Back to school season is upon us. If you’re looking to pick up all the essentials before classes start in the fall, look no further.
Apart from school supplies and stationery, tech for remote learning has become all the more necessary since the pandemic. You can find laptop discounts from most retailers – whether that on a budget Chromebooks or a top-end Microsoft Surface Pro device.
Look out for Back to School sales directly from manufacturers too: Apple is bundling a free pair of AirPods on top of its educational discounts on Macs and iPads, while Microsoft, HP, Dell, and Lenovo all have student discount programs with up to 35% off.
Similarly, Samsung‘s back to school deals save students up to 30% on a new phone, laptop, tablet or accessories. While OnePlus has 10% off for both students and teachers without any voucher codes.
We’ve outlined all the biggest sales below, along with the top tech deals for students from major US retailers such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy and more.
Not in the US? We’re separately looking at the best back to school deals across top UK retailers.
Best Back to School/College Sales & Deals – Quick links & highlights
- Adobe – Save 70% on Creative Cloud – up from 60% discount
- Amazon – $150 off MacBook Pro, discounts on school supplies, fashion and electronics
- Apple Back to School Sale – Free AirPods with educational pricing on Mac and iPads, 20% off AppleCare+
- B&H Photo Video – $150 off MacBook Pro M1
- Best Buy – $300 off Intel laptops, $160 off Beats Studio headphones, Printer deals
- Decluttr – $75 off refurbished smartphones, including iPhone 12 range, $75 off iPads and tablets
- Dell – 12% off with SAVE12
- HP – Discounts up to 35% off
- Kohl’s – Back to College Sale with 20% off with code FAMILYSHOP (ends 29 August)
- Lenovo – Save extra 5% (Student and teacher discount)
- Newegg – Up to 53% off monitors, laptops, tablets and other electricals
- Microsoft – 10% off for students, students get Office 365 for free, up to $200 off Surface laptops
- OnePlus – 10% off for students or teachers (verify via Student Beans)
- Samsung – 15% off Galaxy Tab S7+ with free earbuds and 30% off Samsung Care+, 15% off Galaxy Book Pro 360 and up to 30% off smartphones, laptops, tablets and more
- Staples – Discounts on HP, Lenovo, Dell laptops, cheap school supplies,
- Target – $50 off AirPods Pro, laptops starting at $129.99, tablets starting at $49.99 (see back to college section)
- Walmart – Deals across laptops, TV, school supplies and more
See our full guide to Walmart+ to see how you can save on delivery.
Best Back to School & College 2021 deals in the US right now
Below we’ve highlighted some of the best Back to School offers on right now.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (4GB RAM/128GB storage) + Type Cover
Now: $699 ($260 off)
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Pick up the latest Surface Pro 2-in-1 tablet with a type cover with $260 off. Microsoft also has a 10% student discount
2. Apple iPhone 11 (64GB, Pre-Paid)
Now: $399 ($200 off)
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3. Adobe Creative Cloud Student Discount
From: Adobe US
Was: $52.99 per month
Now: $15.99 per month (70% off)
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Students and teachers usually get 60% off Adobe CC programs for the first year, but now there’s an incredible 70% off. The offer ends 3 September so you’ll have to be quick. Read our full guide to buying Adobe CC.
4. Apple Back to School Sale
From: Apple Education Discount US
Now: Up to $100 off Mac, 20% off AppleCare+ (with free AirPods worth $159)
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Apple’s education pricing is available all year round. To be eligible, you just need to prove your status as a current or newly accepted university student, parent buying on behalf of a university student or member of teaching staff at any level. Here’s what you need to know.
5. Samsung 11.6in Chromebook (4GB RAM/32GB storage)
Now: $129 ($170 off)
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Pick up this Samsung Chromebook for under $200 from Walmart with free 2-day delivery.
6. Asus Vivobook 15
From: Staples
Was: $449.99
Now: $389.99 ($60 off)
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This entry-level laptop from Asus gets an $60 discount from Staples. It’s also eligible for free next day delivery.
7. Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 2 (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
From: Best Buy
Was: $849.99
Now: $649.99 ($200 off)
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The fabulous Galaxy Book Flex 2 received 4/5 stars in our review and a Recommended Badge. Our only grip was the price, but now with $200 off, it’s an offer worth taking seriously.
8. Apple MacBook Air (2020, 512GB, M1)
From: Amazon US
Was: $1249
Now: $1149 ($100 off)
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Save $100 on the MacBook Air with the M1 chip from Amazon.
9. Insignia 32in HD Smart Fire TV with Free Echo Dot 3
Now: $169.99 ($30 off + $40 off Dot 3)
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Best Buy’s current deal bundles the 3rd-gen Echo Dot with various smart TVs which are all discounted. You can save $30 on this 65in 4K UHD Insignia Smart TV and also get a free Echo Dot. At 32in, this HD Smart TV is compact enough to fit any dorm room.
10. Lenovo 14in IdeaPad Flex 5 Notebook (12GB RAM, 512GB storage)
From: Staples
Was: $899.99
Now: $649.99 ($250 off)
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Ignore Staple’s price – this 2-in-1 Lenovo IdeaPad laptop with an incredible 12GB RAM and 512GB storage cost $899.99 from Lenovo, which means Staples’ price saves you $250, Plus, with a Core i5 11th-gen processor, this laptop should be able to handle most things you throw at it.
11. Google Nest Mini (2nd generation)
Now: $32.99 ($16 off)
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Walmart’s price on the Google Nest Mini is down to $32.99, which cheaper than buying directly from Google or anywhere else.
12. Apple iPhone 11 (64GB, refurbished)
Now: $499 ($60 off)
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Pick up a refurbished iPhone 11 in “Pristine condition” for just $479.99 – that’s nearly $100 off from buying new. Decluttr also offers a 12-month warranty if you’re not happy.
13. Apple iPad Pro 11in (Early 2020, 128GB)
Now: $659 ($140 off)
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There’s $140 off the 2020 iPad Pro right now from BH Photo Video. It’s the best price across all US retailers right now.
14. TCL 32in Class 3-Series HD Roku Smart TV
From: Walmart
Was: $249.99
Now: $188 ($61.99 off)
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Pick up this TCL smart TV on a budget – it’s currently $62 less than the original listed price.
See our dedicated Back to School section for additional buying advice, deals and tech recommendations for students.