It’s important to stay in touch while you’re jet-setting. Everyone wants to hear your stories and see your pictures as your country count increases. But that means your phone, camera, laptop, and any other devices you may have, have to stay charged while you’re on the go. To make sure that happens, you’ll need a travel adapter or converter. So to save you hours of research, we’ve created this guide to help understand what to look for as well as listed the best travel adapters and converters currently on the market.
Quick Answer: Best Travel Adapters & Converters
Below is a list of the best travel converters and adapters:
- EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
- NEWVANGA International Travel Adapter
- BESTEK Travel Power Adapter & Voltage Converter
- Ceptics World Travel Adapter with USB
- Bonazza All in ONE Power Travel Adapter
- Syncwire USB Wall Charger
- ElecLead 2000W Step Down Travel Voltage Converter / Adapter Combo
- Foval Step Down Power Travel Converter / Adapter Combo
- HaoZI Universal Travel Adapter
- OREI 7 World Travel Adapter Plug Set
What to Look for in a Good Travel Adapter & Converter
Here are some things you should consider before investing in an adapter or converter.
1. Adapter vs. Converter
Getting this right can make the difference between your hair looking nice or you frying your hair straightener. There are 15 types of electrical outlets used throughout the world, you won’t need to travel with all 15, but you do need to figure out which type of outlet is used where you’ll be traveling. Most places that are popular tourist destinations will use one of four plugs. These plugs are called US, UK, EU, and AU, but they work in around 150 countries. Many of the most popular adapters will include all four of these plug types.
Adapters allow you to plug your device in and then plug straight into the foreign outlet, but they do not convert the voltage of electricity. The question of whether you need an adapter, a converter, or both will be answered by knowing the electrical voltage of the products you need to charge, and the voltage in the countries you’re visiting. The United States and Canada have electricity outputs of 110-120V while most other countries have outputs of 220-240V. If you plug your US steam iron into a European plug without a converter, you’ll ruin the iron.
The good news is, several US devices, like cell phones and laptops, are dual-voltage or multi-voltage. If this is the case, you’ll definitely need an adapter when traveling to a country with a different plug, but you won’t need a converter.
When looking at the voltage of a device (listed either on the device or on the power cord) you’ll likely see one of three things:
- 110V/220V – This means the device is dual-voltage and you won’t need a converter. These devices have switches allowing you to change between 110V and 220V.
- 100-240V – This means it’s a multi-voltage device and a converter isn’t necessary. You’ll likely see this when it comes to your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- 110V – A single number means a single voltage device. Typically, coffee makers, flat irons, hair dryers, and other high-wattage devices will be single voltage appliances unless they’re specifically designed for travel. For single voltage devices you’ll need a converter when traveling to a country with a different electrical output.
2. Power
Wattage is the amount of power needed to charge or operate a device. This is usually labeled on the device or the power cord. Knowing how many watts the adapter can handle will lessen your chances of blowing a fuse or frying your devices. Typically, the appliances that heat up (flat irons, hair dryers, etc.) or operate between 1000-2000W are the most at risk.
3. Ports and Plugs
How many devices will you need to charge at once? If you only need to charge your cell phone, then a single plug adapter should be fine. If you need to charge your phone, camera, laptop, and Kindle, then be sure you know the total number of outlets and ports the adapter / converter has.
Also pay attention to the type of ports. Some have one plug, but four USB ports. Others have several plugs and no USB ports. Some of the newer devices are charged using the Type C USB. Not all adapters have a Type C port, so be sure to double check the port types if you have devices that require a Type C port.
4. Size / Weight
It’s typically best to keep luggage and suitcases as light as possible when traveling. Most adapters are pretty lightweight and compact, and won’t really impact the weight of your suitcase. Converters can be much larger and heavier. If you tend to travel with something smaller like a weekender bag, then size and weight should be major considerations before purchasing an adapter or converter.
Best Travel Adapter and Converter Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best international travel adapters and converters currently on the market.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
The best universal travel adapter with surge protection can keep your devices safe and come with you to more than 150 countries. The dual-fuse EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter has four USB ports, one USB Type C port, and an AC socket so you can charge six devices simultaneously. It’s compatible with a variety of devices, including Apple and Android products as well as devices like tablets and digital cameras. This adapter works in European, Australian, US, and UK plug types, but it does not work in Type D, Type M, and Type H plugs (in places like India). Included is a nylon travel bag and a two-foot charging cord for Android and Apple devices. Heading to Europe for a month? Be sure to take the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter with you.
NEWVANGA International Travel Adapter
Whether your next adventure includes traveling through Busan, or spending a week in Perth, be sure your devices stay safe and charged with the NEWVANGA International Travel Adapter. This detachable charger comes with five different input plugs which connect to the one adapter. It also has two USB ports, built-in safety shutters, and is usable in more than 150 countries. It only measures 2.5” x 1.5” x 2” and weighs less than two ounces, so you can easily leave it in your purse or briefcase so you have it whenever you need it. When it comes to the best travel power adapters, the NEWVANGA International Travel Adapter definitely tops the list.
BESTEK Travel Power Adapter & Voltage Converter
The best world travel adapter not only lets you charge your devices, but it also converts 100-240V to 110V so US devices can be used around the world. You can charge seven things simultaneously in three AC ports and four USB ports. It has a direct EU plug as well as plugs for the UK, US, Australia, China, Japan, India, South Africa, and more. Keep in mind that because it’s an adapter and converter, it’s larger than standard adapters at 7.8” x 6.6” x 1.9”. If you need a power converter for your travels, go with the BESTEK Travel Power Adapter & Voltage Converter.
Ceptics World Travel Adapter with USB
In order to charge multiple devices at once, it’s wise to look for the best travel adapter with USB ports… and the Ceptics World Travel Adapter happens to have two USB ports along with a universal input plug and a USB Type C port. It’s built with output types A, C, G, and I to make sure your devices stay charged whether you’re enjoying Tokyo or traveling through Dublin. The Ceptics World Travel Adapter is both functional and practical, while still being high quality and durable.
Bonazza All in ONE Power Travel Adapter
The Bonazza All in ONE Power Travel Adapter is one of the best travel adapters for Europe because it also includes a converter for certain devices like your hair dryer or iron. This 2000W adapter / converter combo is usable in more than 150 commonly visited countries. It’s perfect to travel with as it’s compact but still powerful. The adapter comes with several safety features like a plug lock system, short-circuit and surge protection, and an LED power indicator. For a simple adapter / converter combo, the Bonazza All in ONE Power Travel Adapter is one of the best choices you can make.
Syncwire USB Wall Charger
The Syncwire USB Wall Charger is a light, compact, and portable adapter with four USB ports. It has a foldable US plug as well as interchangeable plugs for the EU and UK. This charger detects the type of devices that are plugged in and produces the optimal charging current to help charge devices faster. It boasts a Multi-Protect Safety System which includes short circuit prevention, temperature control, surge protection, and more. Weighing only 6.7 ounces and measuring 2.2” x 1.6” x 2.4”, you can easily use the Syncwire USB Wall Charger to juice up everything from your phone to your bluetooth speakers.
ElecLead 2000W Step Down Travel Voltage Converter/Adapter Combo
If you’ve been on an endless hunt for an adapter/converter that will allow you to take your travel steamer everywhere you go, your search ends here. The ElecLead 2000W Step Down Travel Voltage Converter/Adapter Combo has universal travel plug adapters for the US, UK, EU, and Australia, and it fits outlets that are Type A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and N, making it useable in more than 150 countries. The converter only works for items 2000W or less. So it’ll work for things like your hair dryer and electric kettle, but it won’t work for things like a microwave or coffee maker. When it comes to the best power adapter for travel, it’s hard to beat the ElecLead 2000W Step Down Travel Voltage Converter / Adapter Combo.
Foval Step Down Power Travel Converter/Adapter Combo
The Foval Step Down Power Travel Converter / Adapter Combo has been called the best travel plug adapter because of its capabilities. It includes two US plugs and four USB ports to charge everything from your Macbook to your Kindle. This combo plug has four international adapters (EU, UK, US, and AU) and an EU power cable. The converter converts 90-220V to 110-120V so US devices can safely be used overseas. This adapter/converter combo is about the size of a passport, but it only weighs around one pound. The Foval Step Down Power Travel Converter/Adapter Combo is the perfect addition to your international travel supplies.
HaoZI Universal Travel Adapter
The HaoZI Universal Travel Adapter is a powerful adapter that you’ll barely notice is in your bag. It only weighs 4.2 ounces and measures 3.2” x 2.2” x 2.6”, but can charge three devices at once. The dual USB ports are compatible with almost any device you could need to charge. It’s perfect for your phone, iPad, wireless headphones, and more. Safety shutters are built-in and this adapter comes with a lifetime guarantee. It should come as no surprise that HaoZI has created the best universal adapter for travel on the market.
OREI 7 World Travel Adapter Plug Set
The OREI 7 World Travel Adapter Plug Set is a great travel gift for yourself or anyone you know who’s heading overseas. It’s the best universal travel plug adapter because it accepts plugs from ALL countries (with the exception of Type M plugs). You’re able to charge two devices at once up to 3000W with one three-prong and one two-prong port. One of the greatest things about this plug set is that a plug is only 1.8” x 1.8” x 2” so it’ll take up basically no space in your travel backpack. The OREI 7 World Travel Adapter Plug Set is small, convenient, and ideal for all of your dual-voltage products.
Traveling overseas is an exciting adventure but can be ruined by a dead phone or a fried hair iron. The best travel adapters and converters will put you at ease knowing you can charge your devices quickly and safely no matter where you are in the world.
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