides were cross-referenced against data on Amazon.com and other merchant sites for accuracy at the time of writing.
Stay smart, shop skeptical.
