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The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

Essential packing for any international traveler

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

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.

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

Related Articles

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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

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

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 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

We’ve put together a selection of fun, useful and clever gifts for that person who always has a trip planned.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

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.

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

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The Best Travel Adapters

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 July 2024: We added a new honorable mentions section with entries from Ceptics, Masterplug, and Anker, added photos, and updated prices.

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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 and 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. 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.

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 ($35) , 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 fulfillment 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 fulfillment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wired Charging

Most of us only take small gadgets when we travel, so a compact, multi-port wall charger, like this one from Satechi, could be the best way to pack light. It plugs directly into the wall and comes with four interchangeable travel adapters, covering the EU, UK, and Australia, with a mesh bag to store them in. There are four USB-C ports that you can plug your gadgets into, including laptops like the MacBook Pro, tablets, phones, and wearables. With support for Power Delivery 3.1, the first two ports can supply up to 140 watts, and the bottom two ports can supply up to 45 watts, but the total maximum output if you use all four ports simultaneously is 145 watts.

We took this on a recent trip for a wedding, and it kept all of our gadgets topped off. The adapters are very easy to slide on with a quick-release switch, and it was a real space saver. The only downside is that the bulk and weight may prove awkward at some outlets.

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 ($13) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($30) .

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 and Qi2 Devices

Incredibly compact when folded flat, Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 can charge up your iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts, has a second pad for AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and sports a fold-out Apple Watch charger. You get a USB-C cable (around 5 feet) and a wall adapter with it, but pair it with something like the Zendure or Satechi above that can provide at least 40 watts, and you can leave the wall adapter at home. Only MagSafe iPhones and Qi2-certified Android phones have the magnets needed to use this as a stand, but I had no trouble charging an older Android phone by folding it flat (Qi2 is backward compatible). We recommend this Anker charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

Honorable Mentions

There are many travel adapters out there. These are a few others we tested and liked but that missed out on a place above for one reason or another.

Ceptics 65W World Travel Adapter for $55 : This versatile adapter comes with Type A, B, C, E/F, G, and I slide-on plugs. They fit onto the rectangular brick and plug directly into the outlet, or you can attach them to the optional 5-foot cable. The brick has one grounded US outlet and a second non-grounded outlet, with one USB-A (30-watt) and two USB-C (65 and 33-watt) ports at the other end.

Masterplug Visitor to UK Travel Adaptor (3 Pack) for £12 : For visitors to the UK, this simple trio of adapters accepts European, American, Australian, and Asian plugs. They are single outlet adapters with 13-amp fuses inside, and they work perfectly. These are the adapters I use for long-term testing of devices from the US and elsewhere that lack UK plugs. If you forgot to buy an adapter before you arrived in the UK, you can find this affordable three-pack at any Argos.

Anker European Travel Plug Adapter for $16 : One of our favorite portable charger brands, Anker also makes travel adapters. This one plugs into most European outlets to give you a single grounded US outlet, a USB-A, and two USB-C ports. Unfortunately, the three USB ports max out at 15 watts total, so it’s best for overnight gadget charging, but I appreciate the temperature and overload protection. There is also a UK version ($16) .

Ceptics Travel Power Strip for $35 : Much like the World Travel Adapter Kit 2 above, this wee power strip offers two grounded US outlets, but it has only one USB-A and one USB-C port, and instead of plugging directly into the wall a cable attaches to an interchangeable plug head with Type A, B, C, E/F, G, and I adapters. The adapters can be stiff to change, but it works well otherwise.

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.

If you are absolutely determined to try a voltage converter (again, we recommend you don’t), the Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter ($70) seems to work well. It has a special 2,000-watt outlet for hair dryers, but only ones that work via a mechanical switch (anything with an electronic circuit board for automatic switch-off or temperature control won’t work and is at risk of being fried if plugged in). It also has two outlets that go up to 200 watts, one USB-C port, and three USB-A ports, though the ports do not support fast charging.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Here are a few additional tips and answers to help ensure your trip goes as planned.

Test everything before you go : Seriously, nothing is worse than thinking you’re being very clever by packing light and getting to your hotel to discover that your gadgets refuse to charge. Between the adapter, cable, and your device, plenty can go wrong, so do a quick test with everything you are taking before you set off.

Can travel adaptors go in a suitcase? Yes, you can pack travel adapters in your suitcase. But it may be wise to take a travel adapter in your hand luggage for easy access should you need to charge up a device when you arrive at your destination. Devices like power banks with lithium batteries inside must go in hand luggage, not checked bags.

Can I buy travel adapters at the airport? Yes, you almost certainly can, but like everything else at the airport, they will be far more expensive than they should be, and your choice will be limited.

Do hotels have travel adapters? Sometimes hotels have travel adapters, and some hotels even have outlets for other countries, but most do not, so don’t bank on it. You could always check with your hotel or accommodation before you depart, but it’s safer to snag a travel adapter to take with you.

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• Travel Products
• Tech Essentials

The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters, 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.

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

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

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.

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.

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 travel steamer (or other device) while abroad and spend the rest of the trip sporting wrinkles. 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 International Adventures

Don’t leave home without packing one of these.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

One of the most exciting times before a big vacation, especially one that you've been planning for months (or years), is finally having your bag packed and ready to head to the airport. You've arranged your international data plan on your phone, your laptop is charged, and you've even bought an extra memory card for gorgeous vacation photos.

But all of that is only useful if you remember one necessary, if not-so-glamorous, piece of travel equipment: a travel adapter.

A travel adapter is a small device that allows you to plug your electronic devices into outlets in different countries. Electrical outlets and sockets vary from country to country; in fact, there are 15 different types of power sockets requiring a variety of plugs. That includes sockets that fit two rounded plugs, as you'll find in much of Europe, to the slanted, three-prong sockets you'll find in Australia. The concept is simple: plug the travel adapter directly into the wall socket, then plug your device or USB cord into the front.

Travel adapters may not be the most stylish travel accessory, but they're certainly one of the most essential. Here are the best travel adapters to buy before your next international getaway.

Best Travel Adapters

Best Overall

Epicka universal power adapter.

Best Budget

Vintar european travel adapter.

Best for Families

Tessan u.s. to europe power adapter set.

The Expert: As a travel writer in my mid-30s, I've been traveling for a while. My first international trips were with my parents as a child, when my biggest concern was making sure my reusable battery charger would work to power up my Gameboy while visiting Europe. In college, I studied abroad in the mid-2000s, when some devices worked internationally, but others would all but blow up if you plugged them in without a voltage converter. And in my years as a travel writer, I've been to around 40 countries, including some less-touristy destinations like Lesotho.

So, my experiences have run the gamut, from carrying a chunky converter only to realize it didn't work in my hotel room's sockets to successfully packing just one converter that did it all. I've used adapters specific to one socket type, supposed global adapters that actually weren't, and overpaid by nearly double for an adapter in an airport when I realized I left my sole adapter in my checked luggage. I've become an expert on using travel adapters, whether I like it or not.

What to Look for in a Travel Adapter

Travel adapters used to be big, bulky chunks of plastic with just one plug. That's changed, although you'll still find some older, oversized designs on the market. But most modern adapters are small enough to hold in your palm (a tad smaller than a Rubik's Cube , if you will) and weigh no more than a pair of socks .

The best travel adapters are retractable, meaning the prongs that go into the wall retract into the body of the adapter when not in use. This makes planning and packing easier and reduces the risk of breaking or bending a prong while in transit, which will likely render your adapter useless (and necessitate buying one from an overpriced airport tech store).

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Types of Ports

You may think you need to carry three or four travel adapters—one for your laptop, one for your phone, one to charge your camera battery, and so on. However, you can usually get away with a one-plug adapter if it has additional ports, such as USB or USB-C ports. My current adapter (which, full disclosure, also happens to be my top pick) has one plug I use for my laptop, plus four USB ports and a USB-C port. My laptop cube doesn't block any USB ports, so I can charge all my devices simultaneously with just one adapter.

All-in-One Versus Customizable

I like universal adapters, with various buttons and switches for configuring the prongs to fit any socket worldwide. They're ideal when a hotel has different sockets from what you'd find in the rest of the country; something common in hotels that cater to European or western travelers. However, they can sometimes be a little bigger and bulkier as they have to include more prongs and pieces, and you may have to toss it if one prong breaks.

The second option is to buy either a power adapter specific to just one country (ex: it only coverts type A plugs to a type C plug) or one with a base and various attachments. With the latter, you'll always need to carry the base, but you'll only need to bring the adapter tip you'll need for that specific country. Repeat as needed for future trips.

I don't recommend those for disorganized or forgetful travelers, as it's easy to lose the various attachments.

How We Selected These Travel Adapters

Aside from the testing I’ve done over the last decade and change of travel, I took into account recommendations from different types of travelers: from my fellow travel writers, who may visit a different country every month, to my parents, who start packing weeks in advance for their once-every-few-years Europe trip.

I also looked at online reviews—not just the number of reviews but the quality, paying special attention to any ongoing negative themes. I also considered the number of ports and plugs vis-a-vis the size and weight.

You’ll find the EPICKA Universal Power Adapter on more than a few lists of the best travel power adapters, but that’s not because of savvy marketing—it’s genuinely a great buy. I’ve used quite a few travel adapters over the years and this is by far my favorite.

It charges six devices at once, but since four of the plugs are USB chargers, it’s still very small. In fact, it’s probably the smallest travel adapter I’ve ever used, which makes it easy to fit in my carry-on luggage for use in international airports.

It converts any plug type to any plug type (so it works with non-type A or B plugs), and the carrying case helps get crumbs and dust from your bag out of the various USB and USB-C ports (the latter of which is a high-speed charging port.

This is the perfect adapter for multi-country travel or for hotels that may have European sockets in a non-European country. I’ve yet to find any downsides, though there’s one obvious one: the weight of everything plugged in at once. If you have short USB cords and your devices are hanging off the adapter, it could cause it to fall out of the wall socket, especially if you have six plugged in at once.

You can find travel power adapters cheaper than the VINTAR Travel Adapter, but they’re generally only going to have one socket and no additional ports, which means carrying a separate travel adapter for every device you need to charge.

Buying all those will get expensive, so it’s best to spend a few extra bucks to get a budget travel adapter with a few extra ports, like this adapter from VINTAR. It’s still only going to set you back around $13.

The downside is that this is a Europe-only adapter, meaning it only converts type A or B plugs for use in a type C socket. But if you’re traveling to a country with type C sockets, it’s a great second travel adapter to have in your bag in case your primary one breaks (or gets left in a hotel room).

If you’re planning a family vacation to a country where you know for sure you’ll need either a type C (most countries in Europe) or type G (UK) plug, consider buying in bulk. This TESSAN bundle includes three adapters with a total of three power plugs and six USB ports, so the whole family will be set even if everyone has their own laptop, camera, and phone to charge simultaneously.

The most notable downside of this travel adapter pack is that they aren’t universal. Depending on which set you buy, you’ll be able to adapt US appliances to type C or type G only. It’s great for single-country and most European trips, but won’t be very handy if you check into your hotel only to find it doesn’t have the sockets you anticipated.

RXSQUL Universal International Power Travel Plug Adapter

It may seem like a small detail, but having a brightly colored, hard-to-miss travel adapter greatly reduces the chances that you’ll forget it in your hotel room. Black and white travel adapters can easily blend into the walls when you’re doing a final pre-checkout look around the room, especially since you’re probably not used to pulling two items from the wall sockets. Of the RXSOUL’s color options, I find green the most noticeable.

I’ve left more than a few travel adapters in hotel rooms, and while it hasn’t ruined my trip, it is sometimes annoying to try to find a store to buy one on trips to remote areas.

On that note, however: if you do leave your travel adapter behind, call your next hotel and ask if they have one you can borrow. Often, lost-and-found items like travel adapters become hotel loaner items if they’re still unclaimed after a few months.

Greatness Line GR-8 Power Compact & Slim Power Charging Station

If you’re a “digital nomad” working internationally, you’ll likely just need one travel converter. But if you’re traveling for work and plan to have meetings or give presentations while abroad, you’ll want a travel adapter that doesn’t require you to stay hunched over a power socket because your projector or laptop cord is too short.

That’s why the GR-8 Charging Station is ideal. It’s styled akin to a power strip you’d find in the U.S., so you can lay the strip under a desk or meeting space to give everyone more space to plug in. It also has a built-in surge protector to keep your work-provided electronics from getting fried during an outage or surge, but is still small enough to slide into a briefcase or roller bag if you’re going carry-on only.

Foval Power Step Down Travel Voltage Converter

The FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter is the most expensive of my recommendations, but that’s because it’s a two-in-one: it’s a multi-device travel adapter and a power converter. It converts single-voltage devices that use more power (like hair straighteners or CPAP machines) to a lower voltage, which means they’ll work in other countries. Plug in a single-voltage device without a converter, and the reaction could vary: it could not work at all, it could start overheating, or it could start making a buzzing sound and potentially give a mild shock when touched.

There’s a lot to like about the FOVAL voltage converter. It has a long cord rather than plugging directly into the wall, and it comes with four adapters to work in nearly every country. It also comes with a drawstring bag to help you not lose said power adapters. The downsides are size and weight; voltage converters are always bulkier than standard travel adapters, but this will still add just over a pound to your suitcase.

Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit

I prefer universal adapters, but multi-piece adapters (which have different removable tips for each type of port) do have one strong selling point. If a universal adapter breaks, or any of the prongs bend or break, that’s pretty much the end of its useful lifespan. But if your travel adapter has removable tips, you can still convert to type D even if you broke the type G attachment.

If that appeals to you, opt for the Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit. It’s small and has two type B plugs as well as two USB ports. One extra-smart feature worth noting is the built-in USB-C cord, which saves you from carrying a cord when using USB-C devices on the go. It’s also available in a version with two USB ports and two USB-C ports (in addition to the built-in USB-C cord). Note: the front plugs only accommodate Type A and B sockets.

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter

If most of your devices charge via a USB-C cable, you’ll want to buy a travel adapter with more than one USB-C port. That makes the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter worth the reasonable price, as it has not one but three USB-C ports (in addition to two standard USB ports).

While you can use a USB to USB-C cord in a pinch, being able to plug your USB-C optimized devices into a USB-C port means you’ll spend less time charging—useful if you need to charge a dead phone battery in the middle of a sightseeing day.

Another great thing about this adapter is that it doesn't just work for US plus (Type A or B) appliances. It can convert any plug type to any other plug type, making it useful for digital nomads or anyone else not based in the U.S. This isn’t the best pick if you mostly charge with standard USB cables, but it’s the best choice for buyers deep in USB-C devices.

Heading Out of the Country? If So, Expert Suzie Dundas Shares Why You Need a Travel Adapter and Which One To Buy!

PM: What’s the difference between a power adapter and a power converter?

SD: A power adapter, also known as a travel plug or a travel adapter, is a small device you’ll need when traveling to a country where the electrical plugs aren’t the same as in the US. These adapters plug into the power sockets in other countries on one side and, on the other, you plug in your device made for US power sockets. However, it does not change the voltage of the power coming from the outlet.

A power converter, also known as a voltage converter, is a device that changes the voltage of the power coming from an outlet. Voltage is essentially the power with which electricity is forced into your device. In the US, most devices like hair straighteners or electric razors are 110 volts. However, most newer devices (including most phones and computers, including Apple computers and both Apple and Google phones) are dual voltage, which means you do not need a power converter—just an adapter.

If you plug something in and notice it getting warm, making a slight buzzing noise, or delivering a very tiny shock when handling the cord, you should unplug it immediately and not use it again until you have a converter.

PM: When do you need a travel adapter?

SD: You will need a travel adapter any time you travel to most countries other than the U.S., Mexico, or Canada. In the U.S., electrical devices have either a type A port (two prongs) or a type B port (two prongs with a central round prong below).

A few countries use these same ports (such as Antigua, Panama, and Saudi Arabia), but in general, most other countries use one of a few other combos. There are 15 different plugs around the world, some of which are used in only one or two countries.

Remember, though, that there is variety within countries. For example, a cruise ship that caters to mainly French tourists may have mostly type E ports, commonly used in France, even if it sails in a country that primarily uses type L.

PM : How do I know which adapter I need?

SD: Fortunately, figuring this part out is easy. If you’re staying at a hotel or going on a cruise that caters to international guests, just ask them what ports they have (or check their FAQ page).

Otherwise, it’s as simple as doing an online search for “what type of power socket does country use?” There are also useful websites available, such as https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com , where you can click on where you live and where you’re coming from to see if you need an adapter (or converter).

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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The 11 Best Travel Adapters, According to Frequent International Travelers

Let’s face it: Though you may dream of going off the grid for your next international trip, traveling without your phone , camera , or tablet isn’t particularly practical. And if you bring them, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to plug in and charge them at some point.

That’s why a trusty travel adapter is such an essential part of your packing list. While there are many options that can fit American plugs into international outlets, the right adapter should also fit your itinerary and the tech you’re bringing along. In addition to my own testing, I’ve tapped the expertise of world-touring travelers, creators, and influencers for whom staying powered up is as essential to their journeys as a passport. Whether you want to top up your phone battery in a Parisian café or need to charge seven devices from a single outlet, let their wisdom guide you to the adapter that most adeptly satisfies your travel needs.

A note: Unless explicitly mentioned here, it’s worth observing that typical travel adapters don’t convert power voltage, which can vary between countries. Though most smartphones and tablets are dual-voltage these days, you’ll want to double-check the specifications of your devices before leaving on your trip — especially if you’re bringing something like an electric shaver or a hair dryer.

Best “just the plug” travel adapters

“These are dirt cheap and fit in the palm of your hand,” says Going.com founder Scott Keyes of this low-cost, no-frills option fit for European (but not U.K.) travel. Small enough for even the tiniest, trickiest outlets, Keyes also lauds the flexibility that comes with this four-pack of adapters.

You both “don’t have to take turns charging your electronics” and don’t have to charge all of them in the same outlet, as you would with a bulkier (and pricier) all-in-one alternative. Plus, there’s something to be said for not letting a single missing adapter ruin your trip: “If I lose one, which, let’s be honest, happens not infrequently on the road, they’re cheap and easy to replace,” Keyes says.

For short trips that only involve a laptop and a phone, Arthur Wei, the well-traveled co-founder of Brooklyn Camper Vans , turns to this clever adapter. Truly living up to its “universal” billing, its ingenious design consists of interlocking pieces which snap into place to fit into European, British, Indian, Brazilian, and American outlets. Wei loves that Road Warrior’s adapter “packs light” and notes that its $12 price point means that your trip isn’t ruined if it goes missing.

Best travel adapters with built-in USB ports

I recently tested Epicka’s travel adapter on a two-week excursion around Portugal, and loved its ability to connect as many as six devices to power from a single outlet. It boasts three USB-C ports (plus two USB-A ports), all of which make it easy to charge smartphones, tablets, and other tech without even plugging a power block into the adapter itself.

If I have one complaint, it’s that it took a little extra finesse to fit it into the occasional oddly-angled European outlet. But double-checking that it’s plugged in properly is a small price to pay for this adapter’s charging capabilities. Overall, Epicka’s carry-on-friendly adapter offered solid value and performance, whether I needed to top up my camera battery or quickly charge my iPhone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch Lite while waiting for a transatlantic flight home.

When it comes to charging everything from her AirPods to her drone, Wendy Hu , photographer, creative director, and video host for Travel+Leisure, relies on this versatile option from Ceptics. Featuring two U.S. outlets, 2 USB-A slots ( another version features an additional two USB-C slots), and six interchangeable international adapters, Hu describes it as “sturdy and well-made” despite weighing in at just five ounces.

In addition to built-in surge protection to guard against voltage spikes and an attached micro USB cable (handy for charging smaller devices like Bluetooth headphones), it also offers quick-charging support for compatible devices — making it ideal for use in that brief window between daytime excursions and dinner plans, or during a brief pit stop in a café.

“For an adapter to work for me, it needs to be an all-in-one universal adapter with an AC outlet, USB-C, and USB-A outlets” says former Googler and current travel-content creator Catarina Mello , who recommends this one by Momax. “It also needs to have an overload dual fuse for safety and support for up to 2500 watts,” She says that’s a must in order to use devices like hair dryers, curlers, and steamers. “If your adapter can’t handle a larger surge current, it’ll get damaged or burn out.”

In addition to handling high-powered items, this universal adapter has space to power up to six devices from a single outlet across more than 150 countries. Three of those slots are quick charging USB-C ports, one of which pumps out 65 watts, delivering enough power to charge a laptop without bringing a separate adapter.

Matthew Kepnes, founder of Nomadic Matt and author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day , is loyal to Joomfeen’s efficient universal adapter, which nestles input plugs for European, U.K., U.S., and Australian outlets into a single, streamlined adapter weighing just over three ounces. With two USB-A ports, it maxes out on charging three devices at a time, making it a little less versatile than other, more powerful options. But if you’re looking for an adapter that can get the job done without eating into your travel fund, this option is hard to beat.

Best travel adapters with multiple AC outlets

For travelers who prioritize power over portability (or those who need an adapter that can safely convert voltage), multiple experts recommend Bestek’s Universal Travel Adapter, including former NFL player and current travel creator Jeremy Cash , who loves its “all-in-one design.” With a three-AC-outlet power strip and four USB-A ports, it includes support for charging up to seven devices at once “no matter what country I’m in,” he says.

In addition to that plethora of charging ports, travel blogger and mom Kiersten Rich lauds its ability to convert voltage, which she says is “better for protecting expensive electronics” and “critical” for any hair tools you’re bringing along for the trip.

With a profile of 7.8-by-6.5 inches and a weight of one pound, it’s far from the most minimalist option, but the inclusion of a five-foot detachable power cable means that this adapter can transform a single hard-to-reach outlet into a convenient charging station. That’s why director, producer, and photographer Kathryn Sheldon has relied on it through years of overseas trips with cameras in tow. She says, “I don’t bring it if I’m trying to be super lightweight and carry-on only, but otherwise it’s an amazing tool.”

On a recent trip to Thailand, Pack Hacker editor Lauren Maternowski says her team loved the utility of this mighty adapter from Mogics, which can charge seven devices simultaneously thanks to a unique circular power strip ringing the outlet adapter. It also makes use of a retractable extension cable that she says makes it “handy if your accommodations are short on accessible plugs.”

Maternowski says that you can also remove the titular bagel and leave it behind if packing space is at a premium: “The adapter itself is one of the smallest we’ve seen, so it won’t take up much room in your bag.”

If you aren’t worried about converting voltage but still find that you’re “always charging a million things,” travel blogger Rich recommends this 110-volt option from Foval for use with European outlets. Similar to Bestek’s adapter, it offers three AC outlets, four USB-A ports, and an extension cord. But it has the added advantage of a USB-C port — not to mention a slimmer, lighter design that can plug directly into a wall socket while taking up about half as much space in your luggage.

Best travel adapter accessories

Boasting a full complement of mesh and zippered pockets plus velcro cord holders, former NFL player Cash argues that this ProCase product “is essential for anyone who carries a ton of cords when they travel.” But it’s not just about cables: With a padded bottom compartment featuring removable dividers, its water-resistant design can safely store everything from external hard drives and MacBook chargers to AirPods and SD cards. As the pro athlete turned seasoned traveler puts it: “Trust me when I say you need this case.”

Former Googler Mello doesn’t travel without this five-foot, triple-pronged braid that functions as a USB-A to USB-C, lightning, and micro-USB cable. Though she usually treats these cables as her backup option, they’re viable as a primary cable if you’re looking to minimize clutter, and Mello admits they’ve “come in handy more times than I can count.” In welcome news for those who regularly misplace cables, these are sold in packs of three.

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The 10 Best Travel Adapters and Converters You Can Buy [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

Do i need a travel adapter or converter, the 10 best travel adapters you can buy, final thoughts.

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If you are planning on traveling overseas, chances are you won’t want to lose touch with the rest of the world during your stay. Because we’re all so fond of using our smartphones, laptops, and electrical appliances everywhere we go, clever travelers will be able to charge up on the go .

Taking the right travel adapter or converter with you will ensure you’re never without — but with so many variations, it can be tricky to know what you need.

The global village is huge, and while we’re all one world, we don’t all use the same electrical outlets. Different countries use different types of electrical outlets and power points, meaning that what works for you at home won’t necessarily work while you are away .

Different countries also have a wide range of electrical voltage running through their wires. In the U.S., for example, electricity runs on 110-120 volts, whereas many other countries have ramped that up to between 220-240 volts.

This matters, because you could fry your appliances if you expose them to a higher voltage than they were designed to use.

But do you need a travel adapter or a converter? Perhaps you need to buy both?

First, you should find the voltage of your device by checking the detailed information, written on either the device itself or the power cord AC box.

As a basic guide, electrical devices have 3 different types of voltage: single, dual, or multi.

• Single voltage reads 1 number. A device like this handles one type of voltage, like 120V.
• Dual voltage reads 2 numbers, such as 110V/220V. This means the device contains a switch to toggle between the 2 voltages.
• Multi-voltage reads 100-240V. This is most common on battery chargers and AC transformers for laptops, tablets, and other portable devices.

Once you know your voltage, here are the key points to decide what adapter and/or converter to buy:

• If you are traveling to a country where the voltage output is compatible with your device, you won’t need to worry about buying a converter .
• You will probably still need an adapter to plug into the wall socket — so read on to find out more about travel adapters.

Travel Adapters for Different Countries

There are at least 15 different recognized types of outlet plugs in the world, all offering different prong shapes and voltage. While this does not mean that you need to throw 15 different adapters in your bag before you leave home, it does mean you need to do your research before you leave home .

Most of the countries you’ll be traveling to fall into 1 of 4 outlet types for the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Europe. You can easily pick up adapters and converters that are made to suit the requirements of your destination, and you can even purchase packs that feature a combination of options to suit a variety of different destinations.

Hot Tip: Here is a full list of the different types of adapters and voltages for each country.

Travel Adapters and Watts

Wattage is the amount of power required to operate an electrical appliance or device. Because you need your adapter to handle the wattage required by your appliance or device, you need to know what you’re dealing with before you plug it in.

Most devices have a label showing the wattage. If for any reason it doesn’t, you can calculate the wattage using this simple formula: multiply the voltage by the amperage (amps or A) to calculate the wattage. Example: An appliance labeled with a voltage of 110 and amperage of 1.5 is 165 watts (110 x 1.5 = 165 watts).

When you’re looking for a travel adapter, you’ll need to know how many watts it can handle. If it isn’t strong enough to handle the flow of energy passing through it, you could blow a fuse or fry your appliance in a matter of minutes.

Hot Tip: Appliances that heat usually use the most watts, so things like travel hair dryers and travel straighteners will be the items to watch out for.

Now that you know a bit more about the technicalities of travel adapters, the next step is choosing the right one for your destination that can handle all the power requirements of your devices.

Here are some of the best-performing, most convenient, and top travel-ready adapters your money can buy.

1. Best for the Tech-reliant Traveler

Epicka universal travel adapter.

This multi-function travel adapter will cover your power needs in more than 150 countries. Safety-certified and packed with tons of features like an 8A overload dual fuse, safety shutters, and a plug lock system, this little beauty comes with 4 USB ports, 1 USB-C, and a single AC socket that can charge up to 6 high-speed devices super quickly.

It can also handle 880W at 110V and 1840W at 240V, but it does not convert voltage . Compatible with all USB devices, including iPhones, tablets, and digital cameras, the Epicka could be your 1-stop solution for digital connectivity anywhere in the world.

What We Like

• Good for multi-country trips

What We Don’t Like

• Quite a heavy adapter

2. For Those Who Need Plenty of Ports

Bestek universal travel adapter and 220v to 110v voltage converter.

This BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter is so versatile, you can fill it full of your favorite appliances and charge yourself silly. Cleverly designed to simultaneously charge 7 devices with its 4 USB charging ports, a combined 6A output, and 3 AC sockets that support a max 250W power, you’ll be blown away by the power output.

The patented design makes this a supersafe option for tech-laden travelers, with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protection. This is an all-around super-charger that will work virtually anywhere in the world and even has a 24-month warranty .

• Charges up to 7 devices at a time
• Makes a noise from the fan

3. For Hair Dryers, Straighteners, Steam Irons, and Cell Phones

Bonazza all in one world travel plug power.

A sleek black box that offers minimalist chic and the ability to convert voltage, this uber-cool device is the perfect adapter/converter combo for over 150 of the world’s most visited countries.

With the ability to charge phones, laptops, and almost anything else, the One World Travel Adapter converts foreign electricity from 220-240V to 110-120V for all your American appliances.

The LED power indicator shows that the adapter is doing its job, while the over-current (overload), high-temperature, short-circuit, and surge protection systems will keep your appliances safe while they charge.

Hot Tip: This travel adapter can handle 2000W, making it a good choice for higher-wattage electrical appliances.

4. Travel Adapters With Color-coded Simplicity

Flight 001 5-in-1 adapter.

This color-coded world adapter system makes finding the right plug for your trip as simple as matching the colors. Idiot-proof and effortlessly practical, there is literally no excuse for not being able to stay connected wherever you go!

The 4 adapters fit in 1 easy 2.5-inch block when snapped together , so you can throw the whole thing in your carry-on and be on your way. It also has a cube with 2 USB charging ports, so you’ll really be covered.

5. Best Throw-and-Go Option Complete With Carry Case

Joomfeen worldwide all in one universal adapter.

This one does exactly what it says on the box: it’s a universal travel adapter that comes with its own travel case. Pop-out those prongs to charge up on any international 2- or 3-prong plug .

Offering almost complete global coverage, this high-tech block will simultaneously charge up to 5 devices quickly with dual USB ports, and it offers AC voltage from 100-240V, 1380 watts max with a built-in 6-amp safety fuse.

Bottom Line: Whether you need to charge your laptop or curl your hair, this surge and spike-protected electrical plug will keep you and your appliances safe and powered up while you roam.

6. Budget Compact Adapter and Wall Charger

Lencent 22w/4.4a 4-port usb wall charger.

Want to travel more and think less? Then this is the travel adapter for you. Featuring auto-identify technology, this wall charger automatically detects and delivers the optimal charging current for any connected device .

Brains and beauty come standard in this sleek and compact travel plug that can max up to a 22W/4.4A output. Thermal material protects against overheating, and the tech inside the plug protects against overload on the unit and over-charge on your devices.

This compact universal adapter comes in cheaper than many adapters on this list, but it may be slightly more hassle with having to switch the adapter heads.

7. One of the Best Fuss-free Adapters

Orei mate m8 travel companion plug adapter.

This pocket-sized power adapter provides plug adapters for use in more than 150 countries . It is an easy-to-use self-contained unit that can be tucked away into its very own travel bag for safekeeping when not in use.

This plug adapter may not convert or reduce electrical wattage, and therefore isn’t recommended for your 110-watt devices (like hairdryers or straightening irons). But you can slide out the 2- or 3-prong attachments to plug in your laptop, iPhone, or other device and get charging.

8. Adapter for Heavy Duty Appliances

Hyted 2000w world travel adapter and converter.

Light and compact, this converter is well-suited to travelers who rely on heavy-duty appliances, since it can handle up to 2000W .

Clearly marked and easy to use, this simple but effective travel plug steps down the voltage to ensure you can use your electrical appliances — such as hair dryers, steam irons, electric kettles, and even small fans — in up to 150 of the world’s most visited countries.

9. Power Step Down Voltage Converter for Tech Travelers

Foval power step down 220v to 110v voltage converter.

Simple to use, the Foval Power Step Down has the international compatibility to make light work of all your basic travel adapter needs. Offering numerous plug options and a selection of integrated USB sockets , you can easily charge your phone, laptop, Bluetooth speaker , and e-reader using the 4 5V/2.4A ports simultaneously.

The built-in fuse system integrates perfectly with the thermal and shell protection layers to offer adequate device protection, keeping your precious devices safe as they charge. The product comes with a 24-month warranty.

10. Budget All-around Travel Adapter Set

Ceptics gp-12pk worldwide grounded universal plug adapter set, 12 pieces.

Let us introduce to you the ultimate selection of grounded universal travel plug adapters for the big explorer. With a choice of 12 different plug-prong combinations, you’ll have access to power wherever you are headed.

Bulkier than many of the all-in-1 options, the only downside to this set is losing some space in your travel bag. Easy to use and well-labeled, these offer simple but effective solutions for anyone visiting virtually anywhere in the world .

Wherever you are going, there’s a travel adapter or converter to help. Remember to check your appliances before you leave home and find a travel adapter that suits your needs, or you run the risk of being powerless and out of touch for the duration of your stay!

You could also just hope you can buy the appropriate adapter when you get there, but we wouldn’t recommend it. You run the risk of damaging your appliances if you use adapters or converters that aren’t safe.

So if the thought of being without reliable, safe, and thoroughly tested electrical adapters or converters is too much for you to bear while you travel — be sure to buy a decent adapter!

If you liked this article, check out some of our other “best of the best” travel product reviews:

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel
• What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [We Found Several Options]
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

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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.

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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This Outlet Adapter Has Made My Travels Abroad So Much Easier

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If you’ve traveled abroad , you might have found yourself lugging around a bag full of chargers and adapters. Many travel adapters leave a lot to be desired. Maybe they can only charge one product at once, so you have to pack multiple and have them take up valuable suitcase or carry-on space . Sometimes, they only work for one other type of outlet or just don’t function as well as you’d hope.

If nobody has told you yet before, allow me to be the first: You don’t have to live like this. I promise! In fact, I can introduce you to a product that will make your travels so much easier: this Epicka universal travel adapter I’ve been traveling with for years, which you can get on Amazon for under $25 . (Heads up: Make sure to check the box for a 10% off coupon when you add this to your cart, and you’ll get a discount applied at checkout.)

This adapter is a true example of an all-in-one product. With four different plug types, it accepts plugs from most countries and can plug into sockets from over 200 countries and regions. I’ve successfully used this adapter in England, Germany, Argentina, Chile and Canada so far, and reviewers have vouched for its functionality in Switzerland , Egypt , China and more.

The adapter also has three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, meaning you can charge or use multiple devices at once. This was a game-changer for me: Even traveling within the U.S. or to a country where U.S. plugs still work, a hotel room only has so many outlets. During a recent trip to Canada where I shared a hotel room with a friend, I was able to charge my iPhone and Kindle at the same time while only taking up one outlet.

I even use the adapter to charge my Kindle and portable charger while I’m at home, because the different charging cords for each honestly confuse me (hey, I never claimed to be tech-savvy). The Epicka adapter’s acceptance of so many types of cords and plugs takes some of that guesswork out of my devices.

The plugs lock securely when you slide them out with each clearly labeled toggle on the side. You can slide them back in by pressing and holding the lock button on the other side. It also comes in a zippered case that can fit some cords for easy storage and transport; I like to leave an iPhone charging cord in mine. You can get the adapter in classic black, like the one I have, or in white, blue or pink.

One small note: The adapter doesn’t convert voltage, so before you plug in a device abroad using the adapter, just make sure that device supports dual voltage . The U.S. and Canada use 110-120V, while most other countries use 220-240V. Most modern cell phones support dual voltage , but you’ll want to check the specs on devices like electric toothbrushes , water flossers or hair straighteners .

For frequent travelers, a universal adapter may be your best travel companion . Below, see some reviews from other happy travelers who have purchased the Epicka adapter and used it all over the world — or just go ahead and add it right to your cart.

Promising reviews:

“We do a lot of foreign traveling and this adapter has been great. The fact that it has the USB ports along with the one ‘normal’ plug-in spot, it allows me to plug in what I need to. It’s also easy to push out the correct adapter with the easy slide buttons. I haven’t had any issues with it and I’ve used it on several trips in multiple countries with different adapter needs. ” — L Scully “I purchased this for our 3 week trip to Europe. I already had an adapter but much prefer this one. It is super great, convenient size and super easy to use . Just be sure the prongs ‘lock’ in place and use the button on the side (push it in) to lease the prongs to go back into the device. I love the little carrying case it comes with. I kept this in my carry on to use at various airports and train stations in Europe. Worth every penny. ” — Monica B “ This compact little box replaces a handful of various plug connectors, and eliminates the need for anything other than your cords. Recently traveled in Costa Rica where our N American plugs will work and it was STILL useful with six outlets (AC, USB, USB-C). Great little companion.” — DMS “So we just used this on a 78-day trip across Europe and Middle East - no issues, worked great. As others have said, we started feeling silly for having brought all our other Apple chargers. We might still bring one as a backup, but otherwise you just need the cables to plug all your devices into this handy block - works great and allow you to charge multiple devices using one outlet ! I’ve already recommended this product to our adult children for their international travel as well. Thanks for a well-built product that delivers what it claims/shows on the listing!” — HardGrader “The travel adapter was adorable to start out and it looked well made. Plus I liked that it came in pink and it had a small pouch that came with instructions and a replacement fuse. I had bought a converter in 2020 at a store in my area for another trip and it was non functional, like it wouldn’t even stay on the wall at the hotel. This one did a great job and it worked for the 10 days that it was needed. I recommend this travel adapter and I’m so glad that I purchased it. ” — F T

Planning to travel soon? Check out these previously recommended under-$20 travel essentials :

In the age of COVID consciousness, it's never a bad idea to have hand sanitizer nearby. These Wet Ones wipes are a must-have for any traveler — especially those with messy kids, as plenty of reviews point out — to stay germ-free after touching all the high-contact points on a plane, from your seatbelt to your tray table. The small packets of wipes are also much easier to get through TSA than a bottle of liquid sanitizer, too, since you can just chuck one (or two, or three) in your bag without having to think about the 3-1-1 rule at security. Promising review: "We have been using since we started traveling in 1989. Great to keep in your purse while traveling to wipe down airline trays, arm rests and to keep your hands clean and sanitized. When Covid first came out, we were out of the country and were so happy we had quite a few packages of these in our suitcase. Then for a while, they became very hard to find …everyone was purchasing for protection during Covid …. but I hunted and hunted until I found them. I keep a package always in my purse, glove compartment in my car and my work area. These are so handy to keep with you at all times. The smell is nice and nice to keep with you at all times." — BB

As someone who frequently gets airsick (and carsick and seasick), I swear by Dramamine for motion sickness. Turbulence is to be expected, especially on longer international flights, so don't let it catch you by surprise — having these tablets that prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting will make sure you don't end up reaching for the barf bag. (Consult a doctor before adding this to your rotation.) Promising review: "I get easily nauseous when flying, so I always make sure to take some Dramamine before I get on the plane. I love this travel size because it fits perfectly in my carry-on, and I can just quickly pop it open when I need it. The only downside is that they do taste pretty nasty, so just make sure you swallow them quickly. Highly recommend for anyone who gets nauseous on flights, car rides, or rollercoasters!" — JustReviewin'

Plane seats never did anybody favors for back pain, so if you're worried about being stuck in an uncomfortable seat for hours on end, bringing your own cushion may be the way to go. This memory foam cushion is made with a non-slip bottom and has a portable handle, making it easy to carry off the plane. The large size (which measures about 18 inches wide) will fit many plane seats — just make sure to check beforehand, especially if you're sitting in economy. Promising review: "I bought this and took it with me to Europe. This helped me tremendously on my 11 hour plane ride. My tush wasn’t tired! I also have used it for long car rides. Great thing about it is that it doesn’t go flat once you sit on it! I would recommend!!!!!" — Rosa P.

No legroom? No problem. This footrest, which you can wrap around the tray table in front of you, allows for three different positions to put your feet in and get a little extra comfort. The footrest especially comes in handy for travelers who have shorter legs, including children, thanks to the adjustable strap. Promising review: "I fly 24+ hour international flights twice a year. I typically put my carry-on backpack under the seat in front of me and rest my feet on it but on my most recent flight, purchased this hammock to try. It made a huge difference to have my feet suspended, even if it was an inch or two above my backpack (on one leg of the flight, I stowed my backpack elsewhere and had nothing under the seat in front of me apart from the hammock, and that was even better). It stays mostly out of view in use, and for storage rolls tight in its own (compact) bag. Highly recommend this!" — LiEr

While you may not be able to do much about your limited legroom or ability to recline during a flight, especially if you're sitting in coach, blocking out the noise and lights of the plane can make a huge difference in getting some shuteye. This mask blocks out the light while doubling as wireless Bluetooth headphones so you can listen to music or a podcast uninterrupted, and is made of a stretchy, breathable material that can fit to your face.

Make sure to clip the 20% off coupon to get a discount applied at checkout. Promising review: "I work on a ship and so a lot of the time I share a room, but I need noise to fall asleep. I used to try and sleep with ear buds in, but they’re always so uncomfortable. I LOVE these headphones; the sound is great and I can fall asleep comfortably while listening to a podcast. They’re also great for staying comfy on planes while watching a movie or listening to music. I recommend them to everyone!" — Amazon Customer

Look, airplane bathrooms are horrible enough before you factor in the potential unpleasant smells. Not only will this TSA-friendly travel-size bottle of the popular Poo-Pourri toilet spray make those bathroom trips a little less smelly for you and your fellow passengers, but a good toilet spray can be useful in any public restroom during your travels and beyond. (The size of the bottle may seem small, but trust me: This stuff packs a punch, and a little goes a long, long way.) Promising review: "Wow, this stuff really works. I purchased this travel size for a recent cruise. Even with the proximity of the bathroom to the rest of the room, there were no unpleasant odors throughout our trip. Just a squirt in the bowl beforehand did the trick. Nice lemon scent without being overpowering." — Amazon Customer

After my facial cleanser spilled all over the inside of my suitcase on one flight gone wrong, I've been looking for a way to prevent leaking or spilling during travel, and these bottle covers do the trick. Able to fit most travel-size toiletries thanks to their flexible silicone design, you can rest easy during your flight knowing none of your liquids will be making a mess. They come in packs of four, eight, 16, 24, and 32. Promising review: "These work great for sealing your items before you travel. They stretch over a large tub of lotion or over the top of shampoo. Can use over and over. I used to duct tape my items closed before flying. These are so convenient and work great!!" — tjmen

No more hunching over your tray table to watch that Netflix show you've downloaded on your phone — this phone holder mount can be attached to the seatback in front of you for adjustable, hands-free entertainment. When it's not in use, its compact design also makes it easy to store in your carry-on. Promising review: "I bought this for traveling by airplane and it worked great. It stays clipped to the tray and phone and moves in different positions for adjusting. My only problem was not ordering more since family members traveling with you steal it when you fall asleep!" — Amazon Customer

A good neck pillow is worth investing in before you're stuck with the options at the airport bookstore. This memory foam option will keep your neck supported on all sides while still providing soft comfort, and can be compressed down to fit inside a space-saving travel bag when you're not using it. Promising review: "This is THE best neck pillow. I’ve been on multiple 10+ hour flights and can always fall asleep. You will have to shake me to wake up for that mid-flight meal with this bad boy on. It’s super supportive from all angles. I’ve tried the regular donut looking ones and the tiktok one that looks like a neck brace and this is definitely superior as the pillow is much taller. I would just make sure to wash and travel with it in its cloth pouch so it maintains its shape and will last longer. Mine lasted over two years and only broke because I didn’t handle with care. Will be repurchasing!" — Lidia

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What is the plug for Russia? Before you travel, check the information below to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the outlet type and voltage.

Electrical Summary

Plug Compatibility: Type C, Type F

Voltage: 220V – 240V

Frequency: 50 Hz

Can North Americans use Electronics in Russia without an Adapter?

No! North Americans will need an adapter for the outlets and a transformer for the voltage when traveling to Russia . North Americans device plugs will not work with the outlet types in Russia . Also, the voltage in Russia is different from North American voltages.

Can Europeans use Electronics in Russia without an adapter?

Yes! Europeans do not need a travel adapter or transformer when traveling to Russia . Most device plugs will work with the outlet types in Russia . Also, the voltage in Russia is the same as in Europe.  

What Outlet does Russia Use?

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Type C plug sockets are used in Europe, Africa and Asia. They have two round pins and no grounding pin. These plugs are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220-240V. This outlet is rated for 2.5 amps. Plug Type E, and Type F are compatible with this socket. All other plug types will need an adapter.

Type F electrical plug sockets are used in Germany, Spain, Italy and some parts of Africa . They have two round pins and a grounding pin. These outlets are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220-240V. This outlet is rated for 16 amps. Plug Type C and Type E are compatible with this socket. All other plug types will need an adapter.

Is it safe to drink water in Russia?

Tap water in Russia is generally safe to drink, although the quality may vary depending on the location. The quality of the water supply system and the drinking water is regulated by the Russian government, and the water treatment processes include filtration, disinfection, and distribution through a network of pipes.

However, some areas may have issues with water quality due to old pipes, lack of maintenance, or other factors. In general, tap water in larger cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, is safe to drink, although it may have a slight taste or odor due to the chlorine used in the treatment process.

In some rural areas or smaller towns, it is recommended to use bottled water or to boil the tap water before drinking it. Bottled water is widely available in Russia, and it is safe to drink.

If you are unsure about the quality of the tap water in a particular location, it is recommended to use bottled water or a water filtration system to ensure safe drinking water.

We recommend always packing a filtered water bottle when traveling:

Travel Essentials

Be sure to check our list of travel essentials before your trip!

Recommended Travel Essentials

Should I get travel insurance when traveling to Russia?

It is generally recommended to get travel insurance when traveling to a different country. Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel-related mishaps.

Travel insurance can cover various expenses related to your trip, such as medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage or personal belongings, and other travel-related expenses.

Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy details, including the coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable deductibles or copays. You should also make sure that the policy covers any activities or destinations that you plan to participate in or visit during your trip.

Travel Summary

The country’s capital city, Moscow, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, home to iconic landmarks such as the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin. Visitors can also explore the city’s numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, showcasing Russia’s rich heritage and artistic traditions.

Other major cities in Russia include St. Petersburg, known as the cultural capital of the country, and Kazan, a vibrant and colorful city with a unique blend of Russian and Tatar cultures. The country is also home to many natural wonders, including the stunning Lake Baikal, the Golden Ring of historic cities, and the rugged mountains of the Caucasus region.

Russia is known for its diverse cuisine, with a range of traditional dishes such as borscht (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes), as well as a thriving tea culture. Visitors can also enjoy the country’s famous vodka and beer.

Russia is a destination for travelers with a mix of cultures and languages. The official language is Russian, but English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. The country has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with a range of accommodations and activities to suit all budgets and interests.

Overall, Russia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals, Russia offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Traveling to another country? Check out our Countries page for more info.

Travel Adaptor for Russia

Russia travel adaptors.

Whether you’re a new or returning visitor, this beautiful country never fails to impress. Whatever type of holiday you’re planning in Russia, it’s important to do your research beforehand, to ensure you have a hassle-free trip.

Russia travel adaptors: which type do I need?

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a  travel adaptor , which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

For Russia there are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side. Russia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Voltage converters and transformers

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Russia. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.  Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.

All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

Dual voltage rated appliance

You can determine whether you’ll need to use a converter or transformer, by looking at the appliance rating plate.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Russia operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

Single voltage rated appliances

In Russia the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.

It’s important to understand that some travel adaptors are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below.

We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Russia.

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In Russia, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

• Yes, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C and F in Russia.

Do your power plugs fit in Russia?

In Russia, they use power sockets (outlets) of type C and F. In India, you have plugs C, D and M. You need a power plug adapter in Russia for sockets type C and F. The plugs of your electric devices don't fit without.

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don't sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters.

• Find travel adapters at AMAZON

You need to look for a power plug adapter for sockets type C and type F. Alternatively, choose a world travel adapter that fits multiple sockets, in case you travel more often.

Voltage converter needed in Russia?

The standard voltage in Russia (220 V) matches more or less the voltage level your devices typically operate at in India (230 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account.

• You don't need a voltage converter in Russia.

To be sure, check the label on your devices. Some devices never need a converter. If the label states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' the device can be used in every country in the world. This is common for devices with chargers like tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc. For these devices you will only need a power plug adapter.

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Before you go, packing tips for traveling to russia.

Here you are, preparing for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to far away Russia. By now, everything is ready, (if it's not, please don't hesitate to contact our professional Russia travel experts for unlimited help with your Russia travel plan ) but what's next? It's time to start packing! Do you know how cold or warm it's going to be during your time in Russia? What electric plugs you will need? If your phone will work abroad? We have all the answers. Our experience as one of the world's leading destination management companies for Russia allows for us to give you the most accurate and reliable info to ensure seamless travel from start to finish and unforgettable (positive) memories. Let's dive in:

Money, Rubles and Credit Cards

Interested in a deep dive into Russian money? Go here

Do not bring all of your debit/credit cards. A debit card and cash (we will explain how much below) will be the most useful and appropriate source of funds in Russia. ATMs abound, in hotels and all throughout cities. They use a favorable exchange rate and you can withdraw in US dollars, Russian rubles, or Euros. Many smaller stores only accept cash. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but we recommend you ask them in advance to avoid surprises. So just bring one or two credit cards. Tip: For emergencies, it's a good idea to have cash with you as well.

How much cash do I need?

It's likely not possible to exchange to rubles in your home country before you leave. We advise not to use an ATM at the airport in Russia when you arrive as airport exchange rates are high. If someone is meeting you at the airport and can afford to wait, you can use the ATM at the hotel, in the city, or at a bank. The Russian currency has been not so strong lately and the rate of the Russian ruble fluctuates around 70-80 rubles for 1 US dollar. In the last couple of years, the USD - RUB exchange has doubled, however prices in Russia remained on almost the same level as before the spike which makes it the best time to visit Russia . We recommend that you have anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles on you at any time. Tip: Call your bank before you depart and let them know that you will be traveling so they do not block your cards while you are in Russia (not all banks do this, but we recommend that you look into it). Bring more than one card in case one gets blocked. If all of your cards get blocked, call Travel All Russia’s emergency number and we'll organize a cash delivery to you, no problem. Important: Carry your money and cards in a pocket that is not easily reached from the outside to prevent any pick-pocketing. It's smart to keep your cards and cash in separate pockets. Find more information about Russian money here.

Weather & Clothing

If you are traveling during the summer, bring what you would wear in the summer at home, plus a warm sweater and/or a light jacket for evenings. The hot summer season is quite short and by August it will have already cooled down substantially. If you have booked one of our guided tours, please bring comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers will be perfect (that is one of the ways Americans are spotted in a crowd as Russians tend to prefer casual leather shoes). If your program includes a visit to an opera or theater, bring a jacket and dark shoes for men and nice clothes for women. Black tie and fancy gowns are unnecessary. If you are traveling for a week, pack enough clothes for the entire visit so you won't have to worry about laundry. If your trip is longer, laundry service will be available at your hotel or cruise ship. Tip: Since airlines baggage restrictions are getting tighter, we recommend one bag per traveler and a smaller carry-on. If you bring more, you might be required to pay airline luggage fees. Having one bag per traveler also helps you get through airport lines faster.

Check your documents before departure to make sure they are valid for your trip. You cannot enter Russia twice on a single entry visa. If you plan to enter and leave Russia multiple times in one trip, you will need a multi-entry visa. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days, so make sure your departure date is before your visa expiration date. If you arrive a day or two earlier than the date on your visa, you will be fined at customs up to $300. If you notice any irregularities in your visa, please contact your travel specialist. Tip: Make two copies of your passport and visa before leaving.  Keep one copy with you and one with the hotel.

Electric plugs

Russia uses 2 round European outlets (see the image). You can easily find an adapter at an electronics store or pharmacy in the US or online. Russia uses 220-volt electricity (America uses 110 volts). Most electrical devices support both. Look on the back of your power adapter it to find its supported voltage. If you see the range “110-240 volts”, your devices are compatible and you're set to go. If it says “110 volts”, it won't be useful.

Phones and SIM cards

To use your cell phone while in Russia, either activate international roaming or unlock your phone with your service provider. The first is easier but more expensive. Unlocking your phone allows you to use local Russian calling services and plans. A phone call made this way from Russia to the US will cost about $1, while US cell phone companies can charge up to $5/minute for international roaming in Russia...so give your service provider a call and they'll set it up for you. SIM cards can be bought on almost every street corner in Russia (you will be required to show your passport when making a purchase). Tip: If you want to keep it simple, just buy a cheap pay-as-you-go phone in Russia for around $20, get a SIM card, and you're ready to go.

Reading list

Russian literature is a treasure trove reflecting on the country's complex and tangled history. Reading some Russian classics before your trip or while exploring Moscow and Saint Petersburg will only enhance your overall experience. Imagine walking the same streets and looking at the same buildings Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov did while writing one of their classic novels. Sightseeing will take on a whole new depth.

You do not need any shots before you visit Russia – it is a civilized European country that is safe for foreigners. Tap water is avoided, even by Russians who don’t drink it unless it is boiled (tea, anyone?). If you are taking prescription medication, we recommend that you bring enough to last your entire trip. To get the same prescription in Russia, you will need a prescription from a Russian doctor, which can be challenging as a foreigner. Tip: in case you forget to bring your medicine, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange a visit to an American hospital in Russia. A general rule is to always refer to the emergency number that we provide you with.

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