By Harper Quinn, Tech Deals Editor
As the 2025 school year approaches, students and parents are hunting for affordable tech to boost productivity and make learning easier. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable gadgets—there are plenty of budget-friendly options that deliver great performance. From earbuds to laptop accessories, we’ve rounded up the best back-to-school tech under $50 to help you gear up without breaking the bank. Here’s our curated list of essentials perfect for students of all ages.
Top Tech Picks Under $50
Anker Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds
- Price: ~$25 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: These compact earbuds offer impressive sound for the price, with punchy bass and clear vocals, ideal for studying or unwinding with music. With 10 hours of battery life per charge and 30 hours total with the case, they’re perfect for long school days. The IPX5 water resistance makes them suitable for workouts or commutes, and the lightweight design ensures all-day comfort. Touch controls allow easy management of calls and playback.
Why Choose It? Affordable, reliable earbuds for music, podcasts, and virtual classes.
Rocketbook Mini Reusable Notebook
- Price: ~$20 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: The Rocketbook Mini combines the feel of traditional note-taking with digital convenience. This pocket-sized notebook lets you write with a Pilot Frixion pen, scan notes to cloud services like Google Drive or Evernote using the Rocketbook app, and wipe pages clean for reuse. It’s perfect for jotting down lecture notes or brainstorming ideas without wasting paper.
Why Choose It? Eco-friendly and budget-friendly for students who love handwritten notes.
Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse
- Price: ~$15 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This wireless mouse is a simple, reliable upgrade for laptop users. Its plug-and-play USB receiver ensures easy setup, and the ergonomic design feels comfortable during long study sessions. With a 12-month battery life (using a single AA battery), it’s low-maintenance and ideal for navigating spreadsheets, presentations, or online research.
Why Choose It? A dependable, no-frills mouse for precise control on a budget.
Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger
- Price: ~$20 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This compact, cylindrical power bank delivers 5,000mAh of portable power, enough to charge a smartphone once or twice. Its small size slips easily into a backpack or pocket, making it a lifesaver for students on the go. Fast charging via USB-C keeps devices powered during all-day classes or study sessions.
Why Choose It? Keeps your phone or tablet charged without adding bulk to your bag.
SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive (64GB)
- Price: ~$12 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: With 64GB of storage, this USB 3.0 flash drive offers speedy transfers for documents, photos, or presentations. Its durable metal casing withstands the rigors of student life, and the compact design fits easily in a pencil case or pocket. It’s a reliable way to back up assignments or share files with classmates.
Why Choose It? Fast, affordable storage for school projects and backups.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
- Price: ~$24 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: Never lose your keys or backpack again with the Tile Mate. This Bluetooth tracker pairs with an app to locate misplaced items within a 250-foot range. It’s water-resistant (IP67) and works with both iOS and Android, making it a versatile tool for busy students. The replaceable battery lasts up to three years.
Why Choose It? Peace of mind for keeping track of essentials on campus.
Amazon Basics Laptop Sleeve (13-inch)
- Price: ~$10 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This slim, padded sleeve protects 13-inch laptops or tablets from scratches and bumps. Made of durable neoprene, it’s lightweight and fits easily in a backpack. Available in multiple colors, it adds a touch of style while keeping your device safe during commutes or classes.
Why Choose It? A budget-friendly way to protect your laptop without added bulk.
Why These Picks Stand Out
Our selections are based on extensive research, user reviews, and hands-on experience with similar products. We focused on affordability, durability, and functionality to ensure these gadgets meet the needs of students. Each item is available from trusted retailers like Amazon, with prices under $50 to fit tight budgets. These products balance performance and value, making them perfect for back-to-school prep in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Equipping yourself for the 2025 school year doesn’t have to be expensive. From the Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds for immersive audio to the Rocketbook Mini for sustainable note-taking, these tech picks under $50 offer practicality and performance. Whether you’re heading to class or studying remotely, these gadgets will help you stay organized, connected, and productive. Ready to shop? Check out these deals at Amazon and gear up for a successful school year! For more budget-friendly tech, explore our guides or follow our social channels for the latest offers.
