travel charger set

Advertisement

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

You save $4 (17%)

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

by Sarah Witman

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

by Wirecutter Staff

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 Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

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.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

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

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The Best Travel Adapters

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

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 January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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 or 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. It’s expensive, but 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.

Julian Chokkattu

David Nield

Adrienne So

Jeremy White

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 ($36) , 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 fulfilment 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 fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

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 ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

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 Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

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.

Matt Jancer

Parker Hall

Ryan Waniata

Eric Ravenscraft

Brenda Stolyar

WIRED COUPONS

Save up to $58 Off TurboTax Online

$50 off in-person tax prep when you switch from TurboTax or another tax provider | H&R Block coupon

$25 off your first 3 orders with Exclusive Instacart Promo Code

1st Order: 25% Off DoorDash Promo Code ($15 minimum)

Get $15 Off $75+ using Afterpay - Finish Line Promo Code

Groupon coupon: Extra 25% off sitewide

The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

Essential packing for any international traveler

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

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

The 9 Best Power Adapters for European Travel of 2024

The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks of 2024

Foval Power Step-Down Voltage Converter Review

The Best Car Phone Mounts, Tested and Reviewed

HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter Review

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter Review

Travel Ready AC Power Adapter Review

Bonazza All-in-One Adapter and Converter Review

How to Charge Your Electronic Devices Overseas

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Electricity in Italy - Plugs, Adapters and Converters

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best UV Umbrellas of 2024

The 11 Best Travel Money Belts of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The 11 Best Portable Travel Chargers

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Travelers use their phones for just about everything—from navigating and translating to snapping photos and looking up the nearest place for great sushi—and sometimes there just isn’t enough battery life to get it all done. That’s why a good portable charger is a must-pack. The best portable chargers are lightweight and effective, and many even do double duty to truly earn their spot in your suitcase.

INIU Portable Charger

If you’ve got more than one device to charge on the road, consider this offering from INIU . It features two USB ports so you can power up both your phone and something else (such as a tablet or e-reader, or your companion’s phone). It charges quickly, is compatible with most devices, and weighs less than half a pound. It’s also got a handy LED flashlight.

Smartphone Charging Wristlet

To power up your phone discreetly, tuck it into this wristlet from Uncommon Goods . Made of vegan leather, the bag has a hidden USB power cord inside that will charge most iPhones and micro USB-compatible phones up to 1.5 times. It will automatically power on once connected.

Anker PowerCore 10000

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is one of the most popular portable chargers on Amazon, compatible with both Android phones and iPhones as well as most tablets and laptops. It weighs less than seven ounces and is about the size of a deck of cards, making it easy to pack even if you’re traveling with only a carry-on.

PhoneSoap Go

Calling all germaphobes: You can charge and sanitize your phone at the same time with the PhoneSoap Go . The device uses UV light to kill more than 99 percent of bacteria and is compatible with just about any phone, even larger ones. Though the PhoneSoap Go was designed for phones, it will also sanitize any smaller items that fit into it, such as glasses, keys, or watches.

Auzev Charging Cable Bracelet

Wear charging tech right on your wrist with this innovative bracelet from Auzev . It’s a charging cable for Apple devices that looks like a braided leather bracelet and weighs less than an ounce. See this page for all available sizes.

Metecsmart Power Bank

With a built-in lightning cable, the Metecsmart Power Bank is designed to charge iPhones twice as fast as your phone’s original charging cable. It also has a built-in micro USB port for powering up Android and other devices. Thanks to pass-through technology, it can charge your devices while it’s also charging itself.

BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

Campers and hikers will appreciate this charger from BigBlue , which has multiple solar panels that stretch out nearly three feet to absorb the energy of the sun but then fold up to a relatively compact size when not in use. The included micro USB cable is compatible with most Android phones, some DSLR cameras, and most iPhones and iPads. The charger weighs 1.35 pounds and is waterproof.

Courant Carry Wireless Charger

Sick of traveling with a snarl of cables? It’s not cheap, but the Qi-certified Carry charger from Courant will power up your phone wirelessly. (It does come with a USB-C cable as well, just in case.) Encased in Italian leather, this sleek portable charger comes with a carrying bag and is compatible with a wide range of phones.

Pocket Power 5K Power Bank

This ultra-portable charger from Belkin weighs less than five ounces and measures just 4.86 x 2.49 x 0.51 inches, making it easy to slip into your pocket or purse. Its universal USB port is compatible with a variety of devices, including iPhones and iPads, Galaxy and Google phones, and Apple Watches. One nice feature: a warranty worth up to $2,500 if your device is damaged while connected to the charger.

Mophie Juice Pack

Mophie’s Juice Pack will not only protect your phone but also provide up to 38 hours’ worth of extra power, thanks to a battery built into the case. You can power up the case without cables using any Qi-compatible wireless charger (not included). Cases are available for a variety of iPhones and Galaxy devices.

RapidX X5 Car Charger

The X5 Car Charger is one of the best travel chargers for road trips because it plugs into both cigarette lighters and 12v-24v outlets and can power up to five devices at once. It has an extended USB hub so everyone in the back seat can plug in as well. The charger is compatible with iOS, Android, and other devices.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 8 Genius Ways to Preserve Your Phone’s Battery Life While Traveling
• 8 Innovative Phone Cases and Accessories for Travel
• 5 Smartphone Essentials You Should Never Travel Without

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

9-Nt Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway...

Railbookers

Luxe, 12-Night Spain, France, Monaco &...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

9 best travel adapters to keep your devices charged on holiday

The last thing you want on that first post-lockdown holiday is to be caught without your phone or camera, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email, thanks for signing up to the indybest email.

With travel on the horizon once more, it’s time to start thinking about investing in the accessories no jet-setter should be without, and adapters deserve to be at the very top of that list.

If you’re still relying on the one you picked up at Dubai airport 20 years ago, then it’s time to upgrade – ideally to one with at least one USB port and the ability to help you stay connected in a minimum of 150 countries.

Features to look out for include mechanisms that allow the prongs to slide smoothly into place and slot quickly back in when not in use, and a small LED light that will show you when the power’s on.

One thing you don’t have to worry too much about though is surge protection – these days, the majority of adapters have this built in.

We’ve included a number of travel adapters designed especially for smaller items of tech such as iPhones and iPads , simply because these days many leisure travellers are more likely to carry numerous smaller gadgets, rather than larger items such as laptops .

• 10 best travel backpacks to prepare for that long-awaited trip
• 11 best noise-cancelling headphones to help you focus
• 11 best packing cubes for keeping your suitcase organised

We tested our adapters by using them with a wide range of gadgets, paying careful attention to the way in which interchangeable adapters could be swapped and how securely the prongs stayed in place

We quickly realised the benefit to a number of extras we hadn’t considered before, whether it was dedicated pouches with clearly marked compartments or extra-clear markings indicating which country a certain adapter was most likely to be required in.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent .

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

OneAdaptr all-in-one world adapter with USB-C & 3 USB charger

You can plug five devices into this all-singing, all-dancing adapter which has three USB ports, a USB C port and the ability to do its thing in 150 countries.  It has brilliant packaging – in this case a book-like box with a magnetic closure that looks and feels far too good to simply be tossed in the bin. For extra points in the packaging department, this adapter also comes with its own colour-coordinated drawstring pouch.

Our favourite feature was the way in which the prongs slid out – unlike other adapters, which required a separate button to be pressed, we simply needed to press and hold the same button that we used to slide out the prongs.

Mophie charge stream global travel kit

This adapter, designed with smart phones in mind, is another product with brilliant packaging – in this case, a sturdy pouch with clearly identifiable sections for the various components, which include a wireless charging station, five interchangeable adapters, a micro-USB cable and a car adapter.

Sadly we didn’t have a phone with wireless charging capability on which to test the wireless charger, but we were still able to charge our phone the traditional way, using the USB port. We loved the ultra-bright LED light that appeared when this adapter was in use, as well as the way in which the different components slotted firmly but quickly into place.

Anker 65W 3-port charger

This is another wonderfully compact adapter designed with phones and USB C-charging laptops in mind, although the tiny size of the different attachments might be a downside for those prone to clumsiness. However, we loved the ease with which they slotted into the body of the main unit, which provides plenty of power.

Two USB-A ports and one USB-C port (the type most Samsung users will be familiar with) offer a total of 65W of output, which can be used to power three devices simultaneously. We loved the sky-blue trim, and the bright blue light offered a welcome alternative to the standard red.

Samsonite worldwide adapter

This is a sturdy, reliable adapter that will keep you connected in 150 countries. The various prongs slide out with satisfying ease, and a two-year warranty will appeal to those prone to slinging their adapters in cramped corners of backpacks and suitcases.

Perhaps we’re nit-picking, but we would have loved to see a flash of colour, and we can’t help but feel £35 is a little steep when it’s easy to find adapters with USB ports (which this one doesn’t have) for much less.

Twelve South plugbug duo

A lot of thought has gone into the design of the Ferrari-red plugbug duo, as well as its packaging. The PlugBug comes tucked into a sturdy cardboard box with cut-out holes for the various components. Designed for use with Apple gadgets such as iPhones, MacBooks and iPads, it has five interchangeable adapters that allow it to be used in 150 countries. MacBooks or iPads can be plugged into the base and there are two USB ports on the side.

Heys universal adapter

This is a compact, top-quality adapter with the ability to charge a wide range of gadgets, and a great price tag – just £24. It’s far from basic, with two USBs, a sleek red trim and a locking action that means the prongs stay put when extended but will easily slide back in when they’re no longer needed.

One aspect that proved unexpectedly useful was the red outline around the holes for the prongs of three-pinned UK plugs – when fumbling around in semi-darkness, this acted as a handy visual guide.

Go Travel worldwide adapter and USB

Go Travel’s adapter errs on the chunky side (it’s surprisingly heavy) but it’s got a thoughtful, top-quality design, with two USB ports and a sturdy locking mechanism that will keep the various prongs in place. A gold star was awarded for the clearly marked wording next to the controls for each set of prongs – it’s all too easy to forget which countries have which sockets.

There are two USB ports and we appreciated the positioning of the LED light that appears when it’s plugged in – the light is on the bottom, so you’ll be able to quickly tell whether it’s turned on if you know where to look but its position means it’s unlikely to keep you awake if you’re easily disturbed.

Herschel travel adapter

A stylish adapter contained in a zip lock-style (but inevitably landfill-destined) plastic bag, Herschel’s contribution to connectivity will appeal to style-conscious jetsetters. It’s got a sleek pared-back look and the casing has a rubberised feel which offers a welcome alternative to cold, hard plastic.

There are two USB ports on the side and the design is slightly different to most adapters, with the prongs positioned in a way which means you’ll need to rotate the adapter depending on which set you’re using. Our one gripe was that the sliding controls erred on the stiff side and more than once we had to prise out the prongs manually.

Flight 001 5-in-1 universal travel adapter

Why can’t all adapters look like this? A colourful, Lego-like stack of interchangeable adapters that slot easily in and out, the flight 001 5-in-1 universal travel adapter has two USBs and comes in a neat, sturdy box that doubles as the perfect carrying case.

Although this is an adapter made up of multiple parts, rather than internal, fixed prongs that simply slide in and out, the ease with which the pieces slot together – and the clever use of colour – means the likelihood of any part being left behind is slim to none.

The verdict: Travel adapters

The brilliant and stylish OneAdaptr all-in-on world adapter is proof that an adapter really can serve multiple purposes without making any sacrifices in the quality department.

However, the Mophie charge stream global travel kit is one of the best travel adapters designed with smart phones in mind and the Anker 65W 3-port charger is a stylish, compact adapter that is ideal for families.

Make travelling light work with one of these travel wallets to keep all your holiday documents organised and safe

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

Product Information

The World Travel Adapter Kit includes a set of seven AC plugs with prongs that fit different electrical outlets around the world, each laser-etched with the regions they are compatible with. For world travelers, this is the perfect kit to ensure power connectivity in most countries you may travel to.

The kit is designed to work with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters.

The AC plugs included in the World Travel Adapter Kit directly support outlets in North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil.

* Monthly pricing is available when you select Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) as payment type at checkout at Apple, and is subject to credit approval and credit limit. Financing terms vary by product. Taxes and shipping are not included in ACMI and are subject to your card’s variable APR. See the Apple Card Customer Agreement (Opens in a new window) for more information. ACMI is not available for purchases made online at special storefronts. The last month’s payment for each product will be the product’s purchase price, less all other payments at the monthly payment amount. ACMI financing is subject to change at any time for any reason, including but not limited to, installment term lengths and eligible products. See support.apple.com/kb/HT211204 (Opens in a new window) for information about upcoming changes to ACMI financing.

To access and use all Apple Card features and products available only to Apple Card users, you must add Apple Card to Wallet on an iPhone or iPad that supports and has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Apple Card is subject to credit approval, available only for qualifying applicants in the United States, and issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.

If you reside in the U.S. territories, please call Goldman Sachs at 877-255-5923 with questions about Apple Card.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Tech Essentials

The 14 Best Portable Chargers of 2024

We appreciate a good balance of speed and power while on the go.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

There’s nothing worse than grabbing your phone or laptop while traveling and realizing your battery is completely drained. A portable charger is one of the most useful travel items, especially when you find yourself in a tricky situation with no access to an outlet. Whether you’re exploring in a campervan and need a hefty charger to handle your laptop, or boarding a plane and in need of something super compact to charge your smartphone, there’s a portable charger for all types of travelers’ needs so you don’t find yourself in a powerless pickle. 

With so many choices on the market, we’ve narrowed down your search by prioritizing features like weight and size for portability, functionality, power, and battery capacity. These are the 14 best portable chargers of 2024 to make sure you stay connected wherever you go.

Best Overall

Nimble champ portable charger.

It’s lightweight and pocket-sized.

If you need more capacity, consider upgrading to the Pro version which provides 20,000 mAh.

The Nimble Champ is “smaller than a deck of cards” and incredibly lightweight, making it an ideal travel companion. This tiny but mighty backup charger comes in a spectrum of colors, allowing you to match it to your personality. It’s also extremely functional, with the ability to charge two devices at once and compatibility with a wide array of phones, tablets, Apple MacBooks, and fitness trackers. The dual USB-C power delivery offers high-speed charging to almost any device and the capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times. In fact, with this charger, you can get your smartphone back up to an 80 percent charge in just half an hour. The included lanyard makes it easy to tote around, whether on your wrist or attached to your bag. We also love that it’s crafted out of 90 percent certified recycled plastics with a free e-waste recycling option for your old, unused devices.

The Details: 3.38 x 2.28 x 0.98 inches  | 6.2 ounces | 10,000 mAh | 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A

Best With Built-in Cords

Charmast portable charger.

It can charge up to six devices at the same time.

The attached cords are short.

The slim and travel-friendly Portable Charger with Built-in Cables on Amazon is our top choice for those who need a variety of included cords for multiple devices. With six outputs and three inputs, this charging device is ideal for people with an array of different types of electronics, from smartphones to tablets, and micro devices. Its lightweight and slim profile make it easy to throw in your bag without taking up too much space. Each included cable can be tucked into the back of the device, keeping things organized so you don’t have to spend time untangling a mess of wires. Check the digital display screen to keep track of how much battery is left on your backup charger so you can plan appropriately (and it will take between four and a half to six hours to fully recharge). When at full capacity, this backup charger can power up your smartphone twice, your tablet up to 1.5 times, and much more.

The Details: 5.71 x 2.68 x 0.51 inches | 0.63 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C, Micro USB, built-in charging USB-A cable (input); 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C and built-in Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning cables (output)

Most Compact

Tntor portable charger for iphone.

It has a built-in lightning cable for charging iPhones.

Phones with USB-C ports (like Androids and newer iPhones) will need to supply their own C to C cable to charge.

The ultra slim Tntor Portable Charger for iPhone wins the award for “most compact” with a 6-millimeter thickness and credit card size. Specifically designed for iPhone users, the built-in cord means it’s ready to charge and you don’t have to tote around a separate cord. At 5,000 mAh, this charger is carry-on compatible and can charge not just your iPhone, but other lightning-equipped devices including an iPad, iPad mini, and AirPods. This is an ideal charger for those who don’t need to charge multiple devices and only need to top off their iPhone en route to their next destination. It offers one full charge when at 100 percent capacity and requires a three-hour charging time. The Intelligent Control Circuit feature protects your devices from overcharging, as well as other problematic issues such as over-voltage, short circuiting, temperature protection, and over-current.

The Details: 4.84 x 2.6 x .24 inches | 4 ounces | 5,000 mAh | USB-C (input); built-in Lightning cable (output)

Best Wireless

Podoru wireless portable charger.

Paired with a magnetic case, it can charge right on the back of your phone without a cord.

It will only work with a magnetic case (purchased separately) and is compatible with iPhone 12 series and higher.

Indulge in the luxury of leaving your cords behind with the Podoru Wireless Portable Charger that can power up to three devices with its magnetic charging capability. Compact with an impressive capacity to recharge your phone up to two and a half times, it’s an ideal option for travelers or those on the go for long stretches of time. The LED display shows how much battery is left in your charger — and, if you need to top off other devices in addition to your phone, two extra input and output ports allow you to do so. There are eight built-in low temperature ice cores and a protective safety system not just for temperature control, but also short circuit and overcharging protection as well. Thanks to its silicone shell, it’s easy to grip and with a soft exterior that won’t scrape your device when connected magnetically. 

The Details: 5.67 x 3.43 x 0.94 inches | 6.5 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-A (output); USB-C (input/output)

Best With Stand

Aoguerbe magnetic power bank.

The stand is foldable and compact.

It’s a little bulkier than other models we’ve seen.

We love the folding stand that’s built into the design of the Aoguerbe Magnetic Power Bank. It allows you to charge your iPhone without the hassle of a bunch of cords when paired with a magnetic phone case. Charge up to three devices at a time, with the capacity to bring your iPhone to 100 percent up to two times per fully charged power bank. The included stand folds down to keep the compact profile of the power bank and can be used to keep your phone upright in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The charger also won’t block your camera lens, so you can easily continue to use your phone while it’s being charged. Built-in temperature control and other safety protection helps ensure this device won’t damage your phone or overheat. 

The Details: 4.09 x 2.68 x 0.86 inches | 6.7 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C and Lighting (input); USB-C and USB-A (output)

Best for Tablets

Eggtronic laptop power bank.

It can charge your tablet up to four times.

  Due to its powerful capacity, it’s larger and heavier than comparable power bank models.

We love the powerhouse Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank for so many reasons: it has the capacity to charge multiple devices twice as fast as standard models, and boasts a relatively compact size and sleek design. This universally compatible power bank can refuel the battery on not just your smartphone or tablet, but also laptops, cameras, bluetooth devices, and more. The LCD display shows the current battery life so you can stay up to date on its capacity. This durable device is a great travel companion for anyone; from professionals that need to stay in touch on the road, to those exploring the great outdoors on a multi-day camping trip. When it’s time to recharge the power bank itself, it’ll only take about three hours which is impressive for such a powerful device. 

The Details: 6.75 x 4 x 0.63 inches | 1.34 lbs | 20,000 mAh | 2 USB-A (output); USB-C (input/output)

Best for Laptops

Anker 747 power bank.

It can fully charge an entire MacBook Air.

It’s rather heavy — and expensive — if not using it to charge laptops often.

For travelers who are working en route to their destination and need to keep their laptop consistently charged, the Anker 747 Power Bank is our top choice. Compatible with a wide range of brands including Dell and Apple, this power bank can refuel computer batteries in anywhere from two to three hours. Charge up to four devices at once, and enjoy the long-lasting capacity that can power an iPhone 13 Pro up to five times before needing to be charged itself. Paired with the included Anker 65W 515 wall charger, this power bank can reach 100 percent in two and a half hours versus more than 17 hours without. Built-in sensors offer advanced temperature control to make sure the device doesn’t overheat while the battery management system prevents overcharging. 

The Details: 7.2 x 3.23 x 0.95 in | 1.34 pounds | 25,600 mAh | 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A

Best Multi-device Charging

Anker prime 27,650mah power bank.

It charges three devices at once.

This charger is over the mAh limit for traveling on some airplanes, so it’s best to check with the airline before bringing it with you on board.

For those who need a power bank that can charge multiple devices (and fast), the Anker Prime 27,650 mAH Power Bank is a fantastic choice. While not necessary to use, the accompanying app shows you up-to-date stats, and can also help to locate your power bank with sound alerts should you misplace it. This exceptionally functional power bank can recharge a smartphone more than four times and a MacBook Air more than once before needing to be reloaded. Using the dual USB-C ports, the power bank itself can be recharged in less than 40 minutes. As a bonus, this soda-can-sized charging bank comes with its own travel pouch. The built-in active shield prevents the charger from overheating and other safety issues. 

The Details: 6.37 x 1.96 x 2.24 inches | 1.47 lbs | 27,650 mAh |  USB-C, Lightning (input); USB-C, USB-A (output)

Best Fast Charging

Ugreen 145w power bank.

It can charge a MacBook Air in 90 minutes.

While compact, it’s a bit heavier than other models.

Not only does the Ugreen 145W Power Bank charge devices quickly, but it also can be charged back to 100 percent in under two hours using the two-way fast charging. This requires an additional purchase of a 65W charger . Because it has 145 watts in output, it can recharge a laptop more than once and a smartphone more than five times all at a rapid speed. The smart digital display keeps you in the loop with how much battery is left in the power bank. It’s also compatible with so many devices, from smartphones to drones, that you won’t be limited with what you can charge as you travel. With three ports, you can charge a few devices at a time as well. 

The Details: 6.3 x 3.18 x 1.05 inches | 1.11 lbs | 25,000 mAh | 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A (output); 1 USB-C (input/output)

Best LED Display

Vnbbt magnetic wireless power bank.

The display shows both the available charge left on the device and the progress of the item it’s charging.

It’s not compatible with non-magnetic phone cases.

Take the guesswork out of charging when using the Vnbbt Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, thanks to its incredibly accurate LED display feature. It can be fully charged for your travels within two and a half to four hours. Its ultra compact, lightweight design makes it easy to bring along with you. The material is non-slip so you don’t have to worry about grip being an issue while using the magnetic charger paired with a magnetic phone case. The display is simple, quickly informing you of how much charge is left to go and how much is on the power bank itself so you can plan accordingly. Charge your iPhone in less than 45 minutes and power up two other devices at the same time. 

The Details: 7.87 x 3.94 x 0.79 inches | 8.1 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C (input/output), USB-A (output), and magnetic wireless charging

Best for Android

Iwalk small usb c portable charger.

It’s lipstick-sized and very portable.

The battery life isn’t that impressive compared to other power banks.

Specifically designed for Android users, this tiny portable charger easily fits in a bag or even your pocket. The iWalk charger is cordless as well, so you don’t need to provide a cord or untangle wires when you want to use it; simply plug it directly into the USB-C port. Although there isn’t an LED display to show the percentage of battery left, there are indicator lights to track the power level. It’s designed to prevent over-charging, short circuiting, and temperature control while using as well, so you can have peace of mind if you need to step away. In general, it takes approximately two and a half hours to recharge this portable device. 

The Details: 3 x 1.8 x 1 inches | 0.071 ounces | 4,500 mAh | USB-C (input), USB-C (output)

Best With A/C Outlet

Sinkeu portable laptop phone charger.

It includes an actual plug as well as a cord for charging via a car cigarette lighter.

There are no slots for a USB-C.

For a power bank with an actual built-in plug, the SinKeu 65 Watt Portable Laptop Phone Charger is our top pick because of its portability and versatility. This power bank is fantastic for charging laptops, tablets, and other compatible devices like certain camera batteries (65 watts and under) that need a typical plug port. The 12V port is great for recharging speakers and other devices that require that output, while the 5V port is perfect for refueling your cell phone up to eight times before needing to be recharged itself. For compatible laptop models, it can provide a full charge twice, making this a great option for travelers with a wide array of devices. The included cigarette lighter plug makes it possible to recharge this power bank in your car as well. To fully recharge, it takes approximately four hours. 

The Details: 6.8 x 3.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.1 lbs | 24,000 mAh | 2 USB-A, 110V AC outlet, 15V (input), 12V (output)

Best Colors

Charmast small portable charger.

It’s small and comes in a fun spectrum of colors.

It’s difficult to plug your phone into the charger if you have a case.

We love the colors and size of the Charmast Small Portable Charger that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. This charger has the ability to be fully recharged within an hour and a half when using a 9V-2A fast charger (or three hours with a standard one). Although it doesn’t have the capacity to fully power your smartphone back to 100 percent, it can provide up to 65 percent charge which is a great option for most travelers who just need to top up a device throughout their journey. It can, however, recharge AirPods up to six times. With no additional cords needed, plug it directly into your phone’s lightning port (and it’s also offered with a USB-C instead for Google, Samsung or iPhone 15 devices). With colors like pink, green, blue, orange, black, and white, you can match this portable charger to your phone’s case (or whatever suits your mood!)

The Details: 1.38 x 3.03 x 0.97 inches | 4.7 ounces | 5,000 mAh | USB-C (input), Lightning port (output)

Best With Wall Plug

Brand q ultra slim portable charger.

It’s ultra slim and offers 5-in-1 types of charging.

The built-in cords are stiff and not easy to manipulate.

We love that the built-in wall plug on the Q Slim Portable Charger folds into the power bank to keep a slim profile for transport and that this option comes with its own case. With three included cords, this universal charger is ideal for all types of phones, and you won’t have to bring additional cords along on your adventures. Most phones can be charged between two and a half to four times before needing to recharge the power bank. The included “Intelligent Power Management IC” makes sure your devices will be protected from short circuit, overheating, and overcurrent issues while in use. Another great feature is that you can charge your phone from the power bank while also charging the power bank from the wall plug.

The Details: 6.29 x 2.95 x 0.6 inches | 12.1 ounces |  10,000 mAh | Micro USB, AC (input); Lightning, USB-C, Micro USB (output)

Tips for Buying Portable Chargers

Consider charge potential and timing.

When shopping for a portable power bank, one of the main features to look out for is the capacity for fully charging your devices, especially your smartphone. If you have long travel days with little opportunity to plug your phone in and your backup charger can only offer half a charge to top it off, that may not work for you. Another thing to consider is how long it will take to recharge each of your important devices, as well as the length of time it will take to recharge the power bank itself. Most people can recharge a power bank overnight if it takes more than a couple of hours, but you need to look at your precise needs while on the go.

Decide how much capacity you need

All of the numbers referring to capacity in mAh and watt hours can be a little tricky to understand when deciding what you’ll need. The term mAh means “milliampere-hour” and measures the units of electric charge, or how much power it can hold. This will be the difference between being able to charge just one device at a time versus multiple, and/or charging your phone multiple times or even a laptop at all. If you just need to top off your phone and keep it from getting to zero percent, something below 5,000mAh should do the trick. If you need to charge your phone constantly or have more than one device, something more than 10,000mAh might be for you.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have rules for rechargeable batteries and power banks measured in the max watt hours allowed, you’ll need to know how to convert the mAh listed for the power bank or charger into watt hours to see if your device can come along with you. To do this, you’ll need to multiply milliamp hours by volts then divide by 1,000. So, if you take the Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank listed above, it’s 20,000mAh at 5V, making it equivalent to 100 watt hours. 

The FAA and TSA state that any spare battery with more than 100 watt hours or 27,000mAh needs to have approval from the airline.

Look at the types and numbers of ports

One of the most important aspects of choosing a power bank is to make sure it will be compatible with your devices. The last thing you want is to purchase a back-up charger that’s only suitable for an iPhone when you have an Android. There are numerous options that offer more than one type of port. The most common inputs and outputs are USB-A and USB-C, as well as lightning ports (for Apple devices). Some models offer a wall plug or cigarette lighter adapter as well, perfect for those who need to charge a device from the car or have to charge something with a physical plug. 

It’s important to note that regulations will have lightning ports outdated for future iPhones due to the European Union’s ruling that all smartphones need to have the USB-C charging port in common.

A portable charger or power bank is a great back-up solution to ensure you don’t run out of battery on your devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They provide an extra lithium-ion battery-powered source that can connect to a wide array of devices, depending on their ports or magnetic charging capabilities. When connected, they transfer their stored energy to the electronic device plugged in. Typically, they are small enough to fit in your bag without taking up too much space, and some are even compact enough to fit in your pocket.

Yes, it’s possible to bring most portable chargers on an airplane, though there are restrictions to abide by: it’ll have to stay in your carry-on luggage that you’ll have with you in the cabin, as it can’t be in a checked bag. It also can’t possess more than 100Wh (watt-hours) or 27,000 mAh capacity. If your power bank has a larger capacity than this, you’ll need approval from the airline.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her first-hand experience as a travel writer and photographer on-the-go who often needs to keep her devices charged for all of her adventures. She tapped into her knowledge of using different power banks and backup charger brands to curate this list for every need, big and small.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

• Free 3-7 day shipping on orders of $38 or more in the US Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of zł198 or more in Poland. Free 5-7 day shipping on orders of kr350 or more in Sweden. Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of ￡33 or more in the UK. Free 4-8 day shipping on orders of AU$58 or more in Australia. Free 4-6 day shipping on orders of K?912 or more in the Czech. Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of kr280 or more in Denmark. Free 4-6 day shipping on orders of Ft11900 or more in Hungary. Free 2-7 day shipping on orders of C$52 or more in Canada. Kostenloser Versand innerhalb von 3-13 Tagen bei Bestellungen ab 38 € in Deutschland . Livraison gratuite entre 2 et 5 jours sur les commandes de 38 € ou plus France . Envío gratuito de 3 a 13 días a España en pedidos de 38 € o más. Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of €40 or more in Greece. Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Belgium. Free 7-12 day shipping on orders of US$35 or more in the United Arab Emirates. Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Slovenia. Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of €40 or more in Portugal. Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Luxembourg. Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of €40 or more in Ireland. Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Finland. Kostenloser Versand innerhalb von 7-15 Tagen bei Bestellungen ab CHF44 in Schweiz . Free 7-15 day shipping on orders of kr380 or more in Norway Free 7-15 day shipping on orders of NZ$69 or more in New Zealand Free 6-12 day shipping on orders of RM175 or more in Malaysia Free 8-15 day shipping on orders of ₱2240 or more in the Philippines Free 8-15 day shipping on orders of ฿1400 or more in Thailand Free 7-15 day shipping on orders of Mex$800 or more in Mexico Free 5-12 day shipping on orders of 160SR or more in Saudi Arabia Free 20-30 day shipping on orders of R846 or more in South Africa Free 15-20 day shipping on orders of 604000IDR or more in Indonesia Free 3-5 day shipping on orders of HK$304 or more in Hong Kong Free 7-12 day shipping on orders of S$60 or more in Singapore Free 7-15 day shipping on orders of ₩45745 or more in South Korea Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Austria. Free 3-13 day shipping on orders of €40 or more in the Netherlands. 日本国内で ￥4,970 以上のご注文で 3 ～ 13 日で無料配送 Free 20-25 day shipping on orders of ₹3280 in India. Free 4-6 day shipping on orders of €38 or more in Slovakia. Spedizione gratuita in 3-13 giorni in Italia per ordini di importo pari o superiore a 38 €.

• 15W Qi2 for MagSafe
• Chargers for MagSafe
• Wallets for MagSafe
• Power Banks for MagSafe
• MagSafe + CryoBoost
• Apple-Certified Chargers
• Car Chargers for MagSafe
• Cases for MagSafe
• Car Mounts for MagSafe
• Rings for MagSafe
• Portable Monitors
• Wireless Charging
• PD Fast Charging
• Cables & Adapters
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 mini
• Other iPhone Series
• iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
• iPad Pro 11 (2022)
• iPad Air 5/4
• iPad 10th Gen (2022)
• iPad mini 6 (2021)
• Other iPad Series
• Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Galaxy S24+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S22 Plus
• Other Galaxy Series
• AirPods Pro (2023/2022/2019)
• AirTag 2021
• Apple Watch
• iPhone 13/13 Pro
• iPhone Series
• iPad Series
• Galaxy Series
• Refer a Friend for 25% Off
• Become an ESR Super User
• Student Discount
• Support Center
• Setup Videos & FAQs
• Order Status
• Return & Exchange

No products in the cart.

Buy now, pay later.

3 easy monthly payments with 0% interest.

• 1 Add your favorites to the cart
• 2 We’ll split your payment into 3 equal amounts
• 3 Pay the first at checkout
• 4 The next two will be spread 30 days apart

Who can use Atome?

• · Be at least 18 years old
• · Have a credit/debit card
• · Have a valid and verifiable phone number

Still have questions?

• Contact Atome:
• For Singapore: [email protected]
• For Hong Kong: [email protected]
• For Malaysia: [email protected]

HaloLock™ 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set

Foldable and portable multi-device magnetic wireless charger for iPhone and AirPods with a removable made for Apple Watch charging dongle

Read more   

Minimize   

— OR —

Out of stock

Out of stock for this country

$ 86.99 $ 69.99 -->

Buy $ 38.00 more to enjoy free shipping!

• 3-7 day delivery. Shipping info >
• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
• Lifetime Customer Support
• Secure, Easy Payments
• Pay later in 30 days or $17.5 in 4 monthly installments. More info >

Build a Bundle

• $ 18.99 $ 27.99 Save $ 9.00 when you buy now!
• $ 21.99 $ 27.99 Save $ 6.00 when you buy now!
• $ 21.99 $ 29.99 Save $ 8.00 when you buy now!

• $ 22.99 $ 22.99 Get 10% off this item!
• $ 23.99 $ 23.99 Get 10% off this item!

• $ 34.99 $ 39.99 Save $ 5.00 when you buy now!
• $ 39.99 $ 39.99 Get 10% off this item!
• Additional information
• Reviews (574)

Power in a Snap

Officially made for apple watch, the view that suits you, built for the road, pocket-sized power, reviews(574).

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews (574) Image Video

Joe – June 14, 2023

I got this charging stand before going on a trip with my fiancée and it ended up being even better than I thought! I only had to plug in the base and put my phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch on it instead of pulling out a bunch of cords and charging blocks to charge everything. It even comes in a nice carrying case to protect everything and keep it organized. Even when I’m home, this is my new go to charger to save some space on my nightstand.

YL2017 – January 27, 2024

Really well packaged for travel, the phone charger is great and has a strong magsafe attachment. unfortunately, the watch charger isn\’t well designed, it doesn\’t have enough magnetic strength to hold a 44mm apple wtch with metal strap, so needs to be adapted to help support the watch. It\’s a shame as otherwise this is a great charging station at a reasonable price.

Nice product – January 13, 2024

One weird thing is they make me write this review in order to qualify for 24 month warranty. Worth keeping that in mind when reading the reviews for it.

Jim Kastner – January 12, 2024

Very compact & portable multi position charger.

Mike – November 5, 2023

I have a upcoming international trip and I was really on the market for a good and reliable magsafe charger that doesn’t hurt my pocket. Having upgraded my phone just recently and a first time MagSafe user, this 3 in 1 travel wireless charging set perfectly fits my requirement. The travel kit really made my purchase all worth it. The charger itself feels really well built and premium and I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase. Though it would be really convenient for travel to have a 15 watts fast charging like other ESR charging stand, this travel wireless kit will be good for now. Will update my reviews for other worth noting things to share.

Pari – June 23, 2023

This sleek folding design makes this a great travel gear and a desk stand and an excellent choice to maximise its functionality. The portable watch charger can be plugged into any usb c brick.

Really well packaged for travel, the phone charger is great and has a strong magsafe attachment. unfortunately, the watch charger isn’t well designed, it doesn’t have enough magnetic strength to hold a 44mm apple wtch with metal strap, so needs to be adapted to help support the watch. It’s a shame as otherwise this is a great charging station at a reasonable price.

A. S. Hood – January 19, 2024

The product itself is quite decent if you travel. Hardwearing and all required pieces fit snuggly into a nice carry case. Phone and AirPods also charge well – with a strong magnetic pull to hold your phone very securely to the charging pad.However, the Apple Watch charger isn’t as good with the magnetic power of only 100g. Disappointingly, this won’t maintain the necessary magnetic draw to keep the watch and charger together – especially if you own the larger of the Apple Watch models. The design of this part doesn’t help as it’s vertical. Your Watch will likely slip off the charger whilst charging. Being able to remove the watch charger and plug into your laptop, for example, is a nice touch however, but not everyone travels with a laptop.I genuinely wanted to like this multi-charger, but the watch charger really lets it down. This isn’t helped by the sales support team refusing to send a replacement – instead offering me a partial refund to keep the product, a third of which doesn’t work as expected, and which contradicts their policy of replacing defective products.

Kamber – November 7, 2023

After having a failed experience with another 3-1 charger I came across this product and through; “it has everything” lets give it a try and boy am I glad I did. Day 1 and it has been a great experience thus far. It’s great to have a 3-1 charger that at least has a certified Apple Watch cherger and packs up into a super portable design with a case for organization. The device ran 3 items cheating on it without issues and without heating up. My iPhone 15 Pro Max, AirPod Pro’s and Apple Watch fit on it without issue. For it being so lightweight it is very sturdy and it’s great value for what you’re paying. Can’t wait for my next trip.

Bayram Yurdakurban – June 22, 2023

The quality is nice, great product..

HaloLock™ 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set Cancel reply

Your review *

Can I plug the watch charger into other USB-C devices to charge my apple watch?

Yes. The watch charger can be removed from the 3-in-1 charger and plugged into other USB-C devices.

Is it portable?

Yes. The charger folds in half so that it easily fits into the included travel bag to make taking it with you on the go easier.

Does it come with a power adapter or do I need to use my own?

The charger comes with a 20W PD adapter and 5 ft (1.5 m) USB-C to C cable.

Are the magnets in the phone charging pad strong enough to hold my phone?

Yes. The phone charger’s magnets have a holding strength of 1,000 g to ensure that your phone snaps in to place and stays securely attached.

You Might Also Like

Please send us your suggestion

Username or email address  * -->

Password  * -->

Log in --> Log in Remember me

Lost your password?

Don't have an account? Register now.

Log in with

Create Account

Username  * -->

Email address  * -->

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

Register --> Register

These Are HuffPost Readers’ Favorite Travel Products Of All Time

Shopping Writer, HuffPost

Traveling is such a pleasure, yet it can also be stressful and uncomfortable, with long flights, crowded airports and unfamiliar lodging. Here at HuffPost, we’re always on the lookout for items to make travel more comfortable and all-around easier. We also believe that our readers are their own authority, so we’ve rounded up HuffPost readers’ favorite, top-selling travel products for your reference, including from the best carry-on luggage, hygiene and skin care, comfy clothes and more.

Read on for a list of our community’s go-to travel products.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Popular in the Community

From our partner, huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in shopping.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Moscow’s new suburban rail lines dramatically improve commutes!

The first two of the five lines of the MCD were launched November 21: the MCD1 line goes to Odintsovo (west) and Lobnya (north), while MCD2 to Podolsk (south) and Nakhabino (west). These towns are some 20-30 km from Moscow, and are inhabited by hundreds of thousands of people traveling to Moscow on business each day.

Vladimir Putin at the opening of the MCD.

Both lines cross over with central Moscow stations, as well as those on the outskirts. You can change over to the Moscow Central Circle or the metro (there is a total of 27 stations where you can make the switch). These changes allow for getting to and from the city center much faster and more conveniently than commuter trains.

Why does Moscow need the MCD?

The MCD will add to the function of the commuter trains, easing part of the daily burden experienced by those lines, as well as reduce car traffic in and out of town. The MCD runs every 5-10 minutes with only a four-hour break at night. The reason the new trains are referred to as Diameters is that they travel not just to Moscow’s main intercity stations, but also from one city on the outskirts of Moscow all the way to another one situated at the other end. 

The service runs similar to an ordinary Metro, from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Directions are available in English, so you won’t get lost.

One important change you must remember is the Aeroexpress trains to Sheremetyevo airport now run differently than before: now one ride from the Belorussky railway to Sheremetyevo will take 50 minutes - instead of the usual 35. Also, on the way from the airport, Belorussky railway will no longer be the final stop - Odintsovo will. But there will also be a few new stations that cross over with the regular metro - in the Moscow City district, on Begovaya, Fili and Kuntsevskaya. All of these interlink with the regular metro.

New internet-capable trains

The MCD trains - in accordance with the Russian custom with giving names of birds to every new train route - will carry the name Ivolga (Russian word for “Eurasian golden oriole”). The carriages are outfitted with bike racks, luggage and stroller compartments, power sockets and USB chargers with every seat, as well as free Wi-Fi - as is the case with all of Moscow’s urban transport. 

39 trains are currently operational.

Free transfers!

Prior to the MCD appearing, passengers wanting to switch between city and suburban trains had to buy separate tickets. The MCD greatly simplifies the process: now you simply need to use your Troika card at the MCD ticket stalls. There are two tariffs - city (38 rubles, or $0.6) and regional (45 rubles, $0.8; meaning cities just on the outskirts of Moscow - not the entire region). If you need to go further afield into the Moscow region, beyond the MCD, then your Troika card will be charged an additional $0.35 (23 rubles) to transfer to the ‘elektrichka’ (electrical commuter trains). 

Switching between MCD and metro trains is free for a 90-minute window, irrespective of the tariff. However, if you don’t check out of the station at the exit stalls, your Troika card will be blocked, and require around $2.30 (150 rubles) to unlock. 

You can also pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Mastercard PayPass and Visa PayPass. 

Will there be other ‘diameters’?

Several more MCD are slated to launch before 2025 - the MCD3 (from Ramenskoye to Zelenograd), MCD4 (Zheleznodorozhny to Aprelevka) and MCD5 (from Domodedovo to Pushkino). Right now, the passenger load of the first two Diameters is estimated at 900,000 per day. All five Diameters will serve more than 330 million Moscow passengers every year. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• How Moscow is driving motorists onto public transport
• Why is the Moscow Metro so fast and efficient?
• Why are Russian trains ALWAYS on time?

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Plan Your Trip to Lobnya: Best of Lobnya Tourism

Essential lobnya.

Lobnya Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Art & history

• Boutique-Hotel Mona
• Iceberg House
• Villa Mini Hotel
• Restaurant Venezia
• Sharl Aznavur
• Moscow Defensive Line 1941
• Temple of the Divine Savior
• Monument Veteran 1943
• Cultural Center Krasnaya Polyana
• Temple-Chapel of St. Matrona