With countless gadgets on the market, it can be tricky to decide which ones are truly essential for the modern business traveller. We've curated a collection of 10 indispensable travel technology tools that will keep you connected, charged up and ready to deliver your next big idea at a moment's notice.
From smart gadgets that secure your belongings to portable projectors for impromptu presentations, these travel gadgets are designed to prepare you for anything.
1. High-speed portable Wi-Fi devices
For business travellers, not having a reliable internet connection doesn’t bear thinking about. High-speed portable Wi-Fi devices ensure you can access the internet wherever your travels take you, without relying on unsecured public networks. These devices are small, user-friendly and establish a secure, private connection. This makes it easy to conduct video calls, access cloud-based tools and manage your workload from anywhere.
Best overall: TP-Link M7650
Pros: Offers advanced 4G LTE speeds up to 600 Mbps, can connect up to 32 devices and has a long-lasting battery.
Cons: More expensive than some other models and slightly larger in size due to its capabilities.
Best budget option: TP-Link M7350
Pros: Affordable, provides decent speeds for up to 10 devices and easy to use.
Cons: Not suitable for the fastest internet speeds and has limited range compared to newer models.
2. Smart luggage
There’s no reason your luggage shouldn’t be as smart as well as stylish. Smart luggage comes equipped with features like GPS tracking, so you’ll always know where your belongings are. It also includes weight sensors to help avoid excess baggage fees and USB charging ports to keep your devices powered up during long layovers. Moreover, integrating technology such as Apple AirTags offers an extra layer of security, ensuring that even misplaced or stolen items can be traced.
Best overall: Horizn Studios M5 Smart Luggage
Pros: Stylish design, removable battery and comes with a built-in compression pad and laundry bag.
Cons: Premium price.
Best budget option: Kono Suitcase
Pros: Affordable, includes a USB charging port and built-in TSA lock, lightweight and meets cabin size restrictions.
Cons: A separate power bank is needed for USB charging.
3. Universal travel adapters
A universal travel adapter is another indispensable piece of kit for the global business traveller. This handy gadget lets you charge up all your devices, no matter where in the world you find yourself. Choose one with multiple USB ports to charge several things at once, saving you time and keeping you juiced.
Best overall: iBlockCube® Universal Travel AC Power Plug Adapter
Pros: Provides worldwide compatibility with a built-in smart chip for fast charging, includes multiple USB ports and features surge protection.
Cons: Slightly bulkier than other models and premium pricing compared to simpler adapters.
Best budget option: Lencent Universal Travel Adapter
Pros: Affordable, versatile plug options and includes USB ports for additional charging convenience.
Cons: Lacks USB-C and the build quality is less robust than premium models.
4. Noise-cancelling headphones
When you need to concentrate on work, enjoy your favourite tunes or simply relax in silence, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones turn any busy airport lounge or train station into your very own peaceful retreat. They’re an essential item for anyone who wants to stay productive or zone out during hectic travel schedules.
Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros: Industry-leading noise cancellation, excellent sound quality and touch controls.
Cons: Fairly pricey and can be warm on the ears over long periods.
Best budget option: Soundcore Anker Q20
Pros: Budget-friendly, good battery life and decent noise cancellation.
Cons: Sound quality not as refined as premium models and has a bulkier design than other models.
5. Portable power banks
Never let a low battery ruin your day. A portable power bank is your best friend when you can't find a charging socket. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours, with enough juice to power up a variety of devices. Smaller power banks may offer around 5,000 mAh (milliampere-hours) which are suitable for emergency phone charges. Larger ones can provide 20,000 mAh or more, capable of multiple charges or handling higher energy demands from tablets and laptops.
Best overall: Anker PowerCore 20100
Pros: High capacity, fast charging and reliable.
Cons: Heavy, bulky and has a slower than average recharging time.
Best budget option: Juice 3 Charges Power Bank
Pros: Compact and lightweight, offers enough power to charge a smartphone up to three times and comes in a variety of colours.
Cons: Lower capacity compared to high-end models and slower charging for devices with large batteries.
6. E-readers
If you like to catch up on your reading while travelling – but don’t want to weigh your bags down with bulky books – an e-reader is an ideal companion. They’re lightweight, slim and capable of storing thousands of books. Handy features like page-turn buttons make for convenient one-handed reading. Glare-free, high-resolution screens mimic the appearance of actual paper and can offer a great reading experience even in bright sunlight. When it gets dark, an adjustable backlight will keep you reading without straining your eyes.
Best overall: Kindle Oasis
Pros: Waterproof, high-resolution display and an ergonomic design.
Cons: Expensive and heavier than other e-readers.
Best budget option: Kindle (2022 release)
Pros: Very affordable, long battery life and built-in front light.
Cons: Lower resolution screen and no waterproofing.
7. Smartwatches
If you want to keep track of everything from your flight status to your fitness levels, a smartwatch is the answer. These on-the-go gadgets can also provide notifications from your favourite apps, provide directions and let you pay for goods with built-in NFC.
Best overall: Apple Watch Series 9
Pros: Features the latest health and productivity apps, an enhanced always-on display and improved battery life. Offers new safety features including Crash Detection.
Cons: Higher price point compared to older models and some competitors.
Best budget option: OPPO Band2 Black
Pros: Affordable and sleek, features continuous heart rate and sleep monitoring. Also offers a large colour display and long battery life.
Cons: Less comprehensive app support and fewer advanced features compared to full smartwatches like the Apple Watch.
8. Portable security devices
Security is a big deal when you're on the road. Portable security devices can help keep both your digital and physical belongings safe. Popular choices include portable safes that secure your valuables and encrypted USB drives that protect sensitive information.
Best overall: Pacsafe Travelsafe X15
Pros: Offers excellent security with anti-theft features including RFID protection and a stainless steel wire mesh embedded in the fabric. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to secure to a fixed object.
Cons: Smaller in size compared to the X25 model, limiting the volume of items it can secure.
Best budget option: Master Lock Portable Safe
Pros: Compact, affordable and easy to secure to fixed objects. Ideal for protecting small valuables like passports and wallets.
Cons: Limited interior space and simpler construction compared to more robust models.
9. Tablet computers
If you're a business traveller who needs the power of a computer but not the extra weight, a tablet is the answer. They give you the best of both functionality and portability, making them great for presentations, jotting down notes and even handling work tasks remotely during long journeys. They’re also small enough to fit into your carry-on luggage so you can grab them on the go.
Best overall: Apple iPad Pro
Pros: Powerful processor, sharp display and excellent accessory support.
Cons: Premium price and accessories sold separately.
Best budget option: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
Pros: Good performance, vivid screen and budget-friendly.
Cons: Less robust build quality and slower updates.
10. Portable projectors
If you need to give a spontaneous presentation, a portable projector allows you to deliver high-quality visuals anywhere. These compact devices connect wirelessly to your laptop or smartphone, so you can deliver an important pitch or brainstorm with colleagues, no matter the setting. Due to their small size and low weight, they fit easily into a laptop bag or backpack.
Best overall: NEBULA Capsule II
Pros: Compact, Android TV operating system and good picture quality.
Cons: Higher cost and limited brightness for well-lit rooms.
Best budget option: Vamvo Ultra Mini Portable Projector
Pros: Very affordable, compact and easy to connect.
Cons: Lower resolution and not suitable for large presentations.
