Contents
- 1 Top 7 Best Power Converters Compared
- 1.1 #1 DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter
- 1.2 #2 Foval International Travel Adapter
- 1.3 #3 TRYACE 2019 Upgraded 2000W 220V to 110V Voltage Converter
- 1.4 #4 BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- 1.5 #5 HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter
- 1.6 #6 BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug Converter
- 1.7 #7 POTEK 750W Power Inverter
- 1.8 How We Decided
- 2 Power Converter Buying Guide
To help you find the best travel adapter power converter, we tested out dozens of models, using them to power a variety of devices in a variety of settings. During our testing, we wanted to make sure these converters would work all over the world, within reason, and with different products that require different voltages, such as hair dryers. We also took a look at modern accouterments, like USB ports, and safety features, such as products with built-in surge protection and those that are built with flame-resistant materials.
Of the seven best travel adapter power converters on this list, the DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter really juiced (pun intended) us the most, featuring full integration with most hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons etc. The product will also work in more than 190 countries, including most of Europe, the US, Australia and China. It’s built from flame-resistant material, with a 10A fuse for surge protection and, finally, it comes with a full lifetime guarantee. Keep reading to learn more about the DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter and the other products on this list.
Top 7 Best Power Converters Compared
#1 DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter
Award: Top Pick/Lifetime Warranty
WHY WE LIKE IT: The DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter is a wonderfully simple product, with a suite of features that help to increase usability and safety, like the addition of two USB ports and a built-in 10A fuse for surge protection. This is just a fantastic all-around converter that should last decades, considering it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- Dual USB ports are handy
- Lifetime guarantee offers replacement units
- Built-in 10A fuse protects against surge overloads
- Does not work in countries that use 60 Hz, like South Korea
- Is not compatible with low-wattage devices, like blenders
- Works with hair dryers, but not Dyson products
The DOACE 2000W Voltage Converter is pretty much the perfect power converter. It can be used in over 190 countries, up to 2000 watts, including most of Europe, Australia and China. It includes an adapter for dual voltage devices, such as laptops and smartphones, and is fully compatible with most hair care accessories, like hair dryers and straighteners, with options to fit both single voltage and dual voltage products. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, meaning they’ll send out a replacement unit if the one you bought ever stops doing its job.
The power converter also includes a pair of USB ports, which come in extremely handy when looking to power modern gadgets. There are a couple of small limitations to this device, however, as it is unable to power low-wattage (under 25W) appliances, such as coffee makers and blenders, and is not compatible to function in countries that run on 60 Hz, like Peru and South Korea. We do love that this solution fits easily in best backpacks for travel.
#2 Foval International Travel Adapter
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Foval International Travel Adapter is a nifty little unit, with a compact form factor, no larger than a stack of passports, a suite of safety features and four USB ports built-in. This is the perfect adapter if you are looking to power modern gadgets, such as CPAP machines, electric toothbrushes, smartphones, and laptops while traveling abroad.
- 4 built-in USB ports
- Small size makes it easy to pack
- Includes two year warranty
- Does not power devices over 200 watts
- Only supplies power to 100V-120V AC products
- Does not work in Italy, requires external purchase
The Foval International Travel Adapter is, as the name suggests, primarily for international travel, with a full range of appropriate features, such as four USB ports, a compact form factor, making it easy to pack, and functionality in over 150 countries. The 200-watt power converter is ideally suited for modern gadgets, like tablets and smartphones, but the dual three-pronged outlets are also great for travel-related appliances, like fans.
The power converter also comes with a host of safety features, like an auto shutdown mechanism that activates if there is a surge overload or if it overheats or short circuits, which should keep the electronics you have plugged into it in tiptop shape. The internal fan is also extremely quiet. We found it to be barely audible during use. This converter may be ideally suited for smaller gadgets, but it is not compatible with appliances that require more than 200 watts, such as many hair dryers. This belongs in the best carry on luggage for sure.
#3 TRYACE 2019 Upgraded 2000W 220V to 110V Voltage Converter
Award: Best for 60 Hz
WHY WE LIKE IT: The TRYACE 2019 Upgraded 2000W 220V to 110V Voltage Converter is a great adapter/converter hybrid, offering full support for modern gadgets, such as smartphones and laptops, and bulky appliances, like hair dryers that require step down voltage. The product’s compact size, and compatibility with 60 Hz sockets, makes this a great converter for world travel, even to places like South Korea and Peru.
- Offers support for many countries, thanks to 60 Hz compatibility
- Doesn’t use a fan so unit is ultra-quiet
- Comes with patented cooling tech for safety
- Not suitable for low wattage appliances
- No warranty or guarantee
- Unit got hot while powering a desktop computer
The TRYACE 2019 Upgraded 2000W 220V to 110V Voltage Converter is small, around the size of a smartphone, and light, 8 oz, making this is an ideal unit for world travel. This functionality is boosted by the product offering full compatibility with 60 Hz sockets, which allows for use in countries that aren’t always serviced by these devices, such as Peru and South Korea. All told, it can function in almost 200 countries, with a built-in 3-prong AC adapter socket, 2-prong AC converter and three international plugs.
In addition to travel, this converter is also great for home use, easily powering step down appliances, such as hairdryers and curling irons, and modern gadgets, thanks to a pair of USB ports tucked in the front. The product is not suitable for low wattage appliances, so CPAP machines, coffee makers and blenders are out. It does stow perfectly into the best luggage though.
#4 BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
Award: Best Value / Most Charging Options
WHY WE LIKE IT: This worldwide travel plug adapter, with functionality in more than 150 countries, works to charge multiple items at the same time, thanks to a trio of three-pronged outlets and a whopping 4 USB ports, all at a price that won’t break the bank. This is the perfect adapter for consumers looking for a cost efficient solution to getting multiple gadgets charged at once.
- 2 year warranty
- Detachable power cable makes it ideal for travel
- Can power 7 gadgets at once, thanks to 4 USB ports
- Not suitable for hairdryers or similar appliances
- Maxes out at 250 combined watts
- Only able to supply power to 100V-120V AC products
The BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter is the perfect product for providing juice to multiple gadgets at once, especially while traveling, thanks to seven separate outputs, including 4 USB ports. The patented chipset provides a conversion rate up to 92 percent, which is certainly on the higher side, meaning you’ll be sure to get your doodads juiced up quick, no matter where you are in the world. On that note, it comes with three adapters offering functionality to more than 150 countries, with a detachable power cable that makes it a cinch to pack.
This product maxes out at 250 combined watts, meaning you should keep an eye on how much power your gadgets require, though the USB ports do not count toward this total. The 250-watt limitation means it is not intended for use with power-hungry appliances, such as most hair dryers and related products. Still, for the price, it is one heck of an adapter.
#5 HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter
Award: Best Budget/Most Bag Friendly
WHY WE LIKE IT: The HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter is a little cube, measuring just a few inches long and weighing just 4.2 oz, with big features, including the ability to power multiple gadgets at once in over 150 countries. The extremely low price point, and attractive design, makes this an easy pick for the best budget power converter.
- Fantastic price point
- Comes in a choice of 4 cool colors
- Very small and light, perfect for travel
- Cannot convert 110v to 220v
- Does not work with large appliances, like hair dryers
- Does not work in Italy
The HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter is, by far, the lowest priced converter on this list, though it offers features in line with products that are two and three times in cost. It can provide power to three items at once, thanks to two USB ports, and is fully functional in over 150 countries, including most of Europe, Japan and Australia. It boasts an extremely small form factor, taking the shape of a cube that fits in the palm of your hand, and weighs just 4.2 ounces, which is the second lightest product on this list It even comes in a variety of cool colors, which is rare for this kind of product.
The limitations? This product is primarily intended to power the kinds of gadgets you bring with you on a trip abroad, such as a smartphone or a laptop, and is not functional with hairdryers, coffee machines or anything similar. Also, it cannot convert power from 110v to 220v, further limiting its functionality. Still, you’ll find it perfect for keeping your vital items charged as you explore the world and the price cannot be beaten.
#6 BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug Converter
Award: Best Safety Features/Lifetime Warranty
WHY WE LIKE IT: The BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug is a useful converter that powers a multitude of gadgets and appliances, using up to 2000 watts (tied with our #1), with a variety of helpful safety features, including LED power indicators and a plug lock system, with built-in over-current (overload), high-temperature, short-circuit and surge protection. This is the best all-around converter for those of you worried about blowing a fuse, or worse while charging your hair dryer or steam iron.
- Works with products from 26 to 2000 watts
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- LED power indicator useful to know when items are charging
- Not for electronic controlled devices, like coffee machines
- Does not work with low wattage devices
- Is not compatible with Dyson hairdryers
The BONAZZA All in ONE World Travel Plug powers pretty much any appliance or gadget that works within 26 and 2000 watts, meaning it’ll cover hair dryers, and the like, in addition to laptops and smartphones. The real selling point here are the many safety features, including surge protection and a plug lock system, helping to prevent accidental disconnection. These factors really go above and beyond to ensure this product will always charge safely, placing your gadgets at minimal risk.
Just like similar products, this converter is not intended for use with appliances that use less than 26 watts, meaning coffee machines and CPAP machines are out, as are Dyson brand hair dryers. Other than that, however, it’ll send power to nearly anything you bring with you as you travel the world, with functionality in over 150 countries.
#7 POTEK 750W Power Inverter
Award: Best for the Car
WHY WE LIKE IT: The POTEK 750W Power Inverter is truly a one-of-a-kind gadget, acting as a DC to AC inverter, up to 750W continuous DC to AC power and 1500 watts of peak power, that excels with being used while driving, as it comes with a cigarette lighter adapter and a pair of battery clamps. This is the most unique converter on this list, using your car’s battery to juice up your many gadgets.
- Fully functional inside of a car
- Perfect for road trips
- Powers unique appliances, like BBQ grills
- Not for traveling abroad
- Instructions must be read to maximize safety
- Item is fragile, not to be exposed to direct sunlight
The POTEK 750W Power Inverter converts the juice from your car’s battery to power a wide variety of appliances and gadgets, including what you’d expect, such as smartphones, but also offering full functionality with some off-the-beaten-path appliances, like BBQ grills and mechanical tools. You really get your money’s worth with this device, with the package coming with four extra fuses, just in case one blows down the line.
Being as how this product is primarily for car use, this isn’t for traveling abroad, though it is perfect for road trips. Be careful to read the instructions thoroughly, however, as different appliances can be powered using the cigarette lighter adapter than by attaching directly to the car’s battery.
How We Decided
There are many power converters out there, all boasting of high end features. In order to narrow our list down to the seven best products, we ran a bunch of converters through the wringer, attempting to power a variety of gadgets and appliances in a variety of circumstances, stopping short, however, of actually traveling to Europe or China.
Essentially, we wanted to make sure they powered what they said they could power, be it smartphone or hairdryer, while keeping an eye on any potential danger to the gadget being juiced. On that note, we often plugged in more wattage than what was recommended, to ensure the automatic shutdown mechanisms worked as advertised. We also thoroughly tested any built-in surge protectors or overload units.
Other than that, we were looking for high end products with compact form factors, especially with items that were intended for travel abroad. We wanted to make sure this list contained at least one product to suit everybody’s needs, no matter where they were traveling. As such, we made sure to include one converter, the TRYACE 2019 Upgraded 2000W 220V to 110V Voltage Converter, that was appropriate for use in countries that support 60 Hz, such as Peru and South Korea.
Power Converter Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Converting, Adapting and Inverting
You are going to want to find the right product to suit your needs and, in order to do that, you are going to want to take a crash course on the differences between converting, adapting and inverting a power signal. The big difference between an adapter and a converter is electricity. Adapters exist to simply help the plugs on your gadgets fit into (adapt to the shape of) foreign outlets. A converter, on the other hand, actually changes the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices. Many items on the above list, like our top pick, are both adapters and converters, though this is not true of every above product, as solo adapters tend to be smaller and therefore better suited for stowing in a bag while traveling. In short, if you are looking to just charge up your phone or tablet, a solo adapter should be fine. If you are looking to juice up hair dryers and other appliances, you are going to want to go with a converter or a hybrid device. Inverters are essentially the opposite of converters, transforming DC to AC voltage. These are highly useful in vehicles, as a car’s battery emits a DC voltage and needs to be transformed to help power gadgets. - Check What Countries the Product is Optimized for
Converters and adapters help to maximize coverage by sticking to a series of standardized socket designs that are used in the majority of countries. Any of the above converters and adapters should work fine in most countries, with several exceptions. While most countries on the planet use 50Hz as their AC frequency, some use the harder to convert 60Hz. Peru, South Korea, Nicaragua, and the Philippines, among others, all use 60Hz as their AC frequency. If you are traveling to one of these countries, be sure to pick up a converter, like the TRYACE model, that works with this frequency. Italy is another exception. Most converters transform America’s standard 110 volts into 220 volts, which is standard in the rest of the world. Italy, however, uses a standard voltage of 230 volts. Many converters on the above list will work in Italy but require the purchase of an additional power plug adapter. - Safety Features
Safety features are of paramount importance when choosing a power converter or adapter. Look for products that offer, at minimum, built-in surge protection. Additional safety features include flame-resistant materials, cooling units, LED indicators and plug locks. All of the above products come packed to the gills with many of these gadget-saving features.
Travel Adapter FAQs
Why is Italy different?
You’ll notice, reading the above list, that many of the products we featured do not immediately work in Italy. This is because the country uses a standard voltage of 230 volts, with many converters working to transform American voltage, 110, to the rest of the standard used by the rest of the world, 220.
Why are Dyson hairdryers often excluded?
You may also have noticed that most of the above converters are not rated to work with Dyson brand hair dryers. While the company makes a quality product, they are extremely power hungry, often exceeding the limits of even the most versatile power converter.
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