Back to School 2025 Essentials: Best Laptops, Chromebooks, Headphones & More!

The back to school rush has begun. Whether your shopping list includes a fresh MacBook or a compact coffee maker for your college dorm, Tom’s Guide is dedicated to streamlining your back to school purchases.

Below, you’ll discover guides that assist you in evaluating and choosing the top back to school gadgets tailored to your requirements. We’ll aid you in locating everything from the finest college laptops to the most affordable cell phone plans. Moreover, after you select the ideal gadget, we’ll guide you to the top back to school deals for that item, helping you stick to your budget. Remember to bookmark this page, as we regularly update it with fresh guides.

Back to School: Computing and Laptops

Best laptops under $500: Stretch your back-to-school budget further by exploring our selection of budget-friendly laptops for all types of students.

Best laptop: Steer clear of laptops that become obsolete within a year. Our picks provide a perfect mix of performance, design, and versatility.

Best laptop bags: Protect your new laptop from scratches and dents with our top choices for laptop bags.

Best gaming laptops: Ideal for more than just gaming; these laptops excel in video editing and photo rendering too. Consider these options when shopping.

Best laptop deals: Don’t pay the full price for laptops like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13. We’ve scoured the best deals from all major retailers.

Best Chromebooks: For students who primarily work online, Chromebooks are a perfect fit. We’ve simplified your choices by highlighting the best models across various sizes and price ranges.

Best student Chromebook: Whether it’s the Acer Chromebook Spin or the Galaxy Chromebook 2, here are our top picks for students.

Best Apple deals: Save big on Apple’s latest gadgets with deals from various retailers. Check these out before making a purchase.

Best monitors: Enhance your workspace with our selection of high-performance monitors, broken down by specification, color accuracy, and performance.

Best webcams: Upgrade your video calling experience with these top webcams, far surpassing the average built-in laptop cameras.

Best VPN: Protect your online activities and personal information with our recommended VPNs, essential for both students and privacy-conscious users.

Best tablet: Discover the ideal tablet for note-taking, email checking, and entertainment, with options for every budget and need.

iPad deals: Get the best prices on all Apple tablets and save on accessories for your current iPad.

Best student tablet: Choose a tablet that suits both work and play. Here are our recommended picks for students.

Best Android tablets: Explore alternatives to iPads with our list of Android tablets like Amazon Fire or Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, perfect for back to school.

Best Kindles: Carry a library in your pocket with the best Kindles, suited to every reader’s budget and needs.

Back to School: Apparel

Lululemon: Continue to enjoy low prices during Lululemon’s Summer Scores event, with deals on leggings, hoodies, and more.

Back to School: TVs and Streaming

Best TVs under $500: You no longer need to spend a fortune for a 4K TV. We’ve selected the best affordable models that won’t require a quick replacement.

Best 43-inch TVs: Perfect for small spaces like dorms or small apartments, these 43-inch TVs fit tight budgets and spaces.

Best 55-inch TVs: Enhance your streaming experience with these affordable 55-inch 4K TVs, offering excellent picture quality without breaking the bank.

TV deals: Discover the best daily deals on 4K TVs from top retailers, whether you’re looking for something under $300 or a specific size like 50 inches.

Sling TV deals: Save on subscriptions with Sling TV, one of the top choices for cord-cutters. Check out the latest offers.

Best streaming services: Broaden your streaming horizons beyond Netflix with options like HBO Max and Disney Plus.

Best streaming devices: Convert any TV into a smart TV with our top-rated streaming devices.

Best Roku devices: For a seamless streaming experience, discover which Roku device fits your needs the best.

Back to School: Gaming and Accessories

Best Gaming PCs: Selecting the right gaming PC within your budget can be daunting. We’ve evaluated numerous models to recommend the best setups for all kinds of gamers.

Best gaming mouse pad: Explore mouse pads with different surfaces—hard, medium, and smooth—to find the ultimate choice for gaming.

Best gaming headsets: Upgrade from basic headsets to those that enhance crucial game sounds and provide a more immersive experience.

Best PC games: Take a break with our top PC game picks, including everything from the remastered Resident Evil 2 to The Outer Worlds.

PC gaming deals: Gaming can be expensive, but we’re here to help with the best deals on gaming gear, whether you need a new PC or a headset.

Nintendo Switch deals: Find the best offers on Nintendo Switch consoles, accessories, and games.

Back to School: Phones and Data Plans

Best phones: Today’s smartphones are incredibly versatile. We’ve identified the best models for every budget and user type, from gaming to streaming.

Best Samsung phones: Beyond the Galaxy S21, explore options like the budget-friendly Galaxy A52 5G or the high-end S21 Plus.

Best mobile apps for students: Equip your phone with essential apps, from educational resources to handy recording tools for lectures.

Cell phone deals: Find the best deals on unlocked, prepaid, and carrier-specific phones.

AT&T phone deals: If you prefer AT&T, check out the top deals on the latest smartphones.

Verizon phone deals: Discover the best offers from one of the largest carriers.

Best family cell phone plan: Affordable family plans with unlimited data, suitable for families of various sizes.

Best cheap cell phone plans: Keep your phone costs low with plans starting at just $10 per month.

Back to School: Headphones and Speakers

Best cheap wireless headphones: Enjoy quality sound without breaking the bank, perfect for studying or working out.

Best cheap wireless earbuds: We’ve tested affordable earbuds that deliver performance comparable to high-end models.

Best Bluetooth speakers: These powerful speakers can fill your room with sound, making them ideal for any gathering or personal listening.

Headphones deals: Don’t miss out on the major sales on high-quality wireless headphones.

Back to School: Furniture and Mattresses

Best mattress: Choosing a new mattress for school can be challenging. We’ve reviewed numerous options to help you find the perfect match for your sleep preferences and budget.

Mattress deals: Get the best prices on popular mattress brands like Avocado and Purple.