Under $25 scores: Why this power strip is a must-have for your next trip to Europe
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I’m a frequent traveler from the US to Europe, making at least three trips per year to visit family and friends. And as a bit of a tech junkie, I often bring my iPhone, iPad, MacBook and other gadgets with me on every trip — all of which need to be charged daily.
I’ve used the Foval European Plug Adapter to charge all my devices in Europe for almost two years. It’s a power strip with a trick up its sleeve: It has an EU wall plug but has three US outlets and a variety of USB ports, making it perfect for the international remote worker.
This makes it far easier to charge my devices on the go — and better yet, the device costs around $20 when it’s on sale.
Foval European Travel Plug Adapter
This power strip has four USB-A ports, a USB-C port and three US plug outlets. Use this to charge your devices anywhere in Europe with its built-in European plug. Plus, it includes UK and US adapters for added compatibility.
How I found the Foval European Travel Plug Adapter
Almost two years ago, my old European power adapter died after years of use. I was looking for an alternative that could charge all my devices at once, had at least one USB-C port and was small enough to fit in my travel backpack.
Before a 2022 trip to Europe, a colleague recommended that I buy the Foval European Plug Adapter. She’d had luck using it across numerous trips to Europe and other countries that use the European plug.
There are a variety of similar products on Amazon, but I went with the Foval-branded adapter, thanks to its over 1,600 positive reviews and — at the time — the lowest price among its competitors.
I paid $21 for the adapter when I bought it in June 2022, but you can sometimes find it for under $17 when it’s on sale.
Why the Foval European Travel Plug Adapter is a score
At around $20 when on sale, the Foval European Plug Adapter is a great way to charge your devices in Europe.
As discussed, it has three US outlets, a USB-C port and four USB-A ports. All of this is connected to a European plug for seamless use across the region. This simple-to-tote adapter has flawlessly juiced my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, various iPhones, Apple Watch and various power banks without issue in numerous countries.
The USB-A ports can each draw 2.4 amps while the USB-C port can draw 3 amps — which means that though this won’t be the fastest charge, it will work well for charging smartphones and batteries overnight at your hotel. I also appreciate that the US outlets are spaced far enough apart that the device can accommodate wide plugs like laptop chargers.
That said, it’s important to note that the Foval European Plug Adapter is not a voltage converter. Since the US and Europe use different voltages, ensure the device you’re plugging in can work within the range of 100 volts to 250 volts. Otherwise, it could damage your device.
Finally, it also has a built-in 5-foot cable, which is perfect for awkwardly shaped hotel rooms and those annoying power outlets hidden behind furniture. There’s even an included Velcro cable tie you can use to keep the cable tidy in your backpack too.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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