What is the best travel adapter?Everyone’s travels needs are different but I’ve based my pick of the best travel adapters on factors I think matter most to the average traveller. For me, Go Travel's worldwide 3-port USB-A charger is the winner – it’s affordable, sturdy and does everything an adapter is meant to do, while also having USB ports and a carry bag. It’s the only multi-part adapter I’ve come across, and I’m now a convert. Anker's USB-C hub, 7-in-1 multi-port USB adapter for laptops is an absolute essential when it comes to keeping devices charged on the go, without having to rely on bulky adapters designed with other primary purposes in mind, Meanwhile, the simple-but-sturdy design of Lifeventure's world travel adapter USB fast charge, paired with its surprisingly quick charging, secured it a spot in my list. How I tested travel adaptersI tested these adapters during trips to Greenland, Japan and the Maldives, so I was able to put them through their paces across a wide range of scenarios – and countless different sockets. I spent hours charging various devices (I generally travel with a laptop, camera, power bank, iPhone, netbook and Bluetooth speaker), evaluating charging times, scrutinising build quality and retracting and extending prongs. It’s also fair to say I get through a lot of adapters, so I know what to look for, and which features make a good one. I also had a huge amount crammed into my bags, so sturdiness was especially important. While testing each adapter, I considered the following criteria. Toughness: Did the travel adapter feel sturdy and rugged? If the prongs were retractable, the switches (ideally lie-flat ones) controlling them needed to be tough and firmly integrated into the adapter’s main body. If they weren’t, ultra-tough prongs were a must. In reality, there’s little variation when it comes to materials (you’ll mostly find plastic or aluminium alloy shells), which is why toughness usually comes down to the design of the prongs and switches.Versatility: I considered whether I was able to charge the multiple devices I travel with, with just the one adapter, taking into consideration the variety of ports on offer. Style: Call me fickle but I like my travel accessories to look good. Plus, I’ve lost more white travel adapters than I can count, after tossing them onto hotel beds, ready to pack, only to forget they’re there. More rainbow-hued adapters, please.Are travel adapters safe? Almost all adapters (and certainly the ones I’ve recommended) have features that make them safe to use – it’s a legal requirement. Standard certifications include CE that means it conforms to EU safety directives; the WEEE mark that means it conforms to EU waste electrical and electronic equipment directives; and UKCA certification that means it conforms to UK safety directives. GaN technology (which uses modern semiconductor material to handle higher voltages) is an added extra that is cropping up more often, and is designed to ensure fast, consistent charging without overheating. In reality, all quality adapters are designed to do this – it’s just more common for manufacturers of adapters with multiple ports to shout about this particular feature. Meanwhile, some adapters feature something known as Smart IC (integrated circuit), which does the same thing as GaN tech. However, the main considerations should be the aforementioned certifications, which are held by all of the travel adapters listed in this review.Why you can trust IndyBest reviews As a travel writer, Tamara Hinson has traversed the world, covering everything from hotel reviews to wildlife protection. Constantly on the go and with a keen eye for sustainable and quality products, she’s the ideal expert to advise you on what products to buy to help your trips go smoothy. For IndyBest she has written review features on travel backpacks, backpacks with wheels, ski jackets and much more, so her reviews are ones you can trust.Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the best cabin bags