12 best travel adapters and converters | CNN Underscored

Traveling internationally requires serious planning to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Between booking flights and hotels, packing the right travel gear can often get lost in the mix — and that can be detrimental, especially if you forget an international power adapter.

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International adapters let travelers charge dual-voltage devices in any electrical outlet by converting the shape and size of the prong socket — and without being tied down to (potentially dangerous) USB charge points in hotels and airports.

There are also power converters, which convert the voltage of your electronics to avoid blowing a fuse in your hotel room or burning out single-voltage devices. These are often required for hair straighteners, clothes steamers and similar appliances.

Selecting the right travel adapter or converter can be tricky. You need to consider your destination, the devices you need to charge and the number of outlets and USB ports required. This is particularly important when traveling with multiple gadgets.

“A good international adapter can make or break your trip,” says Scott Mayerowitz, travel industry expert and founder of GlobeTrotScott Strategies. “Access to outlets and USB charging points is so inconsistent. At some airports and hotels, there are plenty of outlets and charging ports while at others you are scrambling for that one outlet hidden away behind a nightstand.”

Here are some of our favorite travel adapters and converters to keep you charged around the world.

Universal power adapters work in most regions worldwide, so you can use the same adapter on all your future trips. Many have built-in USB-A and USB-C ports for easy device charging, as well. Just note that they do not convert voltage, so don’t use them with single-voltage devices like hairdryers.

This is Mayerowitz's pick for an international power adapter because it has multiple USB-C ports, including a 70-watt port that can charge his MacBook Air without having to plug in another power adapter.

This is the smallest international travel adapter I've seen. It's barebones — there are no USB ports, just a US-style plug for conversion — but it works with most plugs, including UK, EU, AU and others. And at just $10, it's perfect for travelers on a budget.

This budget-friendly universal power adapter is another CNN Underscored favorite, largely because of its low price. When I tested the device, I had no issues using it in 10+ countries. It also has one USB-C port and three USB-A ports.

The Targus World Power Travel Adapter has individual adapters for each region, all contained in a case that's little more than the size of a pepper grinder. If you're only visiting a single country, take individual adapters to save space in your luggage.

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If you’re heading to Europe, these adapters will work great across the region and in non-European countries like Morocco that use EU-style outlets. The universal adapters highlighted in the previous section also work in Europe.

One thing to note. Some of these power adapters do not work in the UK and Ireland unless specifically noted. These countries use a different outlet (type G) than the rest of Europe.

This is my power adapter of choice for trips to Europe. It has four USB-A ports, a USB-C port and three US plug outlets, plus a 5-foot cable. The device has a built-in European plug and includes US and UK adapters.

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This small European power adapter has two US-style outlets: one grounded and one ungrounded. You can use both at the same time, perfect for charging a phone and a tablet with their US power blocks. This three-pack means you have enough adapters for the whole family.

I like this European adapter because it's compact and has two US-style plugs (one grounded, one not grounded), two USB-C ports and a USB-A port. The charger can output up to 15 watts through the USB ports for relatively quick charge speeds.

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Looking to charge your smartphone, smartwatch and other gadgets worldwide and don’t need a US-style AC outlet? These devices have you covered.

Our travel products editor swears by this travel power adapter. It has four USB-C ports with a combined total output of 145 watts, so you can quickly charge phones, MacBooks and more. Plus, it includes US, EU, UK and AU power adapters.

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The Apple World Travel Adapter Kit includes converters that pop right on your existing MacBook charger so it can work throughout North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia and beyond. Plus, it has the iconic all-white Apple aesthetic that matches the rest of your devices.

This premium wireless charger has been in our senior money and travel editor's backpack for the past couple of months. Not only does it charge his iPhone and Apple Watch, but it includes a 30-watt USB-C charger with US, UK, EU and AU plug adapters.

Read our review

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If you need to use single-voltage devices — think electric razors and hair straighteners — abroad, you’ll need a power converter. These drop voltage from 220V to 110V, so you can use them safely. Just make sure you read the specifications of the adapter you’re using to ensure it works with your devices.

Note you do not need these to charge most smartphones, laptops and other dual-voltage devices. However, since power converters have multiple outlets, you can use them alongside other devices.

This universal travel adapter was made for digital nomads and those taking a working vacation. The compact design easily fits into a travel backpack or carry-on bag, but the best part is the built-in USB ports and an extension cord that lets you plug in a laptop or tablet on the other side of the room. It is compatible with five socket types: UK, EU, US, Australia and India. It claims to work with single-voltage devices like electric razors, curling irons and electric toothbrushes.

This multi-use power converter can accommodate up to four smartphones at once and also has two standard plugs for charging or using larger electrical devices like laptops or hairstyling products like straighteners or curling irons. However, do not use devices that produce more than 230W with this device, like hair dryers.

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A travel power adapter makes it so you can use your existing chargers and devices with other types of power outlets, but it does not convert voltage. You can only use travel power adapters for dual-voltage devices, which includes most laptop and phone chargers.

Meanwhile, a travel power converter changes voltage so you can use some single-voltage devices abroad. For example, if your curling iron is only rated for 110-120V, you need a converter to safely use it in 220-230V countries.

It’s important to know that power converters — especially ones designed for travel — do not support all devices. Hairdryers, for example, are too high-powered for many of these converters. Do your own research and make sure your single-voltage devices are compatible with the power converter you buy.

Single-voltage devices need a power converter. An appliance’s supported voltage is often listed on the bottom of the appliance or near its plug. So if your appliance of choice only supports 110-120V and you’re traveling somewhere with 220-230V, you’ll need a power converter to use it.

Using a device made for 110-120V outlets in a 220-230V outlet could damage the device and the outlet it’s plugged into. Worst yet, it could pose safety risks.

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