Compact Travel Adapters do what you’d expect—they convert erratic frequency AC into steady, low voltage DC to allow your same-brand electrical devices to plug into the power outlets of different countries. Unlike the old, clunky chunks of plastic that once reigned the market, these adapters are now designed to fit easily in your carry-on and be as durable as they are lightweight.
Senior commerce editor Jasmine Grant took this one on her recent two-week trip to London, Italy, and Germany, and loves that it’s easy to pack (a tad bigger than a pepper grinder). She also likes that the prongs retract into the base, preventing them from being mashed or bent—a common problem with older designs.
Compact Travel Adapter: Convenience in Your Pocket
Another advantage of this adapter is that it includes a USB port, something that isn’t always included with all-in-one options. This means you can charge multiple electronics at once, which is handy when you have a short window between daytime excursions and dinner plans, or during a stopover in an airport.
If you’re a planner with an eye for detail, this travel adapter is for you. It’s the most durable of the bunch, made from a hard polycarbonate that can take all the shoving, packing, and unpacking that’s part and parcel of travel. It has spaces for three European, British, and Australian power sockets, as well as two USB-A ports, including one that can quickly charge high-power devices. The only downside is that it doesn’t cover every country, so if you’re planning an extended trip to places with a more unique socket type, look elsewhere.