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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

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 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Cases for 2024

Whether you've got the latest M4-powered Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air laptop, keep it safe and stylin' with a featherweight sleeve, a fancy leather pouch, or a rugged case.

By Chandra Steele
blueprint of laptop

The Best Cameras for Kids in 2024

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

The Best Free Parental Control Apps for 2024

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

The Best Parental Control Software for 2024

We're here to help you find the best parental control service for your parenting style, so your child can navigate the internet safely.

By Kim Key
A parent and child looking at a laptop

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 2024

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.

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.

How to Teach Kids the Basics of Cybersecurity

Since it isn’t a priority in public schools, parents must teach kids the fundamentals of online safety. Here's where to start.

By Kim Key
artistic rendering of a password field and online security

The Best VPNs for College Students in 2024

Public Wi-Fi networks aren't always safe, and college towns are full of them. These are the best VPNs for protecting your privacy, whether it's on campus, at a coffee shop, or at home.

By Chris Stobing
Conceptual art for a VPN story

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.

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

The Best Note-Taking Apps for 2024

Jot down your thoughts, save images of things you need to remember, and keep it all at your fingertips on all your devices with one of the top-rated 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 2024

Learning ASL is different from learning orally spoken and written languages. We've vetted the top 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 Back-to-School Laptop Deals for 2023

Some students are already back in class, but you can still take advantage of these back to school savings.

By K. Thor Jensen  & Jade Chung-Lee
The Best Back-to-School Laptop Deals for 2023: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 + Apple MacBook Air + Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

Dell Back-to-School Sale: Save Up to 53% on XPS, Vostro, Alienware PCs

Your purchase also supports global learning via UNICEF.

By Jade Chung-Lee
Dell Back to School Sale

Best Buy Back-to-School Sale: Huge Savings on Laptops, Headphones, More

Save on the tech you need to succeed in the school year ahead.

By Jade Chung-Lee
Best Buy Back to School Deals: MSI Cyborg Gaming Laptop + Asus VivoBook OLED + Apple  AirPods 2nd Generation + Fitbit Sense 2 + Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer