Top-Rated Technology Must-Haves for Savvy Globe Trotters

Read update

• We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best gadgets for traveling to pick up.

Before heading out on that month-long vacation or quick business trip, don’t forget to gear up. From noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth trackers to plug adapters and travel routers, these devices are the best tech travel companions.

UPDATE: 07/17/2024

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best gadgets for traveling to pick up.

• 
  

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Best eReader
$190 at Amazon

• 
  

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Best International Plug Adapter
$23 at Amazon

• 
  

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
$298 at Amazon

• 
  

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Portable Charger

Best Portable Charger
$20 at Amazon

• 
  

Tile Mate

Best Bluetooth Tracker
$48 at Amazon

• See More

• 
  

Fujifilm Instax Mini Neo Classic 90

Best Instant Film Camera
$210 at Amazon

• 
  

Nintendo Switch

Best Portable Gaming System
$239 at Amazon

• 
  

Apple iPad (10th-generation)

Best Tablet
$320 at Amazon

• 
  

Logitech K480

Best Tablet Keyboard
$36 at Amazon

• 
  

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router

Best Travel Router
$40 at Amazon

What to Look For in Tech Travel Gadgets

When shopping around for necessary gadgets to take on your next trip, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

First, it’s important to think about what’s necessary for your vacation or business trip—whether for work or play, you’ll likely have limited space in your luggage for clunky or heavy tech. Before making any purchases, you’ll want to ensure that it’s something you’ll need while you’re away from home. Our list contains things that may be considered necessary for some, but the ultimate decision will be up to you.

Likewise, size and weight are equally important factors. If you’re planning on packing your tech in a carry-on bag, for instance, you’ll want to stick to pretty compact gadgets such as a portable charger or a tablet. If you play on checking a bag, you may be able to pack larger items such as an instant film camera.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider your budget. If you’re specifically buying a gadget for an upcoming trip, you may not want to spend a lot of cash. However, if you’re a frequent flier or road tripper, perhaps it’s a good idea to invest in something on the pricier side.

How Did We Research
Models Evaluated	Hours Researched	Reviews Analyzed
30	12	15

How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best eReader: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Jason Fitzpatrick / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ 32 gigabytes of storage	✗ Have to pay for a monthly Kindle Unlimited subscription
✓ One charge can last up to 10 weeks	✗ Wireless charger is sold separately
✓ Glare-free display

If you’re a frequent reader, carrying chunky books can take up precious space in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition , our top pick for eReaders , eliminates this issue through its 32 gigabytes (GB) of storage and the ability to rent up to 20 titles at a time with Kindle Unlimited.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature is hard to argue against—you can charge it via USB-C, with one full battery lasting up to 10 weeks. Additionally, its display is something to write home about. The 300 ppi screen is glare-free, while its warm lighting is adjustable. The front light also automatically adapts to the brightness of your surroundings, making it an excellent option for red-eye flights.

Although you can use your Kindle without a Kindle Unlimited subscription (an additional $9.99 a month), the accompanying plan provides a free trial and access to thousands of content with no due dates.

The bottom line? If you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying an eReader, the $200 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is your best bet.

Best eReader

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

If you want all the updates and improvements of the new Paperwhite line, along with an auto-adjusting front light, 32 GB storage, and wireless charging right out of the box, this is the Kindle for you.

$190 at Amazon See at Best Buy

Best International Plug Adapter: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA

Pros	Cons
✓ Compact size	✗ A bit pricey for an adapter
✓ 4 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 AC socket	✗ Doesn’t convert voltage
✓ Compatible with most devices

Planning on diving into international waters? The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is essential.

Universal travel adapters allow electronics to power up in different countries. For example, the United States has plugs with two flat vertical prongs, while the United Kingdom has plugs with a top vertical prong and two bottom horizontal ones. A travel adapter ensures you can charge your devices regardless of where you go.

This option from EPICKA functions explicitly as a multifunctional travel plug. However, it doesn’t convert voltage, so you’ll want to make sure your devices support 100 to 240 voltage—especially hair dryers and electric razors, which often don’t.

It boasts four USB ports and one USB-C, all of which can be plugged in simultaneously. It covers more than 150 countries, including the U.S., the UK, Australia, and Japan.

Best of all, this adapter is super compact. You can easily pop it into your carry-on bag for quick access, perfect for unexpected layovers or delays.

Best International Plug Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

$23 $25 Save $2

A great gadget to pack in your international luggage, this travel adapter is small, compatible with USB-C and USB, and can be used in more than 150 countries.

$23 at Amazon

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

Kris Wouk / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
Excellent reviews	Some users report the touch sensor controls being too sensitive
Up to 30 hours of battery life	Carrying case isn’t as compact as the previous generation
Awesome sound quality and noise cancellation
Touch sensor controls

Whether traveling via plane, train, or car, noise-canceling headphones are something you won’t want to go without. For that, we recommend checking out Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones , which is one of the best on the market.

Compatible with both Bluetooth and 3.5mm connections, these headphones are very popular, and their sound quality is a large reason why. You also get some of the best noise-cancellation around, complete with a comfortable design and convenient carrying case.

Other highlights? There’s speak-to-chat technology, which automatically pauses your music when you talk. There’s also built-in Alexa, touch sensor control that allows you to skip, pause, and play tracks, multiple device pairing, and two color options: Black and Silver .

All of those incredible features come with a hefty price tag, though—at nearly $400, these Sony headphones are a significant investment. However, if you have the cash to spend and want a pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones that will last, these are your best bet.

Looking for a good pair of headphones for your child during your next trip? Check out our recommendations for the best noise-cancelling headphones for kids !

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

$298 $400 Save $102

With the WH-1000XM5, Sony has shown once again why it is the current king of noise-canceling wireless headphones. These headphones are better than ever with gestures, improved noise cancellation, and better battery life.

See at crutchfield $298 at Amazon See at Best Buy

Best Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore Slim 1000

Anker

Pros	Cons
✓ Affordable	✗ USB-C and lightning cables aren’t included
✓ Compact size	✗ Takes almost 6 hours to fully recharge the device
✓ Compatible with most Apple and Samsung devices
✓ Lifetime warranty

A portable charger is a necessity for traveling. If you’ve somehow managed to live without one until now—or you’re looking to upgrade your current model—we recommend the Anker PowerCore Slim 1000 . Priced at less than $30, its impressively slim design can provide multiple charges for iPhones, Android devices, and smaller tablets.

Perfect for tucking into your carry-on, this Anker charger features PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, which ensures that your device is receiving the fastest charge possible. It’s also airline-friendly and designed to provide optimal charging to low-power devices, such as headphones and Bluetooth speakers .

That being said, it does take nearly six hours to charge this gadget to its full capacity, so you’ll want to gear this guy up a day or two in advance. Additionally, while there are both USB-A and USB-C ports, cords are not included, so make sure you have those ahead of time.

Best Portable Charger

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Portable Charger

$20 $22 Save $2

This charger has a 10,000mAh capacity, PowerIQ/VoltageBoost for optimized charging, and an ultra-slim profile.

$20 at Amazon

Best Bluetooth Tracker: Tile Mate

Tile

Pros	Cons
✓ Compatible with Android and Apple/iOS devices	✗ Have to upgrade to the premium plan for added features
✓ Waterproof	✗ Battery powered
✓ Bluetooth range of up to 250 feet

A Bluetooth tracker is a great gadget, especially when you’re away from home. These handy devices can be latched onto essentials such as your bag or wallet. And if you accidentally lose them, your tracker will help you find or keep an eye on them.

Our favorite? The Tile Mate , a compact little gizmo that can be easily snapped onto travel necessities and features a Bluetooth range of up to 250 feet.

At less than $50 for a pack of two, these trackers are super easy to use and affordable. You download the accompanying Tile app, which will ring your Tile when it’s in Bluetooth range (you can also ask a smart home device, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to find it for you). There’s also a custom QR code on each Tile, so you can be reached if someone finds it and scans the code.

We also like that the Tile Mate can be used to find your phone. You can double-press the button on your Tile to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent. And, in cases when your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can use the app to see its most recent location on a map.

You’ll have to upgrade to Tile’s premium plan for added features like Smart Alert and item reimbursement. Additionally, the Tile is battery-powered, so you’ll want to ensure it has a fresh battery before jet setting.

Best Bluetooth Tracker

Tile Mate

A handy Bluetooth tracker with an easy-to-use accompanying app that will help you keep track of your absolute necessities.

$48 at Amazon

Best Instant Film Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Fujifilm

Pros	Cons
✓ Automatic brightness detection	✗ Expensive
✓ Rechargeable battery	✗ Film can be pricey, and you have to repurchase it
✓ Double exposure mode

Film cameras are all the rage right now, and this option from Fujifilm, the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic , is no exception. This easy-to-use film camera instantly develops 2.1 by 3.4-inch (53.34mm x 86.36mm) photos.

In terms of its specs, the Instax Mini 90 is pretty cool. It can automatically detect the brightness of your background or surroundings and will adjust the flash and shutter speed, so you get a great photo every time. Additionally, there’s a double exposure mode you can access by pressing the shutter twice.

While it has great ratings and reviews from buyers, we would only recommend this purchase if you’ve had your eye on it for a while. The camera itself is pretty expensive, and the added cost of repurchasing film can quickly rack up.

Best Instant Film Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini Neo Classic 90

This mini instant film camera from Fujifilm is a top-tier option for capturing your trip.

$210 at Amazon

Best Handheld Gaming Machine: Nintendo Switch

Corbin Davenport / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Great ratings	✗ Battery life depends on what software you’re using
✓ Three play styles	✗ Joycons can slip out
✓ Up to 9+ hours of playtime

Having a handheld gaming machine on deck is particularly smart if you’re a nervous traveler or get bored easily. These gadgets can help keep your mind and hands occupied while waiting to board a plane or killing time during a layover.

Our number one pick is the Nintendo Switch , the company’s latest addition to the handheld gaming universe. The Switch was essentially born to be a versatile device for solo or group play. It features three play styles (handheld, tabletop, and TV mode), and the Joycons easily slip in and out for the latter.

Other things to love? Depending on what you’re playing on the Switch, it has between 4.5 and 9 hours of battery life. It’s super lightweight and compact (it weighs in at less than a pound), and the 6.2-inch touch screen is perfect for collecting coins in Mario , making friends in Pokémon, or farming in Stardew Valley. Just make sure to pick up accessories to make it easier to take the Switch with you on the go.

The original Nintendo Switch model and its price cousin, the Nintendo Switch OLED , are a pricier investment, but you can also save $100 and pick up the Nintendo Switch Lite . This budget model is a portable-only device, however, so you won’t be able to take advantage of a TV mode.

If you’re a PC gamer, you might also want to look into the Steam Deck , to play your PC gaming library on the go.

Best Portable Gaming System

Nintendo Switch

$239 $300 Save $61

Nintendo’s latest console lets you take your console gaming on the go. Start up a game at home on your TV, then pull the Switch out of the dock and you can continue right where you left off.

$239 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at Gamestop

Best Tablet for Traveling: Apple iPad (10th Generation)

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek Hannah Stryker / Review Geek Hannah Stryker / LifeSavvy

Pros	Cons
✓ Modern design	✗ Price gets steep if you want 5G
✓ Larger 10.9-inch display	✗ Only compatible with first-gen Apple Pencil
✓ Fast performance
✓ Long battery life

If you’re looking for a great tablet to travel with, look no further than Apple’s 10th-generation iPad . The device was updated with a refreshed design that’s a lot more modern than the previous model. The larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display gives you more room to manage email, surf the web, or kick back with some Netflix.

The iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic processor, which is the same chip used in the iPhone 12 and still going strong. That means you’ll get great performance and battery life, with Apple quoting up to 10 hours of usage on a full charge. There’s a USB-C port on the side for charging and connecting accessories like an external drive, and you get amazing stereo speakers.

What’s more, the 10th-gen iPad works with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio , making it a great all-rounder tablet pick. Still, another iPad model might suit you better—check out our roundup of the best iPads to see which is best for you.

Best Tablet

Apple iPad (10th-generation)

$320 $349 Save $29

The 10th-generation iPad from Apple gets a modern redesign with faster performance, a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and USB-C, making it a solid go-to tablet for a lot of users.

$320 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at Target

Best Tablet Keyboard: Logitech K480

Logitech

Pros	Cons
✓ Affordable price point	✗ May be bulky to travel with
✓ Can switch between three devices
✓ Battery life can last for up to 24 months
✓ Compatible with Windows, Android, Chrome OS, and iOS devices

Typing on a tablet screen can get old quickly, especially if you’re used to typing on a physical QWERTY keyboard. If you want to ensure you can get work done on your tablet while you wait at the airport or bus station, the Logitech K480 keyboard is an awesome option to add to your travel tech collection.

Affordably priced with tons of amazing reviews, this Bluetooth-capable keyboard lets you connect to three devices at once and, thanks to the switch dial, enables you to switch between them anytime. It’s compatible with Windows, Android, Chrome OS, and iOS devices. Plus, the pre-installed AAA batteries can last up to 24 months.

Although this Logitech gadget is super cool, it doesn’t fold up. It features a classic keyboard design, so it could be a slight pain to travel with, depending on how much space you have. Make sure this is something you need before dealing with the potential pain of packing it!

Best Tablet Keyboard

Logitech K480

This keyboard is super comfortable to use, allows you to switch easily between three different Bluetooth devices, and has a built-in cradle for your tablet.

$36 at Amazon

Best Travel Router: TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router

TP-Link

Pros	Cons
✓ Compact size	✗ Adapters aren’t included
✓ Dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi
✓ Two-year warranty

If consistently good Wi-Fi is a non-negotiable for you, you’ll want to snag a travel router before leaving for your trip. We recommend the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router , a reliable option that’s small enough to pack. It features five Wi-Fi modes, two of which are specifically designed for great connection on the go.

The AC750’s router mode allows you to connect to a hotel’s Ethernet to instantly create a private wireless network and share access across your devices. Meanwhile, you can also choose hotspot mode, where you can enable an outdoor WISP access point to create a private Wi-Fi hotspot in public areas.

Despite these “private” connections, you’ll still want to use a VPN to protect your information, especially when you’re away from home.

It also has a micro USB-C port that can be used to connect an adapter, portable charger, or laptop. You’ll want to note that the router doesn’t come with any cords (you will, however, receive a two-year warranty, which isn’t too shabby).

Best Travel Router

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router

TP-LINK’s AC750 Travel Router is a solid option for connecting to consistently good Wi-Fi wherever you go.

$40 at Amazon