If you have international travel coming up, one of the most important items to pack is a reliable travel adapter. Without one, you may find yourself unable to charge your phone, earbuds, portable battery, or any other device that relies on a wall outlet. Anker's Nano Travel Adapter is currently on sale for $19.99, down from its regular price of $26, at multiple retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Anker's own online store. This matches the lowest price we've seen for the adapter, making it an excellent time to pick one up before your next trip.
The Nano Travel Adapter is a compact 5-in-1 charging solution designed to work in more than 200 countries and regions. It achieves this through four built-in sets of prongs that slide out from the body, allowing you to use the same adapter in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and many other destinations. Instead of carrying a separate adapter for every country you visit, you can rely on this single unit to handle the plug shape wherever you go.
Five ways to charge your devices
One of the standout features of the Nano Travel Adapter is its ability to power up to five devices at once. It includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a standard AC outlet. The AC outlet is particularly useful because it lets you plug in a laptop charger, camera charger, or any other device that uses a traditional wall plug. This means you can charge your phone and earbuds via USB while also powering your laptop through the AC outlet, all from the same travel adapter.
The ports are arranged in a compact layout that keeps the adapter from feeling bulky. Despite the number of ports and the retractable prongs, the adapter is only about an inch thick when the prongs are folded in, and it weighs just 3.8 ounces. That is lighter than many smartphones, so it won't add meaningful weight to your carry-on or day bag. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, which makes it a convenient option for travelers who want to minimize what they carry.
Charging speed and compatibility
When it comes to charging speed, a single USB-C port on the Nano Travel Adapter can deliver up to 20 watts. That is enough to charge an iPhone 17 to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes, according to Anker. It is not enough to power most modern laptops, which typically require 30 watts or more. However, you can still charge a laptop by connecting its own wall charger to the AC outlet on the adapter. The USB ports are best suited for smaller gadgets like phones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and power banks.
The inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A ports is helpful because many travelers still have older cables with USB-A connectors. With two of each type, you can charge multiple generations of devices without needing extra dongles or adapters. The USB-C ports support Power Delivery, which is a common fast-charging standard used by most modern phones and tablets. This ensures that compatible devices charge quickly and efficiently.
Understanding voltage and plug types
One critical thing to know about the Nano Travel Adapter is that it does not convert voltage. It changes the physical plug shape so you can insert it into outlets in different countries, but it does not step down or step up the electrical voltage. This is fine for devices like phones, tablets, and power banks that support universal voltage, usually marked with a range like 100-240V. However, it is not suitable for high-power appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors, or other devices that may not support the local voltage. Before plugging anything into the adapter, you should check whether the device supports the voltage at your destination. If not, you will need a separate voltage converter or a travel-friendly appliance that is dual-voltage.
Another issue to keep in mind is that the adapter's retractable prongs cover the four most common plug types, which Anker says should work in over 200 countries. However, some destinations have unusual outlets or variations that may not be covered. It is always a good idea to research the specific plug types used in the countries you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling off the beaten path. For major travel destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the four prong sets should generally be sufficient.
Build quality and safety features
Anker is known for including safeguards in its chargers, such as protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuits. The Nano Travel Adapter is designed to meet international safety standards, though specific certifications may vary by region. The retractable prongs are built to withstand repeated use, and the outer shell is made from a durable plastic that resists heat and impact. When you are traveling, you want equipment that can handle the rigors of a packed bag, and this adapter is designed with that in mind.
Anker has also spent years refining its charging technology, and the company's accessories are generally regarded as dependable. Many users trust Anker because the brand has a long track record of producing power banks, wall chargers, and cables that work as advertised. The Nano Travel Adapter benefits from that experience, offering a level of polish that is not always found in cheaper travel adapters.
Tips for using the adapter while traveling
To get the most out of the Nano Travel Adapter, it is a good idea to pack the right cables. A USB-C to USB-C cable is essential for taking advantage of the 20W fast charging on the USB-C ports. If you have an older device that uses USB-A, bring a USB-A to Lightning or USB-A to micro-USB cable. With four USB ports total, you can leave some chargers at home and rely on the adapter for all your small devices.
When using the AC outlet, keep the total power draw in mind. The adapter is rated for a certain maximum wattage, and plugging in multiple high-power devices at once could exceed its capacity. For phones, tablets, and other low-power items, this is rarely a concern. But if you are charging a laptop and other devices simultaneously, pay attention to how much power each device is drawing.
Another useful tip is to fold the prongs back in when you are not using the adapter. This protects the prongs from bending and makes the adapter easier to store. The compact size also makes it a good backup charging solution for everyday use, not just for international travel. You can keep it in your laptop bag or backpack and use it when you need to charge several devices in a hotel room, cafe, or airport lounge.
Who should buy the Nano Travel Adapter
The Nano Travel Adapter is a great fit for anyone who travels frequently and needs a simple way to keep their gadgets charged. It is especially useful for people who prefer to travel light, because it eliminates the need to carry multiple chargers and plug adapters. If you are a business traveler who only carries a phone, laptop, and earbuds, the adapter can handle all of those devices at once by using the USB ports and the AC outlet.
It is also a good choice for families on vacation. Instead of packing a wall charger for every member of the family, you can bring one Nano Travel Adapter and a few cables. The two USB-C and two USB-A ports allow multiple devices to charge at the same time, while the AC outlet can be used for a camera battery charger or a small power strip if needed.
On the other hand, if you need to charge a laptop directly via USB-C, the 20W port will not be sufficient. In that case, you may want to look for a travel adapter with higher power delivery, or simply use the AC outlet with your laptop's original charger. The Nano Travel Adapter is not designed for high-wattage devices, so it's important to set your expectations accordingly.
For most travelers, the Anker Nano Travel Adapter offers a strong combination of portability, charging capacity, and compatibility. At $19.99, it is an affordable addition to any travel kit. The current discount matches its best price to date, making this a good moment to buy if you have been considering a universal travel adapter.
Source: The Verge News