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Dorm Room Tech Every Student Needs

Twin beds, minimal privacy, and noise at all hours. Dorm life—or, in the age of COVID-19, living at your parents' house—can be exhilarating and exasperating. These gadgets will help you survive.

Chandra Steele
 & Chandra Steele Senior Features Writer

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

You Can Trust Our Reviews

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
Your Laptop Isn't Made In China AnymoreThe $599 MacBook Neo Is a Hit. Now Apple Needs a 'Neo' iPhone and iPadDon't Stop at the MacBook. Why Apple Needs a 'Neo' Line of Lower-Cost Devices'I Never Actually Sold That.' Apple’s Third Founder Claims He Still Owns a 10% Stake in the CompanyThey Can't All Be iPhones: 21 Times Apple Got It Very Wrong
  • Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock
    Best for Nightstands and Desks

    Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Same performance and features as the Echo Dot
      • Bright, clear LED clock face
      • Slightly weak high-frequency response
      • Alexa can be a little stilted compared with Google Assistant

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is simply an Echo Dot smart speaker with an LED clock on the front—and it's terrific.

    Specs & Configurations

    Bluetooth
    Built-In Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections 3.5mm
    Speakerphone
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Amazon Echo Dot With Clock Review
  • Sennheiser HD 450BT
    Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation

    Sennheiser HD 450BT

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Strong noise cancellation for the price
      • Excellent audio performance
      • Can be used in passive mode with cable, or wired mode with ANC enabled
      • User-adjustable EQ
      • Noise cancellation is solid, but not class-leading

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Sennheiser's HD 450BT headphones deliver excellent Bluetooth audio and solid noise cancellation for a bargain price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm
    True Wireless
    Type Circumaural (over-ear)
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Sennheiser HD 450BT Review
  • Sonos One
    Versatile Voice Assistant Users

    Sonos One

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Multi-room audio with flexible stereo and surround configurations.
      • Powerful sound for its size.
      • Offers both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants.
      • Supports AirPlay.
      • Sound can distort at top volumes.
      • No Bluetooth or wired audio connections.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The second-generation Sonos One is a versatile wireless speaker with excellent sound quality, support for multi-room audio, and your choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice control.

    Specs & Configurations

    Channels Mono
    Multi-Room
    Physical Connections Ethernet
    Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa
    Voice Assistant Google Assistant
    Wi-Fi
    Get It Now
    Learn More Sonos One (Gen 2) Review Review
  • Roku Premiere+ (2018)
    Roku value

    Roku Premiere+ (2018)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Inexpensive.
      • Quick performance.
      • Voice remote doesn't need line of sight and can control your TV.
      • Supports HDR10.
      • Voice features are limited to search, with no voice assistant functionality.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The affordable, Walmart-exclusive Roku Premiere+ is identical to the regular Premiere 4K media streamer, but with a much more useful wireless remote.

    Specs & Configurations

    HDR HDR10
    Platform Roku OS
    Resolution 4K
    Voice Assistant Search
    Get It Now
    Learn More Roku Premiere+ (2018) Review
  • HP Envy 13 (2019)
    College Students, Frequent Travelers

    HP Envy 13 (2019)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Low price.
      • Sleek metal styling.
      • Handsome 4K touch screen.
      • No HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 port.
      • Not suited for gaming despite discrete graphics.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    If you can live without a Thunderbolt 3 port, you'll find HP's Envy 13 a stylish alternative to 13.3-inch ultraportables costing hundreds more.

    Specs & Configurations

    Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512
    Boot Drive Type SSD
    Dimensions (HWD) 0.58 by 12.1 by 8.3 inches
    Graphics Memory 2
    Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce MX250
    Laptop Class Ultraportable
    Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2160
    Operating System Windows 10 Home
    Panel Technology IPS
    Processor Intel Core i7-8565U
    Processor Speed 1.8
    RAM (as Tested) 16
    Screen Refresh Rate 60
    Screen Size 13.3
    Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:34
    Touch Screen
    Variable Refresh Support None
    Weight 2.8
    Wireless Networking 802.11ac
    Wireless Networking Bluetooth
    Get It Now
    Learn More HP Envy 13 (2019) Review Review
  • WD My Passport (2019, 5TB)

    WD My Passport (2019, 5TB)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 5TB is peak portable single-drive capacity.
      • Small and light.
      • AES-256 hardware encryption with password.
      • Ships with apps for backup/restore, reformatting and checking drive health, and more.
      • At list price, the 5TB version has a higher cost per gigabyte than the 4TB version.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Its combination of solid performance, hardware encryption, and useful utilities makes the 5TB WD My Passport a strong contender for everyday backup of sensitive data or storing a massive collection of videos, photos, and documents.

    Specs & Configurations

    Backup Software Included?
    Cables Included USB Micro-B-to-A
    Cables Included USB-A-to-C adapter
    Capacity 5
    Drive Type External Portable
    Spin Rate 5400
    System-Side Interface USB 3.0
    USB Powered?
    Warranty (Parts/Labor) 3
    Get It Now
    Learn More WD My Passport (5TB) Review Review
  • Ecovacs Deebot N79S
    Most Features for the Price

    Ecovacs Deebot N79S

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable.
      • Powerful suction.
      • App control.
      • Amazon Alexa compatibility.
      • Finicky Wi-Fi setup.
      • Minor navigation issues.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Ecovacs Deebot N79S robot vacuum offers powerful cleaning, app control, and Alexa voice command support for an unbeatable price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Life (Tested) 95 minutes
    Dimensions 13.9 by 13.9 by 3.3 inches
    Phone Control
    Remote Control
    Scheduling
    Get It Now
    Learn More Ecovacs Deebot N79S Review
  • HP Sprocket 2nd Edition
    Portable Photo Printing

    HP Sprocket 2nd Edition

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Impressive print quality.
      • Lower price and running costs than original Sprocket.
      • Expressive colors.
      • Sprocket App has lots of new functionality.
      • Nascent augmented-reality aspects.
      • A few features (notably, multi-user connections and print queue) are under-developed.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    HP's Sprocket 2nd Edition portable photo printer stands out with its unique design and quirky AR angle. But most impressive is the improved print quality.

    Specs & Configurations

    Color or Monochrome Color
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Cost Per Page (Color) 45 cents
    Cost Per Page (Monochrome) N/A
    Direct Printing From Media Cards
    Maximum Scan Area N/A
    Maximum Standard Paper Size 2.3" x 3.4"
    Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated
    Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated
    Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 1
    Number of Ink Colors 4
    Printer Input Capacity 10
    Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) N/A ppm
    Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) N/A ppm
    Scanner Optical Resolution N/A
    Scanner Type N/A
    Standalone Copier and Fax N/A
    Type Printer Only
    Get It Now
    Learn More HP Sprocket 2nd Edition Review
  • Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Tufted Smart Faux Headboard

    Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Tufted Smart Faux Headboard

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Tufted Smart Faux Headboard Review
  • Luckies of London Smartphone Projector 2.0

    Luckies of London Smartphone Projector 2.0

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More Luckies of London Smartphone Projector 2.0 Review
  • Kennedy Task Lamp with USB

    Kennedy Task Lamp with USB

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More Kennedy Task Lamp with USB Review
  • Pinch Provisions Tech Kit

    Pinch Provisions Tech Kit

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Pinch Provisions Tech Kit Review
  • Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

    Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine Review
  • Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug

    Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug Review
  • BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator

    BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More BLACK+DECKER Compact Refrigerator Review
  • Wonder Washer

    Wonder Washer

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Wonder Washer Review
  • Joyfulsky Electric Hot Pot

    Joyfulsky Electric Hot Pot

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Joyfulsky Electric Hot Pot Review
  • PurSteam

    PurSteam

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More PurSteam Review
  • Comfee Retro Countertop Microwave

    Comfee Retro Countertop Microwave

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More Comfee Retro Countertop Microwave Review
Dorm Room Tech Every Student Needs

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock

Sennheiser HD 450BT

Sennheiser HD 450BT

Sonos One

Sonos One

Our Pick
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock
Sennheiser HD 450BT
Sennheiser HD 450BT
Sonos One
Sonos One
Roku Premiere+ (2018)
Roku Premiere+ (2018)
HP Envy 13 (2019)
HP Envy 13 (2019)
WD My Passport (2019, 5TB)
WD My Passport (2019, 5TB)
Ecovacs Deebot N79S
Ecovacs Deebot N79S
HP Sprocket 2nd Edition
HP Sprocket 2nd Edition
Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Tufted Smart Faux Headboard
Pottery Barn Teen No Nails Tufted Smart Faux Headboard
Luckies of London Smartphone Projector 2.0
Luckies of London Smartphone Projector 2.0
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock
Sennheiser HD 450BT
Sennheiser HD 450BT
Sonos One
Sonos One
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best for Nightstands and Desks
Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation
Versatile Voice Assistant Users
Roku value
College Students, Frequent Travelers
Most Features for the Price
Portable Photo Printing
Best for Nightstands and Desks
Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation
Versatile Voice Assistant Users
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Wireless
Wi-Fi
Weight
2.8
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Warranty (Parts/Labor)
3
Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantSearchAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Variable Refresh Support
None
USB Powered?
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)Printer OnlyCircumaural (over-ear)
True Wireless
Touch Screen
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:34
System-Side Interface
USB 3.0
Standalone Copier and Fax
N/A
Spin Rate
5400
Speakerphone
Screen Size
13.3
Screen Refresh Rate
60
Scheduling
Scanner Type
N/A
Scanner Optical Resolution
N/A
Resolution
4K
Remote Control
Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono)
N/A ppm
Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color)
N/A ppm
RAM (as Tested)
16
Processor Speed
1.8
Processor
Intel Core i7-8565U
Printer Input Capacity
10
Platform
Roku OS
Physical Connections
3.5mmEthernet3.5mmEthernet
Phone Control
Panel Technology
IPS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home
Number of Ink Colors
4
Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks
1
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2160
Multi-Room
Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended)
Not rated
Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum)
Not rated
Maximum Standard Paper Size
2.3" x 3.4"
Maximum Scan Area
N/A
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
HDR
HDR10
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce MX250
Graphics Memory
2
Drive Type
External Portable
Direct Printing From Media Cards
Dimensions (HWD)
0.58 by 12.1 by 8.3 inches
Dimensions
13.9 by 13.9 by 3.3 inches
Cost Per Page (Monochrome)
N/A
Cost Per Page (Color)
45 cents
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mmBluetoothBluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Color or Monochrome
Color
Channels
MonoMonoMonoMono
Capacity
5
Cables Included
USB Micro-B-to-A, USB-A-to-C adapter
Built-In Voice Assistant
Amazon AlexaAmazon Alexa
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512
Bluetooth
Battery Life (Tested)
95 minutes
Backup Software Included?
Active Noise Cancellation

Buying Guide: Dorm Room Tech Every Student Needs

Back to School

None

For more, check out PCMag's complete back-to-school guide.

Recommended by Our Editors

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Don't Stop at the MacBook. Why Apple Needs a 'Neo' Line of Lower-Cost Devices
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About Our Expert

Chandra Steele

Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My Experience

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme. 

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. 

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Making incomprehensible tech news easy to understand
  • Expanding the boundaries of topics covered in the industry
  • Figuring out tips and tricks in apps and on devices and letting you know about them
  • Putting together gift guides for everyone in your life 

The Technology I Use

All that gadgets is gold for me: my iPhone 11 Pro, my fifth-generation iPad that I use only for streaming videos and music, my iPad mini 4 that I like to take with me whenever I carry a bag that can fit it, and my MacBook Pro. Why are they all different shades of gold, though? What’s going on, Apple? 

None of them quite live up to my two past loves: my LG Lotus LX600 phone and my Sony Walkman NW-E005 MP3 player. 

I've never given up wired earbuds so I was ahead of all those trend pieces. I use a Mangotek Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone jack adapter to connect them to my phone. 

I have had so many ebook readers, but I prefer paper to them all. Still, my Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for traveling or when I’m too impatient to wait for a book to be released in paperback.

Read the latest from Chandra Steele

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