These days people travel with more electronics than they do clothes.
I know I tend to have quite a few different gadgets from phones and they all need power when I’m traveling. Having a travel surge protector or power strip would be so useful.
So while we are cautious when we are home, how do we go about being equally cautious when we are traveling? Plus with the increase in devices, how do you make sure you have enough outlets for all of them?
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Comparison Table
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Criteria
In any purchase, determining what is most important for you is essential in picking the right devices. For these types of Surge Protectors, I tend to focus on the following criteria when trying to find the best one for myself. Do you have other criteria you use to determine the best travel surge protector?
Size and Weight
Bigger is definitely not better when it comes to travel surge protectors. These come in so many sizes and shapes that being able to fit easily into your bag or backpack or even pocket is useful. I tend to look for compact when I go here as I tend to try to go as small and light as possible. However, just of note, sometimes a good travel power strip is better than a more rigid power block option.
Number of Outlets
Some Surge Protectors have 2 outlets, some 3. Many of them have USB plugs as well but many of them don’t. Being sure you have one that has enough to handle your different devices in important. With the ubiquitousness of USB charged devices, I find that having USB ports is essential.
Durability
Travel is hard on your body and all your equipment too. So for me, I need something that is going to hold up for the type of travel I tend to do. I prefer things that will take a beating to have as few things that can snag or break as possible.
Voltage
I feel that it should go without saying being able to handle the various voltages is a must. But sometimes not all companies get the memo. So we found its mandatory to have a travel surge protector for 220v as well as 110V.
Price
Always an important factor. Determining how important this is will be based on your individual budget. However, as the saying goes “I’m Not Rich Enough to Buy Cheap Things.”Things.” Sometimes saving a few dollars will cost you more in the long run if it falls apart quickly. In my case, it’s important but certainly not the most important criteria.
Other Features:
Some come with battery power banks integrated. Several can swivel or have a long cable. However, quite a few of these features are going to be more useful to you than others.
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Belkin Wall Mount Surge Protector – 3 AC
This is one of my personal favorites in the travel surge protector space. The device is rather compact and has 3 plug outlets and two USB outlets. The device has two USB ports but the 2.1A rating is shared between. The 3 outlets w/ 2 USB is great, however since it covers one of the other outlets it feels like its really only 1 additional outlet. I thought the little ledge at top was a bit gimmicky, but I find I use it with my phone which actually works pretty well. Especially if I’m putting it in a kitchen or some other area with more confined space.
Pros
- Compact device with 3 plugs and 2 USB devices
- Overall great sized footprint
- It feels quite solid
- I like the little “seat” at the top to hold a device like a phone/tablet
Cons
- Bigger than the swivel Belkin it replaced
- Not as high of a Joule rating as other devices
- It will cover both outlets.
- 2.1A is shared between both USB
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Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
I think I gave trying this one more benefit since its a name I know and trust. The Anker seems to work as expected. I like that its 6 outlets and 3 USB ports which is a huge advantage to many of the others. The cable that it comes with is 5 feet and fairly thick. This is both a benefit and a drawback. When I need the 5 feet it’s great, but when I’m super pressed for time and want something compact…not so great.
The downside is that the surge protection rating (300 Joules) is lower than I would have expected. I think that’s expected for the price. However, it does feel a bit troublesome when you may have so many devices plugged into a device.
Pro
- 5 foot cable is great for when you need it.
- Handles (100 – 240V) so you can take it anywhere in the world.
- Doesn’t take up both outlet plugs
- Overall good build quality
Con
- Heavier than I would have liked for a travel device.
- 5 foot cable is also a con when you don’t need it
- The “adhesive” strip is mildly useful. Especially less useful if you’ll move it regularly
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TESSAN 5 Electrical Outlet Extender Surge Protector
If you are more budget conscious and looking for something that is primarily focused on the United States (or Japan or other 100-120V countries), this is a great option. It’s got a decent number of ports and outlets. However, I always say to exercise caution with so many ports as it’ll be harder to protect when you have a problem.
I think if you are ok maybe not overloading the device, you want something cheap, portable and that will work well in the USA, this is probably a good option. For worldwide travel or if you are willing to spend more, other options probably will fit you better.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Can Still (usually) use other Outlet even when plugged in
- 5 outlets and 3 USB ports its overall pretty great
- 2.4A per port
- Quite Affordable for what it can do
Cons
- Side outlets don’t have a ground plug connection
- Input voltage: AC 100-125V (rated for US outlets)
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360 Electrical 36053 Power Curve Mobile Surge Protector
As design goes this is one of the more interesting looking of the various travel plus and surge protectors. With its small circular shapes it definitely is distinctive. However, the shape is not only for aesthetics as it is useful as well. Each of the plugs rotates to help you in accommodating large or bulky plugs.
There are actually different sizes of the 360 Electrical Power Curve. For some reason checking recently the prices for the 2 outlet ones are even more expensive than the 6 outlet ones. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I think the 2 outlet one is the best in terms of travel. But if you have space consider one of the larger ones as well.
Pros
- 306 Joules (mini) to 1080 Joules Surge Protection (large).
- Rotation Plug Design is useful for devices that plugs may otherwise conflict
- From 2 – 6 outlets, depending on what size you want.
Cons
- The cable on the bigger models is long, which doesn’t tuck away as some of the smaller models
- 2 USB ports have 2.1A shared between them
- Less portable than other models (if you buy the larger one)
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BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter
This is a beast in terms of surge protectors for travel. It converts between 110V and 220V and it includes adapters for the various plugs around the world. However, all these additional features come with drawbacks too. It is not as portable as the other options, certainly not something you would stick in a small bag. Great for longer term travel or when you are not as concerned about weight. However as with most things when you use a converter you are limited to certain devices and appliance. Be sure to consult your products or your might damage this device.
Pros
- Converts between 110V and 220V
- Has 4 USB Ports (Two 1 A and Two 2.4A)
- Includes plug adapters
Cons
- Heaviest of the ones listed here. Best for when you are not traveling light
- Bulkier than the other options
- Most Expensive of the options
- Limitations on converting such as not being able to do it for long time or with certain devices
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Do you have a favorite travel surge protector? Or one that you think would be good to have added here? Let me know through email or comments! If you have one of the above, would love to hear your opinion too!
Also as a note. Most of these surge protectors do not have adapters for different plugs. You’ll need to provide your own adapters. Also be sure to check if your device can handle different voltages.
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