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Most countries use a different type of plug and a higher amount of voltage than what’s used in the USA. If you’re about to travel or move overseas, you’ll need a converter to convert the voltage on your device and an adapter for the plug.
While this review is centered around converters that change the 220 volts used in most countries around the world down to U.S. voltage, most of these kits also act as power adapters, allowing you to receive both functions in one product. Keep reading to learn about the five best 220 to 110 adapters on Amazon. Also, be sure to check out our tools buying guide to learn more about the most critical factors when buying tools.
Top 5 220 to 110 Adapters
- Best Plugs: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- Most All-Inclusive: Odoga Voltage Converter
- Best Basic Kit: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- Best For Large Appliances: Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer
- Most Compact: HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo
Compare Top 220 to 110 Adapters
| Product | Wattage | Included Ports | International Adapters | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 110-220V | 250 watts | 3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports | 4 | 2 years |
| Odoga Voltage Converter | 200 watts | 3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports | 3 | 1 year |
| BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220-110V | 250 watts | 3 U.S. outlets, 4 USB ports | 2 | 2 years |
| Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer | 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 5,000 watts | 1 U.S. outlet, 1 European outlet | 1 | 2 years |
| HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo | 2,000 watts | 1 U.S. outlet, 4 plugs | N/A | Not listed |
| Product | Wattage | Included Ports | International Adapters | Warranty |
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 110-220V
Best Plugs: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 110-220V
- $39.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Available in black or white
✔ Has protection from overload, overcurrent, overheating, and short-circuit problems
✔ Can be used in more than 150 countries
✘ Most expensive converter/adapter duo in this review
✘ Some customers said the adapter’s fan is loud
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked this device because they could buy the one travel voltage converter and use it in almost every country they visited. They also said that the numerous power outlets and USB ports meant that they could charge all of their devices with just this product. However, we did notice some customers who said that the fan was loud during use.
Odoga Voltage Converter
Most All-Inclusive: Odoga Voltage Converter
- $36.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a carrying case to keep all of the pieces in the kit together
✔ Supports up to 200 watts
✔ Its power strip has a quiet fan that keeps the converter cool
✘ Has the shortest warranty in this review
✘ Some customers said the device smoked or made a popping noise
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked the extra features that this product came with, with some customers specifically mentioning the blue LED light that indicated if the product was working and the carrying case that made transportation easier. Other customers also complimented how quiet the fan was compared to other converters. Some customers had issues with the device smoking or making a popping sound. However, this could be caused by them charging more devices than the converter can support.
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220-110V
Best Basic Kit: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220-110V
- $36.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Its power cord is five feet long
✔ The USB charging ports are isolated from the wall outlets to prevent damage to one side from affecting the other
✔ Comes with a 24-month warranty
✘ Has fewer plug adapters than the other converter/adapter duos in this review
✘ Some customers said the product didn’t work with hair appliances
What Customers Are Saying
Customers were able to use this adapter in countries all around the world, including in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. However, we found that some customers expressed frustration that the product couldn’t be used with hair dryers or straighteners.
Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer
Best for Large Appliances: Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer
- $109.99
- $159.99
- 32% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a metal casing for durability
✔ Comes with spare fuses in case the current one experiences overcurrent damage
✔ Has step-up and step down functions, so you can convert up to 220 volts or down to 110 volts
✘ Can take up a lot of room in your suitcase
✘ Some customers experienced a burning smell after plugging in a few devices
What Customers Are Saying
We found that most customers bought this converter before they moved overseas. The converter allowed them to use the appliances they bought in their country of origin, like vacuum cleaners and coffee makers, without purchasing new items. However, some customers had issues with the adapter smoking and emitting a burning smell when a few appliances were plugged into it.
HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo
Most Compact: HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo
- $29.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Customer service will get back to you in 12 hours or less
✔ Has four built-in plugs that can be flipped out
✔ Has a converter mode for electric products like hair dryers and an adapter mode for dual-voltage devices like cell phones
✘ Customers can only plug one item into it at a time
✘ Some customers said it didn’t work with hair appliances
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked that this product was easy to use and carry and hardly took up any space in their luggage. When they were ready to use it, all they had to do was choose the plug they wanted, select the adapter or converter mode, and plug in their device. However, some customers complained that the product didn’t work with their hair appliances like the manufacturer said it would.
Buying Guide
Our team thinks these are the most important factors to consider before traveling so that you can effectively power your devices overseas.
Country
The amount of electricity that a socket supplies varies by country. If you’re traveling to a country with a different voltage than that in your home country, you’ll need a converter. The products in this review convert 220 volts to 110 volts, but that won’t work for every country you’re visiting. Before leaving for your trip, research the country you’re traveling to so that you know its voltage and can purchase the correct converter.
Socket
There are 15 plug types around the world, starting with Type A and ending with Type O. Before traveling, you should be able to find both the voltage amount and socket type of the country you’re visiting online. If the socket is different from the one in your home country, you’ll need an adapter. You can either buy the adapter separate from the converter or buy a two-in-one device that has both functions.
Device Wattage
Each appliance or device requires a different amount of energy to start and run. This energy is measured in watts. The converter you choose should be able to support the amount of energy required for each device you want to power.
For example, a refrigerator requires about 2,200 watts to start and 700 watts to continue running after that initial surge. This means that your converter should be able to support at least 2,200 watts. If you want to run more than a single refrigerator, the wattage on your converter should be high enough to support all of the devices at their initial surge. However, most converters only have a low wattage to support small electronic devices and hair tools while you’re overseas.
Number of Devices
Each adapter will have several wall plugs and USB ports, limiting the number of devices you can power at once. If you’re traveling alone, one adapter will likely have enough plugs and ports to power all of your devices, but if you’re traveling with family, you may want to buy more than one adapter.
Size
If you don’t have a lot of luggage space, look for a smaller adapter. Note: a small adapter won’t be able to power as many devices as a bigger adapter.
Devices That Need a 220 to 110 Adapter
If you’re traveling abroad, a 220 to 110 adapter is essential for ensuring all of your electronic devices and appliances work properly, especially those without a converter. Any device that uses 110 volts will need to be adapted, as most countries of the world outside of the United States use a 220-volt plug. Our team put together this partial list to show what devices are most affected when traveling.
- Air conditioners
- Audio amps
- Coffee Makers
- Curling irons
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Hair straighteners
- Home theatre systems
- Laboratory equipment
- Lamps
- Medical equipment and devices
- Older electronic appliances
- Power tools
- Receivers
- Refrigerators
- Toasters
- Washers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my adapter in the socket when no devices are plugged in?
No. Converters and adapters aren’t designed for continuous use, which is why it’s recommended that you unplug them once you’re done powering your devices.
Why isn’t there a standard voltage around the world?
The reason for this goes back to the 1800s when Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were researching electrical generation. In Europe, Tesla chose a higher voltage because it provided continuous electricity, but Edison believed a lower voltage was better because there was a smaller chance of getting electrocuted. By the time Edison realized that a higher voltage was the better option, it was too costly to switch.
What happens if you plug in a device without a converter?
The effects will depend on whether the voltage in the country you’re visiting is lower or higher than the voltage in your home country. If the voltage is lower, the device will draw less current and not perform to its highest ability. If it’s higher, the device will draw too much current and potentially get fried.
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