The first back to school sales of 2026 are now live. Although it may feel like summer just started, students will be back in class sooner than later. So if you're looking for back to school deals, now is the time to shop because prices aren't guaranteed to stay low. In fact, prices have been fluctuating all year, so the earlier you lock in your purchases, the better your chances of saving.
Whether you're shopping for a new MacBook or in need of a budget coffee machine for your dorm room, Tom's Guide is here to make your back to school shopping as easy as possible. We're recommending the best back to school devices for all of your needs. We'll help you find everything from the best laptops for college to the best cheap cell phone plans. Plus, once you've picked the best device for your needs, we'll help you find the best back to school sales for that device, so that you stay within your budget.
Make sure to bookmark this page as we're updating it frequently with new guides and deals.
Back to School: Laptops and Computing
Windows Laptops
Best college laptops: The MacBook Neo is one of the best laptop values you'll find. However, it's not the only student-friendly laptop you can buy. We've tested dozens of laptops and here's the eight models we recommend for students of all ages.
Best laptops under $500: Don't blow your entire back-to-school budget on a new laptop. From speedy Chromebooks to versatile 2-in-1s, computing editor Darragh Murphy has listed his top budget laptop picks for all types of students heading back to school.
Best laptop: There's are hundreds of laptops in the market, but not all of them are worth your money. Avoid buying a laptop you'll need to replace in a year with these top-of-the-line picks that offer the perfect balance of power, style, and versatility.
Best gaming laptops: Computing editor Darragh Murphy and senior computing writer Tony Polanco are avid PC gamers who've tested dozens of gaming laptops from various brands and at all price points. These are the machines they recommend you buy if you're a gamer.
Best laptop deals: From Apple's MacBook Air to the latest Dell's XPS 13, you should never pay full price for your laptop. We've rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and everyone in between.
Chromebooks
Best Chromebooks: Let's be honest: Not all Chromebooks are worth your money. We've lab-tested over 50+ Chromebooks and have narrowed it down to just five machines we'd bring to the classroom.
Chromebook deals: Most Chromebooks are already priced aggressively, but why pay full price when there are plenty of Chromebook deals to shop from? Here's how you can find our favorite models on the cheap.
MacBooks
MacBook deals: Apple's MacBooks just underwent a significant price increase of up to $300 on select models. But fear not! Here's how to save from $100 to $300 on Cupertino's award-winning laptops.
Best Apple deals: Retailers are taking hundreds of dollars off Apple's latest tech. Don't spend a single dollar till you see these deals.
Computing
Best monitors: The right monitor will not only make it easier to do your homework, but it can even double as a mini TV. We break down specs to look for, color accuracy and overall performance.
Best webcams: Whether you're using it to take remote classes or for your personal streams, these webcams offer a massive upgrade from the run-of-the-mill webcams built into most laptops.
Best VPN: VPNs can secure sensitive information and keep you anonymous when surfing online. These are our top picks for students and anyone looking to stay secure online.
iPads and Tablets
Best tablet: Don't feel like lugging a laptop to class? The right tablet will let you take notes, check e-mail, and even stream the occasional Netflix show. We pick the best tablet for every budget and need.
iPad deals: Never pay full price for your iPad. We've found the best deals on every Apple tablet. Already have an iPad? We'll show you how to save on your favorite iPad accessories.
Best student tablet: The right tablet can be used for work and play. These are the slates we recommend for students heading back to school.
Best Android tablets: There's a whole world of tablet options outside of the iPad. From Amazon's Fire tablets to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, here are the best iPad alternatives for your back to school needs.
Best Kindles: Carry all your hard and softcover books in the palm of your hand. We'll show you which Kindle is right for your needs and budget.
Back to School: Apparel
Apparel
Back to school apparel: Shopping for clothes is expensive. So we've put together a list of the best back to school styles for 2026 that are on sale. From everyday tees you can wear in your dorm to buttery soft leggings you can wear on the weekend, here are the best apparel deals we've found.
Best running shoes: Whether you're on the track team or just looking to stay in shape, we've tested the best running shoes for men and women. Here are all of our top picks from Nike, Brooks, Saucony, and more.
Walking shoe sale: Make the walk to class that much more comfortable with our pick of the best walking sneakers.
Back to School: TVs and Streaming
TVs
Best TVs under $500: Purchasing a 4K TV no longer costs a fortune. However, no one wants a cheap set that'll need to be replaced after a semester. We pick out the best TVs under $500 that are worth buying.
Best 43-inch TVs: Whether you're living in a cramped dorm room or moving to off campus housing, these 43-inch TVs are great for smaller spaces (and smaller budgets).
Best 55-inch TVs: Take your Netflix binges to the next level. These gargantuan 55-inch 4K TVs deliver incredible picture quality and they're priced so they won't leave you with maxed out credit cards.
TV deals: Looking for a big-screen TV under $300? Or perhaps you prefer a 65-inch TV for $599. We're bringing you the best TV sales of the day from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more.
Streaming and Cord Cutting
Sling TV deals: One of our favorite cord cutting services usually has deals for new and existing members. We're rounding up the best offers you can get today.
Best cable TV alternatives: Cable TV is overpriced and overrated. Streaming editor Malcolm McMillan picks today's top cable TV alternatives that offer live TV, premium channels, and no yearly contracts.
Best streaming services: There's more to streaming than Netflix. From HBO Max to Disney Plus, managing editor of streaming, Kelly Woo, picks the services no cord cutter should live without.
Best streaming devices: Turn your ordinary TV into the ultimate smart TV with one of these top-rated streaming devices.
Best Roku devices: Roku offers one of the most elegant and easy to use streaming platforms. Find out which device is best suited for your needs.
Back to School: Gaming and Accessories
Gaming
Best Gaming PCs: Picking the right gaming PC for your budget isn't an easy task. We've reviewed dozens of machines and picked the best rigs for every budget and type of gamer.
Best gaming mouse: From sleek and stylish to large and customizable, there's a whole range of gaming mice out there for all types of gamers. Here are the mice we think are a must for today's PC gamer.
Best gaming headsets: Sure, you can use any cheap headset when playing games, but these headsets do a better job of highlighting important noises and providing a more immersive gaming experience.
PC gaming deals: Being a PC gamer isn't cheap. So we're providing the best PC gaming deals of the week in one spot, whether you're in the market for a new rig or a new headset.
Nintendo Switch deals: From the Switch to the Switch Lite, we're rounding up the best deals on Nintendo's consoles, accessories, and games.
Back to School: Phones and Data Plans
Phones
Best phones: Today's smartphones can do just about anything. From playing Mario Kart to streaming Netflix, these are the best phones for every budget and type of user.
Best iPhones: The iPhone 15 may get all the attention, but Apple has an iPhone for every budget and type of user. Here are the iPhones that still provide plenty of kick in spite of not being their current flagship.
Best Android phones: The Android ecosystem offers a wide range of choices for your needs and budget. Here are the top models, whether you're looking for a powerful flagship or the best value.
Best Samsung phones: The Galaxy S21 may be Samsung's flagship phone, but the list doesn't end there. From the student friendly Galaxy A52 5G to the powerful Galaxy S21 Plus, these are the best Samsung mobiles on the market today.
Best cheap phones: Contrary to popular belief, a flagship smartphone doesn't always cost $999. Here are the best budget smartphones that can stand up to their pricier, mainstream counterparts.
Cell phone deals: No matter what phone you're after, there are cheap sales everywhere. We round up the best unlocked, prepaid, and carrier locked deals.
Phone Plans
Best unlimited data plans: If you're going to pay a premium for unlimited data, you might as well get all the perks possible. Here are the unlimited plans we recommend based on price and features.
Best prepaid phone plans: These prepaid plans were designed to keep your monthly costs down. Here are the seven plans we recommend.
Best family cell phone plan: Whether you're in a family of three or a family of five, these family plans are cheap and include unlimited data for everyone.
Best cheap cell phone plans: A smartphone is a must for most students, but a high cell phone bill shouldn't be part of the equation. These plans start as low as $10 per month.
Back to School: Headphones and Speakers
Headphones
Best cheap headphones: Apple and Bose aren't the only headphone manufacturers. Here are the best cheap headphones that are actually worth buying.
Best cheap wireless headphones: Whether you're trying to drown out your noisy roommates or going for a run on the treadmill, these headphones will let you jam out without spending hundreds.
Best cheap wireless earbuds: High-end earbuds can cost you as much as $300. However, we've tried and tested the best cheap earbuds that perform just as good as their pricier counterparts.
Best Bluetooth speakers: With enough audio power to fill an entire dorm room, these wireless and portable speakers are great for just about any occasion.
Headphones deals: Premium headphones can quickly get expensive. We're rounding up the biggest sales on today's top wireless headphones.
Back to School: Furniture and Mattresses
Mattresses
Best mattress: Buying a new mattress for school can be a tricky proposition. We've tested and reviewed dozens of brands to help you pick the one that's best for your budget and sleeping style.
Best mattress in a box: Shopping in store is no longer a requirement when searching for a new mattress. These companies sell their mattresses online and delivery them rolled up in boxes. Here are the brands to trust.
Best memory foam mattress: Memory foam mattresses are great for people who like that sensation of being "cradled" while they sleep. They're also great at providing pressure relief. Here are the memory foam beds we like most.
Mattress deals: From Avocado to Purple, here are the best mattress deals on today's most popular brands.
