Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

Back to School Roundup: The best tech gear (and deals) for the upcoming school year

With back to school shopping in full swing, those waiting for killer deals on Apple devices, as well as accessories, can take advantage of instant cash rebates and exclusive coupon savings on the season's hottest products.

From AirPods to iPads and MacBooks galore, deals on back to school tech products are reaching a fever pitch. Readers can exclusively save hundreds on MacBook Pros at Adorama and B&H in addition to discounts of $50 to $100 off Apple Watch Series 2 devices with no tax outside NY and NJ. Meanwhile, AirPods are also in stock with free 2-day shipping, and select 10.5-inch iPad Pros are $10 to $40 off.

Please note: Many of these deals are link and coupon activated. If you have trouble redeeming an exclusive offer, all is not lost! Send us a note at [email protected] and we will do our best to assist.

Jump to the back to school deals of your choice:

13-inch MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro deals

Just in time for the start of the fall semester, Apple's Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is now shipping from Apple authorized resellers with exclusive coupon discounts and no sales tax collected on orders shipped outside NY and NJ when you order from B&H or Adorama. Whether the student on your shopping list is interested in a portable 13-inch model or a high-end 15-inch configuration, many systems qualify for free expedited delivery to your doorstep. Or if you're simply looking for the best price, Late 2016 models are marked down by hundreds of dollars this week at Adorama with promo code APINSIDER. Need help deciding between a 2016 and 2017 model? Check out our review comparing the two.

$100 to $175 off 2017 13-inch MacBook Pros with Touch Bar

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 256GB) Space Gray for $1,624.00 @Adorama %

($175 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 256GB) Silver for $1,649.99 @B&H *

($150 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 512GB) Space Gray for $1,899.00 @B&H *

($100 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 512GB) Silver for $1,879.00 @Adorama

($120 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

% Price with promo code APINSIDER using the step-by-step instructions below.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ.

$250 to $500 off 2016 13" MacBook Pros with Touch Bar

13" (2.9GHz 8GB 256GB) in Space Gray for $1,499.00 @B&H *

($300 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.9GHz 8GB 512GB) in Space Gray for $1,749.00 @Adorama %

($250 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.9GHz 8GB 512GB) in Silver for $1,699.00 @B&H *

($300 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.9GHz 16GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,199.00 @B&H *

($400 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,549.00 @Adorama %

($350 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 8GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,199.00 @B&H *

($300 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 16GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,699.00 @Adorama %

($400 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 16GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,199.00 @Adorama %

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.1GHz 16GB 1TB) in Silver for $2,199.00 @Adorama %

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.3GHz 8GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,699.00 @Adorama %

($400 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.3GHz 8GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,399.00 @B&H *

($300 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.3GHz 16GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,449.00 @Adorama

($450 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (3.3GHz 16GB 1TB) in Silver for $2,399.00 @Adoarama %

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% Price after exclusive promo code APINSIDER using the Adorama pricing links above.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders outside NY and NJ. Discounts reflect total savings off MSRP.

$70 to $100 off Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pros with function keys

13" (2.3GHz 8GB 128GB) Space Gray for $1,229.00 @Adorama %

($70 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.3GHz 8GB 128GB) Silver for $1,199.00 @Adorama %

($100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.3GHz 8GB 256GB) Silver for $1,399.00 @B&H *

($100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.3GHz 8GB 256GB) Silver for $1,399.99 @Amazon

($100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.5GHz 16GB 1TB) Space Gray for $2,529.00 @Adorama %

($70 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.5GHz 16GB 1TB) Silver for $2,529.00 @Adorama %

($70 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% Price with coupon code APINSIDER using the pricing links in this post. To redeem the coupon, see the step-by-step instructions below.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY and NJ.

$200 to $700 off 2016 13-inch MacBook Pros with function keys

13" (2.0GHz/8GB/256GB) in Space Gray for $1,249.00 @B&H *

($250 off + free Office 365 license & no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.0GHz/8GB/256GB) in Silver for $1,249.00 @B&H *

($250 off + free Office 365 license & no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 8GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,599.00 @B&H *

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 8GB 512GB) in Space Gray for $1,699.00 @Adorama %

($300 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 8GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $1,799.00 @Adorama %

($600 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 8GB 1TB) in Silver for $1,699.00 @Adorama %

($700 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 16GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,799.00 @Adorama %

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 16GB 512GB) in Space Gray for $1,949.00 @Adorama %

($250 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" (2.4GHz 16GB 1TB) in Space Gray for $2,199.00 @B&H *

($400 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% Price after exclusive promo code APINSIDER using the Adorama pricing links above.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders outside NY and NJ. Prices in red reflect savings off MSRP.

Last-gen 12-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air deals

12" MacBook (1.3GHz 8GB 256GB) in Silver for $1,199.00 @B&H *

($350 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

12" MacBook (1.3GHz 8GB 256GB) in Space Gray for $1,199.00 @B&H *

($350 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

12" MacBook (1.3GHz 8GB 256GB) in Gold for $1,199.00 @B&H *

($350 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" Air (1.6GHz 8GB 128GB) for $829.00 @B&H *

($170 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

13" Air (1.6GHz 8GB 256GB) for $999.00 @B&H *

* B&H will not collect sales tax on orders outside NY and NJ.

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

Add AppleCare

Adorama has standalone AppleCare plans for the 12-inch and 13-inch MacBooks on sale for $189.00, a discount of $60 off MSRP.

15-inch MacBook Pro

Apple 15 inch MacBook Pro 2017 coupon

Need additional screen real estate? Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro, which offers students a quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM, is also on sale during the back to school shopping season. With exclusive discounts on many models, readers can save even more on a Mac purchase while supplies last.

$150 to $250 off Mid 2017 15-inch MacBook Pros

15" (2.8GHz 16GB 256GB Radeon 555) in Space Gray for $2,249.99 @B&H *

($150 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

15" (2.8GHz 16GB 256GB Radeon 555) in Silver for $2,199.00 @Adorama %

($200 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 560) Space Gray for $2,549.00 @Adorama %

($250 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 560) Silver for $2,649.99 @B&H *

($150 off + no tax outside NY and NJ)

* Price with promo code APINSIDER using the step-by-step instructions below. Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ.

$310 to $1,100 off 2016 15" MacBook Pros

2016 15" (2.6GHz 16GB 256GB Radeon 450) in Space Gray for $1,899.00 @B&H

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 256GB Radeon 450) in Silver for $2,089.00 @B&H *

($310 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 460) in Silver for $2,424.00 @Adorama %

($375 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 1TB Radeon 450) in Space Gray for $2,449.00 @Adorama %

($375 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 450) in Gray for $2,999.00 @Adorama %

($800 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 450) in Silver for $2,899.00 @Adorama %

($900 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.6GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 460) in Gray for $3,199.00 @Adorama

($800 off + no tax outside NY & NJ) - No coupon code necessary

15" (2.7GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 455) in Gray for $2,099.00 @B&H *

($700 off + free JBL headphones & no tax outside NY & NJ) - Hot deal (accessible through desktop site only)

15" (2.7GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 460) in Silver for $2,299.00 @Adorama %

($600 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.7GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 455) in Gray for $2,999.00 @Adorama %

($1,000 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 455) in Silver for $2,399.00 @Adorama %

($375 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 460) in Gray for $2,549.00 @Adorama

($325 off + no tax outside NY & NJ) - No coupon necessary

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 512GB Radeon 460) in Silver for $2,714.00 @Adorama %

($385 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 1TB Radeon 455) in Silver for $2,699.00 @Adorama %

($700 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 1TB Radeon 460) in Silver for $2,799.00 @Adorama %

($700 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 455) in Gray for $3,099.00 @Adorama %

($1,100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

15" (2.9GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 460) in Gray for $3,699.00 @B&H *

($600 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

* Price after exclusive promo code APINSIDER using the Adorama pricing links above.

B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders outside NY and NJ. Prices in red reflect savings off MSRP.

Add AppleCare

Adorama also has standalone AppleCare (not AppleCare+) plans for the 15-inch MacBook Pro on sale for $259.00, a discount of $90 off MSRP.

Apple's iMac

Apple iMac 2017 deals

Long nights spent writing essays are a whole lot easier when using a high-res display like the 5K screen found on Apple's 27-inch iMac. The Mid 2017 iMac desktops are now $175 to $200 off, while closeout Late 2015 models can be found for $400 to $1,100 off MSRP. All with free shipping and no tax collected on orders shipped outside NY and NJ.

$175 to $200 off Mid 2017 27-inch iMac 5Ks

27" (3.4GHz 8GB 1TB FUS Radeon 570) for $1,624.00 @Adorama %

($175 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" (3.5GHz 8GB 1TB FUS Radeon 575) for $1,799.00 @B&H *

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" (3.8GHz 8GB 2TB FUS Radeon 580) for $2,099.00 @B&H *

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

$400 to $1,100 off Late 2015 27" iMac 5K configs

27" iMac 5K (3.2GHz/8GB/1TB HDD/M380) for $1,399.00 @B&H *

($400 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.2GHz/8GB/1TB SSD/M390) for $2,199.00 @Adorama %

($700 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.2GHz/8GB/3TB FUS/M390) for $1,799.00 @Adorama %

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.2GHz/32GB/1TB FUS/M380) for $1,999.00 @Adorama %

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.2GHz/32GB/3TB FUS/M380) for $2,099.00 @Adorama %

($700 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac (3.3GHz/8GB/2TB FUS/M395) for $1,799.00 @B&H *

($500 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.3GHz/8GB/3TB FUS/M395X) for $2,099.00 @Adorama %

($550 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.3GHz/8GB/512GB SSD/M395) for $1,899.00 @Adorama %

($600 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (3.3GHz/16GB/512GB SSD/M395X) for $1,999.00 @Adorama %

($950 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (4.0GHz/16GB/1TB SSD/M395X) for $2,499.00 @Adorama %

($1,100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

27" iMac 5K (4.0GHz/32GB/1TB SSD/M390) for $2,499.00 @Adorama %

($1,100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% Price with promo code APINSIDER.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ. Discounts reflect total savings off MSRP.

Budget-friendly options (Late 2015)

21.5" iMac (1.6GHz/8GB/1TB HDD) for $899.00 @B&H *

($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

21.5" iMac (2.8GHz/8GB/1TB HDD) for $949.00 @Adorama %

($350 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

21" iMac 4K (3.1GHz/8GB/1TB FUS) for $1,099.00 @Adorama %

($550 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% Price with promo code APINSIDER.

* B&H and Adorama will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ. Discounts reflect total savings off MSRP.

Accessories

Magic Mouse 2 for $69.00 @Adorama % ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

Magic Keyboard for $84.00 @Adorama % ($16 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% To activate, use the special pricing links in this post.

Add AppleCare

Adorama is also clearing out standalone AppleCare plans for Apple's iMac for $139.00 (a discount of $30 off). Or add an AppleCare+ protection plan for $169 in your cart.

Apple's iPad

For taking notes, the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro offers full support for the Apple Pencil with up to 512GB of storage space and an A10X Fusion chip for faster performance. With units shipping today via free expedited delivery at B&H, many customers can receive the devices before the first day of school. Best of all, many shoppers outside NY and NJ can save anywhere from $50 to $85 on average, since B&H Photo will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside those two states. Live in NY or NJ? MacMall also has the devices on sale with instant rebates of up to $50 off MSRP.

New 10.5-inch iPad Pro

64GB Silver Wi-Fi Only for $639.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

64GB Silver Wi-Fi Only for $609.00 @MacMall ($40 off)

64GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $639.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

64GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $619.00 @MacMall ($30 off)

64GB Gold Wi-Fi Only for $639.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

64GB Gold Wi-Fi Only for $609.00 @MacMall ($40 off)

64GB Rose Gold Wi-Fi Only for $639.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

64GB Rose Gold Wi-Fi Only for $619.00 @MacMall ($30 off)

256GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $719.00 @Adorama %

($30 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

% To activate, use the special pricing link in this post.

Accessories

Apple Pencil for iPad Pro for $99.99 ($8 off in tax outside NY & NJ) @B&H *

Apple Smart Keyboard for 10.5" iPad Pro for $149.99 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

Apple Leather Smart Cover for 10.5" iPad Pro (Black) for $69.00 @B&H * ($6 off in tax outside NY & NJ)

Brydge 10.5 Bluetooth Keyboard for 10.5" iPad Pro (Space Gray) for $149.99 @B&H * ($12 off in tax outside NY & NJ)

$120 to $200 off 9.7-inch iPad Pros

32GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $479.00 @B&H * ($120 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

128GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $529.00 @B&H * ($170 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

256GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $599.00 @B&H * ($200 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

Add AppleCare

You can easily tack on an AppleCare extended protection plan to these iPad Pros for $99 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the "Add to Cart" button on B&H's website.

My student doesn't need Apple Pencil support, just an affordable new iPad

If the student on your shopping list doesn't need Apple Pencil support, B&H and MacMall are knocking $10 to $30 off popular 2017 9.7-inch iPads with prices starting at $319.00. These iPads also qualify for free shipping. B&H also will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY and NJ, while MacMall collects tax in all applicable states.

2017 9.7-inch iPads

32GB Silver Wi-Fi Only for $319.00 @MacMall ($10 off)

32GB Gold Wi-Fi Only for $319.00 @MacMall ($10 off)

32GB Silver Wi-Fi + Cellular for $449.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

32GB Silver Wi-Fi + Cellular for $449.00 @B&H * ($10 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

32GB Gold Wi-Fi + Cellular for $449.00 @MacMall ($10 off)

128GB Space Gray Wi-Fi Only for $399.00 @MacMall ($30 off)

128GB Gold Wi-Fi Only for $399.00 @MacMall ($30 off)

* B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY and NJ.

AirPods

Apple AirPods in stock

Apple's hard-to-find accessory is also available now at Verizon Wireless just in time for the first day of college. With a 4-week wait when ordered directly from Apple, Verizon Wireless is offering shoppers free 2-day shipping for fast delivery before school starts. Priced at $159.97, these earphones come equipped with a W1 chip for easy pairing with an Apple device, as well as excellent battery life.

Apple Watch Series 2

Apple Watch 2 deals

Making it to class on time is a little easier with the Apple Watch, especially when high-end models are marked down by $50 to $100. The Series 2 devices listed below also qualify for free expedited shipping for fast delivery and no sales tax on orders shipped outside NY and NJ.

Top Apple Watch Series 2 deals

38mm, Stainless Steel, Silver Link Band (MNP52LL/A) for $899.00 @B&H *

($50 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

38mm, Stainless Steel, Midnight Blue Large Modern Buckle Band (MNPA2LL/A) for $649.00 @B&H *

($100 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)

B&H will not collect sales tax on orders shipped outside NY & NJ.

Accessory: Belkin's Valet Charge Dock for Apple Watch + iPhone

Belkin Valet Charge Dock for Apple Watch and iPhone

Staying organized in college is key — and with limited space, hunting for charging cables can be a chore. For students that own both an Apple Watch and iPhone, the Belkin Valet Charge Dock is an easy-to-use, portable system that makes charging with one cable a breeze. It features an integrated Lightning connector and an integrated magnetic charger to power both devices. Now $99.99 at Belkin with $30 off promo code BTS2017, the Valet Charge Dock also qualifies for free 2-day shipping.

Booq Cobra Squeeze Backpack

Booq Cobra Squeeze Backpack for Back to School

With daily travel to and from classes, students often need a durable bag with an abundance of pockets. The Booq Cobra Squeeze Backpack delivers that and then some. Made with water-repellant Bionic fabric, the bag is compact on the outside with a remarkably efficient use of space on the inside to hold up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro, iPad, charger and more. The YKK zippers offer a premium touch to a bag that no doubt will receive lots of use throughout the school year. The Booq Cobra Squeeze is available directly from Booq for $195 or shoppers can save $7 at Amazon, although there is a 1 to 4 week wait.

Prefer a messenger bag? The Booq Cobra Brief is equipped with a Terralinq serial number (a service operated by Booq), where owners can register the bag to help recover it should the need arise. The laptop bag itself has a padded laptop compartment to fit up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro, as well as exterior pockets for an iPad and iPhone. Overall, the Cobra Brief is a high quality travel companion with a silky red interior that adds an element of luxury to the case, which retails for $295.

Budget-friendly option

Case Logic DLBP-114 14-Inch Laptop Backpack Bag for $36.95 @Amazon (5% off)

(%) Step by Step Instructions for Coupon Deals at Adorama

    1) Make sure you're using a browser with cookies enabled that isn't in private mode. 2) Click on the price link to the desired configuration from this article or the Adorama price links in our Price Guides. You MUST click through our links in the same shopping session that you use our coupon. If you try to save a link for late, the coupon WON'T WORK. Once you click through a price link, you'll see a price that's higher than advertised (we'll fix that in a moment). 3) Add the MacBook to your cart anyway, and when you're done shopping, begin the checkout process. 4) After you enter your shipping information, move to the Payment section during checkout. 5) Look for a link that says "Do you have a gift card or promo code?" next to the gift icon. Click that to bring up a coupon code field.
    6) Enter the coupon code APINSIDER in the field and click apply. The discount should appear under "Promo Savings" above the order total. 7) That's it. If you live outside NY & NJ Adorama will also not collect sales tax on your order. As always, if you have any issues, you can reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll try and help.

Additional Apple Deals

Apple Price Guides

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

See if there is a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or Certified Used iPhone deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com and deals.appleinsider.com.