This year, IFA 2024 in Berlin saw a slew of innovative products, but one of the gadget categories that stood out to me was all the new travel accessories. If you’re like me, you want to travel as smartly and efficiently as possible (no messy cables here), so I’m always on the lookout for new and useful gadgets to stash in my carry-on.
These six products stood out to me for being smart, innovative, and most of all, space-saving — and just released to the public. Let’s take a look.
1. PlugBug from TwelveSouth
The Creator of Ingenuity Air — an adapter that allows you to use Bluetooth Headset with headphone jacks on planes — just announced the next must-have smart travel product: PlugBugThe first USB-C adapter with built-in Find Mine donate.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left my adapter and charger at a hotel outlet, so bringing one with a location-enabled function is a game-changer.
Also: Do you lose your charger a lot? Twelve South’s new ‘PlugBugs’ have Find My built in
The PlugBug comes in a 50W model (with two USB-C ports) or a 120W model (with four USB-C ports), and both support dynamic charging for two or four devices at once. The device itself is nice and slim, sitting flush against the wall when plugged in for maximum reach. Overall, this is one of those devices that makes so much sense you wonder why it isn’t already here.
The PlugBug is available for pre-order now and will ship in mid-September.
2. Satechi Vegan Leather Passport Cover with Find My Function
If you are still carrying a loose passport, you should probably consider purchasing some protection for your passport. Satechi Passport Cover powered by Find My is a smart solution not only because it protects your passport but also allows you to track the location of your passport.
If you travel without your passport, Find My will let you know where it is right away. It can also save you the time and money it would take to replace it if it were lost. That’s something you definitely don’t want to lose.
Also: I got my hands on Lenovo’s auto-rotating laptop at IFA 2024 and it’s a sight to behold
The vegan leather case feels premium and sturdy. It supports wireless charging with Qi, Qi2 or MagSafe Charger to keep the location tracker active. It costs $60, which is certainly not cheap, but it’s a solid device if you’re prone to losing things.
3. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock
Anker MagGo 3 in 1 is a compact foldable device that got a lot of attention at IFA for its portable form factor and usefulness for people traveling with Apple devices. When folded, it’s small enough to hide in the palm of your hand, and magnets keep it closed. But when you open it up, it becomes a 3-in-1 wireless charging station with Qi2 support for three devices at once.
With a designated charging port for the Apple Watch and claims that it can charge iPhone 15 Pro From 0 to 20% in 15 minutes, this is one device that simplifies your hotel bedside charging situation with a single charging point for your devices.
The only downside to this device is its rather high price tag of $90. Yes, it is an innovative and convenient design, but the price tag may turn some potential buyers away.
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It comes in four colors right now, all of which are currently available for pre-order. Anker says the black models will ship after September 15, while the white models will ship after September 20, 2024. The pink and blue models will ship later this year.
4. Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 in-ear headphones
Beyerdynamic makes some great high fidelity audio products and they are some of our favorites we’ve tested this year, from solid open ear headphones ARRIVE bone conduction headphonesThis week at IFA, the company announced not one but three new products, including a new pair of earbuds that are great for traveling.
Amiron 300 Featuring active noise cancellation and up to 38 hours of battery life and up to 10 hours of continuous playback for all-day use, which is actually longer than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, Sony’s XM5 earbuds, and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro 3. These are a pair of earbuds that can last the entirety of your flight.
Also: Don’t Buy AirPods: These Beyerdynamic Headphones Deliver Looks, Comfort, and Sound
The Amiron 300s feature Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, 10mm dynamic drivers, and Qi-compatible wireless charging. Additionally, the buds themselves have a flat, streamlined design that doesn’t stick out, which is great for sleeping on a plane. They’re currently priced at $279 and will be available in available in October in black and white.
5. Soundcore Space One Pro Headphones
If headphones aren’t your thing, luckily, Soundcore Just Released a Pair of Foldable Over-Ear Headphones great for traveling Space One Professional Portable enough to slip into any well-stocked bag and light enough to go unnoticed. Form factor aside, they have some pretty impressive fast charging, with Soundcore claiming that just five minutes of charging will give you eight hours of battery life. Not bad for a long-haul flight.
They have active noise cancellation and are very lightweight, making them a good choice for those who like to sleep with headphones on to drown out noise. In my hands-on testing at IFA, they also sounded great, with an overall balanced soundstage.
Also: Apple will announce two new AirPods models on Monday. Here are the key differences
The Space One Pro is available now for $200and for a limited time, you’ll get a free travel case (regular price $35).
I think this is a product that really makes good use of the included carrying case as it perfectly completes the function of a great travel headphone.
6. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Charger
Ultimately, having a reliable backup charger for your laptop is absolutely essential when traveling, and the Belkin BoostCharge Pro is a monster when it comes to reliable power.
Announced at IFA, the BoostCharge Pro has a 20K battery capacity and can charge three devices at once. However, it only delivers 65W of power when using one port. Personally, I appreciate the fact that it has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, as it opens up the number of different cables you can use, since you don’t always have to carry your usual amount of devices with you when you travel.
Also: Apple enthusiasts will love Belkin’s new universal folding travel charger
The device is extremely light and compact for the amount of juice it holds, and the display showing the amount of power available is easy to read and practical. currently priced at $90.
