When it comes to packing for travel, a big hassle is finding the right power strip for travel. Choosing the best travel power strip for your needs is just like choosing any other gadget, you should always research and learn about the product. Things to consider going from durability to size to a number of outlets, and for international travel, you're going to have to consider compatibility with international outlets. Keep on reading to learn more about this in detail!
Why Bring a Power Strip When Travelling?
Before we dive into the buying guide for travel power strips, we'd better figure out why is bringing a power strip important when you travel.
The answer is simple: convenience. Wall outlets are always high in demand but short on supply especially when you're on the go. Whether it's in airports or hotels, it is never guaranteed that you would have immediate access to an outlet, and packing a portable power strip would solve that problem.
What to Look for When Picking a Travel Power Strip?
When choosing your power strip, it is very important to know what you consider your needs. Let's look at some of the things to prioritize when looking for the best power strip for you!
Size and weight
When you're out and about, traveling and going on international/overseas travels, size, and weight are important factors to consider in choosing your travel power strip. Smaller power strips tend to be a preferred choice for your carry-on when you're traveling, handy and lightweight enough that you can take it out anytime you want without much fuss. Bigger-sized power strips are sometimes preferred over smaller ones since the user could need bigger power delivery or have to charge bigger input gadgets.
Cable length
Because the number one reason for getting a travel power strip is convenience, a must to consider is the cable length of the power strip you are buying. When choosing the cable length, it's important to consider what you're going to be using it for. For example, if it's for overseas traveling, you might want to prefer a long and retractable cable for your power strip for convenience and easy storage.
Number and types of outlets
Sometimes people just look at the size and assume that that means any number of outlets on the power strip. However, even smaller compact power strips can have a big number of outlets on them.
Something to consider is the type of outlet on the power strip. It is important to consider the type and match it with your needs, some power strips might be advertised as having a certain number of outlets and you might forget to check if it's normal, standard outlets.
Compatibility with international outlets
The most overlooked factor of power strips that travelers just seem to completely forget is the compatibility with international outlets. Different countries sometimes have different standards for their outlets, and this could prove a problem when you forget to research. So better put it on top of your checklist when choosing the power strip for you. But if you've accidentally purchased it already and it's not compatible with an outlet, this can easily be fixed with a universal adapter.
Durability
A must factor with your power strip, like any other gadget, is its durability. Consider it an investment when you buy your travel power strip with usb, making sure that it's durable enough to last through the rough and tumble of being used for travel.
Click here to see the differences between surge protectors and power strips!
Recommended Anker Products
Now that you've known how to choose the best travel power strip, you can't miss a brand that checks the boxes for a travel power strip - Anker. Anker offers a variety of travel power strips that can cater to your needs. In this section, we'll discuss the Anker travel power strips, including three different kinds of travel power strips that cater to the different needs of travelers.
Anker 727 Charging Station
The Anker 727 Charging Station packs quite a strong punch with a 6-port power strip, featuring 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 AC outlets, letting you charge 6 devices simultaneously. Priced at $94.99, this power strip has a Super-Fast and Supercharge feature, with a maximum output of 100w, making it able to charge any device from phones to laptops and more. This power strip features ActiveShield 2.0, a proprietary technology of Anker that enhances the protection of your devices by monitoring the temperature and adjusting the power output to safeguard your devices. In addition, the Anker 727 has a sleek and space-saving design at only 0.7 inches thick, and about the same size as an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Anker 615 USB Power Strip
A slightly lower variant and more budget-friendly travel power strip is the Anker 615 USB Power Strip priced at $69.99. This particular power strip has 5-Port outputs: 2 fast-charging USB-C ports, 2 AC outlets, and a USB-A port allowing you to charge multiple devices. What's more, the Anker 615 USB Power Strip has high-speed charging, with a maximum 65W output, it provides power to charge a wide array of devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. Although small and unassuming, it can charge a 14-inch Macbook Pro to 50% in just 37 minutes. And just like the 727, the 615 also has a space-saving design and utilizes ActiveShield 2.0 to protect your devices while they charge.
Anker 524 Power Strip
The smallest and most portable of the power strips mentioned here, the Anker 524 Power Strip still packs quite some power. This cube-shaped power strip features a 30W USB-C Port with Power Delivery to charge different kinds of gadgets. The Anker 524 has 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port. It's only 2 ½ cubic inches small, making it perfect for traveling purposes. It also utilizes a Superior Safety feature with a fire-retardant casing, internal safety shutters, and more!
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality travel power strip that offers convenience, versatility, and safety can greatly enhance your travel experience in 2023 and beyond. So, before embarking on your next adventure, make sure to do your research and choose a travel power strip that suits your needs, allowing you to stay powered up and connected wherever you go. Happy travels!
FAQ about Travel Power Strip
Can You Travel with Power Strip?
Yes, you can travel with a power strip as long as it has been designed for use in your destination. Different countries have different standards for electrical outlets so make sure that the power strip you purchase is compatible with the electrical outlet type used in your destination country.
Are Power Strips Unsafe?
Power strips can be potentially unsafe if they are not used correctly. To ensure your safety, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a power strip and pay attention to any warnings.
Additionally, make sure the power strip is rated for use with the items you are plugging into it – never overload a power strip beyond its rated capacity. Finally, never place a power strip in an area that is prone to water or moisture.
What are the Rules for Power Strips?
- The most important rule for power strips is to never overload them beyond their rated capacity.
- Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a power strip and pay attention to any warnings.
- It is also recommended that you use an independent surge protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to protect your devices from electrical surges.
- Finally, make sure to use a power strip with an appropriate voltage and current rating for the items you are plugging into it.
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