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

What to Look For With 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 away from home.

Size and weight are also 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 plan 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 investing in something on the pricier side is a good idea.

Best eReader: Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

If you’re a frequent reader, carrying chunky books can take up precious space in your luggage. That’s why packing an eReader is a great idea, and the latest Kindle Paperwhite is the best eReader you can currently buy.

The Kindle Paperwhite comes with 16GB of storage, which might seem like too little space, but you’ll be able to download at least 10,000 books (and likely more) before you need to clear out downloads. This is more than enough space for the avid reader and more than enough space for entertainment in the air or on the road.

Amazon also packed a bunch of improvements into the latest Paperwhite. The battery can now last 12 weeks (as opposed to the previous Signature Edition’s 10 weeks) and boosts faster page turns than ever before, which is great for fast readers or those who get annoyed by the Kindle’s somewhat slow loading. You’ll also get USB-C charging, adjustable brightness and lighting, and the ability to listen and read along with audiobooks.

However, you do need to pay $20 extra to remove ads from the lock screen. The ads aren’t intrusive, but they can be frustrating, and paying to turn them off on top of the initial cost isn’t great. Also, the Paperwhite doesn’t come with a charger and isn’t capable of wireless charging—while you likely already have a phone charger that will work, make sure you don’t need another one before checking out.

Best eReader

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

$130 $160 Save $30

With a 7-inch display, high contrast, and sharp image quality, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite will help you fall in love with eReaders. It even supports Bluetooth devices for setting aside the eReader and enjoying audiobooks through headphones or earbuds.

$130 at Amazon$160 at Best Buy

Best International Plug Adapter: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

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

Best of all, EPICKA’s 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

$20 $26 Save $6

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.

$20 at Amazon

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

Whether traveling via plane, train, or car, noise-canceling headphones are something you won’t want to go without. We recommend checking out Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Headphones, which are the best headphones on the market right now.

Compatible with both Bluetooth and 3.5mm connections, these headphones are very popular, and their sound quality is a large reason as to why, even with the smaller 30mm drivers:

You also get best-in-class active noise-cancellation, speak-to-chat technology (which automatically pauses your music when you talk), and touch sensor controls that let you pause, play, and skip tracks with just a few taps.

All of these 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.

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.

Buy on AmazonSee at Best BuySee at crutchfield

Best Travel Power Bank: Anker Nano Power Bank

A power bank is a necessity for traveling. You never know when you’ll need a recharge, especially if a plane gets delayed. But many power banks are heavy and bulky, and the weight can add up in a stuffed carry-on.

What makes Anker’s Nano Power Bank the perfect travel companion is its size. This very small power bank can easily slip into your pocket, taking up only a bit of room. There is also a built-in USB-C connector that plugs directly into the bottom of your phone and, depending on the size, sits flush with it. So, it won’t get in the way while you’re charging, and you won’t need to wrangle any cables to use the Anker Nano.

Of course, this power bank isn’t going to be charging your laptop, nor will you be able to watch YouTube videos all day and expect the Nano to keep you completely topped off, but it’s easy to pack and easier to use, making it great for when you’re on the go.

Best Travel Power Bank

Anker Nano Power Bank (Type-C)

$16 $30 Save $14

The Anker Nano Power Bank is an ultra-compact portable charger designed for quick, on-the-go charging. With high-speed USB-C output, it efficiently charges smartphones and small devices while fitting easily in pockets or bags, making it perfect for everyday use.

$16 at Amazon

Best Bluetooth Tracker: Tile Mate (2024)

A Bluetooth tracker is a great gadget 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 gizmo that can be easily snapped onto travel necessities and features a Bluetooth range of up to 350 feet.

At $20 for one, and savings if you bundle more together, 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 heading out.

Best Bluetooth Tracker

Tile Mate (2024)

$20 $25 Save $5

See at Best Buy$20 at Amazon

Best Instant Film Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

Film cameras are all the rage right now, and the Instax Mini 99 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 features, the Instax Mini 99 is pretty robust. It can automatically detect the brightness of your background or surroundings and adjust the flash and shutter speed so you get a great photo every time. You’ll also have access to six color effects and five viewing modes, so there are a lot of ways to make photos uniquely your own.

The price might seem high, but compared to point-and-shoot cameras, the cost is pretty average—though film refills can add up.

Best Instant Film Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

$190 $200 Save $10

This premium instant camera lets you capture photos in their true, analog format. Six awe-inspiring Color Effect settings let you fuel your creative freedom (they’re all powered by color-changing LEDs located inside the camera)

$190 at Amazon$199.99 at Fujifilm

Best Handheld Game Console: Nintendo Switch

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.

Best Handheld Game Console

Nintendo Switch

$266 $300 Save $34

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.

$266 at AmazonSee at Best BuySee at Gamestop

Best Tablet for Traveling: Apple iPad Mini

If you want a multi-purpose tech device to take with you, a tablet is a fantastic option. You can read, play games, watch videos, and pretty much anything you can do on a phone but on a bigger screen.

iPads are the best tablets, and when you’re going on a trip, an iPad Mini is the most packing-friendly choice. As the smallest iPad, it’s the easiest to slip into a carry-on and easy to hold when reading as it’s practically book-sized.

That said, some people might want a bigger screen, especially if they want to use their tablet as a productivity device. Another iPad model might be a consideration!

Best Tablet for Traveling

Apple iPad mini (2024)

$459 $499 Save $40

The seventh-generation iPad Mini packs an AI-ready A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and 128GB starting storage.

See at Apple$459 at Amazon

Best Travel Router: TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router

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 to 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

$34 $40 Save $6

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

$34 at Amazon