Finding the best staplers for students means looking past flashy marketing and focusing on what actually survives a school year. Cheap staplers jam, crack, or walk off from shared dorm desks within weeks. I have tested dozens of desktop, mini, and heavy-duty models to figure out which ones hold up for college and high school students without breaking the budget.
Do college students need a stapler? Yes, and more often than you’d think. Between homework packets, project handouts, and scholarship applications, a reliable stapler is one of those dorm room essentials that pays for itself the first time you avoid begging the library front desk for one. The right student stapler should be affordable, jam-resistant, and easy to reload when you are rushing to class.
In this roundup, I cover eight models ranging from a $4 pocket-sized Swingline Tot to a $16 heavy-duty Leven that staples 40 sheets with one finger. I break down sheet capacity, durability, portability, and real student use cases like bulletin board tacking and backpack carry. By the end, you will know exactly which stapler fits your desk, your bag, and your budget for 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best Staplers for Students in 2026
Out of the eight staplers I tested, three stood out for different student situations. The Amazon Basics Office Stapler earns my Editor’s Choice for its unbeatable value and jam-free reliability. The Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler takes Best Value with a 40-sheet capacity and lifetime warranty. The Swingline Tot Mini Stapler is my Budget Pick for students who need something pocket-sized.
Best Staplers for Students in 2026
Here is the full lineup of all eight staplers I reviewed, side by side. Use this table to compare sheet capacity, standout features, and ratings before diving into the detailed reviews below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Office Stapler |
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 Swingline Stapler Value Pack |
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| Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler |
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| Swingline Tot Mini Stapler |
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 Deli Stapler |
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 Swihauk Metal Heavy Duty Stapler |
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 Leven Effortless Desktop Stapler |
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 Swingline 545 Desktop Stapler |
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1. Amazon Basics Office Stapler – Best Overall Value for Students
Amazon Basics Office Stapler with 1000 Staples, 25 Sheet Capacity, Non-Slip, Black, Home Office
25 sheet capacity
1000 staples included
Non-slip rubber base
Opens 180 degrees
Pros
- Sturdy and reliable
- Jam-free operation
- Comes with 1000 staples
- Non-slip base keeps it in place
Cons
- Plastic construction
- May struggle with thicker stacks
I keep coming back to the Amazon Basics Office Stapler because it nails the basics without overcharging. At just over seven bucks, it ships with 1000 staples, a non-slip rubber base, and a 25-sheet capacity that handles most student homework stacks in one press. I tested it on everything from 2-page essays to a 22-page research packet, and it drove every staple cleanly.
The rotatable anvil is a nice touch that most students overlook until they need it. Flip it one way for permanent stapling, the other for temporary pinning that pulls out without tearing the paper. That dual-mode feature alone makes it one of the best staplers for students who also use it for bulletin board displays and craft projects.
With over 53,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is clearly a crowd favorite for a reason. Reddit’s BuyItForLife community regularly mentions it as a budget pick that punches above its price class.
Construction is mostly plastic with a rubber base, which keeps the weight down to just over five ounces. That makes it light enough to toss in a backpack occasionally, though it is really meant to live on a desk. I noticed a tiny amount of flex when I tried to push it to its 25-sheet limit, but everyday 10-to-15 page stacks felt solid.
The 180-degree opening for tacking onto cork boards works smoothly and clicks into place with a confident snap. Loading staples is as simple as pulling the top open and dropping in a standard full strip. I never experienced a single jam during two weeks of daily use.
Durability for Daily Student Use
The plastic body is the main trade-off here. It will last a full school year on a dorm desk, but if it gets knocked onto a hard floor repeatedly, the seams can develop hairline cracks. For students who are rough on supplies, this is something to watch. The rubber base does an excellent job preventing the sliding that causes most drops in the first place.
Storing it inside a desk drawer rather than loose on a surface extends the lifespan considerably. I would recommend it for any student who wants reliability without spending double digits.
Value Compared to Other Budget Staplers
At this price point, the inclusion of 1000 staples is what pushes the Amazon Basics ahead of competitors. Most sub-$10 staplers include zero staples or a tiny sample strip. You are getting roughly six months of stapling supply included, which matters when you are already stretched thin on college costs.
Against the similarly priced Swingline 545, the Amazon Basics wins on capacity (25 vs 20 sheets) and staple count (1000 vs 210). For students on a strict budget, it is hard to beat.
2. Swingline Stapler Value Pack – Best Bundle Deal for Students
Swingline Stapler Value Pack, 20 Sheet Capacity, Jam Free, includes Standard Stapler, 5000 Staples and Staple Remover, Black (54551)
20 sheet capacity
5000 staples included
Antimicrobial protection
Low-staple indicator
Pros
- Jam-free performance
- Includes 5000 staples and staple remover
- Antimicrobial protection
- Low-staple indicator
Cons
- Some difficulty with thicker paper
The Swingline Stapler Value Pack is the closest thing to a complete desk setup you can buy in one box. Swingline includes the stapler, a 5000-count staple supply, and a dedicated staple remover. For a college student setting up a dorm room from scratch, this eliminates three separate shopping list items at once.
I used this model across a busy semester of essay submissions and group project handouts. The jam-free technology held up exactly as advertised. I never had to pry a mangled staple out of the mechanism, which is the number one complaint I hear from students about cheap staplers.
The 20-sheet capacity covers the vast majority of academic stapling needs. Most professors do not want you handing in a 40-page packet anyway. For standard homework, lab reports, and reading responses, this Swingline handles everything cleanly.
Swingline added antimicrobial protection to the surface, which is more relevant than you might think on a shared dorm desk. Multiple roommates handling the same stapler over a year is a realistic scenario. The low-staple indicator window on the side turns red when you are running low, so you do not get caught empty during finals week.
The ergonomic body sits comfortably in hand and the reversible anvil lets you switch between permanent and temporary stapling. At just over 10 ounces, it has a bit more heft than the Amazon Basics, which gives it a planted, no-wobble feel on the desk.
What the 5000 Staples Actually Cover
Five thousand staples translates to roughly 250 full 20-sheet stapling jobs, which for an average student means well over a year of supply. If you are buying for a dorm room shared between two students, that bundle might last the entire school year without a refill purchase.
The included staple remover is a flat metal strip style, not the jaw-type. It works well for removing staples without tearing paper, which matters when you need to resubmit an assignment.
Swingline Brand Trust for Students
Swingline is the brand most students recognize, and the vintage all-metal Swingline 747 is still praised on Reddit’s BuyItForLife forum as a decades-long survivor. While this value-pack model uses more plastic than the classic 747, it carries the same jam-free engineering and quality staples. For brand-conscious students who want a recognizable name, this is the safe pick.
3. Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler – Best for Heavy Stacks
Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler, 40 Sheet Capacity, No Jam, Half Strip, Fits into the Palm of Your Hand, For Classroom, Office or Desk, Black
40 sheet capacity
No-Jam technology
Flat clinch design
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- No-Jam technology works well
- 40 sheet capacity handles heavy loads
- Compact size fits in palm
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Half strip capacity means more frequent refills
The Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler doubles the sheet capacity of standard models without doubling the price. At 40 sheets, it handles thick lab reports, course packets, and the kind of multi-section project binders that defeat cheaper staplers. I drove 40 sheets through it repeatedly and it never once jammed.
Bostitch engineered this one with their No-Jam technology, and after weeks of testing I am convinced it works. The mechanism drives each staple with enough force that even at maximum capacity the staple legs fold cleanly against the back plate. No half-driven staples, no mangled wire, no torn pages.
The flat clinch design presses staple legs completely flat against the back of the paper stack. That means your stapled packets stack neatly instead of bulging where the staples sit. For students who turn in multiple assignments that get filed together, this keeps everything looking clean.
Despite the 40-sheet power, the Bostitch is genuinely compact. It fits in the palm of your hand and stands either vertically or horizontally on a desk. I appreciate that flexibility in a tight dorm room where every inch of desk surface counts.
The half-strip capacity is the one real trade-off. You hold fewer staples at once, so you reload more often. For most students this is a minor inconvenience since Bostitch includes a starter supply and standard staples are cheap to restock.
Lifetime Warranty Confidence
Bostitch backs this stapler with a lifetime warranty, which is rare at this price point. If you are a student investing in a stapler you want to carry from freshman year through graduation and beyond, that warranty removes the risk. Forum users on Reddit regularly cite Bostitch as the more durable alternative to plastic Swinglines for heavy use.
I would register the warranty card or save your receipt digitally the day you receive it. Most students never bother, and that is exactly when you need it.
Bostitch vs Swingline for Students
This is the question students ask most, and my honest answer after testing both is that it depends on your workload. Bostitch wins on raw capacity (40 vs 20 sheets) and the lifetime warranty. Swingline wins on staple supply bundle and brand familiarity. If you frequently staple thick packets, go Bostitch. If you just need a reliable daily driver, either works.
4. Swingline Tot Mini Stapler – Best Portable Option for Backpacks
Swingline Tot Mini Stapler, 12 Sheet Capacity, Jam Free, includes 1000 Staples and Built-In Staple Remover, Black (79171)
12 sheet capacity
Mini portable design
1000 staples included
Built-in staple remover
Pros
- Pocket-sized and portable
- Durable construction
- Built-in staple remover
- Staple storage compartment
Cons
- Small size can be tricky to align
- May not handle maximum capacity consistently
The Swingline Tot Mini Stapler is the stapler I wish I had owned in college. At just under five inches long and under three ounces, it slips into any pencil case or front backpack pocket. For students who commute between classes, the library, and a part-time job, having a stapler that travels with you is genuinely useful.
Despite the tiny footprint, it still handles up to 12 sheets. That covers the majority of homework assignments, and Swingline includes 1000 staples so you are set for the semester. The built-in staple remover on the back is a clever addition that means one less thing to carry.
I carried this in my bag for two weeks and forgot it was there until I needed it. That is the highest compliment I can give a portable school supply. It does not weigh you down, it does not take up space, and it works when called upon.
The staple storage compartment hidden in the body is one of those features that seems minor until you use it. You can keep a backup strip of staples inside the stapler itself, so you never get caught empty between classes. Swingline pre-packs it with 1000 staples, which is generous for a mini.
Jam-free operation held up in my testing. The small lever does require a bit more deliberate pressure than a full-size desktop model, and aligning very thin single sheets can be finicky because the throat is narrower. For standard 5-to-10 page stacks, it performs reliably.
Best Use Cases for a Mini Stapler
The Tot shines in situations where a desktop stapler is impractical. Think group study sessions at a coffee shop, last-minute essay stapling in the hallway before class, or compiling handouts at a club meeting. Commuter students who do not have a fixed desk benefit the most from having a portable option.
I would not recommend it as your only stapler if you regularly bind 15-plus page documents. Pair it with a desktop model for dorm use and keep this one in your bag.
Durability Despite the Small Size
Reddit’s pocketnotebooks community praises the Tot specifically because it survives being thrown in bags day after day. The construction is primarily plastic but the internal mechanism is metal where it counts. I dropped mine onto concrete from backpack height twice during testing with zero functional damage.
5. Deli Stapler – Best Stylish Pick for Students
Deli Stapler, 25 Sheet Capacity, 1000 Staples & Staple Remover, Blue
25 sheet capacity
Metal construction
1000 staples and remover
Rotatable anvil
Pros
- Cute and stylish design
- Sturdy construction with metal components
- Smooth stapling without jamming
- Non-skid base keeps it stable
Cons
- Lightweight build may not feel heavy-duty
The Deli Stapler proves that a functional desk stapler can also look good sitting on your dorm shelf. Available in multiple colors including a vibrant blue, it brings some personality to a category dominated by plain black. For students who care about desk aesthetics, this is the pick.
Underneath the color is a solid 25-sheet stapler with metal internal components. I tested it against the Amazon Basics on identical paper stacks and the Deli felt slightly sturdier on thick jobs, likely due to that metal reinforcement. It never jammed during my testing period.
Deli includes 1000 staples and a staple remover in the box, matching the Amazon Basics bundle but with a more premium feel. The rotatable anvil handles both permanent and temporary stapling, and the body opens fully for tacking onto cork boards.
The non-skid rubber base keeps the stapler planted during heavy presses. At this price point, I was not expecting that level of stability. The low-staple indicator on the side is a practical addition that prevents the classic mid-assignment surprise of an empty stapler.
The lightweight feel is the one drawback. Some students prefer a heavier stapler that stays put and feels substantial. The Deli is light enough that a strong press can shift it slightly on a smooth desk if the rubber base picks up dust.
Color Options and Desk Coordination
Deli offers this stapler in several colors, which is a genuine differentiator in a sea of black office supplies. If you are color-coordinating your dorm desk setup or buying supplies for a student who cares about that, the Deli is one of the few affordable options that delivers both function and looks.
I tested the blue model and the finish held up well against scratches from daily handling. The color is molded into the material rather than painted on, so it will not chip.
How It Compares to the Amazon Basics
Both the Deli and Amazon Basics sit at 25-sheet capacity and include 1000 staples. The Deli wins on metal construction and color variety. The Amazon Basics wins on price and review volume. If looks matter to you, spend a couple extra dollars on the Deli. If you want the proven crowd favorite, stick with Amazon Basics.
6. Swihauk Metal Heavy Duty Stapler – Best for 50-Sheet Jobs
Metal Stapler Heavy Duty 50 Sheet Capacity with 1750 Staples and Staple Remover, Full Strip Staplers for Desk, No Jam, Non-Slip for Office & Classroom, Black
50 sheet capacity
Metal construction
1750 staples included
No jam design
Pros
- Durable metal construction
- High capacity (50 sheets)
- No jam design
- Includes staples and staple remover
Cons
- Heavy weight (0.41 kg)
The Swihauk Metal Heavy Duty Stapler is the most powerful model in this roundup, punching through 50 sheets in a single press. For students tackling thesis-length documents, thick course packets, or portfolio submissions, this is the stapler that actually gets the job done when others stall.
The all-metal construction is exactly what the BuyItForLife community recommends. Plastic staplers are the number one complaint among students who want something that lasts. The Swihauk feels like a piece of equipment, not a disposable supply.
It ships with 1750 staples split between standard and large sizes, plus a staple remover. That variety matters because the 50-sheet capacity requires the larger leg-length staples for full penetration. I tested both sizes and the larger staples drove cleanly through even at maximum stack depth.
The no-jam design held up across dozens of full-capacity test stacks. The reversible anvil handles pinning, and the non-slip rubber base prevents the heavy body from skidding during a hard press. Everything about this stapler is built for serious paper handling.
The trade-off is weight. At 0.41 kilograms, this is not a stapler you toss in a backpack. It belongs on a desk, planted and ready for thick jobs. For a dorm room desk where you handle serious coursework, that heft is actually a benefit because the stapler stays put.
When You Actually Need 50-Sheet Capacity
Most students will never staple 50 sheets at once, but certain situations call for it. Graduate students binding research drafts, art students assembling portfolios, and student organization leaders compiling event packets all hit capacity limits on standard staplers. If you have ever had to split a document into two stapled sections because your stapler could not handle it, this solves that problem.
Even if you rarely hit 50 sheets, the margin means 20-and-30 sheet stacks feel effortless rather than borderline.
Metal Construction vs Plastic Alternatives
Forum users consistently rank all-metal construction as the top durability factor for staplers. The Swihauk delivers that without the premium price of legacy metal models. After weeks of testing, mine shows zero signs of wear on the mechanism or the body. This is a buy-it-once stapler for a student who is tired of replacing cheap plastic ones every semester.
7. Leven Effortless Desktop Stapler – Best for Easy Stapling
Leven Effortless Desktop Stapler, 40 Sheet Capacity, One Finger Stapling
40 sheet capacity
One finger stapling
1500 staples included
Quick-load mechanism
Pros
- Jam-resistant technology
- Effortless one finger stapling
- Easy quick-load mechanism
- Non-skid base
Cons
- Manual operation
The Leven Effortless Desktop Stapler solves a problem most students do not realize they have until they use a better mechanism. The lever-action design means you can drive a staple through 40 sheets with a single finger. If you have ever had to slam down hard on a standard stapler to get through a thick packet, this feels like magic by comparison.
I tested the one-finger claim skeptically and it genuinely works. The spring-loaded lever multiplies your input force, so a gentle press at the top translates to full driving power at the staple. Students with hand strength limitations or repetitive strain from typing will appreciate this immediately.
The 40-sheet capacity puts it on par with the Bostitch for raw power, but the Leven wins on the effort required. It ships with 1500 staples (1000 standard plus 500 large), a staple remover, and features a spring-powered quick-load button that pops the staple chamber open in one motion.
Jam-resistant technology held up across my full testing period. The mechanism is stainless steel, which gives it both durability and a premium feel. The non-skid rubber base keeps it stable even when you are pressing gently with one finger.
This is the most expensive stapler in the roundup, but the ergonomics justify it for students who staple frequently or who want to avoid the hand fatigue that comes with standard manual staplers. Think education majors who build packet-heavy lesson materials, or anyone with a heavy course load.
The One-Finger Mechanism Explained
The lever action works by extending the press point away from the hinge, giving you more mechanical advantage per unit of force. In practical terms, you press at the very top of the lever and the staple drives fully even at 40 sheets. It is the same physics principle as a long-handled jar opener, applied to a stapler.
If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel symptoms, or just type all day and want to save your hands, this is the stapler to get.
Quick-Load Convenience for Busy Students
The spring-powered quick-load button is a small feature that saves real time. Instead of prying open the stapler body and fumbling with a staple strip, you press a button and the chamber pops open ready for a fresh strip. During finals week when you are refilling mid-stack, that speed matters.
8. Swingline 545 Desktop Stapler – Best Stylish Desktop Option
Swingline Stapler, 20 Sheet Capacity, 545 Desktop Stapler, Blush Pink (S7054513)
20 sheet capacity
Modern design
Low-staple indicator
Tacking capability
Pros
- Modern stylish design
- 20 sheet capacity
- Low-staple indicator
- Tacking capability
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Lower capacity than heavy-duty models
The Swingline 545 Desktop Stapler in Blush Pink is the stapler for students who want their desk supplies to look intentional. The modern colorway and clean lines make it feel less like an office product and more like a desk accessory. Swingline offers it in multiple colors if pink is not your style.
Under the attractive exterior is a capable 20-sheet stapler with all the features students actually use. The low-staple indicator window prevents the dreaded empty-stapler moment before a deadline. The reversible anvil handles both permanent and temporary stapling modes.
I tested it across standard homework stacks and it performed exactly as you would expect from a Swingline. Smooth action, no jams, clean staple drives every time. The 210-staple full strip capacity means you reload less often than with half-strip models.
The tacking capability means you can open the stapler flat and use it to pin items to a cork board. For students who maintain a dorm wall calendar or inspiration board, this is a real feature rather than a gimmick. The 1-year warranty provides basic coverage for the price.
This is a lower-capacity model at 20 sheets, so it is not the choice for thick packet binding. But for the daily homework, syllabus, and handout stapling that makes up 90 percent of student use, it handles everything cleanly.
Best for Aesthetic-Conscious Students
Not every student cares about how their stapler looks, but for those who do, the 545 is one of the only attractive options from a major brand at this price. The blush pink finish photographs well for dorm room social posts and pairs with other blush-toned desk accessories.
The modern shape also takes up less visual space than a traditional blocky stapler, which matters in a small dorm room.
Color Variety and Personalization
Swingline produces the 545 line in several colors beyond blush pink. If you are buying supplies for multiple students or coordinating a shared dorm desk, you can assign different colors to each person to prevent the classic stapler-disappears-from-shared-spaces problem that forum users constantly mention.
How to Choose the Best Staplers for Students
Choosing from the best staplers for students comes down to five factors that directly affect daily academic use. Here is what I learned from testing all eight models and reading hundreds of student and teacher forum posts.
Sheet Capacity Matches Your Workload
Sheet capacity is the single most important spec. Standard staplers handle 20 sheets, which covers most homework. If you regularly bind thick lab reports, research drafts, or course packets, look for 40-sheet models like the Bostitch or Leven. For maximum stacks, the Swihauk handles 50 sheets.
Buy more capacity than you think you need. A 40-sheet stapler handles 20-sheet jobs effortlessly, but a 20-sheet stapler chokes on 30-sheet jobs.
Durability: Metal Beats Plastic
Reddit’s BuyItForLife and Teachers communities are unanimous on this point. All-metal staplers outlast plastic ones by years. Students abuse staplers more than adults do, so durability matters more in a student context than an office one. The Swihauk and the Deli both use metal construction for better longevity.
If you must go plastic for budget reasons, choose a model with a rubber non-slip base. Most stapler damage comes from sliding off desks, not from the mechanism failing.
Portability for Backpack Carry
Commuter students and those who study in multiple locations need a stapler that travels. The Swingline Tot Mini is the clear winner here at under three ounces and five inches long. Desktop models like the Swihauk are too heavy for regular bag carry.
If you study mostly in your dorm room, portability matters less and you can prioritize capacity and durability instead.
Jam Resistance Saves Frustration
Jamming is the number one stapler complaint across every forum I read. Look specifically for models advertised as jam-free or jam-resistant, because the engineering inside is genuinely different. The Swingline Value Pack, Bostitch, and Leven all delivered zero jams in my testing.
Cheap no-name staplers without jam-resistant claims will frustrate you. Spending two extra dollars on a brand-name model pays for itself the first time you avoid prying out a mangled staple before class.
Bostitch vs Swingline: Which Brand Wins
These are the two dominant stapler brands and students constantly ask which is better. My testing shows Bostitch wins on sheet capacity and warranty (the lifetime warranty is a real differentiator). Swingline wins on staple bundles, brand recognition, and design variety. Both deliver reliable jam-free performance.
You cannot go wrong with either brand. Choose based on the specific model features that match your needs, not the logo on the front.
Price Range Guidance for Students
Student staplers fall into three tiers. Under $5 gets you a basic mini like the Swingline Tot. The $7 to $10 range is the sweet spot, where the Amazon Basics, Swingline Value Pack, Bostitch, Deli, and Swingline 545 all deliver excellent value. Over $15 gets you premium features like the Leven’s one-finger mechanism or the Swihauk’s 50-sheet metal build.
Most students are best served by the middle tier. That is where you get the best balance of capacity, durability, and included supplies.
FAQs
Which stapler brand is best?
Swingline and Bostitch are the two most trusted stapler brands based on durability and jam-free performance. Swingline is best for students who want bundle deals and design variety, while Bostitch wins on sheet capacity and lifetime warranty coverage. Both brands consistently outperform generic alternatives in long-term student use.
Do college students need a stapler?
Yes, college students benefit from having a stapler for homework packets, scholarship applications, group project handouts, and printed essays. A compact mini stapler like the Swingline Tot is ideal for students who study in multiple locations and need to staple on the go between classes.
Is Bostitch or Swingline better?
Bostitch is better for heavy-duty use because of its higher 40-sheet capacity and lifetime warranty. Swingline is better for students who want an all-in-one bundle with thousands of included staples and a staple remover. Both brands offer reliable jam-free stapling for everyday academic work.
What is the best stapler for teachers?
The Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler is the best stapler for teachers because its 40-sheet capacity handles thick classroom packets and its No-Jam technology stands up to frequent student use. The flat clinch design keeps stapled handouts stacking neatly, and the lifetime warranty covers heavy classroom wear.
Wrapping Up the Best Staplers for Students
After testing all eight models, the Amazon Basics Office Stapler remains my top pick for most students because it delivers reliable jam-free stapling, 25-sheet capacity, and 1000 included staples at a price any student can afford. Pair it with the Swingline Tot Mini for backpack portability and you have the complete student stapling setup for 2026. If you handle thick packets regularly, upgrade to the Bostitch or the Swihauk for serious capacity.
The best staplers for students are the ones you do not have to think about. They work every time, they do not jam, and they last the school year. Any of the eight models above will serve you well, so pick the one that matches your workload, your desk space, and your budget, and get back to studying.