Believe it or not, back-to-school deals have already started

OUR TOP PICKS:

• FOR STUDYING: 13-inch MacBook Air with free AirPods — save $100

• FOR WORKING OUT: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — save $30

• FOR THE DORM: Insignia Smart HD Fire TV — save $70

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Even though summer vacation isn’t quite over yet, the back-to-school deals are already coming in hot. As students prepare to go 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 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 already leading the pack with deals that give $10 off purchases of $25 or $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 score 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 score 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 — $445.97

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.

Dell New Inspiron 15 Laptop — $599 with code STUDENT50

A great mid-priced option, the Inspiron 15 runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, making multitasking a breeze. The interior fan design has been optimized from previous generations, so it’s ultra-quiet and keeps the laptop running quickly. It also has basically every port you’ll ever need (including an SD card reader, multiple USBs, and a USB-C) so it’s a good option for any student who will be transferring lots of files.

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 — $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 — $197

The beloved AirPods Pro are once again nearly $60 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.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones — $249

If tiny wireless earbuds just aren’t your jam, the Bose QC 35’s have great noise cancellation technology and a comfy, padded fit for a solid price. You’ll score three levels of active noise canceling, sound customization through the paired app, and the high-quality audio that Bose is known for.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — $169.99

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 WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones — $249.99

Named the model with the best smart features in our noise canceling headphones roundup, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones offer superb noise cancellation, hands-free controls, and crisp, clear audio. The built-in atmospheric pressure optimizer controls sound at high altitudes, so they’re ideal for college students who will be taking frequent flights back home and need to get work done on the way. They also feature up to 30 hours of battery life, voice control capabilities, and a smartphone app that allows you to customize your sound.

DORM ESSENTIALS

Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV — $129.99

For weekend Netflix marathons and kicking back after long study sessions, a TV is a must for college students. 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.

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker — $60

Balancing college classes, work, internships, and a social life is hard, but that’s why there’s coffee. Stock up your dorm with this compact single-serve Keurig to quench your caffeine habit. It will fit in even the smallest corner, makes cups up to 12 ounces, and can brew directly into most travel mugs. Your drink will also be ready in just two minutes — so you’ll never be late to class because you were waiting in line at Starbucks.

Galanz Two Door Compact Refrigerator with Freezer — $149

Many traditional dorms don’t have kitchens, so you have to get creative if you want to eat anything other than dining hall food during your first few years of college. Getting a mini-fridge means you can store all your favorite snacks and drinks in your room — perfect for when a late-night snack attack hits. This one has a freezer, two shelves, a vegetable crisper drawer, a can dispenser, and storage for two-liter bottles.

Ninja CE251 Programmable Coffee Brewer — $79.99

College and coffee go hand-in-hand. This programmable coffee maker can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance, so the student in your life can have hot coffee before every morning class (and they’ll never be late because of it).

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. Score 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.

The Container Store — Students get 15% off purchases through Aug. 15

Dorm rooms aren’t known for being the most spacious, and if you’re sharing a room with someone else, it’s important to stay neat and organized. The Container Store has college students covered this back-to-school season, and they’re currently offering 15% off all purchases through Aug. 15 when you sign up on their website. With that being said, feel free to go crazy with under-bed storage, closet solutions, and bathroom organization — you’ll be the most put-together student in your dorm.

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

16 Count EXPO Chisel Tip Dry Erase and Expo Whiteboard Board Eraser — $21.55

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 $10 when you buy $25 in select school supplies from Amazon

Just need a few things for this school year? This Amazon promo will give you $25 worth of select school supplies for just $15. Save on dry-erase markers, felt tip pens, mechanical pencils, and so much more.

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.

PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box — Starting at $15.83

Keep your food cool until lunchtime with a PackIt lunch box. Select patterns are up to 28% off on Amazon, and they’re perfect for anyone who takes their own lunch to school. Just toss the whole lunch box in the freezer the night before and sandwiches, snacks, and drinks will stay cold all day — no extra ice packs needed.

Purell Hand Sanitizer and Wipes — Starting at $11.99

Disinfecting products are now school essentials, so stock up while you can get a discount. Amazon is offering 20% off a slew of Purell products — from classic hand sanitizer to bulk hand sanitizing wipes — that will keep things safe and clean in the classroom.

JanSport Cortlandt 15-inch Laptop Backpack — $26.93

JanSport is the go-to student backpack brand for a reason, and this one is an upgrade from the classic style. The Cortlandt pack caters to college and tech-forward students with a padded laptop sleeve that fits computers up to 15 inches, and it has multiple organization compartments. You’ll get the sturdy functionality that JanSport is known for, plus a little bit of added style with a vegan leather base and trim details.

Explore related content:

• Best laptops for students: See where the MacBook falls on our list

• 13 of the best laptop backpacks, based on Amazon reviews

• The best tablet to buy for your kid