Gone are the days when back-to-school meant raiding the supply closet for crayons, scissors, and notebooks. Now, we’re splurging on computers, E-Ink tablets, and smart gadgets that make glue sticks look like relics of the past. With these tech toys costing more than a year’s supply of coloured pencils, savvy shopping is a must. Fear not—we’ve rounded up the best back-to-school tech of the year. Whether you’re a student cramming for exams, a parent trying to keep up, or a teacher who needs all the help they can get, there’s something here to make your school year a breeze (or at least a little less chaotic).
The best back-to-school tech items for 2024 every student needs
See also: Gent’s Approved: The ultimate back-to-school grooming guide
Nomad Base Charger
Base is a total upgrade for your tech game. With its powerful magnets and quick charging speeds, this MagSafe-compatible wireless charger makes keeping your devices juiced up a breeze. Its sleek metal and glass design isn’t just functional—it makes your desk look cool, too. Charge your iPhone at 7.5W or other devices at 15W, and enjoy a tidy setup with the built-in 2.0m USB-C cable. Just plug it into a 20W USB-C power adapter, and you’re good to go.
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Available at Nomad
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 is a game-changer for students juggling a busy schedule. With its impressive 6.7-inch AMOLED display and powerful Tensor G3 chip, it handles everything from study sessions to streaming effortlessly. The upgraded camera system captures clear, vibrant photos even in low light—ideal for snapping quick shots of lecture notes or capturing campus moments. Its sleek design and long battery life ensure students stay connected and on top of their tasks, from early morning classes to late-night study sessions.
Available at Google
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HP Smart Tank 6001 All-in-One Printer
For students who need reliable and cost-effective printing, this high-capacity ink tank printer is a game-changer. It’s designed for seamless home use, with fast printing speeds and up to two years of Original HP ink included. From cranking out research papers to printing color-rich project pages, it handles everything with ease. Plus, its self-healing Wi-Fi keeps you connected, while smart-guided buttons make printing a breeze. Save on ink and keep your print game strong without breaking the bank.
Available at HP
Whoop
For students balancing late-night study sessions and early morning classes, the WHOOP app is a game-changer. It gives real-time feedback on sleep, training, recovery, and overall health, helping users optimize their performance. Track your sleep cycles to find out how much rest you really need, while the Strain score ensures you’re training smart—not too hard, not too easy. WHOOP’s recovery metrics show how lifestyle choices impact your overall well-being, and the stress monitor offers personalized insights and breathwork sessions to manage your stress levels. With daily coaching and a detailed behavioral journal, WHOOP helps students stay on top of their game—whether it’s acing exams or hitting the gym.
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Learn more at Whoop
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch 9 is a must-have for students juggling a hectic schedule. It tracks workouts, monitors health metrics, and keeps tabs on class schedules with ease. The enhanced display is perfect for quick glances at notifications between lectures, and it syncs seamlessly with other Apple devices, making organization a breeze. Whether navigating campus or managing study breaks, this watch helps students stay on track and in control.
Dyson OnTrac Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Dive into audio perfection with the Dyson OnTrac Bluetooth headphones. Designed for excellence, these headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation that makes distractions a thing of the past. With an impressive sound range from 6Hz to 21kHz, every note is delivered with crystal clarity. The over-ear design ensures up to 55 hours of battery life, so you can enjoy uninterrupted tunes all day long.
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Available at Best Buy
Osmo Pocket 3
For the student who loves vlogging and creating content, the Osmo Pocket 3 is a must-have. This compact camera delivers stunning clarity for capturing everything from campus adventures to creative projects. Its gimbal stabilization keeps footage smooth and professional, while its user-friendly controls make it easy to use wherever inspiration strikes. With the Osmo Pocket 3, you can effortlessly document their world and bring your creative vision to life.
Available at Dji
reMarkable 2
For the student who loves the tactile feel of pen on paper but needs digital convenience, the Remarkable 3 is the perfect solution. Replace your notebooks and printouts with this tablet that feels just like paper. It’s ideal for capturing handwritten notes, organizing to-dos, and managing PDFs and eBooks—all in one sleek, digital package. It’s the nostalgia of analog combined with the ease of modern technology.
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Available at reMarkable
HP Chromebook Plus x360 14″
For the student who needs a versatile companion for school and beyond, the HP Chromebook Plus X360 delivers top-notch performance and endless possibilities. Powered by an Intel® processor, this Chromebook offers speed, ample storage, and long battery life. The 85% screen-to-body ratio and dual stereo speakers provide immersive entertainment, while AI-powered Google and Adobe features fuel creativity. Plus, with built-in security and a virus-free design, it keeps your data safe, so you can focus on what matters most—your studies and your passions.
Available at Google
Cricut Explore 3
For students with a flair for creativity, the Cricut Explore 3 is a game-changer. This smart cutting machine turns ideas into custom designs for everything from collages to personalized folders. Teachers will also find it invaluable, using its writing, drawing, foiling, and scoring features to craft classroom signs and decorations quickly and effortlessly. Once you start, you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Available at Walmart
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