We were told technology would make life easier. And in many ways, it has — we can navigate foreign cities, track our steps, stream music, and check in for flights all from our phones. But somewhere along the way, a single device turned into five. And now we’re packing charging cables for a smartwatch, earbuds, tablet, phone, and fitness tracker — just for a weekend away.

So … how many devices is too many?

1. The Modern-Day Tech Loadout

According to Ofcom, UK households now own an average of 9 connected devices — a number that's steadily risen over the last decade. And that’s not even counting workplace tech. Phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, voice assistants, and smart home gadgets all add to the mix.

And just because we own them doesn’t mean we use them. According to Deloitte, 1 in 5 Brits say they don’t use all the gadgets they own. Plenty of us have a fitness tracker that hasn’t been charged since January, or a tablet that only gets used on planes.

Most of these devices now perform overlapping functions. Your phone tracks your steps. So does your watch. So does your tablet. Many tablets now have blue light filters - just like e-readers. And most devices will happily give you the weather forecast — whether you're asking your phone, your smart speaker, or even your fridge.

If we’re honest, a lot of our tech sits idle while something newer (or shinier) gets all the attention.

2. The Travel Tangle

Even short trips now require a tech checklist:

• A phone and backup power bank
• A smartwatch (with its own dock)
• Wireless earbuds (with a different cable)
• A tablet or Kindle
• Multiple cables (USB-C, Lightning, proprietary charger)
• A plug adapter or two

One forgotten cable can derail the whole system. You end up trying to revive a watch from a phone with 3% battery, while Googling "can I charge my Garmin with a Samsung cable" and hoping the answer is yes.

It’s a small example — but it reflects a bigger issue: the more we carry, the more there is to manage.

3. Convenience or Complication?

Gadgets are meant to make life smoother, but more tech often brings more pressure:

• Constant notifications
• App updates
• Battery anxiety
• Syncing issues
• Multiple ecosystems that don’t play nicely

And it’s not just physical clutter. There’s a mental load to maintaining it all: tracking warranties, remembering passwords, checking what connects with what, and deciding whether to upgrade yet again.

Then there's the daily juggle of keeping everything charged. Not just remembering all the cables — but remembering to actually use them. Power banks that are flat. Earbuds that die just before a meeting. Smartwatches left on the bathroom counter at 2%.

And with limited plug sockets at home or in hotels, it can feel like a nightly ritual of deciding which gadget gets priority. The more you own, the more you’re managing power rotation schedules.

There’s also a growing sense of FOMO. Many people feel pressure to stay “up to date” with the latest tech — not because their old devices are failing, but because new releases are marketed as must-haves. According to Statista, 38% of people say they upgrade gadgets simply because a newer model is available, not because they need the extra features.

And in the age of always-on communication, being connected can create a sense of obligation. The smartwatch buzzes. The phone pings. The work chat flashes. You're reachable everywhere — which makes it hard to truly switch off.

Instead of simplifying life, gadgets can start to fragment it — dividing your attention and creating pressure to always be available, always be monitoring, always be doing something.

4. So, What’s the Limit?

There’s no magic number of course, but it’s worth asking:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Does it do something unique?
• Is it actually helping, or just adding weight and wires?

A few well-chosen devices that genuinely make life easier will always beat a drawer full of "just in case" tech. Multipurpose gadgets win. Simple setups win. And anything that makes you ask, "Wait, where’s the charger for this again?" probably isn't earning its keep.

Try a quick audit:

• Put aside the devices you haven’t used in a month
• See which ones offer the same features
• Decide what you actually need each day

Tech is brilliant when it serves you. If your bag, desk or hotel room looks like a charging station at all times, it might be time to reassess.

It’s not about giving up gadgets. It’s about choosing wisely, using them well, and letting go of the rest. Because if everything needs charging, syncing and updating before you can relax, it might be time to unplug — just a little.