Top 10 Best Universal Travel Adapters 2021

Just before you’re getting ready to go overseas, you suddenly remember: Europe has different electrical wall outlets.

And Japan has even stranger ones. And so does Australia.

Which one do you require? You don’t want to blow out your laptop, smartphone or ruin your camera’s battery charging dock.

Whether you are travelling outside the country for business or enjoyment, for most destinations you’re going to require a travel adapter if you want to take your gadgets with you.

A travel adapter is a small device that comes with one or more plugs. They differ in shape or size and are compatible with a variety of cables. They help you to charge the battery of your phone, tablet, kindle and what else. They are generally affordable and small-sized,  so that they can be easily carried in your bag or purse.

There are hundreds of models of travel adapters that are available on the market, and most of them look the same. However, there is some difference in terms of shape, quality, weight and durability.

Don’t worry. You don’t have to spend hours comparing reviews of different models. We have done it for you! Here is the comparison chart for the top 10 travel adapters and the guide for you.

Our Top Pick

Top 10 Best Universal Travel Adapters

Top 10 Best Universal Travel Adapters Reviews

How To Choose the Best Travel Adapters?

Not all travel adapters are made equal! You should consider various factors before buying a travel adapter for that big overseas trip. You should look for a travel adapter that is well-built and made of durable material. Here are some other aspects that you should examine:

Your Destination

When looking for an adapter, think about where you are travelling. A universal adapter will be useful no matter where you wind up – therefore if you’re a frequent jet-setter, this might be the best option.

Size of the Adapter

A travel adapter comes in different shapes and sizes, from small single-region adapters to large universal versions that cover most countries. The Universal travel adapter works well for multiple countries, but their big size can pose an problem for you. They are wider than the socket and can block the socket adjacent to them as well. While few other adapters fall out of the socket if the outlet is loose, or they are heavy.

If the size of adapters is not an issue for you, then you can go for universal type adapters. Otherwise, you can choose the small adapters that will work in most you locations.

Voltage Compatibility

One of the essential things to remember when looking for a travel adapter is that it’ll work for the layout of the pin. In other words, if you’ve appliances with 3-pin plug but are travelling to a country where 2-pin sockets are available, then these travel adapters come handy.

But, if you have an appliance that works only on 110-120 volts, and you’re in a country that provides 220-240 volts power supply, then you need to carry a voltage-converter too.

Apart from the USA, many countries have a supply at 220-240 volts. Many portable gadgets are now crafted to handle any common voltage. Check out the voltage range of your appliance that is mentioned either on the charger or the device. Cameras, laptops, phone chargers and other similar types of device fall into the same volt range. However, things like hair dryers or curling irons don’t have common voltage range.

Pin Plug Design

Another thing to consider is adapter’s socket pin plug design. Many travel adapters have sockets for 2-pins that isn’t compatible with most phones, laptops, etc. Therefore determine the electronics you’re likely to carry and if you’re going to need a 3-pin plug socket or two-pin plug socket as your travel adapter.

USB Ports

Now, most of the gadgets can charge via USB whether that’s a tablet or phone, camera, kindle or Bluetooth headphones. If all the electronics that you’re carrying can charge from a micro-USB or USB-C, then grab a travel adapter that comes with USB ports, that will allow you charge multiple gadgets from the same wall socket.

Before purchasing one, remember to check the maximum power of the adapter, both for individual socket and the adapter as a whole. Look for 2.4 amps from each outlet if you’re planning to plug higher-powered gadgets into.

You Only Need One

If you’re travelling with a whole bunch of gadgets, buying individual adapters for them is an expensive exercise. Look for an adapter that is flexible enough to fit all kinds of socket standards. It saves your money, gives you more space in luggage and also solves the problem of charging in a different country.

Budget

Spending a high amount on travel adapters doesn’t seem like a smart choice. However, if you need a long term travel adapter for your frequent travel journeys, then you’ve to buy a quality adapter.

Single-region adapter is cheaper than universal travel adapter. Be sure to purchase a travel adapter that’ll meet your needs and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the travel adapter and the converter?

The purpose of the adapter is to help the plugs on your gadgets fit into foreign outlets whereas a converter changes the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices.

2. What is a dual voltage device?

A dual voltage device can accept both 110-120V and 220-240V. Generally, many gadgets are dual voltage, so you’ll only require a travel adapter. Some common dual voltage devices are iPhones, Laptops, iPads and cameras.

3. What should you do if your device plug won’t fit in the travel adapter?

Adapter plug holes can be tight for the first few times you use it. Just plug and unplug your device from the adapter several times while not connected to the wall to loosen it up.