Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are an essential part of your life. You can’t live without them but they’re also expensive to replace if something were to happen while you’re traveling abroad. Protect your devices with an international travel surge protector!
The best international travel surge protectors will not only keep you safe from power surges but also have features that make them easier to use while abroad, including built-in plugs for different countries.
In this post, we’ll provide insight into what makes a good international travel surge protector and list our top 10 picks for the best ones available on Amazon today.
Whether you need surge protection from power surges or spikes in voltage that could potentially damage your electronics, these top ten travel surge protectors will keep all of your devices safe and sound so that nothing gets lost in translation!
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Top Picks
What to look for in an international best travel surge protectors?
Since electronic devices are important for international travel, it is essential that you are armed with a set of criteria that you could use to narrow down your selection:
- Portability – protectors are important, but convenience is too. Always choose the best travel surge protectors for your carry-on luggage.
- Utility – once again, convenience. Some offer one outlet, some offer two USB ports. Always go for more.
- Durability – a trip to the store for a new battery, let alone a protector, is probably not that feasible. It would be better to go with things that are for the long run.
- Power Capacity – your things would have different voltage requirements so your surge protection should be able to cope with the number of volts too.
- Price – Expensive is not always safe, much like how something less expensive is not necessarily stuck under poor quality.
Best International Travel Surge Protectors
- POWERADD Power Surge Protector for International Travel
- Belkin Wall Mount Travel Surge Protector
- SUPERDANNY USB Surge Protector
- POWERIVER Surge Protector Mount for Travelling
- Greatness International Surge Protector
- Kinfayv Portable USB Strip Surge Protection
- Belkin Power Strip International Travel Surge Protector
- TESSAN International Surge Protector 3 Outlets 4 USB
- Zettaguard Mini 4-Outlet Travel Power Strip Surge Protector
- JOTO 2 Outlet Travel Surge Protection Power Strip with Two USB Ports
1. POWERADD Power Surge Protector for International Travel
No products found.If you are searching for a hardcore best surge protector that is stuck with a lot of finesse, then the POWERADD Surge Protector is probably the best bet for you. It boasts a 2500 W clamping voltage power strip that easily supports multiple connected devices (printer, camera, smartphones, computer, tablets, laptop) on top of its wide voltage range. With its smart USB slots that easily adjust the current for your device as well, it certainly seems like it has it all. Oh, and did we mention that its plug is suitable for international adapters in over 150 countries? And here we thought that its 3500 J rating was its important clincher ability for this one.
- 3500 J Joule Rating
- Immense power and energy capacity
- Smart charging USB Ports
- Wide voltage range
- Heavier than other surge protectors
- Specific for 220 V devices (not a converter)
No products found.
2. Belkin Wall Mount Travel Surge Protector
In terms of compactness, the Belkin Wall Mount Travel Surge Protection is perhaps one of the best surge protector you could choose. With its 3 AC slots and 2 USB ports that improve the efficiency of simultaneous battery charging, it certainly seems like a viable surge protection option, especially for a jarring business trip. It also has a rotating AC plug that allows you to virtually attach it to any home outlet. Its joule rating of 918 J might not be as extensive as many would choose, but with the warranty and all, it might still be worth considering.
- Good for plugging multiple devices
- Immense maximum energy capacity
- Rotating AC plug adapter
- Ergonomic design
- Poor joule rating
- The maximum shared amperage of two USB outlets is only 2.1 A
3. SUPERDANNY USB Surge Protector
Looking for easy home mounts that could handle it all? The SUPERDANNY Surge Protection is just right! Apart from the 2 mounting holes of this travel surge protector that functions as the feature that accommodates its mounting, its smart charging capabilities and multiple sockets never fail to catch up as well. In addition to that, its Joule Rating of 900 J is pretty much average to protect your laptops and gadgets, but it makes up for it with a sleekly designed fire retardant material that would certainly give you some peace when traveling. Peak charging speed and five outlets in total? That right there is what you would call a great deal.
- Good for multiple devices
- Fast charging capabilities
- Overheating protection
- LED Indicator
- Poor joule rating
- Not for bulky plugs or charger
4. POWERIVER Surge Protector Mount for Travelling
Shooting for the spot among the best surge protector mounts is the POWERIVER Travel Surge Protection that combines several working ports on top of its smart design that maximizes the easy use of each outlet. Using its rotating plug, you could freely adjust it depending on your wall outlet – combined with a bunch of standard plugs to vacate your room or office in an instant. Top that all of with its 1680 J Joule Rating, and perhaps its weight is not that significant of a con after all. After all, with such an extensive warranty, there is nothing much o complain about really.
- Smart outlet placement
- Rotating plug adapter
- Extensive warranty terms
- LED Light Indicator for Grounded Outlets and Protected Devices
- Relatively heavier than other surge protectors
- Limited by being too fragile for use with too many devices
5. Greatness International Surge Protector
Perhaps it has been designed to provide the promise of its name: the Greatness International Surge Protector. To start, it comes with a heaping number of 8 total working outlets, all suitable to carry a combined clamping voltage of 1250 W. In addition to that, apart from its 1700 Joule rating and fire-resistant material, it also comes with rubber grips for additional security. It also comes with free 8 plugs compatible in multiple countries! Now that is what international traveling means!
- Multiple outlets available
- Sleek and lightweight design
- 8 included international adapters
- 1700 J Joule Rating for the AC Outlet
- Only 4A combined for 4 USB Ports
- Not for too many devices or a bulky charger
6. Kinfayv Portable USB Strip Surge Protection
If it is the control and versatility that you want, then perhaps the Kinfayv Portable Strip is an excellent candidate for the best surge protector for your needs. Before you get discouraged about its downside which is the limited 510 J joule rating, the strip contains three outlets and four USB ports in total – with each USB port fitted with smart charging capabilities and a capacity of 2.4 A. It is also compact and lightweight by itself even with the inclusion of the cord for an easier charge. Plus, it is also made of a high-quality fire retardant PC shell that could sustain lighter-like heat levels. Oh, and with a manual on/off switch, it is certainly hard not to be impressed after all.
- Fast charging available
- Switch control system
- Hard fire-resistant PC shell
- Fitted with suitable power cables
- Concerning joule rating
- Not for use with numerous devices
7. Belkin Power Strip International Travel Surge Protector
Inching plenty into the area of extension cords, the Belkin Power Strip International Surge Protection challenges the definition of a “travel” protector. Apart from the startling 12-outlet capacity, it stands at a joule rating of 4000 J – durable enough to last for a few years even. Sure, the spacing might be too tight, but with a 12 AC capacity and an Ethernet and phone line protection? Perhaps topping that all off with a child-lock feature and an extensive warranty is an over-the-top approach. But then again, it’s not like many would say no to such features.
- 4000 J joule rating = Better Protection
- More outlets in total
- 12 AC capacity for the sockets
- Ethernet and phone line protection
- Weighs too much for a travel tool
- Not for larger chargers and plugs
8. TESSAN International Surge Protector 3 Outlets 4 USB
Covering access from the USA to Asia, UK, to even EU countries, the TESSAN International Travel Surge Protector boasts a minimalist yet sleek and professional design using the 5 included adapters for its plug. Its weight certainly highlights the number of sockets that likewise come with it as well as the decent power supply that each of the sockets provides. Combining that with a manual switch for easier management as well as a 5 ft. cord that allows its versatile positioning at the same time, it certainly places well wherever – and we are not just talking about elevated versus ground type situations at home or your office; we are talking overseas!
- 1700 J joule rating
- Manual switch
- 5 included international adapters and plugs of different plug sizes (convenient from the UK to Asia)
- Compact and light
- Not a voltage converter
- The material feels “hollow”
9. Zettaguard Mini 4-Outlet Travel Power Strip Surge Protector
In determining just the right portable surge protector, you could never go wrong with the standard approach of the Zettaguard Mini Travel Power Surge Protector. It certainly does not shine plenty, but it does perform all the basics that you would need by handling its features with a little restraint. Joule rating? Average at 1700 J. Input voltage? Perfect for casual electronics use. Charging speed for cell phones and USB devices? Pretty decent. Clamping voltage, cord length, dimensions, and weight? To quote Goldilocks, it’s just right! I mean, risks should be the last thing to focus on, especially when you have access to features that are just perfect as it is.
- LED Indicator for Protection
- 9 outlets
- Portable weight and dimensions
- Compact and light
- Nothing stands out
- Restrictive plug
10. JOTO 2 Outlet Travel Surge Protection Power Strip with USB Ports
It is surprising how the JOTO 2 Outlet Surge Protectors can deliver the protection of great power surge protectors in a device with such a compact design. To start, it contains 5 outlets – two ports for AC outlets and 3 USB ports with one being a Type C USB port (something that you do not see in the market for the most part: convenient). In addition to that, it also comes with a surprising joule rating of 4320 J despite its compact size – making it a sophisticated search for your expensive gadgets. Oh, and with a 6-ft. cord and smart charging as well? It certainly is a miraculous travel-friendly package for those traveling internationally.
- 4320 J joule rating
- Type C USB Port
- Extremely portable size (compact and light)
- 6-ft. cord included
- Fragile material
- No UL Listing for Protection
Buyer Guide & FAQs
You travel a lot and you know how important it is to protect your electronics from surges in the power supply.
But most surge protectors are ugly, bulky, and inconvenient. They take up valuable space in your luggage or they just get left at home because of their size. The ones that do make it into your suitcase are such an eyesore!
So what you need is a travel surge protector is small but powerful enough to protect all of your devices while traveling abroad. But let’s break it down a bit further to see some of the key points to pay attention to when making your final choice.
What to look for in surge protectors
Wall Mount
Mounts essentially extend the coverage of your wall outlets. It is ideal if you need more space, but not so much if you do not have the tools to mount it in the first place.
Corded Travel Surge Protector
Corded power strips are easy to position in any way you want. However, with the cord and the naturally bulky nature of these types, the portability feature might be too much for a small bag.
Brick-Type
If your problem is only concerned about safety against power surges and is mainly meant to provide a safeguard in a foreign country, then brick-types would be excellent for hotels or even in your own home. Uniqueness is not its forte.
Key points for consideration before buying travel surge protectors?
Joule Ratings
This is essentially the life-line of your surge protector – the joule rating determines the capacity or how much energy your protector could absorb during surges.
Safety Rating
You should probably check out the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating of the product as this is one of the screening companies that has been approved by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Indicative Signal
Considering that the protector’s purpose is to protect your device, you should likewise be aware if the protector is performing its job at all.
Warranty
There is nothing wrong with ensuring that your protective device is protected. Essentially, the longer the warranty is and the more features it has, the better it is in theory.
Electromagnetic Interference or Radio Frequency Interference Filters
EMIs and RMIs are disruptive signals that are screened due to their interference with the performance of multiple devices. However, it should also be noted that certain EMI and RMI emissions could block your surge protector. Always be on the lookout for such blocking filters.
Durability
Apart from the manufacturer warranty, this is an absolute no-brainer for any product. If you travel a lot, it might be wise to go all-out on the safeguarding aspect of the protector.
FAQ
What is a travel surge protector?
A surge protector is a small, lightweight, and portable power strip that allows you to charge your laptop, phone, or accessories anywhere without fearing potential damages associated with power spikes and surges.
Is it safe to put a surge protector on the carpet?
It is completely dependent on its theoretical design. Surge protectors are meant to protect your device, so it should be able to withstand regular voltages without being a fire hazard. However, the circumstances are different when there is an external factor in play. Always practice caution despite its “safety” and consult the guide or their website to be sure.
Should I turn off my surge protector at night?
Unless your device requires it to be plugged, perhaps you could unplug the device itself instead of focusing on the surge protector. In any case, it might be better to keep the protector running especially if power surges are prevalent in your area. You may check out their guide or website for specific information regarding this.
If the protector is specific for 220 V, how is it supposed to run devices specific to 110 V?
It won’t. Although 220 V protectors could safely pass through 110 volts of power, devices that could only run on 110 V will not work because of the different voltages. It is more of the device’s problem, really. The product’s website or guide will have more information about this.
What does a combined amperage mean?
In USB ports, certain currents are essential for devices to charge. Each port will be able to accommodate a certain current, but the total current produced by all the ports would only equate to the combined amperage. For instance, if you have 2 ports occupied and the max amperage is 4 A, then each one will pump out 2 A of current.
What does the maximum power capacity imply?
It is the max demand that it could handle. Each plugged device or unit has one so make sure that you check the capacity of your protector to prevent any damage.
Final Thoughts
In the field of international travel, convenience and safety are certainly always at the top of the list of many enthusiasts. As such, considering how our devices, electronics, and gadgets are just as crucial as our plane tickets, it is really wonderful to have an assurance that no matter where you go, your electronics and gadgets are secured and protected.
This is why surge protectors are a great travel accessory.
In that aspect, the Belkin International Surge Protector is certainly the top runner for us. With an excellent capacity and great safety features, it captures just about everything that one could ever need. It might be heavy, but laptops and other electronics are too and yet we somehow still bring it. Who’s to say this is different?