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Most countries use a different type of plug and a higher amount of voltage than what’s used in the United States. 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 adapters, allowing you to receive both functions in one product. Keep reading to learn about the five best 220 to 110 adapters on Amazon.
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
Best Plugs: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- $39.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 250 watts
- Power strip with three U.S. outlets and four USB ports
- Power cord
- Four international adapters
- 24-month warranty
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, some customers said that the fan was loud during use.
Most All-Inclusive: Odoga Voltage Converter
- $36.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 200 watts
- Power strip with three U.S. outlets and four USB ports
- Power cord
- Three international adapters
- Carrying case
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers 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.
Best Basic Kit: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
- $36.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 250 watts
- Power strip with three U.S. outlets and four USB ports
- Power cord
- Two international adapters
- 24-month warranty
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, some customers expressed frustration that the product couldn’t be used with hair dryers or straighteners.
Best for Large Appliances: Rockstone Power Voltage Converter Transformer
- $109.99
- $159.99
- 32% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 5,000 watts
- Power box with one U.S. and one European outlet
- Power cord
- One international adapter
- Two spare fuses
- Three-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
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.
Most Compact: HYTED Travel Adapter and Converter Combo
- $29.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 2,000 watts
- Power box with one U.S. outlet and four plugs
- Adapter and converter modes
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
Consider these factors 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.
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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