There are many universal and USB adapters available these days. Which one should I use when traveling abroad? If I am an Apple user, what adapter should I get for my iPhone or MacBook? Let's take a look at this travel adapter buying guide to get some ideas! It also includes information on various charging technologies (e.g. GaN, QC fast charging, USB-PD fast charging).

Common Charging Technology for Travel Adapter

Adapter Charging Technology	Features
GaN charger	Gallium nitride (GaN) is a new type of semiconductor compound with the advantages of superconductivity, high temperature resistance and acid & alkali resistance, allowing the charger to be smaller and lighter Most GaN chargers support QC and PD fast charging Fast charging speed, sufficient charge power One charger is enough to support a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops
QC fast charging technology	Most popular fast charging specification Latest QC4+ version can charge up to 50% in 15 minutes QC4+ is compatible with QC4.0, QC3.0 and QC2.0 fast charging technologies, suitable for mobile phones, portable chargers and car chargers
USB-PD fast charging technology	Charge through a Type-C interface with no limit on the number of devices 5 power levels: 10W, 18W, 36W, 60W, 100W Voltage at 5V, 9V, 12V, 20V Automatically determine how much current should be used between each device and charger Applicable for cameras, tablets, laptops and monitors Devices support QC4.0 fast charging also support USB PD fast charging
USB-C	Also known as USB Type-C or USB-C Can be plugged in both forwards and backwards as the top and bottom ends of USB port are identical Charging cable supports fast charging up to 100W Use a single USB port can carry out data transfer, power supply, power output and video signal transmission Support mobile phones, cameras, charging pads, tablets, laptops and monitors

Different fast charging technologies of adapters have their own outputs and power capacities. The below is a comparison table for your reference:

Fast Charging Technology	Output	Power Capacity
QC 1.0	5V / 2A	10W
QC 2.0	5V、9V、12V / 1.67A、2A、3A	24W
QC 3.0	3.6-20V / 2.6A、4.6A	24W
QC 4	3.6-20V / 3A、4.7-5.6A	27W
QC 4+	3.6-20V / 3A、4.7-5.6A	27W
10W USB-PD	5V / 2A	10W
18W USB-PD	5V / 2A 12V / 1.5A	10-18W
36W USB-PD	5V / 2A 12V / 3A	10-36W
60W USB-PD	5V / 2A 12V / 3A 20V / 3A	10-60W
100W USB-PD	5V / 2A 12V / 5A 20V / 5A	10-100W

Points to Note
before Buying Travel Adapter

1. Amount of electronic devices

Everyone will have different things to carry for a trip. Photographers may bring cameras and camera chargers for photo taking, ladies may bring hair stylers for hair styling, and men may bring gaming consoles for entertainment. Depending on your needs and the amount of electronic devices you are going to carry, choose a travel adapter with appropriate number of ports. Usually, a travel adapter with 3 to 4 ports is enough for travel.

2. Travel purpose

(a) Personal trip

As smartphones, tablets and portable chargers do not need much power to charge, it is recommended to bring a travel adaptor with voltage of 50W or less.

(b) Business trip

Business travelers will frequently use their computers, tablets and cameras during the trip. It is recommended to bring a travel adaptor with voltage of 50W or more.

3. Voltage at your destination

Different countries have different voltages and plug systems. There are two-prong, three-prong, round-prong or square-prong pins with varying voltages. To avoid bringing the wrong travel adapter and running out of battery on your phone or camera, make sure to check the travel tips for voltage and plug systems in different countries before you start your trip.

List of Popular Travel Destinations & Different Types of Plug

Type of Plug	Applicable Locations
National standard plug (three flat pins)	China, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina
American standard plug (one round and two flat pins)	USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan
British standard plug (three square pins)	UK, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Qatar
European standard plug (three round pins)	Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Vietnam, Hungary, Spain, Sweden
South African standard plug (three round pins)	South Africa, India, Russia

Common Charging Technology for Travel Adapter

GaN charger

QC fast charging technology

USB-PD fast charging technology

USB-C

Points to Notebefore Buying Travel Adapter

1. Amount of electronic devices

2. Travel purpose

(a) Personal trip

(b) Business trip

3. Voltage at your destination

List of Popular Travel Destinations & Different Types of Plug

National standard plug (three flat pins)

American standard plug (one round and two flat pins)

British standard plug (three square pins)

European standard plug (three round pins)

South African standard plug (three round pins)

Points to Note
before Buying Travel Adapter