Check out the best accessories for on the go streaming
Check out the best accessories for on the go streaming
From streaming sticks to battery-powered coolers to projectors to portable screens, we run through some of your best options.
We don’t often stop to think about what it really takes to stream at home. Most of us have it locked in: a solid TV setup (maybe a new one every few years), our go-to streaming device, a decent surround-sound system, cold drinks in the fridge, and snacks at the ready. It all just works. But what happens when you’re on the move and still want that same seamless streaming experience? Whether heading to the beach, camping, or spending time outdoors, your usual setup won’t always come with you… unless you plan ahead.
You’ll need the right gear to enjoy your favorite shows and movies (and snacks!) from anywhere. I’ll admit it up front — some of these accessories are pricey, but if you car camp or travel as much as I do, they are also well worth it and will easily pay you back in convenience over time.
From portable power to powered coolers and smart streaming solutions, here’s a look at the best on-the-go streaming accessories to keep you connected and entertained no matter where your summer takes you.
Best on-the-go streaming accessories
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
If you want to stream when you’re on the go, you’ll obviously need some hardware suited for the task. For many, that means just using a phone or tablet, but for those lengthy stays in a hotel or vacation rental, something like the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is much better suited for the task.
Not only is it easily packable, but you can really downsize by leaving the remote at home (as long as you’ve already set it up initially) and using the app from your phone. Plug it into any HDMI-compatible device and you’re good to go.
Nebula Capsule Air
There are newer, less expensive projectors, but I swear by my trusty Nebula Capsule Air for all my outdoor and on-the-go streaming needs. It’s only a bit bigger than a soda can or water bottle, so it easily fits in your luggage without taking up too much space. It’s powered by USB-C and will get you through most movies on a single charge. There’s an optional tripod that adds extra battery life as well, which is super handy to have around, but not a necessity at all.
The projector has all of your favorite streaming apps built in, so there’s no need for any extra hardware. You’ll need some sort of data or Wi-Fi connection to stream on-demand titles, but you can easily mirror anything you have downloaded on other devices without it.
The app lets you control it without needing a remote, and it has an integrated speaker that isn’t terrible, but I love adding a beefier Bluetooth speaker to have a better experience.
If the Capsule Air doesn’t look like it will work for you, Nebula has a long list of projectors, so depending on your needs and budget, there are plenty to choose from.
Sonos Move 2
Sonos hasn’t been most people’s favorite company over the past year or so, but I still love my Sonos speakers, even when I’m on the go. I toyed around with the Sonos Roam for quite a while, but it’s honestly not that great, so I instead opt to bring the original Sonos Move along on my road trips when I know I’ll need some better audio to accompany my streaming.
The Move isn’t the most portable speaker by any means, but I love that it pulls double duty — when I’m home it integrates nicely with my Sonos setup, but I can easily pull it off the charging base and take it with me when I head out, simply popping it into Bluetooth mode and playing my favorite tunes or watching something on my projector. The updated model, the Move 2, is a much better buy, though, as it’s not that much more than the original version.
And before you jump all over me — yes, I realize this is expensive and you can get much cheaper Bluetooth speakers. I’m just telling you what my preference is. If you’re on a budget, something like the Soundcore Select 4 Go is a solid option for portability.
Inflatable screen
If you don’t have an RV or another flat surface to shine your projector on, you’re going to want a screen of some sort for your on-the-go and outdoor movie nights. I picked up this inflatable screen that does the job well, but also can be a bit noisy due to the fan that keeps it standing.
Alternatively, you might look at something like this much cheaper flat screen, but you’ll also need to consider how you’re going to hang it or stand it up when you’re out and about. Some bungee cords and creativity can really help out here!
Anker Solix Everfrost 2
After an extremely hot summer trip last year, I was constantly losing ice (and gaining temperature) in my cooler. I knew there had to be a better way. I dove headfirst into the world of 12V refrigerators that were easy to keep in the car and kept things nice and cold even on the hottest of days. So when I learned about Anker’s latest portable cooler — the Everfrost 2 — I jumped at the chance to upgrade my setup. I loved my 12V fridge and portable battery combination, but having the battery built into the cooler made it that much… cooler.
The Everfrost 2 comes in a few sizes, but I’m partial to the 40L as it has a good amount of storage, but doesn’t take up a ton of space. The cooler has a built-in 200mAh battery (of which you can add a second for even more juice) that keeps it powered up for hours — if not days — keeping everything inside at the precise temperature you select. You can also pull out the battery and use it as a standard power bank for charging your phone or other devices.
There are various cooling modes, a flip-out table, wheels (with optional beach wheels), and it’s rugged enough to take almost anywhere. You can charge it in the car, through a standard wall outlet, through USB-C, or even with solar panels. It’s quite pricey if you’re only using it a few times a year, but for those who travel often or venture off-grid, it very much pays for itself over time.
If you don’t want to cough up over $700 for a cooler, you can look at smaller, less expensive 12V refrigerators that are better suited for your budget. Before the Everfrost 2, I used this 42-quart fridge from Setpower coupled with an Anker Solix C300 power bank, which comes in substantially cheaper and may be a better option if you’re on a budget.
Anker Laptop Power Bank
Power banks have been around for what seems like forever, and they continue to get better (and bigger) as the years go on. I’m usually pretty good about my phone battery, rarely needing a charge other than overnight, but at times I wish I had a bit of extra juice for my computer or other devices when they need a bit of topping off on the go. That’s where the Anker Laptop Power Bank comes in. This 25,000mAh beast of a battery charges at 100W and can fuel my MacBook, Switch, phone, and pretty much anything else I can throw at it without a hitch.
The power bank has two built-in USB-C cables and assorted ports for any other charging needs like lightning or
INIU P50 portable charger
If you just need a smaller power bank to keep your phone juiced up, I love the pocketability (pocketness?) of the INIU P50. This 10,000mAh battery is extremely small and delivers 45W via the included USB-C cable to keep your devices topped off. It’s small enough to toss in your go bag or just your pocket so you can stay worry-free when you’re out and about and streaming on the go.
EcoFlow Delta 3
Are your on-the-go power needs extremely high? If you need even more power than smaller portable power banks can provide, you might want to look at something like the EcoFlow Delta 3. The Delta 3 provides a whopping 1024Wh of power with an output of 1800W. You can power your portable fridge, camp lights, projector, fan, phone — anything and everything while you’re off-grid. You can easily charge it at home, in the car, or with solar panels, so you never have to worry about keeping it topped off.
If for some reason that’s still not enough power, you can add on an expansion battery to essentially double the output, letting you stay charged for days, no matter where you are. The Delta 3 is easily portable but best suited for car campers or RVs that need off-grid power on demand.
Ohsnap Snap Grip
If you’re looking to stream from your phone while on the go, having a Magsafe grip could make the experience much more comfortable. I’ve used Popsockets in the past, and found that over time they can become uncomfortable, so I was pretty intrigued when I first got the Snap Grip. It’s super slim, allows MagSafe charge-through, and comes in a bunch of great color options.
In addition, it can act as a kickstand, a fidget toy, and more. Enhance your on-the-go experience with a more comfortable way to hold your phone and grab one today.
What are your go-to accessories?
These are the accessories I rely on when I’m heading out and about, but of course, they’re not the only options out there. I’ll be the first to admit that my setup leans on the pricier side — but over time, I’ve found that investing in quality gear that holds up is far better than going the cheap route, only to have something fail when you’re miles from home with no backup plan.
That said, everyone’s needs are different. Whether you’re road-tripping, camping, or going completely off the grid, I’d love to hear what your must-have on-the-go streaming accessories are. Drop your favorites in the comments, and maybe I’ll find a few new essentials to add to my setup!