New laptops and tablets are expensive — and students are hard on their gear. That's exactly why certified refurbished is the savviest back-to-school buy: the same Apple performance for hundreds less, backed by a warranty, with money left over for books (or coffee). Here are our best picks for every student and every budget in 2026.

The best student laptop: MacBook Air (M3)

For most students, the MacBook Air (M3) is the sweet spot — silent, thin, all-day battery, and fast enough for research, writing, coding, and everything a degree throws at it. It's fully Apple Intelligence-ready too, so it's set for years of updates. On a tighter budget, a certified Intel MacBook Air handles browsing, docs, and streaming for less. Need real power for engineering, film, or design? Step up to the MacBook Pro (M4 Pro).

The best study tablet: iPad

For note-taking, textbooks, and Netflix between classes, an iPad is the ultimate campus companion. The iPad 6th Gen from $109.99 is our best value for younger students and anyone on a budget, while the iPad Air (M3) pairs with the Apple Pencil Pro for serious digital note-taking and creative work.

The best student phone: certified iPhone

A dependable phone doesn't need to cost four figures. The iPhone 13 ($349.99) hits the ideal balance of cameras, battery, and modern design, and the iPhone 11 ($224.99) is a bulletproof budget pick. Both leave plenty in the budget for a case and screen protector — smart moves for dorm life.

MacBook Air (M3)

Best student laptop · from $749.99

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iPad 6th Gen

Best value tablet · from $109.99

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iPhone 13

Best student phone · from $349.99

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Stretch the budget: trade in last year's device

Here's the move families miss: trade in the old laptop, tablet, or phone the student is upgrading from and put that credit toward the new setup. It lowers the out-of-pocket cost, keeps a working device out of a drawer (or a landfill), and takes about five minutes. Do it all at once and a full back-to-school kit can cost far less than a single new MacBook.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best budget laptop for a student?

A certified MacBook Air (M3) is our top all-round pick. For the tightest budgets, a certified Intel MacBook Air covers browsing, docs, and streaming for less. Browse all certified MacBooks.

Do students really need the newest model?

Rarely. A device one or two generations old handles coursework beautifully and saves hundreds — money better spent elsewhere. Certified refurbished gives you that value with a warranty.

Is refurbished reliable enough for daily student use?

Yes. Each Strictli device is fully tested, cleaned, and warrantied for a year. Learn what certified refurbished really means.

Can I trade in an old device to lower the cost?

Absolutely — that's the smartest way to save. Use our trade-in page and apply the credit to the new setup.

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