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Back to School Tech

Our tech buying advice and product picks are required reading if you want to ace your classes.

Back to School Tech
Our tech buying advice and product picks are required reading if you want to ace your classes.
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Latest Stories

Extra Credit: The Best Back To School Laptop Deals for 2025

The first bell's going to ring sooner than you think, and if you've got a family member heading back to school, give them all the tech they need to succeed with a brand new laptop.

By K. Thor Jensen
Three laptop deals on a purple background

The Best Chromebooks for Kids in 2025

Chromebooks are now a staple of American education. If your child needs one for schoolwork or playtime, here's help with the specs, the features, and everything else you need to know before you buy.

By Brian Westover
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) display

The Best Laptops for Kids in 2025

An inexpensive PC can be a powerful educational tool for your child. Here's how to shop for a kid-friendly laptop, as well as our top models to buy. (Most are budget-priced, and all have been tested in depth.)

By Brian Westover & Tom Brant
HP ProBook x360 11 Education Edition

The Best Language Learning Apps for 2025

Want to read, speak, or write in a new language but aren't sure where to start? These are the best language learning apps we've tested, no matter your budget, goals, or prior experience.

By Jill Duffy
A photo composite showing a person on a laptop with a bubble coming out of it and the German flag colors on it, and another person on a mobile device with a buble and the colors and patters of the Japanese flag on it with a green background

The Best Cameras for Kids in 2025

Unleash your child's inner artist. We've put together a list of the best cameras we've tested for kids of all ages and have tips for getting them started with digital photography.

By Jim Fisher
Child using large film camera to take picture of dog

Too Soon? Apple Kicks Off Back-to-School Sale. Here's What You Can Get

Summer vacation just started, but Apple's back-to-school sale is live. Now through Sept. 30, add an accessory to an iPad or Mac purchase and save up to $129 and $199, respectively.

By Jibin Joseph
Apple's art for its back to school offer

Lingoda Review: Live Online Language Classes for a Reasonable Price

4.5 Editors' Choice

Speaking and interacting with others is a crucial part of learning a language, and Lingoda offers hour-long lessons with excellent instructors and compelling teaching materials to get you there.

$10 Per Class with Monthly Subscription
at Lingoda
By Jill Duffy
Lingoda logo

Todoist Review

5.0 Editors' Choice

With a superb interface, apps for every mainstream platform, and effective collaboration tools, Todoist is the to-do list app to beat.

Visit Site for Pricing
at Todoist
By Jill Duffy & Gabriela Vatu
Todoist logo

The Best Note-Taking Apps for 2025

Jot down your thoughts, save images of things you need to remember, and keep everything at your fingertips on all of your devices with the best note-taking apps we've tested.

By Jill Duffy & Justin Pot
A person takes notes on a tablet

The Best Sites for Learning American Sign Language in 2025

Learning ASL is different from learning orally spoken and written languages. We've vetted the best ASL sites to help you start signing today.

By Jill Duffy
A person with her hands spread open in front of her body; she is also looking intently at a tablet

The Best Online Learning Services for 2025

Whether you're looking to get ahead in your schoolwork, improve a business skill, edit video, or even master French pastry, the top online learning sites we've tested can help.

By Jill Duffy
A blue textured background with two people in black and white; one is at a laptop and the other is dressed in activewear

The Best Free Parental Control Apps for 2025

Apple, Google, and Microsoft all offer free parental control apps or settings to help you keep your kids safer online.

By Kim Key
Image of Apple Google and Microsoft logos on a blue background

What to Do If You're Falsely Accused of Using AI to Cheat

AI detectors aren't always 100% accurate. If you're accused of using AI tools to complete assignments, take a deep breath and follow these four steps to prove that your academic work is your own.

By Chandra Steele
crying emoji with a halo and then AI brains around it

The Best Office Suites for 2025

Microsoft 365 isn't your only choice for word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Whether you want local or cloud-based apps, we're here to help you pick the best office suite for your needs.

By Edward Mendelson
A photo composite of images and icons representing word processing, spreadsheet editing, and presentation creation

The Best Online Tutoring and Exam Prep Services for 2024

From instructional videos to live one-on-one help, these online services can help you or your kids get ahead academically—and they're usually less expensive than IRL tutors.

By Chandra Steele
girl sitting at desk watching tutor on laptop

Quizlet Review

4.0 Editors' Choice

The study app Quizlet is an effective, intuitive tool for learners of all ages who need to memorize information.

Visit Site
at Quizlet
By Jill Duffy & Gabriela Vatu
Quizlet logo

California Governor Signs Bill Banning Smartphone Use in Schools

Under the new law, California elementary and secondary schools have until 2026 to implement guidelines to reduce smartphone usage. The rules can be relaxed in case of emergencies or health issues.

By Jibin Joseph
A photo illustration of school students using smartphones.

These Kids Love Their Electric School Bus, But Some Adults Want to Pump the Brakes

NY's Lake Shore is in the midst of a state-mandated switch to electric buses. We hop aboard to get the next generation's take on their new rides and try to unravel the political pushback.

By Emily Forlini
middle schooler

Education Essentials: Top-Rated Gear for Back to School

Gearing up for the school year? Here's all the tech we recommend for students, hand-picked by PCMag's in-house experts.

By Chandra Steele
green background with school bus and image of children in a circle

What to Do if Windows Can't Connect to Your Printer

Adding a networked printer to your PC is usually a cinch, but what if Windows just won't play nice with it or can't find it at all? Here are a few quick solutions.

By William Harrel & Jason Cohen
woman with face on printer in despair