Recommended travel adapters and converters
Three products cover almost every trip: one for the plug shape, one for voltage, and one for high-power appliances. Each entry says exactly what it can and cannot do.
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Which one do I need?
- Different socket, same voltage — a plug adapter. The EPICKA covers US, UK, EU and AU sockets in one block.
- Different voltage, low-power device — a step-down converter. For CPAP machines, monitors, fans and small appliances up to about 230 W.
- Different voltage, high-power device — a transformer sized above the appliance's wattage. Hairdryers and kettles start at 1200 W.
Our picks
EPICKA 75 W GaN universal travel adapter
One block that covers US, UK, EU and Australian sockets, with 75 W of USB-C charging — enough for a laptop without carrying its power brick.
- Plugs for US / UK / EU / AU sockets
- 3× USB-C (75 W total) + 2× USB-A
- Universal AC socket, fused, up to 2000 W
- About 250 g
Not for: Changes plug shapes only. It does not convert voltage — a 120 V appliance still gets 230 V on a European trip.
Best for: Phones, laptops, cameras, tablets and anything dual-voltage.
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TESSAN 230 W step-down voltage converter
Takes 220–240 V down to 110–120 V for single-voltage North American appliances, with three AC sockets and four USB ports so it doubles as a charging hub.
- 230 W continuous
- 220–240 V in, 110–120 V out
- 3 AC outlets + 4 USB ports
- EU / UK / AU / IT input plugs
Not for: Hairdryers, heaters and kettles, or devices under about 5 W such as electric shavers. Those need a bigger transformer or a dual-voltage device.
Best for: CPAP machines, fans, monitors, printers and small kitchen appliances.
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LiteFuze LT-2000 2000 W transformer
A heavy-duty transformer that works in both directions — 110 V to 220 V and 220 V to 110 V — for appliances that draw real power rather than a few watts.
- 2000 W capacity
- Step up and step down
- Fully grounded cord, CE certified
- 5 year warranty
Not for: Most trips. It weighs several kilograms and costs more than a replacement appliance — buy it only if you must run a single-voltage device abroad.
Best for: Hairdryers, kettles, mixers, power tools and other high-draw devices.
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Side by side
| Adapter | Converter | Transformer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changes plug shape | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Changes voltage | No | Yes — 220 V to 110 V | Yes — both directions |
| Typical capacity | 2000 W (passthrough) | 230 W | 2000 W |
| Weight | About 250 g | About 600 g | Several kg |
| Works for | Phones, laptops, chargers | CPAP, fans, monitors | Hairdryers, kettles, tools |
How we choose these
Every product here had to meet three tests: it must actually solve the problem it is sold for, its published specification must cover the devices people actually travel with, and it must have a substantial record of buyer reviews on Amazon. We do not list an adapter without stating that it does not convert voltage, and we do not list a converter without stating its wattage limit — the two most common reasons travellers buy the wrong thing.
Prices and availability change constantly, so we link to the product page rather than quoting a price. If a product is ever discontinued we replace it rather than leave a dead link.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. That does not change which products we recommend — there is no sponsored placement on this page.
Before you buy anything
Check three things on your own device first: the input voltage printed on the power supply, the wattage, and the plug shape. If the label says 100–240 V, you only need an adapter — no converter, whatever the shop assistant says.
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