We’re currently based in the USA, but our travels take us all over the world. One thing that always finds a space in our bag is a travel adapter of some kind for all our electrical devices!
These days, most of us travel with a range of electrical products, from smartphones and cameras to laptops and hair dryers. Unfortunately, there’s no one world standard when it comes to the shape and size of electrical outlets.
Travellers to the UK will need a three-pin plug with rectangular prongs, travellers to most of the rest of Europe require a two-pin plug with round prongs, and travellers to the USA will require a two or three pin plug with flat prongs!
Obviously, it’s not practical to get separate plugs for all your electrical items. Instead, you want a travel adapter that will let you plug your devices, whatever they may be, into the outlet.
In this post, we’re going to go through what we think are some of the best travel adapters on the market today, based on our travel experiences and use of various travel adapters. We’re also going to detail exactly what you need to look for in a travel adapter, so you can make a decision on the right travel adapter for you.
Table of Contents:
What is a travel adapter and Why do you need one?
A travel adapter is a small device that lets you use electrical devices which have one type of plug in a country which uses a different type of plug.
There is a huge variety in plug shapes and their accompanying sockets around the world. These plugs are categorized by Plug Type, with Plug Types ranging from Type A through to Type N. This means there are 14 different plug socket standards!
You can see all the plug types and which country has which plug type at this very useful website. Before you travel, we recommend that you use that website to check if the plug type at your destination matches the plug type of your devices. If it does not, you will need a travel adapter.
I’ll use an example. If you are from the USA, you will be used to using either two pin plugs with flat pins, or three pin plugs with two flat pins and a round pin. The two-pin plug is a Type A plug, which has a corresponding Type A wall socket. The three-pin plug is a Type B plug, which has a corresponding Type B wall socket. Here’s what those plugs look like.
If you were travelling to the UK from the USA, you would encounter wall sockets which expect a three pin plug with rectangular prongs. This is a Type G plug, and it looks as follows:
Obviously, you can’t plug your US plug into these sockets – they just won’t fit.
What you need so your plugs do fit is a travel adapter. These are simple to use. You just plug the plug from your device into the travel adapter, and then you plug the travel adapter with your plug attached into the wall socket.
Here’s a picture of both sides of a simple travel adapter that converts from Type A and Type B plugs (as found in the USA) into a Type G plug (as found in the UK). This particular adapter also accepts Type C and Type E plugs, which are common across the rest of Europe.
Once you have plugged your device into the adapter, you can plug the adapter into the UK outlet.
It is very important at this point to note that most travel adapters, including the one in the image above, only convert from one plug type to another plug type.
The majority of travel adapters do not convert voltage.
This is a key distinction and it is very important to remember, because not every country uses the same voltage standard. You can cause serious damage to your electronics by plugging them into a socket with a voltage they do not support, including overheating them and causing electrical fires.
Before you travel with your device, you need to check what voltage it supports. See the section on travel voltage below to see how to do this.
Note that there are adapters that also convert voltage, and this will be made very clear on the packaging and product description. We recommend some of these in this guide as well.
World Plug Types by Country
Here’s a quick overview of some popular destinations around the world and the plug types they use:
- USA, Canada, Mexico & Japan – Type A &B
- Majority of Europe (excl. UK) – Type C, E & F
- UK, Ireland, Middle Eastern countries and East African countries – Type G
- Italy – Type C and L
- Australia, New Zealand & China – Type I
- India, Pakistan & Bangladesh – Plug Type D
Of course, there are many more countries and plug types, but this covers a good many popular destinations.
What to look for in a travel adapter
Travel adapters come with a range of features and options. Some of these are more important than others, depending on your requirements, so we’re going to quickly cover what to look for in a travel adapter to help you decide between the various models we recommend.
Number of plug types it supports
One of the major considerations to think about when buying a travel adapter is to consider what type of plugs it supports. This includes what kind of plug you can plug into the adapter, and what kind of outlet you can plug the adapter into.
Not all travel adapters are created equally. Some just support a simple conversion from one plug type to another, like this, whilst others like this one let you convert between a range of plug types.
Make sure to look at the number of plug types the adapter supports before you buy it. First, you will want to be sure that you can plug your electronics into the adapter itself. Then, you will want to check that the adapter itself will plug into the wall outlets at the destination you are visiting.
However, as well as that one to one conversion, it might make more sense to buy a universal adapter that will cover other trips in the future.
Note also that whilst many adapters bill themselves as “universal”, this isn’t always the case. Some countries have rather unusual plugs, such as South Africa and Botswana, and these aren’t always included on universal adapters. So definitely check exactly which countries are covered when buying an adapter for your trip, to be sure it covers where you are visiting!
Again, you can check which countries use which plug types on this website.
How many power outlets it has
Many travel adapters offer a simple one to one conversion, letting you plug one device into the wall. See an example here.
However, many travellers these days are likely to want to travel with more than just one device.
We personally travel with a number of different devices such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras etc. The ability to charge a number of devices at once is a huge bonus for travelers like us who need to charge up multiple devices at the same time, so having a travel adapter with multiple power outlets is a definite bonus.
Of course, if the travel adapter you choose only has one outlet, this isn’t the end of the world. You could invest in a small power strip like this, which you could plug into the travel adapter, to allow you to connect multiple devices at once. This is often what we do when we travel.
Number of USB ports
More and more of our devices these days charge over USB, from smartphones through to some cameras – and even small laptops. In fact, USB ports are becoming more of a universal standard around the world, and we’ve noticed when we travel that many accommodation providers have USB power outlets in their properties, as well as standard power outlets.
Many travel adapters these days come with at least one USB port, and some come with more than one. We’d advise buying a travel adaptor with at least one USB port, and ideally two, as this will save you from also having to carry your phone charger with you. We’ve even invested in a USB powered charger for our camera batteries, to make our electronics kit simpler.
USB ports are not all the same however. The two things to look for are the amp rating of the USB port, and also what type it is.
The amp rating will dictate how quickly the adapter will be able to charge your device. Most smartphones have around a 3000 mAh (milli amp hour) battery.
A USB port rated for 1A (1 amp) will take three hours to charge a 3000 mAh battery (1000 milli amps x 3 hours = 3000 mAh). A 2 amp USB port will take half the time. So a higher amperage output is generally better, although your device has to support the higher amperage.
The other consideration is the type of USB port. Most USB cables have a USB Type-A connector on one end, and then a smaller port that plugs into your device on the other. So most travel adaptors have a USB Type A port, that will work with nearly all devices.
However, in 2014 a new type of USB connector was released, the USB Type C connector. This is much smaller, and is on many newer high end smartphones. So some travel adaptors may also have a USB Type C port. We would only recommend considering these if you have devices with a USB Type C port already.
Surge protection
Wherever you plug your devices in, there is always the possibility that the power may experience a power surge. Power surges can cause serious damage to electronics, and so having a travel adapter that offers some level of surge protection is a very good idea.
The effectiveness of these will vary by manufacturer, and you do need to be wary of cheaper devices that may state they have surge protection without any certification. Higher end travel adapters should provide better levels of protection. Sometimes surge protectors will include a guarantee for your equipment, although in our experience this is rare on travel adapters.
We would always recommend investing in a travel adapter that includes both surge protection and a ground plug where possible.
Safety Certification
As a travel adaptor is an electric device, there are a number of safety standards around the world that they should adhere to.
For example, products sold in Europe should come with the CE logo, which stands for Conformité Européene. This means the device conforms with health, safety and environmental protection standards in Europe.
You might also see the FCC logo, which indicates that the device does not generate unwanted amounts of electromagnetic interference.
There are other more specific standards. For example, in Britain, standard BS8546 is specifically designed as a safety standard for travel adaptors. This launched in 2016, and was specifically written by the UK’s Electrical Accessories technical committee to cover “the requirements for the construction, rating, marking, dimensions and testing of travel adaptors intended for the temporary connection of electrical equipment”.
A similar standard, launched in 2017, applies in Europe, IEC 60884-2-5.
Admittedly, not many devices are not compliant with these latter two standards yet, but as a minimum you should see CE or FCC logos on the device. Of course, you will have to do some research to be sure that this is a genuine logo, rather than something just added for show!
Warranty
Travel adapters often go through a lot of wear and tear when you are on the road, which will really put them to the test.
Most companies will offer a 1 – 2 year warranty, while others will go above and beyond with a lifetime guarantee. This could really come in handy for you if, for any reason, you have any issues during your travels.
Load rating
The load rating of a travel adapter is important because this will dictate what you can plug into it. Most devices are rated for more than enough output power to handle laptops, smartphones and other lower powered devices, but if you want to plug high power devices like electric kettles and hair dryers into them you will want to be sure that the adapter will support this.
The output rating will either be in amps or watts, and you just need to match it to the required power input of your device.
Hair dryers and kettles will usually require a load rating from 1000W to 2200W.
Size
When it comes to travel, size is always going to be a deciding factor, no matter what you are packing! The bigger the travel adapter is, the more space it will take up inside your luggage, so it’s important to consider how much of this valuable real estate you are willing to give up for your travel adapter.
We have purposefully chosen the most reliable and compact travel adapters on the market for this post, to ensure that they take up the minimum amount of space possible.
Voltage Conversion
The shape of the electrical outlet is not the only thing that varies from country to country. Some countries have entirely different electrical standards. In North America for example, power is output at 110-120 volts. In Europe and most of the rest of the world, power is output at 220-240 volts.
You can check which countries support which voltages on this website.
For some electronics, this is not a big issue as they are capable of handling the voltage conversion themselves. For example, most laptops, camera chargers and phone chargers in our experience are designed to work from 110 – 240V.
You can usually see this written on the plug or power brick, it will say the input voltage it is specified to work with. Here’s an example of our phone charger, where you can see it supports input voltages from 100V to 240V. The input voltage is the number you need to worry about, rather than the output voltage.
However, some devices do not support a range of voltages. These tend to be higher power devices like hair dryers, hair straighteners, electric kettles, kitchen appliances, etc. If you need to bring such a device, we would recommend purchasing a travel dual voltage version of it that will work both at home and while traveling.
For example, here is a list of dual voltage hair dyers and here is a list of dual voltage hair straighteners that should work in most countries.
However, if you need to bring a device from home while traveling, you can look for a travel adapter that also handles voltage conversion.
In most cases, travel adapters do NOT convert voltage. Voltage conversion requires additional circuitry, and usually it makes the adapter larger, heavier, and more expensive.
However, if you have devices that require conversion, and if you have a little bit more budget and plan on traveling quite often, we definitely recommend looking at the options listed below that include voltage conversion.
You might also consider just getting a dedicated voltage convertor such as one of these, but these tend to be fairly bulky and relatively expensive, and in most cases a travel version of your device will be a better option.
The Best Travel Adapters
Here is our guide to what we think are the best travel adapters on the market today. These have slightly different features and price points, so you might find one of them is particularly suited to your needs; however, they are all solid options.
JOOMFEEN worldwide
This simple and affordable travel adapter from JOOMFEEN is a great option if you just want something compact that offers all the features you need.
It covers more than 150 Countries with input and output support for Plug Types A, B, C, E, I and G, which includes US/EU/UK/AU plugs.
It doesn’t support very high-powered appliances and has a maximum 6A output. That translates to 660W at 110V and 1380W at 230V. This should support most devices with the exception of things like kettles, which to be honest we don’t travel with.
As well as the AC output, it has two USB ports which can output up to 2.1A for charging smartphones and so on. Like the other devices on the list, you can use the AC power socket and USB ports simultaneously, so it can charge up to 3 devices at once.
It also includes surge protection and safety shutters for added protection, as well as an LED Power Indicator and an 12-Month Warranty. It has CE certification.
Key features: 1x AC output, 2x USB output, surge protection.
Price: Check price here
EPICKA All in One Worldwide International Wall Charger
This all-in-one multi-function travel adapter covers more than 150 countries. It includes input and output support for Plug Types A, B, C, E, F, G, J, L and I, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around different adapter options when you are traveling to many parts of the world.
Exceptions in socket and plug support are plug types D, M and H, which includes South Africa, parts of India and Israel, amongst others.
This is the perfect adapter for anyone who needs to charge their devices fast, especially if you need a lot of USB ports. It features 4 USB Ports (up to 2.4A output), 1 USB type C (up to 3A output) and 1 AC Socket to charge 6 devices simultaneously.
The maximum power output is 880W at 110V AC and 1840W at 230V AC, which we think should be more than enough to keep you charged up on the go with multiple devices.
This travel adapter is fully compatible with all USB devices such as iPhones, Samsung smartphones, tablets, digital cameras and so on. With a 30 day money-back guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty, we think the Epicka travel adapter is a reliable option for your next trip.
Safety features include an 8A overload dual fuse, surge protection, safety shutters and plug lock system. It is also CE and FCC Certified.
Note that this is not a voltage converter, so whilst it will work with either 110v or 240v electrical outlets, it will not convert between voltages.
Key features: 4xUSB, 1x USB Type C, 1 AC socket, 150 countries, overload fuse, surge protection
Price: Check price here
Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set
This handy set of 5 adapter plugs is an affordable option for travellers from countries that use the Type A, B and C plugs. This covers a lot of countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico and majority of Europe.
The five plugs are designed to adapt to most outlets found worldwide, and includes Plug Types A, C, F, G and I. This covers most of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Africa.
Each adapter is marked with the country or region for your convenience and it also comes with a nylon zipper pouch for carrying. The advantage of a set like this is you can pick and choose which adapters to take on a trip, depending on your destination.
The Ceptics travel adapter is CE Certified, but be aware that these adapters do not change the voltage, so you will need to check the voltage standard of your travel destination and use a separate voltage converter with the adapter if needed for your devices. They also do not offer surge protection or any kind of fuse for overload protection.
Although this 5 piece set doesn’t include USB ports for mobile charging, it is a great solution for those who want to travel without the bulk of carrying a larger and heavier all-in-one adapter. It also has a limited lifetime warranty.
Key features: Individual adapters include plugs for most countries.
Price: Check price here
Ceptics GP4-10L 2 USB S. Africa Travel Adapter 4 in 1 Power Plug (Type M)
If you are traveling to countries with Plug Type M, such as South Africa or Botswana, this is the perfect travel adapter to use, as most international options don’t include the correct plug for these countries.
The device has two universal inputs which accept plugs from most countries, one of which is grounded. It also includes dual USB ports which output up to 2.1A, which is ideal for charging the majority of smartphones and tablets at high speed. Between the USB ports and the universal outlets you could have up to four devices plugged in simultaneously.
The relatively compact size (3 x 2 x 2″) is fantastic for squeezing into your luggage or throwing in your handbag while you’re abroad. This adapter has a maximum load rating of 13A at 250V, or around 3000W.
As with many of the other device on our list, this is not a voltage converter. Whilst it will work with either 110v or 240v outlets, it will not convert between the two.
It has CE and FCC certification, and a limited lifetime warranty. However it does not offer surge protection. Note that there are other versions of this adapter – if you are travelling from the USA for example, you might prefer this one which is smaller as it only accepts US style plugs.
Key features: 2x USB 2.1A, 1 grounded outlet, 1 ungrounded outlet, compatibility with South Africa / Botswana
Price: Check price here
BESTEK 200W TRAVEL ADAPTOR / Converter
Unlike the majority of the other options on this list, this Bestek travel adapter is also a voltage converter, with the ability to convert from 220-240V to 110-120V. This means that if your device doesn’t support another voltage such as 220-240V (as found in Europe and most of the rest of the world), you can plug it in to this converter and it will work.
You can plug this adaptor into Type B, C, G, and I outlets, which covers most of Europe, Australia, and the USA/Canada, so you can even use it at home as a charger between travels.
The Bestek device has 2 Plug Type B/C (compatible with plugs from the US, Canada etc…) three-pin grounded AC outlets and 4 USB outlets, meaning it can charge up to 6 devices simultaneously (with a total maximum output of 200W). Three of the USB outlets are rated for 2.4A, whilst the fourth supports the QC3.0 quick charge standard, which will charge supported devices at up to 18W.
The converter provides a sine wave output which is suitable for items such as travel CPAP devices, curling irons, hair straighteners and electric toothbrushes.
It is important to be aware that the maximum rating of this device is only 200 watts, so higher power devices like hair dryers and electric kettles will not work. If you have a requirement for a higher power device, we have another option further down the list for you, or you might want to consider this higher rated option which is a similar design.
The converter / adapter is NRTL safety tested, and offers over-heat protection, over-load protection, over-current protection, under voltage and over voltage protection, as well as short-circuit protection. There’s also a 24-month warranty.
The device is a little larger than the other devices in our list at 6.7 x 3.15 x 1.5 inches. However it does feature voltage conversion, which accounts for the larger size. If this is something you need, then this is still a relatively compact travel adapter which should include everything you need for your next trip.
The detachable power cable makes this power converter easy to pack and take anywhere you go, whether you’re traveling to Europe, USA, United Kingdom, Australia, China, or any of the 150 covered countries around the world.
Key features: Voltage conversion (up to 200W), variety of safety features, 4x USB, 2x AC
Price: Check price here
UNIDAPT All in One Universal Wall Charger Plug Adapter
This Unidapt device is very similar to the Epicka device that is also on our list, so if one of these looks good to you we’d suggest picking the lower priced one, or the one that you prefer the look of, as the functionality and capability is pretty much identical.
It features 5 USB ports – four standard USB ports which output at up to 2.4A (maximum of 5.6A across all four), and a USB-C port with 3A output. It has one standard AC adaptor with support for Plug Types A, B, C, E, F, G, J, L and I, and has socket support for the same outlets. This means it can be used in most plug sockets across the USA, UK, Europe and Australia
The AC outlet supports up to 880W at 110V and 1840W at 230V, meaning you can plug most devices into it including hair dryers and kettles. It also includes an intelligent safety system with effective protection of overcharging and short circuits, as well as surge protection.
There’s an 8A fuse, as well as a replacement fuse built-in to the device so you can switch fuses if you happen to overload the device. It’s has FCC, CE certification. It does not however offer a grounded plug.
Once again, please note this is only a travel adapter, it does not convert power voltage.
Lastly, they do offer a full 30 day money-back guarantee and a full 1 year warranty if you have any issues with the product.
Key features: 4x standard USB, 1x USB-C, 1x AC adaptor. Surge protection.
Price: Check price here
SKROSS PRO World & USB Travel Adapter
If your travels include Switzerland, then you might want to consider the Skross Pro World and USB adaptor. Switzerland uses both Type C plugs (common across Europe) and Type J plugs (only found in five countries, including Switzerland, the Maldives and Madagascar).
Of course, it’s not just for travel in Switzerland. It can be used with sockets B, E, F, G, I, J, L and N (cover around 205 countries), and supports plugs types A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, L and N (includes the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. This particular adapter is suitable for both grounded and ungrounded appliances.
The Skross adapters, which are designed in Switzerland, are well reviewed for their long lasting durability and high quality, and they have a range of adapters depending on your needs.
The device is fused with a 6.3A fuse, which means that if there is a surge or you overload it, the fuse will blow. However, this is not quite the same as a surge protector, as you have to replace the fuse if it overloads. The device supports up to 6.3A output at 250V, equivalent to 1575 watts.
There is also a single USB output which offers a 2.4A output.
With 21 years experience and expertise in the travel industry, SKROSS have built this trustworthy adapter to pack a lot into as little space as possible, so it won’t take up your valuable luggage space. It also has TUV certification.
Please note this product does not convert voltage, so you will need to pack a separate converter if your devices require this.
Key features: Support for 205 countries including Switzerland. Fused. 1x AC output, 1x USB output.
Price: Check price here
Flight 001 4-in-1 adapter
This colourful 4-in-1 adapter covers input and output for 150 different countries around the world. Specifically, it includes support for input and output of Plug Types A, B, C, F, G and I.
The adaptor has a simple to follow color coded system, which makes it easy to pick and choose the adapters for the countries you are visiting, simply follow the infographic map on the product’s packaging that shows which countries use which colour.
This product is sturdy, reliable and easy to take apart. This is a big advantage for anyone who wants to travel light, as with many other adapters, you don’t have the option to break them up. If there is no need to travel with all of the worlds adapters at your fingertips, just take the parts that you need and leave the rest behind.
Similarly to many of the other adapted on this list, the Flight 4-in-1 adapter does not convert power, so you will need to ensure that your electronics are rated 100-125 or 220-250 volts, for your safety.
It also doesn’t include any kind of surge protection or fuse, and there’s no USB output. However, we’ve found that sometimes the simplest devices are the most reliable, and for that reason we’ve included this one in our round up.
Key features: Simple colour coded design
Price: Check price here
TryAce 2000W Voltage Converter
Traveling with hair stylers from the USA can be a pain as most travel adapters don’t convert voltage, and even if they do, the output is too low wattage for the high power that these devices use.
This is where the TryAce adapter comes to the rescue, with a voltage converter (220V to 110V) that supports watts between 25W and 2000W, and support for 190 countries.
Specifically, it includes support for plug types A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M and N.
The converter is suitable for almost all brands of hair dryer, hair straighteners, and hair curlers, as long as they are up to 2000W in power. It can also be used for equipment such as electric kettles, but it has a minimum output wattage of 25W when converting voltage, so it is not suitable for low powered items.
It also has a standard output that does not convert the voltage which you can use to plug in lower powered devices that don’t require voltage conversion, with up to 10A of output. This will let you plug in in devices such as mobile phones, camera batteries and Apple devices. It also has dual USB ports with a total of 2.4A output.
Note that this device is designed for travellers with plugs of Type A and Type B devices only, as the plug output is the US style pin, and the voltage conversion is only from 220V to 110V, not the other way around.
From a safety perspective, it includes a 10A fuse for surge protection, as well as over-current, over-load, high temperature and short circuit protection. It has FCC, CE, and ETL certification. The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 24 month warranty as well as a 60 days refund if you aren’t happy.
Key features: Voltage conversion (220V – 110V) up to 2000W, normal AC output up to 10A, 2x USB output, 190 country support
Price: Check price here
Super basic grounded option
Sometimes the simple option is the best (or at least, the most affordable!), and we tend to have a few of these simple travel adapters to hand for when we just want to plug a single device into the wall.
The linked pack is for travellers who are heading to a country with a Type G socket, such as the UK, and supports inputs from the majority of countries around the world (except Type M – South Africa).
The three pin Type G plug is also found in many other international destinations, including the Middle East, Africa, Hong Kong, Ireland, UAE, Dubai and Malaysia.
Similar options are available for travel to other destinations, such as this EU to USA option, and this USA to EU adapter.
These basic adapters are ideal for use with laptops, mobile phones, etc, but unlike some of the options we have mentioned above, they don’t include USB ports, which means that you will only be able to charge one device at a time.
However, they are incredibly lightweight and ultra-compact at just 3 x 1 x 1 inches and less than 2 ounces, making them the perfect travel companions for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of tech to charge.
This travel power adapter set does not convert voltage, so you will need to bring a separate converter if your devices require this. If for any reason you have any issues with this adapter during your travels, they come with a lifetime guarantee and a no questions asked refund policy.
Key features: Simple, compact single function adapter
Price: Check price here
MyTravelPal Pro
This is the travel adaptor that we use! If you’re travelling to the EU, USA, Australia or the UK we think this is one of the best options out there, for a number of reasons. We also have an exclusive discount code if you buy direct.
The MyTravelPal Pro is billed as the world’s safest travel adaptor, and as well as meeting CE and FCC compliance, this is one of the only adaptors on our list that meets BS:85426 and IEC 60884-2-5 standards. It even has ground pin protection on the sockets, something you don’t always find.
Of course, safety is a priority, but if the adaptor wasn’t feature filled it wouldn’t be worth recommending either. Thankfully, the MyTravelPal meets the requirements in that regard too. It features 3 USB charging ports with a maximum 2.4A output, as well support for Plug Types A, B, D, E, F, G, I, K and O which includes the US, Europe, Australia, China, Japan and Mexico. Overall, it will work in over 150 countries worldwide.
The main AC outlet supports up to a 10A output, meaning you can use this with even high-powered devices like hair dryers and straighteners without worry. The built-in fuse is resettable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it if there is a surge.
This is the travel adaptor we currently travel with, and we love it. We also like that it comes in a neat little carry case, which is a nice touch. The company is based in the UK, but shipping is available to the rest of Europe and the USA if you order direct.
Key features: Safety focused travel adaptor with 3x USB output, 1x 10A AC output, resettable fuse, surge protection
Price: You can save 5% if you buy direct using code FINDINGTHEUNIVERSE here. Also on Amazon UK here
OneAdaptr OneWorld65
If you travel with a lot of smart devices and want the latest technology in your travel adapter, then the OneAdaptr OneWorld65 would be our recommended option.
Whilst this is a more pricey option than others on our list, we feel that the features make up for it.
First, this is the only travel adapter in our roundup which has a 65W USB PD charging port, which supports directly plugging in a MacBook or USB-C powered notebook up to 65W. So you can leave your powerbrick at home. It also supports fast charging an iPhone or other USB PD devices.
As well as the 65W USB-PD port, it also has a 20W USB-PD port, a standard USB-C port and two USB-A ports. The USB ports support up to 3A output. There’s also a standard AC output with up to 7A output.
You can actually plug in up to 6 devices at once to this adaptor, 5 via USB and one by AC. Just make sure you don’t exceed the total 10A output.
It’s also using GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which offers more efficient power routing and minimises energy loss to heat, making it a safer and more efficient option. Speaking of safety, it’s also one of the few devices on our list which meets the BS8546 standards. It has a built-in fuse and comes with a spare fuse built-in, which is a nice touch.
Of course, safety and outputs are great, but they would be no good if this device wasn’t compatible with multiple countries. Thankfully, it is, with support for over 200 countries around the world.
If you are looking for a high-end travel adaptor which can also replace your MacBook power brick for USB-PD charging, this is an excellent option.
Key features: Safety focused travel adaptor with 5x USB output (3 USB-C, 2 USB-A), 1x 7A AC output, surge protection, backup fuse.
Price: Check price here
And that’s it for our guide to the best travel adapters, which we think should give you plenty of options for your trip. Do you have a favourite travel adapter that always goes with you somewhere? Have any questions about buying a travel adapter? Let us know in the comments below!
Ian says
I am from Dublin in Ireland and travelling to Dubai, Zimbabwe, South Africa & Egypt later this year (if pandemic subsides) on a long series of business trips. Which travel adapter would you recommend for me – is there one that will work in all 4 countries? Need something durable and reliable. do I need more than one for each device or can I join them with some sort of travel power strip? sorry for all the questions, have not travelled outside UK/Europe before and although your tips are good, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Ian,
It is certainly understandable to be feeling overwhelmed – there are a lot of options out there! You also have picked some interesting countries to travel to in terms of plug types 🙂 Let’s go through them.
Coming from Ireland, you’ll be used to the three pin plug known as Type G.
The countries you are visiting use the following plug types:
UAE: Type D and Type G
Zimbabwe: Type D and Type G
South Africa: Type C, Type M and Type N
Egypt: Type C and Type F
The good news is that all the countries use the same voltage you are used to, so you don’t need to worry about voltage conversion.
The bad news is that this is quite a range of plug types! You will notice that all of them also have multiple plug types, just to confuse matters. In my experience, this usually means that a location might have both types of plug available, but this isn’t always the case. It also means that in Dubai and Zimbabwe, your Irish Type G three pin plugs will work.
For your trip, you need a solution that provides an input for your 3 pin Type G plug, and supports Type C, D, F, M, N. Unfortunately, I do not know of an all in one adaptor which covers all of those, so you are going to have to get a couple of products. South Africa in particular is a challenge, as the majority of “all-in-one” travel adaptors unfortunately do not include Type M and Type N.
I would therefore suggest the following:
This Type M adaptor for South Africa. South Africa are moving to the Type N system, which is compatible with the European style two pin plugs, but this is new as of 2018 so is not necessarily widespread. The Type M plugs should be available across the country
I would then say any of the more general travel adaptors in the list should cover you for Egypt, which basically uses the EU style adaptor. The MyTravelPal is a personal favourite because it is very safe, and has 4 high powered USB ports. It supports plug Types A/B, E/F, G and I.
Between these two adaptors you will have support for everything except plug type D. Type C, as used in SA and Egypt, are compatible with the EU plugs. In my experience though, in most situations (especially business hotels), you should have access to both plug types if a country has more than one.
I appreciate this was a lengthy reply and I hope it has helped rather than hindered.
For your second part of the question, the adaptor will only let you plug in one device at a time. In the case of the Travelpal, you can plug in one device and up to 4 USB devices at the same time.
So my advice is to get a simple extension cord with multiple outlets. This is what we do – we travel with one adaptor and then a basic multi-socket extension. I’d advise getting one with surge protection.
I hope this all helps. Please let me know if I can offer any further assistance, and have a great series of trips!
Laurence