Portable Wi-Fi 7 travel router with touchscreen interface, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, and built-in OpenVPN/WireGuard VPN support. Perfect for secure connectivity on the go with OpenWrt firmware for advanced customization.

The GL.iNet Slate 7 brings enterprise-grade networking tools to a portable travel router in a way that's genuinely impressive. The touchscreen interface sets it apart from other travel routers—you can scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi connections, toggle VPN on/off with a tap, and monitor real-time network performance without pulling out your phone. OpenWrt 23.05 firmware means you're running the same networking stack used in production environments, with full access to plugins and customization options. The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports provide full bandwidth for high-speed connections like Starlink Mini, and the VPN cascading feature is particularly clever—you can run a VPN client to your home network while simultaneously hosting a VPN server, enabling secure remote access to local resources. WireGuard performance reaches around 540 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work, while OpenVPN handles around 100 Mbps for provider compatibility. Security features like WPA3, DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and IPv6 support bring enterprise-level protection to a device that fits in your pocket. The built-in AdGuard Home integration and VLAN support make it suitable for more complex networking scenarios than typical travel routers. The only limitation is that the touchscreen toggle buttons require manual configuration before use, but once set up, they provide convenient control. For developers and network enthusiasts who need real networking capabilities on the go—not just basic Wi-Fi sharing—the Slate 7 delivers professional-grade tools in a consumer-friendly package that's perfect for travel, remote work, or mobile networking setups.

Portable Wi-Fi 7 travel router with touchscreen, dual 2.5G ports, and built-in OpenVPN/WireGuard VPN. OpenWrt firmware for secure travel connectivity.

GL.iNet Slate 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router with VPN & OpenWrt

GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Travel Router, Pocket Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G Router, Portable VPN Routers WiFi for Travel, Public Computer Routers, Business Trip, Mobile/RV/Cruise/Plane

26,800mAh PowerCore+ bundle with 45W USB-C Power Delivery, twin 15W USB-A ports, and Anker's 60W USB-C wall charger so you can fast-charge laptops, tablets, and phones without waiting overnight for a refill.

I pulled the PowerCore+ 26800 PD bundle back into daily travel rotation this month for a weeklong client residency, and it remains the most dependable battery in my kit. The 45W USB-C port feeds my 13 inch MacBook Air, Steam Deck, and iPad Pro without browning out, and the twin 15W USB-A ports keep my phone and earbuds topped up during layovers. What still sets this bundle apart is the recharge time: plug the pack into the included 60W GaN brick and it jumps from empty to full in a hair under three hours, which means I can drain it during a workshop day and still have a full charge before the next morning stand up. The 26,800mAh (99Wh) capacity stays TSA compliant, but at 1.6 pounds it absolutely lives in a backpack. The aluminum shell has picked up scuffs, yet after four years of use every port still negotiates PD correctly, so it keeps its spot in my travel loadout.

26,800mAh power bank with 45W USB-C PD for laptops and tablets. Includes 60W wall charger for 3-hour refills, plus twin USB-A ports for phones and accessories.

Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 mAh Power Bank with 45W USB-C PD

Anker Power Bank, 26,800 mAh External Battery

Pocket-sized Soundcore Bluetooth speaker with IPX5 water resistance, 24-hour playtime, and dual drivers that stay clear at desk volume or tossed in a backpack for quick trips.

I have kept this Soundcore on my desk and in my travel pouch all year, and a fresh battery test in October 2025 reminded me why it sticks around. At 50 percent volume the speaker still coasts for just over 22 hours, which nets me four or five workdays of background playlists before the LED flashes. Pairing is instant thanks to the old-school Bluetooth 4.0 radio and it holds a signal through two drywall rooms when I wander to the kitchen. Voice calls are intelligible in a pinch, though the single mic picks up room echo if you sit more than a couple feet away. The two 6W drivers remain surprisingly composed for podcasts and lo-fi mixes, but you will not get the low-end thump newer Soundcore 3 units manage. IPX5 has shrugged off coffee splashes and a rain spritz, and the rubberized shell still looks decent aside from a few nicks. I do wish Anker had refreshed the port to USB-C, yet at nineteen bucks this is the portable Bluetooth speaker I still recommend for quick trips and impromptu patio sessions.

Compact Bluetooth speaker with 24-hour battery and IPX5 water resistance. Dual drivers deliver clear sound perfect for desk use or travel.

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker with 24-Hour Battery

Anker Soundcore Upgraded Bluetooth Speaker

Laser-lit 1080p mini projector that throws a crisp 120-inch image at 300 ANSI lumens, runs full Google TV with licensed Netflix, and packs a 2.5-hour battery with USB-C PD for travel movie nights and impromptu client demos.

I put the Capsule 3 Laser back in rotation this October for a stretch of client workshops and outdoor screenings, and it still threads the needle between portability and a legitimately sharp picture. Autofocus and auto-keystone lock onto a 100-120 inch 1080p image in under ten seconds, and the laser light engine keeps edges crisp even when I tilt the chassis for awkward ceiling angles. Google TV remains fully licensed - Netflix, YouTube TV, and Chromecast all run without sideloading - so I leave the streaming sticks at home and just pair a Bluetooth keyboard for searches. The 300 ANSI lumens are best after sunset; in bright rooms I shrink to 80 inches or pull the blinds, but the color pop is miles better than LED picos once the lights are down. Battery saver gets me about 2 hours and 20 minutes of video, and a 65W USB-C PD pack (I use Anker's 737) keeps it running while presenting. The 8W Dolby speaker projects nicely in a conference room, though the cooling fan is audible behind the unit and there's still only a single HDMI port if you want to hook up a Switch mid-session.

Laser-lit 1080p mini projector with autofocus and Google TV. Throws crisp 120-inch images with licensed Netflix, perfect for travel and client presentations.

Nebula Capsule 3 Laser 1080p Mini Projector with Google TV

Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p, Smart, Wi-Fi, Mini Projector

Premium over‑ear Bluetooth headphones with industry‑leading active noise canceling and long battery life for travel and focus.

I’ve flown with the WH-1000XM5s on half a dozen long-haul trips this year and they still set the benchmark for ANC comfort. Sony’s eight-mic system silences jet engines, noisy cafés, and HVAC hum, yet adaptive transparency instantly kicks in when I tap the right cup or start speaking. Battery life routinely hits 30+ hours; I recharge once a week via USB-C. The new lighter headband and softer pads let me wear them through an entire workday without pressure hotspots, and the sound signature is warm and detailed out of the box. I tweak EQ and ANC settings in the Headphones Connect app and lean on multipoint pairing to bounce between my laptop and phone. They’re pricey, but for focus sessions, travel, and daily calls, nothing else combines noise canceling, comfort, and smart features this well.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones

Discover the best gift for travelers products and tools we actually use. Each item tested in real-world scenarios with honest, detailed reviews.

Gift for Travelers Products

GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Travel Router, Pocket Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G Router, Portable VPN Routers WiFi for Travel, Public Computer Routers, Business Trip, Mobile/RV/Cruise/Plane

Anker Power Bank, 26,800 mAh External Battery

Anker Soundcore Upgraded Bluetooth Speaker

Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p, Smart, Wi-Fi, Mini Projector

Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones