It’s become more difficult to travel light in recent years. Gone are the days when you just needed to bring a few things. Many individuals nowadays pack everything from cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras to power banks, gimbals, and drones in their carry-on luggage. With so many devices, keeping them all charged during the journey might be difficult. Unless, of course, you have a power strip.
While you may be able to utilise one you already have at home, it will most likely be bulky and heavy, lack vital features such as surge protection or USB ports, and generally be the wrong tool for the task. Instead, check out our picks for the finest portable power strips that you can throw in your suitcase and carry with you wherever you go. They aren’t expensive, take up significantly less valuable room and weight, and are designed with travellers’ unique needs in mind.
Best Travel Power Strip: POWERADD Travel Power Strip
Because it includes many of the important functions you need in a portable power strip, the [Product unavailable] gets our top rank. For starters, it’s about the same size and weight as a smartphone. Despite its small size, the circular structure provides ample space for you to use all of the AC outlets without them colliding.
The retractable cord makes the power strip easier to pack, and despite its modest length, it still allows you to move the power strip closer or further away from an outlet as needed without having extra cable laying around. This power strip has five AC outlets with a total power output of 1625W, two USB-A ports with a combined 2.4A, and one USB-C port with a 3A output.
The strip detects your device’s maximum charge levels to produce suitable output levels, even though the USB C connection does not support Power Delivery (PD) charging. As a result, all of your devices will charge faster and more safely. This power strip includes built-in 900J surge protection as well as a circuit breaker to safeguard your gadgets from overloading.
It also includes a fire-resistant casing and heavy-duty copper wires to reduce heat transfer. Overall, the POWERADD Travel Power Strip is the greatest choice for travellers because to its mobility, large number of AC outlets and USB ports, excellent power output, and safety measures.
Pros
- Compact and portable with retractable cord
- Fast charging for most devices
- Surge protection (900J)
- Generous number of AC outlets and USB ports
Cons
- Short cord (3.3 ft)
- USB C socket doesn’t provide Power Delivery (PD) charging
Best Power Strip for International Travel: BESTEK USB Travel Power Strip
The BESTEK USB Travel Power Strip is a multi-functional and adaptable power strip that’s perfect for foreign travel. The set of eight adapters is the main selling feature, as they cover outlet standards from practically every significant country on the planet.
While you may buy these adapters individually, buying them in a bundle like this saves you time and money.
This power strip has only two AC outlets but a whopping five USB-A ports. Given that the majority of travel equipment these days are charged by USB, this is a convenient combination for many travellers. With a combined output of 8A (40W) and individual outputs of 2.4A (12W), it’s simple to obtain maximum charging speeds even when many devices are plugged in.
We particularly like the power strip’s small size, which makes it incredibly portable. It has a solid fire-resistant shell that feels durable overall, but it is a little heavier than conventional power strips. This device also includes robust safety measures, such as surge protection of up to 1700J, which is nearly twice as much as other power strips.
It’s useful if you’re concerned about the quality or reliability of the electricity in your destination, which is a common issue when travelling.
A voltage converter is a feature that this (and most other) power strips lack, which can be a problem if you plan to use 110V US products in a nation that uses 220-240V. If this is a deal-breaker for you, the BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter is a better option. It contains fewer adapters and a slightly different mix of sockets than the previous model, but otherwise is very similar.
Important note: If your travels include time on a cruise ship, be advised that due to the surge protection feature, you will not be able to use this power strip onboard. Check out our cruise-specific tip below as an alternative. However, the BESTEK USB Travel Power Strip’s versatility will cover you for other forms of overseas travel.
Pros
- Eight travel adapters make it suitable for most international destinations
- Robust and durable
- Five USB slots with up to 8A/40W combined output
- Strong surge protection
Cons
- Heavier than most travel power strips
- No voltage conversion
Best USB Travel Power Strip: Anker PowerPort 1 PD
The Anker PowerPort 1 PD is an excellent choice if you primarily use a power strip to charge mobile devices and don’t require any more AC outlets. This USB-only power strip has four USB-A ports and one USB C PD connector for quicker data transfer. It has one of the quickest USB charging speeds you’ll find in a travel-sized power strip, with a total power output of 60W, including 30W allocated solely for USB C.
The Anker power strip is meant to last, with a tough but stylish casing. It has vital safety features including temperature management, surge protection, and voltage regulation, as well as being drop-resistant, scratch-resistant, and smudge-proof. The absence of AC outlets is, of course, a disadvantage of this power strip.
You’ll have to go elsewhere if you require those. However, with USB charging, the speed, additional power output, and durability you get easily make this our top selection. When it comes to power strips, you get what you pay for, and the Anker PowerPort 1 PD is very pricey when compared to others. If you don’t require the USB C port, the Anker PowerPort 5 charger with USB A only is a better option.
Pros
- High USB power output, including 30W USB C PD, enables fast charging on almost any device
- Very durable
- Advanced safety features
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- No AC outlets
Best Mini Travel Power Strip: Belkin SurgePlus Swivel Charger
The Belkin SurgePlus Swivel Charger is a small travel power strip that packs a punch in terms of functionality and specs. This power strip is easy to pack because it comes in a small package that fits in your pocket. It doesn’t have any wires, so there’s no need to worry about cord management, and instead plugs directly into a wall socket.
The swivelling plug part allows you to position it in any direction, which is useful when working with limited space. In terms of safety characteristics, it offers 918J of surge protection, which is somewhat more than most similar power strips. The exterior shell is also fire-resistant and durable. The Belkin little power strip comes with three AC outlets and two USB connections, which is quite a lot for such a small device.
However, the USB ports only offer a combined power output of 2.1A, which is a disadvantage. If two devices are plugged in at the same time, it isn’t enough to fast-charge many phones, and it can result in very poor charging speeds. You can get around this restriction by charging your device with your regular charger in one of the AC sockets.
Alternatively, the Anker PowerPort Cube, which includes an extra outlet and a 3.6A combined USB output, is a good choice. Although the longer 5-foot cable makes it bulkier to transport, it can be useful when you need to connect into an outlet behind furniture or halfway up a wall. The Belkin SurgePlus Swivel Charger, on the other hand, is a good, versatile alternative if you don’t require quicker USB charging and want to keep your power strips as minimal as possible.
Pros
- Very compact
- Useful mix of ports for its size
- Swiveling plug provides flexibility in tight spaces
Cons
- Low USB output power, both individual and combined
Best Cruise Ship Approved Power Strip: Cruise and Sea 3-Outlet Power Strip
Are you planning a trip on a cruise ship soon? If you’re bringing a lot of electronics, keep in mind that most ships have tight rules about what kind of power strips you can bring onboard. They can’t have surge protection or an extension cord, for example. There are many cruise ship-approved power strips on the market, but the Cruise and Sea 3-Outlet Power Strip is the best of the bunch.
It’s small enough to fit in a handbag or backpack while yet supplying plenty of outlets: in addition to the three three-prong North American plugs, there are two USB-A sockets with a combined power of 12 watts. We’d like to see a bit more space between the outlets, but they shouldn’t be blocking each other unless your plugs are extremely big.
Of course, without surge protection, this power strip offers little in the way of protection. In a cruise ship scenario, there’s nothing you can do about it, but utilising it anywhere else, especially anywhere with a shaky power supply, carries a higher risk than the other options on this list.
You’ll be better suited with the Anker PowerPort 1 PD if you’re simply travelling with mobile devices that can be charged via USB (above.) This Cruise & Sea power strip is a must-have accessory if you have appliances that need to run from a wall outlet as well.
Pros
- Cruise-ship approved (no surge protection or extension cord)
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Isn’t as safe as other options when used outside cruise ships
Best Travel Power Strip with Surge Protection: Tripp Lite Traveler3USB Surge Protector
If you want extra protection for your portable electronics, the Tripp Lite Traveler3USB Surge Protector is a great choice. It has a surge protection rating of 1050J, which is higher than the average power strip. When surge protection is active, a light indication illuminates. It’s a sign that you need a new power strip if it goes out (typically due to a particularly large power surge).
Fortunately, Tripp Lite’s lifetime warranty implies that if this happens, the business will repair the item for free, making it a long-term investment. Three regular AC outlets are included on the power strip, with one on the back for larger plugs. Two USB-A ports are also available, however they only have a combined output of 2.1A. That’s good for e-readers and headphones, but don’t expect to charge two phones or tablets at even close to full speed.
The shell is tough and appears to be able to withstand a beating, making it excellent for travel. Although the added durability means it’s still a pretty big gadget compared to some of the others on this list, the 18-inch cord wraps neatly around the body of the power strip and connects into the rear socket for simple storage.
Overall, the Tripp Lite Traveler3USB Surge Protector provides excellent electrical protection in a small power strip. If you want extra protection for your portable electronics, the Tripp Lite Traveler3USB Surge Protector is a great choice. It has a surge protection rating of 1050J, which is higher than the average power strip.
When surge protection is active, a light indication illuminates. It’s a sign that you need a new power strip if it goes out (typically due to a particularly large power surge). Fortunately, Tripp Lite’s lifetime warranty implies that if this happens, the business will repair the item for free, making it a long-term investment. Three regular AC outlets are included on the power strip, with one on the back for larger plugs.
Two USB-A ports are also available, however they only have a combined output of 2.1A. That’s good for e-readers and headphones, but don’t expect to charge two phones or tablets at even close to full speed. The shell is tough and appears to be able to withstand a beating, making it excellent for travel.
Although the added durability means it’s still a pretty big gadget compared to some of the others on this list, the 18-inch cord wraps neatly around the body of the power strip and connects into the rear socket for simple storage. Overall, the Tripp Lite Traveler3USB Surge Protector provides excellent electrical protection in a small power strip.
Pros
- 1050J surge protection
- Rugged and durable
- Cord wraps around for easy storage
- Free replacement if surge protection stops
Cons
- Underpowered USB ports (2.1A combined output)
- Somewhat bulky
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the [Product unavailable] is a no-brainer. It has a lot of outlets, a lot of power, built-in surge protection, and a lot of portability. If you only need USB charging, though, Anker’s PowerPort 1 PD or PowerPort 5 are worth considering, while those planning international travel may benefit from the versatility of the BESTEK USB Travel Power Strip. If you’re going on a cruise, though, the Cruise and Sea 3-Outlet Power Strip is a better choice.
