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TRAVEL GADGETS ARE a blessing and a curse. In the worst way, travel gadgets (and especially electronics) can be total duds, which can in turn wreak havoc on our peaceful travel routine and become nothing more than dead weight in our luggage. But when travel gadgets operate at their very best, they are life-saving devices that make traveling a less burdensome and more pleasurable.
Best Travel Gadgets
The best travel gadgets and electronics should highlight an inefficiency in your travel routine and help solve the problem—like a water bottle that can filter hotel or airport water. A travel gadget should provide high functionality, comfort (or both) while also being considerate of space. If your travel gadget does not have any of these qualities, then it’s going to be hard to make a case they’re worth bringing along for the ride. And please, do not buy them at the airport unless you’re in a pinch. Lots of times the prices are marked up (just think of how expensive airport food is) and you’ll fiddle with how to use it for half your flight.
Companies are constantly trying to come up with new tech gadgets to improve the travel experience, but the only way of knowing which ones actually work is by vetting them in person or conducting thorough research. Lucky for you, we took the time to bring together a guide of worthy travel gadgets that could help improve your travel experience by leaps and bounds. Ahead, the very best travel gadgets and travel electronics, curated with all types of travelers in mind.
What to Consider
How Much Space Will It Take Up?
Think about how easy your gadget is to carry along. The best gadgets are compact and lightweight, making them a breeze to fit into a backpack or carry-on. Gadgets that can fold or collapse are especially handy, as they slide into those tight spaces effortlessly. Aim for items that offer maximum utility while keeping bulk to a minimum, so you have plenty of room for all your other travel essentials.
Does It Need Power?
Considering the power requirements of any new gear is of the utmost importance. If your gadget needs power, look at whether it runs on batteries, a USB connection, or a particular type of outlet. Opting for a gadget that can work with different power sources or comes with a rechargeable battery makes it super versatile. Also, keep an eye on voltage compatibility—this can save you the hassle of needing adapters when traveling internationally.
What Problem(s) Does It Solve?
As you think about a travel gadget, imagine how it could make your journey more enjoyable and meet your needs perfectly. The best gear can save you valuable time, enhance your comfort, ensure your safety, or help you tackle those everyday travel challenges—like keeping your belongings neat, staying in touch with friends and family, or practicing good hygiene on the go. So, take a moment to really consider whether the gadget brings you a true benefit that justifies its spot in your luggage.
How We Selected
Men’s Health editors constantly travel, and through it we are constantly testing travel gadgets that (hopefully) make our trips easier and more enjoyable. Over the years we’ve put countless numbers of travel gadgets and travel electronics through daily commutes, road trips, and international flights.
For 2025, Men’s Health editors and writers, including our senior gear and commerce editor Ryan Brower and contributing writer Will Porter, thoroughly researched and consulted our editors in the best travel gadgets they’ve used (and continue to use). From there, we then sought to research and test dozens of the best travel gadgets and electronics while evaluating each for their utility, ease of use, design, functionality, durability, and storing ability. During our daily bus or subway trips into the office, along with vacation travel, we assessed these gadgets and also considered price points and value, as some travel gadgets provide a better overall value than others.
The result is the Men’s Health list of the 35 best travel gadgets that can make getting from point A to B that much better.
AirFly Pro
With the prevalence of Bluetooth earbuds and headphones, it’s always frustrating trying to watch a movie on the plane seatback and having to get a cheap wired pair from a flight attendant. The AirFly removes that need as it allows your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones to connect to your plane’s seat-back audio. Specifically, we like the Pro version of the AirFly, as it allows up to two people to connect to the same in-flight screen and watch simultaneously.
Plug the adaptor into the headphone jack next to the screen in front of you, fire up your Bluetooth headphones, and you’re ready to go. We’ve enjoyed this little gadget on many flights, comfortably keeping noise cancellation. But they’re not just for the plane—if you’re watching something with a friend on your laptop, you can use them that way as well. Goodbye crappy wired earbuds we throw in our suitcase to never use again.
Joe Lingeman
Tile Pro
The Tile Pro is a clever little device that will keep tabs on your stuff. It uses Bluetooth and the vast network of Life360 app users to track your gear’s location and get you reacquainted as soon as possible. They’re great for golf bags, cameras, luggage, bikes, keys, or just about anything else you’re prone to lose on a trip.
One of the great things about Tiles is that they can also be used in reverse, so if you lose your phone somewhere, any Tile paired to that phone can make your phone ring (even if the phone is on silent). Tiles are waterproof up to 5 feet and have a built-in SOS mode you can use to alert loved ones in case of danger.
While a premium membership ($29.99+/yr) is required for some of the features like smart alerts and a 30-day location history, we didn’t find those entirely necessary. The biggest convenience is that unlike using an Android device with AirTags, you do get the same functionality and native tracking experience with the Tile Pro (since it’s compatible with both Android and iOS).
Joe Lingeman
The Holcombe
Don’t overlook the value of a quality carabiner. They’ll keep your keys secure, are easy to latch onto a bag or a belt loop, and provide a bit of extra utility that could come in handy at any moment.
The lightweight, titanium Holcombe from the James Brand is a great pick, thanks to a high-quality spring closure and a multi-tool that functions as a scraper, pry bar, and screwdriver. We’ve used this one for a bit, and it’s elongated, slender shape is ergonomic unlike some bulkier options. And the clasping mechanism is sturdy, requiring a tiny bit of force to open—that means whatever is hooked to it isn’t going anywhere.
Joe Lingeman
QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
When you’re looking for some peace in a loud airport, on an airplane, on a train platform, or anywhere else with an obnoxious amount of noise, nothing is better than a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones.
We’ve been testing these earbuds from Bose for awhile now and they’ve really been ones we find ourselves consistently grabbing for during commutes, long trips, or even for focused work in the office. They boast superior sound quality and industry-leading noise cancelation, and a helpful Bluetooth multipoint that allows you to switch between devices seamlessly. The fit can be worn comfortably for hours, and if you need to be more aware of your surroundings you can switch into Aware Mode. While they’re the same price as the Ultra Opens (which are great for open-ear headphones), if that’s not your fit then these will find you that zen you need in the sea of noise.
Read More: Best Workout Headphones
Joe Lingeman
Go Series 1L Filter Water Bottle
The LifeStraw Go is like any other refillable water bottle, except for the fact it’s got a near-perfect filter built into (you guessed it) the straw. The LifeStraw’s two-stage filtration system can protect against a whopping 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites, making it a safe option for drinking water that comes from sinks and water foundations, and even some outdoor streams and rivers.
We think that really qualifies it as a smart water bottle, and as such we previously named it the best budget filter bottle. It’s lightweight, the carrying handle is very comfortable to carry, and the straw cap ensures you won’t have any splashback if you’re taking a sip during turbulence or a bump in the road.
Joe Lingeman
Arc5 Palm-Sized Electric Razor
Undoubtedly, having a razor on your travels is essential; preferably, that razor would be an electric one. However, many electric razors can be cumbersome and difficult to pack. This is where the Panasonic ARC5 comes in. It fits in the palm of your hand and boasts five hypoallergenic Japanese stainless-steel blades, providing you with a close, gentle shave.
The powerful 14,000 CPM linear motor and adaptive beard sensor work together to keep your scruff at bay and a quick 2-hour charge gives you 50 minutes of shave time—plenty to spruce yourself up before a big work meeting or anniversary dinner. We’ve even tried this out for a quick shave in an airplane bathroom and even one at the airport. It’s simple to use and gets the job done for getting rid of that 5 o’clock shadow after a redeye flight.
Read More: Best Electric Razors
Joe Lingeman
mini
Even if you’re not hitting the gym or working out with a TRX system (like we suggest below), travel can take a huge toll on your body. Keeping things limber and loose with a massage gun is a little trade secret our Men’s Health editors consistently employ.
The Theragun Mini, our pick for the best travel massage gun, still packs a punch in its super compact frame, allowing you to work those achy muscles and knots from prolonged sitting. It weighs less than 2 pounds and won’t take up a ton of space in your luggage. Despite that, it isn’t as quiet as you’d expect. But even with that little downside, this is many MH editors’ favorite massage gun.
Read More: Best Massage Guns
Joe Lingeman
Powerbank 30W Fusion (Built-In Lightning Cable)
We’ve spoken about the importance of keeping your devices charged while traveling, but we haven’t addressed what to do if you don’t have access to a plug. This is where a portable powerbank comes into play.
The Anker Powerbank is a budget-friendly option that can keep your phone or headphones charged up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It comes with a plug so you can use it for two-way fast charging (30W charger output and 22.5W powerbank output). The integrated lightning cable is a huge bonus; no digging around in your bag to find that pesky charger you can never keep tabs on and it doubles as a carry handle since it’s looped into a metal bracket. But you’ve also got a port for USB-C, meaning you can charge two devices at once.
Joe Lingeman
Arcade Belts Atlas Belt
A travel belt is probably not the first thing you think of when you’re packing, but having a versatile belt that works in the office and in the field will make a huge difference.
The Arcade Atlas belt is a simple, stretchy, secure belt that will take the guesswork out of packing. The stretch is great for airplanes or road trips, providing just enough flex to keep you comfortable when you’re sitting for long periods. The secure buckle is simple and avoids the rote belt holes process—just buckle and go. The recycled polyester webbing is sleek and easy to glide through belt loops, something that’s crucial if you’re running late to catch a flight.
Joe Lingeman
Ultralight Packing Cube (3-Pack)
Peak Design’s packing cubes are durable, lightweight, and even pack into themselves when not in use. They’re excellent for carrying chargers and other small gadgets (including some of the very gadgets on this list). Plus, the cubes come in several different sizes for optimized configuration inside a piece of luggage or backpack.
Our favorite thing to do is to grab this 3-Pack of the Ultralight that includes the XXS, XS, and S cubes. The fabric material is durable enough to hold up to years of traveling, and the zippers are sturdy. When looking to organize your luggage, as well as save on space, packing cubes are an easy go-to.
Joe Lingeman
All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit (27 Pieces)
Safety first is never a bad sentiment. This tin from outdoor experts Coleman holds an array of bandages, pads, wipes, safety pins, and creams. It’s compact and perfect to leave in the car or with your camping gear. It doesn’t have a ton beyond the bare essentials, but if you’re looking for a first aid kit that carries the basics, you’ll be comfortable knowing this will have you covered (and also save you space in your bag).
Retailer
OOmg eeZee Low Shoe
Oofos slides are some of the most comfortable recovery shoes on the market, but wearing an open-toe shoe on the plane isn’t always the best move. For a cushioned, closed-toe footwear option to pop on for long flights, look to the packable OOmg Low Shoe. The support is excellent, and the upper is made with breathable mesh that has a 4-way stretch.
Read more: Best Travel Shoes
Oofos
Universal Travel Adapter, All in One Plug Adapter with USB C
There are a zillion travel adapters out there. Our favorite is this three-in-one device that operates as a an outlet adapter, USB-C adapter, and a surge protector.
It works in the UK, the EU, and Australia, so you’ve got most of the world covered with one gadget. Plus, you can charge with USB or USB-C cables while also using the adapter, giving you freedom to power up multiple devices at once. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget one of these.
Expedition Edition 3-Pack
For the ol’ fashioned travel writer (or really anyone just needing to jot things down on-the-go), a pack of weatherproof notebooks is an easy add to the bag. This three-pack from Field Notes is printed with waterproof and tearproof Yupo synthetic paper, so you won’t have to worry about a little rain ruining your travel log.
The bright orange cover will keep it from getting lost, and the pack of three gives you enough notebooks to keep things organized just how you like them.
Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L
A crossbody bag (or sling bag) is a must-have when traveling. It keeps everything you need right at your fingertips (and in your line of sight), can be worn in multiple ways to keep you from getting uncomfortable throughout the day, and is definitely more fashionable than a backpack.
The Lululemon Everywhere bag is a staple in the crossbody genre, but we especially like the 2L version for travel—having a little extra room to store your gear is always welcome. You can throw it over your shoulder or around your waist, the main pouch opens 3/4 of the way to give visibility to its contents, and the strap is one of the most comfortable we’ve tested to date.
Read More: Best Sling Bags
Retailer
Travel Wallet
One of the most stressful parts of traveling is keeping track of your passport, cash, and cards. If you’re always pulling one out and stuffing it back in your bag willy-nilly, you need to upgrade to a travel wallet.
This one from Bellroy holds your passport and credit cards, has a secure cash compartment, and even a place to store an extra sim card when you travel abroad. Plus, it comes with a pen and has RFID protection to keep your info from being swiped when you’re not looking. It’s about as compact of a purpose-built passport wallet we’ve tried out.
Read More: Best Wallets
Bellroy
Persol PO3323S Sunglasses — Terra Di Siena
If you’re going to pick out some sunglasses for your travels, why not get a pair inspired by the Tuscan countryside? The Terra di Siena from Persol is a pair that’ll last a lifetime (and beyond).
They come in two different sizes, so they’ll fit nearly all face shapes, and the classic tortoise frame and black lens combo goes with any outfit you throw together, from a breezy summer getup to your go-to après-ski sweatsuit. Sure they’ll cost you, but one of the oldest eyewear brands in the world is still around because it knows how to make darn good sunglasses.
Amazon
GR III Digital Compact Camera
Some of your best memories are made when traveling, so make sure you have something better than your iPhone camera to capture each and every moment.
The GR III from Ricoh is a tried-and-true compact digital camera that is loved by professionals and enthusiasts, alike. It shoots in JPEG and RAW formats, has a 3-inch touch screen, and can pair with your phone to send photos to your device in real time. It might not be the newest Fujifilm, but if you’re not a huge photography buff and just need something simple and trustworthy, the GR III is an admirable travel camera.
Amazon
GO Suspension Trainer System
Just because you’re globetrotting (or traveling for work), doesn’t mean you have to let your workouts go by the wayside. Unless you’re staying at the Ritz, your hotel gym is probably a bit on the barebones side. That’s where this TRX suspension system can come in.
The GO Suspension Trainer System includes the suspension training strap, indoor and outdoor anchors (one of which is for a door, so hello hotel room workout), and a mesh travel bag to make packing simple. Instead of traditional workouts that utilize weights as resistance, you’ll use gravity and your own bodyweight to make balanced adjustments to perform many traditional training moves. The best part? You can also use it at home while not traveling.
Read More: Best TRX Exercises
Amazon
Prime 100W USB-C Charger
Nothing is more important than keeping your devices charged when you’re on the go, whether that’s your phone, headphones, tablet, or laptop. A quality charger is the best way to keep every device topped up.
The Anker Prime 100W charger can charge multiple devices at once and is 43% smaller than the original 96W MacBook charger, making it a breeze to pack away in your carry-on or personal item when space is at a minimum.
Retailer
Electronics Travel Organizer
There are lots of electronic organizers out there, and really you can’t go wrong with most of them. Our favorite, however, is this simple (and affordable) water-resistant pouch from Matein that has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
It’s got enough space to hold all your charging cords, as well as a space for small e-readers or small tablets. It comes in a couple different sizes, has a handle (albeit a simple nylon strap), and three adjustable padded dividers. Best of all is the fact it’s less than $25.
Read more: Best Travel Backpacks
Tracking Card
We love a good tracking device, but few actually fit in a standard wallet—that’s the one place an AirTag or Tile simply won’t work. For keeping track of your wallet (or anything else), we like ingenious the Nomad Tracking Card.
It’s the size of a credit card (and the thickness of two), so just ditch a few of those old business cards or stamp cards you keep in your wallet and swap this in. A full charge lasts five months and the card easily pairs with your Apple Find My app—and you can easily recharge it via any MagSafe or Qi charger. One note is that it’s extremely popular and sells out frequently.
Nomad
The Large Toiletry Bag
We hope you’re not still just shoving your toothbrush and deodorant in your backpack, but if you are, you need a quality toiletry bag.
The Large Toiletry Bag from Away is plenty big enough for your essentials and more. An exterior zipper compartment makes it easy to keep small bits close by, and interior organization lets you keep your toiletries and accouterment in the right place. The best feature is that the main zipper opens nearly all the way up, like a clamshell backpack. Quite a few Men’s Health editors have been using this for years, and it has been one that’s just way easier to find items in consistently.
Read More: Best Toiletry Bags
Away
41mm Black NAV-D
When you’re on the move, a watch is a must-have. God forbid your iPhone or smartwatch dies and you need to tell the time in the old fashioned way, but if that happens, a trusty wristwatch has your back.
The Marathon 41mm NAV-D is the perfect size for any wrist, looks good dressed up or down, and can easily keep track of multiple time zones. This field watch’s quartz movement is reliable and a battery will last multiple years, so you don’t have to worry about switching it out or losing track of time.
Marathon
Garment Sleeve
If you travel with dress clothes, there’s a better way to pack than just folding them up and sliding them in next to your underwear and socks. A garment bag keeps wrinkling to a minimum and gives your suits and slacks space to breathe.
The Garment Sleeve from Monos is our pick, thanks to its protective nylon material, simple design, and spacious interior. Hook loops allow for up to three hangers, and the tri-fold design is secured with a metal utility hook. Whether you’re carrying it on or stowing it in your carry-on, this bag will keep your Sunday best looking great.
Monos
Charge Mount
If your travel is auto-based (or you’re renting a car), one of the best accessories you can have is a charge mount for your phone. Not only does it keep your battery topped up, but it lets you see directions at eye-level rather than down in your hand.
The Nomad Charge Mount has a strong magnet for MagSafe devices and is made from durable polycarbonate and glass that is sleek as hell. It includes a USB-C car charger and cable and works with vertical or horizontal vents, placing at an optimal eye-level to keep distractions at a minimum.
Nomad
Truvaga Plus
Travel can be an incredibly stressful task. If you’re not a fan of knocking yourself out with anxiety meds or supplements, there’s another solution: the Truvaga Plus.
This compact device gently activates your vagus nerve to soothe your nerves, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality naturally, allowing you to capture some bliss after a long day of travel.
Truvaga
POD 2.0 Travel Pillow
If you think all travel pillows are the same, think again. The Pluto POD acts almost like a sensory deprivation mask that works to block out sound and light with smart design notes like a slide-down eye mask and a deep hood. While you may get some looks on a plane, these days everyone is just trying to make it through a flight. This travel pillow is perfect for promoting relaxation in the air and on the road.
Cirrus 2 Travel Steamer
The Steamery Cirrus 2 is super simple to use and wonderfully effective. It’s also compact, and thanks to a nifty travel pouch—that also doubles as a mitt to help press out deep creases—you can throw this bad boy into a bag and not have to worry about it taking up too much space or being too heavy.
Minipresso NS
This Minipresso from Wacaco is hailed by fans as one of the easiest ways to make espresso while traveling. You can pack it with your preferred beans and coffee grinder or pack it with pre-ground coffee.
The only external ingredient you need is hot water, which can be obtained for free at the airport or at a rest stop on the road. Once you pack the coffee and pour it into hot water, all you have to do is flip the device over and press on the pump to pour out your coffee. The only place we don’t recommend using the Minipresso is up in the air on a plane—leave it to the flight attendants to handle hot water.
Layover Travel Blanket
There are tons of travel blankets out there you can buy, but really only a few are worth your hard-earned money. The Layover from Gravel Travel is our top pick. It’s large in area, but also insanely packable. Plus, it’s insulated and actually warm thanks to the 40 gr/sq m insulation. The Layover even has built-in pockets to stick each foot in and a snap closure that goes around your neck so your blanket won’t slide.
4.0 with 12 Month Subscription
We love the Whoop 4.0 as an everyday health tracker, and when put in a travel setting it works just as well. Some features that stand out that are especially helpful for travel are its sleep tracking reporting and heart rate monitor—two metrics that you can view to combat how well you’re getting along on your journey, which is especially helpful for those who battle flight anxiety.
Read More: Best Fitness Trackers
Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
If you’re looking for a better phone holder for eye-level viewing, then this mount will do the trick. The universal design makes it easy to clip in all types of smartphones for a multi-angle adjustment. Place it on the plane seat in front of you for viewing or onto a nearby table for a quick Zoom call before your flight.
Rugged Bank w/ Stand
A MagSafe charger that mounts directly on your phone can be a godsend when you don’t have access to a plug.
The Rugged Bank from UAG meets military drop-test standards and has a kickstand so you can use your phone hands-free. It also comes with charging cables and can charge two devices at once.
Amazon
More of the Best Travel Gear
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