What Is A Travel Adapter?
Whether you travel for business or leisure, the chances are that you frequently carry your electrical gadgets with you, ranging from your Smartphone, camera, and laptop, to even hair dryers. No matter the type of electronic gadget that you travel with, one thing is for sure; you’ll need to recharge it sooner or later. Recharging these devices will require a power outlet.
But depending on the region that you’re traveling to, you may not always find electrical outlets that match the size, shape, and design of your chargers. And that’s when “low battery anxiety” sets in.
Thankfully, you can save yourself these agonies by investing in an efficient and reliable travel adapter that’s compatible with the different electrical outlets used all over the world. A travel adapter refers to a small device that allows you to charge your electrical devices in regions that use plugs that are different from those used in your own country.
Why Do You Need A Travel Adapter?
As we’ve already highlighted, the main reason you need a travel adapter is that various regions around the world use different power outlets. For instance, three-pin plugs with rectangular prongs are common in the UK, while two- or three-pin plugs with flat prongs are popular in the US.
If you’re traveling to the rest of Europe, you’ll need two-pin plugs with round prongs. Now, if you don’t purchase a high-quality travel adapter, you may be forced to buy a prong every time you’re traveling to a different location. And that’s an inconvenience no one wants to suffer.
Besides the difference in electrical outlets, you must also remember that different countries have different electrical voltages that run through their wires. For instance, in the US, electric current flows between 110 and120 volts. In most other countries, the voltage ranges from 220 – 240.
Some high-end travel adapters may also double up as converters, helping to convert electrical voltages into amounts that your devices can support. To invest in such adapters, you should first acquaint yourself with the voltage requirements of your electrical gadgets. There are three different types of voltage required by most electrical gadgets, namely Single, Dual, and Multi.
- Single-voltage devices handle only one type of voltage. These gadgets usually read one number, such as 120V.
- Dual-voltage devices are designed with a switch that’s intended to toggle between the two different voltages. Dual-voltage devices read two numbers, such as 110V/220V.
- Lastly, multi-voltage devices read 100 – 240V and mainly include AC transformers for tablets and laptops.
Understanding the voltage range that your device requires is crucial to choosing a suitable travel adapter.
Besides voltage conversion, other factors that you should consider include;
• Number of plug types supported;
• Number of power outlets the adapter has;
• Number and type of USB ports;
• Load rating;
• Surge protection;
• Safety certification;
• Size; and
• Warranty.
Remember that the fundamental role of a travel adapter is to help plug your electrical devices for charging. So, compatibility should be the key consideration when shopping for a travel adapter.
Best Travel Adapters
1. EPICKA All-in-1 Adapter
- Size: 2.8 x 2 x 2 inches
- Weight: 0.45 pounds
- Color Options: Black + White, Rose Gold, and Grey
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3TITzB1
Pros
• Incredibly versatile
• Good build quality
• Relatively affordable
• USB type-C
Cons
• Doesn’t convert voltage
Product Description
EPICKA All-in-1 Adapter is a universal travel adapter that’s compatible with plugs used in more than 150 countries, including the US, UK, AU, and EU plugs. The adapter comes with 4 USB ports, 1 USB type C, as well as 1 AC socket. That increases the number of devices that you can charge at the same time.
EPICKA All-in-1 Adapter works with all USB devices, from iPhone X/8/7/6 to Samsung S8/S7, HUAWEI Mate 10, digital cameras, etc. It also comes with overload protection features, including an 8a overload dual-fuse.
2. BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- Size: 6 x 3 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 1.19 pounds
- Color Options: Black and White
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3DBPpVX
Pros
• Comes with numerous ports
• Can convert voltage
• Compact design makes it easy to pack
Cons
• Relatively costly
• Can be somewhat noisy
Product Description
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter doubles up as a converter and converts voltage across many countries, such as US/Japan (110V, 60Hz) and Australia (100-240V, 50/60Hz). It comes with 4 USB charging ports and 3 AC sockets, allowing you to charge up to 7 devices simultaneously.
To prevent damage to the charging gadgets, the USB outputs are completely detached from the AC power. The travel adapter sports a compact design and comes with a 5-foot detachable power cable, making it easy to pack.
3. Bonaker Universal Travel Adapter
- Size: 2.6 x 2.4 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 0.26 pounds
- Color Options: Black and Purple
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3zmClBg
Pros
• Lightweight
• Comes with DOUBLE 6A fuse for surge protection
• 90-day full money-back guarantee and 18-month warranty
Cons
• No USB type C
• Doesn’t convert voltage
Product Description
Bonaker Universal Travel Adapter is similar to EPICKA in various aspects of its design and functionality. Like EPICKA, Bonaker comes with 4 types of plugs as well as 4 USB-A-ports. However, it doesn’t include a USB-C. Also, featuring an input range of 100-250Vac 50/60Hz and power rating of 660W Max.at 110Vac, 1440W Max.at 240Vac, Bonaker has a relatively lower charge speed compared to EPICKA.
But the adapter still scores fairly high in other fronts. For instance, it’s remarkably lightweight and can be used across more than 150 countries, including the US, UK, AU, Japan, China, as well as several African and European countries. It also works with all USB devices, from Smartphones and iPads to laptops, tablets, MAC, etc.
4. Ceptics International Travel Plug Adapter
- Size: 4.5 x 3 x 4 inches
- Weight: 0.25 pounds
- Color Options: Black and White
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3U2eTBq
Pros
• Wider compatibility
• Multiple USB options
• Relatively affordable
Cons
• Does not convert voltage
• AC currents very close together
Product Description
The small and simple design of Ceptics International Travel Plug Adapter makes it easy to pack and travel with. Ceptics is compatible with prongs used in more than 100 countries, including Australia, China, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and scores of other countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America.
Ceptics travel adapters are available in numerous USB port options, depending on the type of adapter that you buy. You can choose an all-in-one adapter that comes with 4 USBs or one that comes with 2 USBs and 1 Type C QC 3.0.
5. Bonazza All-in-One Adapter
- Size: 2.3 x 2.5 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 0.23 pounds
- Color Options: Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3W67yT9
Pros
• Works as a voltage converter
• Supports high-powered devices
Cons
• A bit costly
Product Description
Bonazza All-in-One Adapter is a power adapter that also converts voltage across more than 150 countries. One of the best things about Bonazza is that it enables you to plug in higher-powered devices, such as steam irons, electric kettles, and hairdryers, without risking a blown fuse. Besides, it supports dual-voltage (110-220V, 100-240V) devices, including iPad and iPhone chargers, laptops and MAC, etc.
As a converter, Bonazza can convert electricity from 220-240V to 110-120V, allowing you to use your electrical products safely. Other excellent features of this travel adapter include an LED power indicator, overload protection, and plug-lock system.
6. Nevanga International Travel Adapter
- Size: 2.5 x 1.5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 0.1 pounds
- Color Options: Black and White
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3DBx3V6
Pros
• Built-in fuse protection protects against power surges
• 24-months limited product warranty
Cons
• Is not a voltage converter
Product Description
Nevanga International Travel Adapter is an all-in-one detachable charger that includes 5 input plugs. It comes with 2 USB ports and a power rating of 6A 100-240 Vac. Like most travel adapters that we’ve reviewed here, Nevanga supports prongs used in more than 150 countries, such as the US, UK, AU, China, and EU countries.
It comes with numerous safety specs, including an in-built safety shutter that protects users from coming in direct contact with the live wires on a socket outlet. Needless to mention, you can use almost all USB gadgets with this adapter.
7. Unidapt All-in-one Universal Wall Charger Plug Adapter
- Size: 3.2 x 3 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
- Color Options: Blue and Rose Gold
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3SH5LRD
Pros
• Full-year warranty
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Supports high-powered electrical appliances
Cons
• A bit costly
• Doesn’t offer a grounded plug
Product Description
The one unmissable feature of the Unidapt All-in-one Adapter is its small and compact design. The adapter also comes with 5 USB ports, including a type C smart-charging port, allowing you to charge up to 6 devices simultaneously.
Unidapt has a voltage rating of 100-240V, 50/60Hz, Max 880W at 110V & 1840W at 230V. Its USB total output is 5V, 5600mA, with the Type C USB delivering an output of 5V, 3000Ma. You can use this adapter in more than 160 countries to power all kinds of electrical gadgets, from laptops and Smartphones to hairdryers and curling iron.
Wrap Up
The travel adapter market teems with thousands of products but if you don’t know where to look, you may easily get lost in the maze of recommendations. The products that we’ve reviewed here come with the top features that every travel adapter should have. Those include compact design, wider prong and device compatibility, fast charging, and, in a few cases, power conversion.
