Recommended Free Tools
Pack the devices you’ll actually use, the cables that fit them, and a compatible wall charger. Add a power bank only if you need one. For air travel, spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in your carry-on, and their watt-hour capacity can affect whether the airline will accept them.
Travel tech kit checklist
Build the kit around your itinerary and devices rather than packing every gadget you own.
- Devices: Bring the phone and any e-reader, tablet, laptop, camera, watch, headphones, or other device you expect to use. When practical, keep devices with lithium batteries in the cabin. If a device must go in checked baggage, FAA guidance says it must be fully powered off and protected from accidental activation and damage. FAA PackSafe guidance.
- Charging cables: Pack the cable for each device, checking that the connectors match.
- Wall charger: Choose one with ports and charging compatibility that suit your devices. Confirm it will work at your destination; requirements vary by destination and equipment.
- Power bank (optional): Take one if you expect to need extra power away from outlets. Check its marked watt-hour capacity and your airline’s current policy before departure.
- Organization: A cable organizer or small pouch can keep accessories together. Do not assume a general-purpose organizer protects spare batteries against short circuits.
- Connectivity: Decide whether you need offline maps or content, roaming, or a travel data plan. These are trip-specific choices, not required parts of every kit.
Can you bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, subject to battery-capacity limits and the airline’s rules. The FAA says spare lithium batteries—including power banks—must be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. If your carry-on is gate checked, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin. FAA lithium battery guidance.
| Battery capacity | FAA passenger guidance |
|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh | Allowed in carry-on baggage under FAA guidance. |
| 101–160 Wh | Requires airline approval. |
| Over 160 Wh | Prohibited on passenger aircraft under FAA guidance. |
These thresholds describe FAA guidance based on U.S. Department of Transportation rules. An airline may impose stricter limits, including a limit on the number of power banks, and international requirements can differ. Check your carrier’s current policy before traveling. FAA lithium battery guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to pack spare batteries safely
Protect spare batteries from damage and prevent their terminals from touching metal or other battery terminals. The FAA lists these protective methods:
- Keep the battery in its original packaging.
- Cover the terminals with tape.
- Use a battery case or sleeve.
- Put it in a separate snug plastic bag or protective pouch.
These are examples of battery protection; an ordinary cable organizer is not automatically a protective battery case. FAA guidance also says damaged or recalled batteries that may spark or overheat must not be carried unless made safe as its guidance describes. FAA lithium battery guidance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Make electronics easy to reach at security
TSA’s travel checklist recommends packing large electronics on the top layer of your carry-on so they are accessible for screening. Screening procedures can vary, so follow the checkpoint officer’s instructions. TSA travel checklist.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if a battery overheats
If a lithium battery or device overheats, expands, smokes, or burns during a flight, notify a flight crew member immediately. That is the FAA’s instruction in its PackSafe guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
