Back to School Tech Deals 2026
It's back to school season and everything is more expensive thanks to "RAM-ageddon" and supply constraints due to AI. So here are a few of the best deals going on right now, plus one tip that has nothing to do with a sale price.
Start here
Buy refurbished, but buy it from Apple
Apple raised prices on a lot of products because of supply constraints. I've had bad experiences buying refurbished gear on Amazon, but buying it through Apple is a cheat code. You can save several hundred dollars on MacBooks and iPads, or get a refurb MacBook Neo for $599. Same Apple warranty, and every refurb I've bought has been great.
$189
Audio
AirPods Pro 3
Still my favorite earbuds. I use them every day and they're on sale right now.
Buy on Amazon
$30
Tools
Hoto Screwdriver
Maybe it's because I'm a 40-year-old dad now, but I love a good screwdriver. I use this set all the time and it recharges over USB-C.
Buy on Amazon
Laptop
2026 MacBook Air M5
I'm still on last year's M4 Air and it's a great machine. 4K video editing on the go, graphic design, even app development. It's the right computer for most college students.
Buy on Amazon
$45
Power
MagSafe Battery
I love a good MagSafe battery, and this Baseus is on sale. I prefer the ones with a built-in cable for when you need the fastest charge on the go, and the cable tucks away neatly around the pack.
Buy on Amazon
Video out
Wireless HDMI
Weird MagSafe accessories are kind of my thing, and this one takes the cake. AirPlay covers a lot, but sometimes you want your Mac on a TV or an easy conference room setup. I got one and it works surprisingly well.
Buy on Amazon
Desk
Desktop Charger
I'm always charging something at my desk and this has kept its spot for almost a year. Two retractable USB-C cables built in, two more USB ports on the side, full outlets on the back. Pro tip: stick a 3M strip on the bottom so it stays put when you pull a cable.
Buy on Amazon
$26
Power
Anker 45W Nano Display
A good power brick goes a long way. Fast charges your iPhone, powerful enough for iPad and even MacBook Air, the prongs fold multiple ways, and the display shows exactly how fast everything is charging.
Buy on AmazonThere are a few more picks over on Amazon, including my 3-in-1 nightstand MagSafe charger of choice and a HomeKit Secure Video camera that's on sale right now.
See all my picks on Amazon