GoKawiilIf you or a loved one is prepping for college, it's easy to knock out the apparent dorm room essentials: twin XL sheets, a mini fridge, a laptop. What's less obvious are the tech items that can level up a dorm room from basic to smart.
With so many gadgets flooding the market, especially those catered to college students, it can be hard to know which are worth it and which will sit unused for the next four years.
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That's why we rounded up our favorite smart home gadgets we've actually tested, perfect for outfitting any college dorm. From smart speakers to nifty streaming options, our team of experts has curated the best picks for back-to-school season, whether you're a first-time freshman or a returning student.
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A smart speaker
A speaker has been an essential part of a college dorm for years. Thankfully, we've come a long way since Bluetooth shower speakers. The best smart speakers from top tech brands like Amazon, Google, Apple, and more make it easy to listen to music, amp up a movie night, and serve as the perfect homework helpers thanks to Alexa, Siri, and more.
Amazon Echo Dot A smart speaker for a college dorm Maria Diaz/ZDNET Amazon's flagship Echo Dot is a great place to start if you're looking for a smart speaker. It has Alexa built-in and is a perfect budget-friendly option at $50. Aside from using this Alexa speaker to control your smart home, the Echo Dot has excellent sound quality to play your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Though it doesn't have a smart display, the fifth-generation Echo Dot makes a great bedside companion. Smart home expert Maria Diaz, who awarded this speaker ZDNET's pick for best budget Amazon speaker, says it lets you easily set alarms by asking Alexa or using the Alexa app and controlling Alexa-compatible smart home devices triggered by the temperature or built-in motion sensors. Show more View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy View now at B&H Photo-Video
A wireless charging stand
If there's one piece of dorm tech I recommend everyone owns, it is a multi-device wireless charger. It makes it so much easier when all your device charging can be docked in the same place, and you don't have to deal with tangles, cords dropping behind your furniture in small spaces, or loading up a surge protector with the chargers for all your devices. Whether you're an Android or Apple user, some great charging accessories and docks make it easy to boost your phone, wireless earbuds, and smartwatches quickly.
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