It seems like every time I step into an airport the battery on my smartphone dies immediately. Then I find myself wandering aimlessly looking for an outlet. It’s a pain, but now there is a whole new breed of suitcase designed to remedy this very real problem.
Over the past couple of months I’ve seen advertisements for suitcases designed to charge your devices, and it seems like the perfect marriage. While these charging suitcases aren’t cheap ($250-$449), their price tags are still competitive with a lot of high-quality suitcases on the market. Add with their tech-forward features, they’re worth the investment for a frequent traveler.
With that said, they aren’t all created equal. Here’s a look at three multi-tasking suitcases.
Cost: $225
Pros: This suitcase comes in nine colors and is the perfect-size carry-on for an avid traveler. Under the handle you will find a small compartment with three different ports for your devices. The first port is for a micro USB used to charge your device overnight. Then when you head to the airport, you can use the two universal USB ports to charge your devices. The removable 10,000 mAh battery will charge your smartphone up to 5 times, and is compliant with FAA, TSA and DOT regulations, meaning the bag can be checked or carried onto any flight.
The small compartment also has four small lights to let you know how much battery power you have left.
The suitcase itself is a light 7 pounds. Inside, it’s pretty spacious and even comes with a nylon laundry bag to separate clean and dirty clothes. The four spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver through the airport, and the built-in TSA lock will keep all your stuff safe.
Cons: While the bag is lightweight, that also leaves it feeling a bit flimsy. It’s not as sturdy as the suitcases I’m used to, and I feel like it’s not a bag that will last a frequent traveler for years. The company says the bag is made of Makrolon Polycarbonate, which is designed to be sturdy and flexible, so maybe it’s tougher than it looks.
Cost: $295
Pros:
The first thing I noticed about this suitcase is how sleek it is. It’s also lightweight – at 8.4 pounds – and sleek, but feels sturdy. The suitcase comes with an eye mask and earplugs, which is a nice little perk.
Like the Away, this 4-wheeled spinner suitcase also has a removable battery that needs to be charged by plugging the bag into a wall. After it’s juiced up, it has two USB ports available to charge your devices. But unlike the Away, that isn’t where the technology ends.
You can download the Raden app on your phone and connect it to your bag via Bluetooth. The app shows you how much battery power your suitcase has left, and if you and your luggage get unexpectedly separated, there’s a GPS feature to help you find it. The coolest part is the handle that also doubles as a scale. After calibrating, you simply lift up the bag by its handle and the app displays the suitcase’s weight on your smartphone, so you’ll know if it exceeds the airline’s carry-on weight limits.
Cons: The Raden is also made from Makrolon Polycarbonate and is supposed to withstand strong impact without breaking. However, the suitcases come in 10 different colors some of which have a glossy finish, which means they’ll be more susceptible to scuff marks.
Cost: $449
Pros: The first thing you’ll notice about this bag is that it’s strong and sturdy. It feels like it could withstand years of travel, and the dark color means it won’t show wear and tear as fast. Like the other bags, it has a USB port under the handle to charge your devices. It also has a convenient front flap you can use to charge another device, store your laptop and pack anything you need to access in a hurry.
Of the three suitcases, the Bluesmart One is certainly the most technologically advanced (which is reflected in the higher price). No more fiddling with keys or codes, the Bluesmart app can be used to lock and unlock your bag. The app also displays the weight your bag (the handle is a scale), and it’s an easy way to monitor the battery life of your suitcase. In the event your suitcase goes missing, the app will show its location in real-time.
Cons: The front flap is a nice addition for small electronics, but it also takes away from space inside the bag. The right side is deep enough to pack shoes and clothes, but the left side is very shallow, and can only hold a few small items.
Verdict
If I had to pick one bag for the average traveler, I’d probably go with the Raden. It has many of the same tech features as the Bluesmart, but it’s $150 cheaper. It also has as much space as the Away bag, but is sturdier and has more features.
The Away suitcase is a great option if you’re on a budget – there are no frills beyond phone-charging. I envision the Bluesmart One as the perfect option for a frequent traveler or business traveler in and out of airports a lot, who can take advantage of all of the features and doesn’t mind paying more for a reliable suitcase.
But in the end, any suitcase that prevents your phone from dying in the airport is a winner.