Every digital nomad must have the following tools: a laptop, Wi-Fi, and something to carry that laptop in.
With these simple items, you can work anywhere you want and still make a living traveling the world.
Now, if you’re knee-deep into your online business, there are other things you must have to be the most productive human being you can be.
Or, well, you might be wasting lots of valuable time.
It’s like struggling to sleep because you aren’t comfortable.
After over a decade of living the RoamBased lifestyle, I have certain things that I always take with me when I head out into the world to get some work done.
For me, this is at a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, or by the beach, which I do about twice a month.
Life as a digital nomad is all about freedom, right?
The freedom to work from anywhere, explore new places, and live life on your own terms.
But to stay productive and connected, you’ll need the right tools.
Whether you’re working from a beachside cafe or a bustling coworking space, these digital nomad tools will make you that much more productive.
Tools Every Digital Nomad Must Have
Sure, there are certain tools that every digital nomad must have in order to be productive, but of course, we are all different.
You can’t help it if someone loves Samsung and stays clear of all Apple products.
Not everyone needs a fancy standup desk while in a hotel lobby, nor does everyone need $500 noise-canceling headphones.
We are all different, but that does not take away from the fact that we use different tools to get the job done.
If you want to live the digital nomad lifestyle, these are some of the tools you must have.
1. A Laptop (Preferably Lightweight)
A laptop is an absolute must.
A lightweight, powerful model ensures you can run your business, edit documents, or join video calls without any worries.
Get a cheap, mediocre laptop, and you’ll probably end up banging it against the wall, causing you to spend more money in the long run.
A laptop is your lifeline, so get one that can handle the workload of a digital nomad.
Top Picks:
• MacBook Air: Sleek, fast, and battery will last a day.
• Dell XPS 13: A high-performance Windows alternative with a premium design.
I know I said to get a thin, lightweight laptop, but I have always gotten a 13″ Macbook Pro.
If you are hauling around a lot of stuff, a lighter laptop will most definitely help.
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Headphones are a must for any digital nomad, but noise-canceling headphones will be your best bet.
Whether you’re trying to concentrate on work, listen in on a presentation, or take a Zoom call, noise-canceling headphones will make digital nomad life much easier.
The world can be noisy, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose focus.
Noise-canceling headphones block distractions and keep you immersed in work or calls.
Top Picks:
• Sony WH-1000XM5: Industry-leading noise cancellation and great audio quality.
• Bose QuietComfort 45: Comfortable for long hours and excellent for calls.
I’m a huge Sony and Bose fan, so I might be a little biased.
Then again, I choose their products because they always pull through, and I’m sure some of you will agree.
3. Portable Monitor
When one screen isn’t enough, a portable monitor can double your workspace without weighing you down.
Top Picks:
• ASUS ZenScreen: Lightweight and USB-powered.
• SideTrak Swivel: Attaches directly to your laptop for convenience.
I have a 13″ Macbook Pro because of its portability, but I definitely need more screen space when getting work done, and that’s when this bad boy comes into play.
I use it for product reviews, and it’s almost impossible not to use the extra screen.
When I’m working from home, you’ll see me with my laptop, one of my desktops, along with another monitor.
Having the extra screen will help you be a lot more productive.
4. Universal Travel Adapter
If you have traveled to another country, whether or not you are a digital nomad, you will know how complicated things can get when you cannot charge your devices.
What more if you are a digital nomad and you can’t get any work done?
You can get an adapter for that specific country or you can get a universal travel adapter that can work all over the world.
A travel adapter with multiple ports is a must-have for any digital nomad.
Top Pick:
• Epicka Universal Travel Adapter: Works in 150+ countries and charges multiple devices simultaneously.
5. A Reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Why VPN?
How about protecting your data and bypassing any regional internet restrictions?
I know things are convenient from the comfort of your town, but everything will change once you step foot into another country.
Trying to tap into every public Wi-Fi source is not going to be the same
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky, and that’s when a VPN comes into play.
Protect yourself and bypass any restrictions that may come your way.
Top Picks:
• NordVPN: Fast, secure, and user-friendly.
• ExpressVPN: Known for its reliability and high-speed servers.
Everyone and their mothers have heard about NordVPN, even if you know nothing about virtual private networks.
They’re known and offer the best prices and exceptional VPN service.
6. Mobile Hotspot
I don’t know where I would be without my mobile hotspot.
When I started making money blogging, mobile hotspots didn’t exist.
This required me to try to tap into every public Wi-Fi connection and lots of wasted time not having an internet connection.
These days, mobile hotspots are not only available, but they provide a very solid connection.
Never get stuck without the internet, and get yourself a mobile hotspot.
Top Picks:
• Skyroam Solis: Offers global coverage and pay-as-you-go plans.
• GlocalMe G4 Pro: No SIM card required, and it works in 140+ countries.
7. Password Manager
Google’s password manager and autofill feature might be great when you’re in the comfort of your home, but not so much when you’re traveling.
Jotting down your passwords on a notepad is a thing of the past thanks to technology, but that leave you more vulnerable than before.
And with the crazy amounts of digital accounts, keeping track of all our passwords is no easy task on top of trying not to get hacked.
Get with the program and get a password manager.
Top Picks:
• LastPass: Easy to use and syncs across devices.
• 1Password: Excellent for individuals and teams alike.
With literally over 50 accounts to manage, thanks to affiliate marketing, I have no choice but to invest in a password manager.
As a digital nomad, this is one tool you must have.
8. Ergonomic Travel Keyboard and Mouse
I have no problem with a touchpad, but when I need to speed things up or do more design work, I find that an actual keyboard and mouse work best.
Not only does it make things easier, but it also helps with comfort during long work sessions.
Top Picks:
• Logitech K780 Keyboard: Compact and multi-device compatible.
• MX Anywhere 3 Mouse: A portable powerhouse that works on any surface.
9. Digital Planner or Task Management Tool
Keeping track of passwords is a task in itself, which doesn’t make planning and managing tasks any easier.
Unless you’re super old school and still carry around an actual planner, remember that it is about to be 2025 and there are digital planners available to help with your everyday life.
Manage clients, employees, and other tasks with one of these digital planners.
• Top Picks:
• Notion: Combines notes, tasks, and project management in one tool.
• Trello: A visual way to organize tasks and deadlines.
10. A Travel-Friendly Backpack
I know this is last on the list, but a functional, durable backpack is a must.
Not only do you need to carry all the digital nomad tools on this list, but you need to stay organized and stylish.
With the hundreds of backpacks out there, it’s great to know that there are companies that cater to people like you and me.
• Top Picks:
• Nomatic Backpack: Designed for digital nomads with plenty of compartments.
• Peak Design Everyday Backpack: Perfect for tech gear and photography equipment.
There are many backpacks out there, so it’s all a matter of what you prefer and what you can afford.
If you have the money, consider the Leander backpack, which was built for people like us.
Conclusion – Equip Yourself With the Right Tools
The world of a digital nomad is definitely unique and comes with its own challenges.
Without answering to anyone or being held accountable, you need to think of things on your own.
No one is going to tell you that you need a VPN and no one is going to issue you a backpack like they do in the military.
Hopefully, this post has given you a better understanding of the tools that a digital nomad must have while out and about.
Sure, you can do without some of these things, but eventually, you’ll find yourself having some problems that could’ve been prevented.
There are other tools that I want to add to this list like portable power banks, blue light blocking glasses, and even a cloud storage subscription, but we will keep things simple for now.
What tools do you swear by as a digital nomad?
Share your favorites in the comments below!
