Let’s face it: Traveling in the digital age comes with one very real grievance: the need for multiple charging outlets. Whether you are staying in a hotel room, a hostel, or even an Airbnb, you’ll quickly know if the number of outlets available outnumbers your needs.
With a phone, a laptop, possibly a tablet, or various pieces of camera equipment, being ready to go with devices fully charged can be a perplexing act of outlet roulette.
Having traveled to more than 80 countries across 6 continents, I’ve had nights where I’ve set an alarm to switch out charging items or bribed my child to let me monopolize the outlet.
I knew there had to be a better way.
EPICKA was kind enough to gift us one of their multi-region universal plug converters so we thought we’d give it a try and report back on what we think (Click here for Wanderful’s full disclosure statement). Here goes!
Testing the EPICKA multi-region universal plug converter
I recently had the opportunity to test two different product models from EPICKA’s 105 series of adapters: the TA-105C (in pink) and the TA-105 MAX (in black). Weighing just 5.5 oz and 8 oz respectively, these adapters definitely deserve their spot in your baggage.
Specifications
The TA-105C Universal Travel Adapter comes in 4 different colors (black, pink, blue, and white).
It comes with:
- 2 USB-A ports
- 3 USB-C ports
- A total output wattage of 30W
The TA-105 MAX Universal Travel Adapter also comes in 4 different colors (black, pink, blue, and white).
It comes with:
- 2 USB-A ports
- 3 USB-C ports
- A total output wattage of 75W as well as a “fast charging” ability
The difference in wattage indicates the amount of juice delivered by the adapter. If you are primarily charging smaller devices, the lower wattage may be sufficient. However, if you are trying to charge larger devices, lower wattage delivery may result in a longer time needed for devices to reach a fully charged state.
All EPICKA’s travel adapters come with a sleek zippered storage case as well as extra fuses. Fuses are part of the power overload protection built into the adapter in case of overpowering or overheating.
How it works – foolproof features
One of my favorite features of this adapter is its simplicity. As the website touts, these adapters can support charging needs in over 200 countries and regions. The regional labels noted on the side of the adapters allow for easy adapter changes. Once you’ve selected your needed region, you slide the prongs forward and they will lock into place.
To retract the prongs and return the adapter to its original setup, there is an easy button to push on the side that releases the “locked” position.
Be informed! “Adapter” does not mean “converter”!
It’s important to understand that an adapter is designed to modify the end plug of your electronic device to accurately fit the wall outlet, particularly in foreign locations with different plug shapes. In short, it connects joining parts that have two different shapes or sizes. However, what it does not do is convert the voltage of your device. Most phones, tablets, and laptop chargers support dual voltage, as well as USB chargers. But anyone who has taken a hair dryer from the US, plugged it into a European outlet, and quickly heard the pop of fuses accompanied by the burning odor of the dryer’s internal organs has learned this the hard way. The aftermath of a voltage-surged hair dryer isn’t pretty – for the dryer or your hair!
Helpful at home too!
No one wants to start a trip with partially charged devices, and I often find myself faced with trying to charge multiple items in the hours before departure. This includes my fitness tracker/watch, wireless headphones, and power bank, in addition to the usual phone and laptop needs. Leveraging the multiple USB ports on the EPICKA fast-charging adapter allows me to charge all these items at the same time, and keeping them near each other means I never forget to pack them in when I depart!
Feature wishlist
It must be noted that there are 2 regions not included for conversion on the EPICKA travel adapters. Specifically, these are Type D outlets (3 round-shaped pins in a triangular formation, primarily found in India) and Type M outlets (also 3 round-shaped pins in a triangular formation, but each prong is thicker than Type D; found primarily in South Africa).
Despite this gap, no adapter is truly universal, and none on the market covers every outlet type. Having done my share of traveling and trying to find various solutions, I would agree with the New York Times statement that the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is “the best one.”
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