Ultimate Tech Essentials for Seamless Work Trips in 2025

For business travelers who treat the world like their office, the right travel tech isn’t just convenient, it’s non-negotiable. Work trips often mean meetings happen mid-transit, and deadlines don’t wait for time zones. Today’s professionals require gear that’s as agile and refined as they are. For your next trip—especially on business—every item in your travel arsenal should serve a purpose: keeping you connected, organized, and one step ahead.

This story is part of The New Era of Work Travela collaboration between the editors of WIRED and Condé Nast Traveler to help you navigate the perks and pitfalls of the modern business trip.

Among the business travel essentials? A reliable staple: The Apple MacBook Air: powerful, lightweight, and designed for productivity anywhere. Not to mention, with the right universal converter or portable chargeryou can plug it in to charge just about everywhere. Add a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or travel router, and your workspace expands to airport lounges, hotel lobbiesor high-speed trains. For presentation, compact travel steamers ensure you arrive looking polished, while smart luggage and digital tags streamline the journey from check-in to customs. Whether you’re a digital nomad taking a client call on the road or reviewing contracts over espresso in Milanwe’ve compiled the best tech for work trips built for motion. When business takes you everywhere, your gear should work like you do: seamlessly, stylishly, and without pause.

Updated October 2025: We’ve added the Sony WH-1000XM6, OnePlus Pad 3, and Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro.

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

Stylish and feature-packed, with excellent touch controls, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Enjoy podcasts, music, or the sweet sound of silence when you fly, with unbeatable active noise cancellation. These cans also boast top-notch sound quality, with a multiband EQ to make the most of any audio source. The new folding design also makes it easier than ever to stow them away for travel.

Courtesy of Apple

Powerful and portable, the svelte Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) is the best of the best laptopsand perfect for business travelers looking to get some work done in the office or on the move. You can expect slick performance, long battery life, and a lovely bright display. Apple’s M4 chipset supports two 4K external monitors and on-device AI processing. There’s also a crystal clear 12-megapixel webcam that’s ideal for video conferencing.

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  Photograph: Simon Hill

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  Courtesy of Netgear

Staying connected while you travel can be a challenge, but the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro is a powerful 5G mobile hotspot that will keep you online wherever you go. Pop in a 5G SIM to enjoy a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router (2.4-, 5-, and 6-GHz). The design is durable, the 2.8-inch touchscreen is useful, there’s a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, and the battery will last you all day (I got 11 hours before having to charge). You can connect up to 32 devices and expect a range of around 1,000 square feet.

Courtesy of Amazon

Need to make a stellar first impression on that presentation you crossed an ocean to give? Keep those pearly whites gleaming with the Oral-B Pro 1000. Top of WIRED’s best electric toothbrushes guide, this is a reliable and effective way to clean your teeth. The Pro 1000 sports a circular oscillating brush head that can get in everywhere, and it buzzes every 30 seconds to prompt you to clean each quadrant of your mouth. You can also expect 10 days of battery life when fully charged.

Courtesy of Amazon

Asus

RT-AX57 Go Travel Router

Connect all your gadgets to the Asus RT-AX57 Go travel router before you leave for a trip and you only have to worry about connecting one device at your destination. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router has gigabit WAN and LAN Ethernet ports to plug into a modem, port in your hotel, or any other internet source. It can connect to public Wi-Fi, and you can even connect your phone to the USB 3.2 port and use the RT-AX57 Go as a hotspot to magnify your cell connection. The Asus RT-AX57 Go also comes with security software and VPN support, making it one of the best Wi-Fi routers around.

Courtesy of Ceptics

Ceptics

GaN 70W Universal Travel Adapter

The best travel adapters enable globetrotters to plug in all their gadgets. The Ceptics GaN 70W Universal Travel Adapter is first in our bag for every trip because it covers more than 200 countries and has a secure locking slider design that pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs (you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia and China). We love the retractable 25-inch USB-C cable that goes up to 70 watts, but you also get an additional USB-C port and two USB-A ports, making this the only charger you need to pack.

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  Photograph: Julian chokkattu

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  Photograph: Julian chokkattu

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  Photograph: Julian chokkattu

If you’re an Apple person, you probably have an iPadbut for everyone else, Android-powered slates have really improved in recent years, and this is the best Android tablet right now. OnePlus elevates the experience with software tweaks like Open Canvas, enabling you to multitask with three apps. When you’re done with work, the sharp and smooth 13.2-inch screen is perfect for kicking back with a movie. The Snapdragon 8 Elite inside ensures performance is fantastic for work or play.

Courtesy of Amazon

Travel inspires

Luggage Scale

No more surprise baggage fees—this compact scale slips neatly into your luggage and gives you peace of mind before check-in. Picked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best luggage scalesits user-friendly strap and clear display take the stress out of weigh-ins, so you’re never left guessing. Built tough for globetrotting, it withstands knocks and rough handling. For business travelers, it’ll help keep your bag within weight limits and keep your trip on-budget.

Courtesy of Hatch

Hatch

Rest Go Portable Sound Machine

This palm-sized sound machine delivers 10 soothing tracks—from ocean waves to white noise—without apps or Wi‑Fi, making it perfect for travel. With around 12 to 15 hours of battery life, it’ll last through long flights or busy days. Its simple button layout and clip-on ring allow quick setup anywhere, from airport lounges to hotel rooms. Funnily enough, the gadget is actually designed for babies, but can be used by travelers of all ages—and a must-have for Traveler editors. It’s affordable, tough, and sleek enough to blend into any travel toolkit.

Courtesy of Nesugar

Does not adopt

Portable Handheld Steamer

A travel staple for sharp professionals, this handheld steamer tackles wrinkles in minutes—no ironing board needed. Just plug it in and press and glide to freshen suits, dresses, and linens. Lightweight enough for a carry-on bag yet effective enough to smooth creases effortlessly, it’s the secret weapon to looking polished on arrival. Ideal for impromptu meetings or last-minute evening events, it ensures you always step out wrinkle-free.

Courtesy of Apple

Slip an AirTag into your luggage or attach it to your bag and you can track it effortlessly via your iPhone—no more anxiety about lost bags or gear. The new U1 chip enables precision-finding, showing you the exact direction and distance to your missing item. It’s water- and dust-resistant, runs for about a year on a standard battery, and transmits location via the vast Find My network. Privacy protections like rotating IDs mean no unwanted tracking and solely, smart security.

Courtesy of Amazon

iwalk

Small Portable Charger

Tiny yet mighty, the iWalk charger fits in any pocket and delivers a fast juice boost thanks to its 4,800 mAh capacity and 20W output. It’s ideal for those in-between moments—waiting at the gate or lounging before boarding. LED indicators keep you informed, and USB‑C recharge is quick and convenient. Stylish and available in multiple colors, it’s a sleek companion for busy days abroad—and not to mention, a Traveler favorite.

Courtesy of Calpak

Calpak

Portable Charger Luggage Tag

Doubling as a luggage tag and power bank, this Calpak device blends functionality and finesse with its faux-leather exterior. It quietly powers up your phone mid-journey through USB‑C (or Lightning) connections when you need it most. Slim and lightweight, it slips neatly onto your bag and travels with ease. Backed by a one-year warranty, it’s a reliable (and chic) lifesaver for unexpected low-battery situations on the go.

How can investing in a 5G mobile hotspot and noise-cancelling earbuds specifically impact a traveler’s ROI?

Power Up: Laptops & Tablets for the Modern Traveler

Choosing the right computing device is paramount for productive business travel in 2025. Forget bulky laptops – the trend is towards lightweight power.

* Ultraportable Laptops: Models like the Dell XPS 13, MacBook Air (M3 chip), and HP Spectre x360 offer remarkable performance in incredibly slim packages.Look for models with at least 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD for smooth multitasking. Travel laptops need to be reliable.

* 2-in-1 Tablets with Keyboards: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro (with Magic Keyboard) provide tablet versatility with laptop functionality. Ideal for presentations, note-taking, and light content creation. Consider cellular connectivity for true mobile office freedom.

* Foldable Screens: Emerging foldable technology (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series) offers a larger screen real estate in a compact form factor, perfect for reviewing documents and presentations on the go.

Staying Connected: Mobile Hotspots & 5G Solutions

Reliable internet access is non-negotiable. Don’t rely solely on hotel Wi-Fi.

* 5G Mobile Hotspots: devices like the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro offer blazing-fast 5G speeds, creating a secure and private Wi-Fi network for all your devices. Essential for remote work and video conferencing.

* eSIM Technology: Consider an eSIM (embedded SIM) for easy and affordable data access in multiple countries. Services like Airalo and GigSky offer flexible data plans without the need for physical SIM cards. This is a game-changer for international travel.

* VPN Services: Protect your sensitive data with a reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network) like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Cybersecurity for travelers is crucial.

Audio Excellence: Noise-Cancelling Headphones & Wireless earbuds

Minimize distractions and maximize focus with high-quality audio solutions.

* Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and Apple AirPods Max remain top contenders.These are ideal for long flights and noisy workspaces. Look for features like adaptive noise cancellation and excellent call quality.

* True wireless Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer convenience and portability. Perfect for calls, podcasts, and music during commutes.

* Bone Conduction Headphones: For situational awareness, consider bone conduction headphones like Shokz OpenRun Pro. They allow you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying audio.

Power & Charging: Portable Power Banks & Global Adapters

Don’t get caught with a dead battery.

* High-Capacity Power Banks: Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 and mophie Powerstation PD offer multiple charges for your devices. prioritize power banks with Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging. Travel chargers are a must-have.

* Universal Travel Adapters: A universal adapter with USB-C PD and USB-A ports is essential for international travel. Look for models with surge protection. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is a popular choice.

* gan Chargers: Gallium Nitride (GaN) chargers are smaller, lighter, and more efficient than customary chargers. They’re perfect for minimizing bulk in your travel tech kit.

Productivity Boosters: Digital Note-Taking & Scanning Solutions

Streamline your workflow and go paperless.

* digital Note-Taking Apps: Evernote, OneNote, and Notability allow you to capture ideas, organize notes, and sync them across devices. Consider a stylus-compatible tablet for handwritten notes.

* Portable Document Scanners: The Epson WorkForce ES-60W and Brother ADS-1700W are compact and efficient scanners for digitizing receipts, contracts, and other important documents.

* Cloud Storage: Utilize cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to securely store and access your files from anywhere. Data backup is critical.

Security & Tracking: Protecting Your Tech & Belongings

Safeguard your valuable tech investments.

* Tracking Devices: Apple AirTag, Tile Mate, and Samsung SmartTag allow you to track your luggage and other belongings.

* Laptop Locks: Kensington locks provide a physical deterrent against theft.

* Password Manager: Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to securely store and manage your passwords. Travel security should be a top priority.

Real-World Example: streamlining a Sales Executive’s Trip

A sales executive at a tech firm recently shared how upgrading to a 5G mobile hotspot and noise-cancelling earbuds dramatically improved their productivity during a week-long road trip. They were able to conduct video conferences from the car, respond to emails instantly, and prepare presentations without relying on unreliable hotel Wi-Fi. The investment paid for itself in increased sales and reduced stress.

Benefits of Investing in Travel Tech

* Increased Productivity: Stay connected and work efficiently from anywhere.

* Reduced Stress: Eliminate the frustration of