Whether you need your laptop for work, your camera to snap timeless memories, or your smartphone for navigation and other apps, a travel adapter is an essential accessory that is easy to forget. Here are the best travel adapters available for purchase today.

Best Travel Adapter Overall: Bestek International Power Adapter and Voltage Converter

The Bestek International Power Adapter is an excellent choice for travelers because it provides 220 to 110V step-down conversion for all nations to North American voltage. With its five included international adapters (types G, D, M, AU, and US), it also allows users from the US and Canada to power and charge their gadgets in over 160 countries worldwide.

The adapter's three AC outlets and four USB ports enable the simultaneous powering of up to seven devices. While the wattage limit is 250W, the adapter complies with international safety standards and is TUV SUD listed and NRTL safety tested. It has integrated over-current, over-temperature, overload, and short-circuit protection to safeguard your devices and is constructed from fire-retardant materials.

Most Affordable Travel Adapter: OREI Full European Travel Adapter Set

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and your devices are dual-voltage, the OREI Full European Travel Adapter Set is perfect for keeping charged on European escapades. This set includes three plug adapters covering the continent, including the UK and Ireland. There are also options in this range for various other destinations.

With ultra-compact dimensions, you’ll barely notice them in your luggage. They are also ultra-lightweight and come in three different colors for easy identification. The adapters have dual inputs; one input on the back accepts standard North American 2/3-prong flat-pin plugs (including polarized), while they also have dedicated slots on the bottom for American 2-prong plugs. With a maximum load rating of 10A/250V, they also provide ample power for your devices.

Best Travel Adapter with Voltage Converter: FOVAL Power Voltage Converter and Adapter

The FOVAL Power Voltage Converter and Adapter features a 100-240V, 50/60Hz step-down converter that allows North Americans to use their electronics in over 160 countries without any worries. With an EU power cable and four international adapters, it's perfect for travel to Europe, Australia, Asia, and many African countries.

With two AC outlets for American plugs and four USB ports, this adapter enables the simultaneous powering of multiple devices. Safety is also a top priority. The adapter has various protective features, including safeguards against overheating and short-circuiting, an auto-shutdown mechanism for surge protection, and a fan that activates once the adapter reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most User-Friendly Travel Adapter: Conair Universal Travel Adapter

The Conair Universal Travel Adapter is a compact and affordable all-in-one travel plug that offers a comprehensive range of plug types from around the world. It covers the 3-pronged pins found in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Africa, as well as the flat blades used in North and South America.

Additionally, it accommodates the angled blades commonly used in China, Australia, and New Zealand, along with the round prongs found in Continental Europe, the Middle East, and other Asian destinations. With such versatility, it ensures seamless connectivity wherever your travels take you.

It also features a USB-A charging port, allowing you to conveniently power small devices during your vacation. Plus, it incorporates integrated surge protection and an EMI/RFI power line filter, effectively shielding your gadgets from potential damage caused by power fluctuations.

Most Versatile Travel Adapter: Key Power Voltage Converter & International Travel Adapter

This versatile adapter offers step-down conversion, allowing you to conveniently use your American devices in countless countries across the globe. Its EU power cord and four different adapters cover a wide range of countries, making it suitable for various travel destinations.

What sets the Key Power Voltage Converter & International Travel Adapter apart is its enhanced compatibility with modern smart devices. It features a Power Delivery USB-C and three USB-A ports. Whether you need to charge your smartphone, tablet, or other USB-powered gadgets, this adapter provides.

It also incorporates several protective features, like over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit, and overload protection. These ensure the safe charging of your devices and provide peace of mind during your travels. Additionally, the USB outputs are completely isolated from the AC power, offering an added layer of safety.

FAQ

Q: What is a universal travel adapter?

A universal travel adapter is a device that lets you plug in your devices into a wall outlet wherever you are in the world. You will likely need one when traveling abroad because wall outlets across the globe come in different shapes and sizes. You simply plug your device into the adapter and then the adapter into the local wall outlet.

Q: When do I need a travel adapter?

You will likely need a travel adapter when traveling abroad. For North Americans, you won’t need one when visiting each other (USA, Canada, and Mexico) or any Central American country, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.

Some South American countries, including Colombia and Venezuela, also use the same plug type as North America. And, if you are traveling to the Caribbean, most major islands there also have the same outlet, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

However, a trip to any other continent will require a travel adapter, and depending on your device, you may need one with a voltage conversion feature as well.

Q: What is the difference between a travel adapter and a converter?

Adapters and converters are often thought to be the same. However, they are different tools, and they do different jobs.

A travel adapter is something you plug your device into to physically change the shape of your device’s plug. This enables you to fit the device into wall outlets worldwide.

However, a travel adapter does not change the voltage. While most modern devices are now multi-voltage, if you have an older device, you’ll need a converter to match it to the voltage of the country you are traveling. There are step-up and step-down converters to increase or decrease the voltage, or you can choose an automatic converter to detect and adjust the voltage as necessary.

Q: What adapters do I need for European travel?

When visiting most European countries, you’ll need a type-C adapter. This adapter has two round prongs, and you can use them in the majority of European countries. However, if you plan on visiting the UK or Ireland, you’ll need the type-G adapter with its three rectangular prongs. You’ll need this same adapter for Malta and Cyprus as well.

Q: Do I need a voltage converter for charging my devices abroad?

This depends on whether you have single- or dual-voltage devices. Most modern devices are dual-voltage and won’t require a voltage converter.

However, if you have an older single-voltage device, it may not match the voltage in your destination country. In that case, you will need a voltage converter to charge your devices while abroad.

You can quickly check if your device is single- or dual-voltage by looking for the input voltage rating on the power adapter. A single-voltage North American device will read "Input 110V." A dual-voltage device will read "Input 100-240V." You may even find your device advertising itself as dual voltage, either on the device or its packaging.