Sheena Vasani | The Verge

The Verge’s 2026 back-to-school shopping guide

2026-07-30T11:28:25-04:00

Knowing exactly what your student needs for the school year ahead is next to impossible. Sure, you’ll probably nail the essentials, but there will likely be a few items you forgot to buy, or didn’t think they’d need to have. We’re pulling our weight during the back-to-school season with a new shopping guide that’s a mix of practical and aspirational products for students to use in and out of the classroom.

We’re covering items that make writing easier and more satisfying, alarm clocks that can rattle even the most sleep-deprived students from a deep slumber, bags that are just as great for the gym as they are for the weekend away, and more. We wish the students in your life (or you, if you’re the student in question) a prosperous year, and we hope that our curation makes things a little easier during your studies and your downtime a lot more fun.

Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan

The Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan pivots, twists, and oscillates to keep the air in your room from feeling stale. It has 10 power levels, and its bladeless design can move air up to 80 feet away at full power. Its filter can be cleaned, so you don’t have to worry about buying replacement parts.

Where to Buy:

Apple MacBook Neo

When it comes to simple laptops for notetaking and essay writing, it’s hard to beat the value of the MacBook Neo. Its iPhone-grade CPU and 8GB of RAM mean this isn’t a powerhouse meant for engineering students. But it’s a better choice than a similarly priced Chromebook or Windows laptop.

Where to Buy:

Canon PowerShot Elph 360 HS

Canon’s PowerShop ELPH 360 HS will make your memories really pop better than smartphone pictures. It has a 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor that works well in low light, plus 12X optical zoom and optical image stabilization. It features a 3-inch LCD screen so your crew can review photos before posting them. I dig its hybrid auto mode that can take videos to go along with each photo, like behind-the-scenes footage for your antics.

Where to Buy:

Anbernic RG Rotate

Whether you’re trying to catch a quick game between classes, or you need a distraction on the bus ride home, the Anbernic RG Rotate gaming handheld is worth considering. Its aluminum design is slick and durable, and the 3.5-inch IPS LCD swivels away to cover up the buttons when it’s not in use. The device runs Android, which means you can install and play a compatible emulator of your choice.

Where to Buy:

$94.99 at Anbernic

Texas Instruments TI-84 Evo Graphing Calculator

As math classes start to ramp up in complexity, you’ll need a calculator that can hang. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Evo is the latest edition, with a lot of improvements to make it feel more modern than the old TI-83 you might’ve used. The color screen lets you see multi-equation graphs in a new light, and USB-C charging means no more hunting for batteries in the middle of an exam.

Where to Buy:

Blackwing Pencils Audition Pack

Blackwing pencils make a great gift for the stationery nerd or journaler in your life. They feel luxurious to write with, leaving rich strokes across the page. It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into the design, one example being its square eraser to keep them from rolling away (they’re easy to replace, too). They’re available in four different core hardness ratings, with frequent collaborations and special editions to collect.

Where to Buy:

~~$20~~ $20 at Blackwing

Igloo Retro Square Lunch Bag

You’ll be the coolest kid in class if you show up with this 1990s-inspired cooler bag from Igloo, no matter how old you are. Its 108-ounce capacity is enough for your whole lunch or up to nine 12-oz cans, and the side pocket is great for holding an extra little treat, or some sunscreen. While it isn’t technically collapsible, I’ve found mine squishes down nice and flat for storage when it’s empty.

Where to Buy:

Razor A5 Air Kick Scooter

Looking for a low-stress way to get around campus? The Razor kick scooter is a convenient method of traveling to and from school or zipping around between classes. It folds up for storage in your locker or under your desk, and they’re available in a variety of colors and sizes. Some even include features like air-filled tires and suspension that would have made me jealous in middle school.

Where to Buy:

Owala FreeSip Sway (32-ounce)

The 32-ounce Owala FreeSip does a good job of keeping your favorite beverage cold or hot for an entire day at school, with the option to drink through a straw or straight from its mouth. All the pieces come apart for easy cleaning, and there are a number of color combinations to choose from, as well as different sizes to accommodate different levels of thirst.

Where to Buy:

Loop Quiet 2 earplugs

The Loop Quiet 2 earplugs aren’t as isolating as simpler, cheaper foam options, which makes them a great choice for finding a bit of solace while studying in a crowded library. They have exterior loops that signal that you’re busy, and which make them easier to remove quickly. They come with a handy carrying case and a selection of different tip sizes to make sure you get a comfortable fit.

Where to Buy:

Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

The waterproof Kindle Paperwhite lets you carry thousands of titles in a slim, lightweight device, so you won’t have to stuff your backpack with books or fill up precious shelf space in a tiny dorm room. It also can last for over a month on a single charge, making it one less thing to constantly charge during a busy semester.

Where to Buy:

Fujifilm Instax Mini 13

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 is a fun gift for students starting a new chapter. It prints credit card-sized photos in seconds, and the new self-timer makes it easier to snap group photos with friends. The prints make great decorations for dorm walls and scrapbooks, giving them memories they’ll treasure during breaks and long after graduation.

Where to Buy:

Pusheen 10-in-1 ballpoint pen

If you or someone you know is the type of student who color-codes everything in journals, the Pusheen 10-in-1 Ballpoint Pen is a cute gift. With 10 colors, it’s easy to organize notes and planners without carrying around a handful of pens, and the adorable 3D Pusheen topper is just fun.

Where to Buy:

$9.99 at Amazon

Midori paintable stamp pre-inked calendar

The Midori Paintable Stamp is a useful gift for students who like to use paper planners, bullet journals, or scrapbooks. The pre-inked stamp quickly adds a monthly calendar to any page, be it in a notebook or a sticky note, and its oil-based ink won’t bleed when colored in with water-based markers or highlighters.

Where to Buy:

Aobopar adjustable bookends

Between textbooks, planners and notebooks, a student’s desk can get cluttered quickly. Aobopar’s adjustable steel bookends expand up to 18 inches, making it easy to stay organized as the semester goes on. They’re a practical gift that’s especially handy for small dorm rooms with limited storage.

Where to Buy:

$18.5 at Amazon

Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal

Leuchtturm1917’s Bullet Journal Edition 2 is great for students who want to stay organized without relying on tech. Designed with bullet journal creator Ryder Carroll, the 204-page dot-grid notebook includes essentials like a key, index, future log, and page numbers, along with a sticker sheet, and a pocket guide that doubles as a ruler.

Where to Buy:

VidaBay NFC E-Paper Fridge Magnet

VidaBay’s NFC E-Paper Fridge Magnet is a fun way to personalize a dorm room fridge. Although it looks like an instant photo, its color E Ink display lets students update the image anytime using their phone. They can switch between photos of family back home, new friends, or favorite memories whenever they like, without buying packs of instant film.

Where to Buy:

Boox Tappy Wireless Page Turner

The Boox Tappy Wireless Page Turner makes it easy to turn pages or scroll around without touching your e-reader, tablet, or phone. The Bluetooth remote works with Boox tablets, Kobo e-readers, as well as iPhone and Android devices, letting you flip pages forward and backward, scroll up and down websites, or skip tracks in music, audiobooks, and podcasts all without reaching for your screen.

Where to Buy:

Uni Kuru Toga Roulette mechanical pencil

Any pencil will do for completing homework and filling out the planner, but some are better than others. One of the most clever (yet still fairly affordable) is the Uni Kuru Toga Roulette. It’s a mechanical pencil with a mechanism that rotates the lead every time you lift it up between letters and words. Sounds silly, but it ensures that you always have a pointed tip to write with.

Where to Buy:

Remarkable Paper Pure

Computers are great note-taking devices, but if you’re like me, you might learn a little more by writing down notes. Remarkable’s Paper Pure has matte-textured glass that mimics the feeling of writing on paper, and the device lets you easily import or export notes, plus search for words within your notes. You could buy many paper notebooks for the cost of the Paper Pure, but this elegant gadget can do so much more.

Where to Buy:

$399 at Remarkable

Aer Duffel Pack 3

The Duffel Pack 3 is a stellar bag for weekend getaways, trips back home, and adventures beyond high school, college, or post-grad life. Its suitable for schlepping school materials and a laptop, or packing in all of your gym attire, including bulky shoes. Aer’s bag has pockets on pockets, so to speak, with adjustable straps and a section that lets it easily (and securely) slide around luggage handles.

Where to Buy:

Hobonichi Techo planner

Using a planner is for more than just staying on top of homework, schedules, and extracurricular activities. It’s where you can journal how everything in your life is making you feel, jot down ideas you have for cool projects, and really anything you want to look back on. Hobonichi Techo’s planners come in various sizes and layouts, letting you look at things day-by-day or week-by-week. They’re great, and I really like that each page has a daily quote to make each day feel fresh.

Where to Buy:

$37 at Hobonichi Techo

Arturia MiniLab 37 MIDI controller

A MIDI controller won’t be on everyone’s back-to-school shopping list. Something like the Arturia MiniLab 37 should get added, though, if you’re a student who wants to connect to their musical side with ease. The MiniLab 37 is reasonably priced, and small enough to fit into a backpack. And yet, our reviewer found that its size didn’t come at the cost of playability. It has access to the company’s top-notch synth effects, and it includes software so you can make music right out of the box.

Where to Buy:

Xgimi MoGo 4 laser projector

As much as you may be tempted to buy a TV for your dorm, consider a compact projector instead. You won’t save money going that route, but you’ll be able to use it just about anywhere, not just in your room. The Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser projector is slick, includes Google TV software built-in with robust app support, and works well with consoles thanks to its HDMI input. It runs off a built-in battery, though you can keep it charged with a USB-C power bank or with the included power adapter.

Where to Buy:

LectroFan Classic white noise machine

A noise machine is one of those unsung back-to-school essentials that might make various parts of your school year a lot easier. The LectroFan Classic’s digital re-creation of white noise is shockingly natural sounding, without obvious start/stops that can be jarring when you’re in the flow (or trying to sleep). It’s USB-powered, includes a power brick, and comes with numerous tones of sound to suit your preferences for sleep or concentration, from deep, ocean-like brown noise to shrill white noise.

Where to Buy:

Sonic Bomb alarm clock

Most people will agree that it’s tough to get out of bed. For others, it’s on another level. Standard alarms aren’t loud enough to pierce the veil of deep sleep. If I’m describing you or someone you know, the Sonic Bomb alarm clock is the nuclear option for being woken up. The alarm can blare loudly, and if that’s not enough, the egg-shaped vibrating pod that connects to it can buzz the bed until it’s turned off. It’s extremely effective, though keep in mind that roommates will likely hear it as well.

Where to Buy:

Govee Table Lamp Classic

The cordless Govee Table Lamp Classic is easy to move from a desk to a bedside table, so it can do the job of multiple lamps without taking up much space. With adjustable brightness, support for countless colors, and customizable lighting effects, it’s also just as useful for late-night study sessions as it is for relaxing after the big tests.

Where to Buy:

Alienware 27-inch AW2726DM QD-OLED monitor

Buying an OLED… for school? I’m being serious. Alienware is among a few manufacturers making 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED monitors that are cheaper than you might expect. The AW2726DM is made for gaming (it has a 240Hz refresh rate), but it’s good for productivity and entertainment, too. Its QD-OLED panel is as good as $350 can get you, with rich contrast, deep blacks, solid text clarity, and a three-year warranty against panel burn-in.

Where to Buy:

Apple’s new AirTags are back down to their best price

2026-07-31T15:35:45-04:00

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Both Amazon and Costco are offering some solid deals. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

We spotted a great deal on Tile trackers earlier this week that’s still live, but if you’re an iPhone owner, we ultimately recommend Apple’s latest AirTag. Right now, you can pick up a four-pack for $89 ($10 off) at Amazon and Target, matching the bundle’s all-time low price. If you’re a member, Costco also has a deal that throws in a fifth AirTag for free.

Apple AirTags (second-generation)

Where to Buy:

A growing number of Bluetooth trackers can tap into Apple’s Find My network these days, but none combine that with Apple’s latest ultra wideband (UWB) chip, which powers even better Precision Finding than before. Precision Finding uses on-screen arrows and distance indicators in the Find My app to guide you directly to a misplaced item, while the second-generation AirTag’s upgraded chip and extended Bluetooth range make it faster and more reliable to locate tags, even in multistory homes. You can also use Precision Finding to find lost items on an Apple Watch, provided you have a Series 9 or later. And if all else fails, the built-in speaker is noticeably louder than before, making it easier to track down an AirTag by sound.

Plus, like its predecessor, the second-generation AirTag comes with a handful of features that are especially useful if you’re traveling this summer. AirTag sharing lets up to five people keep track of the same item, while Apple’s Share Item Location feature allows you to temporarily share an AirTag’s location with participating airlines, including United, Delta, and American Airlines. It’s still a shame Apple doesn’t include a built-in lanyard hole, meaning you’ll need to buy a separate loop or holder, but the tracker continues to use a replaceable CR2032 battery, so you won’t have to replace the entire device when it eventually runs out of power. And at $89 for a four-pack, it’s also a little easier on your wallet today.

Read our second-generation AirTag review.

Govee’s portable smart lamp is down to one of its best prices to date

2026-07-30T14:01:26-04:00

Buying multiple lamps for different rooms can get expensive. Govee’s rechargeable Table Lamp Classic gives you one lamp you can use throughout your home instead of getting one for every room, and right now it’s down to $59 ($21 off) at Amazon. That’s just $4 shy of the all-time low set during Prime Day, and the smart lamp’s second-best price to date.

Govee Table Lamp Classic

Where to Buy:

Because it’s cordless, the lamp is surprisingly versatile. You can use it to brighten your desk during the day, keep it by your bedside at night, and even carry it to the patio for dinner (just don’t forget to bring it back inside if it’s expected to rain, as the lamp isn’t weather-resistant). A built-in 4,800mAh battery powers the lamp for up to 30 hours with colored lighting enabled, or about five hours when using bright white light, so you don’t need to worry about staying near an outlet.

Despite being small and light enough to carry from room to room, the Table Lamp Classic offers many of the same smart lighting features found on Govee’s bigger lamps. It lets you tweak the color temperature, cycle through 72 preset scenes, and sync the lighting to your music, making it easy to match the mood whether you’re studying, unwinding, or enjoying a date night. If you have something more specific in mind, Govee’s app can even generate a custom effect from a short text prompt. Since it supports Matter, you won’t have to reach for the Govee app every time you move the lamp to a different room, either. Instead, you can control it with your voice through your favorite smart home platform.

Remarkable’s refurbished bundle is an awesome deal that’s over $350 off

2026-07-29T11:09:24-04:00

The Remarkable Paper Pro bundle comes with a stylus and a folio cover.

A lot of us here at The Verge are fans of Remarkable’s digital note-taking tablets, and right now one of its higher-end options is much cheaper than usual. The Remarkable Paper Pro normally sells for $629 on its own, but Woot is currently offering a refurbished bundle for $449.99 through July 31st. It includes the tablet, a Marker Plus stylus, and a Book Folio, saving you $368 compared to buying new. The same refurbished bundle costs $649 from Remarkable and comes with a longer one-year warranty versus Woot’s 90-day warranty.

Remarkable Paper Pro bundle (refurbished)

Where to Buy:

~~$818~~ $449.99 at Woot

The 11.8-inch Paper Pro offers a paper-like writing experience, along with a rich color display. Unlike the monochromatic Paper Pure —Remarkable’s latest tablet that retails for $399 — it features an adjustable front light, making it easier to read and keep working after the lights go down. It also supports (but does not include) the optional $229 Type Folio keyboard, allowing you to switch between handwriting and typing.

Writing feels remarkably smooth — more so than similar devices from Boox, Kobo, and even Kindle Scribe models — while Remarkable’s software lets you organize notebooks with folders and tags, write directly on PDFs, and quickly convert handwritten notes into typed text. Although it supports basic sketching features like layers and shading, an iPad Pro is a better tablet if you’re serious about drawing. The Paper Pro’s color display was made with productivity in mind, serving as a distraction-free experience for reviewing slide decks, marking up reports, editing text, and organizing color-coded notes.

Read our review of the Remarkable Paper Pro.

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A few more Verge-approved deals:

Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 Deluxe has returned to its record-low price of $59.49 ($10 off) at Amazon. Unlike the standard AirFly Pro 2, the model comes with an adapter for in-flight entertainment and a travel bag. Otherwise, both are identical and let you connect up to two pairs of wireless earbuds or headphones to devices with a 3.5mm audio jack. The Pro 2 can also play music from your phone or tablet through wired speakers.
Razer’s Kiyo V2 X webcam is down to $65 ($35 off) at Amazon, matching its best price to date. The sharp webcam records in 1440p at up to 60fps, while Razer lets you quickly tweak settings like brightness, color, and sharpness in its Synapse desktop app. Its wide-angle lens and adjustable mount also make it easy to capture more of your face or setup, and when you’re done, you can simply twist the built-in privacy shutter closed.
Anker’s Nano Charging Station is on sale for $59.99 ($20 off) at Amazon and directly from Anker with code WS7DV2SFHWUL, which is nearly its lowest price to date. The compact 7-in-1 power strip features three AC outlets, one USB-A port, three USB-C ports, and a pair of built-in retractable USB-C cables. Each USB-C port can deliver up to 100W when used on its own (less when multiple devices are plugged in), making the hub capable enough to power everything from your laptop and tablet to your phone and desk lamp.

Tile’s best Bluetooth tracker is down to its lowest price of the year

2026-07-28T13:53:51-04:00

The Tile Pro offers the longest Bluetooth range of any Tile tracker. | Image: Tile

Apple’s latest AirTag may seem like the obvious choice if you own an iPhone and are shopping for a Bluetooth tracker, but it’s not the most affordable option. For families that contain both Android and Apple devices, it might be better to pick up the latest Tile Pro instead. It works well across both platforms, and right now it’s on sale for $23.99 ($11 off) at Amazon and directly from Tile. This is its cheapest price in 2026 so far and only $1 shy of the all-time low we saw in October.

Tile Pro

Where to Buy:

As Tile’s most capable tracker, the Pro offers a Bluetooth range of up to 500 feet and the loudest ring of its lineup at 110 decibels, making it easier to locate misplaced items nearby. While it doesn’t tap into Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find Hub networks, its Life360 app remains a reliable option for keeping tabs on valuables both near and far.

The Tile Pro can also save you a little money in a few ways compared to Apple’s AirTag. For starters, it includes a built-in keyring hole, so you can attach it to your keys, backpack, or luggage without buying a separate holder. On top of that, Tile includes a handful of free extras that Apple doesn’t provide, like two days of location history and Place Alerts that notify you when members of your Life360 Circle arrive at or leave certain places. If you’re willing to pay for a subscription (which starts at $7.99 a month) you’ll also gain access to features like SOS alerts that can connect you to emergency services, crash detection, roadside assistance, and even free towing depending upon the plan you choose.

Nanoleaf’s colorful pegboard and shelf kit is half off

2026-07-27T15:24:55-04:00

Nanoleaf's Blocks Combo XL Smarter Kit comes with nine color-changing LED panels. | Image: Nanoleaf

Nanoleaf’s Blocks Combo XL Smarter Kit is a fun back-to-school buy that can add pops of customizable light and storage to your wall. It combines colorful smart lighting panels with a low-profile shelf and pegboard, and right now you can buy the kit for half off at $99.99 from Nanoleaf, which marks a new low price.

Nanoleaf Blocks Combo XL Smarter Kit

Where to Buy:

~~$249.99~~ $99.99 at Nanoleaf

The kit can hold up to 6.6 pounds and 3.3 pounds, respectively, making them handy for holding headphones, controllers, notebooks, a tablet, a small plant, or a couple of books. It comes with both large and small modular light panels that glow from edge to edge, and they can be rearranged or expanded down the line to create a design that’s unique to your space.

Of course, the light panels support custom lighting scenes, and Nanoleaf’s app has a feature called Paint Tool that lets you set where each color appears. AI Magic Scenes can also generate color palettes from a word or phrase, or you can browse thousands of community-created designs in the app.

Beyond adding some personality to a dorm room or apartment, the lights can make movie nights, gaming sessions, and listening to music more enjoyable by mirroring your screen’s visuals or syncing with tunes. They work with other Nanoleaf lights for a more immersive lighting experience, as well, and you can also control them over Wi-Fi using the Nanoleaf app or with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Alternatively, a physical controller is included if you’d rather not reach for your phone.

Amazon’s best 4K streaming sticks are up to 40 percent off

2026-07-23T10:42:24-04:00

There’s no shortage of great shows and movies to watch, but discovering something new isn’t always easy. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K Max come with redesigned software that aims to make it easier to finding something you’ll like, and both 4K-ready streaming sticks are back to their lowest prices to date. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Amazon’s fastest, most feature-packed stick, is $34.99 ($25 off) at Best Buy and Target, while the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus with fewer capabilities is on sale for $24.99 ($25 off) at Best Buy and Target.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (second-gen)

Where to Buy:

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus

Where to Buy:

As for what distinguishes the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, it offers double the internal storage (16GB) and supports Wi-Fi 6E versus Wi-Fi 6 in the Plus. It’s also the only streaming stick in the lineup that supports the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which turns your TV into a smart display, of sorts, that can showcase artwork and Alexa widgets, like your calendar or sticky notes, when you’re not streaming.

Core specs aside, the two streaming sticks have a lot in common, including support Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus, plus Dolby Atmos audio if your sound system is compatible with the feature. They run Amazon’s updated Fire TV experience, which pulls in recommendations from across your streaming subscriptions, organizes content into dedicated hubs for TV shows, sports, and more, and lets you pin up to 20 favorite apps.

What’s more, they both have deep Alexa Plus integration, allowing you to launch content from specific streaming services, or search for specific scenes, with just your voice. Additionally, you can summon Alexa to control compatible smart home devices, or to display a live feed from your connected Ring cameras on the TV.

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Three more Verge-approved deals

Anker’s Zolo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 30W) is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon and directly from Anker with code WS7DV2RPFIPT, matching its best price of the year. I own the power bank and it fits easily in my purse. While I wish it were a little lighter, it’s still portable enough to carry often. Its 30W output tops up my iPhone quickly, and the built-in 5.4-inch cable that doubles as a carrying hook is as convenient as it sounds.
You can buy the Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni C20 directly from Eufy for an all-time low of $329.99 ($370 off) with code WS24T2280, or get it Amazon for $10 more. The robot vacuum and mop combo can remove cleaning the floors from your chore list. It can clean, automatically empty its dustbin when full, wash and dry its mop pads, and refill its water tank without intervention. It offers 7,000Pa of suction along with a rolling brush, a side brush, and a “pro-detangle comb,” allowing it to pick up everything from dirt and debris to pet hair.
The new Xgimi Elfin Flip Laser is down to $719.10 ($80 off) at Amazon, which is its first discount. The portable 1080p projector improves on its predecessor with a triple-laser light source that delivers up to 1,600 ISO lumens, resulting in a brighter image quality (the Elfin Flip Plus tops out at just 500 ISO lumens). It also supports HDR10, while its Google TV software gives you access to popular streaming services. Plus, you can use Google Cast to easily beam content from your phones to the projector.

Preorders for Samsung’s new Z Fold and Flip 8 come with up to $350 in gift cards

2026-07-22T11:59:37-04:00

Samsung’s newest foldables are here. At Galaxy Unpacked, the company announced the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. All three devices will be available on August 7th, but you can preorder them now starting at $1,199.99, $1,899.99, and $2,099.99, respectively.

You probably noticed that Samsung’s foldable lineup looks a little different this year. Rather than simply updating the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung now has two book-style foldables: the productivity-focused Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the shorter, wider (when folded) Galaxy Z Fold 8 that’s geared more toward entertainment. The Galaxy Z Flip 8, meanwhile, is a touch thinner and lighter than its predecessor, but otherwise retains the same design as the Flip 7.

All three phones also feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor and ship with Android 17 and One UI 9, which add new AI features like Gemini Intelligence task automation and Now Nudge, which proactively surfaces helpful suggestions like an event to your calendar.

We’re still in the process of testing all three foldables, but after spending a few hours with them, we’ve shared our early hands-on impressions of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Below, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about preordering Samsung’s new foldables, including pricing, carrier deals, and more.

Where to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99 when you buy the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. If you want 512GB of storage, it costs $2,299.99, while 1TB of storage will set you back $2,699.99. The phone is available in violet shadow, graphite, cream, and shadow green, with the latter exclusive to Samsung’s online store.

In terms of deals, Amazon is including a $350 gift card with preorders of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, while Best Buy is offering a $200 gift card. Samsung, meanwhile, is throwing in $200 in Samsung credit, plus the $30 reservation credit for those who reserved, and you can also save $100 with code PAYPAL100. The company’s additionally offering up to $100 off on select Samsung products.

If you’re after Samsung’s most capable foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the one to preorder. It retains the design of the Z Fold 7 while adding a larger 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, plus faster 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. It offers up to 16GB of RAM and an upgraded camera system with a new 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor alongside its 200-megapixel main camera. Like the smaller Galaxy Z Fold 8, it also features Samsung’s new Flex Titanium display technology, which makes the crease far less noticeable.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (256GB storage, 12GB RAM)

Where to Buy:

Where to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899 for the base model with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. You can also upgrade to 512GB of storage for $2,099.99 or 1TB of storage for $2,499.99. It’s available in lavender, graphite, cream, and a Samsung-online exclusive pistachio shade.

If you’re looking to save some money, Amazon is offering a $350 gift card when you preorder the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while Best Buy includes a $200 gift card. If you buy directly from Samsung, you’ll receive $200 in Samsung credit, along with the $30 reservation credit if you reserved ahead of time, and can save $100 with code PAYPAL100. Samsung will also take up to $100 off select Samsung products.

Unlike the larger, productivity-focused Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Z Fold 8 is designed more for entertainment, with a wider, shorter design that feels more like a small tablet when unfolded. The 4:3 inner display is better suited for reading and gaming than previous Fold models. It also shares many of the Ultra’s core features, including Samsung’s new Flex Titanium display technology so the crease is less noticeable, a bright 120Hz OLED display, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. Samsung has also upgraded the Fold 7’s 4,400mAh battery to a larger 4,800mAh silicon-carbon cell, though it drops the telephoto lens found on both the Fold 7 and Fold 8 Ultra in favor of a dual-camera system.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB storage,12GB RAM)

Where to Buy:

Where to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 starts at $1,199.99 for the phone with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, while the 512GB model costs $1,399.99. It’s available in pink, graphite, cream, or mint colorways, with the latter exclusive to Samsung’s online store.

If you preorder the Galaxy Z Flip 8 from Amazon, you’ll receive a $200 gift card, while Best Buy is including a $200 gift card as well. Samsung is offering $150 in Samsung credit, along with the $30 reservation credit if you reserved ahead of time for eligible customers. You also get up to $100 off on select Samsung products.

Like its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 features a clamshell design with a 6.9-inch OLED main display and a 4.1-inch OLED cover screen that lets you check notifications, reply to messages, and access apps without unfolding the phone. It also retains a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 4,300mAh battery.

The biggest changes are that it’s thinner and lighter, and now runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. Samsung has also made the cover screen much more capable. You can now access notifications, quick settings, and a full app drawer with simple swipe gestures. You also no longer need Samsung’s Good Lock app to launch apps from the outer display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB storage,12GB RAM)

Where to Buy:

Carrier offers and promotions

T-Mobile is offering new and existing customers the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free when you trade in an eligible device on an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is available for $200 with the same qualifying trade-in and plan. The carrier is also offering the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for $100 when you add a new line or trade in an eligible device on an eligible Experience More, Experience Beyond, Go5G Plus, or Go5G Next plan.
Verizon is taking up to $900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, or Galaxy Z Flip 8 with an eligible phone trade-in on the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plans. Meanwhile, customers on the Unlimited Welcome plan can save up to $360. All discounts are applied as 36 monthly bill credits.
AT&T is offering up to $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra applied as monthly credits when you trade in an eligible phone on a Premium or higher-end plan. You can also get up to $1,000 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Flip 8 with an eligible trade-in on qualifying plans. AT&T is also bundling the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Tab A11 5G for $1.99 per month each with Galaxy Z Fold 8 purchases.

Update, July 22nd: Added information about Verizon and AT&T’s deals.

Nearly every Kindle is steeply discounted at Best Buy

2026-07-21T13:13:23-04:00

The Kindle Paperwhite, our favorite Kindle, is down to $124.99. | Image: The Verge

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a Kindle before school starts, or for your next vacation, now’s a good time to do it. As part of its Black Friday in July sale, Best Buy has brought the Kindle Paperwhite back down to its all-time low of $124.99 ($35 off). It’s the Kindle we recommend for most people because it has a bunch of features. It’s waterproof and features a sharp 300ppi, 7-inch display, it offers an adjustable warm light for reading at night, and it has great battery life that can last for more than a month on a single charge.

Kindle Paperwhite (12th-gen)

Where to Buy:

Best Buy has also discounted nearly every other Kindle model. The Kindle Kids is a good deal even for adults. It’s down to $99.99 ($30 off), and includes the same hardware as the standard Kindle, but with some extras: a kid-friendly cover, no ads, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and six months of Amazon Kids Plus. If you read comics, the Kindle Colorsoft is also on sale starting at $159.99 ($90 off). It shares many of the Paperwhite’s strengths but adds a color E Ink display that displays color at up to 150ppi. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, which has 32GB of storage and wireless charging, is on sale for $219.99 ($60 off).

If you want an e-reader that doubles as a digital notebook, the Kindle Scribe and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft are worth considering. They’re on sale starting at $379.99 ($120 off) and $479.99 ($150 off), respectively. Each offers an 11-inch display with an included stylus for writing notes, annotating Kindle books, and marking documents. They also include notebook templates and AI-powered tools that can summarize notes or clean up messy handwriting. The biggest difference is that the Scribe Colorsoft adds a color E Ink display, making it a better choice for reviewing color documents or organizing notes with different colors.

Read our reviews of the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

Kindle Kids (2024)

Amazon’s Kindle Kids is identical to the standard Kindle — meaning it packs a 300ppi display and support for USB-C charging — but comes with a case, an extended two-year warranty, and six months of Amazon Kids Plus.

Where to Buy:

Kindle Colorsoft (16GB)

Amazon gave its Kindle lineup a much-needed jolt with the introduction of the Kindle Colorsoft last year, its first color E Ink ebook reader. Now it’s back with a cheaper 16GB model that offers many of the same perks, including up to eight weeks of battery life and a 7-inch display that’s great for comics and graphic novels.

Where to Buy:

Kindle Scribe 32GB

The third-gen Kindle Scribe 32GB is even bigger than its 10.2-inch predecessor; it offers an 11-inch display with 300ppi resolution and the same great battery life that Kindles are known for.

Where to Buy:

~~$499.99~~ $379.99 at Best Buy

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is Amazon’s first note-taking e-reader with a color screen. It features an 11-inch display, a slimmer design, an improved interface, an updated stylus, and a new AI-powered search feature that can quickly summarize documents.

Where to Buy:

~~$629.99~~ $479.99 at Best Buy (32GB)

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Some more ways to save

Now through August 28th, the Google Store is throwing in a free Pixel Watch 2 when you buy a refurbished Google Pixel 7 with 128GB of storage for $329. The deal also includes a free Pixel 7 case. Though both devices are a few years old, the Pixel 7 boasts a spacious 90Hz OLED display, an IP68 rating for full water and dust resistance, and wireless charging. As for the Pixel Watch 2, it offers reliable fitness tracking based on Fitbit’s software, along with solid performance, all-day battery life, and good integration with Google’s ecosystem, though the offer is limited to the 41mm size. Read our review of the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel Watch 2.
Best Buy’s selling both the Ring Battery Doorbell 2K and Indoor Cam Plus bundled together for $69.99 ($70 off). Together, they let you keep tabs on both your front door and an indoor space in 2K resolution, with features like motion alerts and two-way talking. The Indoor Cam Plus also includes a removable privacy cover, while the battery-powered doorbell offers a 140-degree field of view and up to 6x zoom to help you get a closer look at visitors.
The rechargeable Gooloo F3 Air Duster is down to $33.99 ($16 off) at Amazon, which is one of its better prices in recent months. The cordless cleaner features a 5,000mAh rechargeable battery and a capable motor, along with three speed settings for blowing dust out of keyboards, PCs, car interiors, and other hard-to-reach spaces. It also weighs less than half a pound, making it compact enough to slip into a pocket.

LG’s glossy OLED gaming monitor is rare to find under $400

2026-07-20T12:34:24-04:00

LG’s UltraGear Glossy OLED gaming monitor deliver deep, true-to-life blacks. | Image: LG

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your gaming monitor, LG’s 27-inch 27GX704A-B pairs a glossy WOLED panel with a fast refresh rate, and it’s currently on sale for $379.99 (about $70 off) at Amazon and directly from LG, marking a new low price. It originally launched at $799.99, but has been available for under $500 since May.

LG UltraGear Glossy OLED gaming monitor (27-inches)

Where to Buy:

The monitor offers a 1440p resolution and a glossy coating, which isn’t a combination of specs we often see at this price. Most OLED monitors under $400 use QD-OLED panels, which can give blacks a slight bluish tint. LG’s WOLED monitor delivers truer-looking blacks while the glossy coating helps colors appear richer and more vibrant.

It doesn’t sacrifice speed, either. The monitor boasts a fast 240Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate support (Nvidia G-Sync compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), along with a fast 0.03ms response time to keep games looking sharp in motion.

It comes with a solid array of ports for the price, with two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-A ports, making it easy to connect a PC, consoles, and accessories. Rounding things out, the stand is fully adjustable, too, allowing you to raise, lower, tilt, swivel, or rotate the display into portrait mode for a more comfortable setup. Or, because it has a VESA mount, you can yank it off and toss it onto a monitor arm of your choice.