Take Advantage of Back to School Tech Sales
Back to school season is not only a great time for students to stock up on essential supplies, but it’s also an opportunity for everyone to take advantage of discounts and sales on a wide range of tech products. Whether you’re a student or not, it’s worth considering some of the tech deals available at the moment. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best tech deals we found this week, offering insights on each product and where to find them at discounted prices.
Apple iPad: The Perfect Affordable Tablet
The 9th-generation iPad, which was officially discontinued by Apple earlier this year, is still a highly capable machine, especially for those who don’t need the latest cutting-edge technology. Currently, you can find the 64GB model for just $199 at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. This is the lowest price the iPad has ever sold for, making it a sweet deal for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable tablet. In our review, we gave the iPad a score of 81, praising its fast performance, lightweight design, excellent display, and vast library of apps. It’s worth noting that this is the last iPad to feature a home button and a headphone jack, which may be appealing to some users.
Sony WH-1000XM5: The Ultimate Wireless Headphones
If you’re in the market for wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is our top choice. These headphones are currently on sale for $298, matching the price we saw during July’s Prime Day. This represents a discount of over $100 and is close to a record low. The WH-1000XM5 headphones have consistently topped our list due to their exceptional noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and high-quality sound with strong bass. They also offer a range of features such as onboard controls, a long 30-hour battery life, and a speak-to-chat function that automatically pauses your music when you start talking.
Google Pixel 9: The Latest Android Phone
The Google Pixel 9 is the latest flagship Android phone from Google, and it has received high praise from our reviewer, Sam Rutherford, who gave it a score of 91. According to Rutherford, the Pixel 9 “best represents Google’s vision for what a smartphone should be.” The phone started shipping on August 22, and there are still pre-order deals available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. If you place a pre-order, you can receive $100 in store credit, on top of any trade-in credit you might be eligible for. The standard Pixel 9 with 128GB of storage is priced at $799, and the promotion will run through August 28. Additionally, our reviews of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are also available if you’re interested in the higher-end models. Both models received high scores and praise for their superb cameras and integration of Gemini AI’s assistance. If you opt for a pro model, you can receive a $200 credit at the same retailers.
Sonos Roam 2 and Era 100: Premium Audio Devices
Sonos is currently offering discounts on several of its products as part of a larger promotion. The Sonos Roam 2, an upgraded version of the original Sonos Roam, is on sale for $143 at both Amazon and Sonos, matching its lowest price. The Roam 2 received a score of 87 in our review and addresses some of the quirks of the original model. It’s a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound quality. Another notable deal is on the Sonos Era 100, which we named the best mid-range smart speaker. It’s currently $50 off and priced at $199 at both Sonos and Amazon.
1Password: Secure Your Online Life
Managing passwords can be a challenge, but a password manager like 1Password can help simplify the process. We recommend 1Password as the best password manager overall, and currently, new subscribers can get a 25% discount on the Families plan. Instead of the usual $60 for a year of coverage, you can get it for $45. The 1Password Families plan covers up to five people and offers features such as a password generator, login autofill and sharing, and access across unlimited devices. It supports various platforms, including Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Chrome OS, and Linux.
Amazon Echo Devices: Create a Smart Home
Amazon is running a back-to-school promotion on a range of its devices, including Echo speakers and displays. One notable deal is the Echo Dot with a Sengled smart bulb for $30. This bundle saves you $40 off the combined list price. We named the Echo Dot the best smart speaker under $50, and it offers excellent sound quality and access to Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. Another option is the Echo Show 5 bundled with a Sengled smart bulb, priced at $60. This smart display is perfect for smaller spaces and includes features like answering questions, showing camera feeds, and controlling smart home devices. There’s also a bundle with the Echo Show 8 and the same bulb, priced at $105.
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera and Video Doorbell: Home Security
If you’re looking to enhance your home security, Amazon is offering discounts on its Ring devices. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera, which was released in May, is currently 25% off and priced at $60 for the black and white models. This camera offers 1080p video, color night vision, two-way talk, and motion alerts. Another option is the Ring Video Doorbell, which is 40% off and available for $60. This doorbell allows you to see, hear, and talk to visitors at your doorstep. Both devices offer peace of mind and added security for your home.
Amazon Kindle Kids: Encourage Reading Habits
Amazon’s Kindle Kids ereader is currently on sale for $95, the lowest price this year. This kid-friendly version of the Kindle comes with a case, a year of access to Amazon Kids+, and an extended warranty. It’s the same hardware as the standard Kindle, which retails for $100, but the Kids version offers additional perks for young readers. The Kindle Kids ereader was named the best budget ereader in our guide, and even if it will be used by an adult, the deal is still a decent way to save $5 and enjoy a few extra benefits.
Sonos Ace and Arc: Immersive Sound Experience
As part of its ongoing sale, Sonos is offering a discount on its Ace headphones, bringing the price down to $399 from $449. Our reviewer, Billy Steele, gave the Ace headphones a mostly positive review, praising their refined design and excellent audio quality. However, compatibility issues with other Sonos speakers are still being addressed. Another deal worth mentioning is the Sonos Arc, a soundbar known for its immersive sound experience. Both Sonos and Amazon are selling the Arc at a 20% discount.
Apple MacBook Air with M2 Chip: Best Budget MacBook
Apple’s 2022 MacBook Air with an M2 chip is also part of the back-to-school deals. The configuration with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM is priced at $799, down from the full $999. Although the M2 MacBook Air has been replaced by newer models, it remains a part of Apple’s official lineup and offers a premium build, a high-quality display, and fast performance. Our review of the M2 MacBook Air gave it a score of 96 and praised it as a “near-perfect Mac.”
Paramount+: Streaming Services at a Discount
Streaming services have been increasing their prices, but Paramount+ is currently offering a discount on its plans. The ad-supported tier is available for $30 per year instead of $60, while the ad-free tier, which includes Showtime, is priced at $60 per year instead of the usual $120. These deals are only open to new subscribers and will be available until September 6. It’s important to note that the plans automatically renew after 12 months, so make sure to cancel if you don’t want to continue at full price.
Theragun Massage Devices: Relax and Recover
Therabody is currently offering a discount on its second-generation Theragun Mini, bringing the price down to $149 from the list price of $209. This massage gun is designed to help you recover after workouts or simply relax tight muscles. We recommend the Theragun Mini in our guide to gifts for runners due to its three speeds, which allow you to adjust the intensity, and its smaller size, which makes it easy to maneuver. Another option is the Theragun Prime, available for $229 instead of $299. The Theragun Prime features a unique triangle design and is praised for its comfortable targeting of hard-to-reach areas.
Apple Music: Free Three-Month Trial
Apple Music, our top pick for the best music streaming service, is currently offering new subscribers a free three-month trial. This is an extended trial period compared to the usual one month. Apple Music provides a balanced mix of editorial playlists and algorithmic suggestions, and all songs are available at CD-quality or better. After the trial period, the service costs $11 per month unless canceled. To take advantage of this offer, sign up through the app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and have an Apple ID. Please note that the offer is only available to new subscribers.
JLab Go Air Sport: Budget-Friendly Running Headphones
For those looking for budget-friendly running headphones, the JLab Go Air Sport is currently available for $20 at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. These wireless headphones feature a secure hook-style design, offering both comfort and stability during workouts. While they lack features like noise cancellation and multi-device pairing, they provide decent sound quality for sweaty workouts at an affordable price.
Fitbit Ace LTE: Motivate Kids to Stay Active
The Fitbit Ace LTE is designed specifically for kids, offering a fitness-focused smartwatch that encourages good habits through gamification. Currently priced at $200 on Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store, the Fitbit Ace LTE provides a motivating and fun way for kids to track their activity. It’s comfortable to wear, but the battery life could be improved. Additionally, a $10-per-month subscription is required to access all of the watch’s features.
Conclusion
Back to school season isn’t just for students; it’s an opportunity for everyone to score some great tech deals. From affordable iPads and wireless headphones to the latest Android phones and smart home devices, there are discounts available on a wide range of tech products. Whether you’re in need of a new tablet, headphones, smart home devices, or fitness trackers, it’s worth taking advantage of the sales and promotions available. Keep an eye on retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos for the latest deals and don’t forget to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best possible value.
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