Settling on the perfect gear for back-to-school season can be a bit tough, especially if you’re looking beyond school and trying to buy for the gamer in your life. Kitting out a dorm with a new PC, monitors, or even just trying to find the right headphone solution to rock around campus can see you wading through a veritable sea of options.
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with our Back To School gaming guide. We live in an age where most students from grade school through university will be doing their school work digitally. Making sure you’ve got the right hardware to satisfy both the productivity side of the equation, as well as something powerful enough to please your gaming needs is crucial, especially if you’re on a budget.
We’ve listed options from the best budget choice all the way up to the best option to splurge on if you’ve got the extra coin. From in-ear monitors to the best pre-built PCs, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve even got some actual back-to-school gear options for you if you’re looking for pens, backpacks, and more.
Best Mouse
Best Overall: Logitech G502X Plus Wireless ($159.99 on Amazon)
Arguably the best mouse on the market, the Logitech G502X Plus is the latest variant of the legendary gaming mouse. Available in three variants, from the standard G502X, the G502X Lightspeed and the G502X Plus, there is an option for anyone looking for the best.
The iconic mouse has stellar ergonomics, improvements made to make it lighter and more in keeping with modern mice compared to the original G502, the Logitech G502X Plus excels in nearly every test we threw at it in our review.
Best Mid-range: Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite (Wired: $79.99; Wireless: $109.99 on Amazon
Corsair’s Scimitar RGB Elite is a a great mid-range option for those looking for a great MMO mouse, while also looking for something that will stand the test of time. With its 17 programmable buttons, including the twelve side buttons ideal for MMO hotkeys, as well as an incredible sensor, it’s a solid option.
Available in both a wired and wireless variant, this mouse can feel a bit wide for some hands, and if you’re looking for something ultralight, this isn’t it. But for a good mid-range option (or even budget option if you don’t mind the wire), it’s a great choice.
Best Budget: NZXT LIFT 2 Ergo Mouse ($49.99 on NZXT)
Described by our reviewer as a “no fuss gaming mouse,” the minimalistic NZXT LIFT 2 Ergo does exactly what it sets out to do: be a good, ergonomic mouse (assuming you’re right handed).
It’s a budget offering, so it’s not going to have the frills that some of the other mice on this list boast, from RGB styling to a wireless variant. But it’s a decent budget gaming mouse that, if you’re able to look past the open undercarriage, can do the job.
Best Splurge: Razer Viper V3 Pro ($159.99 on Amazon)
It’s hard to have a splurge option for a category where they don’t get much more expensive than our best overall and the splurge, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include Razer’s excellent Viper V3 Pro on our list. The ultra-lightweight mouse from the gaming lifestyle brand is one of the best choices on the market, whether you’re simply browsing the web or trying to grind the next rank in the Valorant ladder.
Sure, it might be overkill if you’re simply going to browse Chrome, but it has excellent battery life, ultra-lightweight design (the thing is 54 grams), and uses the company’s best Focus Pro 35K optical sensor which has a polling rate of 35K. It’s wireless, can fit into a backpack easily, and utilizes Razer’s optical switch technology, much like their keyboards (and even their Razer Kitsune fight stick). It’s a stellar option for those who want to spend a little extra and prefer Razer’s design aesthetic over the Logitech G502X design.
Best Keyboard
Best Overall: Corsair K65 Plus Gaming Wireless ($159.99 on Corsair)
It’s hard not to like the Corsair K65 Plus Gaming Wireless keyboard. A stellar performer all around, the 75% form factor means it’s a great option for gaming at your desk or even throwing it into a backpack to do some work on the go. While not as portable as the Corsair K65 Mini, it’s still small enough to suit you in a pinch.
The keyboard itself is wireless, both via its included dongle and Bluetooth, and it has compatibility modes for Windows or Mac, meaning regardless of what platform you’re using, you’ll have the correct layout. You can also customize which switches you want in the keyboard, and if you want a little bit of extra flair for your setup, you can customize it further via Corsair’s Creation Lab. It’s an all-around great keyboard for the money.
Best Mid-Range: Keychron K3 Pro Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard ($84 on Keychron)
I absolutely adore this keyboard. As someone who loves low-profile keyboards and keyboards that can be stuffed in a bag and taken anywhere with me (this keyboard has gone to Iceland and back with me a few times now), the Keychron K3 Pro Low Profile is my personal favorite choice on our list. It feels absolutely stellar to type on, thanks to the clacky Gateron Blue switches, and despite its size, it is absolutely rock solid in use.
Another wireless option, the Keychron K3 Pro Low Profile, allows for Bluetooth connections in addition to wiring it in, meaning it can be used across the spectrum of devices, from your PC to your Mac and even that handheld gaming rig (I use it with my Steam Deck OLED all the time on the go). This is a great option if you’re looking to stay under $100 but still want a rock-solid performer.
Best Budget: Corsair K55 RGB Pro ($58 on Amazon)
The little brother of the K65 previously featured on this list, Corsair’s K55 RGB Pro is a solid budget option for those who want a bit of RGB flair, but don’t want to break the bank. It’s a full-size keyboard, meaning you’ll get the full 10-key number pad, and its RGB lighting is fully programmable via Corsair’s iCUE app.
However, the budget shortfall here is due to the switch it uses. The rubber dome switches get the job done, but they can feel squishy when used in motion.
Best Portable Option: NuPhy Air75 V2 ($101.95 on NuPhy)
NuPhy’s excellent Air75 low profile keyboard got an upgrade, with the Air75 V2, giving an upgraded experience over their original offering. It’s beautiful to look at, has a Mac-friendly layout for those of us who daily drive macOS, and it packs in its small frame doubleshot PBT keycaps, upgrading from the thick dye-sub keycaps on the V1..
The NuPhy Air75 V2 can also be equipped with a wide range of switches, from your standard Red, Blue and Brown, to more interesting choices such as the linear Aloe or its tactile Moss switches. It’s also endlessly portable, has foldable feet compared to the original’s magnet feet, and has compatibility with Windows macOS and Linux out of the box. It’s also available in a few different color schemes to personalize your set up.
Best Splurge: Mode Sonnet (Starts at $299 on Mode)
Keyboards as a hobby can get expensive. Building your own, customizing every aspect from the material of the frame to the dampeners you’ll use inside the body to get that perfect keystroke sound can fill the hours of many a keyboard enthusiast (just as our resident expert, Chris Coke). Mode Sonnet’s beautifully designed custom mechanic keyboard is an excellent option if you’ve got that extra green burning a hole in your pocket and you want something elegant and beautiful to use every day.
Starting at $299 on the Mode website, you can customize nearly every aspect of the Sonnet’s design, from the color of the frame to an accent bar across the top and even whether you want hot-swappable or soldered switches on the PCB. It’s a heavier keyboard, weighing in just under 4 lbs, so this is definitely not something you’ll want to carry around with you (and why would you, given the cost), but for someone looking at getting into custom keyboards as a hobby, or just want something with excellent build quality that will last, you can’t go wrong with the Mode Sonnet.
Best Chair
Best Overall: Razer Iskur V2 ($649 on Razer)
I’ve used a lot of gaming chairs in my day. From cheap IKEA computer chairs that will somehow outlive us all to the expensive ergonomic chairs, my backside has graced a lot of different ones.
The Razer Iskur V2 is by far and away the best overall chair I’ve used by a longshot. It’s plush and comfortable, with wide base and incredibly supportive foam cushioning the body as you sit in it. However, the game changer for the Iskur V2 has to be the best in class 6D lumbar support, which can be adjusted using click wheels on either side of the chair to fit your posture and back perfectly. Given the fact that it effortlessly moves with you as you adjust during the day, there won’t be a moment where the back isn’t supported. And that’s clutch for a chair where many of us will spend long hours either working on school work or just diving into Azeroth for that new raid.
Best Mid-range: Sihoo Doro C300 Pro Ergonomic Chair ($599.99 on Sihoo)
Quality chairs aren’t cheap, and even our mid-range option can break the bank of many of us. However, for an item that we will spend long hours of our lives within, it’s worth the investment. Cutting away from the “gamer aesthetic” racing chairs that dominate the landscape, the Sihoo Doro C300 is an ergonomic office chair, with direct lumbar support, a breathable mesh design, and 6D armrests to ensure your arms are supported the entire time you’re seated. It’s a solid offering (though if you want a more budget-friendly version, the Sihoo Doro C300 is comfortable in its own right).
Best Budget: Flexispot C7 Air Ergo Chair ($379.99 on Flexispot)
Flexispot’s C7 Air Ergo chair once again sees us eschew the traditional gamer look for something more focused on long-term comfort. Our budget option is still not cheap by any means, but it’s a solid offering if you’re able to spend the money for the longer-term investment here. It’s well built, comfortable and provides the support you will need throughout your body at all times.
It’s definitely geared more towards a budget offering thanks to some of the build materials: plastic instead of metal parts, and a surprisingly breathable and soft nylon mesh compared to other budget options. But it’s got great higher-end features such as 4D armrests, fully adjustable seat depth and height, great recline angle, and more.
Best Splurge: Steelcase Gesture (Starts at $1371 on Steelcase)
Our hardware editor Chris reviewed this chair for us earlier this year, confidently stating it was the “best chair we’ve ever reviewed (so far).” I trust his judgment here. Again, not a traditional gamer chair, instead an ergonomic offering that will support long gameplay sessions. The company that makes it, Steelcase, has been honing their craft since 1912, and the Gesture is, as Chris puts it, “the culmination of all those years of lessons learned.”
Some of its standout features include its fully adjustable 360-degree arms, its 3D LiveBack to support the natural curve of the spine, as well as an insane 12-year warranty on both parts and labor. It’s expensive, but it might be one of the last chairs you’ll ever need to buy.
Best Desks
Best Overall: Autonomous Eureka Standing Desk ($499 on Autonomous)
You’re going to notice a trend with our desk recommendations: they are all pretty much sit-stand desks. Autonomous is one of the first companies to popularize the form factor, with their excellent standing desks standing the test of time. I’ve owned their flagship desk (what is now the Eureka) for almost five years, and it’s still perfectly functional, with its motorized height adjustment easily lifting my combination of PC tower, widescreen monitor, and more without a hitch.
It’s easy to assemble and incredibly durable. This is definitely a desk worth spending the money on to complete your set up.
Best Mid-range: Uplift V2 Standing Desk ($569 on Uplift)
Yes, I’m aware that our best overall desk is actually cheaper than our mid-range offering. Quality desks, like quality chairs, are expensive, especially if you want them to last. The Uplift V2 offers quite a few styles, from a simple laminate white desk, to solid Mango wood butcher block materials. Heck, you can even get the desktop set up as a white board to brainstorm effortlessly right in your work space if you need.
What makes the Uplift V2 a great option is the level of customization you have with the desk itself. You can customize the look of the top, as noted, but also even swap out the style of keypad or the quality of the frame to hold everything up. It’s also available in a wide-range of sizes to accommodate larger workspaces and multi-monitor set ups should you need the extra real estate.
Best Budget: Deviase Rustic Brown Electric Standing Desk ($240 on Devaise)
I was pleasantly surprised by the Devaise standing desk I reviewed a few years back, its sub-$300 offering really performing well. It’s simple: it has an engineered wooden desktop with a single-leg motor driving the desk upwards when you throw it into gear. Its assembly, despite being a more budget option, was more convoluted than I liked thanks in part to that single leg motor. That single motor doesn’t feel as smooth moving the desk up and down compared to the Autonomous in my house, but the keypad felt a lot more responsive than any other I’ve used.
It’s a nice budget desk with good build quality for the money. If you can’t spend the extra on a more long-term solution, the Devaise will fit the bill.
Best Splurge: Secret Lab Magnus Pro (Starts at $848 on Secret Lab)
Known more for their excellent gaming chairs, Secret Lab’s Magnus Pro desk is definitely marketing itself towards gamers who want both the best, and RGB on everything. Available in its standard Pro and its larger Pro XL variant, the desk is customizable, from its color scheme to the build in desk mat to cover the entire top of the desk space.
It’s a beautiful desk, and in the right environment (like, say, a dorm room), the RGB splashing on the wall behind it will provide some excellent accents to your computer area. It’s not cheap, though, and with the add-ons you can easily eclipse the $1000 price range for this one. That said, it’s a splurge for a reason, so…you know…splurge.
Best Monitors
Best Overall: ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQR ($599 on Amazon)
This monitor has actually gone down in price since we started recommending it as our best overall gaming monitor, making an already stellar piece of kit an even better value. Sitting at $599 on Amazon at the time of writing, the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQR is a 32” 4K monitor boasting an excellent picture with deep blacks. With a 144hz refresh rate, GSync compatibility for smooth out framerates, and a 1ms response time on its IPS panel, this is a stellar option. It’s also rated for HDR at 600 nits, and when equipped with a modern console, you can take advantage of its 120hz refresh rate alongside that HDR and VRR support with its HDMI 2.1 support.
Best Mid-Range: Dell Curved 32” S3221Qs 4K Monitor ($279.99 on Amazon)
Not necessarily geared towards gaming, the Dell S3221QS 32” curved 4K monitor is a good workhorse monitor for both light gaming, but mostly your productivity needs. It’s VESA certified, and despite only being 60hz, it’s equipped with AMD FreeSync for those gamers who do decide to take advantage of it. It’s 1800R curve helps to envelope your vision, and while it’s got a VA panel with a 4ms response time, this is perfectly acceptable for browsing, watching videos, or cramming for that next exam.
Best Budget: Gigabyte M27Q 1440p Monitor ($229.99 on Amazon)
Gigabyte knows how to make good monitors, and its M-series line is no slouch, despite being cheaper than its more top-end gaming options. The M27 Q 27” 1440p monitor comes equipped with a stellar IPS panel, 0.5ms response time, AMD FreeSync Premium (and is GSync compatible), as well as an onboard KVM switch to balance play and productivity, all in one package. At $229, it’s an outrageously good price for as long-lasting, 1440p performer.
Best Splurge: Philips Evnia 49” Super-Ultrawide Curved OLED Gaming Monitor ($1499 (on sale for $999) on Amazon)
Super Ultrawide monitors are, well, pretty super, and the Philips Evnia 49” 49M2C8900 QD-OLED is no exception. It’s huge, curved, and beautiful in motion, with its 240hz refresh allowing for silky smooth, high refresh gaming, while its Quantum Dot OLED panel provides for incredible depth of color and dark, deep, inky blacks.
It’s an insanely good monitor for both productivity and gaming, thanks in large part to its USB-C docking, KVM Switch, and large amount of I/O supporting myriad connections. The 32:9 panel also doesn’t suffer from the screen door effect many ultrawide monitors do, thanks in large part to its 5440x1440 resolution. It’s FreeSync Premium works both with AMD GPUs and Nvidia GPUs thanks to GSync compatibility, allowing for smooth gaming regardless of framerate. And it’s HDR is utterly excellent, allowing for incredible gaming and viewing experiences.
Best Computers - Laptops Edition
Choosing the right form factor for your PC is crucial. If you have the space, a large gaming desktop is worth the investment. But if you need something on the go, or your space is limited, a laptop is definitely the way to go. Here are some of our favorite laptops, taking into account productivity for school work, and gaming performance for those late night gaming sessions.
Best Laptop For Productivity: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) ($1299 at Best Buy)
A lightweight performer from ASUS, the Zenbook 14 OLED got a refresh this year, bringing in an AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 32GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive. This offers incredibly responsive performance, whether you’re writing that next paper or simply looking for a video to watch.
It’s a compact and thin design, as well, making it perfect to take on the go, whether it’s working at a coffee shop or taking notes in class. It comes equipped with a rather large trackpad that is responsive, a quality keyboard that is both tactile and quiet, and despite its smaller chassis, it’s well-built and sturdy. It’s an excellent option if you aren’t too worried about gaming and just want a productivity powerhouse.
Best Laptop for Portability: Apple MacBook Air M2 13” (Starts at $999 on Apple)
If you want to lean more into Apple’s offerings, the MacBook Air M2 13” is a solid product as well. Personally, this is my daily driver, as I use it as my main work computer plugged into my ultrawide monitor right at my desk. But it’s also the laptop I take with me on work trips, or simply to the coffee shop or IKEA cafe (yes, I do that) to get a change of scenery.
The more expensive M3 MacBook Air is also a stellar option, but if you don’t want to step up into the more expensive product, the M2 is perfect for pretty much any productivity needs. The M2 chip can even handle some light gaming (there are some great MMOs on Mac, actually), though the M3 is a different animal if that is important to you (The M3 MacBook Air 13” starts at $1099). Apple’s computers always feel a bit lacking in the RAM and hard-drive offerings compared to a similarly specced PC, but it’s an option that combines the best of productivity and portability all in one package. And if you’re already embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, all the better.
Best Budget Gaming Laptop: ASUS TUF Gaming A14 (2024) ($1399.99 on ASUS)
If you want productivity and some gaming performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming A14 is a great entry into the world of gaming laptops. It’s our budget offering, and comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU as well as Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, which powers its 165hz GSync display.
It’s a no frills gaming laptop. There is no RGB strip running the course of the chassis, nor are there any flashy RGB backlighting on the keyboard. It’s also on the lighter side of gaming laptops, at just over three pounds. Its 14” 2560 x 1600 panel is serviceable, and it has the ability to save on battery life by swapping to the CPU’s integrated graphics when not running a gaming application. It’s a good laptop for the money.
Best Splurge Option (#1): ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) GU605 (Starts at $2899.99 on ASUS)
We’re back with yet another ASUS laptop (they make great laptops), with the ROG Zephyrus G16. As someone who has owned a ROG Zephyrus in the past, I can personally confirm that these laptops are, in a word, beasts. Its thin chassis houses a 2.5K OLED screen complete with Nvidia GSycn as well as VESA DisplayHDR True Black support, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H laptop CPU and either an Nvidia RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 laptop GPU.
It also comes equipped with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD for storage, meaning you get fast storage, and quite a bit of it for a laptop. It’s an excellent workstation PC for doing school work on the go, while also providing an excellent gaming experience, wherever you are.
Best Splurge Option (#2): Razer Blade 16 (2024) ($Starts at $2699.99 on Razer)
Razer is also known for making incredibly powerful and incredibly portable laptops, and its 2024 refresh of its excellent Razer Blade line is no exception. It’s an investment for sure, but its incredibly thin body packs an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, 16GB of 5600MHz RAM, and starts an Nvidia RTX 4070 with options to upgrade all the way up to a laptop 4090.
This all powers its Samsung OLED 240hz 16” display, which is VESA certified for DisplayHDR True Black, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and supports GSync to limit screen tearing during gaming sessions. It’s an excellent workhorse laptop that can also serve as your daily gaming driver if space is a premium.
Best Computers - Desktop Edition
Best Budget Pre-Built PC: iBUYPOWER RDY Scale 002 ($1,049 on iBUYPOWER)
The first full gaming PC I bought with my own money was an iBUYPOWER pre-built back in 2012, and for the time, it was an absolutely epic PC despite being one of the budget options even back then. iBUYPOWER is a great PC builder based here on the West Coast of the US (though they just announced they would be beginning operations in Canada as well) and has rigs at all price points. We’re looking at one of their RDY prebuilt PCs, the RDY Scale 002.
Just over a thousand US dollars, it is not a bad package for the money, with a Ryzen 7 5700 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB of M.2 SSD storage, and comes equipped with Windows 11 ready to go. All this comes with a 3-year labor warranty (and a 2-year parts warranty) should any issues arise.
Best Mid-range Pre-Built PC: Starforge Systems Navigator ($1799 on Starforge Systems)
Starforge Systems’ Enthusiast-class Navigator is a great mid-range option for those looking for a bit more power but don’t want to break the bank. The entry-level of the Enthusiast tier, the Navigator comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, a custom Bitspower liquid CPU cooler, an AMD RX 7800 XT GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of M.2 SSD storage.
It’s a powerful PC capable of great 1080p and 1440p gaming and productivity workloads. You can customize it further by choosing a custom case, from incredible original artwork like the Clouded Gates print to licensed work from Jagex’s Old School RuneScape.
Best High-End Pre-Built PC: Starforge Systems Voyager II ($2799.99 on Starforge Systems)
Another part of Starforge Systems’ lineup, the Voyager II, is the entry point to its Creator-class of PC builds. The Voyager II is a powerful creator and gaming rig set within the large Lian Li O11Dynamic case and equipped with Starforge’s custom Acrylic Platelight to add some unique aesthetics to the package. Its 2TB M.2 drive, as standard, is a nice upgrade over 1TB, giving you even more space for games, videos, or lengthy exam papers.
Equipped with Intel’s i7-14700K CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card, the PC can handle pretty much anything you might throw at it, from starting your career as a content creator to simply providing a powerful PC to work and game with. Like the Navigator, the case is also customizable for a fee, with Starforge’s plethora of UV printing options. Additionally, you can swap out the acrylic platelights to give your case some additional flair. I have become a huge fan of Starforge’s build quality and customer service as I worked on our reviews of these systems, and the modest build fee is well worth it, especially for that 2-year warranty on parts and labor.
Best Higher-End Custom PC: Falcon Northwest Talon (Starts at $3648 on Falcon Northwest)
I have been a massive fan of Oregon-based Falcon Northwest for years now, and their Talon PC has always been on my radar of “PCs to eventually own.” We reviewed the 20th anniversary of the Talon a few years back, and were blown away by the build quality and the sheer amount of work that went into designing everything, from the airflow of the case to the attention to detail in the company’s custom case printing.
The price isn’t for the faint of heart: you’re paying for those years of research, craftsmanship, and expertise, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a PC that will last for years to come and be easily upgradeable down the road. Every part of your PC is customizable, from the side panels you want on the Talon case right down to the color of the Falcon Northwest logo inserted on the front of the case.
Best Computers - Handheld PCs
Best Overall: Steam Deck OLED (starts at $549.00 on Steam)
While Valve didn’t kick off the handheld PC craze, it certainly showed that the formfactor could be streamlined and, in a way, perfected. The Steam Deck OLED is a powerful little device that brings your PC game library (assuming it’s Steam) wherever you go. Valve’s commitment to its SteamOS has also been nothing short of extraordinary ever since the original Deck launched a few years back. Regular updates keep SteamOS running smooth, and more and more games are being tested and designed with Steam Deck in mind, with thousands of games now officially verified to work well with the device.
Best of all, it’s an open platform, so should you decide you want Windows on your Steam Deck, have at it. Want to game outside of SteamOS and directly through Linux? Be my guest. It’s a full PC in the palm of your hands, and for what it’s offering it’s rather affordable to boot. The recent OLED refresh brought a much-needed screen upgrade, though Valve still offers its LCD Steam Deck for those who want the same device but don’t necessarily want to spend the money on the full OLED experience.
Also A Good Option: ASUS ROG Ally X ($799 on Best Buy)
The ASUS ROG Ally X is a refresh of its original ROG Ally handheld, though the improvements are somewhat marginal at best. More powerful on paper than the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X brings Windows to the palm of your hand, giving you a full fat PC gaming experience on the go.
It’s not cheap, but I personally prefer the ergonomics of the Ally over the Deck in longer gaming sessions, and having Windows out of the gate is a huge gain if your games are spread across multiple libraries and launchers. The Ally X has seen improvements over the initial version, with better quality joysticks, D-pad, and macro buttons seeing a facelift. It’s a great option for those who want a bit more than Steam’s offering.
Best Speakers
Best Overall: Razer Nommo V2 Pro ($449.99 on Razer)
The Razer Nommo V2 Pro are the best-sounding desktop gaming speakers I’ve ever used, full stop. The minimalistic approach to cables (thank Christ, the control puck and subwoofer are both wireless) and the smaller footprint the two speakers take up on my desk really made me excited when I first set these up. And then I heard them.
The two speakers come to life when throwing games at them, and the downfiring subwoofer is enough to have your dormmates ask you politely to turn it down as it can be incredibly resonant in small areas. While the music performance of the speakers does leave some to be desired (and a lot of that could be down to the individual track mixing), for gaming the Nommo V2 Pros really shine. It’s also equipped with THX Spatial Audio, simulating surround sound, which can be incredibly convincing in a smaller space, as well.
Best Mid-Range: Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker System ($177.99 on Amazon)
The Logitech G560 PC Gaming speakers come with two satellite speakers and a subwoofer, designed to provide a well-rounded soundstage for both gaming and music alike. The speakers themselves don’t take up much room, and despite their unseemingly small footprint they provide absolutely powerful sound.
They also come equipped with RGB, and it alongside the soundstage are customizable through the Logitech G app, providing even more control over the soundscape. The G560s also come with built in DTS:X Virtual Surround, giving the impression of directional audio, especially in a smaller room, despite not having a full physical surround set up.
Best Budget: Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Speakers ($47.49 on Amazon)
Sometimes you don’t need the full fat surround sound experience. Sometimes you just want speakers that can pump out sound whether you’re gaming, watching a video, or just listening to music while you work. Enter our budget option: the Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 speaker system. Powered by USB, these are excellent budget speakers that don’t necessarily give you best in class sound, but good enough audio to fit into a student’s budget needs.
The Pebble Plus system comes with two desktop speakers as well as a down-firing subwoofer to help ramp up those bass notes. It’s a quality option if your budget only allows for a basic audio set up.
Best Splurge: Steelseries Arena 9 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers ($459.99 on Steelseries (normal pricing $549))
Our favorite splurge option is actually on sale right now, but at $549 it’s still an incredible package. The Steelseries Arena 9 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker system proves that simulated surround just can’t beat physical surround sound. The full 5 speaker package, as well as a powerful down-firing subwoofer brings Arena-style sound (hence the name) to your office or room, filling the space with incredible audio quality.
The best all-around speaker system I’ve used on my PC, the Arena 9 comes with two front-facing speakers, a center channel speaker, two rear speakers, and the down-firing subwoofer to power its 5.1 surround soundstage. It’s all controlled via an OLED control puck and is compatible with both PC and Bluetooth devices. While I prefer the Razer Nommo V2 Pro for pure gaming, for overall work, the Steelseries Arena 9 package is my top choice if you can spend a little extra money.
Best Soundbar: Creative Soundblaster Katana V2X Soundbar ($264.76 on Amazon)
We’ve been fans of the Creative Soundblaster Katana soundbar ever since its first iteration, and the V2X version is the best one yet in the class. Despite its incredibly small footprint on your desk, the soundbar creates “wildly full sound” as our reviewer put it back in 2022. The lower power requirements compared to the Katana V2 were impressive, especially when you consider they didn’t come with a sacrifice to the overall sound quality the produce spits out. It’s an incredible package if you’re more into a soundbar over a full sound system.
But maybe you don’t want speakers, instead content to game or work with a set of headphones atop your head. Well, we’ve got you covered as well.
Best Headphones
Best Overall: Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($295.84 on Amazon)
Steelseries’ Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headphones might be some of the best gaming headphones to ever grace the market. With their swappable battery system to ensure you always have a set of cans to use to the incredible active noise canceling on board, the Nova Pro Wireless impressed us at every turn. We really enjoyed the incredible sound quality which comes equipped with full 360-degree spatial audio, and the connectivity is second to none.
It does come with a compressed-sounding microphone, and while we did appreciate active noise canceling on the headset, it was pretty middle-of-the-road. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a better overall package for the money, especially since it’s now cheaper than it was when we first reviewed these back in 2022.
Best Mid-Range: Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset ($99.99 on Logitech)
Logitech’s quality audio work extends even to their headphones, with the G535 Lightspeed Wireless gaming headset sitting in our mid-range offering. Equipped with 40mm drivers on either side of your head, the Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless are comfortable to wear for long sessions thanks to its plush earcups and the ski-band style headband. The headphones are wireless and have a great quality soundstage, which is adjustable using the Logitech G Hub software to tweak EQ settings to your liking.
Best Budget: HyperX Cloud Alpha (Wired) ($64.95 on Amazon)
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the best headsets you can buy for under a hundred dollars. While it may not seem like much, the Cloud Alpha provides one of the best audio experiences for its price. Equipped with 50mm dual-chamber neodymium drivers, the headset pumps out stellar audio while sitting comfortably for long play sessions. It’s simple, sweet and to the point: the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s should be on your shortlist when deciding which headphone to choose for those marathon gaming sessions.
Best Splurge: Audeze LCD-2 Classic ($799 on Amazon)
Look, sometimes you just need the best, and the Audeze LCD-2 Classic certainly can hold their own in that arena. Audiophile-level headphones like these aren’t cheap, though, so they earn the spot in our splurge category.
In our review, Chris described the LCD-2 Classics as “nothing short of impressive” compared to some of its competition in the space. Its great build quality, warm, lush soundstage and incredible responsive EQ provide a stellar listening experience, especially if you’re interested in the world of Planar Magnetic headphones. They aren’t cheap, but if you’re willing to splurge, you won’t be disappointed.
Best In-Ear Monitors/Ear Buds
Best Overall: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 ($239.75 on sale, normally $299.95 on Amazon)
Sennheiser has been a name in the audio game for decades, and their Momentum True Wireless 4 headphones continue their legendary legacy. Incredible sound quality and clarity for in-ear buds, Sennheiser’s offering brings enhanced sound and excellent ANC that doesn’t create a cabin pressure effect like others can. They are excellent buds that work for both Android and iOS devices, though they can get quite expensive when not on sale. We think they are well worth the price of entry, though.
Best Mid-Range: OnePlus Buds Pro 3 ($149.99 on OnePlus)
Smartphone maker OnePlus has once again entered the earbud arena, bringing the third iteration of its OnePlus Buds Pro to market. The earbuds come equipped with spatial audio, outstanding active noise canceling, and incredible sound for the small package. For under $200 its hard to find a better option, though these are decidedly designed to work more natively with Android (and, obviously, OnePlus devices) through its HeyMelody app.
For iOS users, we recommend the Apple AirPods Pro as an alternative ($189 on Amazon), which comes equipped with many of the same features such as ANC, incredible sound quality, a best-in-class transparency mode to stay aware of what is going on in the world around you, and its own USB-C charging case to keep you going with lengthy audio sessions.
Best Budget: Earfun Air Pro 4 ($89.99 on Amazon)
EarFun is back with its Air Pro 4, improving on its already good budget headphone lineup. The Air Pro 4 is a comfortable set of earbuds, providing good sound quality, decent ANC, and equally decent battery life, all under $90. They are definitely worth a look if you’re looking to save a few dollars but still get a quality set of earbuds to rock in study sessions or at the gym.
Best Splurge: Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim ($399 on HiFiGo)
Elysian’s Pilgrim IEMs are incredibly stunning to look at, first of all, with their milled stainless stell faceplates absolutely to behold. But the true test of an in-ear monitor is just how well it sounds. Thankfully, Elysian’s artistry extends even there, with its small buds packing incredible power.
The IEMs come with well balanced sound out of the gate, with excellent clarity across the sound spectrum. Basses are full, but don’t overwhelm the mids or treble, which also are given their chance to shine across the soundstage. They are pricey, but well worth the price of entry if you’re looking to simply get lost in your music during study sessions, walks, or simply chilling out in your downtime.
Best Wired: AFUL Explorer ($119.99 on HiFiGo)
While most of our recommendations here have been wireless, we wanted to highlight a budget to mid-range option for those who prefer wired earbuds: the AFUL Explorer. Coming in at $119.99 ($105.59 on sale right now, actually), the hybrid IEMs aim to, in the words of our hardware editor, “combine the ideas that drove the MagicOne” and the “Performer series.”
“If all of that sounds like Greek, what it really amounts to is this: clear, smooth, detailed sound.”
Best Blue Light Filtering Glasses: GUNNAR Optiks (Prices vary based on design)
Blue light-blocking gaming glasses became quite the rage a few years back, and there are still companies pumping out high-quality pairs, especially targeted at gamers. GUNNAR is one of the original brands to jump on the trend, and their line of gamer-focused glasses runs the gamut from Fallout-themed Vault 33 retro-looking frames to the incredibly detailed (and, I can confirm, comfortable) Assassins Creed Mirage Intercept package.
GUNNAR’s lenses are both anti-smudge and anti-reflective and are designed to provide long hours of watching TV or causing mayhem in your favorite games without the eye fatigue that tends to pop up from UV or blue light. If you’ve got prescription lenses, you’re still good, as GUNNAR can work with your prescription on any pair they sell.
Actual School Things
So we’ve focused (clearly) on the gamer going back to school, but what about some cool tech or supplies to stand out among the crowd in the next study hall or class? Here are few of our favorite choices for school accessories, writing tools, backpacks, and more.
Best Writing Tablet: reMarkable 2 ($449 on reMarkable)
As most of us are living purely digital nowadays, especially with schoolwork, e-writers and e-readers are seeing an increase in popularity again. While iPads and Apple Pencils can get the job done for some, personally I find it hard to write on Apple’s tablet and get the feeling I miss from writing in a notebook.
The reMarkable 2 emulates that pen-on-paper feeling perfectly with its textured surface and high-quality stylus. Seriously, the first time I put digital ink to digital paper with this thing, it replaced my daily legal pad at my desk where I would take notes and lay out many of my tasks for the day. Thankfully, it can still connect to the internet, converting my notes and articles written here to Google Doc files for easy editing when I’m back at my Mac, or even converting them into PDFs for easy printing.
Because its main design goal is to provide a replacement for your notebook or writing pad, there isn’t any bloat here either - nor are there other apps or notifications to distract like I found on my iPad. It’s purely a writing tool, and if you are looking for a quality digital writer, you need to give this a look.
Best Desk Markerboard: DeskBoard Buddy (Glass) ($59.49 on DeskBoard Buddy)
I dare say many of you are like me, and writing things down helps them stick more easily in your mind. I do this daily with a markerboard that sits right above my keyboard. I write notes, tasks for the day, phone numbers and more so they are there at a quick glance, all while rinsing and repeating when I’m done with the task or need more room. The DeskBoard Buddy was a Christmas gift for me one year, but I’ve used it almost daily to stay organized. It’s a glass board, which means you’ll need to use Wet Erase-style Chalk markers (Sharpie makes some incredible ones), but it’s such an easy way to stay coordinated during those busy days.
If you want a good-quality dry-erase version, Fluidstance makes a Whiteboard that serves the same purpose (and doesn’t require fancy markers to use) for around the same price as the Glass variant.
Best Physical Notebooks: Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook (A5) ($24.50 on Amazon)
As much as I will praise the reMarkable 2 tablet for writing, sometimes you just want good old-fashioned paper. While any notepad or journal will work for this, I’m a sucker for the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks for my note-taking and writing. They are high-quality packages, coming in both a softcover or hardcover variant, and offer pages that are either fully plain, dotted, squared, or ruled for your preference.
I rarely go anywhere without one or two of these notebooks in my bag, and I have many on a shelf with the first drafts of reviews, notes from my own school days, interview questions, article ideas and much more from over the years. They are durable, stand the test of time, and if you’re a fountain pen fan, tend to not allow the ink to bleed, which is clutch.
For those who want a different option for a high-quality A5 notebook in softcover, the Midori MD A5 notebook is a bit cheaper and still offers a great writing experience.
Best Pens: Lamy Safari Fountain Pen ($29.50 on Lamy)
I love a good quality pen, and everyone going back to school for their first day of college, high school, or even as a teacher, should carry with them a quality pen. Enter the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen.
Fountain Pens can get egregiously expensive, but they can also be pretty affordable and stand the test of time when taken care of. Lamy’s Safari is a great entry into the world of fountain pens, offering a wide range of color options, nibs, and more to choose from. All of Lamy’s pens are, by default, equipped with ink cartridges to reduce the hassle of buying ink bottles and filling them separately, though you can buy a piston converter and do that should you wish.
Made in Germany, the pens have a smooth writing stroke. Coupled with the recommended notebooks, they’re a definite upgrade over your bog-standard ballpoint pen.
If you don’t want to step into a fountain pen, Lamy also sells regular versions of its line. If a $30 pen is too much, Pilot makes an excellent fountain pen, the Metropolitan, for under $20.
Best Backpack: Razer Rogue V3 ($79.99 on Razer)
You’re going to need a backpack to carry all that new gear, so why not a backpack designed to bear the load of a gaming laptop, water bottle, tablet, and much more, all while being comfortable for long stretches?
Enter the Razer Rogue V3, which can be configured to fit various sized laptops, from 14” up to 17” compartments. It’s roomy, with plenty of room for your portable keyboard, handheld gaming rig, laptop, water bottle, spare mouse, and maybe even a new fountain pen and notebook or two. For under a hundred dollars, it’s a great choice for something durable as well, which tends to be forgotten when building sub-$100 backpacks.
For another option, the Timbuk2 Division ($139 on Timbuk2) is a great deluxe laptop bag with a more minimalistic look than Razer’s. While it lacks the sheer number of compartments that Razer seems to have jammed into its offering, the Timbuk2 Division is roomy and can comfortably fit up to a 15” laptop. It’s got incredible padding along the back and the straps to keep things feeling comfortable all day long, and it comes in a variety of colorways (though they are all basically shades of black or grey) for your preference.
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