The Best European Travel Plug Adapters
If you travel frequently for work or pleasure, you know how aggravating it can be to settle into your hotel room only to discover that none of your plugs or cables will work with the socket design of your chosen country. A travel plug adapter can ease that burden significantly, allowing you to mix and match charging devices without having to worry if a particular international design will support them. For those who bring lots of electronics with them when traveling to a foreign country, these adapters are an absolute necessity. We've scouted out the best options on the market to set your next trip up for success.
What to Look For
We had a few questions to ask before we felt comfortable recommending these picks to our readers. How many outlets do they work with, are they portable and convenient to travel with, and what level of voltage can they withstand before overheating? We found a lot of great picks, from the no-fuss, no-muss Unidapt option that works efficiently and won’t break the bank, to the mighty Key Power adapter that lets you plug in a dazzling array of powerful appliances. No matter what your travel needs may be, there’s a power adapter here that will make your life easier, so read on and jack in.
Ceptics Travel Plug Adapter Set
Around the world
The Ceptics adapter plug is the adapter that can do it all. With available SWadAPt attachments, you can use this adapter plug in a myriad of countries. And since you can plug most electronic devices directly into the adapter, you can leave your chargers’ wall components at home, saving space. What’s more, the Ceptics adapter can power up to three devices at once, so you don’t need to compete with your companions for the outlet. Users should be aware that this is not a voltage converter, so make sure your destination country’s outlets are compatible with its 110V-220V capacity.
Pros:
- It’s specifically designed to work with outlets all across Europe, allowing you to rest easy if you frequently work or travel on the continent.
- Don’t let the lightweight design fool you: this adapter has an incredibly sturdy build, making it perfect for your suitcase.
- It’s incredibly affordable compared to plugs of similar design and purpose.
Cons:
- This plug does not work well with certain high-powered appliances, like hairdryers and electric shavers.
Unidapt Europe Travel Plug Adapter
Small but mighty
It’s hard to know whether to laugh or cry when you realize the only power outlet in your hotel room is stashed deep behind the furniture. Fortunately, Unidapt’s small and sleek adapter plug is easy to fit into tight spaces. We love how simple this adapter is. With one input and one output, it’s easy to use and hard to damage. Plus, it comes in a two-pack, just in case you luck out and find a second power outlet in your room.
Pros:
- Unlike many other adapters that leave you to figure out how to store them, these ones come packaged with their own protective case.
- These plugs snap into one another, letting you store and keep track of them with ease.
Cons:
- It feels a little loose when plugged into some outlets.
Epicka Travel Adapter
As the name implies, this travel adapter from Epicka is epic. The plug adapter has mechanical switches that allow you to choose the plug you need, meaning you can take one adapter to a bunch of different countries, with no extra gear necessary. It’s still fairly compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your luggage. Plus, it’s safety-certified with an anti-shock mechanism. You can count on this plug adapter to keep your devices going.
Pros:
- The plugs are spread across the entirety of the adapter, giving it a 3-D design that takes the hassle out of finding the right angle to plug in.
- It comes with its own travel case and has a robust, sturdy feel that many other adapters lack.
- The variety of USB jacks makes this not only a great choice for travelers but for techies as well.
Cons:
- This adapter is mainly suited for low-power appliances.
Key Power Step Down Converter
Between juggling luggage, keeping the kids happy, and finding crowd-pleasing activities, traveling with the whole family can quickly turn into a three-ring circus. When you need an hour or two to kick back and relax, it’s critical that everybody’s devices are powered up and ready to go. Key Power’s plug adapter features enough room for everybody’s devices so that the kids can quiet down with their tablets while you enjoy a well-earned nap. Since this unit can power some higher-voltage items, like flat irons and CPAP machines, you can be sure to satisfy everybody’s needs.
Pros:
- It comes with its own stylish mesh bag, making it convenient to travel with.
- This adapter has an on-off switch, which allows you to make sure it isn’t using up power unnecessarily when nothing is plugged into it.
Cons:
- It’s a little bulkier than many other comparable adapters.
Bestek Universal Travel Adapter
On the job and on the go
When you’re working on the go, you’ve got plenty of devices that need power, your laptop, your phone, your external hard drive. You don’t want to have to bring a separate plug adapter for all of these things, so here’s one with room for everything. Bestek’s international adapter can sit on top of your desk and keep things going so you can focus on the important stuff. This mid-size unit features a five-foot extension cord, so if the wall outlet isn’t quite where you want it, you can decide on a more convenient place to work. Not to mention, with surge protection, you won’t have to worry about suddenly losing your day’s work. Loved by customers for its reliability, this adapter is ready to do the nine-to-five wherever you go.
Pros:
- With its heavy cord and lightweight build, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to reliability and convenience.
- The stylish, glossy design puts it a cut above other adapters when it comes to aesthetics.
- For those who like to travel in rental cars, this adapter can even be used in a variety of vehicles.
Cons:
- The cooling fan can be a bit loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I use most plug adapters with my high-powered appliances?
In many countries, the electricity voltage coming out of power outlets is different than in the United States. Because most international plug adapters are not power converters, the voltage capacities are often mismatched. Plugging in appliances or devices with the wrong voltage capacity for the power outlet can be dangerous and cause your item to break. Make sure to check the voltage information of the country you’re visiting before plugging in any personal items.
What is surge protection and is it important?
Surge protection is like an electricity buffer. If there is a power outage, there can often be a “power surge” when the power comes back on, meaning too much electricity all at once. A power surge can cause damage, especially to technological devices like smartphones and computers. If you’re visiting an area that’s known for rolling blackouts or power outages, you should be sure to choose a plug adapter with a surge protection feature.
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