Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Wherever I go -- whether I'm traveling in the UK or abroad -- I bring a universal travel adapter with me. They're the perfect companion to keep my gadgets charged up with their compact form and selection of ports.
Over the past few weeks, I've been testing the Baseus EnerCore CG11 6-in-1 universal travel adapter, and it's turned out to be the best-engineered travel adapter I've used so far.
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On first blush -- and this is what fooled me initially -- the EnerCore CG11 looks like any other travel adapter. It's a palm-sized cube measuring 3.3 x 2.2 x 2 inches and weighing half a pound, with a few levers on the side and a variety of ports. It is compatible with pretty much every power outlet worldwide and every voltage and frequency you'll encounter. Whether you're un the US, Europe, Asia, or Australia, this unit has you covered.
Emblazoned on the front is the rating: 70W. That doesn't sound like a lot in the face of chargers that go to 140W and beyond, but it's fine for the majority of devices, and will charge, albeit at a slower rate, big devices like MacBook Pros that are normally connected to beefy chargers.
Given that the EnerCore CG11 uses the latest GaN transistors, which are more compact and power efficient than older silicon semiconductors, you might be wondering why the unit only pushes out 70W. This is because the engineers wanted to leave room for a USB-C cable.
Yes, that's right, this universal travel adapter has its own built-in, retractable 27-inch USB-C cable that comes out of one side of the unit. The cable is flat and braided, very resistant to wear. On the retractor are five length presets and it's overall very smooth and reliable. It can also handle 70W maximum on its own, perfect for low- and high-draw devices.
The built-in cable means no one can "borrow" it! Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
On the bottom of the unit are a further three USB ports, one USB-C with a maximum output of 60W, a USB-A port also with a maximum power output of 60W, and another USB-A port good for 5W, perfect for low-draw devices. Using all four ports, the unit can push out a maximum of 60W.
USB ports galore! Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
But that's not even everything. Most universal travel adapters I've tested have the AC prongs coming out of the middle of the unit, which can make the unit top-heavy in some AC outlets (I'm looking at you, EU outlets). This can also cause the unit to dangle from the outlet, which can result in disconnections. Baseus solved this by putting the prongs near the top, so it fits into the ports better.
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The adapter is also marketed as "cruise approved," which means the unit doesn't have built-in surge protection -- a feature considered to be a fire hazard on cruise ships -- and is designed to fit into low-clearance cabin outlets.
Perfect fit in every power outlet I've tried. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Surge-protection aside, the unit is packed with safety features, from a fused 10A supply (it comes with a spare fuse), overpower, overvoltage, overheating and short-circuit protection, and is built from fireproof polycarbonate.
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Why I recommend this product
First, the price is right. Right now, the Baseus EnerCore CG11 is only $36, which is a steal for a universal travel adapter of this quality.
The EnerCore CG11 is also just so well engineered and nicely put together. The location of the AC prongs might seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference to the usability of the adapter. The retractable USB-C reel is also super handy, and it means I've always got a cable on hand (and it's not one anyone else can "borrow" and forget to bring back!).
Overall, I recommend this adapter for its thoughtful design features that make it stand out in a sea of travel adapters.