The 7 Best Travel Irons to Buy (Our Favorites in 2024)

Even if you’re going to be on the move, there’s no reason that you can’t look your best. One great way to ensure that there won’t be any wrinkles in your wardrobe is to take one of the best travel irons along with you.

The Best Travel Irons: Quick Look

You might initially think that there’s not much difference between the various travel irons currently available. As with their full-sized counterparts, however, advancements in technology and craftsmanship have led to a wide variety of products flooding the market.

For that reason, choosing the optimal brand and model will depend on your needs. We’ve compiled a list of top picks that will help you narrow down your search. 

Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Travel Irons:

1. Best Overall: Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron
2. Best Design: Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron
3. Best Features: Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron
4. Best Performance: Kexi Steam Iron
5. Best Value: Utopia Steam Iron
6. Best Steamer: Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer
7. Best Feel: Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Travel Iron

Whether you are looking for an iron with all the latest features or you prefer a simple workhorse that just gets the job done, there’s sure to be an option built to your specifications.

Before we get into the list of top contenders, let’s identify what we’re looking for in selecting the best of the best.

Why You Need a Travel Iron

Although any iron is designed to accomplish roughly the same goal, there are some pretty important distinctions. Most notably, a travel iron should be significantly smaller or at least lighter than those that are best suited for home use. 

While some of the travel irons on our list are bigger than others, they are all suitable for being packed away in your luggage and put to use when you arrive at your destination.

While early versions of travel irons lacked some of the features and power that could be found on more substantial models, today’s selection rivals home models on every front. 

You no longer have to decide between portability and performance when it comes to banishing wrinkles from your clothes while taking a trip. Selecting any of the best travel irons listed below will put you in a perfect position to look sharp wherever your path might lead.

Best Travel Irons: Our Top 7 Picks

There are many high-quality options out there, but we’ve paid close attention to a few broad factors when making our final choices.

Each of the following travel irons has something unique to offer, but all of them offer a great design, durable construction, and plenty of value, making them a top pick.

1. Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron – Best Design

There is plenty to appreciate about the design and performance of this travel iron. At first glance, you’ll notice that its handle is shaped a bit differently than many other models.

One function of this feature is that it makes the smaller iron easier to grip and control. Additionally, the handle can fold down flat so that it takes up even less space when you pack it in your luggage.

Although it seems to get the job done with roughly the same quality and efficiency as much larger irons, there’s one relatively minor setback associated with its compact size.

There’s less room for water to make the steam, so if you’ll be using it on a number of garments you’ll probably have to refill the reservoir.

With a 1000-watt output, it’s not as powerful as some other steam irons but there’s enough power to remove even the toughest wrinkles. It’s got an easy temperature control switch, allowing you to use it with any fabric. 

As for its construction, users say the materials are substantial and the product feels sturdy. The only exception is the fold-flat handle.

While this is a great feature when it works, a few owners said that it broke after extensive use and required some creative thinking to keep using it for its intended purpose. This is a travel iron worth considering, but be sure to treat the handle with care. 

2. Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron – Best Design

As this option proves, a capable travel iron doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Weighing in at under a pound, this is one of the smallest and lightest products available in this diverse segment.

It comes with a travel bag that makes it even easier to tote around on any trip. Despite its small size, this iron comes with a 7.5-foot cord that will allow you to reach further than many other models.

Such versatility can come in handy when you’re staying in unfamiliar locations. Of course, the small, lightweight construction does have some inherent drawbacks. For starters, the plastic construction doesn’t feel as sturdy as some other irons on our list.

Additionally, it’s got a comparatively anemic 420-watt output and can only hold 1.4 ounces of water. Nevertheless, the water heats up quickly and it’s up to the task of removing wrinkles despite its apparent power deficit. 

Take comfort in knowing that you can get a replacement if something goes wrong within the first years. It’s also easy to contact customer support if you have any questions or concerns. 

Not only does this design save lots of space, but it’s comfortable to grip and a breeze to glide over whatever garments you need to iron while away from home. The convenience of two voltage settings means you’ll be able to plug it in virtually anywhere you travel around the world.

3. Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron – Best Features

If you’re still not convinced that a travel iron can pack the same punch as a full-sized model, look no further than this compelling option. With 1800 watts of steam power, no wrinkled fabric stands a chance against its ceramic-coated plate. 

It also has an adequate water reservoir, though some owners noted that the opening is a bit too small to confidently refill the chamber.

Once the water is ready to convert into steam, however, you’ll appreciate the nine settings that make it easy to determine which level you should be using for a particular garment. There’s also an LED display screen that clearly shows all relevant information.

Its self-cleaning function makes cleanup simple before packing up to head home. Of course, all of these functions and features do come with a trade-off. This is one of the largest and heaviest irons on our list.

4. Kexi Steam Iron – Best Performance

There are some distinct design cues that separate the various travel irons on our list, but none are as dramatic as this one. It looks like no other steam iron on the market and it’s sure to capture some attention from almost anyone who sees it.

That might not be the primary motivation for purchasing a travel iron, but the packaging is also functional and made of high quality materials. With dedicated settings for dry or wet ironing, you’ll be able to choose just the right setting for whatever job you need it to perform.

Despite its innovative shapes and features, however, some reviewers indicated that it’s easy for the water compartment to leak if it’s not filled precisely.

One of the most obvious drawbacks of this iron is its price. Tipping the scales at several times the cost of other options, you’ll have to really be drawn to its functionality and eye-catching design to feel that its premium price is justified.

Nevertheless, anyone who wants to be on the cutting edge even when ironing clothes should definitely give this product some consideration.

5. Utopia Steam Iron – Best Value

Maybe you don’t need all the latest features or an innovative design. If your only motivation is finding a capable product for a fair price, here’s a product that might fit the bill.

Not only does it come in as one of the least expensive options on our list, it also provides plenty of power and functionality. You’ll have 1,200 watts of output and there’s enough steam available to remove wrinkles from garments, sheets, curtains, or just about anything.

Another clever feature is the swivel cord that allows you to move the iron around in almost any direction without anything getting in the way.

Its design also allows for upright steaming so you won’t even have to take your clothes off the hanger to get rid of stubborn wrinkles. You might expect that a low price means cheap materials and inferior construction.

That’s definitely not the case with this product. It feels sturdy and all the components reliably perform the task at hand. There are a few possible shortcomings, such as an instruction booklet that some owners found difficult to fully understand.

Additionally, its warranty isn’t as robust as some of the costlier models on the market. If you’re on the lookout for a travel iron that provides a lot of bang for your buck, you might not need to look even further. 

6. Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer – Best Steamer

Maybe you want to keep things as simple as possible when tending to your garments while traveling. If you don’t need the precision of a travel iron, you might want to consider a garment steamer. In that case, this is an excellent contender.

It handles itself admirably by smoothing out wrinkles about as effectively as a traditional iron. It’s much simpler to spray some steam, and many travelers will appreciate this convenient option.

Furthermore, it comes with one of the longest cords available so you can easily extend it from the plug to wherever your garment is hanging.

There are a few things to think about when deciding if this product is right for you. It doesn’t have as much heat output as a typical iron, so you might have to make additional passes over stubborn wrinkles to get your clothes as smooth as possible.

Another thing that users noted is that it tends to spew out a considerable amount of water while producing the useful steam.

Although it’s not perfect, this is a cost-effective and simple-to-use product that likely provides all the functionality most people will need when on the road.

7. Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron – Best Feel

Whether you’re planning a vacation or heading out on a business trip, comfort is key. That concept is frequently applied to a hotel suite or your rental car choices, but it can also be found in the right travel iron.

This one offers an excellent design that makes it very easy to grip. You can also comfortably change the setting with a conveniently placed dial. While this iron feels great in your hand, there’s a possibility that it won’t perform to the same high standards of some other options on the list.

It doesn’t have as many customizable options as other irons and the amount of steam power in its reserves is somewhat less than at least a few of its top competitors.

Nevertheless, this is one product that can be purchased for a reasonable price and will allow you to be comfortable while ironing your clothes wherever you go. 

Finding the Best Travel Iron for You

Regardless of what you need from your travel iron, a few features are important in almost all cases. Here are a few factors to check before deciding on the right product.

Design

Whether you’re looking for simplicity or the most high-tech functions available, any travel iron must be designed in a way that makes it easy to use.

Each of the top picks on our list has proven that its design makes sense for the purpose it was created to serve.

Cost 

Instead of settling for the lowest price you can find, it’s important to consider the value proposition for any of the travel irons available for purchase.

An important factor to consider is how often you’ll likely be using the product. Buying an inexpensive iron made of substandard materials will end up being more expensive than a well-constructed alternative if you have to end up replacing it prematurely. 

Power

While it’s true that you don’t need the highest steam output to get the wrinkles out of your clothes, that doesn’t mean you should settle for an underpowered option.

Instead, check the reviews and find a competent iron that will perform well while you’re away from home.

It doesn’t have to be as robust as the model you leave behind, but if it doesn’t reliably smooth out your garments, there’s no need to bring that iron in the first place. 

Features

Whether you plan to travel internationally and need a versatile plug or you’d like a digital display for all the information, there’s sure to be a travel steam iron with everything on your wish list.

It’s easy to dismiss the importance of special features when you’re shopping around for travel supplies, but there’s no good reason to settle for less than the best with so many excellent options currently available for purchase. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a travel iron?

At its root, any iron should consistently and reliably remove wrinkles on demand. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but it’s clear that some products are more adept than others.

Before considering other characteristics such as size and portability, be sure that whatever you pick is capable of handling its core function.

What’s the difference between a travel iron and a traditional iron?

The short answer is that a travel iron should be smaller and easier to pack in your luggage than a more bulky iron like the one you use at home. 

Of course, simply settling for the lightest and most compact option available won’t necessarily result in the type of performance you need.

Fortunately, many of the travel irons on the market will get out tough wrinkles without hesitation despite taking up considerably less space.

How much power do you need?

As the options on this list reveal, there is a wide range of output available among travel irons. Although it might be tempting to go for the one with the highest amount of wattage, that’s not always necessary.

If you’ll be wearing garments that don’t typically get very wrinkled, you might have just as much success with an iron that has 1,000 watts of power or less.

How should you pack your travel iron?

Some options come with bags or other specialized containers meant to allow safe and secure transport. If your iron doesn’t have such accessories, it should still be relatively easy to pack one away in a suitcase.

Just remember to ensure that its water chamber is completely dry and find a cushioned area of your luggage to reduce the possibility of damaging any of its components.

What is a reasonable price?

The range of prices for these products is fairly wide with some inexpensive models going for about $20 and high-end options that cost well over $100.

In the end, factors like performance, design, and even name brands can impact the price, so it’s up to the individual to determine how much those details are worth to them. 

Our Personal Favorite Travel Iron

What works for one traveler might not be the best option for someone else. However, our personal favorite is the Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, today’s diverse marketplace will likely be able to offer a product that will serve you well for years to come. Happy travels!