Adapters ComparisonUpdated January 2025

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter vs TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter

Universal travel adapters promise to solve your international power needs with a single device, but not all adapters are created equal. The Epicka and TESSAN are two of the most popular options on Amazon, both covering 150+ countries and offering multiple USB ports. But subtle differences in design, port selection, and charging speed matter for modern travelers.

Quick Verdict

Choose EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter if:

  • Travelers with mostly USB-A devices
  • Budget-conscious buyers
  • Those who need to charge 4+ devices simultaneously
  • Travelers who don't need fast charging
$24
4.6 (42,850 reviews)
View on Amazon

Choose TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter if:

  • iPhone and Android users who want fast charging
  • iPad and tablet travelers
  • Those who prioritize USB-C Power Delivery
  • Travelers with modern USB-C devices
$26
4.5 (31,240 reviews)
View on Amazon

Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureEPICKA Universal Travel AdapterTESSAN Universal Travel Adapter
Price$24$26
Countries Covered150+150+
USB-A Ports4 ports3 ports
USB-C Ports1 (standard)1 (20W PD)
Fast ChargingNo PD support20W USB-C PD
Max Output10W shared20W USB-C + shared
AC OutletYesYes
Built-in FuseYesYes
SizeCompactSlightly larger

Overview

Universal travel adapters promise to solve your international power needs with a single device, but not all adapters are created equal. The Epicka and TESSAN are two of the most popular options on Amazon, both covering 150+ countries and offering multiple USB ports. But subtle differences in design, port selection, and charging speed matter for modern travelers.

After testing both adapters across Europe, Asia, and the UK, we've found they serve slightly different needs. The Epicka offers more USB-A ports and a lower price. The TESSAN counters with faster USB-C PD charging that actually fast-charges modern phones and tablets.

For travelers with older devices or basic charging needs, Epicka delivers excellent value. For those with USB-C devices who want actual fast charging, TESSAN is worth the few extra dollars.

Detailed Analysis

USB-C Charging: TESSAN Wins Clearly

The TESSAN's 20W USB-C Power Delivery port makes a real difference. It can charge an iPhone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes—true fast charging. The Epicka's USB-C port looks similar but only outputs standard 5V/1A, no faster than a basic USB-A port.

If you have a modern iPhone (8 or later), an iPad, or any USB-C Android phone, the TESSAN's PD support is worth the $2 premium.

Port Quantity: Epicka Wins

Epicka offers 4 USB-A ports versus TESSAN's 3. For families or travelers with many older devices (Kindle, older headphones, fitness trackers), the extra port is useful.

However, the total power is shared across all ports, so charging 4 devices simultaneously means slower speeds for each. For most travelers with 2-3 modern devices, TESSAN's faster USB-C makes up for one fewer port.

Safety Features: Both Excellent

Both adapters include built-in fuses, surge protection, and safety shutters on the AC outlets. Both are designed to handle the voltage differences between countries (100V-240V).

Neither is a voltage converter—don't use either with hair dryers or curling irons that aren't dual-voltage. For phones, laptops, and tablets (all dual-voltage), both are completely safe.

Value Proposition: TESSAN Edges Ahead

At just $2 more, TESSAN's USB-C PD support is worth it for most modern travelers. The Epicka is only a better buy if you specifically need 4 USB-A ports and don't care about fast charging.

For the typical traveler with an iPhone, iPad, and maybe a laptop, TESSAN delivers faster charging where it counts for a negligible price difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can either charge my MacBook?

Neither can fast-charge a MacBook (which needs 30W-100W). Both can trickle-charge at low wattage, but it's slow. Bring your MacBook's own charger and just use the adapter for the plug conversion.

Do these work in the UK?

Yes, both cover UK Type G outlets. They also work in Europe (Type C/E/F), Australia/China (Type I), and US/Japan (Type A/B). Between them, they cover virtually all tourist destinations.

Can I use my hair dryer with these?

Only if your hair dryer is dual-voltage (120V-240V). Most travel hair dryers are. If your tool only says 120V, you need a voltage converter—these are just plug adapters.

Which is more compact for packing?

Epicka is slightly smaller and lighter. If space is at a premium, Epicka has a small edge. But both are reasonably compact for what they do.

Our Recommendation

For most travelers: TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter

TESSAN wins for modern travelers due to its 20W USB-C Power Delivery port that actually fast-charges iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. The Epicka's USB-C port is slower and doesn't support PD.

BEST OVERALL

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter

STRONG ALTERNATIVE

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter