Let’s be honest—teaching with technology can get expensive. But just because your budget is tight doesn’t mean your classroom tech has to suffer. As educators, we know that finding the right tools to engage our students is key, but finding those tools at affordable prices is even better.

Hi, I’m Ryan Thompson, and I specialize in tracking down the best EdTech deals so you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your classroom, get creative with student engagement, or simply find tools that make your job easier, I’ve got you covered—without breaking the bank. Below are five incredible EdTech tools that offer major bang for your buck, and I’ve even thrown in some tips on how to snag them at a discount.

1. Screencastify (Free version available)

Let’s start with one of my favorites—Screencastify. This easy-to-use tool allows you to create screencasts, record lessons, and even provide video feedback to your students. It’s perfect for flipping your classroom or supporting remote learners.

The best part? The free version is more than enough for most teachers. You can record up to five minutes of video per session, which works great for mini-lessons or quick tutorials.

Deal Alert: Keep an eye out for Screencastify’s occasional discounts on their premium version, especially around back-to-school time. If you’re part of an educational institution, they often offer special pricing for group licenses.

2. Canva for Education (Free for teachers)

If you haven’t already jumped on the Canva for Education bandwagon, now’s the time. Canva is an online design platform that’s perfect for creating visually engaging materials—whether it’s worksheets, infographics, or presentations. The best news? It’s 100% free for teachers.

From creating interactive learning templates to collaborating with students in real-time, Canva is a powerhouse tool that won’t cost you a cent. You can even have your students create their own visually engaging projects without needing design expertise.

Deal Alert: Canva for Education is already free, but you can find discounts on their paid plans for personal use if you want to upgrade outside of the classroom setting. Check out Canva’s “Pro” deals during the holiday season.

3. ClassDojo (Free version available)

Looking for a simple way to manage classroom behavior, keep parents in the loop, and build a stronger class community? ClassDojo offers a free plan that’s packed with features, including behavior tracking, class stories, and messaging for parents. It’s one of the best tools for creating a positive classroom environment, and the free version is often all you need.

ClassDojo’s paid version adds extra features, like multi-teacher accounts and school-wide analytics, but for individual teachers, the free plan is a solid choice.

Deal Alert: ClassDojo occasionally offers deals for school-wide accounts, so if your school is considering adopting the platform, make sure to inquire about bulk pricing for multiple teachers.

4. Quizizz (Free and Paid Plans)

Quizizz is a student-favorite when it comes to quizzes and interactive games. What makes it stand out? The gamified quizzes, real-time feedback, and the ability for students to complete them at their own pace. It’s super engaging, and the free version offers tons of features.

With Quizizz, you can choose from a library of pre-made quizzes or create your own from scratch. Students earn points for correct answers and speed, which adds an element of fun and competition to classroom activities.

Deal Alert: While the free version is packed with features, Quizizz frequently offers discounts on their premium plan. If you time it right, you can often snag a 50% discount during seasonal sales or special educator promotions.

5. Edpuzzle (Free and Paid Plans)

If you’re looking to make video-based learning more interactive, Edpuzzle is a fantastic tool. Edpuzzle allows you to take existing videos (from YouTube, Khan Academy, etc.) and embed questions, comments, and quizzes directly into the video. Students can watch and answer questions, making learning more active and engaging.

The free version of Edpuzzle gives you the basics you need to get started, while the paid version offers extra storage and advanced features like in-depth analytics.

Deal Alert: Edpuzzle offers discounts on their paid plans for schools and districts, so if you’re looking to upgrade for more storage or features, be sure to check for seasonal promotions or educator bundles.

Final Thoughts: Save Big, Teach Big

There’s no reason why a tight budget should hold you back from creating an engaging, tech-savvy classroom. From free platforms to discount opportunities, the tools listed above prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to bring innovation into your teaching.

Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal discounts, educator-specific promotions, and free trials—these little savings add up! And remember, it’s not about having the flashiest tools; it’s about using what works best for you and your students, while making the most of every dollar.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just starting to explore the possibilities, I’ll be here to help you navigate the world of EdTech deals and find the best tools for your classroom.