The 5 Best Travel Adapters and Converters in 2019
If you’re traveling abroad and want your electronics to work, you’ll need to bring a travel adaptor. But with so many on the market, how do you know what the best travel adaptors are? We’re here to help.
Our guide will teach you about the different types of travel adaptors and converters, what the difference is between a travel adaptor and converter, what the four most common types of electrical outlets are, and what features to look for. And of course, we’ll introduce you to our favorite travel adaptors on the market.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best travel adaptors:
#1 EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
This adapter has four types of outlets (AUS, EU, US, and UK), four USB ports (two for tablets and cameras and two for mobile phones), and an 8-pin AC socket. It comes with a sleek travel bag and a 2-feet detachable power cord.
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Two USB outlets for tablets or cameras and two for mobile phones
- 1-year limited Warranty
#2 BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug Power Adapter
If your devices aren’t dual voltage (or if you’re uncertain), we highly recommend getting an adapter and converter combo as this will prevent your electronics from being destroyed. Our favorite? The Bonanza All in ONE World Travel Plug Power Adapter.
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Reduces electrical current from 220-240V to 110-120V
- Won’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase
#3 Ceptics Plug Adapter Set
Want the benefits of a universal adapter but not the bulk? The Ceptics Plug adapter set may be the best travel adapter for you. It’s small, affordable, and has the four most common plugs: AUS, EU, US, and UK as well as an additional, more rare plug that is used in some European countries.
- Costing less than $10.00, this adapter is more affordable than most universal adapters
- AUS, EU, US, UK, as well as a rarely-used European outlet
- Plugs are clearly labeled so you’ll know which to use in each country
#4 Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter
The Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter is not only one of our favorite adapter because of the built-in surge protection, but because of the affordable price tag. It also has three outlets and one USB port so you can charge up to four devices at the same time.
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Has Surge protection that protects your devices from destruction due to high voltage
- Four outlets means you can charge up to four devices at the same time
#5 Syncwire USB Charger Plug
If you’re looking for an adapter that specializes in USB devices, take a look at the Syncwire USB Charger Plug. While other adapters have U.S. outlets built-in, the Syncwire simply has four USB ports. You don’t need a converter: it will automatically adjust the voltage as necessary. The device comes with a lifetime warranty and is small so won’t take up much space in your carry-on.
- This device is made to charge phones, tablets, and other devices through USB ports.
- No separate converter is necessary. This device automatically adjusts the charge.
- Device is small, so perfect for people traveling with carry-on luggage
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
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If you’re a frequent traveler and tend to jetset from the U.S. to Europe to the U.K., Asia, Australia and beyond, you’ll likely want to invest in a universal travel adapter rather than purchase multiple adapters. Our top choice is the EPICKA Universale Travel Adapter.
This adapter has four types of outlets (AUS, EU, US, and UK), four USB ports (two for tablets and cameras and two for mobile phones), and an 8-pin AC socket. It comes with a sleek travel bag and a 2-feet detachable power cord. It is geared towards 110V devices and gadgets (ie, no high-powered devices) and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and 1 year limited warranty.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter Pros
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Four USB ports: Two for tablets or cameras and two for mobile phones
- 8-pin AC socket: Accepts most types of plug designs
- Travel bag: You won’t have to worry about it being scratched
- Power cord: Comes with a 2-foot detachable cord
- Warranty: 1-year limited
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter Cons
- Adapter: This is simply an adapter, not a converter. Make sure all devices that you plug in are dual voltage.
Best Value: Ceptics Plug Adapter Set
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Want the benefits of a universal adapter but not the bulk? The Ceptics Plug adapter set may be the best travel adapter for you. It has slide out power plugs, so you only need to bring the plugs relevant to the country you’re traveling to. Similar to others on our list, this adapter is solely an adapter, not a converter, so make sure your devices are dual voltage.
We love this adapter for a variety of reasons: it’s small, affordable, and has the four most common plugs: AUS, EU, US, and UK as well as an additional, more rare plug that is used in some European countries.
Ceptics Plug Adapter Set Pros
- Cost: Costing less than $10.00, this adapter is more affordable than most universal adapters
- Five types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, UK, as well as a rarely-used European outlet
- Travel bag: You won’t have to worry about it being scratched
- Easy to use: Plugs are clearly labeled so you’ll know which to use in each country
Ceptics Plug Adapter Set Cons
- USB ports: This adapter does not have any USB ports
- Noise: Some travelers say it emits a strange noise
Best Adapter and Converter Combo: BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug Power Adapter
Amazon
If your devices aren’t dual voltage (or if you’re uncertain), we highly recommend getting an adapter and converter combo as this will prevent your electronics from being destroyed. Our favorite? The All in ONE World Travel Plug Power Adapter.
This adapter can handle up to 2,000W, making it a great choice for higher-wattage electronics and appliance that many adapters or converters cannot handle. It’s sleek looking and works in over 150 countries by converting foreign electricity from 220-240V to 110-120V.
BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Pros
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Converter: Reduces electrical current from 220-240V to 110-120V
- 2000 watts: Can handle large appliances
- Small in size: Won’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase
BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Cons
- USB: No USB ports
Best with USB Ports: Syncwire USB Charger Plug
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Our Editors’ Choice, the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, is our favorite in part thanks to its 4 USB ports. If you’re looking for an adapter that can simultaneously charge your laptop and USB-friendly devices, this is our top pick.
However, if you’re looking for an adapter that specializes in USB devices, take a look at the Syncwire USB Charger Plug. After all; if all of your chargeable devices can be charged via USB, then why go for something larger?
While other adapters have U.S. outlets built-in, the Syncwire simply has four USB ports. You don’t need a converter: it will automatically adjust the voltage as necessary. The device comes with a lifetime warranty and is small so won’t take up much space in your carry-on.
Syncwire Pros
- USB Ports: This device is made to charge phones, tablets, and other devices through USB ports.
- Converter: No separate converter is necessary. This device automatically adjusts the charge.
- Small: Device is small, so perfect for people traveling with carry-on luggage
- Warranty: Device is supported with a lifetime warranty
Syncwire Cons
- USB Only: If you want to use a converter for your hair dryer, straightener, or other non-USB compatible devices, this is not the best adapter for you.
Best with Surge Protector: Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter
Amazon
If you’ve ever gone abroad and tried to use your non-dual voltage hair dryer in an adapter (not a converter), you know the heartache that can occur when your device becomes fried. It’s one thing when it happens to a hair dryer, and another when it happens to a camera, iPad, cell phone, or other expensive electronics. Thus – if you’re worried about frying a device, you should consider investing in an adapter with a built-in surge protector. Our favorite? The Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter.
The Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter is not only one of our favorite adapter because of the built-in surge protection, but because of the affordable price tag. It also has three outlets and one USB port so you can charge up to four devices at the same time.
Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter Pros
- Four types of outlets: AUS, EU, US, and UK
- Surge protection: Protects your devices from destruction due to high voltage
- USB port: Has one USB port so you can easily connect your USB devices
- Multiple devices: Four outlets means you can charge up to four devices at the same time
Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter Cons
- Adapter: This is simply an adapter, not a converter. Make sure all devices that you plug in are dual voltage.
Travel Adapters vs Converters: What’s the Difference?
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If you’ve ever traveled to another country, you know that plugs and outlets vary depending on where you are. The outlet for a hair dryer in Europe does not look like an American outlet. Nor does it function like one.
What you may not know is that there are actually 15 different kinds of electrical outlets in the world. Thus – if you want to use your American appliance in another country – you’re going to need something to help. That “something” is either a travel adapter or a converter.
Before we get into the differences between a converter and a travel adapter, let’s look at electrical voltage.
Electrical Voltage
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In most countries, electrical voltage is 220/250V. In the U.S., American devices are designed for 110/120V. If you plug an American device that is designed for 110/120V into an outlet that transmits 220/240V, the American device will be destroyed (as many of us have learned when plugging our American hair dryers into European outlets). This is where travel adapters and travel converters come in.
If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you know the difference between a travel adapter and a converter. However, if you’re planning your first trans-Atlantic trip, you may not know which to invest in. We’re here to help.
Travel Adapters
A travel adaptor has two sides: one fits your American plug, and the other can be plugged into the outlet of another country. It’s like an extension cord, only the outlet plug is made to fit someone else’s socket.
Travel adaptors are literally “plug and play” products. They do not alter the electrical voltage. This means you cannot plug your 110/120V electrical toothbrush into a travel adaptor and then plug the adaptor into a European socket and expect it to work.
In order for an American appliance to work in Europe through a travel adaptor, that appliance must be “dual voltage,” meaning it can be used with both 110/120V and 220/240V. Many devices these days are, but we recommend checking before assuming.
If all of the devices you want to bring abroad are indeed dual voltage, then a travel adaptor may be the best option for you. If they’re not? You’ll want a travel converter.
Travel Converters
Physically, travel converters are similar to travel adaptors: they have two sides, one of which fits your American plug and the other which can be plugged into the outlet of another country.
Unlike travel adaptors, however, travel converters alter the electrical voltage before it hits your device. A European outlet wants to send 220/240V of electricity to your device. The travel converter intercepts this voltage, steps it down, and then sends a reduced amount to your device. This is what enables it to work and prevents it from frying.
If you are unsure of whether or not your devices are dual voltage (or if you know for a fact they’re not), then you’ll need a travel converter rather than a travel adaptor.
For the sake of ease, we talked above about American and European electrical outlets. But remember we said there were really about 15 different kinds throughout the world? Let’s look at four of the most common types of electrical outlets.
4 Common Types of Electrical Outlets
The US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) has grouped outlets into 15 different categories, each of which is assigned a letter between A and O.
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US
The U.S. has two primary types of plugs known as Type A and Type B:
Type A
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Type B
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Both A and B plugs are also used in Canada, Mexico, and even Japan and are 100/120V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz.
Europe
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Most of Europe uses the same type of plug, which is a 2 pronged power point known as a Type C plug. This type of plug is also used in Argentina, Morocco, Thailand, China and Egypt and uses 220/240V.
While used in most of Europe, it is not used in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta.
UK
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The UK uses a G type plug. It looks different from most of the plugs used in Europe as it has three rectangular blades in a triangle pattern. While physically different, it operates at 230V, which is the same as the rest of Europe.
Outside of the UK, the G plug is also in Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong.
Australia
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Australia and New Zealand have three-pronged plugs known as I plugs that are similar to those in the UK. The prongs are rectangular blades in a triangle pattern but are angled slightly different than those in the UK. The official voltage is 240 and most electrical devices operate between 220 – 240V.
Some areas of Argentina also use this type of plug.
As you can see from the above, US outlets have the lowest voltage at 110-120V, while the EU, UK, and Australia support 220 – 240V. So, what does this mean? This means that if you want to bring your American hair dryer to France, Italy, the UK, Australia, or pretty much any other country outside of the US, Mexico, Canada or Japan, you’ll need a travel converter to reduce the voltage from 220-240V to 110 – 120V.
However, as the UK, EU, and Australia all operate within 220-240V, you can use a travel adaptor if you want to use your French hair dryer in Australia as you won’t need to soften the voltage.
We hope this clears up the difference between a travel converter and a travel adapter and gives you an idea of which you’ll need when traveling. Now let’s take a look at what else to look at in travel adapters.
Travel Adapters Buyer’s Guide
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If you’re traveling outside the U.S. and want to charge your laptop, use your hair dryer, or use any other type of electronic device, you’ll likely need a travel adapter (unless of course, you’re going to Japan, which uses the same outlets as the U.S.).
If all of your devices are dual voltage, you’ll be fine using a travel adapter. However, if they are not dual voltage (or if you’re unsure), you’ll want to invest in a travel converter.
Here are a few of the things to look at when looking at different adapters and converters:
Universal vs Non-Universal
If your international travels are far and few between, we recommend getting a non-universal adapter. If you’re a frequent flier and love jetting off to new exotic countries, then a universal adapter will likely be better suited for you.
So what’s the difference?
- Universal Adapters: Universal adapter are large adapters built to be used in many different countries. They have multiple outlets and multiple plugs so are great if you plan on traveling to different regions that have different outlets. Unfortunately, they’re big and bulky, and the sockets tend to be looser fitting than non-universal adapters.
- Non-Universal Adapters: These type of adapters convert one type of voltage to another. Thus, if you’re going to France and don’t plan on going to the UK, this would work. Non-universal adapters are smaller than universal ones and tend to work better, so if you can get by with it, this is what we’d recommend. They’re also cheaper, which is always an added bonus.
Destination Country
If you’re only going to one country (or a series of countries with the same outlets) then you’ll likely want a non-universal adaptor. As we said: they’re cheaper, smaller, and easier to use. So just figure out what kind of outlet that country uses and you’ll know what kind of adapter to purchase.
Number of Ports
Some travel adapters have multiple ports (ie, the place to plug in your device) and some only have one. So, which is right for you? It all depends on how many devices you want to charge or use at the same time.
Before purchasing a new adapter, make a list of all of the device and appliances you’ll want to use it for. Examples could include your laptop, iPhone, hair dryer, straightener, electric razor, electric toothbrush, etc. Are any of these able to be charged with a USB cord? If so, you’ll want to purchase an adapter with USB ports. If not, figure out how many devices you’ll need to charge/use at the same time and this is how many ports you’ll want your adapter to have. Most people can get by with an adapter with only one port as long as the adapter has USB ports as well.
USB Ports
Thankfully most devices can now be charged via USB ports. We recommend investing in an adapter with at least two USB ports so you can charge your phone, tablet, kindle, and other devices. Want to charge more than two devices at a time? Find an adapter with even more ports.
We hope this guide helped educate you on the differences between travel adapters and converters and you were able to figure out what kind is best for your travels. We hope you check out a few of our recommended adapters as well!
