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The 10 Best Travel Mirrors in 2023 [Compact, Lighted, Folding]

Amar Hussain's image
Amar Hussain
Amar Hussain's image

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

830 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63U.S. States Visited: 9

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

52 Published Articles 3494 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
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Whether you travel for work or for leisure, you’ve likely faced the frustration of getting ready using a poor-quality hotel, train, or airplane mirror.

That’s why travel mirrors can make a huge difference. These mirrors are essential tools for some people to make sure they look their best while on the go.

Things To Consider With Travel Mirrors

Picking a travel mirror isn’t always as simple as just finding the first option you see and buying it. There are a lot of details that differentiate different mirrors on the market. Here are a few details you should consider.

Size and Weight

Travel mirror size and weight
A travel mirror should be small and lightweight. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

The first thing you need to consider is the size and weight of a mirror. Since travel mirrors are meant to be portable, you don’t want to purchase one that’s cumbersome to carry. However, if you get a mirror that’s too small for your needs, it’ll essentially be useless.

If you just want to be able to check your reflection, a small mirror you can fit in your pocket will likely be fine. If you want to apply makeup or get a close look at your skin, look for a larger option.

Material

Travel mirror material
Many mirrors are made out of plastic that won’t shatter or break easily. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Since you’ll be traveling with your mirror, you’ll want to make sure you pick one made from the right material.

If you purchase a fragile mirror, it’ll likely break at some point during a trip. Many mirrors are made out of plastic that won’t shatter or break easily.

Hot Tip: You might want to consider a mirror that has a leather case. That type of material can usually act as a shock absorber so your mirror won’t break if it’s jostled around in your bag or dropped.

Storage Design

You should also consider how you’ll be storing your mirror while you travel. Many options are foldable, so they become more compact when not in use. This helps save room in your luggage. It also makes them easy to just toss in your bag.

There are also options that come with a carrying case for added protection and organization. Other mirrors, instead, must be packed as-is. These mirrors are usually small and thin, but they can add some stress to packing if you worry about scratches or are trying to save room.

Magnification

Travel mirror magnification
Dual-sided mirrors have one side with magnification. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

You’ll also want to determine the amount of magnification you want in a travel mirror and if you want any magnification at all.

A magnified mirror will mostly help if you’re applying makeup or doing a skincare routine. So, depending on how close of a look you want of your skin will narrow down your options.

If you don’t want a magnified mirror, make sure you look closely at the descriptions of the options you’re considering. You can purchase a standard mirror or a dual-sided model that has a regular reflection side.

Other Features

You should also consider whether or not you want any other features in your travel mirror. The most common extra feature people look for in mirrors is lighting. A lighted mirror can drastically help if you intend to use your mirror to get ready.

Some travel mirrors come equipped with LED lights for this purpose. As opposed to “stationary” lighted mirrors, these options are usually battery-powered and cordless.

Dual mirrors are another common feature people look for. This usually gives travelers different reflection options to suit different mirror needs throughout a trip.

Hot Tip: Make sure to drop your mirror into one of our picks for the best toiletry bag, best makeup bag, or best Dopp kit!

The 10 Best Travel Mirrors

There are thousands of portable mirrors out there, and any one of them could be the right option for you. However, hundreds of them might not be a good choice for your needs.

To help you figure out what mirror to get, we’ve looked at the best options available on the market and compiled this list.

1. A Close-up Mirror for On-the-Go

15x Magnifying Handheld Mirror

Being able to get ready on the go is the main driver behind this magnifying mirror. It has 2 sides, 1 with a regular reflection and 1 that offers 15x magnification for an up-close look. While the mirror is marketed as being handheld, you aren’t restricted to just that use.

If you need both hands free, you can fold the mirror’s handle to create a convenient stand that you can adjust to suit your needs. It can even be hung up and used as a small wall mirror.

When the handle is fully folded, the mirror only measures 12 centimeters across, which is nearly doubled when the handle is extended. It’s also lightweight, so it’s easy to carry in any bag.

What We Like:

  • Multiple setup options

What We Don’t Like:

  • Easily scratched

2. A Strong Mirror You Can Set Up Anywhere

Check on Walmart

Fancii 10X Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror

When you’re traveling, you aren’t guaranteed an optimal place to set up and get ready every day. That’s why Fancii created this mirror to make sure you always look your best. This small mirror manages to create a near-professional setup even in less than ideal conditions.

It’s only 6.5 inches wide, so it doesn’t take up much room. However, it also has full lighting and offers 10x magnification to give you a clear look at your reflection.

The lights even offer a natural daylight look for optimal use. You can even adjust its angle or swivel the mirror to suit your needs. It can also suction to most flat surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about it getting knocked over.

What We Like:

  • Cordless and lit

What We Don’t Like:

  • Doesn’t have 1x magnification

3. Compact Folding Mirror for Any Trip

Deweisn Folding Travel Mirror

If you’re looking for the perfect mirror you can take with you on any trip, this option from Deweisn is worth considering.

Designed to be incredibly thin, you can fit it in most travel bags or duffles. In fact, when fully folded up for storage, it’s less than an inch thick. However, that thinness doesn’t come with other size trade-offs.

Measuring in at nearly 10 x 7.5 inches, it’s still large enough to give you a clear look at your reflection. The mirror is also fully-lit, so you can easily see your reflection under any conditions.

It offers crystal-clear 1x reflection without any distortions. That means you can cut down on headaches or dizziness and actually know what you look like.

What We Like:

  • 3 lighting options

What We Don’t Like:

  • Could snap

4. The Perfect Pocket Mirror

YTZJ Direct Compact Mirror

If your main reason for getting a travel mirror is to be able to quickly check your reflection while out and about, this is the compact option for you.

Measuring 2.4 x 3.4 inches when folded, the mirror is about the size of a credit card and not much thicker, so you can easily fit it in your pocket or purse.

Though it’s small, you still get 2 mirrors. The first offers 1x magnification and the other 2x magnification for a slightly closer look. So, it’s perfect for making sure you’re looking your best.

Since it was designed to be tossed in a bag stress-free, it’s made of shatter-proof material. You don’t have to worry about finding mirror shards in your bag.

What We Like:

  • Durable

What We Don’t Like:

  • No lock closure

5. A Lighted Mirror You Can Carry

Check on Walmart

Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror

If you’re looking for a lighted mirror that’s still incredibly easy to carry, this option by Fancii is perfect. You can easily hold this mirror with one hand, making it more convenient on the go than many other models out there.

The entire mirror also weighs less than 7 ounces, so it’s easy to carry. However, it’s also larger than a standard compact mirror, so you can get a larger, clearer reflection.

It’s dual-sided and offers both 1x and 10x magnification. So whether you want to check you have nothing in your teeth or you are applying makeup, this is an optimal mirror for you. The 1x mirror is also fully-lit as well, making its clear reflection even clearer.

What We Like:

  • 24-month warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Unlit 10x magnification

6. Lighted Mirror That Won’t Die on You

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

If you like the idea of a lighted travel mirror, but you don’t want to deal with having to remember to check and change batteries, this is a great alternative. This vanity mirror is completely rechargeable, so you never have to worry about it dying on you halfway through your trip.

You can easily dim the lights with its touch screen feature to create the right lighting for your needs. You can also adjust the lighting of your lights between white, cool, and warm. You have full control to get ready in whatever conditions are optimal for you.

You can also easily prop up the mirror thanks to its built-in stand, giving you both hands-free to get ready.

What We Like:

  • USB charged

What We Don’t Like:

  • On the larger side

7. A Mirror That Creates a Vanity Anywhere

10×7 Inches Portable Folding Makeup Mirror

You can easily create a vanity no matter where you are with this foldable travel mirror. Measuring 10 x 7 inches, this mirror option gives you a nice clear reflection without any of the fuss smaller mirrors can make.

The mirror itself has an HD quality reflection without any distortions or warping. It’s also got an adjustable stand you can angle however you need. When not in use, just fold the stand back over to create a convenient protective cover.

The case and frame are also covered in imitation leather which doesn’t just make the mirror sleek and stylish — it also offers extra protection to keep your mirror safe from shattering if dropped or bumped around.

What We Like:

  • Extra case protection

What We Don’t Like:

  • Only 1 mirror

8. A Compact Mirror You Can Adjust

Feruaro Travel Mirror

This little travel mirror is perfect for people who want the control you get from adjustable mirrors but don’t want something big and bulky.

When folded up, this mirror measures 5 x 3.4 inches, so it’s definitely a compact option. However, it’s still the perfect size to see yourself, no matter if you need to get ready or just want to check your reflection.

The mirror comes with 8 LED lights that you can easily adjust in brightness. In addition, the lights are powered by long-lasting button batteries, which eliminates any cords that could get lost or tangled.

Unlike many other lighted travel mirrors, you also get both 1x and 2x magnification if you need a closer look.

What We Like:

  • Adjustable stand and 2 mirrors

What We Don’t Like:

  • Only subtle brightness differences

9. Portable Mirror To Make You Look Flawless

Deweisn Magnifying Mirror 10X/1X

If you want a mirror that will let you keep up your skincare even while traveling, this magnifying mirror is the option for you. The mirror measures 7 inches across, giving you a sizable reflection you and work with.

It’s also dual-sided. One side offers 1x normal magnification, and the other offers 10x magnification for precision work.

The mirror has a 360 folding capability, so you can hold it or set it up on a table, whichever suits your needs best. This small mirror also manages to have 3 lighting settings: cool, warm, and white. So you can choose the one that helps you see best.

This mirror was ultimately designed with beauty and skincare in mind, making it perfect for tweezing or makeup.

What We Like:

  • Adjustable angles

What We Don’t Like:

  • Feels heavy

10. Budget-friendly but Effective Mirror

Check on Walmart

NAYSAYE Travel Folding Portable Mirror

If you are in the market for a budget mirror that will still get the job done, NAYSAYE has the option for you. This mirror is just under 7 x 5 inches in size, so it’s large enough to clearly see yourself without being too oversized.

It’s lightweight, weighing around half a pound, so it won’t be too heavy in your luggage. You also don’t have to worry about it getting jostled or damaged. The cover is made of PU leather, so it will absorb the brunt of any bumps or shocks.

It might not come with all the fancy add-ons as some other travel mirrors, but it’s a no-fuss, stress-free option that will suit most types of travel use.

What We Like:

  • All-around convenience

What We Don’t Like:

  • Too big for purses or handbags

Final Thoughts

Ideally, a travel mirror will have a good ratio between size and power. That way, you can use it effectively without it taking up too much room in your bag.

However, there are a lot of details that can determine which mirror is the right option for you and your travels. We hope that this list has helped you narrow down your choices so that you’re closer to picking your perfect travel mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a travel mirror?

Travel mirrors can be a useful tool. However, they aren’t always necessary. A travel mirror can be a good investment if you use a lighted mirror or a compact often while at home. You can likely forgo getting one if a regular mirror suits you.

Are mirrors allowed on airplanes?

Travel mirrors are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, you might have size and weight concerns for heavier mirrors. Most travel mirrors are compact, so you shouldn’t have any problems packing them. Larger mirrors might need to be removed from carry-on luggage if they cause imaging issues in the x-ray scanner.

Are travel mirrors magnifying?

Not all travel mirrors are magnifying. A single-sided mirror will likely just have a regular reflection. However, this isn’t universal. Double-sided mirrors, instead, typically have a regular and a magnified option. There aren’t any standard rules for mirror magnification, so check the details of any option you might be considering.

How big should a travel mirror be?

There are no standard rules for what qualifies as a travel mirror. However, you can follow some general guidelines to determine if an option is suitable for trips. A travel mirror will likely be thin, lightweight, and compact, so it can be easily packed in a bag easily.

Amar Hussain's image

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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