These two get confused constantly, but they solve different problems — using the wrong one can damage a device or simply not work at all.
A Travel Adapter Changes the Plug Shape, Not the Voltage
A travel adapter lets a plug with one shape physically fit into a different country's outlet — it does nothing to the actual voltage or current passing through. If your device is already dual-voltage, an adapter alone is all you need.
A Voltage Converter Changes the Actual Power
A voltage converter steps power up or down for devices that aren't dual-voltage and would otherwise be damaged by the wrong voltage — hair dryers, some older electronics, and single-voltage appliances typically need one.
Check Your Device's Label Before Deciding
Most modern laptop/phone/camera chargers print something like "Input: 100-240V" on the charger brick — that means they're dual-voltage and only need a plug adapter.
Fast-Charging GaN Adapters Solve a Different Problem
A GaN travel adapter is about charging speed for already-dual-voltage electronics — it's not a converter, and won't help a single-voltage appliance that actually needs voltage stepped down.
Power Converters carries voltage converters, universal plug adapters, and GaN fast chargers — check your device's voltage label first, then match it here.
Quick Check Before You Buy
- Read your charger's voltage input range before assuming you need a converter
- Dual-voltage devices need only a plug adapter, not a converter
- Single-voltage appliances need an actual converter
- A GaN fast charger speeds up compatible electronics, it doesn't convert voltage