When you're travelling internationally, you just need a normal travel adapter, right? Well, in most cases, yes. If you just want to charge a low-powered device such as phone, camera, tablet or laptop then any one of the best travel adapters should do the job. However, when it comes to more high-powered gadgets such as hairdryers, curling tongs or straighteners – whether they're yours or being used on a model that you're shooting – then you need to take voltage into account.
That's because different countries around the world can have strikingly different standard voltage levels. Most notably, North America uses 110-120 volts (V) whereas many European countries use 220-240V. And so plugging in an appliance designed for 110V into a 220V outlet could damage the appliance or even cause a fire. (The exception is if it's been specifically designed to be "dual voltage", so always check the manufacturer's instructions to find out).
A voltage converter, as the name suggests, transforms the voltage from the outlet to a level your appliance can handle. So if you're a North American taking a 110V hair dryer to the UK, you're going to need a step-down converter. (Note: If you're going the other way, this won't work but we have a recommendation for you in the Alternatives section at the end).
In short, the Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter offers a comprehensive solution to North Americans for power conversion and charging across different regions. But is it any good? I got hold of a review model to test it out.
Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Specifications
Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Price and Availability
With an RRP of around $50 (depending on the bundle), the Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter offers decent value for its capabilities. While not the most affordable option, its versatility and compatibility make it a worthwhile investment for this specific need.
Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Build and handling
The converter features a white design with a power switch and soft LED light indicator. It doesn't look particularly stylish or attractive, but it looks fine nonetheless.
The compact size ( 4.8 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches) and lightweight construction (weighing just under a pound) make it easy to pack and carry during travel. At one end, you'll find three USB-A ports and one USB-C, while on the top there are two standard US AC outlets, and a third for hair dryers only. That means that in theory you could power up to seven devices at once.
Also in the box is a lead that you plug in at the other end, and plug adapters covering a huge range of types (A, B, C, E/F, G, I). These can be easily swapped out by sliding them into the slot at the other end of the lead, allowing to use the adapter in over 150 countries around the world.
Despite its compact size, the converter feels sturdy and secure when plugged in, even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Performance
I'm a big fan of Dyson products, so it was a big disappointment to learn that it's not compatible with this brand, or indeed any other electronic hair dryers; only those with a mechanical button or knob. Oh well, I did have alternatives so I pressed on.
And in truth, other than this initial niggle, I found this voltage converter did a decent and reliable job in all the scenarios I tried, across three different countries. Safety features such as surge protection and overload prevention kept my mind at ease, and I liked the fact that the information about what could and couldn't be connected was so clearly displayed on the converter itself.
In practice, my devices all worked perfectly with no interruptions or causes for concern. The multiple charging ports added an extra flourish that made it easy to power up my phone, laptop, tablet and power bank at the same time, and I didn't notice any issues with the speed of charging. Most importantly, all the slots are nicely spaced out so I didn't end up with leads or plugs getting in each other's way.
I have to say that a few customers have reported inconsistent performance and heating issues online, particularly when multiple high-power devices are connected simultaneously. It's hard to know whether this was an issue with the converter itself, the device they connected, or them not following the manufacturer's guidelines properly. Either way, I did and I had no problems myself at all.
Ceptics 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter: Verdict
For frequent travelers who need to power low-voltage devices in high-voltage countries, this step-down converter delivers exactly what it promises. And so if you're a North American looking to use your personal hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs abroad (as long as they're rated less than 200W, and are mechanical and not electronic), this is what you need. This compact and lightweight converter also offers a good selection of USB ports, and its wide range of interchangeable plug adapters means you'll be able to use it across a huge range of countries.
On the other hand, if you're a Dyson fan you'll need to look elsewhere. And more broadly, this is quite a niche solution that's going to be overkill for anyone not interested in haircare gadgets.
