Our top three travel charging picks
Compare the right type: the first two picks charge USB devices directly. The Jackson also accepts a suitable two-pin Australian plug. Prices exclude delivery; check your destination and device requirements before buying.
J.Burrows 65W GaN
Our first choice from this shortlist for a compatible USB-C laptop, phone and accessories. Choose the Terminal 2 for a smaller phone-only kit, or the Jackson when you need to connect an existing two-pin charger.
The best travel adaptor is the one that matches what you actually pack. A USB travel charger can replace several charging bricks; a plug adaptor lets you connect an existing compatible appliance. They solve different problems, even when shops give them similar names.
This shortlist keeps the decision simple: laptop charging, phone charging, or a two-pin plug connection. None is a universal solution for every country, appliance or socket.
The shortlist at a glance
| Product | What it does | USB output | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.Burrows 65W GaN JBGAN65WUN |
USB travel charger | Up to 65W USB-C | $59.00 AUD |
| Terminal 2 20W TTW14364 |
USB travel charger | 20W PD / 18W QC | $39.95 AUD |
| Jackson PTAUSBAC PTAUSBAC |
Two-pin plug adaptor + USB | 12W shared USB total | $36.50 AUD |
The listed outputs are not interchangeable: port maxima and total shared power are different measurements. See the product notes below.
How we chose
We compared the exact models, accessible retailer specifications, price, purchase availability and charging use cases. These are research-based recommendations: we have not tested electrical safety, charging speed, heat, socket grip or long-term reliability. Retail availability alone is not proof of compliance, and we have not independently verified each model’s registration certificate.
Amazon Australia and eBay Australia were checked first, but suitable exact-product listings could not be verified. The buttons therefore link to the Australian retailer pages we could confirm.
1. J.Burrows 65W GaN Universal Travel Adaptor
The most useful choice here when a laptop is part of your travel kit.
The J.Burrows gives you a higher-power charging option without packing separate phone and laptop chargers. It is our overall pick for travellers whose computer supports USB-C charging at this power level.
The photographed unit labels its USB-C ports 65W and 20W, and its USB-A port 18W. Those individual labels are not a promise of their combined output. We could not verify a complete simultaneous-use power table from the accessible listing: check the instructions before relying on it to charge a laptop and phone together at full speed.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- Laptop-class USB-C output.
- Three ports for a mixed cable kit.
- Australian retail purchase and returns through Officeworks.
– Reasons to reconsider
- Shared-port allocation needs checking.
- Not a mains socket for plugging in appliances.
- More expensive than the phone-focused option.
Choose this one if: your laptop accepts USB-C charging and you want one charger for your main devices.
2. Terminal 2 Universal Travel Adaptor 2 USB PD 20W
A phone-first choice when you do not need laptop-class power.
JB Hi-Fi lists USB-C Power Delivery up to 20W, USB-A Quick Charge up to 18W and interchangeable AU, UK, USA and EU plugs. That makes it a practical option for a modest charging kit, provided your devices support the relevant charging standards.
It is $19.05 cheaper than the J.Burrows at the prices checked. The saving makes sense if your laptop stays home. The listing does not establish 38W combined output; do not add the two port ratings together. Its detachable plug heads also need a dedicated place in your bag.
The retailer displayed a one-star rating from one review when checked. That is too little evidence for a broad reliability conclusion, but it is worth reading before purchase; this recommendation is based on features and use case, not proven long-term durability.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- Useful phone charging through USB-C PD.
- USB-A port for existing cables.
- Interchangeable regional plug heads.
– Reasons to reconsider
- Not our pick for laptop charging.
- Combined output is not clearly established.
- Limited and negative customer-review evidence.
Choose this one if: your kit is mainly a phone, watch and earbuds, and you prefer a simpler charger.
3. Jackson PTAUSBAC Outbound Travel Adaptor
The useful alternative when you need a socket for an existing charger.
The Jackson fills a different role: its outlet accepts suitable two-pin Australian/New Zealand plugs, alongside two USB ports. PB Tech lists 5V/2.4A shared USB output, a 2.5A maximum mains rating and a 100–240V, 50/60Hz supply rating.
Choose it to keep using a compatible low-power charger rather than to obtain fast laptop charging from its own USB ports. It does not accept a standard earthed three-pin Australian plug. Its rating describes what it can handle; it does not change the mains voltage supplied to an appliance.
✓ Reasons to choose it
- An appliance-plug connection as well as USB.
- Compact option for an existing two-pin charger.
- Australian storefront with delivery listed.
– Reasons to reconsider
- No protective-earth connection.
- Basic 12W shared USB charging.
- 2.5A limit: unsuitable for many high-power appliances.
Choose this one if: you already own a suitable two-pin charger and need a travel plug connection.
Choose by your travel kit
- Laptop, phone and accessories: start with the J.Burrows. Check the laptop’s USB-C input requirement and the charger’s multi-port allocation.
- Phone, watch and earbuds: the Terminal 2 may be sufficient. Paying for higher output is worthwhile only if your devices can use it or your kit will grow.
- An existing two-pin charger: consider the Jackson, after checking the charger’s input label and the destination supply.
- A three-pin earthed appliance: none of these picks supplies a suitable earthed appliance outlet. Buy a destination-specific adaptor that maintains the required earth connection.
A plug adaptor does not convert voltage
The plug connection and the electricity supply are separate checks. A passive adaptor passes the destination’s mains supply through; a USB charger instead supplies regulated low-voltage power through its USB ports. Do not confuse either with a mains voltage converter.
Read the actual input label on every mains-powered item. A label such as 100–240V, 50/60Hz indicates a broad accepted supply range; a single-voltage label does not. Match voltage, frequency, plug type and rated load. If any detail is uncertain, ask the manufacturer before use.
Electrical Safety First’s travel guidance explains why voltage ratings, earthing and adaptor limits must be checked separately.
Do not choose from the wattage alone
A useful purchasing order is: check the device’s required charging standard, then the port’s supported output, then the cable, and finally the charger’s allocation when other ports are occupied. A USB-C connector by itself does not establish charging speed.
For a laptop, compare its manufacturer’s recommended charger with your intended travel setup. Leave headroom for the way you use it: charging while switched off is different from working under load. A lower-powered source may be adequate for overnight charging yet disappointing during work.
With multiple devices, look for an explicit output table. Neither the J.Burrows port labels nor the Terminal 2’s two headline ratings establish the combined result. The Jackson is clearer here: its listed USB total is shared. For background on charging interoperability, see USB-IF’s USB Power Delivery information.
Check the complete kit before departure
- List every device and the charger or cable it needs.
- Check the socket types used at each destination, including stopovers.
- Read the input and output markings on the actual equipment.
- Confirm any earth requirement and maximum load.
- Test the intended USB devices together before packing.
- Keep detachable heads and a spare tested cable in one pouch.
For a single-country trip, compare a compact country-specific adaptor plus your existing charger with a universal kit. The smaller purchase can be the better decision if it meets every requirement. Multi-country convenience is worth paying for when you will actually use it.
Australian electrical compliance
Energy Safe Victoria advises that USB chargers, travel adaptors and power supplies must be registered and carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark on the product. Check the actual unit, retain the receipt and use the regulator’s equipment search if the markings are unclear.
The EESS explanation of the RCM describes its role in electrical-safety and communications compliance. A familiar shop name or a logo in a listing does not replace checking the exact Australian-market model.
Hotel sockets and high-power appliances
Do not force a plug into a socket or use damaged outlets. Stop using a connection that crackles, smells burnt or fits insecurely. Keep equipment away from water and follow its ventilation instructions.
Hair dryers and other heating appliances need particular care. A travel plug does not resolve an incompatible voltage or an excessive load. Use a suitable local appliance, or confirm the complete arrangement with the manufacturer. Do not modify pins or stack adaptors to force a fit.
Frequently asked questions
Will these work in every country?
No. “Universal” is a convenience description. Check the exact plug heads or pins against your itinerary and accommodation; neither broad country claims nor a plug that appears similar guarantee compatibility.
Can I plug a powerboard into the Jackson?
A standard earthed Australian powerboard is not compatible with its two-pin outlet. Do not remove an earth pin or add another adaptor to make it fit.
Is 20W enough for my phone?
It may be enough for your needs, but check your phone’s supported protocol and charging requirement. Maximum advertised phone charging speeds can require a particular charger and cable combination.
Is the J.Burrows suitable for every laptop?
No. Confirm that your computer accepts USB-C charging and that the available output meets its needs. A powerful gaming laptop or a model using a proprietary connector may need its original charger.
Can I use these on a cruise?
Ask your cruise operator about its permitted equipment and cabin supply. Do not treat a retailer’s broad travel claim as approval for a particular ship.
What about airline baggage rules?
Check your airline’s current requirements. Keep wall chargers separate in your planning from power banks: the latter contain batteries and need their own packing checks.
Which is the best value?
Buy for the task, not simply the lowest price. The Terminal 2 saves money for a phone-focused kit. The J.Burrows is the more useful purchase if it can replace your laptop charger. The Jackson earns its place when an existing two-pin plug connection is what you need.
Our verdict
Choose the J.Burrows for compatible USB-C laptop travel. It is the most flexible USB charging choice in this shortlist, provided its shared-power arrangement meets your needs.
Choose the Terminal 2 for a lighter phone-focused kit. Read the limited customer feedback and check its simultaneous output before buying.
Choose the Jackson for a suitable existing two-pin charger. Its appliance socket is its reason to buy; fast USB charging and earthed appliances are not its strengths.
The right purchase should reduce the equipment you carry without creating a new compatibility problem.
Sources and price checks
- Officeworks: J.Burrows 65W GaN Universal Travel Adaptor
- JB Hi-Fi: Terminal 2 Universal Travel Adaptor 2 USB PD 20W
- PB Tech Australia: Jackson PTAUSBAC Outbound Travel Adaptor
- Energy Safe Victoria: buying safe electrical appliances
- EESS: Regulatory Compliance Mark
- Electrical Safety First: travel adaptor advice
- USB-IF: USB Power Delivery
Price and listing check: 18 September 2026. J.Burrows: $59.00 at Officeworks, with an add-to-cart listing; location-specific stock was not confirmed. Terminal 2: $39.95 at JB Hi-Fi, with delivery and Click & Collect listed. Jackson: $36.50 including GST at PB Tech Australia, listed in stock. Prices are AUD before delivery and can change. Confirm the model, local availability, supplied plug heads and instructions before purchasing.
Need a second opinion?
Ask Adrian before making the decision.
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