Your Ultimate Guide to Travel Adapters
It’s a wired, wired world out there, my friends. As you gear up to explore it with all your essential gadgets—your cell phone, tablet, action cam, and whatever else you can’t leave home without—you’ve got to crack the code on plugging them into the local power grid. With so many countries—and even regions within countries—having cooked up their own unique electricity standards, it’s fair to say that the only thing you can count on is variety. Diversity truly reigns supreme in the world of power plugs!
Here are the steps to figure out if you need an adapter or converter while traveling:
Make sure to double-check which plug type fits the outlets at your destination.
Grab the right adapter plug for those outlets. But if you're heading somewhere with U.S.-compatible outlets, you can skip this step!
Double-check the voltage of the outlets where you're headed.
Make sure to check the voltage input on each of your devices. You’ll find this info on the cord, plug, or right on the device itself.
Snag the right voltage converter if you need it—but skip this if your device is dual-voltage (as many are) or if the voltage matches up with where you're headed.
If you’re planning to fire up your electronic devices in another country, you’re definitely going to need a trusty travel plug adapter in your arsenal. Here are my 2 favorites:
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter — My top pick!
In a world filled with countless travel adapters that seem almost identical, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter sets itself apart with a thoughtful blend of features that travelers actually need. This adapter comes equipped with the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, making it a reliable companion for journeys across most countries. What truly sets the Epicka apart is its abundance of charging options: four USB-A ports and a USB-C port, allowing you to power up multiple devices quickly and efficiently. Plus, the replaceable fuse (with a spare included) is a smart addition for those unexpected mishaps with power connections. Compact and sturdy, the Epicka even includes a handy nylon case for easy transport.
That said, it's worth noting that no universal travel adapter is truly universal—they can be bulkier and pricier than simpler plug adapters. If you’re after something ultra-compact or traveling to a place where a universal adapter won’t cut it, a basic plug adapter might be the better choice for your needs.
Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel
Universal adapters might seem like a one-size-fits-all solution, but they don't always work perfectly everywhere and often lack grounding. A more affordable and reliable option is to go with individual adapters, and our top pick is the international set from Ceptics. This set includes five different types of grounded adapters, covering most of the globe. If your travels take you to just one country, simply pack the adapter you need. Keep in mind that these adapters don't have USB ports, so you'll need to bring your own charging gear for your devices.
This set shines in Europe, where it covers all the bases with Type C, E/F, and G adapters—ideal for any socket you might encounter. While Ceptics does offer a cheaper and smaller set, we wouldn't recommend it due to its flimsy build, lack of grounding, and a poorly designed European plug that struggles with recessed sockets. Though individual plug adapters can be easy to misplace, Ceptics helps out by including a small bag for storage, keeping your adapters organized and ready to go.