If 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.ย
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A smart speakerย
A speaker has been an essential part of a college dorm for years. Thankfully, we've come a long way since Bluetooth shower speakers. Theย 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'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.ย
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.ย
A wireless charging standย
If there's one…