We’re in the midst of (a very hot) summer, and I’m sure many of you out there are raring to go on your travels this season. But if you’re about to jet off on your vacation, then it’s best to be as prepared as possible. And you know what you need to make your travels as seamless and enjoyable as possible? Some top-tier tech.
I’m a Senior Reviews Writer here at TechRadar, and have tested hundreds of gadgets over the years, from premium noise-cancelling headphones through to power banks and misting fans. So, I’ve got the lowdown on all the travel tech essentials you need to make this summer one to remember — for all the right reasons, of course.
I’ve included seven must-haves, with a small speaker, travel chargers, and even a compact clothes steamer on the list. Everything here has either been tested by me, or someone on the TechRadar team, so I’m confident that each item will serve you well on your adventures this summer and beyond. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into my top picks!
1. Noise cancelling headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
Ah, Sony WH-1000XM6, my beloved. These are, in my view — and the view of many at TechRadar — the best headphones you can buy right now.
The XM6 have it all. Class-leading active noise cancellation works great, even on flights with jet rumbles and screaming children. They sound incredible, with brilliant balance across the frequency range, as well as plenty of low-end punch and excitement to make energetic tunes sound their best. And they’re foldable too, making them incredibly compact when you’re on the move.
These come with a handy magnetic carry case, 30 hours of battery life, and excellent touch controls. Sony’s Sound Connect app also makes it easy to tailor sound to your liking and make any subtle changes you need. They’re simply the best, but I’ll let you find that out for yourself.
2. Small speaker: JBL Go 5
The JBL Go 5 launched recently, and when I reviewed it, the speaker genuinely took my breath away.
It’s exactly how to do an upgrade right, offering better sound, a more flashy design, and even better durability than its already impressive predecessor, the JBL Go 4. I love its edge lighting, its well-balanced sound with clean bass and rich mids, and also its broad feature set, which includes EQ options and multi-speaker pairing.
Despite improving on what its predecessor had to offer, the Go 5 is available at a very similar price, typically coming in at around the $55 / £40 mark, and if you need excellent sound, solid battery life, and high level (IP68) waterproofing on a budget, then it’s the best small Bluetooth speaker to buy right now.
3. Power bank: Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 45W
I genuinely bring this Anker power bank with me everywhere. It’s the definitive portable battery for travel for a few key reasons.
The first is its size. This model is absolutely tiny and can easily slip into a pocket or small bag, no problem. Second, it’s incredibly practical. There’s an integrated USB-C cable, making charging on the go totally seamless. And finally, it’s a fantastic performer. That 45W max wattage means fast-charging is easily accessible on even some of the best phones.
A 10,000mAh capacity should also mean it can charge a pair of wireless headphones as well as your handset, so if you want an ultra-practical, lightweight power bank to bring on the go, the Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 45W is my number one recommendation.
4. Travel charger: Anker Nano Charger 45W with USB-C Cable
If you need a travel charger for your phone, tablets, and wireless earbuds, then look no further than the Anker Nano Charger 45W, which comes with a USB-C cable in the box — a nice touch!
I’ve used this one a lot myself, and it’s great for travel. Why? Well, it’s incredibly compact and packs in quite a bit of power, meaning you can make use of fast charging without lugging a massive brick around. If you’re using a travel adapter, the model’s low weight also means it won’t awkwardly get weighed down or stick out, which is a huge plus.
This charger is well-built, foldable — helping it to slide into your pocket — and highly affordable. It really has it all, so if you’re still using a slow charger, then take things up a notch with this awesome Anker alternative.
5. Portable fan: Shark ChillPill
In the UK, it’s absolutely scorching right now. It feels like I’m fighting for my life here with the combination of high humidity and near record-breaking temperature. And when you’re on your summer travels, I’d wager that it will be similarly blazing in a number of countries. What you need, then, is a portable fan.
We’re big… fans… of the Shark ChillPill here at TechRadar, and awarded it a 4.5 star review recently. It has good battery life, is filled with a range of cooling options, and even has a mister for when you need a healthy blast of cold.
The build and design quality is strong here too, and the straightforward controls make it a joy to use. Yes, it’s a little expensive, but we’ve seen it pop up on sale from time to time, so if you want to stay chilled on the move, then I’d strongly suggest picking this lil’ gadget up.
6. Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige
OK, so not everyone will need this, but if, like me, your facial hair seems to grow back in the blink of an eye, the Philips Shaver S9000 Prestige will be a great addition to your travel tech arsenal.
With multiple speed settings to suit your desired sensitivity, wet and dry shaving versatility, interchangeable heads (including a beard trimmer), and spectacular handling, the S9000 Prestige is a true all-rounder.
This model also has solid battery life and I rarely need to juice it up. But it comes with a wireless charging pad for when you’re running low on power. There’s also a cleaning device thrown in the box, and a carry case for whenever you’re on the move.
I’ve found that the S9000 Prestige is kind on my skin, which is pretty prone to razor burn, and its flexible foil shaver is great at getting into those hard to reach areas around the nose, for instance. It launched at a fairly high price, but you can regularly swipe it up on sale now, so why not give it a go?
7. Clothes steamer: various options
OK, in all honesty, I’ve not actually got a travel clothes steamer, but when some colleagues of mine heard that I was writing this piece, they were clear that it’s a must have.
After all, how many times have you been on holiday or out on a business trip and realized that our garments look a little creased? For me, it’s a few times too many. With a compact clothes steamer, you can wave goodbye to pesky creases and wrinkles in a flash.
So, I have a few recommendations from the team that I’m here to share with you. For our US readers, Managing Editor of News & Deals, Jacob Krol, suggests the Conair Handheld Garment Steamer. This affordable model boasts “turbo steam power,” comes with a 3-in-1 attachment, and has a water tank that’s good for 20 minutes of steaming. Not bad, eh?
Over the pond, our Managing Editor of Social & Engagement, Josephine Watson, had a couple of recommendations. The first, the Tefal Pure Pop Slim Handheld, is cheap, comes in a range of funky colors, and heats up in just 15 seconds for super speedy action. Josephine told me that her bridesmaid friend bought this model in order to save a wedding dress disaster — and luckily, it worked. Talk about coming in clutch.
Josephine also recommended the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 2in1 Handheld, even claiming she would trade her firstborn for it. Pretty high praise. This model has a 150ml water tank, can heat up nice and swiftly, and claims to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria within 60 seconds.
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