10 Essential Tech Gadgets for Your Carry-On in 2025

In our testing the Sony WH-1000XM6 deliver class-leading noise cancellation that shrinks airplane cabin and airport bustle into a quiet space, making long flights far more tolerable. We found the 30-hour battery life with ANC on is solid for multi-day trips but not industry-leading, so you’ll want to plan charges on extended journeys. During our review the lack of any water resistance made us cautious about using them in rain or sweaty workouts, though USB-C charging and excellent ANC make them a top choice for focused travel.

In our testing the AirPods Max deliver stunning sound and noise isolation that makes long flights and layovers feel far shorter, and the USB-C lossless support is a rare perk for audiophiles in the Apple ecosystem. We found pairing and spatial audio work flawlessly with iPhone and Mac, and the premium build is immediately noticeable. Downsides: the 20‑hour battery life is shorter than some competitors and the included Smart Case offers minimal protection, so consider how often you’ll carry these and whether the high price matches your travel habits.

In our testing the Anker 337 Power Bank proved to be a workhorse with enough capacity to charge most phones over six times, and three USB ports let you refill multiple devices while on the move. We found dual input options speed recharging to just over six hours, which is handy between flights, but the 495g weight and large footprint make it less ideal for ultralight carry-ons. During our review the Micro-USB recharge port felt outdated, so pack an adapter or stick to devices that benefit from the raw capacity.

In our testing the Anker Nano Adapter is a travel-friendly hub that fits into a carry-on thanks to its compact design, and compatibility with over 200 countries makes it useful for international trips. We found charging up to five devices at once (USB-A, USB-C and AC) handy, though USB-A ports slow when fully loaded and it won’t convert voltage for high-power appliances. During our review the thumb sliders felt protrusive but it remains a practical, affordable power solution.

During our review the Epicka TA-105C impressed as a compact, well-built travel adapter that handles multiple gadgets with its USB-A, USB-C and AC outlets—great for packing light when you need to charge phones, earbuds and a laptop. We found the multiple ports convenient but noticed the USB outputs lack quick-charge support and the unit is ungrounded, so it’s not ideal for sensitive appliances. Also be aware it uses a 10A fuse and won’t support high-power devices like hair dryers, but for everyday device charging it does the job.

During our review the Apple Watch Series 9 impressed with its brighter OLED display reaching up to 2,000 nits, which makes outdoor reading and quick glances on bright tarmacs much easier. We found the S9 SiP chip noticeably improves snappy performance and on-device Siri responsiveness for navigation and quick translations while traveling. Practical caveats: our experience shows the 18-hour battery life still requires nightly charging if you use it all day, and the Series 9 brings little in the way of fresh design changes beyond the internals.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 packs surprisingly big sound into a tiny, rugged package—during our review we were impressed by the 360-degree soundstage and strong bass that punch well above its size. We found the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating reassures you poolside or on a hike, and the 14-hour battery life kept us playing all day. Downsides: it still uses a micro-USB port and lacks a visible battery indicator, and Outdoor Boost mode trades bass for extra treble and volume, so bass-heads may notice a thinner tone.

In our testing the JBL Charge 6 stood out for marathon-long playback with up to 28 hours of battery life, and the IP68 rating means it survived poolside sessions and rougher outdoor use without worry. We found the built-in powerbank especially useful for charging a phone mid-adventure, though the speaker’s bass thins at higher volumes and there’s no built-in microphone for calls. During our review we also noted JBL doesn’t include a USB-C charging cable, so bring your own to avoid downtime.

During our review the Kobo Libra Colour impressed as a niche e-reader: the 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color screen makes comics and graphic novels far more enjoyable than on monochrome devices, and IPX8 waterproofing gave us confidence reading by the pool. We found stylus compatibility useful for notes and highlights, though the stylus is sold separately and charging takes over two hours. Our experience shows the color palette can look muted compared with tablets, but the 25-hour battery still keeps you reading for days.

During our review the TP-LINK AX1800 stood out as a budget-friendly route into Wi‑Fi 6, delivering faster throughput and better handling of connected devices thanks to OFDMA, and the Tether app makes setup painless. We found it handled everyday streaming and video calls reliably in hotel rooms or short-term rentals, but it lacks MU-MIMO and advanced HomeCare/HomeShield security features, which limits performance on crowded networks and more demanding homes. For casual travelers who want reliable Wi‑Fi without fancy extras, it’s a solid pick.