Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 back-to-school deals
It's still July, but if you're a parent, you're likely already starting to think about back-to-school deals for your kids. Amazon Prime Day represents the perfect time to save money on popular products and tech gear students of all ages will likely need.
Amazon has slashed prices on popular back-to-school items in a variety of categories, so here's a chance to save some money while you can.
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Save on back-to-school items during Amazon Prime Day 2024
From low-cost Windows laptops and Chromebooks, headphones, dorm room bedding, TVs and other essentials, to school supplies and other back-to-school necessities, Amazon has you covered with great deals during the Prime Day 2024 sale event that's going on now.
Back-to-school tech deals
Check out these Amazon Prime Day deals on laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, headphones, wireless earbuds and more.
Apple iPad (9th generation): $249 (24% off)
At the moment, the iPad (9th generation) is the least expensive iPad you can buy. It relies on older technology, but it runs the latest version of the iPadOS operating system and comes with the same collection of preinstalled apps included with all current model iPads. This model also allows users to download and install additional apps from the App Store.
Its performance is a bit slower than newer models, and its screen offers a lower resolution. And the tablet also runs using an older processor. Yet, for a young user, this version of the iPad is more than adequate.
If you plan to give the iPad to a young child, we highly recommend a kid-friendly, full body case to protect it from accidental spills, drops and other potential damage.
For a younger user, the iPad 9th generation is a great entry-level option. Right now, you can purchase it for 24% off during Amazon Prime Day. For more help choosing the perfect iPad for the person you're shopping for, be sure to read our 2024 Apple iPad buyer's guide.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402: $374 (15% off)
In general, Chromebook laptops are considerably less expensive than Windows laptops, although they typically offer the same form factor and can handle pretty much the same tasks. The big difference is that Chromebooks rely much more heavily on cloud applications and storage. As a result, they're most useful when the user has access to a continuous, high-speed internet connection via Wi-Fi.
The latest Chromebook Plus laptops run the ChromeOS operating system (not Windows), but their internal hardware is a bit more advanced than basic Chromebooks and these laptops contain a bit more internal storage. They also now integrate with Google Gemini and Google AI in ways that continues to evolve and expand each month.
This Asus Chromebook Plus provides the core tools needed to run just about any cloud-based application or game. It also offers easy access to all of Google's apps and services, Microsoft 365 and other popular applications and services that students typically need. And it has an integrated webcam and everything needed to participate in online classes and video calls.
Check out our in-depth review of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402, which is now on sale during Amazon Prime Day for 15% off, which brings its price down to $374.
Acer Aspire 3 Windows 11 laptop: $350 (22% off)
These days, you don't need to spend $1,000 or more for a laptop that runs Windows, but if you spend less than $500, you'll likely wind up with a slower machine that has only the most basic configuration and typically a small capacity SSD for internal storage.
This is suitable for younger students, especially those who rely on cloud applications, but these lower-end computers can't handle more advanced tasks that require extra computing power. Entry-level Windows laptops are also not good for gaming.
That said, for an elementary or middle school age student who needs a Windows laptop (as opposed to a Chromebook Plus), this Acer Aspire 3 is a viable and low cost option. It's currently on sale for $350 -- which is 22% off on Amazon during its Prime Day 2024 sale.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet: $142 (35% off)
Some of the more powerful and feature-packed tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, have souped-up AI functionality offered by Google. But most younger students have no need for this advanced technology.
Instead, this Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an Android tablet that runs using a slightly older processor and has a lower resolution display than the latest and more expensive tablets. But it still runs Android, comes with a generous collection of preinstalled apps and provides easy access to all Google apps and services. It can also be used for casual online gaming and to run a vast selection of optional apps available from the Google Play Store.
This Galaxy Tab A9+ is extremely affordable, especially now that it's on sale for $142 during Amazon Prime Day, which is a 35% discount. It's a great entry-level tablet that can easily handle the tasks that most elementary and middle school students need a tablet to handle for their schoolwork and entertainment.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids (ages 3 to 7) tablet: $55 (50% off)
Amazon has several entry-level tablets designed specifically for kids. These run a scaled-down version of Android. The Amazon Fire 7 Kids is suitable for kids between the ages of three and seven.
What sets the Amazon Kids tablets apart is that each comes with a kid-friendly and durable case, a two year "worry-free" guarantee, and a one year subscription to Amazon Kids+. With the guarantee, if the tablet gets damaged during the first two years of ownership, Amazon will repair or replace it for free.
The Amazon Kids+ service offers a child unlimited access to a library of apps, games, e-books, videos, audiobooks and other educational and entertainment content that's carefully curated and age-appropriate for a younger audience.
Originally released in 2022, this version of the Amazon Fire 7 Kids offers a seven-inch touchscreen and enough processing power to handle anything that a typical three- to seven-year-old will need a tablet to do. Battery life is up to 10 hours per charge. The tablet has just 16GB of internal storage, but this can be expanded using an optional microSD memory card.
You can get this kids' tablet for just $55 right now, which marks a 50% off discount for Prime Day.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): $169 (32% off)
Right now, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are Apple's most advanced and best-sounding wireless earbuds. And during Amazon Prime Day, they're on sale for just $199, which is 20% off their usual $249 price. These were our top pick within our 2024 Apple AirPods buyer's guide and for good reason. They also fared well in our roundup of the six best wireless earbuds with spatial audio in 2024.
These earbuds are ideal for Apple enthusiasts and students of all ages. Key features include spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and support of Dolby Atmos. Their noise-canceling technology works exceptionally well.
The design of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is fairly similar to the previous generation, but Apple has introduced touch controls to the stems of these earbuds. Plus, you can also now choose between a USB Type-C or Lightning-compatible charging case.
These are powerful, general-purpose, wireless earbuds that offer spacial audio with dynamic head tracking to make music and audio from TV shows and movies that support it sound truly immersive. The audio instantly adapts when you move your head.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $1,100 (22% off, includes $200 Amazon gift card)
Among high school and college students who use Android smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phones are extremely popular and have been for several years. They're full-featured Android phones, but have a folding display, so the phone fits nicely in a pocket when not in use.
Enhanced durability, improved displays, a better camera system and integrated Google AI are some of the key upgrades offered by the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. It's now thinner, lighter and offers a 4,000mAh capacity battery (so you can expect all-day battery life).
The AMOLED cover display measures 3.4 inches, has a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits, a 60Hz refresh rate and offers 720 x 748 pixel resolution. When unfolded, the main Dynamic AMOLED 2x display provides 6.7 inches of on-screen real estate, with a 2,640 x 1,080 pixel resolution, a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The phone weighs a mere 6.6 ounces. It measures just 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches when folded, so it easily fits in a pocket.
The phone runs using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy processor which has a processing speed up to 3.4GHz, so it's the fastest folding Samsung phone yet. The phone is IP48 rated for water resistance. And since AI is evolving so quickly, Samsung has pledged to support the phone with new OS and security updates for seven years. Choose from six casing colors.
This new phone begins shipping on July 23, well before students go back to school. As an incentive to pre-order the new phone from Amazon, it's currently being discounted, plus you get a free memory upgrade (a $120 value) and a bonus $200 Amazon gift card you can use for future Amazon purchases.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition: $180 (5% off)
As its name suggests, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition is a slightly more feature-packed edition of the popular Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. This version supports wireless charging using any Qi-compatible charger, or it can be charged via a wired USB Type-C connection.
The display's brightness and contrast are auto-adjusting, based on the ambient light around you. But you can manually adjust the brightness and color temperature of the display to accommodate your preferences. And this version of the Kindle is waterproof. Plus, it can serve as an audio player for audiobooks or podcasts. Since they are no internal speakers, you'll need to pair the device with your choice of wireless headphones or earbuds (sold separately).
This e-reader also comes with a three-month trial subscription to Kindle Unlimited. This service offers access to more than four million e-books, audiobooks and related content. After that, the monthly fee is $11.99. However, you can also buy e-books or audiobooks individually from the Kindle store directly from the device when it's connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Just reading e-books or listen to downloaded doesn't require an Internet connection.
During Amazon Prime Day, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is on sale for $180, which is 5% off its usual price. Within our roundup of the five best e-readers of 2024, this model was our top pick. It's perfect for high school and college students, since it offers a plethora of really useful features.
Amazon Echo Buds (2023 edition): $25 (50% off)
If you're looking for super-affordable wireless earbuds that work with iOS and Android mobile devices, Windows and MacOS laptops and other equipment that can stream audio via Bluetooth, these 2023 Amazon Echo Buds are well worth the $25 they're now being sold for during Amazon Prime Day.
While these earbuds lack features like noise cancelation and spatial audio, they do provide up to five hours of playback per charge and use 12mm drivers to produce clear stereo sound. These earbuds are also sweat and water resistant and can be used for hands-free calling.
No, these are not the most powerful and best sounding wireless earbuds, but now that they're on sale for 50% off during Amazon Prime Day, you can't beat the value you get for their price.
Deals on dorm room essentials
A comfortable, well-decorated and nicely equipped dorm room is essential for any student. Here are some must-have items that are on sale during Amazon Prime Day.
Amazon 55" Fire TV 4-Series: $330 (37% off)
Many college students use their laptop or tablet to stream TV shows, movies, YouTube videos and other content for entertainment, but this provides a more private viewing experience. To binge watch shows, movies and sports with roommates and college friends, a traditional TV is more suitable.
For a dorm room that's short on space, this 55-inch smart TV from Amazon is an affordable option. It's on sale for 37% off during Amazon Prime Day, so it can be added to a dorm room for just $330. As a smart TV that runs using the FireTV OS, it can access any popular video streaming service your college student subscribes to, such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix or Hulu.
This is a 4K resolution, 55-inch, LED smart TV. However, if you're looking for a TV that's even less expensive, the Amazon Fire TV 2-Series has a starting price of just $110 for the 32-inch model (now that it's also on sale for a whopping 45% off).
Surge Protector Power Strip: $13 (19% off)
The problem with most dorm rooms is that they don't offer enough power outlets for all of a students equipment and devices. For this reason, it's essential to send a student back to college with a reliable power strip with a surge protector.
This power strip offers eight three-prong outlets, two USB Type-A ports and two USB Type-C ports, along with an integrated surge protector.
At the moment, it's on sale from Amazon for just $13. But, if you purchase two or more of them at the same time, you'll get an additional 6% off.
Ticonn 6-pack extra large moving bags: $30 (25% off)
Packing up a college student to move into a dorm room can be a challenging task. If you're be driving them back to school (or they'll be road tripping it on their own), these extra large moving bags are the perfect packing solution. And during Amazon Prime Day, you can purchase six of them for just $30 -- which is 25% off.
Each bag comes with a study zipper and carry handles. Each holds up to 50 pounds and is waterproof. But when not being used, they fold up for easy storage.
These are a great alternative to moving boxes or cumbersome luggage. The bags measure 27 by 14 by 15 inches and have up to a 24-gallon volume. They're made from a premium PE material.
The Ticonn extra large moving bags have earned a 4.7-star (out of five) rating, based on more than 36,400 Amazon reviews.
Dorm Room Essentials college bedding comforter set: $37 (17% off)
It's important to send your teenager off to college with comfortable bedding. It makes sense to purchase an affordable bedding set like this one from Dorm Room Essentials.
This five piece set includes a comforter, pillowcase, flat sheet and fitted sheet that fits a twin XL size bed. You can choose between more than 22 solid color options. The material used is 100% double brushed, ultra-soft microfiber.
Now that Amazon has cut the price of this bedding set from $45 down to just $37, it's a great time to stock up and get ready for back to school.
CGK Unlimited twin XL 3-piece sheet set: $24 (59% off)
For the college student who already has a comfortable pillow and comforter, this three-piece sheet set comes in a variety of solid color options and in the popular twin or twin XL size. Each set includes a pillowcase, flat sheet and fitted sheet.
These microfiber sheets are wrinkle-free. The fitted sheet offers deep pockets to provide a snug fit around any twin or twin XL size mattress.
Now that this sheet set is on sale for an incredible 59% off, you can purchase it for just $24. At this price, it makes sense to buy a college student two or three sets in their favorite colors.
BedsPick memory foam mattress topper (twin XL): $68 (43% off)
One of the worst things about college dorm life is that the mattresses supplied by the college are typically not too comfortable. To remedy this, we recommend bringing a memory foam mattress topper to place over the mattress and under the sheet.
This BedsPick memory foam mattress comes in a twin or twin XL size. It's three inches thick and is both breathable and ventilated. It's earned a 4.6-star (out of five) rating, based on more than 4,200 Amazon reviews.
Right now, during the Amazon Prime Day sale, this mattress topper is on sale for 43% off its usual $119 price, making it just $68.
Ailbton LED neon rope light (32.8 feet): $32 (20% off)
This Ailbron LED neon rope light offers a low-cost way to decorate a dorm room using programmable and color changing smart lighting. The light rope can be controlled using the supplied handheld remote or any smartphone. While it's not bright enough to fully light up an entire room, this light strip is perfect for creating a vibe.
This flexible 32.8-foot long LED rope light is IP65 rated to be waterproof. And it has a built-in feature that allows it to animate itself and sync with music.
Based on the dimensions of a dorm room, similar LED rope lights are available in a variety of lengths, from 20 feet up to 120 feet. This 32.8-foot version has 300 mini LED lights built in, each of which can showcase any of several hundred of selectable colors.
Currently, you can get this rope light for just $32, which is 20% off its normal price.
Hotel Sheets Direct twin XL derived from sheets: $48 (13% off)
Here's another affordable twin XL sheet set that's perfect for a college dorm. The set includes a pillow case, flat sheet and fitted sheet, each made from 100% viscose -- a material derived from bamboo.
These sheets are super soft, durable, moisture wicking and breathable. They're thermoregulated, so they'll stay cool all summer long and warm throughout the fall and winter.
Choose between 16 solid color options. The fitted sheet can accommodate a mattress that's up to 15 inches thick. During Amazon Prime Day, you can purchase this sheet set for just $48, which is 13% off its normal price.
Save on school supplies
Sometimes, it's the smaller items that add up... unless you seek out sales. During Amazon Prime Day, there are fantastic deals to be found on common school supplies. Amazon stocks more than 60,000 different school supplies and currently, more than 20,000 of them are on sale.
Here are a 10 school supply deal highlights:
- Five Star spiral notebook (5 subject, college ruled paper): $6 (53% off)
- Paper Mate Clearpoint mechanical pencils (10 pack, assorted colors): $17 (35% off)
- Paper Mate InkJoy gel pens (10 pack, medium point, assorted colors): $10 (17% off)
- BIC Brite Liner Grip highlighter set (12 pack, chisel tip, pastel colors): $6 (61% off)
- Paper Mate Flair Nature Escape scented felt tip pens (16 pack, 0.7mm point, assorted colors): $12 (51% off)
- Oxford loose leaf notebook paper for three ring binders (500 sheets, 8 x 10-1/2 inch wide ruled paper, 3 hole punch): $10 (28% off)
- Scotch Magic Tape (6 rolls with dispenser): $13 (47% off)
- Ohome Sticky Notes (12 pads, 3 x 3 inches, multiple colors): $6 (40% off)
- Mead Spiral Notebook (24 Pack, one subject, wide ruled paper, 7.5 x 10.5 inches, 70 sheets per notebook): $36 (15% off)
We're tracking down all the best Prime Day discounts, including the best lightning deals and rival sales during Prime Day 2024. Whether you're trying to find the best Prime Day deals on tech, Prime Day sales on beauty and fashion finds or Prime Day deals on health and fitness equipment, our team of expert deal hunters has you covered.
