Best Travel Adapters (2024 Review)
TOH Reviews Team Take:
- The best travel adapter in 2024 is the BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter because it’s highly versatile and works in over 150 different countries.
- 220 to 110 adapters can cost anywhere between $30 and $110, however, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive travel adapter to do the job.
- Converters and adapters are a must-have for anyone that regularly travels abroad, as these electrical devices allow you to keep your device charged.
Most countries use a different type of plug and a higher amount of voltage than what’s used in the USA. If you’re about to travel or move overseas, you’ll need a 220 to 110 converter to convert the voltage on your device and an adapter for the plug.
While this review is centered around converters that change the 220 volts used in most countries around the world down to U.S. voltage, most of these kits also act as power adapters, allowing you to receive both functions in one product. Keep reading to see our ratings and reviews of the best 220 to 110 adapters on the market.
Travel Adapter Reviews
Before our experts review the best travel adapters on the market, it’s worth comparing our recommendations at a glance below:
Product | Wattage | Included Ports | International Adapters | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|
250 watts
|
3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports
|
4
|
2 years
|
|
200 watts
|
3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports
|
3
|
1 years
|
|
250 watts
|
3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports
|
2
|
2 years
|
|
1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 5,000 watts
|
1 U.S. outlet, 1 European outlet
|
1
|
2 years
|
|
2,000 watts
|
1 U.S. outlet, 4 plugs
|
N/A
|
Not Listed
|
Below, are the This Old House Reviews Team’s recommendations for the best travel adapters in 2024:
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter: Best Travel Adapter
- Wattage: 250 watts
- Ports: 3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports
- International adapters: 4
- Warranty: 2 years
BESTEK 250W Power Converter: What Customers Are Saying
Customers like the BESTEK 250W Power Converter because they could buy the one travel voltage converter and use it in almost every country they visited. Customers also say that the numerous power outlets and USB ports meant that they could charge all of their devices with just this product. However, we did notice some customers said that the fan was loud during use.
Odoga Voltage Converter: Best All-In-One Travel Adapter
Odoga Converter: What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers like the extra features the Odoga Converter offers, with some specifically mentioning the blue LED light that indicated if the product was working and the carrying case that made transportation easier. Others compliment how quiet the fan was compared to other converters. Some customers had issues with the device smoking or making a popping sound. However, this could be caused by them charging more devices than the converter can support.
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220-110V: Best Travel Adapter Kit
BESTEK 220-110V Travel Adapter: What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers cite the functionality of the BESTEK 220-110V Travel Adapter as one of its best features. Customers mention this kit includes everything you need to travel abroad. Some negative reviews mention the device short-circuiting after a few uses. Although our experts theorize this may be due to user error and charging too many devices.
Rockstone Power Converter: High Wattage Travel Adapter
Rockstone Power Voltage Converter: What Customers Are Saying
Customers love the build quality and overall performance of the Rockstone Power Voltage Converter. Reviewers note that despite the fact this travel adapter is more expensive than other options, it’s still good value for money. However, negative reviewers complain that the travel adapter is too heavy and noisy.
HYTED Travel Adapter: Best Compact Travel Adapter
HYTED Travel Adapter: What Customers Are Saying
Customers like that the Hyted Travel Adapter is easy to use and carry and hardly takes up any space in their luggage. When they were ready to use it, all they had to do was choose the plug they wanted, select the adapter or converter mode, and plug in their device. However, some customers complained that the Hyted travel adapter didn’t work with their hair appliances like the manufacturer said it would.
International Travel Plug Adapter Guide
Before buying an international travel plug adapter, there are several important factors to consider, such as the country you’re traveling to, the socket type, and the wattage of the device. Read our buying guide below for more information.
Travel Adapters By Country
The amount of electricity that a socket supplies varies by country. If you’re traveling to a country with a different voltage than that in your home country, you’ll need a converter. The adapters in this review convert 220 volts to 110 volts, but that won’t work for every country you’re visiting. Before leaving for your trip, research the country you’re traveling to so that you know its voltage and can purchase the correct converter.
Adapter Plug Types
There are 15 plug types around the world, starting with Type A and ending with Type O. Before traveling, you should be able to find both the voltage amount and socket type of the country you’re visiting online. If the socket is different from the one in your home country, you’ll need an adapter. You can either buy the adapter separate from the converter or buy a two-in-one device that has both functions.
Travel Adapter Wattage
Each appliance or device requires a different amount of energy to start and run. This energy is measured in watts. The travel adapter you choose should be able to support the amount of energy required for each device you want to power.
For example, a refrigerator requires about 2,200 watts to start and 700 watts to continue running after that initial surge. This means that your converter should be able to support at least 2,200 watts. If you want to run more than a single refrigerator, the wattage on your converter should be high enough to support all of the devices at their initial surge. However, most converters only have a low wattage to support small electronic devices and hair tools while you’re overseas.
Charging Devices When Travelling Internationally
If you’re traveling internationally, a 220 to 110 adapter or travel adapter in general is essential for ensuring all of your electronic devices and appliances are charged. Any device that uses 110 volts will need to be adapted, as most countries of the world outside of the United States use a 220-volt plug. Our team put together this partial list to show what devices are most affected when traveling.
- Air conditioners
- Audio amps
- Coffee Makers
- Curling irons
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Hair straighteners
- Home theatre systems
- Laboratory equipment
- Lamps
- Medical equipment and devices
- Older electronic appliances
- Power tools
- Receivers
- Refrigerators
- Toasters
- Washers
Top Rated Travel Adapters: Our Conclusion
The top rated travel adapters are versatile, allow for multi-device charging, and are safe to use. Our team of experts have highlighted a range of different options for a variety of different needs below:
Travel Adapters: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about travel adapters:
Can I leave my adapter in the socket when no devices are plugged in?
No. Converters and adapters aren’t designed for continuous use, which is why it’s recommended that you unplug them once you’re done powering your devices.
Why isn’t there a standard voltage around the world?
The reason for this goes back to the 1800s when Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were researching electrical generation. In Europe, Tesla chose a higher voltage because it provided continuous electricity, but Edison believed a lower voltage was better because there was a smaller chance of getting electrocuted. By the time Edison realized that a higher voltage was the better option, it was too costly to switch.
What happens if you plug in a device without a converter?
The effects will depend on whether the voltage in the country you’re visiting is lower or higher than the voltage in your home country. If the voltage is lower, the device will draw less current and not perform to its highest ability. If it’s higher, the device will draw too much current and potentially get fried.
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