If you have international travel on the horizon, keeping your devices charged is one of the most important logistics. Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is currently on sale for $19.99, down from its regular $26 price, and that matches the lowest price we’ve tracked. It’s available in black at Amazon, Best Buy, and Anker’s own store, with a promo code required at Anker’s checkout. For a compact adapter that covers more than 200 countries and regions, it’s an easy buy for anyone who wants a single travel companion for multiple gadgets.
Key facts at a glance
- Price: $19.99 (was $26)
- Ports: two USB-C, two USB-A, and one AC outlet
- Max USB-C output: 20W
- Prong types: four built-in sets for global compatibility
- Size: about one inch thick with prongs folded; weighs 3.8 ounces
- Voltage conversion: No, the adapter does not convert voltage
A true all-in-one travel adapter
The most frustrating part of traveling abroad is arriving at your destination and realizing your charger doesn’t fit the wall outlet. Many travelers solve that by buying a different adapter for each country or carrying a bulky universal adapter that’s heavy and awkward. Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter takes a different approach. It includes four built-in sets of prongs, so you can switch from a North American plug to a European, UK, or Australian plug without needing separate attachments. That makes it suitable for trips across Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and many other parts of the world.
According to Anker, the adapter covers more than 200 countries and regions. That’s a broad claim, but it means the adapter is ready for most common travel destinations. If you’re someone who flies frequently for work or leisure, having one small adapter that works in many places can save space and reduce the risk of forgetting a country-specific converter.
Five devices at once
One of the biggest selling points is the ability to charge up to five devices at the same time. The adapter has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a three-prong AC outlet. This mix of ports means you can plug in a phone and earbuds via USB-C, an older device via USB-A, and still have the AC outlet available for a laptop charger, camera charger, or another accessory that uses a standard wall plug.
The USB-C ports are especially useful because more devices are moving to USB-C every year. A single USB-C port can deliver up to 20W, which is enough to charge a smartphone at a reasonable speed. For example, a modern iPhone can go from zero to about 50 percent in less than 30 minutes when connected to a 20W charger, assuming the phone supports fast charging. That’s not the fastest charging speed available today, but it’s perfectly adequate for overnight charging or for topping up during a layover.
What about laptops?
If you’re hoping to charge a laptop directly from the adapter, you may be disappointed. At 20W, the USB-C ports don’t provide enough power for most full-sized laptops, especially gaming laptops, 16-inch MacBook Pros, or Windows ultrabooks that require 45W, 65W, or more. However, you can still charge a laptop by plugging its own wall charger into the AC outlet on the adapter. This is a practical workaround for travelers who need to power a laptop but don’t want to carry a completely different universal adapter. It also means you can use multiple devices at once without overloading the USB ports.
For smaller electronics, the 20W output is more than enough. Phones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, power banks, handheld gaming consoles, and Kindles will charge without any trouble. If you’re carrying a tablet like the iPad, a 20W charger is close to what Apple recommends for standard charging, so you won’t feel like the adapter is slowing you down.
Design and portability
The Nano Travel Adapter is designed to be as portable as possible. It’s only about one inch thick with the prongs folded in, and at 3.8 ounces, it weighs less than most smartphones. You can slip it into a jacket pocket, a backpack side pocket, or even a large wallet. The prongs fold neatly into the body, which helps protect other items in your bag from scratches and also makes it easier to pack.
The adapter’s compact size is one of its best features. Many universal travel adapters are bulky, with multiple hinged prongs that stick out awkwardly. Anker’s version keeps everything contained, so it looks like a small power cube rather than a complicated gadget. The build quality is also typical of Anker, meaning the adapter feels solid and durable without being heavy.
Voltage caveat you need to know
One important thing to remember is that the Nano Travel Adapter does not convert voltage. It only changes the physical shape of the plug so you can fit your device into a foreign outlet. If you plug in a device that isn’t dual-voltage, you could damage it or even start a fire. This is especially relevant for high-power appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, electric razors, and some kitchen gadgets.
Most phone chargers, laptop chargers, and other small electronics are dual-voltage these days, meaning they can handle 110V and 220V input. But you should always check the label on your device before plugging it in. If it says something like “Input: 100-240V,” you’re fine. If it only says “120V” or “110V,” you should not use it with the Nano adapter in countries that use 220V outlets. For travelers who need a voltage converter for appliances, this adapter is not the right tool.
Why Anker’s adapter stands out
Anker has built a strong reputation for making affordable, reliable charging accessories. The company started with portable batteries and wall chargers, and over the years it has expanded into power strips, cables, wireless chargers, and travel accessories. The Nano Travel Adapter benefits from that experience. It’s not just a simple plug adapter; it’s also a multi-port charger, which is why it costs more than a basic mechanical adapter. You’re paying for the convenience of having both prong compatibility and multiple charging ports in one device.
Compared to other travel adapters in the same price range, the Nano offers a good balance of portability, output, and number of ports. Some adapters include only one USB-C port and one USB-A port, which can be limiting if you’re traveling with multiple devices. Others are larger and heavier because they include more ports or a higher wattage output. The Nano’s 20W output is modest, but it keeps the device small and affordable. If you frequently need to charge a laptop, you might want to look for a higher-wattage travel adapter with USB-C Power Delivery at 65W or more, but those are usually bigger and more expensive.
Who should buy this
This deal is ideal for casual travelers, vacationers, and anyone who wants a simple, reliable way to keep their phone and earbuds charged while abroad. If you mostly carry a phone, a tablet, an e-reader, and a power bank, the Nano Travel Adapter covers all of those devices. It’s also great for families, because the multiple USB ports let everyone charge their devices at the same time using just one wall outlet.
On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad who works from cafés and needs to charge a MacBook Pro or a Dell XPS while on the move, the 20W output might not be enough for your primary laptop. But even then, you can use the AC outlet to plug in your laptop charger. That means you don’t have to carry a separate travel adapter for your laptop, though you will still need to pack the laptop’s bulky charger.
Practical buying advice
If you decide to pick up the Nano Travel Adapter, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the deal is available in black at multiple retailers, but the price may vary by color or store. At $19.99, it matches the best price we’ve seen, so there’s no need to wait for a lower discount. If you buy directly from Anker, you may need to enter a promo code at checkout to get the discount. At Amazon and Best Buy, the reduced price should apply automatically.
Second, you’ll need to bring your own USB cables. The adapter doesn’t come with cables, so make sure you pack USB-C and USB-A cables that fit your devices. Third, remember that the adapter has a maximum output of 20W on a single USB-C port. If you plug in several devices at once, the total power is shared across the ports, so charging speeds may be slower when multiple devices are connected. That’s normal for a compact travel adapter.
Finally, keep in mind that this adapter is designed for travel and may not be suitable for everyday home use. It’s small and lightweight, which is great for packing, but it doesn’t have surge protection or a long cord. For home use, you might prefer a standard wall charger or a power strip. But for international trips, the Nano Travel Adapter is a convenient and affordable solution.
Anker’s Nano Travel Adapter is one of those products that solves a small but annoying problem. Instead of juggling multiple plug adapters and charger bricks, you can carry one compact device that fits outlets in more than 200 countries and has enough ports to keep your essential gadgets powered. At $19.99, it’s also priced low enough that you can buy one for travel and keep another in your bag for emergencies. With the prong sets built in, the USB-C and USB-A ports, and the AC outlet, it delivers a lot of functionality in a pocket-sized package. If you’re preparing for an upcoming trip and don’t want to think about plug compatibility, this deal is worth grabbing before it returns to its regular price.
Source: The Verge News