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The Best Travel Plug Adapter

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector —our top pick for eight years running.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Travel Adapters

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

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Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Carlton Reid

Scott Gilbertson

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

Brenda Stolyar

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

Adrienne So

Eric Ravenscraft

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The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

Essential packing for any international traveler

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

Travel overseas comes with its share of logistical challenges. Charging your devices in Greece or Sweden shouldn't be one of them. Travel adapters allow an electronic device from one country to plug into a differently shaped outlet. For example, U.S. wall outlets require a plug with two flat vertical prongs, while outlets in the U.K. require a plug with a top vertical prong and two bottom horizontal ones. One major heads-up: most adapters do not convert electricity from one voltage to another, which may be a requirement depending on where you're headed.

When selecting products, we considered supported destinations, the number of USB ports, and different price points.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, epicka universal travel adapter.

Packs easily

Quick-charging USB ports

Covers a wide range of countries

Noisy when charging

A travel adapter helps charge your electronic devices on the go, whether you're taking a short trip across the pond or hopping on a worldwide adventure. The Epicka Universal USB Travel Power Adapter offers support for more than 150 countries, including the U.S., Australia, and most of Europe. The universal input design allows a multitude of plug options. The inclusion of four USB-A ports on its front and a USB-C port allows the charging of six devices at a single time. The first set of USB-A ports charge at 2.4 amps, making it ideal for tablets, cameras, and phones for faster charging, while the remaining two ports charge at 2.1 amps, making them better suited for phones only. The adapter's versatility and compact size saved our reviewer from overpacking. Our tester also appreciated the bonus iPhone charger that comes included.

As with many universal adapters, the Epicka is designed with 110-volt devices in mind, so it's not recommended for higher-powered appliances such as hair dryers or flat irons. 

Size: 2.8 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 5

Best Budget

Jmfone universal international travel power adapter.

Charges multiple devices at the same time

Small, compact design

Not compatible with high-energy devices

Simple, lightweight, and effective, Jmfone's universal power adapter is ideal for international travel. It covers 160 countries worldwide to support any backpacker's wanderlust. Perfect for phones and laptops, this adapter simultaneously charges up to five devices with its four USB slots and one AC socket. Thanks to the classic one-piece block structure and built-in surge protection, it packs easily and keeps your devices juiced up. We should note that it's not recommended for use with high-power appliances such as hair dryers.

Size: 2 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 4.5 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 4

Conair Travel Smart Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter

Fast charging time

Works with dual voltage appliances

Has features to protect devices

Only one USB port

Not compact

For a travel adapter that performs well, can charge more than one device at a time, and is available at a reasonable price, the Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Adapter is a must-have travel accessory. The all-in-one universal adapter has three outlets and one USB port, so you can charge up to four devices simultaneously—making it great for families or those traveling in groups. The adapter has built-in surge protection and works in Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Europe, Great Britain, the Middle East, and North and South America . 

Size: 7.3 x 5.4 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 5.44 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 1 

Best Converter Combo

Bonazza bonazza all-in-one world travel plug.

Built-in surge protection

Easy to pack

Easy to use

No USB ports

Traveling outside the U.S. with high-powered electronic devices is always a bit tricky as you need to convert the voltage from 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts. Fortunately, there are options like the Bonazza All-in-One Adapter and Converter, which do exactly that, making travel in more than 150 countries much easier. This all-in-one option offers the comfort of knowing you can use higher-powered devices, such as a hair dryer, without risking a blown fuse.

Beyond hair dryers, this adapter/converter combo is suitable for popular items such as iOS devices, laptops, straighteners, and more. For the input itself, the Bonazza only accepts U.S. standard-type plugs, not international varieties. At just 3 inches and 7.2 ounces, it's also an ultra-portable choice. Our reviewer appreciated the compact size and accompanying travel pouch, noting that it "makes it easy to keep the adapter clean." Our tester also found the adapter incredibly simple, a real bonus compared to other devices.

Size: 2.3 x 2.5 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 3.66 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 0

Runner-Up, Best Converter Combo

Bestek travel adapter and converter.

24-month warranty

Charges seven devices simultaneously

Generous cord length

Not compatible with hair appliances

Widely regarded as a great travel adapter, the Bestek Travel Adapter Converter is a superb combination that provides the best of two important worlds. As an all-in-one solution, the Bestek not only offers three separate international travel adapters covering more than 150 countries, but it also doubles as a 220-volt to 110-volt converter for reducing load and avoiding overheating your most precious travel items. TripSavvy Senior Editorial Director Laura Ratliff states, "Bestek's converter is a must-have when traveling abroad in hotel rooms with minimal outlets."

Capable of charging multiple devices at once, the Bestek adds four USB charging ports for a combined total of 6A output, plus three AC ports. The travel-ready design includes a bag for easy storage and a 5-foot power cable.

Size: 6 x 3 x 1.57 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 4

Best Universal

Ceptics international travel adapter.

Surge protection

Travel-friendly size

Does not convert voltage

When it comes to must-have products while traveling internationally, few items are more important than a universal travel adapter. Supporting worldwide charging in more than 150 countries, the Ceptics Travel Adapter is designed to work with almost any input plug configuration. It can charge as many as five devices simultaneously but works best with tablets, phones, and laptops. The four charging ports—two of which are 2.4 amps and two of which are 2.1 amps—are capable of working with nearly any USB-A device, including Android and iOS, as well as tablets, MP3 players, digital cameras, GPS, and more.

Size: 3 x 2.1 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 5.6 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 4

Most Portable

Targus travel adapter.

Cylindrical design

Worldwide voltage compatibility

This uniquely shaped power adapter from Targus allows you to connect to a wall outlet in North America, the U.K., Europe, Australia, and the Pacific region of Asia. The tube shape holds three interchangeable adapters for AC power cords. About the size of a pepper grinder, it stores easily in a carry-on or duffel bag . Durable polycarbonate plastic material ensures that this model can take all the packing/unpacking, bag dropping, and shoving that accompanies international travel. Note that you won't find any USB ports on this adapter.

Size: 5.6 x 3 x 7.6 inches | Weight: 5.1 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 250 volts | USB Ports: 0

Best User-Friendly

Flight 001 5-in-1 adapter.

Fun, visual organization

Some reviews mention durability issues

Color-coded and lightweight, the Flight 001 travel adapter is as functional as it is attractive. It breaks into four different adapters, separated by bright colors, so you can easily tell which adapter to use in which country you're in. Even more, each universal adapter corresponds to plugs for the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., and Australia and can work in over 150 different countries. The pieces conveniently attach like a cube, with two USB ports capable of charging tablets, cameras, and more.

Size: 4.06 x 2.52 x 2.05 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 2 

Best Compact

Oneadaptr world adapter.

Tested security

Compact and functional

If you want to save on space without sacrificing function, this device is for you. Another classic one-piece adapter, the One World PD sets itself apart by offering fully grounded connections for each plug type to protect against the risk of shock. The sliding toggle controls the North American, the U.K., and Australia/China plugs, while a smaller European plug pops out. It also has three USB-A ports and one USB-C to put out 18 watts. An over-current protection system will automatically shut off any abnormal usage detected. A BS8546 certification guarantees the highest protection. This small but mighty adapter is perfect for phones, tablets, and laptops (which charge best using the AC power adapter).

Size: 2.15 x 2.72 x 2.64 inches | Weight: 6.3 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 3

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

Built to last

Reduces overall tech load

Trusted company

Not a standalone option

Most of us have strong opinions about our tech gear, especially when it comes to an iconic brand like Apple. If you are a supporter and own several of their products or even just a MacBook, this is a great complementary set of adapters. These plugs use the Apple power adapter brick as a base, so you'll need to have that already for this kit. It contains seven AC plugs with laser-etched labels for quick identification and covers many tourist destinations including Japan, Australia, Europe, Korea, Brazil, and more. As with any brand, there is peace of mind knowing that the accessories come from the same manufacturer for smooth and secure functioning. And, we appreciate that the price range fits right in with the other picks on our list.

Size: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 11.2 ounces | Maximum Voltage: 240 volts | USB Ports: 1

When international adventure calls, be prepared with the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter . Its universal input design, USB-A, and USB-C ports simultaneously support up to six devices in over 150 countries. For the ultralight backpacker or the occasional jet-setter, the Jmfone Travel Adapter is a smart, budget-friendly choice.

What to Look For in a Travel Adapter

Destination.

If you want to cut down on bulk, go for a streamlined, single-type converter, though it might only work in some regions. On the other hand, universal adapters will be effective no matter where you wind up—so if you’re a frequent jet-setter, this might be the best option.

There are other benefits to choosing a lighter product, depending on the space you'll be staying in once you arrive. "Because some hotels and homes have outlets in the most unusual locations, make sure that the adapter is not too large or heavy to fit into sunken sockets," says Charlie Cotton, head of operations at millennial group travel company FTLO Travel.

Newer converters now come with USB ports, eliminating the need for the USB-to-outlet converter for charging tablets and phones. In most cases, this means that you can charge more than one device at a time, which is handy for families—everyone’s gadgets definitely add up on the road—or those traveling with multiple devices .

Forking over a ton of money for a converter you’ll only use once a year doesn’t make sense, so go for a price that correlates with how often you travel. That said, buying one before you leave for vacation is almost always cheaper than on the ground.

Many countries use a single plug type throughout. To ensure your adapter is compatible, you must identify the plug type used in the country or countries on your itinerary. World Standards shares a map that details plug types for every country.

A universal adapter allows you to take your devices worldwide with one compact adapter that fits a variety of outlets. A plug adapter fits a single country’s outlets.

A plug adapter updates the shape of your device’s plug to fit the outlet in the country you’re traveling to. It doesn’t convert voltage. A voltage converter adapts the electrical voltage from the device to the outlet. This is valuable because American devices sometimes operate at a different voltage than is available in other countries.

Amber Nolan is a travel writer located in Key West with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry. Her work has been published in USA Today, Jetsetter, Cruise Critic, Frommers, and several other travel publications. She is currently covering tourism for the local Key West newspaper, the Blue Paper. In addition to her research, we also sent several of the products to testers for their feedback. 

In researching what to look for when selecting travel adapters, we spoke to three travel experts. Experts we spoke to included:

• Lydia Mansel , outdoor gear writer at Just Packed
• Charlie Cotton , head of operations at millennial group travel company FTLO Travel
• Laura Ratliff , senior editorial director at TripSavvy

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Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

Product Information

The World Travel Adapter Kit includes a set of seven AC plugs with prongs that fit different electrical outlets around the world, each laser-etched with the regions they are compatible with. For world travelers, this is the perfect kit to ensure power connectivity in most countries you may travel to.

The kit is designed to work with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe, MagSafe 2, and MagSafe 3 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters.

The AC plugs included in the World Travel Adapter Kit directly support outlets in North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil.

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• Travel Products
• Tech Essentials

The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Options We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

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The best travel adapters for 2022

Whether you’re a digital nomad who works on your laptop from a sandy foreign beach or a high-powered, all-business road warrior, you will need a travel adapter for your journeys abroad. Travel adapters let an electronic device from one country plug into an outlet from a far-off land.

Xcentz Universal Power Adapter

Fuse chicken universal, epicka universal travel adapter one, zendure passport go travel adapter, saunorch international travel adapter, bestek universal worldwide travel adapter set, mu portable international charger, evo global travel adapter.

In the U.S., outlets use a plug with at least two flat vertical prongs, whereas in the U.K. outlets call for a plug with a top vertical prong and two bottom horizontal ones. Note that an adapter may not convert electricity, but this is something you will likely need. That’s because different countries and regions use different voltage ranges — North American devices function with a lower electrical voltage (110/120V) than devices from most other locations on the planet (220/240V) — but all-in-one adapters can convert them to a single standard. Travel adapters can save you a serious headache — and a lot of money — on your journey. We’ve gathered some of the best multi-device travel adapters to keep you juiced up while on the move.

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Of all the travel adapters on our list, this offers versatility and handy features in a compact package. If you’re traveling through many countries, this one adapter could meet all your needs. It covers 200 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan. To switch between plug types, you press and slide one of the three buttons, each of which locks firmly in place, or you can pull out the compact European plug section. Plug your gadget into the other side and you’re all set. The Xcentz Universal Power Adapter includes three USB-A ports that support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0, and a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery up to 18W, so you can charge multiple devices at once. The clever feature is the adapter’s self-resetting fuse. Usually, when the fuse in your travel adapter blows, you have to replace it. This one will trip and block the overload, letting you can push the button on the side to reset it. The universal charger is rated at 10A and supports up to 2,300W of combined power, while the pop-out EU plug is 16A and goes up to 3,680W in total.

This clever device is the perfect travel adapter for keeping your smartphones and tablets charged up. There’s a slide-on plug section and it comes with plug attachments for the U.S., Europe, the U.K., and Australia. It has USB-C and USB-A ports and it can put out up to 18W. The USB-C port supports Power Delivery and the USB-A port supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 standard. But that’s not all, because the Fuse Chicken Universal also packs a 6,700mAh battery inside for topping up on the go — and it works as a Qi wireless charger.

The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter One is a serviceable choice for an all-in-one world travel adapter, covering more than 150 countries with U.S., EU, AU, and U.K. plugs. It features smart fast charging with four USB ports, one USB Type C, and one AC socket with the ability to high-speed charge six devices simultaneously. Its power maxes out at 880W at 110Vac and 1840W at 230Vac. It’s compatible with various generations of USB devices from Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and more. The device’s 8A overload dual fuse, safety shutters, and plug lock system ensure safety. The unit does not convert electrical output current and voltage.

The Passport GO features four sliding tabs to reveal the different prongs and a USB-C port alongside the three USB-A ports. Thanks to GAN technology,  that USB-C port can output up to 30W. If you’re traveling through multiple countries, this could meet all your needs. It covers 200 countries and regions, including the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan. It’s easy to use, as you press and slide one of the four buttons to select that plug type and it locks securely in place. Though the USB-C Power Delivery port can put out 30W, that limit is shared with the three USB-A ports. There’s an AC output for larger devices and you could charge five devices at once. Zendure’s travel adapter has a self-resetting fuse, so it will trip to block an overload from damaging your devices and then reset, ready for use again.

Saunorch’s International Travel Adapter is compact and lightweight so it fits easily in your luggage and easily slots into most outlets. It has sliding mechanisms for U.S., Australian, U.K., and EU plugs to cover 150 countries. You can plug one device into the top, with four USB ports on the side for charging additional devices like smartphones and tablets. Each USB port can output a maximum of 2.4A, but the total output is 3.4A, so if you plug in four devices simultaneously, the charging rate is slower for each. It has a 6.3-amp fuse built in, but you do get a spare in case it blows, and you can open the fuse cap with a coin if you need to change it. It’s available in black or blue. The black version has three USB ports and a USB-C port. The USB-C port can output 15W/3A, so it can fast-charge smartphones and tablets.

If you’re planning to stay in one country during your travels, a set of dedicated prongs could be a simple, reliable option. The Bestek Universal Worldwide Travel Adapter Set doesn’t require users to convert or modify anything — each plug works with a specific location. The order comes with eight separate power adapters, which cover a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, India, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Israel. The set is pretty straightforward to use — just hook up the corresponding prongs to the matching plug. Then, plug in your device and go on your way.

The biggest draw to the Mu International Charger is its versatility. This device can support nearly any smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s Android , iOS, Samsung, or another brand, Mu charges them all through a flat tangle-free USB cable. This charger comes with three interchangeable plug heads, and it’s usable in over 200 countries, including throughout North America and the European Union. We appreciate its portability and wide range of capabilities. This charger’s size and compatibility can’t be beaten while you’re traveling, so consider adding one to your bag.

The Evo Global Travel Adapter weighs 50 grams and supports the electrical requirements of more than 150 countries — including the U.S., Europe, and Australia. The adapter’s design capitalizes on a modular system — when you press one button, U.S. or E.U. prongs slide out. If you twist the device, you’ll find the Australian prongs, and if you slide one side prong out, you’ll find the U.K. prongs. This adapter is particularly helpful for travelers with tablets and smartphones because, with a maximum simultaneous output of 12W, the device doesn’t have enough power to support more demanding tech. Even when used explicitly for phones and tablets, the Evo adapter is quite far down on the list of fastest chargers and it’s often finicky when switching to different configurations. We will say the biggest advantage of this product is its affordability and super lightweight.

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With the world opening up once again for tourists, you're going to want to buy a tablet to beat the boredom of long flights and waiting times. Not all models will be able to serve this purpose though, so to help you decide what to purchase, we've rounded up our recommendations for the best tablets for travel. We acknowledge that there are different types of travelers, so we picked devices that will cater to each of them, while considering a specific set of criteria when making our selections.

While you can also use your smartphone during your trips, the larger screen of tablets will help provide more amusing entertainment when you need it. The best tablets for travel will let you catch up on work, watch streaming shows, check social media, and whatever else you may think of doing while you're on the way to your destination, or while you're taking a break from all the sights and sounds. Read onward to figure out the best tablet for travel for you, then go ahead and purchase it so that the device will be ready and waiting for your next adventure. The best tablets for travel in 2024

Tablets, which cater to a wide range of purposes, are also excellent devices for children. Younger kids will be able to access educational and entertainment apps with a tactile experience because of the devices' touchscreens. while older kids can use them for their schoolwork and recreational activities. However, not all tablets in the market are designed for children, so to help you decide what to buy, we've rounded up the best tablets for kids of all ages.

There are no limitations to the learning and creativity of children, and a tablet will help them develop their knowledge and skills like no other gadget can. While it's still necessary for parents to guide their kids in maximizing the use of their tablets, it can't be denied that the device has the potential to be a useful tool for your children as they grow up. Buying them one of our recommended tablets below will make sure that they get an appropriate device for their age, as we took into consideration several factors that prioritize your kid's well-being above all else. The best tablets for kids in 2024

Near field communication (herein referred to as NFC) is a smartphone and wearable technology that lives in the shadows. Silently operating around the clock, NFC is relied upon for several device functions, with wireless transaction systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay being one of the biggest. But this cool tech can do far more than let you pay for a Twix with your iPhone. 

Here’s everything you need to know about NFC technology, and the many ways you can use the wireless protocol today. What is NFC, and how does it work? NFC, which is short for near-field communication, is a technology that allows devices like phones and smartwatches to exchange small bits of data with other devices and read NFC-equipped cards over relatively short distances. The technology behind NFC is very similar to radio-frequency identification (RFID) commonly used in the security cards and keychain fobs that you likely already use to get into your office or gym. In fact, NFC is an evolution of RFID that offers more advanced features and better security, but the two technologies still share a lot of things in common.

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9 best travel adapters to keep your devices charged on holiday

The last thing you want on that first post-lockdown holiday is to be caught without your phone or camera, article bookmarked.

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With travel on the horizon once more, it’s time to start thinking about investing in the accessories no jet-setter should be without, and adapters deserve to be at the very top of that list.

If you’re still relying on the one you picked up at Dubai airport 20 years ago, then it’s time to upgrade – ideally to one with at least one USB port and the ability to help you stay connected in a minimum of 150 countries.

Features to look out for include mechanisms that allow the prongs to slide smoothly into place and slot quickly back in when not in use, and a small LED light that will show you when the power’s on.

One thing you don’t have to worry too much about though is surge protection – these days, the majority of adapters have this built in.

We’ve included a number of travel adapters designed especially for smaller items of tech such as iPhones and iPads , simply because these days many leisure travellers are more likely to carry numerous smaller gadgets, rather than larger items such as laptops .

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We tested our adapters by using them with a wide range of gadgets, paying careful attention to the way in which interchangeable adapters could be swapped and how securely the prongs stayed in place

We quickly realised the benefit to a number of extras we hadn’t considered before, whether it was dedicated pouches with clearly marked compartments or extra-clear markings indicating which country a certain adapter was most likely to be required in.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent .

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OneAdaptr all-in-one world adapter with USB-C & 3 USB charger

You can plug five devices into this all-singing, all-dancing adapter which has three USB ports, a USB C port and the ability to do its thing in 150 countries.  It has brilliant packaging – in this case a book-like box with a magnetic closure that looks and feels far too good to simply be tossed in the bin. For extra points in the packaging department, this adapter also comes with its own colour-coordinated drawstring pouch.

Our favourite feature was the way in which the prongs slid out – unlike other adapters, which required a separate button to be pressed, we simply needed to press and hold the same button that we used to slide out the prongs.

Mophie charge stream global travel kit

This adapter, designed with smart phones in mind, is another product with brilliant packaging – in this case, a sturdy pouch with clearly identifiable sections for the various components, which include a wireless charging station, five interchangeable adapters, a micro-USB cable and a car adapter.

Sadly we didn’t have a phone with wireless charging capability on which to test the wireless charger, but we were still able to charge our phone the traditional way, using the USB port. We loved the ultra-bright LED light that appeared when this adapter was in use, as well as the way in which the different components slotted firmly but quickly into place.

Anker 65W 3-port charger

This is another wonderfully compact adapter designed with phones and USB C-charging laptops in mind, although the tiny size of the different attachments might be a downside for those prone to clumsiness. However, we loved the ease with which they slotted into the body of the main unit, which provides plenty of power.

Two USB-A ports and one USB-C port (the type most Samsung users will be familiar with) offer a total of 65W of output, which can be used to power three devices simultaneously. We loved the sky-blue trim, and the bright blue light offered a welcome alternative to the standard red.

Samsonite worldwide adapter

This is a sturdy, reliable adapter that will keep you connected in 150 countries. The various prongs slide out with satisfying ease, and a two-year warranty will appeal to those prone to slinging their adapters in cramped corners of backpacks and suitcases.

Perhaps we’re nit-picking, but we would have loved to see a flash of colour, and we can’t help but feel £35 is a little steep when it’s easy to find adapters with USB ports (which this one doesn’t have) for much less.

Twelve South plugbug duo

A lot of thought has gone into the design of the Ferrari-red plugbug duo, as well as its packaging. The PlugBug comes tucked into a sturdy cardboard box with cut-out holes for the various components. Designed for use with Apple gadgets such as iPhones, MacBooks and iPads, it has five interchangeable adapters that allow it to be used in 150 countries. MacBooks or iPads can be plugged into the base and there are two USB ports on the side.

Heys universal adapter

This is a compact, top-quality adapter with the ability to charge a wide range of gadgets, and a great price tag – just £24. It’s far from basic, with two USBs, a sleek red trim and a locking action that means the prongs stay put when extended but will easily slide back in when they’re no longer needed.

One aspect that proved unexpectedly useful was the red outline around the holes for the prongs of three-pinned UK plugs – when fumbling around in semi-darkness, this acted as a handy visual guide.

Go Travel worldwide adapter and USB

Go Travel’s adapter errs on the chunky side (it’s surprisingly heavy) but it’s got a thoughtful, top-quality design, with two USB ports and a sturdy locking mechanism that will keep the various prongs in place. A gold star was awarded for the clearly marked wording next to the controls for each set of prongs – it’s all too easy to forget which countries have which sockets.

There are two USB ports and we appreciated the positioning of the LED light that appears when it’s plugged in – the light is on the bottom, so you’ll be able to quickly tell whether it’s turned on if you know where to look but its position means it’s unlikely to keep you awake if you’re easily disturbed.

Herschel travel adapter

A stylish adapter contained in a zip lock-style (but inevitably landfill-destined) plastic bag, Herschel’s contribution to connectivity will appeal to style-conscious jetsetters. It’s got a sleek pared-back look and the casing has a rubberised feel which offers a welcome alternative to cold, hard plastic.

There are two USB ports on the side and the design is slightly different to most adapters, with the prongs positioned in a way which means you’ll need to rotate the adapter depending on which set you’re using. Our one gripe was that the sliding controls erred on the stiff side and more than once we had to prise out the prongs manually.

Flight 001 5-in-1 universal travel adapter

Why can’t all adapters look like this? A colourful, Lego-like stack of interchangeable adapters that slot easily in and out, the flight 001 5-in-1 universal travel adapter has two USBs and comes in a neat, sturdy box that doubles as the perfect carrying case.

Although this is an adapter made up of multiple parts, rather than internal, fixed prongs that simply slide in and out, the ease with which the pieces slot together – and the clever use of colour – means the likelihood of any part being left behind is slim to none.

The verdict: Travel adapters

The brilliant and stylish OneAdaptr all-in-on world adapter is proof that an adapter really can serve multiple purposes without making any sacrifices in the quality department.

However, the Mophie charge stream global travel kit is one of the best travel adapters designed with smart phones in mind and the Anker 65W 3-port charger is a stylish, compact adapter that is ideal for families.

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6 Handy Travel Adapters That’ll Help Juice Up Your Gadgets No Matter Where You Go

Wherever your adventures take you, these plugs will make sure you're always at full battery.

By Rylee Johnston

Rylee Johnston

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Investing in a universal travel adapter will allow you to keep your devices charged or plugged in no matter where your journeys take you.

Keep reading to learn more about travel plugs and where to buy international adapters online.

What Are the Best Travel Adapters & Converters?

To help you narrow down your search, ShopBillboard put together a list of top-rated and bestselling travel adapters you can buy online below.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Not only is this one Billboard editor’s favorite travel adapter to use on adventures overseas, it’s also the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for electrical adapters. The design features four different plug types that can be used in 150 countries including Japan, Europe and the U.K. It can also charge up to six devices at once thanks to its various charging ports and USB options. It’s so popular that more than 10,000 of the adapters have been bought in the past month, according to the online retailer.

Travel Smart Type Worldwide All-In-One Adapter

Travel Smart has come out with an all-in-one adapter that can be used worldwide. It’s built with plug types A, B, C, E, F, G and I, and includes a USB port as well, making it a versatile travel tool no matter where you’re going.

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter

More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased TESSAN’s universal travel adapter , and it’s currently on sale for less than $25. It’s compatible with 100V to 250V wide voltage devices and comes with a compact size that you can easily slip into luggage and backpacks without worrying about it taking up space.

UGREEN 65W USB C Travel Charger with USA EU UK Plug

If your plans are only to go to Europe, then this travel adapter comes with two different plug-ins that are compatible with European and U.K. outlets. You can charge up to three devices at once using the three USB ports built-into the devices, making it easy to juice up your phone, laptop and more.

Meromore Universal Travel Adapter

Meromore’s international travel adapter can charge up to five devices at once and includes USB ports for the cables that don’t have a plug built into it. You can switch from the different plug types using the side and button while the small size allows you to carry it with you on the go.

Travel Smart by Conair All-in-One Adapter

If you’re looking to spend less than $15, pick up Conair’s All-in-One Adapter , which features four of the most common plugs that can be used in more than 150 countries such as North America, South America, Ireland, Europe and more. The device also has a built-in surge protector you can plug dual-voltage appliances into.

Do You Need An Adapter or Converter for International Travel?

During travels abroad, you’ll most likely just need an adapter over a converter if your devices are newer. Converters are usually only needed when you have older hair dryers or irons that require a specific amount of electricity to avoid shorting out as well as fit into a specific plug shape.

What Is the Difference Between a Travel Plug Adapter and Converter?

An adapter is used to fit into plugs that your cable isn’t compatible with — that way you can still use your charging cables or hair tools without having to buy a new one from the country you’re in. Converters are single-voltage items that aim to convert the electricity and prevent your devices from shorting out. Most modern-made electronics are usually multi- or dual-voltage, which means they can withstand different types of electricity and can withstand an adapter on its own.

For more product recommendations , check out our roundups of the best travel deals , travel backpacks and festival gear .

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Worldwide Adaptor

• Universal earthed adaptor for Worldwide travel

• Certified to new safety standards (BS 8546 & IEC 60884)

• Connects travellers in 190+ countries

• Compact & lightweight

• Safe & easy to use

*country compatibility type reference key.

Type A: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Federated States of, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Republic of Niger, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of America, United States Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemon

Type B: American Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Mexico, Micronesia, Federated States of, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Republic of Niger, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of America, United States Virgin Islands, Venezuela, , 

Type C: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Republic of the, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Isle of Man, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, Korea, Republic of, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Niger, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia

Type D: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Burma, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, French Guiana, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Macau, Madagascar, Martinique, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Niger, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Type E: Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Republic of the, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Faroe Islands, France, French Guiana, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Madagascar, Martinique, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, Republic of Niger, Reunion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Slovakia, Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Tunisia

Type F: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burma, Cape Verde, Chad, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, Korea, Republic of, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Niger, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vietnam

Type G: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Type H: Israel

Type I: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

Type J: Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Rwanda, Switzerland

Type K: Banglades, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea, Madagascar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadine, Senegal

Type L: Chile, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, San Marino, Syrian Arab Republic, Uruguay    

Type M: Bhutan, Botswana, India, Lesotho, Macau, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland    

Type N: Brazil     South Africa    

Type O: Thailand    

*always check with local operators as electrical outlets in individual locations can differ.

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World Travel Adapters

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Are you often travelling to the same country and looking for a practical and simple solution? Then check out our country travel adapters!

4 top-rated travel adapters for your next trip

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A travel adapter is crucial for international travel — without it, you won’t be able to charge most of your electronics. Put simply, travel adapters let you plug your electronics into wall sockets in other countries, says Carl Prouty, a product specialist with over 20 years of sales experience at Abt , an electronics and appliance retailer. (Since Abt sells travel adapters, we only spoke with Prouty about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.)

Travel adapters come in small individual plugs or a single universal adapter, which have multiple plugs built-in. We consulted electronics experts to better understand how they work, and based our recommendations on expert advice, highlighting Select staff favorites as well as top-rated options on the market.

SKIP AHEAD Select staff favorite travel adapters | What is a travel adapter? | What is voltage? | What is a travel voltage converter? | How to shop for travel adapters

Our top picks

• Editor’s pick : Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Most portable: Ceptics Travel Plug Adapter

Voltage converter: Foval Travel Voltage Converter

How we picked our favorite travel adapters.

We spoke with electronics experts and asked Select staffers for their favorite travel adapters. We selected products that met the following criteria:

• Compatibility : We picked products designed for multiple regions, focusing on the EU, U.K., and the U.S. in particular.
• Price : We highlighted products across different price points, including small adapters that cost less than $15 and larger converters costing less than $50.
• Top-rated : We considered top-rated products with at least a four-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews on Amazon.

Select-staff favorite travel adapters in 2023

We rounded up the following highly rated travel adapters, universal adapters and voltage converters based on expert advice and Select staff picks that are in line with that advice.

Editor’s pick: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

I have used this universal travel adapter for over a year to charge small electronics like phones, earbuds , fitness trackers and tablets in the U.S., U.K., France and Italy. This adapter has both USB-A and USB-C ports, so I can charge multiple devices at the same time. Even though this is a travel adapter, I sometimes use it at home in the U.S. when I need to charge my smartphone, earbuds and smartwatch at the same time.

Compatible regions : EU, U.K., U.S., AUS | Ports : 3-prong power plug, USB-A (4), USB-C (1) | Voltage range : N/A, does not convert voltage | Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 in.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter $ at Amazon

Budget pick: Mingtong Universal Travel Adapter

CNBC Select associate reporter Andreina Rodriguez uses this adapter when she travels to  Italy, France, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. She mostly used it to charge her smartphone or laptop — it charges each one just as quickly as chargers in the U.S. do. Like our editor’s pick, it has multiple USB ports for charging different devices at once.

Rodriguez uses the original version of this product, but there are other versions that offer USB-C charging and extra USB ports if you’re looking to charge other devices.

Compatible regions: EU, U.K., U.S., AU | Ports : 3-prong power plug, USB-A (2) | Voltage range : N/A, does not convert voltage | Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 1.9 in.

Mingtong Universal Travel Adapter

Mingtong Universal Travel Adapter $ at Amazon

Most portable: Ceptics Travel Plug Adapter Set

Individual plug adapters are especially useful if you are traveling light. This top-rated set includes five different plugs for countries like the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Each plug is labeled with the countries and continents you can use it in. It also comes in a slightly larger white version , where each plug has a third metal prong, called a ground port, to protect your device from power surges, according to the brand.

Compatible regions: EU, U.K., U.S., AU | Ports : N/A | Voltage range : N/A, does not convert voltage | Dimensions: Individual plugs

Ceptics Travel Plug Adapter Set

Ceptics Travel Plug Adapter Set $ at Amazon

Consider this converter If you are bringing devices like hair straighteners or curling irons that will need their voltage adjusted while abroad. This voltage converter adjusts incoming electricity to fit the 110 to 120-volt requirement for U.S. electronics to work properly. It can power devices with up to 230 watts of energy — check your device to make sure it uses less than 230 watts.

The converter has fans built in that prevent overheating and short-circuiting, according to the brand. It has four USB ports and two power outlets, making it a good option if you need to charge multiple devices at the same time. It comes with four different plug types and a detachable power cable.

Compatible regions: EU, U.K., U.S., AU, IT | Ports : 3-prong power plug (2), USB-A (4) | Voltage range : 110V — 220V, converts voltage down | Dimensions : 4.82 x 3.13  x 1.47 in.

Foval Travel Voltage Converter

• Foval Travel Voltage Converter $ at Amazon
• Foval Travel Voltage Converter $ at Walmart

What is a travel adapter?

Travel adapters typically come in two shapes: plug adapters and universal adapters.

In America, plug adapters have electrical prongs on one side and two or three pronged U.S. slots on the other. If you are traveling to the U.K., for example, your adapter will plug into rectangular-shaped U.K. outlets, and have slots where you can plug your two or three pronged U.S. devices into the adapter.

Universal adapters contain multiple plug adapters in one base. Typically, different electrical prongs slide in and out of the base via levers or buttons.

Travel adapters are typically intended to charge electronics like smartphones, laptops, headphones and portable batteries , says Sandra Miller, product manager at Ceptics, a travel adapter manufacturer. (Because Ceptics sells travel adapters, we only spoke with Miller about technical shopping guidance, not specific product recommendations).

What is voltage?

“Voltage is essentially the pressure required to push the electrons coming out of the wall socket through the power cord that goes into your device, allowing that device to operate,” says Prouty.

Countries around the world have different voltage ratings for their electricity. North American power outlets use 110 to 120-volts so most electronics made there are designed to operate in that voltage range. Countries outside of North America typically have 220 to 240-volt outlets, and design their electronics to function in that range. 

Products like smartphones, laptops and tablets are exceptions: they operate on a worldwide voltage range — as long as you have the right adapter, you can charge them in most places, according to our experts.

When traveling abroad with other types of devices, you need to match your destination’s plug type as well as its voltage rating in order to safely use your electronics. If you connect a device to an outlet with mismatched voltage ratings, you risk damaging the device, burning it out or causing an electrical fire, says Miller.

All electronics have a voltage rating printed on either the charger or the device itself, says Miller. Larger electronic devices like curling irons, hair straighteners and hair trimmers typically operate at a specific, limited voltage range. If you plan to travel with one of those devices, you will need a travel voltage converter to safely use them.

What is a travel voltage converter?

Voltage converters change the voltage of the outlet at your destination. This is crucial if you want to use single-voltage electronics like hair and curling irons abroad.

Hair and curling irons need a lot more power than small devices like smartphones and earbuds. That’s why travel voltage converters will typically have a power rating, measured in watts (W), that tells you how much power they can deliver to a plugged-in device, says Miller. “For example, a 200W voltage converter is limited to devices that require 200W or less, so you can’t use a 15,000W hair dryer with it,” says Miller. Connecting a device outside the supported wattage range can damage both the device and the voltage converter.

How to shop for travel adapters

To make sure you buy the right adapter for your trip, it’s important to check what kind of electrical plug your destination uses. It’s also a good idea to contact the place you’ll be staying, to ask what kind of outlets they use, says Prouty.

What kind of travel adapter do I need?

There are over a dozen types of common plugs used across the world according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a global not-for-profit organization that works to improve international electrical trade and innovations. Each plug type is given a letter, depending on which regions they’re compatible in. 

Many countries share the same plug type — type C plugs, for example, are used across most of Europe. Some countries use different plug types depending on where you are in the country and when the electrical outlets were last updated— Italy uses three types (C, L and F).

Travel adapters, including our recommendations, list the regions they support by name or by plug type letter. Below is a world plugs list from the IEC :

• Type A (two prong) : North America, Central America, Japan
• Type B (three prong) : North America, Central America, Japan
• Type C : Europe (except UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta) 
• Type D : India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia
• Type E : France, Belgium, Slovakia and Tunisia among others
• Type F : Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain among others
• Type G : UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong
• Type H : Israel
• Type I : China, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina
• Type J : Switzerland and Lichtenstein
• Type K : Denmark and Greenland
• Type L : Italy
• Type M : South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho
• Type N : Brazil
• Type O : Thailand

Do I need a voltage converter?

Miller recommends checking the voltage rating of all the electronics you plan to travel with to see if any require conversion. Essential electronics like cell phones, tablets and laptops are typically rated for worldwide (100 to 240) voltage use and do not require conversion. 

The most common travel electronics that require voltage conversion are hair straighteners and curling irons, says Miller. If you plan on using one, pack one with a worldwide voltage rating to eliminate the need for a voltage converter.

If you are traveling with an item that requires voltage conversion, look up the power rating (in watts) of the device, and make sure your voltage converter supports at least that much power output (in watts). For example, an expert-recommended curling iron like the Babyliss Pro Nano is rated for 120 volts and needs 140 watts to operate. 

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Carl Prouty is a product specialist with over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales at Abt . Since Abt sells travel adapters, we only spoke with him about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask for specific product recommendations.
• Sandra Miller is a product manager at Ceptics , a travel adapter manufacturer. Since Ceptics sells travel adapters, we only spoke with her about technical shopping guidance, and did not ask her for specific product recommendations.

Why trust Select?

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at Select, and has covered consumer tech for over three years. To better understand travel adapters, he combined his own experience with Select staff recommendations and the advice of electronics experts. He also looked for top-rated models that were versatile and reliable and in line with our experts’ guidance.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter review: charge up to 6 devices at once

This adapter costs a little more but has a lot to offer travelers in return. is it worth the investment.

Digital Camera World Verdict

Ceptics has created a travel adapter that truly lives up to the title 'all in one'. Combining multiple plug types, fast charging capabilities, and a compact design, it's an invaluable companion for digital nomads and globe-trotters alike.

Supports plug types in over 150 countries

70W max output with Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0

Integrated USB-A and USB-C ports for simultaneous charging

Compact and lightweight

No voltage conversion functionality

No alternative colors

Not a budget price

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

• Specifications
• Price & availability
• Build & handling
• Performance
• Alternatives

I do a lot of traveling in my life. Not just holidays, but also press trips as part of my job, and since 2016, I've also been doing house swaps around the world, from Guatemala to Australia. So I've spent a lot of time messing about with travel adapters and I have to be honest, most of the cheaper ones suck. 

They're not compatible with enough countries and regions, they only let you connect one or two devices at once, the plugs tend to stick and need a lot of fiddling to release, or worst of all, they don't stay in the socket long and keep falling on the floor. Which, when you're in an unfamiliar place late at night, jet-lagged to the extreme, it can be extremely frustrating.

So I was keen to try out the Ceptics 70W World International Travel Plug Adapter, which costs a little more but presents itself as a comprehensive solution, catering to the diverse needs of modern nomads like me. 

Would this adapter live up to its promises and save me from juggling multiple chargers and adapters while on the road? Over the last few months, I've taken it to three countries around the world, as well as using it at home in the UK (with devices that have American and European plugs), to find out.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter: Specifications

Ceptics 70w world travel plug adapter: price and availability.

Available on Amazon at $39.99, the Ceptics 70W World Travel Adapter isn't the cheapest on the market, but I'd argue it offers excellent value considering its versatility and charging capabilities. It's certainly cheaper than purchasing multiple single-country adapters, after all.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter: Build and handling

The adapter features a sleek, rectangular, black design that's made attractive by its bold blue outlining. It's plastic without feeling "plasticky": instead this looks and feels like a high-quality, well-made product. The design strikes a good balance between being lightweight (just over 6oz) yet durable enough for being thrown in and out of cases during travel.

It's very smooth and easy to use, too. On the left-hand side, there's a sliding mechanism that reveals the desired plug type (EU, UK, or USA/AUS). On the right-hand side, there's a button that you press that allows you to manually extract or retract the plug. The sliding mechanism for changing plug types is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to switch between regions without fiddling with removable parts.

Unless the button is pressed the plug will lock in place, which makes it very stable in use compared to cheaper adapters I've tried, which tend to slip out of a plug socket at the slightest vibration. In contrast, this adapter feels sturdy and secure when plugged in, even with heavier devices such as laptops attached.

I tried plugs from a range of countries and they fitted in the slots without any need for jostling or fiddling. On one side, you'll find two USB-A ports and three USB-C ports, allowing you to charge up to six devices simultaneously. In my tests, everything worked as it should and overall, this adapter looks great and is a joy to use.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter: Performance

It doesn't matter how easy an adapter is to use, of course, if it doesn't deliver reliable and fast charging. After all, when you're traveling you often don't get a lot of time in your hotel room, and the power normally gets turned off when you don't have your door key in the key card slot. So every second counts and you want to be able to power up your devices as quickly as possible.

In my tests, the Ceptics 70W World Travel Adapter delivered reliable and fast charging across various devices. The inclusion of Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 technologies speeded things up further on compatible devices I plugged in, such as my Dell XPS 13 laptop and a Samsung Galaxy S8.

That said, it's not just about charging speeds. The main thing that typically holds you up is having to charge all your devices one at a time. And you certainly wouldn't want to clutter up your suitcase with six individual adapters. Especially as, in my experience, there are rarely more than one or two free sockets in a hotel room anyway, especially if you want to watch TV and make cups of tea.

So the main speed boost most people will get from the Ceptics 70W World Travel Adapter is the ability to charge multiple gadgets concurrently, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras, without the need for additional adapters. 

This, again, worked well in practice for me, and there was plenty of space to connect leads to each of the six slots without anything getting in the way of each other. That meant that even if I just had an hour a day in my room (which on press trips is fairly standard) it was enough to top up everything I needed: phone, tablet, laptop, and power bank specifically.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter: Verdict

I really love this adapter. While plastic, its compact and lightweight design is very travel-friendly, and has a nice-looking color scheme. It's super-flexible for traveling, including multiple plug types, fast charging, and simultaneous device charging. In use, I've found it offers reliable and fast charging across various devices, and – most importantly for my frazzled nerves – never fell out of the socket or otherwise disrupted the flow of charge. 

All in all, while not the cheapest, this adapter offers excellent value given its versatility and charging capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. It may be overkill, though, if you primarily travel within a single region, or only have one or two devices you usually need to charge.

Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter: Alternatives

The Ugreen Nexode 65W 3-Port Travel Charger is another great choice for global nomads. Offering 65W of total power, it offers fewer ports than the Ceptics adapter, but if two USB-Cs and one USB-As is enough for you, we love its cool-looking design and easy functionality.

If your devices are all Apple-made and prefer wireless charging to wired, you may prefer taking the Anker 3-in-1 cube on tour with you. The Cube can be powered by any PD USB-C connection, plus there's a charger with international adapters in the box. It's also nice and compact, so great for taking on your travels.

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Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specializing in art, photography, design and travel. He has been editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq , and deputy editor at net magazine. He has also worked for a wide range of mainstream titles including The Sun, Radio Times, NME, T3, Heat, Company and Bella.

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• Published 24 Jan 2023
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Complete Guide to Travel Plug Adapters

Picking the right travel plug adapter needn't be complicated - our guide is here to help identify the correct type.

Why are there So Many Different Plug Types?

In addition to the varying socket standards found around the world, different technology and electronics require varied equipment. This can result in a lot of variables and there is no single one size fits all approach.

There are many different plug types for multiple reasons, but it is primarily due to the varying speeds with which different nations first set up their own domestic power grids.

Why are there So Many Different Socket Types Today?

When mains electricity first started to be wired into domestic properties, it was largely used solely for lighting. However, as the use of electrical devices and appliances began to spread, power for lights was often cheaper than power for appliances, so many lower-wattage devices were adapted for use in light fixtures. Further rapid growth in the popularity of electrical appliances then meant that many more devices began to feature dedicated  mains plugs and sockets .

The US initially led the way in standardising pin-based appliance plugs for wall sockets, quickly followed by Europe and Asia. However, most countries rejected the early North American standard of 60Hz, 110V power and their corresponding, less secure two-pin plugs.

Instead, alternative designs were used which often included higher voltages for more efficient power transmission and plugs with ground pins attached. For instance, the UK eventually settled on three-pin plugs featuring a built-in safety fuse.

Various plans to introduce a universal system have since been considered but there are currently no plans to move towards a single international standard. This leaves us where we are today, with a wide array of international plugs with usage varying by country.

Travel Plug Types

There are currently 15 different socket types found around the world, 12 of which are considered to be common types.

A handy first step in buying the right adapter for various plug types is learning to recognise the most widely-used types. The following reference diagram should help.

Once you know which type of plugs are used in particular regions, you can then start to narrow down your options. Depending on your specific requirements, you can opt for a single-region travel adapter, a multi-region plug, or a universal model.

Single-Region Travel Adapters

Single-region travel adapters are the most straightforward option. As well as particular countries, these models can also be used in countries which all use the same sockets and voltages. However, although these models are usually the cheapest option, it is also worth bearing in mind that choosing a single-region travel adapter may limit future flexibility.

Variations on single-region travel adapters include multi-way models (featuring the ability to plug in multiple devices simultaneously) and the option to pair a one-way single-region adapter with a multi-socket  extension lead  for multiple devices or increased demand.

Multi-Region Travel Adapters

For greater versatility, you can instead opt for a multi-country or region plug adapter. These are typically slightly larger or more complex units, with different pins for different sockets. Essentially, they are designed to accommodate several national standards of plug and socket arrangements simultaneously.

The most common types of multi-region travel adapters tend to handle a combination of European, Asian, UK, and North American standards. Once again, multi-region versions can be single-way or multi-way to suit your requirements.

Universal Travel Adapters

Universal travel adapters are generally the most flexible option as they are suitable for use in the majority of countries around the world. However, it is worth noting that this flexibility comes with increased size, especially compared to the smaller single or multi-region models.

The added functionality offered by the best universal travel adapter can be a real bonus, but their size can make them less convenient and tricky to transport. It’s also worth noting that in less stable socket types (such as the US two-pin), this added weight can make them feel less securely attached in the socket. Additionally, the larger the universal travel adapter, the greater chance that it may block neighbouring sockets or not fit certain layouts.

International Plug Sockets and Voltages

No matter which type of travel adapter you choose, it is important to remember that these devices only convert the pin layout on a device’s plug to work with certain types of  wall sockets . In most cases, they do not convert voltages or currents.

That being said, it is still crucial to be aware of this, particularly in countries where the supply from the wall is not rated the same as your home country. In the UK, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions, many nations tend to use either 230V or 240V mains power as standard. As a result, devices and appliances in these countries are designed to handle higher power draw. Conversely, in regions using 110V or 120V power, such as North America and Taiwan, electronics designed for 240V may not work as well so it is important to plan accordingly. It is also worth bearing in mind that devices rated for 110V or 120V could potentially suffer damage if supplied with much higher mains voltages.

While many modern travel plug adapters can handle a full range of voltages from 100V to 240V, it is recommended to always double-check compatibility beforehand. Verify that both the adapter and the device being used are suitable before you plug anything in.

Below, you will find a handy table detailing the voltages that each country uses as standard:

100V, 110V, 115V, 120V and 127V Sockets

100V-127V outlets are used in many locations across the world, as you can see from the handy table above. Countries using these sockets include the USA and Canada.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to lower voltages from the mains. Advantages include:

• Generally safer and lower risk of electrocution
• Significantly lower insulation requirements than higher voltages
• Smaller and cheaper connectors and switches required due to lower voltages

Disadvantages include:

• Larger appliance cabling tends to be thick and heavy due to the additional copper insulation required for higher current needed to deliver power at lower voltages
• Lower voltages from 110V sockets could result in certain types of higher-draw electronics operating/charging less efficiently

220V, 230V and 240V Sockets

220V-240V outlets are typically standard in the UK, Europe and the majority of Asia and the Asia Pacific. The advantages of this higher voltage supply include:

• 220V-240V supplies are often said to be cleaner and more efficient, as they can transmit power at a reduced overall cost due to the lower current required
• Less insulation is needed so cables can be smaller and cheaper
• Less energy as heat is lost along the route to the device or appliance
• Higher voltages are more convenient for high power draw applications and larger lighting arrays, as higher voltage means that more wattage can be pushed through at fewer amps
• Higher voltages have the potential to cause electrocution more easily so additional care in both design and use must be taken
• 220V-240V connectors and switches tend to be larger and bulkier, yet also more robust

Do I Need a Travel Converter or Adapter?

If you are travelling overseas and need to use or charge electronics or devices brought with you, a travel adapter or converter will usually be required. As there are so many different standards used around the world, portable socket converters are highly beneficial. Many options are available, including simple one-region adapters, multi-way converters, and more complex universal Wi-Fi-enabled sockets.

Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage?

The vast majority of travel adapters do not change voltage, although many models are designed to work with a wide range of voltage and current ratings. As noted above, it is vital to check both the adapter and the device you are using for compatibility with local voltages and current before use.

What Features Should I Look for in the Best Universal Travel Adapter?

Handy additional features and benefits might include the following, depending on the model of plug adapter you choose:

• USB charging
• USB-C ports
• Wi-Fi functionality
• Quick charge capabilities
• Multiple voltage ratings

In some locations, you may find that the voltage you need is not achievable with a particular adapter. Certain devices may be more at risk than others from incompatibility with local current ratings. If this is the case, you may be able to solve the problem with a voltage transformer or similar device.

Travel Adapter Brands

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PowerConnections

With a wide range of products available, travel adapters from PowerConnections are sure to meet your requirements.

High-quality and durable, travel adapters from Legrand are available online with RS.

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 21 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Universal Travel Adapter Plug Converter All in One Worldwide Charger for Europe UK US UAE AUS and Africa (Black)

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• Global Compatibility: Our travel adapter plug is compatible with outlets in more than 200+ countries, including Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. Whether you're exploring multiple destinations or embarking on a round-the-world adventure, this adapter has you covered.
• Safety Features: Our adapter plug is engineered with built-in 8A auto resetting fuse safety feature which helps in surge protection, short circuit prevention, and overcurrent protection, to ensure the safety of your devices and peace of mind during charging. Built-in 8A auto resetting fuse make it more safer and convinient during travel aslo makes your devices safe and secure from catching fire.
• Multiple Plug Configurations: Equipped with multiple plug configurations, including US, EU, UK, AUS and Africa plugs, our adapter accommodates a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and more. Simply slide and lock the appropriate plug into place for seamless connectivity.
• Built-in Voltage Conversion: Designed with built-in voltage conversion capabilities, our adapter plug automatically adjusts to the voltage requirements of your devices, providing safe and reliable charging wherever you go. Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying multiple chargers or converters.
• Compact and Portable Design: Measuring just a few inches in size and weighing only a few ounces, our travel adapter plug is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for packing in your carry-on luggage, backpack, or travel pouch. Take it with you wherever you go and stay powered up on the road.
• LED Indicator Light: Featuring an LED indicator light, our adapter plug provides visual confirmation that your device is connected and charging properly, eliminating guesswork and ensuring a reliable charging experience.
• Stay connected and powered up on your travels with our Universal Travel Adapter Plug. With its global compatibility, compact design, and advanced features, it's the perfect travel companion for your next adventure abroad.

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