Gadgets

Best Travel Adapters 2024: Power Adapters for Home & Away

Published

7 months ago

June 9, 2024

If you’ve ever found yourself rushing around an airport to buy a travel adapter at the last minute, or worse, arrived at your hotel with a dead Kindle and a dying phone, you know how forgetting an adapter can put a damper on your trip. Not to mention, buying one at the airport or destination can cost you double.

Save money by planning ahead and purchasing a couple of power adapters online before your holiday. Once you have them, you can keep them in your suitcase or travel bag, ensuring you never get caught out again. Alternatively, if you opt for an adapter with USB ports, you can use it daily to charge multiple devices simultaneously and even have fast charging options available.

You can even find world-to-world adapters that accept any plug type and can be connected to any socket – perfect not only for traveling but also for using any international tech you bring back from your trip at home.

If you’re unsure about the type of adapter you need, check out the buying advice provided after the chart. It includes information on sockets, connecting your adapter, regions, voltage, and 2- versus 3-pin plugs.

If you’re in the midst of planning a trip, you may also want to explore our guide to the best portable power banks.

Best travel adapters

TEC UK to EU Travel Adapter Twin Pack – Best budget option (EU)

Starting with a simple solution: a twin pack of UK to EU travel adapters, allowing you to use your UK tech in most European countries.

These adapters are affordable and functional, making them a practical choice for most travelers. They are also much cheaper when purchased online compared to buying them at an airport convenience store.

If you primarily travel in Europe or have a specific trip planned that requires adapters, this budget-friendly option will ensure your gadgets stay charged during your travels.

Connecting your adapter

Most adapters come with USB-A sockets, so make sure you have the appropriate cables to charge your devices using the adapter. Don’t forget to pack the necessary cables to connect your devices to the adapter before you leave home.

Adapters with multiple USB sockets are even more convenient, allowing you to charge several devices using just one plug. Some adapters now include a USB-C Power Delivery port, ideal for owners of USB-C laptops like certain MacBook models.

Regions and voltages

Before purchasing a travel adapter, it’s essential to determine the type of plug used in the region you’re traveling to. Assuming you’re based in the UK, you will likely need an adapter for most destinations worldwide, except for a few exceptions like Hong Kong and Singapore, which use the UK plug.

There are three main plug regions beyond the UK type: round pinned plugs in Europe, flat straight pins in America and certain parts of Asia, and flat slanted pins in Australia and other parts of Asia. Always double-check the plug type of your destination through a quick online search before your trip.

Voltage differences can also impact device charging. UK plugs operate at 220-240V, common in Europe and Australia. US sockets run at 120V, while Japan offers 110V. While most devices will charge without issues, some may charge slower or not at all due to voltage disparities. Travel adapters do not convert voltage, so be mindful of this aspect.

2-pin vs 3-pin

When selecting a travel adapter, consider whether it supports earth pins. While 3-pin plugs are standard in the UK, they are less common in other parts of the world. Earthed adapters provide additional safety for high-power devices, but they may not fit all sockets, especially in regions with 2-pin plugs like the US and EU.