International travel often involves carrying equipment and devices that require daily charging: a phone,power bank, headphones, even a laptop. Since many countries have different power outlets compared to the U.S., you’ll require an adapter to connect your devices. The positive aspect is that there are several effective and budget-friendly solutions available for both issues.
International voltage converters allow you to use U.S.-style plugs regardless of your location. As Ryan Bartley, vice president of business development and marketing atRedSky EngineeringIn Spanish Fork, Utah, it is explained that an adapter is a very basic device. “Its sole function is to physically adjust your plug to match the outlet type of the country you’re visiting,” says Bartley, who has a master’s degree in electrical engineering. The best ones come with multiple USB ports so you don’t have to bring an extra charger.
Epicka’s Pulse 45W Universal Travel Chargeris the top travel adapter for the majority of people in most scenarios. For those who are traveling with minimal belongings,Epicka’s Air 40W Universal Travel Chargeris an excellent option. If you are traveling with a laptop and prefer not to carry a separate charger, opt for either theUP-100KU-WC from Ceptics or Tessan’s Voyager 205. And for a highly portable option, we preferEpicka’s Pocket 111 Global Travel Adapter.
Top all-around travel power adapter
Pulse 45W Universal Travel Charger
This power adapter offers a wide range of USB-A and USB-C ports, providing stronger output than similar models in the same small size.
$26.99 AT Amazon
Specs
- USB-A ports:2
- USB-C ports:2
- Combined power output:45 watts
Epicka’s Pulse 45W Universal Travel Chargeris the top universal adapter for the majority of users. For a cost similar to a book found at an airport newsstand, you receive a durable device that functions effectively across most regions globally, featuring a wide range of USB-A and USB-C ports to charge all your devices more quickly than other options at a comparable price.
International travel power adapters typically have a similar appearance. They are usually a plastic unit featuring a face with multiple outlets designed to accommodate plugs from different countries, and sliders on one side that extend the correct prongs for the specific nation where you need to charge your devices.
The quantity, design, and power capacity of USB ports on the unit is the main factor that sets them apart in this category. Epicka’s adapter includes four ports, offering a total power output of 45 watts. Each of the two USB-C ports can deliver 45 watts (20 volts at 2.25 amps) when used separately. Most chargers of this size have USB-C ports that only provide up to 15 watts, making this much quicker, which means your phone, tablet, or laptop will receive more power, faster.
There are also two USB-A ports—those rectangular ones that are becoming less popular these days—both of which offer 12-watt (5 volts at 2.5 amps) charging. This will charge most current phones at a slower pace than their maximum capability, but the speed is still adequate for devices with smaller batteries, such as fitness trackers or earphones.
The Epicka is largely comparable to other products on the market, featuring Type A, I, G, and C plugs (refer to the “How we picked” section below for further information on the various plug types). All the adapters we tested are approximately 2 inches wide and 2 1/8 inches deep; this one is just over 2 3/4 inches in height, which falls within the same range as other similarly rated universal adapters.
Best lightweight travel power adapter
Air 40W Universal Travel Charger
If you’re looking for a small charger that doesn’t sacrifice ports, this adapter is the right choice.
$26.99 AT Amazon
Specs
- USB-A ports:1
- USB-C ports:3
- Combined power output:40 watts
If you’re already filling your bag to the maximum or just prefer to travel with minimal belongings,Epicka’s Air 40W Universal Travel Chargeris your top choice. This Epicka model is among the first four-port adapters we have discovered in a compact design. It has a similar width to the models we suggest above, but it is roughly half as thick, measuring just over an inch. This makes it significantly smaller and slightly lighter, which can be important for travel, particularly if you’re traveling with minimal luggage.
The compact design involves certain compromises. Epicka’s adapter includes four USB ports (two USB-C ports delivering 15 watts each, one USB-C port providing 40 watts, and one USB-A port offering 12 watts), but the total output is limited to 15 watts when multiple ports are used simultaneously. This results in slower charging speeds, particularly when all ports are in use. This might not be an issue if you’re only charging one or two small devices overnight, but waking up to devices that aren’t fully charged could negatively affect your journey.
Top power adapter for laptops and tablets while traveling
UP-100KU-WC
If you’re bringing a laptop and prefer not to carry an extra charger, this is the adapter you should choose.
$45 AT Amazon
Specs
- USB-A ports:2
- USB-C ports:2 (along with a replaceable USB-C cable)
- Combined power output:100 watts
Most laptops and tablets consume more energy than phones, particularly when you’re aiming for rapid charging. TheM4-based MacBook Air, for instance, can operate normally using a 30-watt power supply, but its battery will charge more quickly and achieve 50% in roughly 30 minutes when using a stronger 67-watt charger. If you carry a laptop or tablet and need to recharge it quickly, go with theCynics UP-100KU-WC Universal Travel Adapter. Its USB-C ports can charge at 15 watts, but the integrated retractable cable that delivers 100 watts is more suitable for laptops. The USB-A ports offer charging speeds of up to 12 watts. Additionally, unlike many other adapters we evaluated, this one features a two-prong outlet on the side for connecting a second device that doesn’t use USB. If you require greater power, consider theUP-140KU, featuring two 140-watt USB-C ports, an 18-watt USB-C and USB-A port, and a standard two-prong electrical outlet, though it does not include a built-in cable.
Top power adapter for big laptops
Voyager 205 Universal Travel Charger
The top-performing travel adapter available, ideal for bigger laptops.
$119 AT Tessan
Specs
- USB-A ports:1
- USB-C ports:6
- Combined power output:205 watts
Larger laptops, such as the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, can draw much more power when charging their batteries. If you carry one of these devices while traveling, it’s recommended to purchaseTessan’s Voyager 205It functions similarly to the other models we evaluated, but it offers 140-watt (28 volts at 5 amps) charging through two of its six USB-C ports. This represents the maximum power output available in any travel adapter. More powerful laptops may require around this amount of power or even more, so if you want to achieve the quickest charge without needing an additional power brick, this is your top choice. It is taller and heavier compared to most other models available, but these compromises provide exceptional charging capabilities.
Top ultra-compact travel power adapter
Pocket 111 World Travel Adapter
This is the most compact model we have identified, suitable for products that consume less energy.
$18 AT Amazon
Specs
- USB-A ports:1
- USB-C ports:1
- Combined power output:20 watts
Most power adapters feature a similar bulky shape.Epicka’s Pocket 111 Global Travel Adapteris unique; its L-shaped structure is significantly more compact than others. It measures just 2.5 inches in length at its longest point and weighs slightly more than 2.5 ounces. Naturally, there are certain limitations to an accessory of this size. The adapter features only two ports—one USB-A and one USB-C—both of which are capped at 20 watts. This makes it more ideal for overnight charging rather than rapid power when you’re on the move. If you’re traveling to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Brazil, you’ll need to use the separate adapter that comes in the package. If portability is your top priority, it’s a reasonable compromise.
Other people you should be aware of
Lower-price travel power adapter
Universal Travel Adapter (TA-105C)
This power adapter offers a wide range of USB-A and USB-C ports in a small design at an affordable cost.
$23.99 AT Amazon
Epicka’s TA-105C Universal Travel ChargerIt is the same size and overall shape as the Pulse and includes an extra USB-C port. The drawback is that all three USB-C ports are limited to 15 watts, with a total combined power output of just 30 watts. If you’re planning a trip abroad, the $5 to $10 price difference between this option and our top recommendation is probably insignificant, and we believe you should opt for the Pulse. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, this could be a suitable option.
Another excellent ultra-lightweight travel adapter
Nano Travel Charger (5-in-1, 20W)
If you’re looking for a small charger that doesn’t sacrifice ports, this adapter is the right choice.
$20 AT Anker$19.99 AT Amazon
Anker’s Nano Travel Charger (5-in-1, 20W)Our previous choice for traveling light, and still a solid option, but it has some disadvantages when compared to the Epicka Air 40W. It is less powerful, with a top output of 20 watts, and it only works with U.S. plugs that lack a grounding pin. However, it is about a quarter of an inch thinner than the Epicka, meaning it will occupy less space in your bag.
A excellent power adapter for USB-A devices
International Travel Adapter
$18.99 AT Amazon
Epicka’s International Travel Adaptercosts approximately the same as the more affordable models listed earlier, and features four USB-A ports along with a single 15-watt USB-C port, offering the same total number of ports. We believe that most users would benefit from selecting a model with additional USB-C ports, but this remains a suitable choice if you plan to charge devices that consume low power, such as earphones.
Ideal for a single device at a time
International Travel Power Adapter 5 Piece Kit
$12.99 AT Amazon
In most situations, an international adapter featuring multiple ports will provide greater value. However, if your main concern is connecting a single device at a time and you want to minimize costs, considerCeptic’s International Global Travel Plug Adapter 5-Piece Set. It includes five international adapters, but note that they are designed for U.S. plugs only.
Popular for voltage conversion
Travel Voltage Converter
$59.99 AT Amazon
Some high-power-draw devices, including hair dryers and electric shavers, are restricted to a specific voltage and may not be safely used with an adapter (if at all). TheCeptics Travel Voltage ConverterOne of the few affordable converters available that resemble each other in appearance. We have not conducted testing, and we believe you would be better served by exploring other options instead of carrying a device that requires conversion. However, if you are determined to use a specific piece of equipment, this converter may be worth considering.
How we picked
Trust us
I have been evaluating consumer technology for over ten years, including at The Wirecutter, where I handled articles and reviews about device chargers. To gain a better understanding of travel adapters, I consulted with Alexandra Farrington, a travel advisor based in Las Vegas at Itinerantly Inspired, and Ryan Bartley, vice president of business development and marketing atRedSky EngineeringIn Spanish Fork, Utah, someone with a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
We tested
- Broad international support:All the power supplies we evaluated feature identical connectors:Type A(commonly known as “U.S.”) with prongs that spin to createType I (“Australia”), Type G (“U.K.”) and Type C(“EU”). Certain countries employ variations of these styles that are typically compatible with these plugs, and although there is no universal standard in Asia or Africa, most nations generally use one of these standards. It’s always advisable toinvestigate the nations you plan to visitto make sure you have the correct connection. Note: If you are trying to use your hair dryer, styling tool, or other heat-producing devices, these adapters are not suitable. For such items, which operate on a specific voltage and require conversion, not just a plug adapter, look for products known as “voltage converters.”
- USB ports and output:Numerous electronic gadgets now utilize USB for charging, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and other accessories. The greater the number of USB ports an adapter provides, along with its ability to supply more power, the more advantageous it is. Each of the adapters we evaluated includes a slot for connecting a typical two- or three-prong plug. It’s possible for many individuals to travel using only one of our recommended options without needing to carry an extra charger.
- Replaceable fuse:If a power surge occurs or you connect too many devices that consume a lot of power, the adapter’s fuse could be tripped or blown, making it wise to have a spare. Many of the models we tested feature a replaceable fuse and include an extra one that is stored on the adapter. Farrington mentions she once had to replace a fuse and found it very helpful to have one included.
We narrowed our product testing list by focusing on brands that either had a proven reputation or an established online presence, which increased the chances they offer good customer support. It’s important to trust the manufacturer when connecting high-value equipment. We also restricted our choices to models with several USB ports, as they typically cost the same as those with fewer ports.
There isn’t much to evaluate on a device like this without traveling globally. However, what we did test was the charging functionality of the USB-C ports using theTotal Phase USB Power Delivery Analyzer. This small adapter records the different power profiles that a USB-C port supports and checks if there are any issues with power delivery (it’s uncommon to find any). We were primarily verifying that each port enabled the specified power consumption, which they all did.
Our experts
- Alexandra Farrington, travel consultant based in Las Vegas at Itinerantly Inspired
- Ryan Bartley, vice president of business development and marketing atRedSky Engineering in Spanish Fork, Utah
More From Buyside:
- Concerned About Persistent Chemicals, Germs, or Viruses in Your Water? This Container May Provide Assistance
- Top Travel Credit Cards for 2025
- Here Are the Top iPhone 16 Cases, Based on Feedback from Our Experienced Apple Analyst
