Today’s students are living in a digital age, where information is readily available with the click of a mouse. It’s essential that they have the right resources when tackling homework, projects and passions. Whether needed for work or play, this must-have list of gadgets will help your student advance in school, work or after-hours creative pursuits.
Apple iPad Pro
This full-size tablet comes in a 10.5 or 12.9-inch display, with an impressive processor chip and high-refresh rate. It also boasts a sharp display that rivals even the best laptops and is compatible with an optional Apple pencil or keyboard cover. Cost: $629
Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse
This compact mouse packs a mighty punch with long-lasting battery life, Bluetooth or USB connectivity and the ability to work on any surface. Compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems, this product transitions seamlessly between work and play. Cost: $52.99
Libratone Track+ Wireless Earbuds
Never get tangled in a wired mess again with these noise-canceling earbuds. With a soft rubber neck, adjustable noise-cancellation (for those times you just can’t shut out everything), and an up-to eight-hour battery life, these will become an everyday staple in the presence of your student. Available in black or white. Cost: $199
Acer Spin 5 Touchscreen Laptop
This 13.3-inch laptop has a full HD display and can bend to suit any needs with a 360-degree hinge. Priced for any budget, the Alexa-inclusive laptop can respond to thousands of voice commands, with enough desirable features for any smart student or smart home. Cost: $799.99
Incase Icon Lite Backpack
This eye-catching, eco-friendly backpack is the epitome of an upscale upcycle with a diamond design made from recycled plastic bottles. Don’t let the slim look fool you - this backpack has plenty of compartment space for everything from laptops to pencils and snacks. Cost: $99.95
Nintendo Switch Gaming Console
Every student needs a way to unwind, and this versatile gaming console offers everything from solo play to an available docking station to transition seamlessly between the small console to a larger screen. Your student can even get a little more social interaction with state-of-the-art JoyCon controllers that make it simple to share the experience. Cost: $299
Apple MacBook Pro
The True Tone Retina display on this 13.3-inch laptop is just one fantastic feature packed into the lightweight 3-pound frame of this powerful laptop. The highly-responsive trackpad and keyboard make it easy to write those late night papers or a social media manifesto with no effort, and the 10-hour battery life on a single charge keeps the fun going. Cost: $1,699
Roku Streaming Stick+ Media Player
Simply plug this into the HDMI port of any compatible television or monitor, and you’ll have access to any of the major streaming services. With a small, sleek design, the Roku Stick+ is sure to please. Cost: $54
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
This glare-free e-reader offers up to 2GB of space to hold everything from textbooks to that novel you just can’t put down. Even in bright sunlight, this portable library is comfortable to read so those study sessions can happen anywhere, anytime. Cost: $119.99
Sandisk Ixpand Flash Drive
With up to 256GB of storage space, this flashy flash drive not only connects via USB to computers, but also boasts a lightning port to transfer files from an iPad or iPhone efficiently. Never run out of photo space again by safely storing your memories. Cost: $32.18
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Whether rocking out in their rooms or just trying to get some peace and quiet in a late night library binge, students will love these budget-friendly headphones. With a 20-hour battery life, they’ll be finishing up studying for finals in no time with no distractions. Cost: $299
TCL 5-Series 4K T
This revolutionary television comes Roku-ready, so streaming is available as soon as it’s fresh out of the box. Not only does this 4K TV offer some of the best features available for relaxing after those marathon class days, but it also is extremely affordable for most students. Cost: $349.99
WD My Passport External Storage Drive
You’ll never panic over a burnt-out laptop again with this handy external storage drive. With USB 3.0 connectivity and 256-bit encryption, this will not only keep students’ work safe, but also secure. With a sleek design, this highly portable solution will help you to rest easy. Cost: $51.14
Morphie Powerstation AC Battery Pack
Say goodbye to dead devices with this power-packed travel battery that can add hours of time to your laptop or other devices with a battery power of 22,000 mAh. The fabric cover adds a touch of style and helps to protect from scratches. Cost: $199.95
Google Pixelbook Chrome OS Laptop
This student-worthy notebook is perfect for performance in school or playing at home. With the touch of a button, take advantage of Google’s AI-assistant and add an optional stylus for more control. Cost: $749
Soundcore Flare Wireless Speaker by Anker
This long-lasting speaker is perfect for any dorm room with a 12-hour battery life and a waterproof fabric cover that can protect from even the rowdiest of guests. With excellent sound quality and an LED light show that can match your every mood, this speaker will have you dancing the night away. Cost: $59.99
Timbuck2 Stark Messenger Bag
This stylish bag boasts looks and substance. With enough room for a larger laptop and notebooks or other essentials, this water-resistant bag will not only look good on your body but save your back with an ergonomic design. Cost: $159
Prynt Pocket Instant Photo Printer for iPhone
Digital media is a great way to capture memories on the go, but even the best software can fail you when you are looking to preserve those precious photos. This instant-film attachment rivals both the best editing apps and most other instant cameras, so you can filter and print your pics on the go. Cost: $132.20
Jabra Elite 65T True Wireless Earbuds
These wireless earbuds are worth every penny with a comfortable fit and a waterproof body. With a five-hour battery life and an extra pack that allows for 10 more, you’ll never run out of tunes. Add to that a stellar two-year warranty, and these earbuds are a safe bet for the money. Cost: $169.99
Amazon Basics Felt Laptop Sleeve
Simple and stunning, this budget-friendly laptop case can save your precious technology from scratches or damage while keeping you in fashion. It has different sizes for up to a 15-inch notebook, and several pockets for accessories or smaller necessities. Cost: $9.99