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The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips.

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

Ease of Use 5 /5
Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once.

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers.

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty.

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often.

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling.

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug.

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter.

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more. It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more.

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time.

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters.

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues.

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more.

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK.

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate.

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more.

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful.

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space.

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance.

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list.

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The best electric scooters 2024: smooth-riding e-scooters in the UK

The best electric scooters for commuting and city hops

At a glance
How we test

As e-scooters become more popular in the UK, a new wave of electric vehicles are hitting the streets. Most are part of ride-share schemes due to the complicated legality of scooters on UK roads, but we're happy to share that personal e-scooters are becoming more popular for private use.

We should have a number of new e-scooter reviews available soon and, naturally, fresh entries on this guide. Stay tuned!

Michelle Rae Uy, Buying Guides Editor

The best electric scooters are a convenient, cheap and green way of commuting. That's right; these aren't toys that get you quickly from one spot to another in a fun way. E-scooters also offer a cleaner, greener, more sustainable means of commuting, especially in congested areas like big cities where public transit isn't as prevalent and extensive.

Although electric scooters are getting a bad rap because of irresponsible riders as well as the lax road rules that govern their use on public roads, they're actually excellent commuting alternatives. Plus, they'll help you limit your carbon footprint as well as minimize air pollution and road congestion. They will also help you save money by reducing your fuel usage.

When ridden safely , the best e-scooters offer plenty of benefits to the riders and to the environment. And, much like the best electric bikes , they will get you out of that artificial air environment you spend most of your days in and breathe fresh, natural air.

We've tested many e-scooters ourselves, from the best budget e-scooters and the best electric scooters for students to the more premium ones. We gathered the best electric scooters in this guide, considering things like performance, weight and ease of use, build, and features like app support and anti-theft protection. Focusing on those that are ideal for everyday commutes and running errands instead of expensive performance models that boast much higher top speeds, you'll find the best electric scooter for you, whether you're a casual user, a daily commuter, or a hill rider. If you've tried an electric scooter on a ride-share scheme and think you need one of your own, this is the definitive list for UK users.

The best electric scooters 2024

1. Pure Air Pro (2nd Generation)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The second-generation Pure Air Pro takes our top prize for the best electric scooter of 2022. It's a big upgrade from last year's model, with a longer range, more powerful battery and – surprisingly – a smaller price tag. It can hit a top speed of 15.5mph at full throttle but offers a very impressive maximum range of 50km (about 31 miles) if you're willing to cut back the speed and ride at a slightly more sedate pace.

The electric scooter folds easily for storage and carrying, with a sturdy catch to hold it together, and the air-filled tires and large with a puncture-resistant fluid. In our tests, the suspension ironed out small bumps in the road, and acceleration felt smooth as butter.

The Pure Air Pro isn't perfect – pushing the speed will drain the battery fast, and it's pretty heavy. However, for the more experienced rider the Pure Air Pro is tough to beat. If you're new to riding, you'll be better off with the lighter and less powerful Pure Air, below.

Read our full Pure Air Pro (2021) review

2. Pure Air

Although not as powerful as the Pure Air Pro, the Pure Air is the best electric scooter we've reviewed in terms of value for money. We'd recommend it for people looking for their first ride, or something that'll be dependable and long-lasting.

It's an entry-level electric scooter that sits below its big sibling, the Pure Air Pro, in a few different ways. However, thanks to its low price, the Pure Air sits above the Pro in this list of the best e-scooters.

The Pure Air has the same top speed as most of the scooters on this list, and it's got a fair range if you don't drive it too fast. It's also sturdy, safe to ride and decked out in lights and reflectors. We found the Pure Air safe and comfortable to ride for the most part, and well worth your money if you're looking for your first electric scooter, though experienced riders will love it too.

Read our full Pure Air review

best electric scooter NIU KQi3 Pro outdoors

3. NIU KQi3 Pro

The NIU KQi3 Pro may not have that sleek and lightweight design that seems to have been the very first marker of an excellent electric scooter. What this impressive model does offer is much more important: comfort. It's also surprisingly, amazingly affordable – more affordable than other premium e-scooters with less features.

Its brilliant fat tires, as we found out during our extensive review, are the ticket to a smooth ride. Each tire on this is 2.5 inches thick, and that allows the scooter itself to have amazing shock absorption – so amazing, in fact, that we don't have to weave through a bad road just to avoid the small potholes and big cracks when riding it, which is something we do with other electric scooters.

NIU also slapped on amazing features like regenerative brakes, the always-on Halo headlight and rear light, zero starting (which activates as soon as you hit 200 riding meters for safety), and anti-theft. The anti-theft feature is uncommon if you're looking at e-scooters within this price range and is therefore a nice treat. Once it’s activated, an alarm will go off if someone tries to wheel the scooter away, ride it, or turn it on. So while it doesn't actually prevent someone from loading it on the back of their truck, it certainly makes a huge fuss, which will hopefully deter petty thieves.

Read our full NIU KQi3 Pro review

4. Kugoo Kirin G3

The Kugoo Kirin G3 is a staggering scooter with an imposing profile to match, boasting a 936Wh juicing a 1200W motor that gives it a 70-km (37-mile) range and a top speed of 50kmh (about 31 miles). It's an impressive piece of kit whose max speed and great acceleration won’t lag far behind cars in large metropolitan areas. Of course, its 10.5-inch off-road tires make riding a smooth affair even if you have to take it on not-so-well-paved roads.

During testing, we had no range issues and were able to zoom up and down hills, thanks to its powerful motor and 30-degree hill grade. And, we found its deck to be very effective at keeping our feet in place during high-speed rides. Its black and orange colour scheme might not be for everyone, but you cannot deny that it adds a bit of stylish flair and a study look that means business.

There are a few things that could be improved here – the on-screen buttons, for example, we found to be a little finicky. However, this scooter's pros far outweigh its cons, and none of the cons is deal breakers.

Read our full Kugoo Kirin G3 review

Best electric scooter: At a glance

Best electric scooter: frequently asked questions, how to choose the best electric scooter for you.

Don't panic if you haven't purchased an e-scooter before. Choosing one isn't as hard as you might think; you just have to know the main things to consider. And, trust us, you'll learn more as you do your research.

Urban commuters typically prioritize weight and portability over power, especially if they live in a city that's mostly flat and with good roads. Consider top speed as well – although do consider the e-scooter rules in your city, state, or country.

Of course, there's also battery life. A handful of the best electric scooters give you a week of use before they need charging. However, more commonly, e-scooters for commuting only give you two or three days. That heavily depends on the miles you clock in every day though. An 18-mile e-scooter should last you about three days if you've got a three-mile-per-trip average, but you might need to charge it every night if you're commuting more than eight miles per trip.

A top-notch braking system is very, very important for your safety. Some of the best e-scooters have a simple braking system while a few of the more robust ones come with a dual one, which is much more reliable and safer for riders. That's especially if you live in a hilly area.

Naturally, build, weather-proofing, and wheel size are to be considered as well. Features are important too. Depending on your needs, you might need things like app support and an anti-theft system.

Which brand of electric scooter is best?

There's no one best electric scooter brand. However, there are several that we've found to deliver the most well-constructed and great-performing e-scooters: Pure, Kugoo, Segway, and Xiaomi.

Segway is a little on the expensive side, but they do make great scooters with excellent build and smooth performance. Meanwhile, Kugoo has the art of building rugged commuting electric scooters that feel also feel luxurious to ride on. Finally, you can count on Pure and Xiaomi to give you the best value for your money.

Can I ride an electric scooter in the rain?

That very much depends on the electric scooter model you have and the ingress protection (IP) rating it has. Most commuter electric scooters have protection against water jets from all directions, which gives them an IPX5 or IPX6 rating. However, those aren't recommended to use during rain, especially heavy downpours, most likely in case you encounter flooding.

If you want something that's completely safe to use in the rain, we recommend finding something that can survive submersion. That would have an IP rating of IPX7 or above.

Glossary of electric scooter terms

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Commuter electric scooters - A commuter e-scooter is a type of electric scooter that’s designed specifically, as its name suggests, for everyday city commutes. They’re designed to be sleeker and more lightweight, a lot of them having a folding capability to make them easier to take on a bus or a train.

Hill grade - An electric scooter’s hill grade rating is the incline angle that its motor can handle when going up a hill. Most commuter e-scooters have a hill grade rating of 15% to 20%.

Pneumatic tires - Pneumatic tires are essentially just rubber tires filled with air. They deliver better stability, suspension, climbing, and traction than solid tires.

Solid tires - Solid tires are the opposite of pneumatic tires in that they are not air-filled but are instead made up of layers of rubber. Some solid tires have built-in air pockets, but they generally need less maintenance and are less prone to flats and punctures.

Regenerative brakes - Brakes with this regenerative braking feature have the capability to recover some of that kinetic energy the e-scooter uses during braking and send its back to the battery to extend its range.

Kick start - A kick start simply means that to get an e-scooter going, you have to kick it off quite literally with a nice, firm push using your foot.

Zero start - A zero start means that an electric scooter doesn’t need you to kick it off to get going. Its throttle does all the work for you.

Best electric scooters: How we test

Testing electric scooters is the fun part of our job because we get to ride around our cities and get a bit of fresh air and sunshine. We don't always go for a joyride, however.

Every e-scooter we test, we use for at least two weeks, running errands, commuting, and exploring new areas. We test its performance – just how instantaneous it starts up, how fast it picks up speed, how reliable its brakes are, and how effective it is at climbing inclines. We test it in different road conditions as well to see how it fares outside of city roads. That's just to start.

We also take a look at its design – whether or not it's easy and intuitive to use if the dashboard is bright enough to be visible in bright sunlight, how great and spacious the deck is, and if the folding mechanism is quick and effortless. Finally, we check the battery, to see if it lives up to the rating and if has fast-charging capabilities.

When we've got all our data, we then compare all of that with the price to make sure that it isn't overpriced and is a great value for the price.

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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.

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Electric Scooters

Explore Electric Travels hand curated collection of The World's Best Electric Scooters. Shop the world's leading brands and find your favourites from Xiaomi, InMotion, Decent, EGRET and much, much more!

All of our Electric Scooters come with full UK warranty and are sourced directly from UK manufactures or distributers to provide customers with free next day delivery, on orders made before 2pm.

Discover a cleaner way to travel - We plant one tree for each order purchased from Electric Travels through Ecologi. Check out our ever growing forest: Electric Travels Ltd | Ecologi

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£501 - £799
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15.5 to 18.6 mph

EGRET-EIGHT V2X Electric Scooter

EGRET-TEN V3X Scooter

Razor E Prime Air Electric Folding Scooter 36v Lithium-Ion Battery - 14+

The URBAN - BRLN V2 Scooter

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£499.99 | £799.00, the world's best electric scooter brands.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type G are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

For more information, select the country you live in at the top of this page .

Buy a power plug (travel) adapter

We don't sell power plug adapters. We refer you to Amazon, where you will find a great selection of travel adapters. If you travel a lot, consider buying a world travel adapter that fits multiple sockets. It will come in handy when you go abroad again.

Find travel adapters at AMAZON

Need anything else?

Check out our checklist

Check if you have packed everything for your trip at our TRAVELER'S CHECKLIST !

Frequently asked questions

Travel adapter needed?

Please select your country of residence, so we can determine if your power plugs fit into the sockets in the United Kingdom.

We don't collect any personal data. We only use your input to check if you need a travel adapter. Without it, we can only provide basic information.

Best electric bikes 2024 for every kind of rider

We select our favourite electric bikes to help you choose the right one for you

Cube Kathmandu e-bike ridden down a gravel path - best electric bikes

E-HYBRID BIKES
1. Best overall
2. Best value
E-FOLDING BIKES
3. Best overall
4. Best lightweight
E-ROAD & E-GRAVEL BIKES
5. Best for off-road
6. Best road e-bike
E-bike buying advice

Meet the testers

Best electric bikes 2024: Jump Menu

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best hybrid e-bike overall 2. Best value hybrid e-bike 3. Best folding e-bike 4. Best lightweight folding e-bike 5. Best e-bike for off-road riding 6. Best lightweight e-bike for road riding Advice How to choose

The growth in popularity of electric bikes means there are now more than ever to choose from. There are lightweight e-road bikes that don’t look too dissimilar from their acoustic counterparts, flat bar electric hybrids for leisure riding and commuting, and even electric folding bikes for those who lack space or undertake journeys that involve train and bus travel.

All of which makes choosing the right bike for you less than straightforward. To help you out, we've reviewed bikes from these three categories, with our testing involving a range of routes and ride lengths.

If you’re looking to go electric while keeping the cost down, we’ve also a dedicated guide to the best budget electric bikes . Likewise if off-road adventures are more your thing, we’ve also got a guide to the best electric gravel bikes . Otherwise, read on for reviews of our favorites e-bikes and a guide on what to look for when you start your shopping.

Best electric hybrid bike overall

Fitted with fenders and a rear rack and equipped with suspension forks and wide tires, the Turbo Vado is designed to handle the rigours of the daily commute with ease.

Our pick of the best electric bikes

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Best Electric Hybrid bikes

Electric hybrid bikes are the fastest selling style. Their flat bars, usually wide tyre, and commute friendly fittings - such as mudguard mounts and rack mounts - make them extremely practical machines.

The motor can be housed in the rear hub, or at the cranks, and the torque will vary - low torque models offer a natural pedalling assistance, but high torque versions will move off the lights more quickly.

The best hybrid e-bike overall

The Turbo Vado is commute ready thanks to fenders and a rear rack

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

A fun ride that’s great in urban environments but also provides a confidence-inspiring ride on rougher terrain is what the Specialized Turbo Vado is all about.

If you're after a bike that is fully integrated with lights, fenders and rack (27kg capacity) as well as security (on the App & removable battery using a key), then this represents a straight forward choice. Only the weight, and to a lesser degree cost, need consideration.

We found the 70Nm/250W custom-tuned motor applies power seamlessly and powerfully as soon as you push down on the pedals. Range is excellent too - 95-130km / 60-80 miles should be easily attainable using the default settings of "Sport' and '50% power'. There is an Eco mode as well as Turbo, so if you're careful you can expect much greater range.

It is a heavy machine at 60lbs/ 27kg, so not easy to lift, so anyone needing to navigate steps in or out of the bike's storage place will need to take this into consideration, but aside from that we found the Specialized Vado Turbo to be a joy to ride.

Read more: Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 electric bike review

The best value hybrid e-bike

Ribble Hybrid AL e looks just like a regular hybrid

Ribble Hybrid AL e

The Ribble Hybrid AL e is a road-going hybrid bike that’s equally at home on gravel paths and trails, with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring upright riding position, so great for returning or newbie riders.

For us, we think the bike is one of the best looking hybrids we've ever come across, with the design hiding away the motor incredibly well, although we were a little sad that adjusting the seat post left behind scratch marks. The fully loaded package includes fenders (mudguards), lights and a rear rack making it perfect as a daily commuter or for ditching the car when going to the store, although we did find these a little rattily on test.

The Ebikemotion motor delivers its power smoothly and efficiently and offers long-range in between charges, making the Ribble far more than just an A to B bike.

Understandably it doesn't perform in the same way as the Canyon Grail:ON in terms of fast and tight torque, but tap along and it will tick over nicely, taking the top off any strenuous rides.

With all the added extras as standard and classy looks, the Ribble Hybrid AL e is a great electric bike for the money.

Read more: Ribble Hybrid AL e electric bike full review

Ride1Up Roadster V2 is ready for the city streets

Ride1Up Roadster V2

We absolutely loved zooming around on the speedy Ride1Up Roadster V2 with its five levels of power assist. If you're anything like us and are more used to training and racing on standard road bikes it can easily become your guilty pleasure - it's fantastic fun to ride.

The bike was so quiet, even on level 5, convincing onlookers that our tester had to be some kind of super hero to ride so fast up 15 per cent climbs. The only downside - in common with other e-bikes that only assist when you're pedalling - was where there was a requirement for a hill start, the cranks had to be turned over in order to get the motor to engage, creating a pregnant pause at the lights, before vavavooming off.

The claimed 24mph maximum assisted speed (in the US) needs input from the pedals to reach on the flats, but without a doubt it's noticeable downhill, where other bikes, such as the Wilier Cento1Hy Ultegra Di2 e-bike auto assist would cut out and slow you down.

This extra speed also puts the bike into a class 3 e-bike, meaning that it doesn't meet EAPC rules in the UK , but that's by the by as US brand Ride1Up doesn't currently ship there.

If you are in a country lucky enough to be shipped to: the US, Canada and Mexico, then it's a great option and one that has a very high fun-to-dollar ratio.

Ride1Up is a direct-to-consumer brand - check out the Roadster V2 on its website here .

Read more: Ride1Up Roadster V2 full review

A side on view of a Canyon Precede:ON CF 9 ST

Canyon Precede:ON CF 9 ST boasts automatic gear changes

Canyon Precede:ON CF 9 ST electric bike

The Canyon Precede:ON is an efficient automatic transmission city bike that performs well in multi-terrain settings whether for utility or for leisure purposes thanks to a powerful motor and control panel.

With built-in accessories such as lights, mudguards, rack and kickstand all the trappings are there to make for a comfortable ride with style straight out the box. All these add ons however do make it one of the heaviest e-bikes on the market, even heavier than the Specialized Turbo Vado.

We really loved the Canyon Grail: On and it's great to see the Precede:ON also be kitted with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, although ideally we would love to see a little more juice in the battery to support the other impressive spec.

With everything you need straight out the box, including navigation system and lights, it's the easiest way to swap driving/ public transport for a bike, but it is at the higher end price tag wise. There are a couple of models to choose from, which also takes the cost down a touch, but with a six year guarantee, it could be a savvy investment.

The only other point to note is that Canyon has a direct sales model, so you'll have to buy directly from the brand here .

Read more: Canyon Precede:ON CF 9 ST electric bike full review

Giant FastRoad E+ Pro 2 electric bike

The Giant Fastroad E+ Pro is another road-going hybrid bike with flat handlebars to promote a comfortable ride position for even the rustiest of riders, in fact we enjoyed riding this great electric hybrid road bike so much we gave it a Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice Award.

The tires provide plenty of squish and the ability to go lightly off-road. However on test we found the aluminium frame and fork quite stiff, which will suit those used to a traditional road bike’s feel and riders looking for a speedy commute, but worth bearing in mind if you’re used to a softer hybrid feel.

We really liked the bike's integration of the battery, which can often be a design factor forgotten about on hybrid bikes. We were also really impressed to see the spec on the FastRoad, with hydraulic disc brakes and quality Shimano shifting, with a compact chainset and wide range cassette at the rear to provide plenty of gears for the hills all making an appearance.

All in all, we think it's a great electric hybrid bike for a fair price that will have a lot of appeal to lots of different riders.

Read more: Giant FastRoad E+ Pro 2 electric bike full review

Best Electric Folding Bikes

Folding electric bikes are practical if you have a train journey forming part of your trip or are low on space. Being small, the battery and motor can represent a large percentage of the weight, so the focus is often on reducing this as much as possible.

Mileage on folding bikes is often low, since they're typically used to ride to and from train stations, so battery range isn't always a major consideration.

If you are considering going for a folder, you might find our buying guide page dedicated to helping you find the best folding bikes a useful read.

The best electric folding bike overall

Gocycle G4 folding e-bike is easily portable once folded

Gocycle G4i Folding Electric Bike

The G4i is a solid choice for a commuter, with the option to add many accessories such as mudguards (fenders), a front and rear pannier rack, integrated lights, lock holster and a travel case.

The design folds in half, so that you can push it on its wheels rather than needing to carry it, or you can fully fold it into a compact package. There's built-in rear suspension, concealed cabling and a fully enclosed drivetrain.

It features a discreetly integrated USB port on the handlebar, enabling owners to charge their phone or other small devices from the bike’s battery when not in use - although we found the quality of the integrated phone mount didn't quite match that of the bike itself. The same goes for the LED display, which we found to be rather basic - although the information it provides is useful.

It's also likely to be pretty low-maintenance given that the drivetrain is completely enclosed. This makes sense, given that commuting year round usually means cycling in the wet at some point. The G4i utilizes a Shimano Nexus 3 speed internally geared hub. With 1” of elastomer suspension and 2.35” wide tires, it is one of the more comfortable small wheelers. Single-sided wheel attachment means you don’t even have to remove the wheel, should you puncture one of the 20” wheels.

The 500W (250W in the UK/EU) G4 electric motor and 375Wh Lithium-ion battery is claimed to provide a range of up to 80km (50mi), but the most we managed to get out of it was just 44km (27mi). To be fair, that was in one of the more 'assisted' modes and we always had the daytime running lights on - and the city of Bath is well known for its brutally steep hills.

The bike is available from 17.6kg / 38.8lbs. However, as the weight is centred low on the frame, this at least makes the ride more stable. The folding mechanism has been improved since previous versions and can be quickly collapsed into a small package - Gocycle says this can be done in as little as ten seconds; we found it was closer to 20.

Read more: Gocycle G4i electric folding bike full review

Tern Vektron S10 electric folding bike in the image is side on with the handle bars pointing to the right

Tern Vektron S10 electric folding bike has built-in racks as standard

Tern Vektron electric folding bike

Tern has numerous folding bike options, with the electric model options also growing in the fleet. The Tern Vektron S10 features 20-inch wheels and a 400-watt battery that can power you for 40 to 90 miles, depending on how much you use the assist.

We haven't tested this version, but highly rated the non-electric Tern Verge X11 and believe that you won't be disappointed in this electric cargo model.

To help the rider find the perfect fit, the stem and saddle are adjustable, making it a good interchangeable option for the whole family, from 4'10" to 6'5". Coming with an integrated rack, compatibility with child seats is a breeze as no additional adaptors are required.

Its integrated rack will be fantastically useful, but will add to the already quite large folded down package size, so if it's stowaway capabilities you're after, you might be better off with the Brompton Electric Folding bike option.

The bike boasts dynamo powered lights, alongside hydraulic disc brakes and highly regarded Shimano Deore groupset. The high spec does push the price up though, and weighing 22.5kg /48.7Ibs makes it a fairly hefty folder, and a limited one at that.

The best lightweight electric folding bike

The Brompton Electric P Line has a titanium rear triangle to save weight

Brompton Electric P Line

Brompton has had the Electric C Line in its range for a while. The Electric P Line takes the same electric drive tech, but packages it in a lighter weight model thanks to the titanium rear triangle in place of steel, dropping the weight to a claimed 34lb.

The removeable battery pack in a backpack makes the bike easier to carry than that headline weight would suggest as well. It's easy to clip it back onto the frame when you're ready to roll but, as with the standard Brompton, the high foldability remains, making the Electric P Line easy to store.

The Electric P Line has Brompton's clever four-speed gearing system. It comes with an ingenious two-piece derailleur which has been designed to fit inside the narrow fold - one part has a spring mechanism with one jockey wheel that is mounted and tucked under the chain stay, and the second part is a fixed chain tensioner that’s mounted below the rear drop out.

We did find however that the rear derailleur was a little fiddly to adjust and we'd have liked a smaller bottom gear, but both are relatively minor issues.

Best Electric Road and Gravel Bikes

The best electric road bikes will favour low weight. The expectation is that at times you might exceed the 25kph legal e-bike limit stipulated by many countries, and at that point, you'll want a lightweight bike. The motor will often be low torque, which makes the assistance feel more natural.

Hub based motors are becoming increasingly common in this category. They keep the weight low, and also allow the chassis to look almost identical to a non-assisted bike.

Ribble's Endurance SL E tips the scales at under 27lbs

Ribble Endurance SL e

With geometry matching that of the Ribble Endurance SL Disc , the Ribble Endurance SL e gains a motor and battery, making it a great option for riders looking for subtle performance enhancement.

As with its non-electric equivalent, the Ribble Endurance SL e was also awarded a Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice award, mostly due to its low overall weight, spec and incredibly subtle integration of the motor and battery.

On hills the bike was fantastic at giving us a much needed boost in a natural and smooth linear delivery, but on the flat the legal e-bike speed limit of 15mph for the UK (where the bike was tested) did hold this otherwise great electronic bike back.

We felt that the location of the charge point on top of the bottom bracket was a little vulnerable, so it's important to double check it's covered up, particularly in wet conditions

The other slight gripe was the position of the power on button on the top tube. Once it's on it's on, but trying to locate it does mean taking your eyes off the road for a couple of seconds, which isn't ideal.

With a similar profile to the Wilier Cento1HY Ultegra Di2 e-bike, but kitted out with the lower price point, yet highly respected, Shimano 105 groupset, the Ribble Endurance SL e could save you half the money.

Read more: Ribble Endurance SL e full review

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creole SL benefits from a full acrbon frameset

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL

The Specialized S-works Turbo Creo is the brand's first venture into the world of road e-bikes and it is not a disappointing one. If you're able to look past the eye-watering price tag, you will be getting all the pros of a road bike but with a bit of, as Specialized puts it, 'oomph'.

This beautiful bike gets the same FACT 11r frame as the S-Works Roubaix , which means it already has a naturally racy feel, and thanks to its super lightweight construction, means that it's happy to be ridden without any assistance at all.

When taking advantage of the power, Specialized's own SL1.1 motor delivers smooth assistance to your ride and doesn't have the surges of acceleration you may find in some other e-bikes. That and its impressive battery life, which we found to be one of the longest on test, means that you do get a truly excellent e-bike.

It's a bit like the F1 of e-bikes as it comes with a lot of technical integration, such as the ability to connect to its own app and dial in the motor for your style of riding. This is really helpful when using the bike to help with training and ensuring that the motor only kicked in once the tester was at a certain speed/ wattage.

The good news is that there is a spectrum of the Specialized Turbo Creo with the SL Comp E5 available for nearly a third of the price. You do lose some of the spec of course, but both are still great options.

Read more: Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL full review

The best electric bike for off-road riding

Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty with its Lefty Oliver fork

The Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 and its signature Lefty fork

Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3

The Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3 is an electric gravel bike - that means it blends drop handlebars with burly tires and suspension, so it's designed for on and off-road riding.

Running on 650b wheels keeps the rear end tight and nimble for almost any terrain, although this is an area where you might consider a future upgrade as the WTB ST i23 rims don't quite match the capability of the rest of the bike. It'll still shock you with its power delivery (hold on to your hats), but the looks are best described as an acquired taste.

It'll leave you in a similar giggly mess as the Canyon Grail:On CF 8 eTap does, just pure grin inducing fun on any ride. In fact, on test it proved to be a bit of a handful, and possibly provides too wild a ride for a lot of riders. If you can learn to love the looks, and tame the beast of the torque you honestly will struggle for more fun on two wheels.

This bike is unrivalled in its class in terms of motor performance while the suspension adds another layer of capability to the package and blurs the gravel/MTB divide even further.

Read more: Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3 full review

The best lightweight e-bike for road riding

Wilier Cento1 Hybrid in grey and red colourway with a Shimano Ultegra drivechain

Wilier Cento1 Hybrid Ultegra Road E-Bike has a concealed battery and hub motor

Wilier Cento1 Hybrid Ultegra Di2 e-bike

Gaining a much-deserved Editor's Choice award, the Wilier Cento1 Hybrid is the e-bike for the road riders who still want the feel of a race bike. The Cento1 Hybrid is a good looking lightweight machine, which will assist you up those tough climbs, with plenty of power on tap.

On test, we found the supporting ebikemotion system, which is smartphone and PC app friendly, a doddle to use, with automatic syncing to Strava .

Some riders will love the automatic assistance, as it will immediately kick in when the going gets tough. However, this can be a pro or a con, depending on your ride assistance preference. If you would rather be the master of your own electrical deployment, then you might find the auto-assist a tad frustrating and just a little over torqued.

It's not the cheapest of bikes by any stretch, and the Ribble SL e could almost go toe to toe, but the Wilier is the no compromise option, which is reflected in the price tag.

Read more: Wilier Cento1 Hybrid Ultegra Di2 e-bike full review

Electric bike buying advice

Why would you buy an electric bike.

There are a whole host of reasons why you might want to invest in one of the best electric bikes.

Perhaps you have to travel with lots of cargo, and the added power can mean the difference between using a car or still spinning your two legs.

Or maybe you want to start commuting to work, and an electric hybrid could be a great option for helping you cover the miles, without turning up at work in a sweaty mess and in need of a shower.

The benefit is obvious: less effort = less sweat. Hauling heavy luggage is an option, and you can often even keep pace and feel more comfortable in traffic. A hybrid e-bike with a rack and fenders and you've got a seriously practical bike that can replace many a car trip or having to use public transport.

You might be recovering from injury or illness and the added boost of a motor might help you get back out there again. Or it might simply be the case that you're not as young as you once were.

It is absolute hearsay that electric bikes don't provide an exercise benefit, you do still get a workout when riding an electric bike .

Scott hybrid electric bike feature a mid-drive motor fitted with a rear rack and fenders

Scott's Hybrid uses a mid-drive motor

Are electric bikes legal?

The biggest difference between an electric bike and a motorbike is that the e-bike can only assist its rider, its motor cannot be the sole source of power for the bike. To clarify, in order for an electric bike to be legal , in many countries it can only assist a rider up to 25km/h (that's roughly 15.5mph). This applies to most of Europe and Australia — if you live in the US, keep reading.

Outside the US the motor inside the bike can only be a maximum of 250w and cannot be operated by a throttle like you'd find on a motorbike. Which does mean you'll have to use your legs!

The rules in the US are a bit more difficult to follow as the laws can vary state to state, and federal law surrounding e-bikes may say something different again.

The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has sought to clear up some of the confusion, slotting e-bikes into a three-class system, all of which are limited to 750-watt motors.

The laws surrounding where and who can ride which class of e-bikes also varies state to state, but the TL:DR version is class 1 and 2 are permitted anywhere bikes are allowed, and class 3 are okay on roads and in bike lanes, but not multi-use paths, and have rules surrounding helmet use and minimum rider age. Thankfully the lovely folks over at People for Bikes have a handy guide that breaks the rules up by state.

Class 1: the motor only kicks in when the rider is pedalling and is limited to 20mph
Class 2: The motor is limited to 20mph and can provide assistance whether or not the rider is pedalling
Class 3: the motor provides pedal assist, is limited to 28mph and must be equipped with a speedometer.

What types of electric bike are available?

Most e-bikes come in the form of a Pedelec or pedal-assist, which monitors the input of a rider and assists as much as possible up to the region-specific top speed.

Less common are Twist-n-Go models, which allow riders to operate the input of the motor from a switch (or even a throttle). Most places classify these as a moped and you may need a licence, insurance, and a full helmet to ride them.

A hub mounted motor

What are power and torque?

The peak output of an electric bike is normally expressed in two measures.

The power output of the motor is measured in watts. Most electric bikes have a maximum continuously rated output of 250 watts, as that's the power that regulations allow in many countries. Their peak power may be higher than this - think power required to get you started from a standing start.

Torque is the turning effort that the motor can add to your own pedalling. It's measured in Newton-metres (Nm).

Torque output varies considerably between motors. Lower priced electric hybrid bikes and many folders may have a torque output of around 40Nm. That's also the power output of the motors on some electric road bikes, where the motor is designed to add extra power to assist a fitter rider rather than o pull you up a hill.

Mid-range motors, such as are found on many electric city hybrids, and some electric road bikes typically have outputs of 50Nm to 65Nm. Electric mountain bikes and some electric gravel bikes may have torque outputs of 90Nm or more to give plenty of grunt when climbing steep off-road inclines.

Where should the motor be placed on the best electric bike?

There are really only three options for e-bike motor placement: either on the front wheel, the back wheel or the cranks.

Placing the motor at the cranks offers much better weight distribution, which makes the bike more stable — a key consideration for both road and mountain bikes.

Hub based motors, found in the rear wheel, are usually lighter, so you're more likely to find them on electric road bikes. Motors in the front wheel are a lot less common, but you may find them on some hybrid e-bikes and folders.

A Bosch ActiveLine motor placed around the bottom bracket of an e-bike

Most motors are now placed around the bottom bracket for a better distribution of weight

How far do the best electric bikes go?

Another consideration worth thinking about is electric bike batteries .

Generally speaking, like motors, you get what you pay for. No battery will have infinite power, or be totally invisible, even on the best electric bike - but the more you spend the longer the range/ the more subtle its placement.

Battery capacity is measured in both watts (watt-hours, Wh) or amps (amp-hours, Ah). In most cases, an e-bike's battery capacity lies between 250Wh-600Wh or 7-10Ah.

Typically, you should get around 800 charge cycles from the best electric bike lithium-ion battery before you'll need to replace it.

How far you can go on a single charge depends on range of factors, including the terrain, but a rule of thumb you can expect a riding range of anywhere between 25 and 75 miles of run time on a full charge. Although be warned, the more assistance the bike gives, the more power it will draw from the battery.

Ebike battery is shown here in a rider's hands.

Here, a 9ah battery is hidden in the seat

What components do the best electric bikes have?

E-bikes do have slightly different components to standard bikes, the obvious ones are the battery and motor.

In terms of motors, the big names are Bosch and Shimano. Shimano Steps was the first e-bike specific groupset from the Japanese giant and it features a mid-drive electric motor, as well as integrated electric shifters and a torque sensor to smooth out the ride a little.

A Bosch mid-drive motor fitted to an e-bike

Bosch is becoming a big name in the e-bike world

Bosch has really embraced the electric bike market and its range of eleven different motors offers a variety of power assistance depending on how much you're willing to spend and the type of riding you're doing. Its models have motors geared to more leisurely riding, more performance-oriented cycling or cargo moving applications.

Other brands such as Fazua, TQ and Mahle ebikemotion are common on lightweight e-road bikes, and these systems have done well when reviewed, so come recommended. Budget electric bikes often use Bafang motors.

Shimano launches its popular 105 groupset with Di2 electronic shifting

Most electric road bikes will come with a normal groupset

The best electric bikes are likely to come specced with some form of hydraulic disc brakes. The added speed and weight of an e-bike will definitely warrant the extra stopping power.

Other areas that can differ are tires, which tend to be fatter, even on the road bike options, anywhere between 32mm and 40mm of rubber is most common on the hybrid options. The extra wide tires will help absorb the impacts of the heavier frame as well as providing more grip and stopping power to balance the extra weight and speed.

The more expensive, lightweight carbon road electric bikes do now come with leaner 28m tires, perfect for keeping up on the club run.

Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015 and since then he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment. He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.

Paul reviews both bikes and equipment for Cycling Weekly and has 40 years of riding under his belt across a variety of disciplines including road riding, commuting, a self-supported Land's End to John o' Groats trip, XC mountain biking and several Polaris Challenge two-day events. Naturally for a reviewer he loves bike and kit design and has even fillet brazed a couple of framesets himself.

How we test

Where we've been able to link to a review, it means that we've put the bike through its paces. This means that we've ridden it over varying terrain and distances to assess it's performance across a range of factors. For e-bikes this typically means that we'll have considered the quality of the motor and battery, from ease of use to charging time and range, while with regards to folding e-bikes we'll have also tested the folding mechanism for ease of use as well as the general suitability of the bike for commuting purposes.

Like regular bikes, we'll also consider the ride quality and the choice of components and how they impact key areas such as comfort, gear range and braking.

Where we haven't yet had the chance to review an item, we're still confident in recommending it as one of the best, because we either know the brand really well, and have probably tested another product or the previous version and can still happily recommend it as one of the best.

Brompton's P Line features a titanium rear triangle, and is offered as a lighter sub-10kg option to the original all steel Brompton, now called the C line, which will weigh in between 24.7 and 26.6lbs /11.2 and 12.1kg. During our testing we really noticed the difference, and while 22lbs / 10kg is still a fair amount to carry around for longer periods, the reduction in weight did make the P Line altogether easier to pick up and take with us.

Like all Bromptons it's nicely put together with umpteen clever little design hacks. We really liked the saddle up, roll-ability, not offered on previous P Lines, that allowed us to easily wheel it around a station concourse via the saddle and maneuver it around commuters during the rush to the train.

The four-speed gearing system is just as clever. It comes with an ingenious own brand two-piece derailleur which has been designed to fit inside the narrow fold - one part has a spring mechanism with one jockey wheel that is mounted and tucked under the chain stay, and the second part is a fixed chain tensioner that’s mounted below the rear drop out. We did find however that the rear derailleur was a little fiddly to adjust and we'd have liked a smaller bottom gear, but both are relatively minor issues.

All told, we found the new P Line to be more practical, more 'pickupable', more maneuverable than before, which truly makes it one of the best folding bikes out there.

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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.

Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas.

She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.

A polished rear derailleur mech and cassette on a vintage looking bicycle

All that glitters may not be gold, but silver doesn't half look good on a bike

By James Shrubsall Published 10 April 24

Patrick Casey got his chance to ride the Hell of the North after going through the Red Bull Junior Brothers programme

By Adam Becket Published 10 April 24

How do electric bikes work and do you have to pedal one?

By Paul Norman Last updated 26 May 23

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Re-Mobilize Your Life!

Weighing only 14.8 Kg including its lithium-ion battery, the TravelScoot ™ Escape is by far the world's lightest and most compact electric mobility scooter. It’s perfect for anyone who’s no longer getting around as well as they used to but are still in fairly decent shape. The TravelScoot ™ ’s innovative folding mechanism allows the scooter to be folded flat enough to fit in practically any car trunk with the push of a button. The entire seat assembly and support can be removed by simply releasing a single lever clamp, and, if necessary, be taken down further into three components. The front wheel can be removed in seconds with the simple push of a button, as well. The remaining basic frame weighs less than 10 kilograms. However, in most situations it’s enough to lower the handlebars and remove the backrest, which also takes only seconds.

14.8 kg including battery, It can't be lighter!

TravelScoot Escape

Various levels of break-down and folding for transport

For hatch-back vehicles and stationwagons

For air travel (takes about 2 minutes). Read more: Notes for air travel

For car trunks (boots) of various sizes; less than one minute. The seat assembly can be broken down further into 3 components in seconds.

It fits where no mobility scooter has ever fit before!

Set-up and break-down takes less than a minute. It fits where no mobility scooter has ever fit before! Seat and battery removal takes just a few seconds. A few more, and the frame is done, too.

A man puts the TravelScoot in a small airplane

Light weight

As you can see, the folded dimensions are a huge advantage, but the unrivaled low weight is even more significant. Your scooter will need to be lifted around several times a day, if only to clear a curb or into a vehicle. In some cases, there is no elevator, so you will need to carry your scooter up a flight of stairs. For such, every pound can make a difference!

The scooter overcomes obstacles with ease!

Carrying luggage and groceries on a mobility scooter

The vast majority of mobility scooters – regardless of size – have no provision for carrying luggage or any sizeable amount of groceries. The best one can hope for is a small bicycle basket, mounted to the handlebars and banging into your knees every time you try to turn.

Here at TravelScoot we have many years of experience with this issue and have come up with a number of intelligent solutions. These all have in common that they are mounted independent of the handlebar movement, allowing much larger items to be carried.

Gepäckmitnahme auf Reisen mit dem TravelScoot

Traveling with the TravelScoot ™

It’s all in the name!

A carry-on size (22 inches max. height) suitcase can be strapped easily and securely on the small platform in front of the steering column. Another, medium-size, luggage item can be placed loose on the frame in front of the seat. We suggest you do this after you are seated on the scooter. Our rear-mounted luggage hitch allows a wheeled suitcase of any size to be attached in seconds, leaving both hands free to steer (see video).

Taking luggage on trips with the TravelScoot

Please note that, ideally, you use two-wheel suitcases on your TravelScoot, since the wheels are recessed to save space. Four-spinner cases have exposed wheels which can interfere with, or even obstruct, your feet. Also, IATA air-travel regulations on luggage size are based total suitcase dimensions, which include the wheels. As a result, two-wheel cases provide more internal volume.

IATA carry-on rule : 55 x 40 x 20 cm (approx. 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) Max. weight 8 kg / 18 lbs. These rules may vary by airline.

Shopping with your TravelScoot ™

Basket and/or boxes are the shopping containers of choice. Up to two baskets can installed on the TravelScoot without interfering with the rider. It’s possible to place, without attaching, a third basket or box on the frame in front of the seat. When it’s time to get on or off the TravelScoot, just set the basket or box aside; just slide it under your feet when seated. The rear-mounted luggage hitch can be installed in place of the rear basket.

TravelScoot with two mounted baskets rear and front

New accessories

Smart Luggage Kit

Our innovative, Smart Luggage Kit universal carrier system allows you to attach a large crate or cabin-sized suitcase to the steering column as well as wheeled suitcase to the rear. All components are extremely lightweight and don’t protrude beyond the TravelScoot’s footprint. This allows the kit to be permanently installed. Even so, installation and removal takes less than a minute.

For prices choose one of our world-wide distributors

Best travel guitars: Top acoustic and electric guitars for musicians on the go

Out top picks for practicing your guitar on the move, wherever the road takes you

Best for tone

Best for volume, best for value.

Best Strat-alike
Best electric
Best full-scale
#1 acoustic-electric

Best for portability

Best solid wood
Buying advice
How we choose

1. The quick list 2. Best for tone 3. Best for volume 4. Best for value 5. Best for Strat players 6. Best electric travel guitar 7. Best full-scale travel guitar 8. Best acoustic-electric model 9. Best for portability 10. Best solid-wood travel guitar 11. Buying advice 12. How we choose products

As guitar players, our passion and joy shouldn’t have to stop the second we leave the house or the practice room. Sometimes, when you’re on the go; whether that be travelling for work or just for fun, you want to be able to take your music with you. That’s where the best travel guitars come in.

Travel guitars are smaller, more compact instruments that are easier to take on the road. If you’re heading out on a road trip, and space in the car is tight, a travel guitar will fit in a much smaller gap than a full-size guitar. Some of them even pack down into a rucksack so you can take them on a plane as hand luggage.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re more into playing acoustic or electric, we’ve picked out the best travel guitars currently on offer to make sure that the music doesn’t have to stop when you hit the road.

Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World and Dawsons Music. Chris has spent years writing about and testing guitar gear for MusicRadar, in addition to nerding out about everything from synths to microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.

Best travel guitars: Quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out exactly which we think are the best travel guitars on the market right now? Below, you’ll find a round-up of our top choices. You can jump to a more detailed review of every pick, along with our price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.

This ¾-sized dreadnought comes with all the quality and projection you’d expect from one of the acoustic world’s biggest names, just in a size that can be hauled around anywhere without breaking your back. Or, indeed, your wallet.

The best travel guitars right now

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Below you'll find full and detailed write-ups for each of the best travel guitars in our list.

1. Taylor Baby Taylor

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If the more outlandish styles of travel guitar aren’t for you, maybe the Baby Taylor will be. This ¾-sized dreadnought comes with all the quality and projection you’d expect from one of the acoustic world’s biggest names, just in a size that can be hauled around anywhere without breaking your back. Or, indeed, your wallet.

The Baby Taylor would be the perfect option as a second (or third) guitar in anyone’s collection, designed to be stashed in the included gig bag and taken anywhere. Players with larger hands may feel a bit cramped navigating the 22.75” scale length, but for the majority of people the Baby Taylor is easy to recommend.

2. Martin Backpacker

We weren’t lying when we said travel guitars can jar a bit visually. The Martin Backpacker has a unique body shape, that’s for sure, but coming from a name like Martin you can rest assured this guitar will perform brilliantly. What surprised us was the volume and projection this little guitar pumps out, thanks in part to the solid mahogany used in the body.

Originally launched in 1992, the Martin Backpacker has carved itself a nice niche in the world of travel guitars, and its exceptional build quality means it will last for many more years to come.

Best travel guitars: Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

3. Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe

While not officially marketed as a travel guitar, the Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe definitely fits the bill due to its distinctive size and shape. The classic Steinberger ‘headless’ design is correct and present, making the same bold visual statement of its more expensive stablemates, yet the decision to use wood over composite materials makes the whole thing more cost-effective and suited for travelling.

Despite the smaller body, the Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe features a scale length of 25.5”, making the actual playing area larger than that of a standard Les Paul. It’s also pretty rare to find neck-thru bodies at this price point, which all adds up to a decent value instrument regardless of how you end up using it.

Best for Strat players

Best travel guitars: Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

4. Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe

It’s called ‘cognitive dissonance’. That conflict you feel when something you know to be right is challenged. The Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe is a relative example; to look at it, you can instantly see those famous Stratocaster outlines of the pickguard, the three single coil pickups and the control knobs. Yet the eagle-eyed among you will have noticed anything on the body that isn’t underneath the pickguard has been shaved away, leaving a guitar which is 35% lighter and 14% shorter than a regular Strat.

Weighing in at only 5 lbs, the Travelcaster Deluxe may take some getting over visually, but in use it provides that same Strat experience, the same 25.5” scale length and the same tonal versatility of those pickups. If you can get over the cognitive dissonance, it may just be the perfect travel guitar for you.

Read the full Traveler Travelcaster Deluxe review

Best electric options

Best travel guitars: Blackstar Carry-On Travel Guitar ST

5. Blackstar Carry-On Travel Guitar ST

It plays great and the shorter 20.7” scale length doesn’t take long to readjust to - younger beginners might find that they can fret chords and make stretches between frets more easily too. The mini-humbucker covers a lot of ground, so will suit any musical style you can throw at it. Whether you’re playing clean or super distorted, this little thing can really pack a punch!

There is a more expensive version that’s around double the price with some upgrades, but in terms of value for money, we feel that the Blackstar Carry-On ST is one of the best travel guitars around.

Best full-scale experience

6. Hofner Shorty travel guitar

The Hofner Shorty has been around since the 1980s, and has long been a favourite for players looking for a portable electric they can travel with. It provides full scale-length familiarity which, when combined with the tiny body, makes for a comfortable playing experience. The single humbucker at the bridge is meaty enough to blast out your favourite riffs, while you’ll feel instantly at home with the classic maple/rosewood combination neck and fingerboard.

Sure, it’s not going to win any awards for tone, and you’re unlikely to see them used on album-of-the-year contenders, but as an inexpensive way to add a bit of portability to your line-up the Hofner Shorty is well worth consideration.

Best of both worlds

Best travel guitars: Traveler Escape Mark III

7. Traveler Escape MKIII Mahogany

Choosing a travel guitar doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on your needs. The Traveler Escape Mark III comes equipped with plenty in the way of tools and toys, and it all comes in 26% shorter and 10% lighter than a standard dreadnought.

The Escape Mark III features tuning pegs within the body itself, which means it has no need for a headstock and is instead strung in reverse. The onboard electronics are both extensive and useful too, with an under-saddle Shadow NanoFlex piezo system, tuner, aux-in and studio headphone out making for quite a comprehensive setup for the traveling player.

Best travel guitars: Voyage Air VAOM-02G2

8. Journey Instruments PJ410N

This handy, foldable acoustic makes for one of the best travel guitars for players who want something quality but affordable. It’s got a solid spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides. You can get a great tone from it, whether you’re playing with a pick or with fingers. It’s dynamic, and while it might not be as loud as a full size guitar, can still throw out a good amount of volume.

It fits perfectly inside the included padded rucksack, and can be assembled in 20 seconds. Simply put the neck into position, snap it in place and lock it from the back of the body. Then you’ve got a guitar with a 23” scale ready to play. It’s great for experienced players who want something that sounds good while they’re on their travels (the bag will fit under many airline seats), but also makes for a great beginner guitar for kids .

Best all-solid option

Best travel guitars: Furch Little Jane LJ-10

9. Furch Little Jane LJ-10

This is definitely one of the best travel guitars for serious acoustic players. It bears a hefty price tag, but you can get some serious tones from this guitar. Boasting a solid red cedar top and solid African mahogany back and sides, the Furch Little Jane yields a beautiful, rich and balanced tone with a good amount of projection.

The guitar can be folded down and fit into a rucksack (included). The headstock, neck and body are separate from one another to save space but can be assembled into one piece very quickly and easily. Once the neck is locked into position using Furch’s proprietary assembly system, it’s ready to play and will even go back in tune.

The included rucksack is well padded and will ensure that it’s protected enough on your travels. Travel acoustic guitars seldom sound this good, and to be fair the price reflects that, but it really is one of the best out there.

Best travel guitars: Buying advice

Voyage Air VAOM-02G2 travel guitar in folded configuration

What is a travel guitar?

Essentially, a travel guitar is a guitar designed with portability and mobility as its key function. This will usually mean the guitar has a significantly smaller body or weight, and they often boast creative solutions to common issues like tuning or storage. From conception to construction, the travel guitar is designed to be thrown in a bag and transported anywhere, everywhere, and all those places in between.

Standard-sized guitars can be, as we know, too large, too heavy or too delicate to carry around for long stretches, so travel guitars offer a specialist tool for those specific situations. Realistically, you’ll not find too many studio musicians reaching for the travel guitar to nail that perfect tone, but then that’s not what they’re for. Portability, size and weight are order of the day here, and it helps that there are travel guitars on the market today which also nail that other crucial element; tone.

What makes travel guitars different?

At first glance, the sight of a dedicated travel guitar can jar a little. Often, they have quite striking aesthetic differences from regular guitars. Like looking at something you know, only quite different. Manufacturers employ all kinds of measures as they seek to reduce the overall size and weight of the guitar, and it’s not uncommon to see guitars without headstocks, or with radically different shaped bodies, or even no body at all. Yet a guitar still has to function, so there is still the need for tuning pegs, a bridge, and other essential components.

What are the key features of travel guitars?

There are two major schools of thought when it comes to travel guitars. One is to take a regular sized guitar and zap it with a shrink ray, keeping the same proportions relatively but in a smaller overall package. This approach ensures the instrument retains its familiarity, and also makes them attractive to younger learners.

The other approach is to redesign the instrument completely, perhaps taking the tuning pegs and installing them in the body. Of course, such radical design changes can create other problems, so you may see these compensated for with the inclusion of detachable arm and leg rests, for example. While these guitars may look unfamiliar, the playing experience should be largely the same as a regular guitar. Scale lengths, fret locations and pitch will be the same, even if the physical form of the guitar is quite different.

Are travel guitars playable?

Close-up of Traveler Guitars Travelcaster

If you’ve never had the chance to play a travel guitar, you may be looking at the best travel guitars in this list and wondering if it’s playable in the same way as a regular guitar. The good news is that yes, absolutely they are playable. In the same way that jumping from the thin neck of an Ibanez RG-style electric to a 50’s style Stratocaster neck may take a bit of readjustment in your technique, so too will the leap from a regular to certain travel-sized guitars. It’s not difficult to adjust though. You may also have to sit differently to accommodate the smaller body, but as these guitars are inherently lighter in weight, this shouldn’t cause too much of a headache. Or, more accurately, backache.

Electric or acoustic?

All of the best travel guitars will either be electric or acoustic. Electrics do tend to be thinner, as the body doesn’t need to resonate as much to get a good sound, although it’s worth remembering that you’ll need an amp to get the most out of it. The body of a travel acoustic will normally be deeper, but as a result of this you can get a fairly loud sound without any amplification.

What do I get when I spend more?

The quality of the best travel guitars does vary, and as you might imagine, it does go up as you spend more money. As the price increases, you’ll likely find better hardware, which can not only help keep the guitar in tune and playing nicely, but can also improve how it sounds too, increasing resonance and sustain.

On electrics, you’ll find better quality pickups - these will be more dynamic and have a wider frequency range so you’ll get more detail and clarity. With travel acoustic guitars, you’ll get better quality, and even solid woods which will give you a better, more responsive and richer sound.

Who might use a travel guitar?

The breadth of today’s range of travel guitars means there is a guitar to suit most playing styles and genres, so the quick answer is that yes, there is a travel guitar for everyone. In terms of scenarios, travel guitars are, as their name suggests, designed to be taken places ordinary guitars cannot reach.

Small enough to fit on your back as you scale a mountain, or taken on a plane as part of your hand luggage, travel guitars give players the freedom and convenience of being able to play anywhere, at any time. For that, we applaud them. Let’s examine some of the best travel guitar options available today.

Can you buy travel guitars for children?

Travel guitars, as well as being the perfect accompaniment to a musician on the go, can also make for great instruments for children. If you’re looking for one of the best travel guitars to get a kid started on their guitar playing journey, then look for one that has a shorter scale length. This will mean that the notes are closer together and will be easier for small hands to fret.

Scale length and string gauge

Speaking of short scales, the gauge of strings you use is also worth considering. The strings on a guitar with a shorter scale will feel slinkier - they will be easier to bend and to some players may even feel too loose. One way to combat this is to use thicker strings, so something like 12s on an electric might make them feel a little more like 10s on a full size guitar. Though, if you’re just starting out then the thinner, slinkier strings might be better so they don’t quite hurt your fingertips as much.

How we chose the best travel guitars for this guide

Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.

When choosing what we believe to be the best travel guitars available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.

First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best travel guitars on the market right now.

Find out more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.

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Want something even smaller? These are the best ukuleles
Need some inspiration? Check out these gifts for guitar players

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Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Dawsons Music. Chris loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar and bass gear, to synths, microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.

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The Best Travel Adapters

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

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Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

RapidX Modula 5 Wireless Charging System

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

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Voltage in the UK [All You Need to Know)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

One of the questions travellers from overseas ask most often about London concerns the voltage in the UK. Plus the type of power sockets to expect access to while you’re there.

Can you, for example, plug in hair straighteners bought in the US or Australia, without the risk of them breaking or even blowing up in a ball of flame? What about charging cables for mobile devices ?

OK, so perhaps we’re being just a tad dramatic. But from a practical point of view, UK mains voltage is a hot topic. If you’re wondering about what is UK voltage as standard, then this guide should put your mind at rest regarding how to use your electrical items in Great Britain.

Covered here is the full lowdown regarding UK electricity voltage. The type of sockets is also included, as well as how to equip yourself for UK power voltage before your trip begins. As the UK was until recently part of the European Union (EU), we also address the question of whether the UK plug voltage and type is the same as on the continent.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of mains voltage in the UK. Read on to find out everything you should know – completely free of electrical jargon. And hopefully, in a non-boring or nerdy way. Let’s dive in!

3 pin plugs + a switch

Uk mains voltage, uk power adaptors, european and universal power adaptors, usb charging cables, power converters, where to find power outlets in the uk, does the uk use 110v or 220v, can i use 120-volt appliances in the uk, when did the uk change to 240 volts, why is uk voltage so high, are type g pin plugs used anywhere outside the uk, does the uk and europe have the same type of plugs, are all plugs in europe the same, will my iphone charger work in the uk and europe, voltage in the uk summary, voltage in the uk | the nuts and bolts of it.

You won’t really need to get involved with any nuts or bolts at all – we just liked the catchy subtitle 😉

Here is what you should know about Scotland , Wales, Northern Ireland and England voltage. Plus the power sockets providing the electricity for hotel and household voltage.

The UK uses very safe three pin plugs. These are really nice to use, as once your item is plugged in you’ll know for sure that it’s safely connected. With none of that wobbling about that you do get in some countries. They are known as ‘type G’ plugs.

The key thing for visitors from foreign shores to note is that these plugs are generally fitted with a switch. This isn’t always the case elsewhere. If you’re not used to it, realising and remembering to turn on the power each time can be a challenge!

In most cases, the power is on when the lower part of the switch is pushed in. And it’s off when the top lies more-or-less flush with the socket. This isn’t always true, but it is for the vast majority of the time.

So you may well need a power adaptor or two for your trip. If you come from a country such as the US, then this will be the case. You may also need the odd reminder to flick that power switch to the ‘on’ position!

Voltage in the UK comes through a s pinned plug.

The UK power supply voltage is 230 volts (or 230V – alternating current) and 50 hertz (or 50 Hz). So the type of adaptor you’ll need, if your electrical items are compatible with this voltage, is a three pin adapter. You can buy these in the UK from airport shops, larger supermarkets, chemists (pharmacies or drug stores) and stores that sell travel equipment.

Devices that are designed to be powered by a lower voltage may require a converter or transformer. You’ll also need to make sure your item is dual voltage. You can check if your device is dual voltage by looking for a voltage range marked on it, such as 110V–220V or 100-240V. This means the device is compatible with the voltage range noted.

So you should be able to buy UK power adaptors easily enough. Either before your trip, or after arriving in the UK. They’re not hard to come by. Remember, what these adaptors do is allow the plug from your own country to be fitted to the adaptor. You can then slot this UK adaptor into the socket.

This kind of adapter only converts the plug so that it will fit into UK sockets. It has no effect at all on the voltage of the power supply. For this you’d need a converter or transformer.

Most sockets still don’t have USB outlets, so you’ll need to connect your USB cables to power adaptors before you can plug them in for charging.

Read on for more practical tips regarding the UK’s power supply and how to use it.

Practical advice for using power in the UK

Don’t assume that because you’ve bought a UK power adaptor you’re all set for a side trip to mainland Europe. You’re not! Countries in Europe use different plug types than the UK, and therefore you’ll need a different kind of adaptor.

A universal adaptor can be ideal here. This converts plugs so they’ll fit into sockets in a range of countries and regions around the world. Typically this might include the US, the EU, the UK and Australia, for example.

Universal Travel Adaptor

If you have charging cables for your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other devices, then they will work in the UK. What you do need, though, is that power adaptor so you can connect these to the socket.

Most charging cables have a USB connector at the end, and this may in turn be linked to a larger plug you slot into the power supply. It’s this you’ll need to switch over – unless the socket has USB outlets fitted. Some do, but it’s not yet standard in the UK.

Converters are completely different from power adaptors. Think of the adaptor as the accessory that changes the shape, and the converter as one that can actually affect the voltage.

If you have devices that aren’t marked as being dual voltage (check the item itself, the instruction manual or with the manufacturer) then you may need a converter. If this sounds like a hassle, don’t stress. Most electricals are dual voltage, so in reality, very few people need to buy a converter.

Hotel rooms should supply you with all the sockets you need to charge everyday items like your phone or power gadgets such as a hair styling tool.

Some trains in the UK have power sockets by the seats, though this isn’t always the case. You may also find them in places such as pubs and restaurants. If you’re not sure, ask before plugging in. Also, make sure you leave no trailing wires where someone could fall over them!

Voltage in the UK – FAQs

In fact, the UK uses neither of these. The voltage is 230 Volts a.c and 50 Hz.

If you have an electrical item that requires 120-volt power, then you can use it in the UK – as long as you also use a converter. This can be a pain, so if you can get by without devices that aren’t dual voltage then it may be easier to leave those at home.

In 2003, the voltage used throughout the continent of Europe was set at 230V and 50 Hz. Before this, it was officially 220V in Europe and 240V in the UK.

The answer to this one might surprise you. Apparently, Europe opted for a 230-volt power supply because less copper wire was needed to deliver a higher voltage. This means power companies can deliver a more efficient supply.

You may wonder if you can use that power adaptor when travelling to other destinations in future. This type of plug – with three pins in a triangle – is also common in some other countries.

These include Ireland, Malta and Cyprus – as well as places in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Such as Hong Kong, Tanzania, Singapore , Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and more. Some Caribbean islands also use three pin plugs, including St Lucia. They’re also used in the Seychelles.

No, it may surprise you to learn that different plugs are used in the UK to those used in Europe. Mostly the Type C plug is used across mainland Europe, whereas Type G is standard in the UK. The good news is that type C adaptors are also compatible with type E, F, J, K and N sockets.

So if you’re visiting the UK and mainland Europe, then you’ll need to buy two adaptors. Or streamline the whole process by buying one universal adaptor instead. This type can be used all over the world.

The type C plug is also sometimes referred to as the Euro plug.

Apart from the UK and Ireland, all European countries use the Euro or type C plug. In Ireland or the UK, though, you’ll require an adaptor that can be fitted into the three pin G plugs used here. Or a universal adaptor that can be used anywhere.

The iPhone power adaptor has been designed for use worldwide, so yes it will. However you may need a three pin type G plug adaptor for the UK, or a type C one for Europe. Alternatively, a universal adaptor can take you across the globe.

You will not need a converter to use your iPhone in the UK, nor in Europe. Just the type of plug adaptor that travellers normally use.

In summary, then it’s simple to charge and power up your devices while visiting London or the rest of the UK. All you’ll need in most cases is a three pin plug adaptor to fit into the wall sockets there.

In some cases, a different voltage means that a converter is required. If your appliance or device is dual voltage, though, you’re good to go. It may be marked on the item or in the instructions as something like 100-240V. This means the device can be used with any voltage within this range.

All most people need is an adaptor, as long as you don’t take any devices with you that aren’t dual voltage (most people don’t, if that helps). If you don’t have one already, it’s simplest to buy a universal adaptor, then you’re pretty much set for any country you ever care to visit.

If you do arrive unprepared, there’s still no need to stress. The power adaptors you’ll need can be bought all over the UK. Your hotel may also be happy to supply one if you ask nicely at the front desk!

Disclaimer – If in doubt about compatibility do not use your appliance and risk hurting yourself or damaging equipment.

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10 Best Travel Kettles UK 2024

The first port of call for most British people when they arrive anywhere is to stick the kettle on. It’s part of our culture - something that helps us take five, relax, and gather ourselves. Now, imagine arriving at a chalet, hotel, or caravan park to find that there's no kettle in sight... we know, it's like a horror story! Sure, you could boil some water in a saucepan, but it's not quite the same. Instead, we recommend investing in a trusty travel kettle to help you out.

Unfortunately, not all travel kettles are made equal, so we’ve put together a buying guide to highlight the hot water do’s and don’ts. From there, we’ll go on to show you some of our favourites that are available to buy online in the UK at Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, and Argos. Whether you're after something small and lightweight or a cheap cordless jug with a large capacity, we'll help you pick out the perfect one!

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

Fancy a Cuppa? Try One of Our Recommendations

How to choose the best travel kettle in the uk - buying guide.

In this section, we’ll be looking at the capacity of a travel kettle as well as how this affects its weight and dimensions. Plus, we'll mention other convenient features that are worth keeping an eye out for.

Know How Much Water You Need and Select a Suitable Capacity

The most important feature when it comes to any kettle is the capacity. Travel versions can vary in size but will usually hold around 0.5-1 litres of water . Of course, how much water you need will depend on how many people you’re brewing up for.

To give you a rough idea, the average cup of tea requires around 150ml of water - unless you’ve got a massive Sports Direct mug out! So, a travel kettle with a 0.6L capacity should provide you with around 4 cuppas.

The Capacity Directly Affects the Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions and weight of a travel kettle are directly linked to the capacity - the more water a product can hold, the larger and heavier it will be. In general, this type of product will be approximately 16-20cm in height, 14-18 cm in width, and 8-12 cm in depth .

If you're short on space, you could opt for a silicone foldable kettle that can be flattened and packed away . However, this style of kettle does tend to lack some of the handy additional features that we’re going to mention later on.

In terms of weight, travel kettles typically come in around 0.5 kg , which shouldn’t be too much of an issue when it comes to packing. Larger ones can weigh 0.8 kg or more though, which may make your luggage a bit heavier.

Which Wattage? The Bigger, the Better

Unsurprisingly, the power of a travel kettle affects how quickly the water will boil - so in this case, bigger is always better . Don't hold your expectations too high though; it won't be anywhere near as powerful as your regular household appliance (which requires 1800W on average), so you’ll have to wait a little longer for your cuppa than you would at home.

Generally speaking, a travel kettle's power can vary from 250-1000W . If you’ll only be brewing for 2 people, you probably won't need that much power. On the other hand, those heading off on a camping trip with the whole family should select a kettle with a higher wattage.

Depending on where you plan on travelling, you might also want to check the voltage . Different countries require varying voltages, so we recommend picking up an option that's dual voltage. Make sure you remember to take a plug adapter along too!

Check for Convenient Additional Features

Regardless of where you plan to enjoy your tea, features that make life easier are always a welcome addition to a kettle. Here are some useful extras to look out for when shopping.

Firstly, a water gauge . While these are common, not every kettle will have one so it's always worth double-checking. Making a decent round of brews suddenly becomes difficult when you can't see how much water is in the kettle!

Accessories will also make tea time go much more smoothly. The most popular are cups and spoons , which usually come in sets of two. A container with different compartments that are designed to store tea, coffee, or sugar can come in handy too. Plus, some kettles come with a travel bag , to keep all of your accessories together.

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From a Trusted British Brand That We All Know and Love

This brilliant travel kettle by Russell Hobbs has pretty much everything a hot drink fan could desire. It's lightweight, holds 0.85L of water, and works with a 1000W wattage . It also has a water gauge for added convenience and a dual voltage plug so you can take it wherever you go on holiday. There are even a couple of cups and spoons thrown in for good measure!

Manufactured by a trusted British brand, with favourable reviews on many different websites , we feel confident in saying that you'll be extremely satisfied with this teatime travel companion!

Gourmia Foldable Travel Kettle ｜ GK360

The Best Foldable Kettle Around

This foldable product surely has to be one of the best travel kettles available to buy online. The silicone design pops up to hold an admirable 0.8L of water , which is more than enough for a morning cuppa or two. Safety features like boil dry protection and a locking lid also mean that you can prepare tea without worrying about being scorched.

While there isn't technically a water gauge, the whole silicone part of the kettle is translucent , so you should be able to see exactly how much water is inside when you're filling it up. That's good enough for us!

Denny International Travel Hot Water Jug

Keeps Your Water Fresh and Your Wallet Happy

Compared to the other options in our ranking, this is by far the most cumbersome to use as it takes around 8 minutes to boil. That said, you do get a whole lot of brew from the huge 1L capacity, plus 1000W of power - a killer combination for hot beverage lovers on the move! Moreover, the kettle will automatically switch off once it has boiled .

Best of all, this product has a removable and washable filter that makes sure the water you're boiling is nice and pure. All that for less than a tenner - a total bargain!

Lakeland Travel Kettle Set

A Beloved Buy Among Caravanners

This option from Lakeland seems to be a solid favourite among caravan lovers, and we can see why! It's small but comes with loads of additional features, such as cups, spoons, and a divided container to hold your precious cargo . All of this makes it ideal for long trips where you might still need a caffeine fix.

As this kettle has a high power outage, you won't be hanging around for long while waiting for your cuppa. In fact, some people have even been known to opt for this model at home due to its low footprint when it comes to the electricity bill .

Swan Travel Kettle

Compact, With a Decent Capacity

This travel kettle has been reviewed over 1400 times on Amazon alone, which is a testament to its inclusion on our shortlist. We think one of the biggest selling points is how compact it is, especially considering that you still get a solid capacity of 0.5L.

This is a dual voltage number that comes with boil dry technology, meaning that it automatically shuts down when fully boiled or empty . We also like that the lid has a lock, so the device shouldn't open in transit and get damaged.

VonShef Travel Kettle

A Stylish Little Number That's Highly Rated

This offering from VonShef is one of the highest-rated travel kettles on the whole internet, so it must be doing something right to convince the crowds! The design is sleek and it comes with a water gauge as well as 2 handy travel cups .

Again, the power isn't anything to write home about, but if you're patient then it shouldn't be too much trouble. One issue that reviewers raise, however, is that it can spit water when it's at maximum capacity - so be careful when filling it up!

Quest Compact Electric Travel Kettle ｜ 35690

Worldwide-Friendly and Affordable

This travel kettle from Quest is perfect for sticking in your suitcase when you're about to head abroad, as it's compact and has dual voltage capabilities . At less than £15, it's very affordable too.

The respectable 0.5L capacity will yield several cups of tea, but the 600W power does mean that you'll have to wait a few minutes for the kettle to boil - which isn't ideal when there are sights to be seen!

Topincn In-Car Portable Kettle

One for the Road - Quite Literally!

This is a rather unique product, even among the niche market of travel kettles. It's designed to work with a car 12V battery, making long rides that little bit more enjoyable. Thankfully, it turns off once it's reached the correct temperature , so you can keep your eyes on the road. Still, we'd recommend asking your passenger to pour the tea while you're driving, just in case!

Moreover, it also has a solid 1L capacity, so it'll keep you feeling refreshed as you journey down the M62. Plus, due to the power source, it can only function at a low output which means it won't blow the fuses in your car.

Swan Fast Boil Compact Travel Kettle ｜ SK27010N

Lightweight, With Plenty of Extra Features

We think it's fair to say that this option from Swan has a lot going for it. At just over 0.5kg, it's relatively lightweight but has an impressive wattage of 1000W . It's got practically all the additional features you could desire too, like a water gauge, dual voltage plug, and 2 cups.

Unfortunately, the 0.4L capacity is small and will only provide around 2 cups of tea . This will be enough for couples, but if you're travelling with several people then you'll need to boil it more than once!

POP! Folding Travel Kettle

Holds Loads of Water, But Lacks a Plug

The first offering in our list is this foldable kettle from POP! We should point out straight away that it can only be used when camping or caravanning as there is no plug . Luckily, the design works with most gas stoves.

This product has the largest capacity in our ranking, holding a massive 1.3 litres. However, the manufacturer recommends that you only fill the kettle to a maximum of 1L . We were also unable to find the exact dimensions or weight, which is a shame.

If you're feeling like a cuppa after reading all about kettles, we've got some tea-tastic suggestions for you. From soothing chamomile and refreshing matcha to spicy chai, we're sure you'll find something to your liking amongst our recommendations.

10 Best Herbal Teas UK 2022 | Pukka, Twinings and More

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10 Best Green Teas UK 2022 | Mighty Matcha, The Tea Makers of London and More

For those on the move, finding a place to have a good cuppa in the morning can be a daunting task. Luckily, that doesn't have to be the case anymore - purchase one of the handy travel kettles on our list and you'll be able to start (or end) your day with your favourite hot beverage!

Author: Lewis Clark

Top 5 Travel Kettles

No. 1: Russell Hobbs ｜ Compact Travel Electric Kettle ｜ 23840

No. 2: Gourmia ｜ Foldable Travel Kettle ｜ GK360

No. 3: Denny International ｜ Travel Hot Water Jug

No. 4: Lakeland ｜ Travel Kettle Set

No. 5: Swan ｜ Travel Kettle

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Which travel kettle should you buy? – A Guide

There’s nothing more British than taking a travel kettle on holiday with you – but the bulky kitchen appliance takes valuable space in your bag. The solution? A dedicated kettle, ensuring you’re never too far away from a good brew.

The humble travel kettle is the unsung hero of many a trip, holiday or adventure – it’s the staple of the Great British backpack or suitcase.

However, making a decision on the best available on the market is becoming more and more difficult with top brands including Russell Hobbs, Kenwood and Quest all putting their best foot (or kettle) forward.

Thankfully, we’re here to help you navigate the rough waters, showing off 8 of the very best travel kettles available to purchase right now.

Oh – and don’t forget your insulated coffee mug to keep your drinks hot when out and about!

Author’s top pick

The Russell Hobbs 23840 is our overall best travel kettle.

1. Quest Compact Travel Kettle

First on our list, it’s the Quest Compact Travel Kettle, a small 0.5-litre kettle complete with a pair of cups, perfect for sipping out of.

The main advantage of the Quest is the size and at only 17.5 x 17 x 8cm, it’s one of the smallest, but also one of the cheapest travel kettles, making it a strong competitor in the running. The kettle is rated at 600W with a dual voltage supply, making it ideal for caravans, boats and even the garden shed.

There’s the choice of two different colours with black or white available, both of which look great in the sleek and stylish design.

Dual voltage supporting 110V to 120V, or 220V to 240V
2x travel mugs included
Water level indicator window
Available in both black and white
White more expensive than black
Capacity: 0.4L
Weight: 0.59 kg
Dimensions: 8 x 17.5 x 17 cm

2. Russell Hobbs Compact Electric Travel Kettle

Number 2 on our list shows off the first of the big-name brands with the Russell Hobbs Compact Electric Travel Kettle.

Russell Hobbs has earned a fantastic reputation over the years and with the travel kettle available, their quality continues and at a fraction of the price of their usual kitchen appliances. The capacity is more than enough at 0.85-litres and a 1000W dual voltage supply, designed to function wherever in the world you may be.

In addition to the travel kettle itself, a pair of travel cups and spoons are also provided ensuring everything you need for a good brew is contained inside the packaging. It’s no wonder that the Russell Hobbs travel kettle is recognised as Amazon’s Choice on the shopping giants site.

Overall best travel kettle

The Russell Hobbs compact travel kettle is our overall best choice for boiling a brew on the go.

Dual voltage control with low 1KW wattage
2x travel mugs and spoons included
Removable, washable filter
A top portable item from a trusted brand
Only one colour available
Capacity: 0.85L
Weight: 0.61 kg
Dimensions: 12 x 18.8 x 18 cm

3. Kingavon Cordless Electric Travel Kettle

Next up on the list, it’s cheap and cheerful with the Kingavon Cordless Electric Travel Kettle.

The 1-litre capacity is rare for a portable kettle and with a 240V, 900W supply, it means that you can boil that litre of water wherever in the world you may be – great if you’re also taking a Sports Direct mug with you!

The Kingavon kettle is exactly what you’d expect from an inexpensive option. There’s the auto switch-off feature, boil-dry protection, helpful pilot light and transparent water level gauge. It’s a great companion when travelling, camping or cruising.

110-120V or 220-240V dual voltage
Boil dry protection and CE approved
2x travel cups included
Lower quality than Russell Hobbs at similar pricepoint
Capacity: 0.5L
Dimensions: ‎19. x 16 x 11 cm

4. Kampa 0.8-Litre Collapsible Travel Kettle

Something a little different from Kampa with the collapsible kettle, a huge step in kettle-camping technology!

With a 0.8-litre capacity, the Kampa travel kettle is good for 4 cups of tea (or coffee, we don’t judge either way), complete in a collapsible package that’s perfect for minimising packing volumes.

The Kampa is a little more expensive than the alternatives on our list, but the reviews really speak for themselves with a 4.6/5 star rating. It’s a wonderful camping kettle , great for campervans, camping or just about any other adventure you find yourself in!

Unique collapsible design
Sturdy, well-made construction
4-cup capacity
Often hard to source
Capacity: 0.8L
Weight: 0.64 kg
Dimensions: ‎-

5. Swan Fast Boil Travel Kettle

What the Swan lacks in a catchy name it makes up for in specification with an inexpensive 1000W travel kettle complete with a pair of teacups.

The size of the purple and white coffee and tea maker is sure to divide opinions at just 0.4-litres. It’s great for keeping things small when packing, but the 400ml, although perfect for most, might not quite be enough for some travellers.

The travel kettle offers simple dual voltage control, switching between 240V and 110V, offering worldwide usage and with two stackable travel cups – it’s a great global companion.

Dual voltage support between 110 and 240V
2x teacups included
Overheating protection and locking hinge
Purple accents aren’t for everyone
Weight: 0.56 kg
Dimensions: ‎10 x 16 x 17 cm

6. Kingavon 0.5-Litre Travel Kettle

It’s the return of another Kingavon travel kettle next with a naughty little 240V, 0.5-litre number.

The white plastic kettle is about as basics as it gets, although a pair of near handle-less travel cups are thrown into the mix too.

There’s boil-dry protection, an on/off indicator light, a dual voltage 900W 110V-240V supply – the simple stuff you’d expect from a kettle.

Boil dry protection
2x plastic cups included
Automatic switch-off
Dual voltage support
Lower quality than other brands
Weight: 0.68 kg
Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 11 cm

7. Adirigo 500ml Foldable Travel Kettle

It’s another foldable travel up next on the list with an elegant collapsible design featured on the Adirigo 500ml Travel Kettle.

The space-age collapsible kettle comes with 500ml in capacity, great for a pair of cups of tea or coffee and with a fantastic collapsible design, keeps packing volume to a minimum. Construction is silicone to keep the weight down and flexibility high, but don’t worry, it’s a BPA-free kettle, keeping all harmful toxins away from your beverage.

There are two voltage choices available (100-120V and 200-240V) for global use and a 680W supply allows for a quick boil for when you just can’t wait for a cuppa.

Unique portable and foldable design
Universal adapter plug and carry bag included
1-year warranty included
Higher price than others
Weight: 074 kg
Dimensions: ‎‎16 x 16 x 11 cm

8. Outwell Collapsible Travel Kettle

We’ve saved the best until last with the Collapsible Travel Kettle from Outwell.

This Outwell kettle has a total capacity of 1.5L. Its stainless steel and silicone exterior allows you to store the kettle easily, yet maintain strength during use.

Reviewers love the fast boil time of this kettle and its dual voltage supply.

Plus, we always prefer buying from a recognised camping brand for guaranteed safety and efficiency.

Ultrathin folded design
Dual voltage between 110/240V
Detachable power cord
Heavy compared to others
Capacity: 0.55L
Weight: 0.94 kg
Dimensions: ‎‎17 x 13 x 13 cm

There you have it – our top travel kettles for 2021! I hope you’ve found what you’re looking for and if you do decide on a kettle from our humble list, do let us know in the comments – we love to see them!

FAQ: Travel kettle buying guide

Have a question about anything relating to the best brew on the go? Check our frequently asked kettle questions below and we’ll hopefully have an answer for you!

Each of the above travel kettles has pros and cons associated with them – it’s down to the brew-maker to decide which is the best fit for them!

If you’re looking for our overall top suggestion, it has to be the Russell Hobbs compact travel kettle.

The majority of the big-name high street shops such as Argos, Wilkinsons and B&M alongside supermarkets including Asda, Tesco and Sainsburys will typically stock a travel kettle or two.

However, for the higher quality product – we would recommend shopping the branded items that can be found online.

If you’re still scratching your head looking for the answer to an elusive question about water boiling – don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be quick to reply and will be more than happy to discuss anything coffee/tea-related!

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US to UK Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the United Kingdom (UK) has no shortage of interesting things to see and do. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have distinct histories and cultures, as well as their own major attractions.

But to protect your electronic devices, you will need to understand the basics of the regional outlets and plug requirements. This quick guide will give you insight into the best power adapter and how to ensure your phones, laptops, kindles, tablets, etc. are not damaged.

Which power outlets do they use in the UK?

Type G outlets are used throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (see picture above). These sockets have three rectangular holes, including a ground.

Outlets in the UK often have a small switch just above them that must be turned on in order for electricity to flow. Experts generally agree that Type G is by far the safest of all the kinds of sockets found around the world – a small price to pay for a little extra bulk. Outside of the UK, this outlet type pretty much only exists in former British colonies such as Hong Kong.

Like the majority of countries, the frequency of the UK’s electrical grid is 50Hz. The standard voltage there is 230V, meaning appliances rated between 220 and 240V can be safely used without a voltage converter.

What kind of power adapter do I need for the UK?

If you’re making your first trip to London (or somewhere else in the UK), you’ll probably be asking, “What plug do I need for the UK?” The outlets in the UK only work with one plug type, so if you’re from the US, you’ll definitely need an adapter for your trip .

A US-to-UK power adapter will allow you to use American devices with British sockets. Fortunately, US and UK outlets look nothing alike, so you probably won’t make the mistake of trying to plug in an American device without a power adapter.

This Universal Adapter pictured is the one we recommend because it will charge your personal electronics in the UK AND over 100 other countries worldwide. It works in Australia, China, France, Greece, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, the UK, the USA, and more!

It also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee (meaning it’s the last adapter you’ll ever need to buy) and has a built-in fuse to save your devices from power surges. It’s the best adapter we’ve come across and we recommend it to any global traveler.

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other UK Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-UK power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our UK packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

1. Neck Wallet / Passport Pouch

All major cities (such as London) in the UK have serious issues with pickpocketing. Instead of putting valuables in your pocket or carrying a handbag – store your cash, credit cards, passports, and phones in a handy neck wallet. A thief could easily reach into your pocket or bag, but they probably won’t be able to grab something underneath your clothes and securely around your neck. This one has RFID-blocking material to stop anyone from scanning your credit cards as they walk by, and it will keep you organized on busy travel days (when the jet lag starts to kick in!)

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

If you’re using your phone as a camera or for maps while on your trip, you’ll definitely want to make sure it stays charged. Fortunately, all you need is a tiny portable charger, and you’ll be able to recharge it throughout the day, with no outlet required. Seriously, this little device has saved us countless times! You never know when you need to call for a ride or look something up in an emergency.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The NCSC has warned about growing threats to the UK’s digital landscape with increases in cybersecurity attacks. Since there are thousands of online attacks each day, you must protect your private data. The last thing you want on vacation is to wake up with a drained bank account, stolen PayPal password, or sold identity.

We use a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN to encrypt our data when logging onto Wi-Fi networks in public places like cafes, hotels, airports, and more. It adds a layer of protection that hackers, nosy neighbors, and government entities can’t get through (meaning no more creepy eyes monitoring your online activity!) It also mitigates any regional censorship that could be limiting your access to popular websites.

View options at NordVPN.com ➜

4. Packing Cubes

Staying organized on the road is a must, and packing cubes are a lifesaver. Instead of tossing everything in your suitcase or backpack individually, pack your clothes and other items into cubes. Use one for shirts, one for dresses, and so forth, and then put them in your main bag. It’ll be much easier to find what you need, and your bag won’t explode when you open it. These even have a little index card holder on the back so you can write exactly what’s in each cube – total GAME-CHANGER! The bonus laundry bags to separate dirty items also help us stay organized while abroad.

5. Extra Phone Charging Cables

Charging cables are easy to forget, but they’re critical for a smooth trip. Whether you want to charge your phone with a traditional charger, a portable one, or the USB port on a plane or train, you’ll need to be able to plug it in. To be safe, bring an extra cord. They’re easily forgotten when charging in random places and a pain to replace.

6. Travel Insurance for the UK

The UK is an expensive place to get sick, and your domestic provider will not cover you across the pond. Providers like Medicare and Medicaid cease coverage once you cross domestic borders, and paying out-of-pocket for a medical bill or transport could reach six-figures WAY too quickly.

Protect yourself just as you would owning a car or home. Your trip isn’t cheap, and this is a small cost to ensure expenses don’t get catastrophic. Travel insurance covers you for flight delays, cancelations, theft, baggage loss, and international hospital bills. We use Faye because they’ve made travel insurance easier than ever. You can find coverage, make claims, and get reimbursed straight from their app on your phone without having to deal with any confusing paperwork.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Jet Lag Relief

If you’re really prone to it, avoiding jet lag can feel like a reason to avoid trans-oceanic flights, especially if the trip abroad is a short one. Instead of skipping your trip, bring some jet lag relief pills to help you adjust to the time difference quickly. These are all-natural without side effects and will help you overcome drastic time changes, flight delays, layovers, and the likes!

8. Windproof Travel Umbrella

The UK is notorious for its rainy and windy weather, and that’s why we highly recommend you bring a windproof travel umbrella like the one pictured. This item will help keep you dry even on the worst days, so you can still be out enjoying the famous sites and city delights. One feature that makes this one extra valuable is the waterproof case it comes with so that you can zip up the umbrella and put it in your backpack even if it’s drenched!

9. Luggage Straps

Zippers aren’t meant to withstand overpacking, and baggage handling is generally not very delicate on flights, cruises, bus tours, etc. You can’t expect anyone to baby-your-bags , and they won’t! So these straps will reinforce your items to ensure nothing explodes onto the cobblestone streets of Europe (or worse, gets lost in the intricate conveyor belt operation deep inside the airport!)

The bright colors help you to immediately recognize your things at the baggage claim terminal so you can get on with your hectic travel day and not fight with the carousel crowds. Not to mention, baggage loss is skyrocketing, but these have a built-in ID tag so you can be quickly contacted if anything is lost. They’re the unsung hero of international travel and we can’t recommend them enough.

10. Activated Charcoal

My wife got sick with food poisoning once in Europe and we never leave it to chance now. These activated charcoal supplements are great to use at home and while traveling since they detoxify harmful pathogens that can make you very ill and distressed. It will stop traveler’s diarrhea in its tracks and help you feel better significantly faster.

11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

The bathrooms in the UK have all sorts of slang nicknames (loo, water closet, bog, etc.), but regardless of what you call them – they’re small! European bathrooms are laughably petite and generally lack storage, so use this hanging toiletry bag to create storage out of thin air.

It has 4 giant pockets that unfold after you hook it to any door or pole, creating a shelf-like system that organizes your products. It holds all of our family’s toiletries and prevents any shampoo explosions in your suitcase since everything is consolidated and sealed. We consider it our quintessential travel accessory and leave it packed with travel-sized toiletries so we can pick up and go at a moment’s notice!

12. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The UK is a wet place – it rains a lot, it’s foggy, and it’s damp. So a travel towel is a great idea to keep everything dry. You don’t want to carry a fluffy, oversized towel from your hotel (if they even provide you with one!), and this smaller towel is the perfect size for staying on-the-go. It dries 10x faster than cotton and is very multi-purpose (sweat towel, beach towel, face washcloth, seat cover, packing cushions, etc.).

13. Hangover Relief

After long nights at the pub or Guinness brewhouses, you’ll likely need a little hangover relief. These supplements work great to detoxify alcohol from your system more quickly, so you’re not suffering through heavy and drawn-out hangovers. It uses vitamins and electrolytes to help you regain hydration and start each day feeling refreshed with a little pep in your step! Take one at the beginning of the night and one in the morning, it will absolutely help.

14. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Luggage locks offer a solid guarantee that no sticky fingers will rummage through your suitcase. We’ve had items stolen out of our checked luggage and there are long durations where you can’t keep an eye on your belongings. Bring a couple sets of these for city lockers, hotel lockers, backpacks when walking through crowded attractions prone to petty thieves, and of course, suitcases.

15. Filtered Water Bottle

The tap water is decently clean in the UK, but you don’t want to get stuck buying plastic waste the whole trip (which can really add up!) Save money and maintain autonomy over your water supply by bringing a filtered water bottle. This one is affordable and will noticeably improve the taste of your water, even if the local system overly chlorinates it.

16. Pre-Paid Europe SIM Phone Card

One of our favorite travel hacks is using a local SIM card. It will help you avoid those outrageous roaming charges and international fees since it gives you a UK phone number and puts you on the regional system. This card in particular will give you 10GB of data and 1K text messages (which should be more than enough for a normal trip). It’s a great way to live as the locals do and save money in the process!

What’s the electricity and power supply like in the UK?

As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, the UK’s electrical infrastructure is among the best, and there aren’t any noticeable differences among England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Due to the strict regulations in place, electrical fires, surges, and shocks are uncommon.

Outside of severe storms, power outages are rare throughout the country, including in rural areas. However, depending on the deal that’s ultimately reached, Brexit may bring increased blackouts to the UK in the near future, especially in Northern Ireland.

Do I need a voltage converter for the UK?

You’ll need a US to UK voltage converter if you want to use devices that are rated below 220V; the other common range is 110V to 120V. In the US, devices in this range normally include irons, electric razors, hair dryers, and curling irons. Plugging these devices into a UK outlet without a transformer will most likely destroy them and may shock you or start a fire. If you aren’t sure whether a particular device needs a converter, check the tiny print on the plug.

Another option is to buy dual-voltage devices, which have a button to switch between 110/120V and 220/240V. You can also order travel-sized versions of these devices that are rated at 220/240V or purchase new ones in the UK.

Other FAQs about traveling in the United Kingdom

1. when should i travel to the uk.

2. What’s the weather like in the UK?

The weather throughout most of the UK is fairly temperate, with average highs in the 60s during the summer and average lows in the 30s during the winter. In general, Scotland tends to be a bit cooler and receives more snow than the rest of the country. Heavy snowfall is usually limited to the mountainous areas, but cloudy, drizzly days are common almost everywhere. It rains year-round in the UK, though the winter months are the wettest, and Scotland and Wales tend to see more rainfall than the other areas.

3. What are some fun things to do in London?

Among the most iconic are, of course, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, along with the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.

For art and history, check out some of the city’s many museums, like the National Gallery, the British Museum, or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Explore the Thames by kayak or cruise, or just stroll along its banks, and take some time to wander through interesting neighborhoods like Camden, Soho, and Shoreditch. And for some green space, head to Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Hampstead Heath.

Check out Get Your Guide for discounted tours and the top excursions in the area.

4. What should I see in the UK?

The UK has many other cities to explore as well, including Bristol, Brighton, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Beyond these major metropolises, there’s also the Canterbury Cathedral, the Roman baths in Bath, the White Cliffs of Dover, the ten-mile-long Lake Windermere, and, of course, the mysterious Stonehenge. Or, plan your visit around seeing the country’s many, many castles; some of the most impressive include Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Carlisle Castle, Durham Castle, and Leeds Castle. There’s also fantastic hiking throughout the country; if you’re up for the challenge, tackle the 96-mile West Highland Way, an iconic thru-hike in Scotland.

5. What’s the best way to get around in the UK?

Many of the UK’s other metropolitan areas also have well-developed public transportation systems, and Uber is also available in most towns as well.

For intra-city travel, Britain is well-connected by train, and Northern Ireland has its own rail system. Numerous different train companies operate throughout Britain, but information for all of them is available at National Rail. Long-distance buses connect the country as well, offering a cheaper (but slower) option than the train. A road trip is also a great way to explore, and renting a car in the UK is fairly easy, although it can be costly. If you’re really in a hurry, cheap flights connect the country’s major cities.

Asher Fergusson

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad

Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports

Electronic devices and electrical items.

You can only take certain electronic devices and electrical items on flights to the UK.

Some airlines might also have different restrictions. Check with your airline before you travel if you’re not sure about what you can take as hand luggage.

You can usually take camera equipment in your hand and hold luggage.

There might be restrictions on specialist equipment , for example professional video cameras.

Make sure your devices are charged

Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft.

Batteries for your device

Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you’re not sure what you can carry.

Gas-powered hair curlers

You can take hair curlers containing a gas cartridge in hand or hold luggage as long as the safety cover is fitted at all times. You must not take separate gas cartridges on board.

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The Best Travel Plug Adapter

A group of some of our picks arranged on a wooden table.

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

You save $4 (17%)

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

A front look at a wall outlet with two standard plugs in addition to a USB-A and USB-C port.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think phones and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

A view of the slim outlets found in Italy.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

The collection of our outlet adapter picks arrayed on a table.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

Our pick the Epicka sitting on a table by itself.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

A look at the four USB-A ports on the underside of our pick.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

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The number of electric vehicle chargers in the UK has seen a sharp rise as more drivers make the shift to environmentally friendly travel options.

Research showed a 35 per cent increase in the number of chargers across the UK compared with last year.

As of the end of March, there are 59,590 public charging devices installed in the UK, reflecting the nation's need for more easily available stations as electric vehicles become more common.

More than 5,500 charge points were installed in the first quarter of 2024, at a rate of over 1,900 per month.

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London has the most charging points installed

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the strong pace of charger installations seen last year has already been exceeded in the first quarter of 2024.

“In particular, high-powered chargers and hubs are showing great momentum, with new hubs and chargers popping up everywhere from supermarkets to motorway services and retail outlets.

“Our aim at Zapmap is both to help drivers find suitable, reliable chargers when they are out and about and also to give petrol and diesel drivers the confidence to make the switch.

“It is undoubtedly great news for electric car drivers that the sheer number and as well as the variety of charging options are improving every month.”

Out of the 5,725 public chargers installed in the first few months of the year, 25 per cent of them (1,436) are high-powered devices designed for charging as quickly as possible.

A further 832 of these are the speediest chargers available with 150kwh, known as ultra-rapid devices.

InstaVolt, Tesla, BP pulse, Osprey and GRIDSERVE installed 839 chargers in the first three months of the year, to help meet the demands of drivers.

Notably, Northern Ireland saw its first two hubs installed by EV charging group IONITY at the Kennedy Centre, Belfast, and at Toomebridge by Lough Neagh.

Elsewhere, in the South West of England, 11 new hubs opened during January, February and March with a total of 30 high-power charging hubs now available to drivers.

In the East of England, this region saw the most chargers installed with 42 hubs available from March, followed by Scotland with 39 and the North West with 38.

At present, the majority of chargers (16,405) are located in Greater London. However, the rest of the UK is seeing an increase in figures, just not at the same growing rate as the capital.

London saw an increase of just over four per cent in the first three months of the year, while the rest of the UK saw the number of on-street chargers increase from 4,325 in December to 5,070 at the end of March.

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