Do I need a voltage converter or just a travel adapter?

For phones, laptops, cameras and most modern electronics, just an adapter: their chargers accept 100 to 240V. For hair dryers, curling irons and other heat appliances, check the label. If it says 120V only, you need a converter or a dual-voltage version of the appliance.

Which travel adapter works in both Europe and the UK?

Any universal adapter with sliding prongs, like the EPICKA or the Anker Nano, covers both the two-pin European socket and the three-pin UK socket. With a plug set such as the Ceptics, you pack the two matching pieces. Check the Amazon listing for the full country list.

Can I take a universal travel adapter in my carry-on?

Yes. Travel adapters contain no battery and are treated like any other charger by the TSA, so they can ride in carry-on or checked bags. Keeping it in your carry-on is smarter, since you will want it at the lounge or hotel before your checked bag arrives.

Buying guide · updated for 2026

Best Travel Adapter (2026)

One universal adapter should cover the UK, Europe, the US and Australia and charge a laptop over USB-C. We compared four for plug coverage, charging speed, fuse protection and bulk.

4 picks · compare in under 2 minutes · how we pick

Our picks

Best Overall

EPICKA TA105+

Best for: First-time international travelers on multi-country trips through Europe, the UK and Asia

Covers the plug types for most popular destinations in one unit
USB-C and USB-A ports mean fewer charging bricks in your bag
Does not convert voltage, so single-voltage appliances stay home

About $20Check price

Ceptics GP-12PK plug adapter set spread out beside a travel charger

Best Value

Ceptics GP-12PK Plug Set

Best for: Budget travelers and families who already own a good charger and visit one or two regions per trip

Lowest cost per traveler in this subcategory
Individual plugs weigh almost nothing and take no bag space
No USB ports, so you must bring a separate charger

About $12Check price

Trending Now

Anker Nano Travel Adapter 20W

Best for: Minimalist travelers on short city trips who charge a phone and earbuds and nothing else

The most pocketable adapter in this subcategory
20W USB-C means a phone charges quickly between flights
20W is only enough for phones and small accessories, not laptops

About $26Check price

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Satechi 145W Travel Charger

Best for: Digital nomads and business travelers with a laptop, tablet and phone on multi-country trips

Adapter and high-power charger in a single object
Enough output to charge a laptop while three other devices draw power
No AC passthrough outlet, so non-USB devices still need a plug adapter

About $120Check price

Decide in 2 minutes

Who each pick is for, its main selling point, the reason you might skip it and the price.

Pick	Product	Best for	Main selling point	Potential drawback	Price
Best OverallUniversal Travel Adapters	EPICKA TA105+	First-time international travelers on multi-country trips through Europe, the UK and Asia	One adapter that covers most countries you will visit, with a grounded AC passthrough and USB-A plus USB-C charging in a palm-sized block.	Does not convert voltage, so single-voltage appliances stay home	About $20
Best ValueUniversal Travel Adapters	Ceptics GP-12PK Plug Set	Budget travelers and families who already own a good charger and visit one or two regions per trip	A 12-piece set of individual plug adapters that reshapes your US plug for most regions, with no electronics inside to fail.	No USB ports, so you must bring a separate charger	About $12
Trending NowUniversal Travel Adapters	Anker Nano Travel Adapter 20W	Minimalist travelers on short city trips who charge a phone and earbuds and nothing else	A compact universal adapter from one of the most familiar charging brands, with 20W USB-C output for fast phone charging.	20W is only enough for phones and small accessories, not laptops	About $26
Go PremiumUniversal Travel Adapters	Satechi 145W Travel Charger	Digital nomads and business travelers with a laptop, tablet and phone on multi-country trips	A 145W GaN charger with four USB-C ports and swappable international prongs, so the adapter and the charger become one block.	No AC passthrough outlet, so non-USB devices still need a plug adapter	About $120

How to choose

Country coverage: confirm the plug types for every stop on your itinerary, not just the first one
Voltage: an adapter does not convert it, so check the label on any heat appliance before packing
USB ports: built-in USB-C saves carrying a separate charger for phones and earbuds
Grounded outlet: laptop bricks and anything with three prongs need a grounded passthrough
Size: one block is convenient, but it can be heavy enough to sag out of a loose socket
Fuse and surge protection: a replaceable fuse protects devices from poor hotel wiring
Price: one adapter per traveler is realistic with a plug set or a budget block

Watch out: A travel adapter does not necessarily convert voltage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a voltage converter or just a travel adapter?: For phones, laptops, cameras and most modern electronics, just an adapter: their chargers accept 100 to 240V. For hair dryers, curling irons and other heat appliances, check the label. If it says 120V only, you need a converter or a dual-voltage version of the appliance.
Which travel adapter works in both Europe and the UK?: Any universal adapter with sliding prongs, like the EPICKA or the Anker Nano, covers both the two-pin European socket and the three-pin UK socket. With a plug set such as the Ceptics, you pack the two matching pieces. Check the Amazon listing for the full country list.
Can I take a universal travel adapter in my carry-on?: Yes. Travel adapters contain no battery and are treated like any other charger by the TSA, so they can ride in carry-on or checked bags. Keeping it in your carry-on is smarter, since you will want it at the lounge or hotel before your checked bag arrives.

Explore the full rankings

Every pick on this page comes from one of these comparisons.