I vetted hundreds of back to school deals: here are the 15 value buys I actually recommend

Move over, MacBook Neo. The new XPS 13 is a budget machine made with students in mind. It features a 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) 120Hz touch display, Core 5-320 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. In our hands-on, we called it an excellent alternative to the MacBook Neo. Note: Students can get it for $599, which is $100 less than the competing MacBook Neo.

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 packs a lot of battery for its size, featuring speedy 45W wired charging to get your devices recharged in no time at all. Not only does it feature a 10,000 mAh battery cell, but it also includes a charging cable that doubles as a lanyard. It's a no-brainer for students who want their gadgets to stay juiced through a full school day.

There are multiple versions of the Roku Streaming Stick available these days, but this model is our favorite and remains one of the best Roku devices right now. It's smaller, faster, and more powerful than its predecessors and it offers stunning 4K HDR and Dolby Vision streaming. With improved Wi-Fi and access to thousands of channels, it’s a must for cable cutters.

With support for both iOS and Android, Tile's safety trackers will keep track of your items and you. With a phenomenal 3-year battery life, 350-ft range, and an SOS button, it's a wonderful companion for just about anywhere you go. We rank it as the best key finder overall. This pack includes the Tile Slim (for wallets, passports, tablets) and the Tile (for keys, backpacks, pets).

Want a Kindle Colorsoft without the inflated price? Meet the Kobo Clara Colour — the perfect e-reader for shoppers on a budget. It features a 6-inch color display, 16GB of storage, IPX8 waterproofing, and a wonderful frontlit display with built-in night mode. In our Kobo Clara Colour review we said the Editor's Choice e-reader is the best Kindle Colorsoft alternative.

This 11-inch Android tablet boasts a 1920 x 1200 display with an 8,000 mAh battery, but its TCL's NXTPAPER 4.0 tech that really makes it stand out. You get a paper-like feel when scrolling with your finger or taking notes with the included stylus. The NXTPAPER 11 also comes with a carrying case.

The Technics AZ100 bring a whole host of features to the table, but it's the sound and battery life that really take the cake. There's 12 hours of staying power here, more than just about anything else at this price. Add that into some great sound, and the AZ100 might be the perfect alternative to the AirPods Pro 3. In our Technics AZ100 review, we said they offer impressive audio performance that’s ultra-clear with lots of details in the upper registers.

If you're not a fan of the metallic lining found inside today's tumblers, you'll want to check out the Outback Bottle by RTIC. It has a ceramic lining so you'll always get a clean, metallic-free taste. You can get the 32-ounce Outback Water Bottle with a free 16-ounce Outback Water Bottle for just $16. It's part of RTIC's larger back to school bundle & save sale.

If you're in the market for some Birkenstocks but don't want to pay the hefty price, these Cushionaire sandals are the next best thing. Crafted from high-quality faux leather, the sandals feature a soft lining and adjustable double buckle strap. They feature 100% genuine suede insoles and a durable outsole, so you can ensure that they will be both comfortable and secure wherever you wear them. They're also available in a plethora of colors, although price may vary.

Score the Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Ecstatic for a discounted price at Amazon. These popular shoes feature 5Gen midsole cushioning, a Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole for one of the most comfortable and supportive walking shoes around. They're also lightweight and breathable due to their mesh upper.

Need an affordable just-in-case rain jacket? Look no further than the Columbia Glennaker Lake. Made from 100% nylon, it features a stow-away hood that folds into the collar, zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem. It's also small and light enough to shove inside a backpack or purse.

The Charged Assert 10 is a comfortable running sneaker that's ideal for beginners, and also great for daily use as a cushioned walking shoe. Prices start as low as $54, but you'll need to check out the different color options in your size to find the best deal for you.

Short on space? No problem. Keurig's smallest coffee maker ever will fit nicely into your dorm room. And, if a quick cup of coffee is what keeps you going, but you don't want to spend cafe prices, the K-Mini Mate is an excellent buy. Using single-serve pods, you pop it in, press a button and you're sorted.

At 53% off, the Asics Glideride are a steal. These come with GuideSole tech to help you save energy, keeping you going for longer. You also get FF Blast Max cushioning for a lightweight, soft feel.

The perfect companion for those cold classrooms, this fleece cardigan looks as great on campus as it does outdoors. The fleece is super-soft and warm, and gives you plenty of room to move. All the sizes are currently still available, but they might not be for long.