As summer vibes fade, it's time to gear up for the upcoming school year. Whether you're navigating middle school, high school, or college, the WIRED Reviews team has curated a list of essential tech that'll make note-taking, homework, and even self-care a breeze.
For the best all-around college laptop, the MacBook Neo stands out. Despite a recent price bump, its premium design, vibrant high-resolution display, and variety of color options make it a top pick, even with 8GB of RAM being sufficient for most student tasks. Pro-tip: Students can snag a $100 discount via Apple's website using a college email address.
If a lightweight Windows laptop is more your speed, the Asus Zenbook A14 is a game-changer. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, its Ceraluminum construction ensures durability. It boasts an OLED display, impressive battery life, and a reasonable price point, though a pricier next-gen model with enhanced chips is also available.
For those needing extra screen real estate without the bulk, the Arzopa Z3FC Portable Monitor is the go-to. This 16.1-inch display offers a crisp 2560 x 1440 resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for multitasking on the go, from dorm rooms to coffee shops. It's the best portable monitor the WIRED team has tested for college life.
Drown out distractions with Sony's WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones. Featuring significantly more processing power than their predecessors, they offer unparalleled noise reduction, 30 hours of battery life, and exceptional sound quality. Their compact, foldable design and comfortable earcups make them ideal for students on the move.
Budget-conscious students will appreciate the JLab Go Pop ANC earbuds. Praised for their clear sound and effective noise cancellation that tackles both deep rumbles and high pitches, these earbuds also include a handy transparency mode. With eight hours of battery life, they're a steal at just $25.
Stay hydrated and healthy with the Larq self-cleaning water bottle. Its built-in UV-C LED light purifies water and eliminates odors every two hours, keeping your bottle germ-free. Made from durable, insulated stainless steel, a single charge lasts up to three weeks. While the app tracks intake, the filter-free model is recommended over the more cumbersome PureVis 2.
Power up your devices in crowded spaces with the Monoprice 8-Outlet Rotating Surge Strip. Its innovative rotating outlets accommodate bulky plugs, making it a lifesaver in dorms, cafes, and libraries. It easily converts a single outlet into eight, ensuring all your gadgets stay charged.
For efficient campus commutes, the Segway E2 Pro electric scooter is a solid choice, typically around $500. While its range is about 10 miles, it’s sufficient for most campus travels. Despite its 41-pound weight, it folds easily for transport. With 10-inch tires and reliable braking, it offers a smooth ride, though pairing with the Segway app is required to unlock its top speed.
The Yorage Video-Friendly Ring Light Desk Lamp is a multi-tasking marvel. Adjust brightness with a simple slide, and utilize the central mirror for quick touch-ups before video calls. It transforms into a reading light and even wirelessly charges your phone on its grippy base. A handy arm also props up your phone for video chats or viewing.
Expand your connectivity with the Plugable USB-C 9-in-1 Hub. Offering 140 watts of power delivery, it efficiently charges even high-powered laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro. With a comprehensive array of ports, including 10-Gbps USB-C and HDMI supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz, it’s a robust solution for all your accessory needs.
Prioritize posture with the Herman Miller Oripura Laptop Stand. This stylish and sturdy stand folds down compactly, easily sliding into your backpack to promote better ergonomics during study sessions, wherever you are.
Finally, enhance your typing and gaming experience with the Razer Joro Portable Wireless Gaming Keyboard. This low-profile, affordable keyboard is thin enough to slip into your bag and connects via Bluetooth or cable, making it a versatile addition to your setup.
