Further reading
No matter where you live, there’s an adventure to be had within driving distance. The problem is that, for many of us, road trips can be long and boring experiences, made even more difficult if there are restless kids in the back seat. Thankfully, there’s a whole world of great devices and gadgets to help make your next road trip safer and more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at some of the best for 2020.
Lanmodo Night Vision System ($500)
Even the best drivers can struggle to see at night, regardless of weather conditions, so it’s great to have a little help. The Lanmodo Night Vision System operates in 1080p and offers a bright view of the road ahead — up to 984 feet, to be exact. It sits securely on the vehicle’s dash and can be purchased with a rearview camera for older vehicles without an equipped camera.
Cobra RAD 480i ($150)
Radar detectors are nothing new, but the latest crop of devices are quite impressive. The RAD 480i from Cobra comes with a partner app that allows community sharing of speed trap locations. Updatable software and 360-degree laser detection are great bonuses.
Fobo Tire Plus ($160)
Properly inflated tires wear more evenly, thus increasing the lifespan of your rubber as well as fuel efficiency. Rather than using a handheld pressure gauge to ensure your tires are properly inflated, however, the Fobo Tire Plus system uses a series of Bluetooth gauges that relay this information directly to your smartphone. Fobo will alert you when your tire pressure is getting too low directly on your phone. The app even provides a straightforward tutorial, making installation a breeze.
Scosche USB Charger ($10)
As you begin to accumulate car gadgets, you’ll also need more space to charge many of these devices. Thankfully, Scosche’s charger allows you to charge two devices at once. While there are USB hubs with more ports, this unit is one of the best given its low profile and budget-friendly price tag. There are plenty of excellent chargers if you’re willing to spend a little bit more, too.
Tile Mate ($25)
Our forgetfulness costs us thousands of dollars over the course of our lifetimes. Unsurprisingly, one of the most commonly misplaced items is our car keys. Thankfully, the Bluetooth-equipped Tile Mate easily slides onto a key chain, allowing you to track the whereabouts of your keys using an accompanying mobile app — even if they’re locked inside your car. Tile is one of the best Bluetooth trackers on the market, and it’s even compatible with several infotainment systems.
Garmin Dash Cam 56 ($200)
A dashcam is an exceptional tool for determining fault after a car accident, and the Garmin Dash Cam 56 is our top pick. The device captures images in crystal-clear 1080p video, saves video on impact, and will record your GPS location to show when and where accidents occurred. It keeps you safe, it’s compact, and it even responds to voice commands.
Nanopresso ($65)
Most of us simply shudder at the thought of starting our workday without a cup of coffee. It’s easy to forget to set our favorite coffee maker, or, if we’re running behind, we may simply lack the time to swing by our preferential coffee shop on the way to work. Designed for the flibbertigibbet — or those with a soft spot for unnecessary gadgets — the Nanopresso is a coffee maker tailor-made for those of us who are constantly on the move. It doesn’t need power to work, and it’s compatible with Nespresso capsules.
Arsvita Audio Cassette Bluetooth Adapter ($23)
If your car is living in the past, a Bluetooth cassette adapter is a great way to stream all of your favorite playlists directly from your smartphone (without any unsightly cord clutter). The best part is that you don’t have to take apart any components or refit your car to do so. Arsvita’s offering is one of our favorites, too. It offers roughly eight hours of playback on a single charge, which is more than enough juice to play all of your favorite — or embarrassing — tunes, much to the dismay of your friends. It even allows for hands-free calling thanks to a built-in microphone. It’s compatible with most smartphones, too.
Backseat Car Organizer ($7)
A backseat car organizer will give you a convenient place to store all your cool car gadgets and is an excellent option for both gadget fanatics and families too. This mesh and polyester organizer comes with plenty of compartments and pockets to hold everything you could ever need, from gadgets to snacks and toys for the kids.
The adjustable headrest strap fastens to virtually any car seat, which is excellent for keeping all of your gadgets at arm’s length. This organizer also has a waterproof interior, keeping everything dry in the case of spills, and its cotton lining is hypoallergenic. It works great as a temporary trash can in a pinch, too. It’s also sturdy enough to hold its shape at all times, even when it’s empty.
Vanmass Wireless Car Charger ($30)
This car charger from Vanmass is not just a car charger, but a phone mount, too. It can support phones between 4 and 6.5 inches in size, making it compatible with virtually all smartphones on the market. The flexible holding arm makes this charger incredibly convenient. It adjusts easily to reduce glare at different times of the day and even extends towards you if you’re using it while parked and want to lean back. The included two-year warranty is a nice touch, too.
Editors’ Recommendations
