8 Best Travel Adapters (2026): Expert Recommendations
Wired's expert tested and selected 8 travel adapters and chargers, from universal devices to compact charging stations, and offers advice on voltage converters, plug types, and wattage.
What's Included in the Test?
When traveling with multiple electronic devices, a suitable adapter can simplify charging. Wired editor Simon Hill tested several universal travel adapters and chargers to determine the best ones. Testing was done both at home and during trips, trying different devices (iPhone, Pixel, iPad, MacBook, AirPods) and using all ports simultaneously to assess heating, charging speed, durability, and size.
Top Recommendations
The Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit 2 is suitable for general charging. This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It has two grounded US AC outlets, a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The total charging power is 55 watts. The adapter is larger than average but can charge up to seven devices. It is not a voltage converter, so it is not recommended to plug in hair dryers or other non-dual-voltage electronics.
The Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station is designed for Apple devices and Qi2 standard. When folded flat, it is very compact. It can charge an iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts, has a separate pad for AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and a fold-out Apple Watch charger. It comes with a USB-C cable and a wall adapter, but it can also be used without the wall adapter by pairing it with another charger that provides at least 40 watts.
Comparison Table
The article includes a table with six adapters and their specifications:
- Ceptics GaN 100W Universal Travel Adapter – $45, 70W, plug types A/C/G/I, 1 retractable USB-C cable, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A.
- Tessan GaN Universal Travel Adapter – $43, 65W, A/C/G/I, 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A.
- Epicka Pulse Travel Adapter – $30, 45W, A/C/G/I, 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A.
- Ceptics 6 in 1 Worldwide Travel Adapter – $19, 30W, A/C/G/I, 3 USB-C, 2 USB-A.
- Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel – $23, no power, plugs A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/L/M/N, no extra ports.
- One Beat Travel Plug Adapter – $19, 15W, C/E/F, 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of adapter do you need? There are 15 plug types worldwide. Universal adapters usually cover all. Type A and B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan; Type C in Europe, South America, Asia; Type E and F in Germany, Russia, France; Type G in the UK; Type I in Australia, New Zealand, China. Some countries (India, Israel, South Africa) use rarer types requiring separate adapters.
Do you need a voltage converter? No, it is best to avoid them as they are large, heavy, and not always reliable. Modern devices generally support 100–220V 50/60Hz, so they can be plugged via an adapter without fear of damage. If a device does not support variable voltage, leave it at home.
What about wattage? Adapter wattage indicates how fast they can charge devices. A laptop may need 100W, a phone 30W. If the adapter has more wattage, the device will only draw what it needs. If wattage is lower, charging will be slower.
Can you buy travel adapters at the airport? Yes, but they are much more expensive and selection is limited. Some hotels have adapters, but it is not reliable. It is safest to bring an adapter and test it at home before your trip.
Other Tested Adapters
The article also mentions other adapters such as Epicka Air 40W ($27), UGreen Travel Plug Adapter (£17), Statik SmartCharge Pro ($100 with 15,000 mAh power bank), D-Link 65W Multi-Port GaN Charger ($40), Aunno Universal Travel Adapter ($23), Arsmel VisaPro All-in-One Travel Adapter ($75, 170W), Satechi GaN Travel Charger ($120), Baseus 70W Universal Travel Adapter With Retractable Cable ($50), Epicka Universal Travel Adapter ($20), and Masterplug Visitor to UK Travel Adapter (3 pack). Each has a brief description of features and drawbacks.
