Most travelers only need an adapter.
If you're traveling with phones, laptops, and a camera, you almost certainly don't need a converter. The 30-second answer below covers 90% of trips.
- Phone, laptop, tablet, camera chargersAdapter only.They're dual voltage.
- Hair dryer, curling iron, flat ironConverter — or buy a dual-voltage one.Most are single voltage.
- Electric razor, electric toothbrushUsually adapter only.Check the label to be sure.
- CPAP machineMost are adapter only.Verify with your manufacturer.
A piece of plastic that solves a shape problem.
That's all an adapter is. It does nothing electrically — no voltage change, no smart electronics, just a cleverly machined geometry.
A travel adapter changes the physical shape of your plug so it fits into a foreign outlet. It does not change the voltage or frequency of the electricity. Think of it like a key cut to fit a different lock — but the door behind that lock is exactly the same.
The world has 15 different plug types (Type A through Type O). When you travel from the US (Type A/B) to Europe (Type C/F), your American flat-blade plug won't physically fit into the round European outlet. An adapter solves that — nothing more.
- →Changes plug shape only
- →Does NOT convert voltage
- →Costs $8–25
- →Is all most travelers need
- →Has no electronics inside — just shaped plastic and metal
A different beast entirely.
Heavier, pricier, and full of actual electronics. A converter changes the voltage of the current itself — which is what saves single-voltage devices from frying.
A voltage converter (sometimes called a transformer) changes the electrical current from one voltage to another. The world is split into two voltage zones: 110–120V (Americas, Japan) and 220–240V (Europe, most of Asia, Africa, Oceania).
Plug a 110V device into a 220V outlet and it receives twice the power it was designed for. The motor burns out, components melt, and on a bad day you smell smoke. A converter steps the voltage down (or up) so your device gets exactly what it expects.
- →Changes the electrical voltage (e.g., 220V → 110V)
- →Contains real electronics or a transformer
- →Costs $25–80
- →Heavier and bulkier than an adapter
- →Only needed for single-voltage devices
The same problem, two different tools.
A clean comparison so you can see what each one does — and doesn't — without scrolling between paragraphs.
A 10-second test for any device.
Pick up the charger. Read the small print. The number that matters is the input range — 100–240V is your green light.
INPUT: 100–240V~ 50/60Hz
Works worldwide. Just bring an adapter. This is what you'll see on phone chargers, laptop bricks, camera chargers, and most modern small electronics.
INPUT: 120V~ 60Hz
Will be damaged in 220V countries. Either bring a voltage converter, swap to a dual-voltage travel version, or buy a local replacement at your destination.
What goes in the bag, what stays home.
The verdict for the ten devices travelers ask about most. As always, the label on your specific unit is the source of truth.
The four we get most.
If you only read this section, you'll still know more than 90% of travelers.
Adapter, converter, or both.
Once you know which one you need, here's where to actually buy it. Universal adapters cover most travelers; converters are for the single-voltage holdouts.
Adapters & converters
Universal plug adapters covering 150+ countries, plus voltage converters for the rare single-voltage device. The full power-kit list.
Browse on Amazon ↗Tech EssentialsSkip the converter
Dual-voltage chargers, travel hair dryers, and styling tools that just work everywhere — no converter needed.
Browse on Amazon ↗Every adapter, converter, and travel essential we've recommended.
It depends on the destination.
Which adapter — and whether you need a converter — comes down to the region. Pick yours below.