If you're travelling abroad, you'll want to charge your devices along the way. But with limited space in your luggage, you won't want to buy a different travel adapter for each country you visit. Hence the rise of 'universal' travel charger, which promises support you in over 100 countries worldwide.
We use quote marks for a reason: there's no such thing as a travel adapter that will work absolutely everywhere. That said, the devices on our list are well-equipped to handle the three major standards of US, UK, and EU plugs, which covers you for most global destinations. In Asia, Central or South America, or Africa, though, things can be a bit hit and miss. Standards may vary between cities and regions in the same country, and older buildings may have different sockets to newer ones.
Also be aware some devices hailing from countries with high voltage systems, such as the UK with its 240 volts, might necessitate a voltage converter to function seamlessly in regions employing a much lower voltage, such as the standard 120 volts in the US. This concern typically applies more to high-powered devices like hairdryers.
Best travel adapter overall
The Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter is an excellent choice for travelers seeking reliability and versatility. Designed to support plug types in over 150 countries, including the US, UK, EU, and Australia, this adapter is perfect for global travelers. With three USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and one AC socket, it can charge up to six devices at once, making it an ideal choice for professionals, digital nomads, and families on the go.
Its standout features include Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 technologies, which provide fast charging for compatible devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The adapter’s sturdy design and smooth, intuitive plug mechanism ensure stable and hassle-free operation, even with heavier devices.
The only downside is that it's not a voltage converter, so if you're a UK traveler wanting to connect high-voltage products such as hair dryers, we recommend the Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter, below. For more details, read our Ceptics 70W World Travel Plug Adapter review.
Best travel adapter for value
If you're on a tight budget, you can save a bit of cash by opting for the Epicka Universal over our number one pick. It features four different international plugs that covers more than 150 countries, including the US, UK, EU and Australia. With four USB-A ports, one USB-C port and one AC socket, you can potentially power or charge six devices at once. It's relatively light and compact too.
Best for MacBook
If you're an Apple user, then it makes sense to use Apple's own travel adapter kit for your iPhone, iPad and/or MacBook. As you'd expect, it's compatible with (and optimised for) Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters. Seven AC plugs are included, which fit various power points in places including North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong and Brazil.
Best voltage converter
If you live in a 110V country such as America or Canada, and are traveling to a 220V country like the UK, France or Australia, with high voltage appliances like hair dryers, you'll need a Step Down Voltage Converter to convert the voltage from 220V to 110V. And here's our top pick.
The Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter is an essential tool for safely powering devices like mechanical hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons. It also doubles as a multi-device charger, with three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and two AC outlets. It's designed to work with a wide range of plug types (A, B, C, E/F, G, I), making it compatible with over 150 countries, including most of Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
While its primary purpose is voltage conversion for high-powered devices under 200W, its USB ports and AC outlets also allow for simultaneous charging of phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics. Its compact design, along with robust safety features like surge protection and overload prevention, makes it a reliable travel companion. However, it's important to note that this converter isn’t compatible with electronic hairdryers, such as Dyson models, or devices exceeding 200W.
Best design
Makers of travel adapters aren't particularly imaginative when it comes to product design. But here's a notable exception. This small tube shape holds three interchangeable adapters, for UK, Europe and North America, made from high impact, durable, VO rated polycarbonate plastic. Measuring a compact 5.6 x 3 x 7.6 inches, it's perfect for slipping into a small bag, and it weighs just 140g. Note, though, there are no USB ports.
Best for Southern Africa
Heading to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland or Zimbabwe? Then you'll need to have an adapter that fits the Type M socket in use in these southern African counties. And unfortunately most so-called 'Universal' or 'Worldwide' travel adapters don't.
As the name suggests, the Skross World To South Africa Travel Adapter does, and it's very lightweight and affordable. It works in over 220 countries in total, and it splits into two parts, so you can keep the Europe plug separate from the adapters for the rest of the world. Be aware, though, that there are no USB ports and it's not a voltage converter.
Note that Type M sockets are also found in many other countries, from Israel to Singapore: you can find a full list here.
