Summer is drawing to a close, and students around the world are once again preparing to get back into the daily grind of school. While we can't help you with what the best pillow is to crash on at the end of a long day, if you're looking for the right laptop to get through all your assignments, a smartphone to call mom and find out how to get your laundry done, the best Bluetooth speaker to show off your party playlist, and a whole lot more, we've got you covered!
Here is our roundup of the best Back to School tech for 2016.
Media streaming
NVIDIA Shield TV
The NVIDIA Shield TV is the Android TV set top box on steroids! While the device is more than a year old, its ability to stream 4K content, continuous updates, new apps and features, and a fantastic gaming experience that includes more, sometimes exclusive, games being added regularly, the Shield offers it all.
It is admittedly pricey, and starts at $199.99 for the 16 GB variant and one controller, and goes up to a little over $350 for the 500 GB version with two controllers. So if you're looking for a media streaming device just to watch some movies or TV shows, or listen to some music, the cheaper alternatives below may be the way to go. However, especially if gaming is your thing, and you're looking for a single device that can do it all, it doesn't get any better than the NVIDIA Shield TV.
SEE ALSO: NVIDIA Shield Android TV review
Google Chromecast (2nd Generation)
When it comes to affordable media-streaming options, the Google Chromecast is the first device that will come to mind. Now in its second iteration, the latest Chromecast features a new, more versatile, design that makes it easier to tuck into the back of your TV.
The 2nd Gen device is also very easy to setup and use, and an improved Chromecast app lets you easily find and sort through the long list of apps and services that are compatible with it. If budget is a concern, the Chromecast 2nd Gen is the best option for you, with it priced at just $35.
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Roku Stick (2016)
The Roku Stick is Roku's attempt at taking on the Chromecast, and like its competitor, it plugs into the HDMI port of your TV, after which you can use the available remote or your smartphone to set up and control it. The Roku Stick is the pricier of the two, at $49, but also includes Amazon Video as one of its services, which isn't available with the Chromecast.
Time Warner customers can also use the Roku Stick to watch live TV, making it one of the few devices to offer this functionality. Another plus with this device is its "private listening" feature, that lets you plug headphones into the remote and enjoy content on the big screen without disturbing others, which is very useful when living in a dorm. If the private listening aspect and the availability of Amazon Video are what you are looking for, the extra $14 that you have to shell out for the Roku Stick is certainly worth it.
SEE ALSO: Roku Stick (2016) vs Google Chromecast (2nd Gen)
Roku 4
The Roku 4 falls somewhere in the middle in between the Chromecast and Roku Stick, and the NVIDIA Shield TV, and is a set top box that offers all the features available with the Roku Stick, including over 2,500 channels to stream content from, and features like the "private listening" mode. However, the Roku 4 allows for streaming content in 4K, and comes with features like Voice Search. If the cheaper streaming devices don't offer enough, and gaming isn't important enough to splurge on the Shield TV, the Roku 4 is a great choice. The Roku 4 is currently priced at $121.97.
Smartphones
Motorola Moto G (4th Gen)
The Moto G has proven to be Motorola's most popular smartphone series ever, and with good reason. Finding the perfect balance between high quality and affordability, the 4th generation of Moto G smartphones, including the Moto G4 and the Moto G4 Plus continue to offer what made their predecessors so great.
The Moto G4 is the cheaper of the two, with the 16 GB variant priced at $199.99, while the 32 GB version is only an additional $30, with both coming with 2 GB of RAM. The Moto G4 Plus on the other hand, is available in a 16 GB and 2 GB RAM version priced at around $250, while the 64 GB and 4 GB RAM iteration will set you back $299.99. When comparing the two, the G4 Plus comes with a fingerprint scanner and 16 MP camera, while the G4 lacks the scanner, and features a 13 MP rear shooter. The best part is that these devices are available unlocked, and are compatible with all major network carriers in the US.
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Alcatel Idol 4
Like the Moto G4, the latest smartphones from Alcatel are available in a couple of iterations. The Alcatel Idol 4 features a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 617 processor, 16 GB storage, and 13 MP rear camera, while the Idol 4S bumps these features up to a 5.5-inch Quad HD screen, a Snapdragon 652, 32 GB storage, and a 16 MP rear shooter. The latter also features a larger 3,000 mAh battery, compared to the 2,610 mAh unit of the Idol 4.
The selling points of both iterations however are the beautiful metal and glass construction, and a unique dual speaker setup on both the front and back, which means that no matter how the phone is placed, you will get to enjoy a great audio experience. The Idol 4 is available exclusively from Cricket Wireless, and priced at $199.99, while the Idol 4S is unlocked, and priced at $399.99, with extras such as a VR headset, JBL headphones, and Incipio protective case thrown in with the latter.
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ZTE Axon 7
The first Axon Phone by ZTE, released last year was an impressive device, but ZTE has taken things to a whole new level with its successor, the Axon 7. The latest ZTE flagship features a beautiful full metal construction, flagship specifications and features, and a fantastic audio experience, and you get all of this at almost half the price of similar flagships, with the Axon 7 priced at just $400. As we rightly concluded in our in-depth review, the ZTE Axon 7 is truly an affordable flagship with no compromise.
SEE ALSO: ZTE Axon 7 review
Samsung Galaxy S7 / Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and its larger sibling, the Galaxy S7 Edge, further refined what Samsung first introduced with their predecessors, with both also featuring beautiful metal and glass unibody constructions. Samsung brought back a few staple features with the latest Galaxy S smartphones as well, including expandable storage, and dust and water resistance.
Apart from top of the line specifications and features, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge also feature some of the best smartphone cameras around, and if mobile photography is important to you, you have to look no further than these two smartphones. Both are available from all major network carriers in the US, and unlocked on Amazon. The Galaxy S7 Edge is a $100 more expensive, but comes with a larger 5.5-inch display, and dual curved edges that not only look great, but offer some useful functionality as well.
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Protective cases and covers
An extra layer of security to keep your smartphone safe from scratches, accidental bumps, and drops is never a bad idea, and nowadays, every device has numerous options when it comes to protective cases and covers. If you decide to pick up any of the smartphones listed above, you can find great cases for them in the links below, and for any other device, don't forget to check out our growing database of best cases currently available for a variety of smartphones and tablets, which you can find here.
Smartwatches
Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) and Moto 360 Sport
The 2nd Generation Moto 360 is a worthy update to the original, and brings some key improvements to the design and look, while also allowing for things like changing the watch strap much easier. You also get to take advantage of Motorola's customization system, and for those worried about the size, there is also a smaller iteration now available, and also comes with designs that are intended for women.
While the Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) offers some fitness tracking capabilities, the Moto 360 Sport is the one better suited in this regard. It comes with features and apps more catered towards fitness activities, and more importantly, won't like out of place on your wrist at the gym, which might happen with the fancier iterations of the Moto 360 (2nd Gen.). The latter is also more expensive, priced started at around $250, and increasing depending on the size and type of strap you choose, while the Sport is priced starting at $169.99.
SEE ALSO:
Huawei Watch
There are only a handful of smartwatches around that can pass for a regular watch, and while Motorola did a great job with that with their 2nd gen device, Huawei got it right on the first try, with the Huawei Watch. Available in a slew of elegant designs, if you are in the market for a great looking smartwatch, the Huawei Watch is a great way to go. Earlier this year, Huawei also released the Watch Jewel series that is catered towards women. The Huawei Watch is priced starting at $249.99, and goes all the way up to more than $650, depending on the design elements and type of watch strap you choose.
SEE ALSO: Huawei Watch review
Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2
The Pebble 2 is the company's most affordable watch to date, and in terms of design, the Pebble 2 is a throwback to the original Pebble smartwatch. It has a rectangular body, but this time around it sports a Gorilla Glass "anti-scratch lens coating" display instead of a plastic one.
On the other hand, the Pebble Time 2 combines the best features of the original Time and Time Steel, with the second gen device featuring a stainless steel body. It also comes with a e-color paper display, that is more than 50% larger than what was seen with its predecessor, without a big change to the overall size.
The big news here is that the Pebble 2 and Time 2 comes with a built-in heart rate monitor, so you'll be able to keep track of your resting and active heart rate throughout your day. Both are also water resistant up to 30 meters, and feature batteries that will last 10 days on a single charge. The Pebble 2 is priced at $129.99, while the Time 2 can be yours for $199.99.
Wearables and fitness trackers
Fitbit Alta
Fitbit is a company that is well known for their fitness trackers, and with their latest devices Fitbit has also started focusing on design and aesthetics. The Fitbit Alta is one such device. The Alta looks different from Fitbit's previous offerings, featuring a large display that gives you call, text, and calendar notifications.
The Alta doesn't offer as many features as some of the other fitness trackers on the list, with it lacking a heart rate monitor or GPS tracking, but for all your basic fitness needs, the comparatively inexpensive device will certainly get the job done. The Fitbit Alta is currently priced starting at $118.99.
SEE ALSO: Fitbit Alta review
Garmin Vivosmart HR
Garmin is the other big name in the world of fitness trackers, and one of the best devices the company currently has on offer is the Vivosmart HR. Like the Alta, you get a touchscreen display, that will allow you to see your daily stats, past workouts, and more, but beyond that, you can also see the weather, control your music, and get call, email, text, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter notifications directly on the device.
Of course, this is a fitness tracker first and foremost, so you will be able to track your steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed, active minutes, and even your sleep, and keep a track of your heart rate as well. If you are looking for a really good fitness tracker at an affordable price point, the Garmin vívosmart HR is a great choice. The Garmin Vivosmart HR is currently priced at $149.99.
SEE ALSO: Fitbit Charge HR vs Garmin Vivosmart HR
Samsung Gear Fit 2
The Samsung Gear Fit 2 is another solid fitness tracker from the Korean company, and is definitely one of the better looking ones out there. You get features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and automatic tracking of activity and sleep, along with plenty of tools to track more than just your workouts.
Another plus for the Gear Fit 2 is the fact that you get 4 GB of on-board storage to store music files, and have the device connect to a Bluetooth headset to enjoy your music. It's not without its issues, but priced at $169.99, it is relatively cheap for all that it has to offer.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Gear Fit 2 review
Wearsafe
Any device or app that can help keep you safe is welcome, and Wearsafe does a great job at leveraging both the hardware and software side of things to provide a personal safety system that could be essential for many. The Wearsafe tag is a discreet, compact, button that you carry on your person, attach to your clothes, or have on a key ring.
Pushing the button automatically launches the app that then sends critical information to friends and family, who can then act on the information, using the Wearsafe app that they also have to download, and decide what the next move should be. Wearsafe offers real time audio so your preset contacts know exactly what is going on, and even provides 60 seconds of audio before the tag is pressed. Your emergency contacts also receive your GPS coordinates, and the tag vibrates silently each time someone gets your alert, which is a great way of reassuring you that help is on the way. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
Since it isn't always possible to reach for your phone in a sticky situation, the best part about Wearsafe is that you don't have to actually touch your phone, and in fact, the tag works even if your smartphone is 200 feet away. Once an alert is sent, your friends and family can take immediate action by calling 911 directly from their app. If you are hurt, or in danger, the Wearsafe tag and app allow for a very quick and simple way to get help, and something we'd definitely recommend for college students, outdoor adventurers, and the elderly.
Wearsafe is available with a subscription package of just $5 a month, with the tag included for free, and that is a negligible amount to pay when your personal safety is the concern.
Android tablets
Google Pixel C
Google brought the iconic Pixel Chromebook design and build quality to the tablet form with the Pixel C. Apart from being one of the most beautifully designed and well-built tablets currently available, the Pixel C also allows for a great media consumption and gaming experience, courtesy of a large, vibrant display, dual-front-facing speakers, and a powerful processing package.
For those looking for more productivity, the tablet also comes with a keyboard that magnetically attaches to the tablet, and connects to it via Bluetooth, and while it isn't a full size keyboard, it is still easy to type on and use. Regardless of what you use a tablet for, the Pixel C is a great option. However, it is admittedly pricey, with the 32 GB variant priced at $499, with an additional $100 required to double the built-in storage. The keyboard is also priced at $150, so the overall package can cost a pretty penny.
SEE ALSO: Google Pixel C review
ASUS ZenPad S 8.0
The ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 may be showing its age, but there are few better options when it comes to budget-friendly Android tablets. The specifications and features it has to offer remain impressive, and you get to enjoy a great media-consumption experience on the high-resolution display, coupled with dual front-facing speakers.
This ZenPad S 8.0 manages to exceed all expectations, and what is even more impressive is how aggressively ASUS has priced it. The 32 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM version is priced at just $169.99 right now, while the high-end model, with a faster processor, 64 GB of storage, and 4 GB of RAM will set you back around $279.
SEE ALSO: ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 review
Kindle Fire series
Amazon has continued to grow their ever popular Kindle Fire tablet series, with it now including the Kindle Fire, Fire HD 6, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, and Fire HDX 8.9, with prices starting from $49.99, and going all the way up to $429.99.
If budget is a concern, The Kindle Fire and Fire HD 6 are priced at below the $100 mark. If a larger display is your requirement, the Fire HD 10 and Fire HDX 8.9 are the way to go. The latter is the most powerful and high-end tablet from Amazon yet, featuring a Quad HD display and a Snapdragon 805 processor, and you also get access to Amazon Underground, which includes up to $10,000 worth of apps for free. Whatever your need, you have an option available in the Fire series.
Laptops
HP Pavilion 15-af131dx
There are few different models offering different specifications available under the HP Pavilion 15 name, but this particular version is the cheapest of the lot. This laptop features a large 15.6-inch display, the AMD A6 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, and a dual speaker setup. Even though it is a Windows 10 laptop, it can give Chromebooks a run for their money, with this version of the HP Pavilion 15 priced at just $276. If budget is a concern, this laptop is definitely a great choice, and offers enough to be considered more than just a starter laptop.
ASUS Zenbook UX305
If you're in the market for a more powerful Windows 10 laptop however, the ASUS Zenbook UX305 is one that you should consider. This sleek and portable ultrabook packs a 6th Gen. Intel i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, a beautiful 13.3-inch Full HD display, and a large battery that allows for impressive battery life. Given all that it has to offer, the Zenbook UX305 is priced quite well, and is currently available for $749.
Apple Macbook Pro 13.3-inch
Apple's Macbooks are definitely among the more popular choices when it comes to laptops for college students, assuming that budget isn't too much of a concern. There are few different options available, but here, we will feature one of the more powerful ones, which is the Macbook Pro 13.3-inch. You can expect a high-resolution Retina display, with 8 or 16 GB of RAM, and 128 GB to 512 GB of storage, with either an Intel i5 or i7 powering everything. Even with all of this power, Apple claims the MacBook Pro 13 inch can get 10 hours of battery life. The 13 inch Macbook Pro starts at $1479, and goes up to $1669 depending on the model.
HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 14 is available beautiful sky blue color with a white or silver back plate, both of which are not your standard colors on a laptop. The 14 inch 1920×1080 screen will give you enough real estate to browse the web or watch any videos, and having a laptop with Full HD screen is impressive when considering its price point.
HP claims up to 8 hours of battery life, which should be more than enough to get you through a whole day's work or play. You only get 16 GB of on-board storage, but given the online-centric nature of Chrome OS, that may do the trick. Overall, this laptop is a sleek and slim Chromebook that's perfect for watching videos, getting homework done, and more everyday tasks. The 4 GB of RAM iteration is currently priced at just $279.
Acer Chromebook 15
The Acer Chromebook 15 features a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, that should give you enough display real estate to multi-task the way you want. The high resolution means that you will also be able to enjoy videos. Acer claims up to 9 hours of battery life, which will certainly get you through the whole day.
While the laptop weighs in at 4.8 pounds, a lot has to do with the large screen and large chassis. The 16GB of storage is small, but on a Chromebook, it'll do when you need to download a movie or some files for offline viewing. While it's not particularly portable, it is ideal to have setup as a work station in your home. The Acer Chromebook 15 with 4 GB of RAM is currently priced at $249.
Bluetooth speakers
Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2
The Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 comes with Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, a USB output to charge your smartphone or tablet, a built-in voice recorder, a microSD card slot to play music from a memory card, and the device can even act as an external sound card for your PC. A 6,000 mAh battery allows for up to 8 hours of constant playback, and the on-board controls means that you don't have to reach for your source device all the time.
When it comes to sound quality, this speaker does pack a punch, with a feature that Creative calls "TeraBass." There is also the ROAR feature, that gives this device its name, that allows for a significant boost in volume without resulting in any distortion. Audio quality is something you won't be complaining about, and with all its extra features built-in, the Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 is a great choice. The Sound Blaster Roar 2 is currently priced at $169.99.
SEE ALSO: Creative Sound Blaster Roar 2 review
Anker Soundcore
Anker is a name you'll more commonly associate with external battery packs, but the company has a slew of other accessories on offer as well, including Bluetooth speakers. The Anker Soundcore is one of the better options when it comes to sub-$50 speakers, and offers good sound quality for the price. It doesn't come will a lot of bells and whistles, but the compact and portable speaker also offers 24 hours of battery life, which is impressive by any standard. If budget is a concern, the Anker Soundcore is a great choice. The Anker Soundcore is currently priced at $35.99.
SEE ALSO: Anker Soundcore review
JBL Flip 3
When it comes to audio products, the name JBL always comes up in one form or another. One of their latest products is the JBL Flip 3, with the latest iteration of the Bluetooth speaker featuring a fabric covering with two passive bass radiators on either end to pump out the sound, and a fabric covering to protect it from splashes.
Battery life has been increased to 10 hours, nearly double of what was available with its predecessor, and the audio quality is great as well. The Flip 3 has a range of almost 50 feet, and with it now being splash-proof, this is also a perfect companion to take to the beach or keep by the pool. The Flip 3 is also quite affordable, and is priced starting at around $80, depending on your color option.
SEE ALSO: JBL Flip 3 review
CB3 Armor XL
The CB3 Armor XL, as its name suggests, is a Bluetooth speaker that is also waterproof, and is as rugged as it looks. Bass comes through loud and clear, thanks to the dual 50mm drivers, and the overall sound quality is pretty good. Available is a rubber strap which you can attach to the speaker, to let it dangle from say a shower head, if you so choose. The CB3 Armor XL is also quite affordable, which is difficult to find when it comes to rugged speakers, and the speaker is currently priced at $79.99.
DON'T MISS: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2016
Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 2.0
Sennheiser is one of the biggest brands in audio, and Momentum Wireless 2.0 is one of the best pair of headphones money can buy. The headphones feature active noise cancelling and great sound quality, and are comfortable to wear. While they are also wireless, you can hardwire them as well if you need to. The headphones offer a solid 22 hours of battery life with noise cancellation and Bluetooth turned on.
If noise cancellation is a big deal for you, you'll appreciate that the headphones come four microphones whose sole purpose is to detect and cancel outside noise, and while making a phone call two of those mics switch to pick up your voice for clearer voice calls. The Momentum 2.0 is very expensive though, and is currently priced at $405.
SEE ALSO: Sennheiser Momentum Wireless review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is still one of the best pairs of headphones you can get for the money. They have a mostly balanced sound, and whether you're looking for a good pair of headphones for the studio or just want a pair of over-ears for your commutes, these are a great choice. It may not match up to some of the more premium headphones out there, but if you're looking to make your first investment into a good pair of headphones, the ATH-M50x is certainly worth considering. The headphones are currently priced at $169.
SEE ALSO: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review
CB3 Hush
If you're looking for a good pair of headphones that are under $100, the CB3 Hush is the one for you. You also get features like active noise cancelling here, and though you won't get the same premium build quality as the more expensive options, these headphones are far from uncomfortable. The two best features about these headphones are arguably the most important when it comes to a pair of wireless headphones, which are noise cancelling and the sound quality, and the best part is that you don't have to break the bank to get them. The CB3 Hush is currently priced at $89.99.
DON'T MISS: Best headphones of 2016
Earphones
RHA T20
The RHA T10 was a great pair of earphones, and its successor, the RHA T20 is even better! The T20 comes with a whole new driver that RHA has dubbed DualCoil, that is supposed to increase sound quality even further. One of the most unique features of the T10 was their swappable filters, allowing you to pick from filters that provide a more neutral sound, higher bass response, or clearer treble, and these returns with the T20.
This, combined with the large amount of tips included, makes the T20 much more customizable than most other pairs of earbuds. The RHA T20 is definitely one of the best earphones you can get, but is admittedly pricey, with it currently priced at $239.95.
SEE ALSO: RHA T20 review
CB3 Stealth
If you don't wanna spend a whole lot on a pair of wireless earphones, you should definitely consider the CB3 Stealth.The Stealth look like any average pair of wireless earbuds and features an all-black design with a few different sized wing tips and ear tip to help you get the perfect fit. They're also completely sweat proof which makes them great for exercise, so if you're looking for fitness headphones that won't break the bank, these are a great option.
You get 7 hours of play back time, which isn't amazing, but on par with most other wireless earphones out there. Priced at just $49.99, you will be hard pressed to find another pair of quality wireless earbuds at this price point.
Master & Dynamic ME05
One audio brand that is beginning to make a name for themselves is Master & Dynamic, with their ME05 earphones being particularly impressive. The first thing you're likely to notice about the ME05s is the build quality. These are made of solid brass, which Master & Dynamic claims lends a unique sound quality to them, and they do sound really good.
Being made of brass means that these are heavier than your average pair of earphones, but are still fairly comfortable. The Master & Dynamic ME05 earphones certainly aren't cheap, but if you are looking for the best sounding earbuds, this is the product for you. The ME05 is currently priced at $199.99.
SEE ALSO: Master & Dynamic ME05 review
DON'T MISS: Best earphones of 2016
Chargers and cables
Anker 5-port wall charger
This Anker wall charger comes with 5 ports, including one USB Type-C port, to let you charge any of the new Android smartphones that have been released. Of course, the charger can be used to charge older devices as well, using any of the other four ports. Multiple built-in safeguards are available to fully protect against over-current, overcharging, and overheating for safe and fast charging.
If you have a lot of devices lying around, and are looking for a single solution to keep them charged, this 5-port charger should more than cover your needs. The Anker wall charger is currently priced at $43.99.
Aukey 4-port car charger
This Aukey car charger lets you charge up to 4 devices simultaneously if you need to do so. One of the ports comes with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support, allowing you to charge your QC 3.0 compatible smartphone 4x faster than a standard charger. The charger comes with a microUSB cable, but if you have the appropriate cable handy, you can use this charger to charge smartphones with a USB Type C port as well. The other three ports don't come with fast charging, but allows for the fastest possible charge, up to 2.4 A. The charger also keeps your devices safe from over current, overcharging, and overheating. The Aukey 4-port charger is currently priced at $19.99.
SEE ALSO: Best USB car chargers
Don't miss: Best USB Type-C cables Battery packs
RAVPower 20,100 mAh
The RAVPower battery pack is a simple black box with a four dot LED battery indicator. The battery pack has a micro USB port used to charge the battery pack, a USB 3A Type-C port, a USB port capable of supporting Qualcomm's Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0 technologies, and an iSmart USB port.
The iSmart port is used for devices that have been identified by RAVPower, and is optimised on a device by device basis. There's certainly plenty of juice here too, as 20,100 mAh is enough juice to power a Galaxy S6 close to 5 times, and an iPhone 6S nearly 8 times. The pack has overcharge and circuit protection to protect your devices from the very thing that keeps them running. The RAVPower 20,100 mAh battery pack is currently priced at $59.99.
Anker PowerCore+ Mini – $9.99
Have little space in your pockets thanks to that hefty wallet, phone, and keys? The Anker PowerCore+ Mini is very small, as well as very affordable at just $13. It is about the size of a lipstick container at 3.5 × 0.9 × 0.9 inches, and can fit in any pocket. It's also no slouch with 3,350 mAh of battery capacity.
The Anker PowerCore+ Mini's build won't disappoint, thanks to its compact size and aluminum body that should result in a pretty durable pack that can handle a few bumps and clanks while in your pocket.
See also: Best Portable Battery Packs Expandable storage
MicroSD cards
If you listen to a lot of music, take a lot of pictures, download quite a few apps, or store movies or TV shows on your device's storage to watch later, choosing the right microSD card is an important decision. There are a lot of options when it comes to microSD cards, with numerous brands offering various storage capacities, speeds, and price points. To make your search easier, we've rounded up some of the best microSD cards you can buy, which you can find here:
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive
The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive flash drive includes one reversible USB Type-C connector and one standard USB (Type-A) connector, so you can easily transfer files between smartphones, tablets and computers, freeing up space when you need it. Switching between the two connectors is very easy as well. You also get access to the SanDisk Memory Zone application that makes managing and backing up content on your Android devices a snap.
Especially if you have a smartphone like the Nexus 6P that doesn't offer expandable storage, this device can be a huge help. The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive is currently priced at $14.99 for the 16 GB version, and goes all the way up to $55.99 for the 128 GB iteration.
So, there you have it for this comprehensive roundup to cover all your tech needs when you go back to school this Fall!
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