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Best electronics gear for college students

These entertainment devices save on space and money

Published: July 2012

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Headphones

Home theaters

TVs

For college students, one harsh reality of dorm or small-apartment living is that space can often be severely limited. Their budgets are also unlikely to be too grand, which means that no matter how much an undergrad wants high-end name-brand electronics, that gear might not be worth enduring an endless diet of cheap supermarket ramen noodles.

Here are our suggestions for the space-starved, budget-minded student who doesn't want to compromise on quality electronics equipment.

Televisions

Samsung UN32EH5000

Multitasking TV: Big enough to show off movies in all their high-def glory but small enough to serve double-duty as a computer monitor, the 32-inch 1080p Samsung UN32EH5000 ($480) is one of the few sets this size in our Ratings to deliver excellent high-definition picture quality. This model uses an energy-efficient LED backlight, so those marathon Mass Effect 3 sessions on the PlayStation can continue. And the set comes with a feature called ConnectShare Movie, which lets users directly play videos, music, or photos stored on a device or flash drive when connected to the TV's USB connection.

Streaming video devices

Apple TV

Stream on: For students who already live in Apple’s world (in other words, they use iTunes) the Apple TV ($99) is a no-brainer. It’s got an excellent interface, easy integration with iTunes TV shows, movies, and music libraries, and it offers access to Netflix and YouTube. Apple TV also lets users stream content from an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch to the TV via AirPlay. (This box will support AirPlay mirroring, which displays on the TV whatever is on an iOS device's screen.)

Something's always on: If students want more content—and Angry Birds—then the Roku XS ($100) is the choice. It provides access to Amazon, Epix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and Netflix, as well as Pandora Internet radio. It also comes with a motion-sensing game remote, plus a preloaded version of that certain bird-flinging, pig-bashing game. The only thing lacking is YouTube.

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Home theater in a box

Yamaha YHT-395

Sounds good: The Yamaha YHT-395 5.1-channel home-theater system ($330) lets students kick out the jams and gives them everything you need except a disc player. It features very good sound, five satellite speakers to place around a room, and a powered subwoofer. It also lets users play tunes from an iPod or iPhone using either an optional iPod dock or wireless Bluetooth receiver. And there are enough inputs to connect a Blu-ray player, game system (such as the Sony PlayStation, which can serve as a Blu-ray player) or a cable/satellite box, allowing it to act as the hub for all in-room entertainment.

Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC27

Silence is golden: The over-the-ear Audio-Technica ATH-ANC27 headphones ($60) deliver very good sound and noise reduction for a relatively low price. The noise-canceling feature can even be used when the user isn't listening to music, helpful if a roommate snores or can’t go to sleep without Flo Rida’s "Whistle" playing on a loop.

Carry a tune: A bulky set of headphones is no good for students on the go. The Klipsch Image S41 ($100) is a classy-looking Apple-centric model that delivers very good sound with a warm character, and it includes in-line controls and a microphone for taking iPhone calls. The JVC HA-FX300 headphones ($60) also provide very good sound at a more budget-friendly price. These ear-insert models also offer a decent amount of isolation from outside sounds.