The S10 Ultra comes with the first-party Samsung S Pen, a stunning 15.6-inch AMOLED display, and 256GB of storage along with a microSD card for more. Additionally, it has 12GB of RAM, making it a great pick for work and school tasks, multi-tasking, and performance overall.

Samsung also says the S10 Ultra will get users up to 16 hours of battery life, and it has 45W fast-charging.

• See our ultimate shopping guide for more Back To School deals

✅Recommended if: you want a premium tablet with a large, good-looking touchscreen; you'd prefer having a powerful stylus come with your tablet; you have other devices within the Galaxy ecosystem and want to maximize compatibility.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a smaller, more portable tablet; you need a tablet that has built-in LTE; you'd rather go with a more affordable option.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is our favorite premium tablet there is, and in no small part due to the inclusion of the powerful S Pen. We also love the 14.6-inch AMOLED display, the 256GB-plus of storage and microSD port, and a battery life of up to 16 hours per charge. It also has decent rear and front cameras and a MediaTek MT6989 processor that makes performance extremely smooth.

The S10 Ultra comes built-in with One UI and Android 14, quad AKG-tuned speakers, and an optical fingerprint scanner that sits a little beneath the display.

While it's probably not the best pick for anyone looking for a seriously-budget-level tablet, this is a good price for anyone in need of a premium tablet with a stylus.

Back To School 2025 -- quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 features a 14-inch IPS touchscreen and easy 2-in-1 use as either a tablet or a laptop, all housed in a durable body with a rotating display that users like. It's also compatible with USI pens for those who prefer a stylus experience, and the device can get up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, according to Acer. This particular deal is for the version of the Chromebook with 256GB, though the device is also offered in a 512GB configuration.

Especially at this price point, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 isn't as expensive as many competitors from ASUS or HP, and it still offers a great combination of performance and value that makes it an upgrade pick for the price.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a highly-versatile 2-in-1 laptop design with a rotating touchscreen for optimal customizability; you need a powerful enough laptop for performance-intensive tasks such as video editing, AI features, and high-level gaming; you want something that has upward-firing speakers and good onboard audio quality.

❌Skip this deal if: you aren't looking for a 2-in-1 laptop and would prefer a more traditional computer design or tablet; you prefer an extremely small and lightweight device; you need something with a fingerprint scanner or other premium-level features.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 offers a durable, rotate-able body, some of the latest Google AI features, and a responsive 14-inch IPS touchscreen that makes it a great pick for use as either a laptop or tablet. It also has 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U processor, and 256GB of storage, which is enough for most casual users or those with access to cloud storage.

Connectivity includes an HDMI port, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm stereo combo jack, while the laptop also includes 45W power delivery, and up to 10 hours of battery life backed by a 56Wh battery cell.

To be sure, we were a little bummed to see that the Plus Spin 714 doesn't come with a stylus or convenient storage compartment like previous generations, but you can still use just about any third-party USI stylus with this 2-in-1 tablet.

Back to School deals 2025 -- quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

✅Recommended if: you need a pair of great-sounding wireless earbuds that you can comfortably wear all day; you need active noise cancellation and crystal-clear call quality; you're already immersed in the Google ecosystem.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't use Pixel phones; you'd rather wait for the next generation to drop; you want access to all of the latest AI features.

I generally prefer wireless headphones over earbuds, but there are certain occasions when a clunky set of cans simply won't work. If you want to listen to music while working out, for instance, or if you need something compact and portable, earbuds are the only thing that do the trick. The problem is that most buds are uncomfortable or they won't stay in place, and you'll never find a pair of earbuds that sound as good as my Sony XM5s. That's where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in.

While they still can't quite meet the sound quality offered by headphones, these versatile earbuds are the only pair that I've worn comfortably for hours on end. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 don't fall out of my ears when I go for a run, the ANC (active noise cancellation) works great, and they connect almost instantaneously to my Google Pixel 9.

I can fine-tune the EQ settings using the companion app, and the 11mm dynamic drivers deliver big, well-rounded sound that belies the buds' small frame. The included charging case could also get you up with 48 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is pretty impressive compared to something like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Of course, they're not for everyone. The Buds Pro 2 lose a lot of their functionality if you aren't using the Pixel ecosystem, and if you can afford them, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are arguably better in just about every way. That being said, if you're looking for a great Back To School deal on a great pair of earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will hit that sweet spot for most folks.

Back To School deals — quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

This deal is for the version of the laptop with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM, and this generation includes a Series 2 Core Ultra processor. With over a day's worth of battery life, it's also a great pick for anyone who works on the go, whether student, professional, or otherwise.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a hyper-powered laptop with the latest in Series 2 Core Ultra processing speeds; you like having a laptop with a large, convertible touchscreen that's also suitable for stylus use; you have other Samsung products and have liked them, and you want optimal cross-platform compatibility.

❌Skip this deal if: you aren't willing to spend over $1,000 on a laptop and would prefer something simpler, like a Chromebook; you don't need a touchscreen or convertible design.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is the best Samsung laptop on today's market, and if you're seeking a touchscreen and an S Pen, the 360 is the way to go. It has an upgraded Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that's suitable for several power-intensive tasks, up to 25 hours of battery, a thin, yet durable, design, and a wide range of the latest Galaxy AI features.

This deal is for the largest of the bunch, featuring a vibrant 16-inch, 3K AMOLED touchscreen display, 1TB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. As for connectivity, it has an HDMI port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a microSD slot. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Ultimately, this is a pick for those who were already looking to spend more than $1,000 on a laptop, and for whom $350 off the industry's best is a good buying opportunity.

We like the Charge 6 for its role as one of the few fitness-focused trackers that also includes built-in GPS. It's also housed in a thin, lightweight body that users love, especially for long-term exercise, sleep tracking, and more. The normal price tag on the Charge 6 also offers a pretty solid value proposition, so an extra $40 off definitely doesn't hurt.

✅Recommended if: you prefer a small smartwatch that's comfortable to wear to sleep or while working out; you need something with an accurate HR sensor and GPS tracking; you like having a watch with support for Google Maps and Wallet, among other apps.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a watch with an especially bright display in outdoor sunlight; you need something with an altimeter or a cEDA sensor; you're looking for a watch with premium-level GPS accuracy and have the budget to upgrade.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is our top pick for the best fitness tracker category, especially because of its thin, nimble design. Where modern smartwatches often go large and bulky, the Charge 6 offers a refreshingly lightweight design that makes it a great candidate for sleep tracking and exercise.

It also features a useful haptic button, an improved sensor for HR monitoring, and access to apps like YouTube Music, Google Maps, Wallet, and more.

It is worth noting that it lacks some of the extra sensors included on premium smartwatches, such as an altimeter and cEDA sensor. Some have also criticized the accuracy of the GPS sensor, so those looking for a precise GPS might also want to consider upgrading.

There's no trade-in required and no confusing eligibility requirements to worry about, just a straight $399 in promo credits over 24 months. The top recommendation in our guide to the best smartwatches for students in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has only been out since late July, so don't miss this chance.

Get our favorite student smartwatch for FREE with this new T-Mobile deal

• Check out our ultimate back to school shopping guide for more shopping tips.

✅Recommended if: you want a comfortable, feature-packed Samsung watch with AI smarts and loads of health and fitness tracking features; you already use T-Mobile's wireless service.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't need an LTE smartphone; you're seeking a device with excellent battery life or a rugged fitness watch; you'd rather upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025).

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is easily the best Android smartwatch that money can buy today, coming complete with a vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display, four years of guaranteed Wear OS upgrades, and an ultra-comfortable design that you can wear all day long. There's dual-band GPS and NFC support, plus you get all of the latest health and fitness tracking technology, including 13 HR LEDs and AI-powered features like Energy Score and Running Coach.

Furthermore, the Exynos W1000 processor performs like a champ, and there's plenty of RAM for all of your back-to-school needs. After all, there's a reason we had such high praise for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 in our 4.5/5-star review.

So yes, there's lots of good stuff about the Galaxy Watch 8, but what about the bad? Well, for starters, the 2025 watch continues Samsung's pattern of dropping flagship wearables with mediocre or even poor battery life.

Our reviewer needed to charge the Galaxy Watch 8 for 30 minutes twice a day to get all-day usage and sleep tracking, which feels a little unacceptable when you consider some of the best smartwatches for battery life can last up to two weeks on a single charge. Fortunately, the watch's fast charging capabilities make up for some of the inconvenience.

The Galaxy Watch 8 also has a bit of a big sibling problem, as both the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) are considerably better (albeit chunkier) devices that don't cast that much more than the base model. That said, if you want a sleek, lightweight smartwatch for free before the new semester hits, this T-Mobile deal is tailormade for you.

Beyond being our top pick in the best premium wireless headphones category, these offer a beautiful leather design that screams luxury, comfort, and durability.

The Beoplay H95s include huge headphone drivers that make for crystal clear audio quality, and comfy ear cups that won't wear your ears out, even when worn all day. They also boast powerful and customizable multi-band EQ, adaptive active noise cancellation, and a long enough battery life to get several uses out of them with each charge. Plus, they just look and feel really cool with the leather design for those who are into that sort of thing.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a great-sounding pair of wireless headphones with a design that feels like luxury; you want something that comes with a hard shell carrying case that won't let them get dinged up when traveling; you prefer a pair of wireless headphones with outstanding audio, ANC, and battery life, and you've got the budget to back that up.

❌Skip this deal if: you still aren't looking to spend this much on headphones, despite the deal; you don't feel the need to have industry-leading audio and would settle for something a little cheaper; you prefer headphones that are made with vegan materials.

We love the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 headphones, especially for their high-quality audio, beautiful, authentic leather design, and battery life that won't require users to charge them very often. Their high-level audio is backed by two powerful 40mm titanium drivers with neodymium magnets that were custom-made for this series, improving the precision of audio quality and of lower frequencies. This deal is available in all four color options for the headphones, including Black, Chestnut, Navy, and, my personal favorite, the aesthetically-pleasing Gold Tone.

Vegans beware, though: these are made with actual leather, so if that's a dealbreaker, you'll definitely want to look elsewhere.

The summer break is nearing an end, and students all over the globe are working hard to check the most important items off their back-to-school shopping list. If you're a college student, however, there's one crucial detail that you could easily overlook: your phone plan.

Believe it or not, there are a ton of wireless carriers out there that offer the perfect experience for students of all ages. Whether you need a cheap and approachable MVNO carrier or a comprehensive unlimited plan laden with perks and international benefits, the best phone plans for students (handpicked by yours truly) can be found below.

Need more guidance before the new semester hits? Check out our ultimate back-to-school shopping guide for more device recommendations, Android news, and plenty of money-saving opportunities.

At a glance

Best overall

Owned and operated by Verizon, Visible Wireless is home to three plan options that include unlimited talk, text, and data on the parent company's vast 5G Ultra Wideband network. Of those three options, the best plan for students is easily the carrier's new Visible Plus Pro plan, which includes everything mentioned above along with premium data, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and monthly discounts on Fios Home Internet.

The Plus Pro plan also includes a few surprising international perks, such as free calls and texts to over 85 countries worldwide. There are no hidden taxes or fees slapped on top of the monthly rate when you go to check out, and you can cancel your service at any time without being charged for termination. The Visible Plus Pro plan starts at $45 per month, but you can also pay annually to save a bit of cash in the long run. Visible is also home to plenty of wireless deals, so be sure to check out the carrier's deal page before you sign up.

Best MVNO

Powered by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile is an interesting MVNO carrier that operates with a unique "buy-in-bulk" plan system. Customers start by purchasing one of the carrier's four plan options in 3, 6, or 12-month increments of time. There are no hidden fees or confusing contracts to worry about, and you can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan at will once the time allotment has run out. There's even a seven-day money-back guarantee that lets you try out the service with zero stress if you're having trouble committing.

Starting at $15 per month for three months of the introductory 5GB plan, all of Mint's plan options give you talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus you get free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. There are also a ton of Mint Mobile deals that could get you a great Android phone for dirt cheap if you play your cards right.

If your network gets congested, you may notice slower speeds after 35GB on the Unlimited plan, but that's pretty common for prepaid carriers. Indeed, MVNOs aren't perfect, but these carriers remain nice options for students because they're simple, affordable, and allow for lots of flexibility. If that's what you're looking for in a phone plan, then Mint Mobile is an amazing choice.

Best budget

Let's face it: not everyone needs unlimited data on their phone plans, especially if they have regular access to Wi-Fi. If you're really looking to cut costs, Tello's 5GB plan is a great choice, starting at just $10 per month and giving you access to T-Mobile's comprehensive 5G / 4G LTE network.

Tello Mobile also lets you completely customize your plan every month with no penalty. Only want to pay for 500 minutes of calling this month? You can do that. Need Unlimited data for a month to catch up on your favorite TV show? You can do that too. All of Tello's plans also come with a 5GB mobile hotspot, plus Wi-Fi calling support and free calls to over 60 countries worldwide.

Looking at the negatives, Tello's data speeds do tend to fluctuate during busy periods, and taxes aren't applied to your monthly rate until you get to the checkout page. All things said and done, however, these are small issues when you consider the low cost and flexibility offered by Tello's data plans.

Best features

Of course, Tello isn't the only carrier that lets you create your own wireless experience. Verizon switched to a mix-and-math perk system a few years ago and hasn't looked back, offering customers a wide range of excellent features, from Cloud Storage to streaming services and everything in between.

The Verizon Welcome Unlimited plan starts at $65 per month for a single line with AutoPay, although the price can drop considerably if you add multiple lines. The base plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data on the company's iconic 5G network, plus you get a three-year price lock guarantee. After you sign up for the base plan, you get to mix and match perks for $10 per month apiece.

These perks include things like Netflix subscriptions, Apple Music, Unlimited Cloud Storage, and more. The best part is that Verizon allows you to update your perks every month, which means you can adjust your plan features as needed every 30 days with zero hassle.

The problem is that Verizon's plan can get pretty expensive if you're not taking advantage of the multi-line discounts, and the base tier doesn't include much on its own. Still, it's a great option if you like consolidating your entertainment apps and don't mind bringing the family along.

Best premium

Home to the world's largest 5G network, it's no wonder that T-Mobile has learned a spot on this list. The Experience Beyond plan is easily one of the Big Three carrier's best offerings if you can afford it, presenting customers with unlimited talk, text, and premium data every month alongside a true bounty of perks.

The plan starts at a steep $105 per month with AutoPay, but you get unlimited coverage with free subscriptions to Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and Hulu (with ads). The Experience Beyond plan also gives you an unlimited mobile hotspot and coverage (capped at 15GB of high-speed data) in over 200 countries worldwide. Those perks feel fairly standard for premium phone plans nowadays, but T-Mobile also throws in a few perks that you may not expect, such as free in-flight texting and Wi-Fi on select flights and a five-year price guarantee.

Sure, it's obviously too expensive for many students, but if you can make it work for you, T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan is the gold standard of what a premium phone plan can look like in 2025.

Best international

Whether you're a frequent traveler or trying to stay in touch with family back home, many students need international benefits in their phone plans. Several of the options on this list offer good coverage in other countries, but there's only one carrier that expertly balances stellar international perks with a reasonable monthly rate: Ultra Mobile.

Starting at $29/monthly, Ultra's 12GB plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and 12GB of 5G data on T-Mobile's legendary network, plus you get unlimited talk to over 90 countries worldwide, as well as unlimited usage in Mexico and Canada. If you need to go beyond the international coverage included in your plan, Ultra also sells international call credits and a one-time roaming credit for five bucks apiece. Like most of the plans on this list, the 12GB tier also comes with a free mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi calling support.

Similar to Mint Mobile's buy-in-bulk system, members can pay $29 for a single month of the 12GB plan, or you can drop the price to as low as $20 monthly if you pay for a full year in advance. If you don't need 12GB of data every month, Ultra also offers preconfigured plans that starting at 4GB monthly.

How to choose

Whether you're shopping for yourself or a tech-savvy high schooler, choosing the right student phone plan doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution — it depends on the user. Does the student in question have a regular Wi-Fi connection? Do they need lots of data? Are they shopping on a budget? All of these questions should be addressed before you decide on one final wireless plan.

Going with an MVNO carrier is convenient for students because you aren't typically locked into a long contract, which means you can adjust your plan from month to month to fit your needs. If you or your student has been a phone user in the past, check old usage statements to see how much time and data gets spent on devices each month. If you regularly use less than 10GB of data, for instance, then an unlimited plan really isn't necessary.

It can also be helpful to look at the entertainment perks included in the data plans. If you're already using Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, et al., you may be surprised at the number of wireless carriers that include free subscriptions with their phone plans.

Lastly, consider if you need a new device with your data plan. If you don't care about buying phones unlocked, you can find some seriously good deals by purchasing a device through your wireless carrier. Companies like Verizon and Mint Mobile will hook you up with a cheap (or even free) Android phone for simply adding an eligible line to your account, and the savings get even better if you're able to process a trade-in.

All things said and done, there's no shortage of great phone plans for students, you just need to find the one that's right for you. Visible is my top pick because it balances the price of an MVNO with the perks of a Big Three carrier, but it's far from the only option. Simply ask yourself the questions laid out above and you'll be well on your way to a perfect wireless experience this school year.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

The IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is a solid pick for anyone who wants a lightweight net-book-style laptop, featuring the quick Chrome OS, and a useful 14-inch touchscreen with a 1080p Full HD display. While it's certainly no premium laptop, those who just need a computer for surfing the web and basic assignments in word processing and spreadsheet applications are likely to get what they need out of the IdeaPad Slim 3. At just $170, it's also a great pick for anyone pinching pennies heading into the school year, without sacrificing the basic performance level that buyers have come to appreciate for the Chromebook lineup.

✅Recommended if: you want a lightweight laptop that's easy to transport and still features a relatively large screen; you want a computer with a touchscreen; you're looking for a budget PC for basic low-level tasks such as browser surfing or typing up word documents.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a laptop that offers more than just 4GB of RAM or 64GB of storage; you prefer having a webcam with better quality than 720p; you need a a 2-in-1 laptop design that can also be used as a tablet with a detachable keyboard.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook may not have landed a spot in our index of the best Chromebooks, but it's still a solid pick for anyone who needs an affordable touchscreen laptop. With 4GB of RAM, a 2.05 GHz MediaTek Kompanio 500 processor, and 64GB of storage, it's nothing too crazy when it comes to performance. However, the light and smooth Chrome OS has become well-liked by those who just want a basic computer for low-level tasks, and the IdeaPad Slim 3 also has a thin and portable design that's great for students and traveling professionals alike. And at just $170, it might be hard to find any worthy rivals around this price while the discount lasts.

Keep reading for all of my favorite deals included in the sale, and don't forget that Google will be announcing its newest flagship lineup on August 20th! Most of the following discounts are set to expire right before the Made by Google event, so don't wait too long if you're interested in grabbing a powerful, AI-boosted flagship phone for cheap.

For more tips and deal coverage ahead of the new semester, check out our ultimate Back to School shopping guide.

Amazon launches historic sale on Pixel 9 series phones

...And a bonus Google Pixel deal

Back to School 2025 deals — quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

If you want something with powerful spatial audio features, a long-lasting battery, and solid microphone quality for phone calls and voice assistants, the Studio Buds Plus are a great pick at this price point. While you won't get wireless charging, the wireless earbuds still come with a charging case that will get you plenty of battery life with intermittent charging, along with one-touch pairing, active noise cancellation, and a useful Transparency Mode for focusing on surrounding sound. This deal is also available in each of the four colors offered by Beats, including the super cool- and classic-looking Transparent option, which is a unique look amongst peers.

✅Recommended if: you want a pair of earbuds for under $100 that doesn't compromise ANC, phone calls, battery life, or other necessary features; you want something with reliable button controls; you're looking for a pair of earbuds with balanced audio that you can EQ to your preferences on your own.

❌Skip this deal if: you want something with built-in EQ settings that doesn't require utilizing your phone's settings; you need support for Samsung codecs, or other specific hi-res file types; you need headphones or earbuds that offer industry-leading compatibility with Android phones.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a good pick amongst the Beats lineup, offering up to 36 hours of listening time with the use of the charging case, ANC, and a useful Transparency Mode, and physical button controls that are becoming increasingly hard to find. They also sport solid built-in microphones for phone calls and voice commands, powerful spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, and a comfortable fit with multiple ear tips.

It's worth noting that, given the fact that the Beats brand is owned by Apple, there are some features that are more compatible with Apple phones than Androids. However, if you're just looking for strong, balanced audio quality, a name brand, a sub-$100 price tag, and a couple of ANC modes, this may be a good time to pick these up.

While the Pixel 9 Pro XL still stands as the best Android phone for parents in our book, the 9 Pro has really similar hardware, and it offers some massive upgrades from the base-level Pixel 9. If you're looking for the latest-generation option, you may want to wait until the upcoming Pixel 10 series release, which is slated for August 20. However, if you simply want $200 off a solid phone, and don't mind leaning into the current generation, this is definitely a deal worth checking out.

✅Recommended if: you want a great phone that isn't too large to hold; you want a smartphone with a powerful suite of camera lenses; you prefer a phone with long-term software updates and ongoing support.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL; you'd prefer the industry leader in performance-intensive gaming; you need something with a robust set of PWM dimming options.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro was well-liked upon its release, especially due to its powerful cameras, long-term software promise, comfy and fun-to-use haptic feedback, and a wide range of AI features.

It boasts a 6.3-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the 6.8-inch on the 9 Pro XL, along with a slightly smaller 4,700mAh battery. It also has a 50MP rear camera, and separate 48MP wide-angle and macro lenses, as well as a 42MP selfie cam.

Compared to the Google Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a much higher screen resolution, a brighter screen, better cameras, and improved RAM that results in better performance and multi-tasking. Still, for most casual users, the Google Pixel 9 Pro offers plenty of power to accommodate performance needs, along with seven years of software support and new updates.

However, unlike some of the other Back to School deals out there, there aren't any strings attached. This means that regardless of whether you have an old tablet to trade in or not, you can still save almost $70 on the Galaxy Tab A9+.

✅Recommended if: You want a great Android tablet that doesn't break the bank, while also including features of its more expensive counterparts.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a tablet with a bit more horsepower or one that includes S Pen/stylus support.

There are plenty of instances when a cheap tablet falls short of being worth your hard-earned cash. But that's not really the case with the Galaxy Tab A9+, as it borrows the premium aluminum design from the more expensive Galaxy Tab S series. Sure, you might have wished to see an OLED display, but the LCD panel is still crisp thanks to its 1920 x 1200 resolution.

What about performance? Well, the Tab A9+ is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695, paired with 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of expandable storage. As for battery life, the Tab A9+ will just keep chugging along, as its 7,040mAh battery is rated for up to 20 hours on a single charge.

You'll also enjoy some surprising features, such as split-screen multitasking, Gaming Hub, and even Samsung DeX. So not only can use the Tab A9+ as a traditional tablet, but plug it into a monitor, and have a desktop-like experience.

The only glaring issue that I can see with the Galaxy Tab A9+ is its lack of S Pen support. That's definitely a bummer, but there are other stylus options out there that can help fill the void if you want to use this as a digital notebook.

Even with the $500 discount, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will still set you back $1,299, but it's nevertheless a historic price drop on one of the best foldable phones that money can buy.. at least until the 2025 version gets its big reveal on August 20th. 

• Best Buy's Back To School sale is live — see the full list of deals

Released almost exactly a year ago today, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold continues to impress with two gorgeous 120Hz OLED displays, a sturdy folding hinge, and all of those fancy AI-boosted software features that have been dominating the headlines lately. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also boasts some impressively long-lasting battery life alongside 16GB of RAM as standard. Furthermore, the foldable is powered by the same Tensor G4 chipset that drives the rest of the Pixel 9 series, and you'll also get the same seven years of guaranteed OS and security support. 

The trade-offs include some relatively disappointing camera tech (it's passable, but nothing amazing) and a lack of stylus support. These wouldn't be major issues on a different phone, but at this price I want to be blown away, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just isn't as performant as we wanted in those regards. 

With the imminent arrival of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold on August 20th (not to mention the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 from Samsung), last year's model could easily go overlooked. But if you enjoy the Pixel ecosystem and you're trying to get into foldable phones, this Best Buy deal presents a unique opportunity. After all, it's not like we expect the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to be that different from its predecessor, so why not go last-gen and save some serious cash in the process?

That's our favorite smartphone for students clocking in at just $399 for the 128GB version, no trade-in required and no strings attached. We've been seeing a lot of great back to school deals lately, but this Amazon offer truly takes the cake.  

✅Recommended if: you want a powerful smartphone that won't break the bank; you want a device with great battery life, cameras, and seven years of guaranteed software support. 

❌Skip this deal if: you need a phone with expandable storage; you suffer from PWM sensitivity; you can afford to spend a bit more on one of the best Android phones.

As described in our 4.5/5-star review, the Google Pixel 9a is basically the perfect example of a midrange masterpiece. Starting at $499 for the 128GB configuration, the device sports a bold design with IP68 ingress protection, a brilliant 6.3-inch pOLED display, and some of the best battery life found on any Pixel phone to date. 

You also get exceptional cameras for the price, flagship-level performance from the Tensor G4 chipset, and 8GB of RAM as standard. And of course, like the majority of the best phones released this year, the Google Pixel 9a guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades.  

Sure, the Pixel 9a's charging is a bit slow and on-board AI features are limited, but these are small sacrifices when you consider the overall bang for the buck offered here. Thanks to this Pixel 9a Amazon deal, you're paying $400 less than you would for the base model Google Pixel 9 while enjoying a mostly indistinguishable experience. Feel free to compare the two phones to learn more, but if you're looking for a student-friendly smartphone today, this might be the best deal on the web. 

A lot of primary education institutions provide a Chromebook for students to use throughout the year, but if you're off to college or your kid's school doesn't offer its own Chromebook program, you need to take a look.

The Pros

The Lenovo Duet 11 isn't the best Chromebook you can buy, but there are a few things that make it a standout for a student.

The Lenovo Duet 11 is super portable. As a convertible tablet and laptop, the Lenovo Duet 11 is thin, light, and easy to stuff into a backpack so you can lug it around all day.

It promises up to 12 hours of battery life and mostly delivers. The battery on this thing will last all day and well into a night of homework. Recharging it is simple with a good USB charger.

It runs Chrome OS. This is a bigger deal than you may think because Chrome OS was designed to run well on even the most modest hardware. It's also a great way to tie into any online Google services and will sync directly with your Google Drive if that's how you want to go.

It has a surprisingly good display. The 11-inch 1080p display is bright and easy on the eyes. That's something most cheap Chromebooks can't offer.

The Cons

The Lenovo Duet 11 only has 4GB of memory. To be fair, that's enough to do anything a Chromebook is capable of doing, but it can struggle when trying to do more than one task at a time. You aren't going to want to have 100 Chrome tabs open on this thing.

It only has 128GB of storage. That might be enough for some people, but it won't be enough for others. The thing is, you can never change that number. You get 128GB no matter what.

It has no SD card slot. Combined with the limited storage, this means you are going to have to juggle what you store on your Duet 11 Chromebook. No dropping that huge music collection on it.

It doesn't have the best chip. The MediaTek Kompanio 838 is enough, but there's little headroom for stuff like playing games at 60 frames without stuttering.

My Verdict

I wouldn't buy the Lenovo Duet 11 (2024) for myself because I don't need it. Having said that, if I needed to pick up a good laptop for a student, this is the Chromebook I would buy while it's on sale at Best Buy under 300 bucks.

That's because it seems to have been built with a student in mind. The cons are there, and you don't want to buy this for a gaming or coding machine where you need all the GBs and a fast chip, but for carrying to and from class, taking notes, working on homework, or writing a paper, it looks absolutely perfect.

Running Chrome OS means everything is in one place once you sign in, and you're not going to lose anything important if you need to switch to another device. It's also super easy to use and works with Google's Office Suite and Microsoft's Android apps.

Unless you're buying for an engineering student or someone else who needs access to specific tools and software, this is the one to buy right now.

• See our guide to the best Back to School Chromebook deals today

The Chromebook Plus 516 is taking part in Best Buy's most recent roundup of deals as we barrel towards the end of the summer and the start of the school year. Normally, this Chromebook would set you back for $479, but you can save $100 for a limited time.

• Check out our guide to the best back to school Chromebook deals today

✅Recommended if: You want a performant Chromebook with as big of a screen as possible.

❌Skip this deal if: You're worried about the Chromebook Plus 516 being too big to carry around.

The most obvious reason to consider the Chromebook Plus 516 is because of its 16-inch screen, sporting a 1920 x 1200 resolution. Frankly, there just aren't very many 16-inch Chromebooks out there, with that being a space largely dominated by various Acer Chromebook options.

That said, the big screen isn't the only reason why this should be on your list, as it packs plenty of power with the i3-1315U chip. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is pretty much what you'd expect from a budget Chromebook Plus model.

However, the Chromebook Plus 516 has another benefit when compared to even the 516 GE, and that's battery life. Despite its massive size, the battery is rated to last for more than 12 hours on a single charge. Even some of the more portable or premium Chromebooks can't match up to that.

And if you needed any more reasons to sway you, there's one more, and that's Google AI. When purchasing a new Chromebook Plus model (like the CB Plus 516), you'll have access to Google AI Pro for 12 months.

This includes being able to access Gemini from practically anywhere, along with 2TB of cloud storage, and NotebookLM already installed and pinned to the shelf out of the box. All of that, comes for free, saving you another $240, which is just madness.

Back to school 2025 — quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

Since the Legion Tab was released, it has ushered in a wave of other smaller flagship tablets. We've seen RedMagic release two of its own, and even Lenovo released its latest Y700, but that has yet to be released on this side of the world. There are also rumblings that OnePlus might be looking to do something similar, now that the OnePlus Pad 3 has been released.

• See our ultimate back to school shopping guide

✅Recommended if: You want a powerful Android tablet with flagship specs, but don't want something that tries to replace your laptop.

❌Skip this deal if: You need (or want) an OLED display, expandable storage, a larger screen, or cellular connectivity.

In terms of specs, the Legion Tab Gen 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and includes 12GB of RAM to go along with 256GB of storage. It sports an 8.8-inch 2.5K display, offering a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 6550mAh battery.

Unlike many other tablets out there, the Legion Tab Gen 3 has another unique benefit, as it features two USB-C ports. This is great for plugging in a controller with one and using the other to transfer files or keep it charged.

Although I'm a big fan of the Legion Tab and am keeping my fingers crossed that the new Y700 makes it this way, I also understand that the Gen 3 might not be for everyone. There are some omissions with this iteration that weren't found in previous releases, such as its lack of a microSD card slot.

Lenovo also didn't go with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and instead, gave the Legion Tab Gen 3 the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Those two points alone might be enough to dissuade you from considering the Legion Tab, but with this kind of discount, I urge you to at least give it a chance.

Performance is pretty incredible, and I don't just mean for gaming and emulation. It's a productivity tool too, thanks to being compatible with USI pens. Pair that with a matte screen protector, and you can forget all about Samsung ditching the S Pen with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The Motorola Edge is our favorite out of the 2025 Moto lineup, and although it's already pretty affordable, deals like this make the phone an absolute steal. The Edge has a really comfortable, thin design, with an anti-slip vegan leather backing that's easy to hold and looks downright classy.

It's also well-liked for its camera suite, long battery life, and fast charging. It's also worth noting that this particular deal is for the 256GB storage option in the Pantone Deep Forest color.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a good deal on a versatile, midrange smartphone; battery life is an important selling point for you; having a range of different camera options for good photos and videos is a priority for you.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer to have a phone offering several OS updates; you'd prefer to go with a phone that offers industry-leading performance and little to no lag.

The Motorola Edge (2025) is the best Motorola phone out there, but it's worth waiting for sales like this due to its price tag. With that being said, the Edge includes a nice 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and Android 15 OS. It also has three rear cameras, including a telephoto, ultrawide, and a regular PDAF lens, as well as a front PDAF lens. The 5,200mAh battery offers pretty excellent battery life, and the Edge also has 68W fast charging.

It's also worth pointing out that this phone only comes with two OS updates, so if that's a dealbreaker for you, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

For a low as $269.99, you'll be getting one of the best Android smartwatches we've ever used, replete with a sophisticated design, snappy Wear OS performance, and a suite of high-end fitness tracking features provided by Fitbit. Whether you consider this one of Amazon's back-to-school deals or simply a run-of-the-mill good discount, this Pixel Watch 3 price drop is certain to disappear soon, so act fast if you're interested.

As detailed in our 4.5/5-star review, the Pixel Watch 3 is a nearly perfect wearable, boasting a gorgeous, water-droplet-inspired display, lightning-fast performance from a Snapdragon CPU, and over 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. The watch also comes with all of the latest health and fitness tracking features from Fitbit, while features like Workout builder and Cardio Load make it the perfect tool for runners.

Of course, no smartwatch is truly perfect, and the Pixel Watch 3 does have a few issues that you should consider before making a purchase. For one, it's important to note that the Google Pixel Watch 4 is likely to be announced on August 20th, so you may want to wait if you don't mind paying extra for the latest technology. The Galaxy Watch 7 is also often compared to the Pixel Watch 3, and you can actually grab that Samsung watch for $70 cheaper at Amazon today.

So yes, you have some stuff to think about. But if you're a fan of Google devices and you're already immersed in the Pixel ecosystem, this is a rare deal on a 'unique and stylish' device that shouldn't be missed if you've had your eye on the smartwatch for a while. 

Back to school 2025 at Android Central — quick links

• See our ultimate Back To School shopping guide
• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

The offers on display include deals like 36% off the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite tablet, or this 23% discount that drops the Pixel Watch 3 back to its Prime Day-level low. There are also plenty of deals on smart TVs and headphones, in case you need to drown out those noisy roommates. Keep reading for all of my picks and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I'll keep adding new Amazon deals as we approach the new semester. 

Back to school 2025 quick links

• See our ultimate Back To School shopping guide
• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

Top 10 Back to School Amazon deals

The 2024 Motorola Razr Plus is somewhat similar to the 2025 version, save for a few upgrades, such as the camera suite, the display, the hinge, and the phone's overall durability. Beyond those, the 2024 has nearly identical specs, making it an especially good pick at this lowered price point.

This deal is for the 256GB storage version of the phone, and it's available in both the Midnight Blue and Spring Green colors.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a good deal on a powerful foldable phone and you don't mind going last-gen; you want something with large, vibrant displays for both the cover and internal screens; you want something with a smooth UI that's easy to follow.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to the 2025 version of the Razr Plus and don't mind paying the extra money; you aren't looking for a foldable phone; you need a phone with an ultrawide lens.

The 2024 Motorola Razr Plus was acclaimed upon its release, and we've recommended trying to find it on sale even since the newer model's release. It features the signature vegan leather backing that has become well-liked on well-received upon its release, and we've recommended trying to find it on sale even since the release of the newer model.

The Razr Plus has a 6.9-inch pOLED internal screen and a 4-inch pOLED external screen, both with 165Hz refresh rates. With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 CPU and 12GB of RAM, it sports fairly powerful performance and multitasking capabilities, along with the smooth Android 14 and Hello UX.

The Galaxy Tab S9 might be almost two years old, but it's still the last flagship Android tablet from Samsung at this size. This makes the Galaxy Tab S9 one of the best options out there despite its age, and now, you can get one for under $300 from Samsung!

✅ Recommended if: you want a powerful Galaxy Tab in a smaller form factor; you prefer Samsung devices but aren't a fan of the move to MediaTek; you don't care that the Tab S9 is almost two years old, because it's still going to get a few more major OS updates.

❌ Skip this deal if: you want the latest and most powerful Android tablet; you're concerned about Samsung's commitment to providing updates moving forward; you want a tablet that can pull double-duty as a laptop.

The more I think about the reasons why someone should pick up the Galaxy Tab S9, the more I'm surprised. Samsung ditched the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S10, and while some rumors suggest it's making a return with the Tab S11, there's no guarantee of that yet. On top of that, the move to MediaTek was a surprising one considering Samsung's long-standing partnership with Qualcomm.

Although the MediaTek chip enables more power for on-device AI, those who are like me and enjoy retro emulation won't have the best time. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy Tab S9 is the current "gold standard" for emulation, as there's excellent community support, and it's the SoC that many of the best emulators are tailored towards.

Besides that, the Galaxy Tab S9 is just a great all around tablet anyways, with its 11-inch OLED panel, all-day battery, expandable storage, and a plethora of case options. Plus, you'll get an S Pen in the box, adding another layer of intrigue, as you won't need to spend more money just to get one.

Pretty much all of the big retailers are hosting back to school sales, including Best Buy, which has a few of our favorite Chromebook deals. One such example is the excellent Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, which is currently $120 off, cheaper than anywhere else we've seen.

But that's not the only great deal, as the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 (2024) is almost $250 off over at Amazon. It's not often you find a deal on a convertible Chromebook that's as reliable as the x360 14, but that's the beauty of the back to school season. If neither of those tickles your fancy, we've rounded up some of the other best deals we could find.

Quick Links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

Best back to school Chromebook deals

Like most 2-in-1 tablets, this Chromebook features a completely detachable keyboard and touchscreen, making it ideal for students, professionals, or anyone seeking extra versatility from their tablet. The screen measures 10.95 inches, making it smaller than most laptops for optimal portability. It also includes both front and rear cameras, as well as a headphone jack and two onboard speakers.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a lightweight and portable laptop option that also functions as a tablet; you're looking for something with a fairly long battery life; you want a tablet but would prefer something that comes with a keyboard.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a performance-level laptop that can handle high-powered tasks; you need more than 128GB of storage; you don't need a touchscreen.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 is one of today's many great 2-in-1 tablet and laptop options, featuring a basic touchscreen and detachable keyboard that are perfect for those on the go.

The Duet 11 has a 10.95-inch IPS touch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, as well as 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a MediaTek Kompanio 800 CPU. Lenovo says it'll get up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, and it also includes a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. It also runs the light and smooth Chrome OS, and while it isn't offering anything too terribly powerful on the performance side, it's fast enough for most casual users performing basic tasks. As for connectivity, the Duet 11 includes a 3.5mm jack and two USB-C ports.

In any case, it's a pretty decent deal for under $300, if you are in fact looking for a 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combo.

I'm talking about offers that get you a free Google Pixel 9a when you add a line with any Unlimited plan at Verizon, or this Walmart deal that slashes a cool $50 off the Pixel Watch 3. 

It's also worth mentioning that Google is set to reveal a bunch of new devices (including the Pixel 10 series) on August 20th, which means we're sure to see even more deals in the coming weeks. Keep reading to see my favorite back-to-school deals available now, and feel free to check back later to see what's new: you never know what's around the corner. 

Back to school Quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

Back to school Google Pixel deals

Back to School in North America typically happens in the latter half of August and early September. It is the time of period when students of all ages head back to school, whether it's grade school, college, university, or any kind of place of learning.

Retailers have been putting out tons of deals for a while now and are going to ramp up as the weeks progress. So you'll definitely want to pay attention to these deals as they are typically some of the hottest deals especially as you or your kid head back to school

Don't forget, we'll also be sending daily newsletters so you never miss anything, so make sure you sign up.

How we are going to help you this year

The Android Central team is committed to check deals that come through and we will ensure that we are showcasing the best deals that are worth your money. We have many hubs that will help guide you towards the best deals from retailers. We also have an ultimate Back To School shopping guide we think will also help you

Keep checking this page, and check out our home page for all the best deals that are available.

If this isn't exactly what you're looking for, you can find a wide range of great back-to-school deals from Best Buy, and the sale is definitely worth checking out.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a mid-range laptop with a touchscreen; you prefer a larger laptop size and would be okay with a 15.4-inch model; you need a laptop that can handle many tasks associated with school or work.

❌Skip this deal if: you need more than 128GB of storage in your laptop; you're looking for a premium laptop and would be okay spending more money; you'd prefer a laptop with an AMOLED display, rather than one with an LCD screen.

The Lenovo IdeaPad series offers a few different laptops with touchscreens, and the 3i is a great mid-level option. With a 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen, 128GB of SSD storage, and a basic, no-frills Intel Pentium processor, the 3i features a pretty straightforward laptop experience with Chrome OS.

As for connectivity, the laptop features an HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port, a microSD slot for expandable storage, and a headphone jack.

While this is certainly nothing special when it comes to laptop performance, it is going to be one of the higher performing netbooks in the Chromebook lineup, falling right in between the budget and premium price points.

For a limited time, the retailer is slashing prices on laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other useful tech, and I've gathered a selection of my favorite discounts from the sale below. 

I'm talking about back-to-school deals like $220 off the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, or this offer that drops the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) to as low as $149.99 with activation. Of course, there are plenty of other deals where those came from, so keep reading for a list of my favorites. 

Quick links

• Best Buy's back-to-school sale is here: see the full list of deals
• Phones: up to 65% off Motorola, OnePlus, and beyond
• Wearables: major savings on Garmin and Galaxy Watch
• Tablets: up to $220 off Galaxy Tab series
• Chromebooks: huge savings on Lenovo, Acer, and more
• Headphones/earbuds: Beats, Sony, and JBL discounts

Best Buy Back To School deals

That's a Prime Day-level discount one of our all-time favorite Chromebooks, no strings attached. Sure, I didn't expect to see such a major discount so early in the season, but who's complaining? All I know is that I'd act fast if you're interested — this kind of Chromebook deal doesn't come around very often. 

✅Recommended if: you want a versatile, long-lasting Chromebook for both work and play; you want a convertible laptop at a midrange price.

❌Skip this deal if: you're shopping on a shoestring budget; you'd prefer a more traditional laptop experience or the performance delivered by the best Samsung laptops. 

We chose the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 as the "best overall" Chromebook, not because it's the most powerful or innovative, but because it offers the most balanced experience for users at a price that won't break the bank. 

You get a vibrant 14-inch touchscreen display, plus a powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, upward firing speakers, and some military-grade durability. The convertible design means that you can transform the laptop into a powerful tablet in an instant, and it also clocks in at just over three pounds, making it the perfect device for tossing into your backpack or briefcase. 

On the other hand, the Spin 714's battery life certainly won't win any awards (it maxes out at just 10 hours on a single charge), and you don't get a fingerprint reader. That said, these are small sacrifices when you consider the overall experience offered by the Acer laptop, and this $200 discount from Best Buy is simply the cherry on top.  

Everyone's situation is different, so while my personal experience may not apply precisely to you, I've been through all of these thoughts and have some advice that might help give you peace of mind.

I've given my son several different smartwatches, phones, and tablets over the years to test and we've settled mainly on two things: a phone for games and Wi-Fi only communication, and a smartwatch with a SIM card for when he's out and about. If you're thinking of getting a smartphone for your kid this year, here are a few things to think about before hitting that buy button.

Does my child really need a phone?

Before even thinking of what kind of phone your child needs, consider the option of foregoing the phone entirely. Instead, one of the best kids smartwatches might be a better alternative for some kids or parents. My son's favorite is the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch, which is free on T-Mobile when you activate it with the T-Mobile watch service (usually $10 per month).

Among excellent features like video calling, text and voice messaging, and real-time location tracking is the dinosaur game. Yes, the same game you play in Chrome when you don't have an internet connection. It seems funny to highlight this but it's one of the reasons my son loves it over other kid's watches, and it makes it easy for me to let him use it since the other features work so well.

If you're not a T-Mobile user, Google's Fitbit Ace LTE works on all U.S. networks and, as the Fitbit name suggests, is heavily focused on keeping your kids healthy through active fitness encouragement.

Fitbit does this by tracking activity via the advanced hardware on the watch—which is just as advanced as what's inside the more expensive Google Pixel Watch 3—and turns your child's active moments into tokens that can be spent playing arcade games on the watch.

But these aren't just any old video games. All of the games on the Fitbit Ace LTE require physical movement of some kind. From flinging your wrist like a fishing pole to catch fish, to aiming your spaceship to take out enemy ships, even the games will keep your kids moving more often during the day.

Of course, being an LTE-enabled watch also means phone calls, text and voice messages, and active GPS tracking are all available, making it easy to forego the phone for something a little simpler (and less easy to lose or break).

Parental controls for phones

If a smartwatch is maybe too basic for your child, a phone might be a more powerful, fitting solution. A smartphone is far more capable than a watch in every regard and likely has better battery life than most kids smartwatches, too. And while the price of the best smartphones mostly keeps going up and up, there are plenty of choices for kids that are a lot more affordable.

First, you'll want to consider the level of parental controls your child needs. For a long time now, my son has been using an older phone (more on that later) with a Google Family Link account. At the very least, this is the avenue I'd recommend if you're not sure what your needs are. Google's Family Link gives you a decent way to control apps, set screen time limits, and remotely track your child's phone's location when needed.

But using Family Link will lock your child's Google account into a child Google account until they legally turn 13, and that may be a source of frustration for families in the preteen years. Instead of doing this, I recommend using Bark or Canopy as a parental control service, as it doesn't force you to alter a Google account.

I particularly recommend this to parents whose kids who love to search the web or chat with friends. If you've already got a phone picked out for your kids—or they're just getting a hand-me-down—consider using the Canopy or Bark apps. I've used each and I'd recommend starting a free trial for both services to see which works best for your family.

Both apps work similarly and can help you not only control apps, screen time limits, and perform real-time remote location tracking, but they also help monitor communication and filter out the bad things that can happen online. Both services require a monthly subscription but are fully worth the cost given the elaborate scope beyond Google's free Family Link service.

At a high level, both services filter internet traffic and scan communications using AI algorithms that automatically identify unsafe content, including explicit images and words, and can even go beyond mere filtering by helping to identify harmful behavior or speech your child or their friends might be engaging in.

If this concept appeals to you but you don't already have a phone you can pass down, consider picking up a Bark Phone or Gabb Phone. I've used all the major kids' phones out there and these two are my favorite. Gabb even includes its own music streaming service that includes millions of songs with filtered tracks that keep things safe for your kids.

Both companies use Samsung Galaxy phones as a base, then preinstall the parental control software in a way that's impossible to remove. It's a turnkey solution since you will only need to activate the phone and register the parental app on your device to control it.

Even if you don't pick up a Gabb Phone, the Gabb Blog has a wealth of information for parents looking to decode kids' slang and figure out other important topics.

Now, as someone who has developed a sensitivity to flickering lights over years of using smartphones with PWM dimming, I prefer to pick my own phone out and install either Bark or Canopy on it. That way, I can find a display that I feel is safer for my child than displays on Samsung, Google, or Apple phones, which are known for their flickering displays.

Not everyone is going to be concerned about this but if you are, I recommend phones from brands like Motorola, TCL, OnePlus, Nothing, and Honor, to name a few. These companies are much more careful about selecting flicker-free displays—or providing display options to reduce flicker—which makes me feel better about the time my son spends on his phone and what potentially harmful things smartphone displays could do over time.

Does my child need a powerful phone?

I recently upgraded my son to a Nothing Phone 2a as it's both affordable and has a screen I'm confident won't burn his eyes out. He doesn't have a SIM card in his phone—we use smartwatches for that—so this phone is primarily his mobile gaming machine and personal digital camera.

If you're looking for a new phone that will see years of support, I'd recommend the CMF Phone 2 Pro. You can pick it up for $279 and its customizable design means your child will have fun making it their own. Plus, it's got plenty of power for anything your child will need, even if that means mobile games with impressive graphics.

But a powerful phone isn't necessary at all, especially if you're not keen on your kids installing apps or games from the Play Store. In fact, most of the "kids phones" out there—like Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, and others—typically forego powerful specs for phones with a focus on better battery life. Most of those phones have curated app stores, which means regular apps from the Google Play Store can't be installed, anyway.

How safe is search?

ChatGPT and other AI-powered search engines like Gemini have redefined how we think of "searching the web," but while they can be very helpful, AI is known for its inaccuracies. Plus, just like with searching the web, there's no telling what your kids might find when using full-fledged ChatGPT.

That's where a service like PinwheelGPT comes in. It utilizes the ChatGPT backend with Pinwheel's parental controls built-in, ensuring that the questions your kids are looking up are met with answers you feel comfortable with. The web app has separate parent and kid logins, so you can hop on the parent dashboard anytime you need to and keep tabs on what's being looked up and answered.

PinwheelGPT lets kids have up to 20 conversations for free every month, and you can subscribe to the service for unlimited chats if you and your kids find it to be useful. It doesn't require a Pinwheel phone to work, which makes the service even more valuable. Since a Google kids account already has restrictions built in, trying something like PinwheelGPT is a great way to explore more advanced search features without the scariness of ChatGPT's image generation or unhinged responses.

What apps are safe?

This question is much tougher to answer than any of the others simply because there are seventy bajillion apps (actually, over 3 million) in the Google Play Store. While Google does a good job of ensuring apps and games are rated, categorized, and tagged for organization, some apps are free and supported by ads—and ad content can be very questionable at times.

My advice here would be to stay away from completely free games which are all almost exclusively financially supported by ads. Since there's no real way to control the content that comes through ad networks, staying clear of them altogether is a better option. Instead, choose games that follow the Google Play Families Policies. You'll find this listed under the data safety section in each app listing on the Play Store. Here's what that looks like:

As for other types of apps, I recommend sticking with brands you know. Messenger Kids by Meta uses Facebook's wide network of coverage and Meta's incredibly smart tools to keep your kids safe while talking only with approved contacts, including friends and family.

My son has used this one for years and it not only makes it easy for him to message his friends and play games with them right through Messenger, but he can also video call and voice call anyone on his contact list without the need for a SIM card. It's the very best way for kids to stay in contact with you, even if they only have Wi-Fi connectivity.

For kids with phones that have a SIM card, Google Messages will safely send and receive SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging through your child's phone number and even filters spam automatically.

Lots of free social games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Rec Room will entice kids, and while they're all great options for giving your kids ways to virtually hang out with friends, it's important to take advantage of the parental control options in these games.

These are the only three free games I allow my son to play and it's because I can keep age inappropriate away from his eyes. Plus, I'm not worried about a rogue ad popping up on the screen since neither game uses ads; all dollars are spent on in-game currency, and you control when that digital wallet gets filled. If anything, it's a great incentive to get them doing more chores or helping around the house!

When it comes to video and other types of entertainment, the options aren't quite as good as I hoped. Google's YouTube Kids app lets you curate what your kids are allowed to watch, including content that's specifically approved for viewing by kids that has fewer (or no) ads. But the app isn't the most user-friendly, and parents regularly complain about how some content keeps coming back even after they've removed it.

Likewise, while the Amazon Kids+ service includes books, videos, and other things, parents find that filtering content could be easier. I specifically hand-pick videos and books for my son and do my best to be nearby, especially when he's watching something. He also knows that while he's allowed to branch out a bit on platforms like YouTube, he has to get my approval before watching anything new. If you're ever unsure, check the YouTube history section to see what's been recently watched.

I've been pretty strict about content over the years and I feel good about where it's gotten me and my son. We feel strongly about using shared spaces to be with each other, even if we're doing different things. It helps keep everyone accountable and makes it easy to have conversations about important topics—or just keep an eye on what's on the other side of the screen.

The internet can be a scary place, but with a little bit of homework and curation—plus time spent watching and reading alongside them—everyone can have a fun and safe time.

The term Freshman 15 is both myth and reality. A National Library of Medicine study found that half of tracked students stayed level or lost weight, and the average weight gain was only 2.7 pounds; only 5% gained 15 pounds. But freshmen with previously healthy BMIs gained the most weight, especially young men (7.1 pounds), and the study found many students were on a path to becoming obese over time, without realizing it.

A smartwatch isn't a cure-all for weight gain, but it does incentivize good habits. The only question is which one you need.

The benefits of a smartwatch for college students

I've previously written about the smartwatch features that benefit students, beyond fitness: You can make on-wrist to-do lists and check them off in between classes, set Pomodoro timers for bursts of studying, calendar or countdown reminders for classes and assignments, and meditation exercises to fight off finals stress, among others.

On the topic of fitness, unless you're joining a college team with regimented workouts, you're probably leaving behind structured high school coaching and set after-school workout periods to having to make your own training plans and squeezing workouts in between classes, homework, and socializing. Smartwatches are really handy for building self-guided training regimens.

Even beyond workouts, they'll track your daily steps and burned calories, as well as your sleep quality. And sleep has a hidden, serious impact on your weight. According to the University of Chicago (via WebMD), lack of sleep triggers stress cortisol hormones that hold onto fat to preserve energy, as well as messes with your body's insulin processing so it can't dispose of fat in foods.

In other words, students pulling all-nighters will gain weight even if they eat well, and they're more likely to consume calorie-rich snacks and drinks to stay awake. A smartwatch or smart ring with sleep tracking will keep you honest and try to push you towards better habits.

Which smartwatches (or other fitness tech) will work best for students

When it comes to the best student smartwatches, it's not all that different from what any adult needs from a watch; people with office jobs need to stay healthy and keep track of daily tasks too. But I'll highlight the watches and tools that I think will benefit students in particular.

The new Google Pixel Watch 3 has a Fitbit Cardio Load tool that tracks how often you elevate your heart rate and tells you whether you're staying fit or getting fitter. What I appreciate about Cardio Load is that it'll give you points for everyday things like rushing to class on campus, not just "workouts." You'll be able to monitor just how active you are and receive "target load" goals every morning telling you whether to work out or rest because it knows you didn't sleep well.

If you're an iPhone user, the latest watchOS 11 software adds its own training load graph. It doesn't have the perk of tracking non-workout load, but an Apple Watch will judge how hard you work out every week and how it compares against the past month, so you have visual evidence if you've started to slack off too much as you get into midterms.

If you're specifically a runner or cyclist, you may want to look into a Garmin watch. They're extremely light on apps and traditional smarts, but the best Forerunner and Instinct models have in-depth training load tools that are even better than Google and Apple's. They also have "daily suggested workouts" that recommend a run or bike ride with a specific distance, pace, or heart rate zone based on your current fitness levels. Or if you prefer something more structured, you can have Garmin Coach create a months-long program on your calendar.

If you're more of a gym-goer, a few smartwatches let you create specific strength routines to follow on your wrist, but it's more annoying than useful and can't help you with form; you might be better off taking notes in a phone app like Strong or FitNotes. Find some structured classes to teach you what you're doing, and find a basic, thin tracker like the Fitbit Charge 6 that won't feel like it's in the way during deadlifts.

As a final point, not everyone is an "athlete" or has time for workouts! In that case, you may want to look into a smart ring like the Oura Ring instead. It'll track your overall health, sleep, steps, and automatically detect any activity from running to dancing, then send all of that data to your phone app. But it keeps things simple and doesn't distract you with a bunch of notifications during class.

Rings like Oura Ring or Ultrahuman Ring Air also highlight a term called "sleep debt" or "sleep balance." It'll track your sleep over the course of days or weeks, so if you pull an all-nighter, they won't let you off the hook if you sleep well the following night; they'll warn you how much sleep you still need before your body recovers (and stops hoarding fat as a defense mechanism against tiredness).

I haven't touched on dieting and nutrition apps because (A) you'll find those on your phone if you need them and (B) I don't think dieting is healthy or helpful. 

I'm far from my college days, but I gained plenty of weight during the pandemic, and my method for losing 30 pounds over a year was simply to focus on walking 8–10,000 steps a day and eating responsibly. I didn't log what I ate or deprive myself of snacks; I just made a point of portion control and trusted myself to know when I was overeating.

I also cut back on alcohol, but I'm not going to suggest that for college students. There's plenty of time for that later.

To keep off your Freshman 15, you don't need to do anything that special. Just use common sense and rely on your smartwatch of choice to make sure you're staying active, even when it'd be easy to stay in your dorm room and slack off.

September is here and that means one thing: all the kids are headed back to school. Kids these days are so lucky because their back-to-school shopping is very different from my time. Forget about contraband MP3 players and CDs, school-going children now have smartphones, tablets, and fancy school things like digital notebooks.

If you're parenting in this modern age, it's probably a very daunting task to choose the right gear for your kids. Sure, technology brings numerous advantages, but it also comes with disadvantages, such as being too distracting for students. A balance between usability and practicality must be struck.

There's no one-size-fits-all recommendation to be made here, different age groups and different children have different needs. But I can draw from my own experience to help you choose the right gear for your schoolchildren.

So, here's a list of devices and accessories that I would have found useful when I myself was a schoolgirl. Many of these inclusions would have changed my studying game completely, had they existed back then. If I were still in school, these are the things that I would buy.

An E Ink tablet running Android

A fantastic E Ink tablet that runs Android can last for weeks on a single charge. Most of them have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and access to the Google Play Store. You get stylus input, expandable storage, USB-C OTG and charging, and even colored displays on some models. It's the perfect non-intrusive device for a child who's still in school and has young eyeballs that need extra protection from screen exposure.

There are countless advantages to getting a school student an e-ink tablet. I can't help but imagine how many more books I could have read and how easy it would have been to take notes and search them if I had one myself in school.

It's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of e-paper tablets. Having watched them evolve over decades, the current form of E Ink tablets is unbelievable and almost seems too good to be true at times.

We can all thank Amazon for popularizing e-paper devices with its Kindle lineup of e-readers. But Kindle models have failed to break out of their traditional moulds. Where Kindles failed, brands like Onyx Boox, Bigme, and PocketBook took over. My vote of approval for the most well-rounded E Ink tablet goes to the Onyx Boox Note Air 3 C, the colored version of the excellent Note Air 3.

An affordable Android phone

Older children need a smartphone to find their way around places and for basic communication with family and important contacts such as emergency services. They're also helpful for tasks like online research, photography, and note-taking.

It doesn't make sense to buy your child the latest, most expensive flagship Android phone that costs over a thousand dollars. I'd have chosen something affordable yet feature-rich for my own school days. Personally, I feel like the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) would have been the ideal choice.

If your child likes drawing and taking notes, a stylus-bearing phone like the Moto G Stylus 5G is perfect. It costs below $350, comes with easy-to-navigate stock Android, and has just powerful enough specs for a teenager or younger kid to make do with. The note-taking feature stands out in particular, as students can take advantage of it the most.

For more back-to-school sales on the best Android phones, be sure to check out epic deals from Samsung, Google, and more.

A portable 2-in-1 tablet PC

Portability plays an important role for all school-going children as they need to take their books and gear to school with them. Anything too heavy can cause back pain, and that's the last thing you want for a child.

Laptops offer a complete mobile PC experience, but students can get everything they need from cheap, small-sized Chromebooks. Take the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook for example. This 13.3-inch device is lightweight, supports USI stylus input, comes with a featherweight keyboard stand, and has a lovely OLED display with touch input as well. It's the most suitable Chromebook for students of various age groups.

Chrome OS has all the basic apps that kids need for school, and they can access the web version of whatever isn't natively available through Google Chrome. A Chromebook like the Duet 5 costs a fraction of the cost of a full-blown laptop, and it doubles as a tablet as well. Your ward gets two functions in one form factor with a 2-in-1, making them ideal PC alternatives.

Comfortable and enduring audio gear

Audio accessories have been essential for students for generations. Whether you grew up in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or whenever, you definitely used music to cope with teenage angst and coming of age, and as a form of self-expression.

Today, MP3 players and mixtapes have been replaced by wireless earbuds and headphones. Audio accessories are helpful on train rides or plane rides home, for focusing on a topic during an intense study session, to kill time between classes, and also for formal matters like attending online classes or lectures.

As a student, I'd prioritize comfort and longevity over all else. Of course, sound quality is important, but the earbuds or headphones also need to be robust, ergonomic, and long-lasting. Who wants to charge their headphones every day? And of course, budget plays a pivotal role in choosing wireless headphones or earphones for students as well.

I'd choose budget busters with the most value as my audio gear of choice if I were still in school, something that has good noise cancelation and brilliant battery life. The OnePlus Buds 3 earbuds and Edifier WH950NB headphones are my top picks in terms of value for money.

Handy little accessories for my mobile devices

Assuming I had most or some of the items on this list during my school days, I'd want to have at least these three accessories to go with them. Students need little knick-knacks like power banks and a Bluetooth mouse. If you're planning on getting your offspring a phone, you should definitely get a phone grip to go with it as well.

Phone grips prevent serious cracks and damage to smartphones. My own phone has been saved from disaster multiple times because I had a phone grip, preventing what would otherwise have been a fatal fall. Grips also thwart repeated stress injuries. Since kids use their phones almost 24/7, it's a good idea to protect their fingers from possible repetitive stress injuries. I prefer MagSafe grips like the one from PopSockets as they can be taken on and off whenever required.

Power banks can be useful in a pinch, letting students top up their mobile devices on the go. It's hard to find a plug point on campus sometimes. Something small and slim but with a good charging speed is suitable for students. The Zendure SuperMini 10000mAh is ultra-portable, supports 20W input and output, comes with a Type-C cable, and costs a mere $30. Talk about a steal!

A versatile Bluetooth mouse works across multiple platforms, maximizing value. I'd pick something that works with Android, Chrome OS, and Windows seamlessly but doesn't break the bank. Logitech is the go-to brand for any mouse worth its salt!

Of course, the internet is filled with helpful articles letting you know the best things you can get to make everything easier. Even if you don't think you need any help, they're worth a read because there is so much out there to choose from, and there's no way you've seen all the choices. Having someone else do a bit of sifting through is a great way to make sure you're making the best choices.

You're probably most concerned about having the right hardware. You'll need a laptop, a phone, some cables, chargers, and a nice bag to keep it all in. Those choices are really important.

Some are purely personal choices; if you like one thing more than another, you should buy that. One exception may be the most expensive item on your list, the laptop you're going to use.

Before you decide which laptop to buy, you'll need to have an idea of what you plan to learn and what courses you'll take. It's tempting to buy a MacBook because it's trendy or a Chromebook because it offers insane value, but maybe you shouldn't.

Find out your course requirements, and you might find that you'll need a Windows-powered laptop to do your work. Many engineering and scientific programs only work with Windows or work best with Windows, and trying to load it on your MacBook or emulate it on your Chromebook is a level of complexity you don't need. There are great choices no matter what operating system you're using.

Outside of the hardware, you need to have a few other things that help you maintain the level of privacy and online security you want. Most of them are free and aren't hard to use but you need to know what to look for.

Your passwords: You probably have a lot of these and maybe already have a way to keep track of them. A password manager is a good choice and one you can also use on your laptop is what you want. 

If you're just winging it or using Post-it notes, you need to step things up. I recommend using a web browser with a built-in password manager in tandem with a standalone app. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all offer great built-in solutions that can create and auto-fill passwords as needed. Copy these into a password manager on your phone so you always have them.

A VPN: A VPN is helpful for both obscuring and verifying your identity. It's not the magic bullet many think it is, but a good VPN client and service will securely connect you so that what you see or say is only between you and the person or place you're interacting with. You'll be using public Wi-Fi in many places, and you should never trust it. A VPN is a tool you need.

Office software: Like your laptop, there are some things to consider when you choose which platform to use here. If you're gearing yourself up for the corporate world once school is over, it's simple — use Microsoft Office products because that's what powers the world's businesses. knowing how to use the software gives you a leg up when looking for your dream job.

If you aren't going into the enterprise both Google Docs and Libre Office are free and come well recommended. Either will do you just fine.

A backup solution: You're probably not going to be able to keep all your stuff on your devices and there will be some things you simply don't want to lose. Online backup is an easy solution. 

There are several different providers to choose from, like Google One or Apple's iCloud, and they work mostly the same. Once you have something backed up, it's there until you delete it or the company hosting it, and it goes out of business.

Some common sense: This should go without saying, but it's always worth talking about — the internet is forever.

The things you say and do online, or the things your friends post pictures of you doing online, will follow you for a long time. Be mindful that you don't end up with a social media presence that you regret later.

Secure messaging: The things you say to your family and friends are meant for them only. You probably have nothing to hide, but that doesn't mean you want to broadcast everything to everyone. This is easy to overlook, but you shouldn't.

Use a messaging platform that is known to be secure and private. There are plenty, and you probably already have one on your phone right now with Google Messages or Apple iMessage. Other popular choices are WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger because they are end-to-end encrypted in most cases.  

This is the short list, and you'll end up using all sorts of software apps and tools throughout your time at school. Don't overlook these seemingly unimportant things because I promise you'll need to consider each and every one of them eventually. 

If you're a parent, this list can help you help your child make good choices. Allowing them to have input also means it's more likely they'll pay attention and do the right thing to keep themselves safe.

You're the future and you're going to need all the help you can get. Now, get out there and learn something!

Many people buy an affordable Apple Watch SE for this purpose since they can set it up via their own iPhone, set Schooltime activity blocks, and create makeshift geofencing with the Find My app. The problem is that this is a fully functional smartwatch for adults; you have to be more purposeful about setting it up and supervising its use so it's not too unrestricted or complicated for your kid.

Thankfully, we can point you to an alternative that's explicitly designed for kids: the Fitbit Ace LTE. It launched this summer and immediately became the favorite of Android Central's resident Dad-tech expert Nick Sutrich. It's a watch that keeps things simple and enjoyable for your young'un while giving you peace of mind.

Why we recommend this Fitbit watch for your kid

The Fitbit Ace LTE is essentially a squircle Pixel Watch 2 running a stripped-down Wear OS interface that (unlike the Pixel Watch) can still connect with parents' iPhones, as well as Android phones. It's fast, comfortable on small kids' wrists, has cute games that encourage activity, and keeps track of their location.

As Nick explains in his Fitbit Ace LTE review, most kids watches are designed like plastic toys, or something you'd see in a 50s sci-fi show. They're "thick and chonky," and the unoptimized software is just as unsightly. They fulfill their purpose and let kids stay in touch, but they're not going to enjoy wearing them once the novelty wears off.

But Fitbit has been making slim squircles and coding its popular Fitbit OS for over a decade — well before Google acquired it — and that expertise comes across in the Ace LTE. While it comes with a thick bumper case if your kid gets too rough with their toys, it's "so darn sleek looking" by itself, so kids will feel like they're wearing an "adult" smartwatch.

Under the surface, the Ace LTE software is tailor-made for kids to hit their 60 minutes of activity a day; finishing quests like step goals or just moving around instead of sitting will net them "movement points" that they can cash in to play games. Nick's kid loves the space strategy game that has him point his wrist to fire attacks at ships, but he knows he can't start the next level unless he gets active first.

You can also use those points on your Eejie, which Nick calls "a sort of Tamagotchi-meets-Animal Crossing-type virtual pet." Gaining points lets you customize your Eejie in fun ways so kids have a visual incentive to stay fit. 

Unlike more adult-focused fitness watches that track complicated metrics, the Fitbit Ace LTE keeps things simple: steps, floors, light activity, and moderate-to-vigorous activity. It doesn't have tools like sleep tracking or manual workouts that any other Fitbit can manage, which feels like an intentional decision to avoid overcomplicating things, distracting kids with a screen at night, or stressing parents out about kids' sleep habits.

In a similar vein, the Fitbit Ace LTE deliberately limits the amount of screen time kids can get, with five minutes or so of earned gaming time after 20+ minutes of activity. My colleague argued that parents should be allowed to tweak this ratio to make the screen incentive a bit more fun, but at least you won't have to worry about the Ace becoming a time-suck distraction for your kid.

Really, all of this is just window dressing, meant to make your kid feel good about staying active at a young age instead of sitting around watching YouTube. The main reason to buy any kids smartwatch is to give them a way to call or text you (and other family members) without giving them a phone.

Unlike with a smartphone, you don't need to worry about your kid getting messaged by strangers. The Fitbit Ace LTE calls dedicated contacts set up via the Android/iOS Fitbit Ace app; if you want your kid to be able to call or message, say, a grandparent or sibling, they'll also need a smartphone with the Fitbit Ace app and a Google account, which is only a downside if your family members aren't tech-savvy.

You'll need the Fitbit Ace Pass subscription for LTE calling; it can still call over wi-fi, but you'll want cellular connectivity for things like broadcasting your kid's real-time location through the Fitbit Ace app. It's a relief for parents to be able to check, though unfortunately, Fitbit hasn't implemented a geofencing tool that auto-notifies you if the kid leaves a designated area, like the school grounds. 

Geofencing is the one feature found on other kids watches like the T-Mobile SyncUp or Garmin Bounce that we wish the Fitbit Ace LTE offered, too. But hopefully, you'll be satisfied with the ability to check your kid's location at any time, such as if you lose track of them in a store or at the park.

Last year, we recommended the Garmin Bounce as the back-to-school watch to beat, and it's still a great option. It's cheaper (with the same monthly fee for LTE calling), better for battery life, and fitness-focused. But if you can afford the Fitbit Ace LTE, it's arguably better for both hardware and software.

Google is continuing to update the Ace LTE, adding an NFC tap-to-pay feature — with approval from parents, of course — new games, and a promised feature to let kids message other kids with Ace LTE watches later this year. This gives us hope that it may receive updates like geofencing down the line; even without it, this is a great kids watch that should last you through multiple school years.

• See more of the best Labor Day phone deals of 2024

✅Recommended if: you want a phone with a vibrant, bright display; speed and battery life in a smartphone are important to you.

❌Skip this deal if: you're hoping to use all the latest AI features; you want a phone with over four years of software support. 

The OnePlus 12 is probably my favorite phone released in 2024 — and many of my colleagues agree — namely because it focuses on what's actually important in a smartphone. You get a glorious 120Hz display with 4500 nits of peak brightness alongside a super-fast Snapdragon chipset that can handle any task with ease. The battery life is also arguably better than the base model Galaxy S24, and the 100W wired charging ensures you'll be back in business quick when you do eventually need to juice up.

Sure, the cameras aren't groundbreaking and you'll miss a few of those trendy features prioritized by other OEMs lately (have you heard of this new thing called AI?) but the OnePlus 12 is an epic performer where it counts. And for many Android lovers, that's all that matters.

The OnePlus 12 is a great phone, but it's not invincible. Consider protecting your new device with one of the best OnePlus 12 cases. You'll thank me later. 

This Edge Plus configuration includes an upgrade to 512GB of storage, and users love it for its battery life, which can last up to two days without needing to be charged. Plus, it features a vivid, eye-friendly display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a beautiful overall design, and four years of software updates.

✅Recommended if: battery life is a major selling point for you; you want a sleek phone and have liked past efforts from Motorola; you want intelligent camera features, such as the incredible Motorola Horizon Lock.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a telephoto camera that zooms in more than 2x; you want a newer device; you'd rather go with something from the Samsung Galaxy lineup.

There's more than one reason why we considered the Edge Plus the best Motorola phone last year, including its super-long battery life, high-powered performance, and the screen's 165Hz refresh rate, to name a few. Even if it is from last year, this phone holds up fairly well to the competition.

From our perspective, this was the best phone Motorola had released in a long time, and we always love seeing such an aesthetically pleasing device hit the market. Plus, Motorola's intelligent camera features like Horizon Lock, which intelligently stabilizes the horizon of captured video, make it fun to take pictures and video, even if there are a few odd limitations on 4K video recording.

If you're a fan of Motorola in general, then $300 off might be just the catalyst you need to try out the Edge Plus.

The S24 Plus boasts a sleek design, a beautiful 6.7-inch display, and powerful cameras with a few useful Galaxy AI features. It also gives users a full day's worth of battery life, and the increase of RAM from previous models makes its performance super smooth.

✅Recommended if: battery life is a priority for you when buying a phone; you're looking for an Android phone with a good camera; you want a phone with Samsung's Galaxy AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for something that's compatible with the Samsung S Pen; you prefer a small, lightweight phone; you have extra money to spend and would rather upgrade to the S24 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is a worthy upgrade from past models, offering 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB for a really great performance experience. Even when using power-intensive AI features, multi-tasking apps, or playing games, users report little to no lag. It's also well-liked for its photo and video capabilities, and for its large, bright display.

It also sports a full-day battery life, IP68 dust and water resistance, and the base model comes with 256GB of storage. At $200 off, what's not to like?

✅Recommended if: you want to buy a new phone outright, and you don't mind spending a good amount of money; you're looking for a premium foldable phone that offers a large set of screens; you want a versatile phone with easy multitasking options.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to spend this much money on a new phone; you'd prefer to go for something more affordable and might consider other Pixel 9 deals.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no joke when it comes to price, especially considering that you can save over $700 going with the Pixel 9 or the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Still, if your heart's set on a foldable phone that dwells in the Pixel-sphere, and you've got the money to spend, the latest foldable effort from Google will give you what you pay for.

This phone includes a ton of useful and fun Gemini AI features, design improvements from the last-generation Pixel Fold, and a few slight upgrades for the camera suite. The base model comes with 256GB of RAM or you can upgrade to 512GB for an extra $120.

Sure, the outright price on this phone is pretty daunting, and a $350 gift card can only go so far (although it could easily get you a few Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases). However, there are other options to save more, such as trading in a current device or financing through your retailer. In any case, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold seems worth the attention of foldable phone lovers, even at the premium price point. 

First and foremost, it's worth mentioning that Samsung deals are rarely simple. Usually they involve some kind of action on your part — such as a trade-in or a carrier activation — and it's unusual for an offer to appear as a straight, no-strings discount. Still, if you play your cards right, you could find yourself earning some serious savings AND an awesome Samsung device at the same time (not to mention the exclusive color options). 

For example, you could get up to $1,200 off the Galaxy Z Fold 6 when you trade in an old or broken phone today, or $200 off when you buy an unlocked Galaxy S24 Plus. Keep reading to see more of my favorite offers, and don't forget that most of these promos are set to expire in early September — so act fast. 

Quick links

• Samsung Labor Day & back-to-school sale — all the deals
• Galaxy S24 Plus: $999.99 $799.99, or up to $600 off w/ trade-in
• Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: $399.99 $309.99, up to $200 off w/ trade-in
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $2,019.99 $1,899.99, up to $1,200 off w/ trade-in
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus: $999.99 $879.99, up to $700 off w/ trade-in
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: up to $100 off w/ trade-in, free case cover

Samsung deals

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Have you been sleeping on the Labor Day sales this year? No sweat it, I've done a bit of work scrounging around myself and found 10 excellent Android deals that deserve your attention. Whether you're hoping for a brand new flagship or a last-minute back-to-school discount, keep reading for my favorite Android phone deals on the web today. 

The top 10 list includes stuff like $200 off the super-balanced Galaxy S24 Plus, or this AT&T deal that drops the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) to a mere $2.99 per month! Whether you need a phone that's super innovative or super affordable, you should find the perfect Labor Day deal on the list below. Just remember that Labor Day 2024 is September 2nd, so these offers won't be around forever. 

Quick links

• See our guide to the best back-to-school phone deals
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $1,099 $699, plus 6 months free at Mint Mobile
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: $999.99 $799.99 at Best Buy
• Google Pixel 9: $799.99 FREE w/ trade-in, eligible line at Verizon
• OnePlus Nord N30: $299.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
• Moto G Stylus 5G (2024): $294.99 $2.99 per month w/ eligible line at AT&T
• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 256GB: $1,799, plus free $350 gift card at Best Buy
• Motorola Razr Plus (2023): $999.99 $599.99 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $2,019.99 $1,899.99, plus $300 credit at Samsung
• OnePlus 12: $799.99 $699.99 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy S24: $799.99 FREE w/ select Unlimited plan at Verizon
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

Top 10 phone deals

I'm talking about offers that hook you up with a free $200 gift card when you preorder the new Google Pixel 9 Pro, or this offer that carves a straight $100 off the unlocked Motorola Razr Plus (2024). There are plenty of other deals for every student and every budget under the sun, so keep reading to find the device that's right for you. 

Quick links

• See our guide to the best back-to-school deals for Android users
• Google Pixel 9: $799 $399, plus six months free at Mint Mobile
• Motorola Razr Plus (2023): $999.99 $599.99 at Amazon
• Moto G Stylus 5G: $294.99 now $2.99/mo with new line at AT&T
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: $999 now $559, plus 6 months free at Mint Mobile
• Google Pixel 9 Pro: free $200 gift card with preorder at Amazon
• Motorola Razr Plus (2023): $999.99 now $899.99 at Best Buy
• OnePlus Nord N30 5G: $299.99 now $249.99 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: $1,899.99 now $30/mo w/ trade-in at Verizon
• More phone deals: Best Buy | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

Phone deals

With how good budget Android phones are these days, there's almost no reason to go with an expensive flagship. If you're looking for a capable handset to power your studies, our picks for the best Android phones for students will do the trick. They'll find the right balance of cost, value, and performance — good enough for your time in the classroom and everything in between.

We love the the Google Pixel 9a because it only costs $500 while providing outstanding software support and top-notch hardware. If that isn't a great fit for your needs, we have a full range of options below. They'll cover all the best options, whether you're looking for a specific brand, hardware feature, or a nice commodity like a stylus for note-taking.

At a glance

Best overall

A student needs a phone that's both reasonably affordable and reliable so it can keep working for a few years without any major issues. The Google Pixel 9a fits the bill for many with a price tag on the low side of $500 with seven years of software updates coming from Google.

While the main line Pixel series has the most features, the Pixel A-series phones are some of the best mid-range smartphones that money can buy. This is thanks to Google's excellent camera software which makes the Pixel 9a a great phone for photographers that want something that can capture a vibrant image with automatic settings. Available with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, the 9a features a 5,100mAh battery which is even bigger than the 9 Pro XL. This should allow it to achieve incredible battery life.

The Pixel 9a is powered by the same Tensor G4 SoC as the main Pixel 9 phones. This isn't the most powerful smartphone chip available, but it still does a good job keeping up with Android 15 with 8GB of RAM. The Pixel 9a has a larger 6.3-inch pOLED display with rounded corners, similar to the Pixel 9. In fact, it has a lot in common with the Pixel 9 including many of the new AI features. Despite some early setbacks which delayed the retail launch, the 9a is all set to go on sale in the U.S. from April 10th, 2025.

Best value

For a student, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is a strong choice that keeps its price reasonably low while keeping many of the most important features. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC which is plenty fast for most apps and even some gaming, but can also sip power making the large 5,000mAh last all day. The display is large with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with up to 1,900nits of brightness so you can see your screen clearly while waiting on the bus. The phone comes with 128GB of storage, but unfortunately misses out on storage expansion.

While it lacks wireless charging, this phone’s 5,000mAh battery can be charged relatively quickly at up to 45W. You should be able to easily make it to the end of the day, so you’re not stuck looking for an open outlet in a crowded lecture hall. The camera system is solid with a 50MP main camera, a 5MP macro camera, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera is also decent with a 12MP sensor. Make no mistake, a cheap Pixel like the 9a, will turn in better-looking results, but the A36’s camera system is no slouch.

It’s also worth noting that this phone ships with Android 15 and is set to get sixAndroid generation updates and six years of security updates, so it will easily last the duration of a four-year degree, even if it takes five years.

Best battery life

With a large 5,000mAh battery and relatively low power hardware, the Moto G Power 2025 should easily make it to the end of the day on a charge. It also charges quickly at up to 30W. While the phone isn’t terribly powerful, you still get a large 6.7-inch IPS LCD display running at up to 120Hz. The phone is built incredibly well and the faux-leather back panel feels nice. Motorola has also blessed it with a MIL-STD-810H and IP69 certification for toughness and weatherproofing.

The Moto G Power 2025 features a two-camera array on the back with a 50MP main shooter, and 8MP ultra wide camera. That main camera won’t keep up with the likes of the Pixel 9a, but given a decent amount of light, can still deliver some solid images. If you’re just looking for something good enough for Instagram, it’s a fine choice. Being a Motorola, you get strong support for all the major 5G bands in the U.S.. The G Power 2025 ships with Android 15 and will get two OS upgrades.

Incredible performance

The OnePlus 13R is an affordable phone that looks and feels high-end thanks to a design that borrows a lot from the pricier OnePlus 13, with a powerful SoC from 2024's flagships. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC inside this phone is plenty for the latest Android app including 3D games. The phone packs in 12GB of RAM in the cheapest model to keep it running smoothly on Android 15.

Speaking of Android, this phone is set to receive four OS updates along with four years of security updates. That's not as much as a flagship phone, but still impressive for a phone at this price.

The primary 50MP camera looks great in both well-lit and lowlight situations. The Pixel 9a is still on top overall, but for most people, both phones are excellent choices for the cameras. The OnePlus 13R is designed to work well with carriers in the U.S. with 5G support, so you can bring it to whichever carrier you want. Last but not least, this phone has a long-lasting 6,000mAh battery that supports charging speeds up to 80W.

Best cheap phone

With a large 5,000mAh battery and relatively low power hardware, the Samsung Galaxy A26 should easily make it to the end of the day on a charge, if not more. It also charges fairly quickly at up to 25W. While the phone isn’t terribly powerful, you still get a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display running at up to 120Hz. The AMOLED tech in the screen means you get rich colors with good contrast. There’s a small notch at the top of the screen allowing for the selfie camera, which is a bit old school, but looks decently nice.

Speaking of cameras, this phone features a three-camera array on the back with a 50MP main shooter, 8MP ultra wide camera, and 2MP macro camera for closeups. That main camera won’t keep up with the likes of the Pixel 8a, but given a decent amount of light, can still deliver some solid images. If you’re just looking for something good enough for Instagram, it’s a fine choice. Mid-band and low-band 5G is supported on the U.S. model with Wi-Fi 5 picking up the slack.\

The two biggest reasons to get the Galaxy A26 at this price is the IP67 rating for proper dust and water resistance, and the fact that it stands to get six generations of Android OS upgrades which is unheard of for a $299 phone.

Best for taking notes

The Moto G Stylus 2025 has been one of the best cheap phones you can get for a few generations now, and this 2025 model is one of the best yet with impressive hardware and a striking new look. The vegan leather finish feels nice in the hand which is great if you plan on taking notes with the included stylus. Using the display feels nice and snappy with a 120Hz OLED panel capable of up to 3,000 nits with a quick Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 8GB of RAM behind it. It even has a headphone jack and microSD card slot for storage expansion.

This phone has a large 5,000mAh battery, which is fairly common for budget-oriented phones, but what’s less common is the 68W wired charging support and 15W wireless charging. When it comes to the camera, the main 50MP sensor and 13MP ultra-wide camera produce some nice images, though they aren’t the best you’ll find at this price. Still, with how much this phone gets right in other areas, it’s easy to forgive.

One thing Motorola gets very right is carrier support with full 5G band support for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. That means you can shop for the best value phone carrier so you don’t waste money on a bunch of carrier features you don’t really need. Plus, most campuses have Wi-Fi anywhere you might find a student, so you may not even need that much data. If you do, however, 5G support is strong and should give you strong speed on any carrier.

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How to choose

You don't have to break the bank over the best Android phone for students

Android phones are great for students thanks to powerful hardware for multitasking, good integration with ChromeOS and Windows laptops, and unique designs to that can fit anyone's needs. Any of the Android phones on this list will serve a student well for school, but among all of them, we have to give our top recommendation to the Google Pixel 9a.

Google's attempt at making a mid-range Pixel device turned out to be a smashing success. The Google Pixel 9a finally gets a much larger battery, and similar display and waterproofing tech as the Pixel 9. It also has incredible cameras, super clean software, and Google's robust Tensor G4 chipset make this a phone that's genuinely enjoyable to use.

Among all of that, though, another big reason the Pixel 9a stands out is because of its post-purchase support. Since this is a phone made by Google itself, it's set to get updates early with seven years of OS updates promised by Google. That means you'll be able to keep using this phone for years before you need to spend on a new one.

What accessories do students need?

Whether you're starting college or are on the last stretch at high school, you'll want a few accessories to make the most of your smartphone. First of all, a strong case will help you phone survive a few more bumps and drops. You can get a lot of great cases for the Pixel 9a that offer extra protection if it falls down a few stairs at a new dorm, or falls out of a pocket while rushing to class.

A portable power bank can also be useful to bring with you whether you forgot to plug your phone in the night before, or find that your laptop drained its battery in your backpack. With so much tech supporting USB-C, having a power bank can keep you going till the end of class without needing to run a charging cable across the aisle in a lecture hall. Many of these phones don't come with a charger, so a good USB-C charger is a must-have.

Picking up some wireless earbuds can also be great for getting work done outside of your dorm room. If you're easily distracted by noise and talking, picking up some of the best wireless headphones or earbuds to use with your phone and laptop can help you get some peace and quiet. They can also help when you need to attend an online lecture or meeting and just can't find a quiet place to be. This can be especially difficult when you need to complete a task by 11:59pm on a Friday and you've been responsible enough to get started by 11:00.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

✅Recommended if: you're sick of paying phone bills every month; you want to use one of the best foldable phones in the industry; you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area. 

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to be stuck with a single wireless carrier for a year; you're already locked into a contract; you can find a good trade-in deal elsewhere. 

If you're not totally sold on this Mint Mobile deal just yet, let me break it down so you see why it stands out from other MVNO promotions. For starters, it's important to note that Mint Mobile operates with a "buy in bulk" plan system. Customers pay for their wireless service in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time, picking from four simple data plans powered by T-Mobile's vast 5G network. Once their time allotment has reached an end, customers have the option to purchase another data plan or cancel their account without penalty. 

The nice thing about this system is that you can simply pay for a year of wireless in advance and not have to worry about another phone bill for the next 12 months. For example, even if you signed up for six months of Mint Mobile's most expensive Unlimited data plan and bought the Galaxy Z Flip 6, you'd make a single payment of $1,180 (or $50 per month with affirm) and be hooked up with a great 2024 device AND an entire year of wireless service. No more phone bills, no confusing eligibility requirements, and once the year is over you're free to switch carriers again or update your plan with zero hassle. 

It's basically the perfect deal for anyone who wants to pair an innovative new phone with the best MVNO carrier in the business, as long as you don't mind being stuck with a single carrier for a year. 

Heading back to campus? Don't forget to check out our guide to the best back-to-school deals for Android users. 

I'm talking about back-to-school discounts like up to $1,500 off the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 when you trade in an old device, or a free storage upgrade when you buy the Galaxy Z Flip 6. There are also some sweet deals on earbuds, laptops, and smartwatches. Suffice it to say, if you're hoping to head back to class in style, one of the Samsung deals below will hook it up. 

Quick links

• Phones: free storage upgrades, up to $1,500 off Z Fold 6
• Tablets: up to $550 off Tab S9 FE series, instant savings on Tab A9 Plus
• Wearables: up to $350 off w/ trade-in, 25% off bundle offers
• Smart TVs: up to $2,000 off QLED TVs
• Earbuds: $100 off Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with trade-in
• Laptops: save $500 with eligible trade-in 

Samsung deals

• See our guide to the best back-to-school deals for Android users

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an affordable, versatile laptop that won't sacrifice performance; you've liked past devices with Chrome OS; you want something that includes some of Google's newest AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a laptop with more than 128GB of storage; 10 hours of battery life isn't enough to suit your needs.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 performs well amongst its peers around the $400 price point, so it's honestly a pretty appealing pick at $100 off. From its 15.6-inch, 1920x1080 resolution screen to its lightweight yet durable design, it's not hard to figure out why it's a good pick for students across grade levels. It also comes with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Purchasing the Chromebook Plus 515 from Best Buy will also net you a free three-month trial of Photoshop, and you can also knock the price down even more with a trade-in if that appeals to you. 

This laptop doesn't have a microSD slot and some find certain features not up to par with their needs. For instance, 128GB of storage may be too little for some, as can be said of the roughly 10 hours of battery life.

Still, this is a pretty solid Chromebook for most users, especially if you're able to snag it during this back-to-school sale.

In other words, this deal gives you 50% off an entire year of wireless service from the best MVNO carrier operating today, not to mention an extra $100 off our favorite phone for students. Do the math and compare those numbers to your current phone bill: you'll see why this is such a big deal. 

✅Recommended if: you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area; you don't mind committing to one wireless carrier for a year; you want an Android phone with AI software features and outstanding cameras.

❌Skip this deal if: you're happy with your current wireless carrier; you want to pay your phone bill on a monthly basis; you or the student in question is using a family plan. 

If you're buying for a college or high school-aged kid, the best way to handle this would probably be to make the purchase upfront and get the phone and wireless coverage handled in one fell swoop. That way you literally won't have to think about paying another phone bill for an entire year. Alternatively, you could sign up for Affirm and pay $25 per month for the phone and wireless combo. Either way, it's going to be considerably less than any phone deal from a mainstream phone company like AT&T or Verizon. 

There are a lot of great things to say about the Google Pixel 8a, but that's not to say that Mint Mobile is a slouch. As noted in our Mint review, this T-Mobile-owned carrier has a lot to offer with its "buy in bulk" plan system. To sign up for any of its four data plans, you need to pay for your wireless service in 3, 6, or 12-month increments of time, with discounts being added the more you buy upfront. This simple structure means you can easily change your plan or switch carriers when your time allotment is up without any hassle or pesky contracts to worry about. 

The plan options range from 5GB to Unlimited and all plans come with unlimited talk and text, free calls to Mexico and Canada, and a mobile hotspot, plus you're getting access to the world's largest 5G network through T-Mobile. If you're unsure, you can always explore the service through Mint Mobile's 7-day free trial, but once you're ready to commit, this Pixel 8a deal presents an awesome opportunity for any student looking for cheap wireless. 

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

Need a new tablet to tackle homework assignments? Check this Best Buy deal that carves a straight $80 off the versatile Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet. Hoping to drown out your noisy roommates so you can study? Consider this offer that drops $170 off Beats Studio Pro headphones with noise cancellation. There are plenty of other deals to consider on this page, just keep in mind that many of the biggest back-to-school sales disappear as quickly as they arrive — so don't wait if something catches your eye. 

Quick links

• Google Pixel 9: $799.99 FREE w/ eligible trade-in, $100 gift card at Best Buy
• Sony WH-1000XM4: $349.99 $199.99 at Best Buy
• Google Pixel 8a: $499 $399, plus six months FREE wireless at Mint Mobile
• Amazon Fire Max 11: $279.99 $189.99 at Best Buy
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: $329.99 $289.99 at Amazon
• Amazfit GTR 4 46mm: $199.99 $139.99 at Amazon
• ASUS Chromebook CM1402: $299 $219 at Amazon
• Beats Studio Pro: $349.99 $179.99 at Best Buy
• TCL 32" 720p Roku TV: $179.99 $97 at Walmart
• Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: $399.99 $324.99 at Amazon

Back to school deals

More back-to-school deals

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 
• Tablet deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Dell 
• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell 
• TV deals: Walmart | Samsung | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Headphone deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell

For example, you can head to Best Buy right now and get a straight $50 off the top-rated Jabra Elite 10 earbuds, the same discount we saw at Amazon during Prime Day.  Need a new TV? Consider this deal that carves a whopping $600 off the 55-inch Class QN90C 4K model by Samsung. There's plenty more where that came from, so keep reading to see all of my favorite deals. But buyer beware, the Great Summer Sale ends Sunday, July 28th, so don't wait if an offer catches your eye. 

Quick links

• Best Buy's The Great Summer Sale: see the full list of deals
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: was $1,099.99 now $649.99
• Jabra Elite 10: was $249.99 now $199.99
• Motorola Razr Plus (2024): was $999.99 now $899.99
• Samsung 55" Class QN90C 4K TV: was $1,499.99 now $899.99
• OnePlus 12: was $799.99 now $699.99
• Motorola Edge Plus (2023): was $799.99 now $499.99
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (BT): $379.99, plus free band ($69.99 value)

Top Best Buy deals

More deals

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 
• Tablet deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Dell 
• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell 
• TV deals: Walmart | Samsung | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Headphone deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell

The world in 2025 revolves around smartphones, and sooner or later, you'll probably have to consider buying one for your child. Regardless of when you choose to introduce your child to phones, you'll eventually need to pick one that balances privacy, security, parental controls, and value.

The market for the best phones for kids includes custom devices designed for child use and budget options that can be tailored to your liking. You can pick something you're familiar with, like a Google or Samsung handset, or something specifically made with kids in mind, like a Bark or Gabb phone. No matter when or how you plan to get your child a phone, the options on this list will check all the boxes for kids and parents alike.

At a glance

Best overall

Of all the kids' phones available, the Bark Phone is our favorite pick because it offers a more balanced approach than other kids' phones. It has just enough parental control features to keep your kids safe and give you peace of mind but also enough slack to let them naturally grow into the world they'll inevitably be thrust into.

The Bark Phone is basically a Samsung phone preloaded with the excellent Bark Jr software which means it uses its own set of parental controls and isn't compatible with other parental control software. For some households that might already be using Google Family Link, this means either jumping through hoops to migrate your kids' Google account off Family Link or creating a new Google account altogether.

But that means that Bark's software is allowed to take full control and, once you get to using it, you'll understand why it's a much, much better option. First off, Bark gives you as much or as little control as you want over your kids' smartphone experience. You can vet every app they install, monitor social media and messaging, and even have Bark's built-in AI alert you of bullying.

The Bark Phone is a rebranded Samsung Galaxy A13 which is one of our favorite inexpensive Android phones for many reasons. While it doesn't have enough power to properly play more graphics-intensive games, the OS is updated directly from Samsung and will get software and security updates for years to come.

That also means your child gets all the Samsung features that people love so they don't feel like they're getting some trashy hand-me-down phone. It's also got an impressive camera for the price range and battery life that'll last more than one day without issue.

The one big negative for me is the fact that the phone doesn't come with a built-in ad blocker. This isn't an issue for some other phones like Troomi, Gab, or Pinwheel because they have curated app stores, but the Bark Phone has full access to the Google Play Store. Your kid can't just install any app they like but there's a very high chance that, if they install a free app or game, they'll be inundated with ads that you may not like. Food for thought.

Best parental controls

Pinwheel is one of the smaller companies that's giving Google and other large brands a run for their money in the space of kids' smartphones. Pinwheel offers recognizable phone brands like Samsung, and instead of using regular Android, these phones run a custom version of the OS to provide deeper parental controls.

Once you pick a phone from the Pinwheel website, you can decide if you want to bring your own carrier SIM or purchase one from them. The magic of Pinwheel is built into Pinwheel OS and the parental companion app. Overall the software looks much like what Android users are familiar with, but some of the features are disabled. But can be reenabled depending on what you, the parent, decide.

During my review of the phone, I really enjoyed the flexibility offered by the phone's OS and the parental portal/app. Pinwheel has a solid set of parental controls that allow you to manage contacts, view communication, choose what apps can be installed, and more.

Those apps are all rated with descriptions of why Pinwheel scored them the way they did and are the only apps you can install on the phone. Kids can't just go to the Google Play Store and download an app or game which is both a blessing and a curse. It's great for parents who are worried about the never-ending ads and inappropriate content on many Play Store apps (especially free ones), but it's still a limitation that some may not like.

Pinwheel makes it easy for parents to track the phone's live location and where it's been. You can even create specific modes based on the time of day that will restrict access to specific functions and apps on the phone. These modes can also include tasks and reminders to help your child through their day.

If you want to use Google's Family Link with Pinwheel, technically, it is possible, but it isn't easy. I struggled to get some of the features to work with the locked-down version of Android. You also have to purchase the phone through Pinwheel, which is understandable since it runs a custom version of Android. All in all, Pinwheel OS is a great way to get your child started with a phone that can grow with them as they get older.

Best budget

Buying a phone for your kid is a balancing act of getting something they'll want to use without spending a fortune. In our eyes, the Google Pixel 7a best fits that bill.

The value proposition offered by the Pixel 7a is phenomenal due to some of the best cameras in any phone, solid battery life, and regular security updates. Plus, there's no breaking the bank to get both the phone and a good case to help it last even longer.

Arguably the most jaw-dropping aspect of the 7a is its camera. The 64MP rear camera takes downright gorgeous photos, matching picture quality with much more expensive phones. Photos get a bump thanks to Google's second-gen custom Tensor G2 processor. This also helps with faster on-device Google Assistant interactions. Even in low-light environments, the 7a's camera is a beast. So if you have a kid who's an aspiring photographer, you can't go wrong with the Pixel 7a.

Another highlight of the 7a is its software. It's currently running the latest available version of Android, and since it's a Pixel phone, it'll keep getting major OS updates and security patches through May 2028. You can rest assured that your kid's phone is always as safe as it can be and protected from new vulnerabilities that pop up. It will also work seamlessly with Family Link, Google's parental control app for your child's account.

The rest of the Pixel 7a experience is just as strong, thanks to its 6.1-inch AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, and 4,385mAh battery. The 128GB of internal storage should offer plenty of room for all of your kid's apps/games, although microSD card support would have been nice. While the recent release of the 8a represents a better phone overall, it still doesn't yet compare to the 7a in terms of price, making it a far better option here.

Best basic

Gabb Wireless is another one of the small companies working to make a big difference in connected kid devices. I've had the opportunity to review this phone and the Gabb Watch, which, oddly enough, has better parental controls. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The Gabb Phone is much like what Pinwheel does, where Gabb Wireless uses existing brands of devices and puts custom software on them. So, you'll not only need to purchase the phone from Gabb but also will need to use their phone service. But you can port over an existing number if you'd like to. For parents interested in Gabb for an older child, consider the Gabb Phone Plus, as it's a more capable device with access to a few more features.

The software on the phone is very barebones, with only the most essential apps like phone, calculator, calendar, messaging, and such. From the parental portal, you can add Gabb Music which offers kid-appropriate music without the grown-up content. The portal also allows parents to see a live location of where the phone currently is.

A downside to the Gabb Phone is that the parental controls essentially stop there. You can't manage contacts or see who's been contacting your child. Gabb does off Gabb Guard, designed to block up to 95% of unwanted calls and texts but will run an additional $4.99/month. But for younger kids, the phone can be a great option as they are less likely to be adding many contacts other than family, and the stripped-down interface won't be distracting.

Best Samsung

We fully understand if you're trying to keep costs as low as possible when buying a phone for your kid. Going too low can result in a lot of crap handsets to sift through, but one option that sticks out as a worthy contender is the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G — which provides key upgrades over the Galaxy A15 5G without raising the price.

The phone on its own is rock solid, and the price point makes it an even better value. Samsung doesn't put the Galaxy tag on just any phone. While the specs aren't going to push the top-of-the-line options, it runs a capable Samsung Exynos 1330 processor, starts with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, and a very generous 5,000 mAh battery.

Last year, we noted that we'd love to see more RAM available, and Samsung listened. You can now configure the Galaxy A16 5G all the way up to 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of memory.

On the front of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a larger, 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 13MP selfie camera. As for the back, the triple camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro lens. While you don't get photos that are museum-worthy, they are more than good enough for your child. Plus, because this is a Samsung Galaxy phone, you get Android 14 out of the box along with an excellent six years of guaranteed software updates.

Best smartwatch

This pick isn't technically a phone but rather a kids' smartwatch that stays connected with a SIM card. So if you aren't quite ready to give your kid a fully-fledged smartphone but still want them to be within a phone call or text, the Angel Watch Series R is what you're looking for.

It's available in Blue, Pink, and Black colors and is easy for kids to put on their wrists. Plus, the secure strap stays there, even if your kid is a ninja and loves to climb everything. It's also IP67 water and dust-resistant so it'll survive everything from beaches to pools so long as your kids don't go diving too deep with it.

The Angel Watch parent app on your smartphone makes it easy to see your child's location right from the top of the app and it even makes it possible to remotely take readings of body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and more.

This one doesn't feature an internet browser, copious amounts of games, or social media but it does feature important communication apps like WhatsApp and Line. In addition to that, the SIM card inside (plus Wi-Fi connectivity) makes it possible to text message and call anyone on the curated list of contacts that parents set. There's even an onboard camera so you can video call your kids (or vice versa).

Plus, parents can remotely monitor their kids via audio or video if an emergency situation comes up which grants substantial peace of mind. Plus, with the built-in spam protection, they won't get any random calls about their (nonexistent) car's extended warranty or other solicitous texts that might be unwanted.

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Options to make kids and parents happy

Buying a phone for your kid can be a stressful task, but it doesn't have to be. This list is proof that there are plenty of phones out there that are an excellent match for you and your kid, with the best one being from Bark.

The Bark Phone comes with excellent software we'd happily recommend to any parent. Bark's library of optional third-party apps and solid parental controls allows parents to be in control of how the phone operates and when features are available.

Google knocked it out of the park with its midrange lineup, packing in all of the features anyone could ask for, which makes the Pixel 7a another top consideration. It has a great-looking design, vibrant display, ample performance, and goodies like a fingerprint sensor, excellent battery life, and a fantastic camera.

Whether you want a more traditional Android experience or one with custom software and more accessible parental controls, there are options out there to make both parents and kids happy.