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Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. I'm currently in the final stages of putting my kit together for a 100km walk across northwestern Spain, and one thing that I'm definitely going to need is a universal charger (I live in the UK, so the sockets are different in Europe). I'll need something that'll handle charging my phone, power bank, headlamp, iPad, satellite messenger, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and other bits and pieces. Also: I replaced my MacBook charger with this compact wall unit - and wish I'd done it sooner It needs to be lightweight yet reliable, because I'm going to be carrying it with me to the albergue, cafe, train, bus station, and airport. Over the past few months, I've been testing (then subsequently using) the Baseus EnerCore CG11 6-in-1 universal travel adapter, and it's turned out to be the best-engineered travel adapter in the medium-sized category I've used so far. On first blush -- and this is what fooled me initially -- the EnerCore CG11 looks like any other travel adapter I've used. It's a palm-sized cube measuring 3.3 x 2.2 x 2 inches and weighing around 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 in the US, Europe, Asia, or Australia, this unit has you covered. The rating, 70W, is emblazoned on the front. 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 big devices like MacBook Pros that are normally connected to beefy chargers, albeit at a slower rate. If you're lugging this around in a suitcase or backpack, ounces matter. They might not when you're sitting at home or in a coffee shop, but take it on the road and you'll quickly understand. Given that the EnerCore CG11 uses the latest GaN transistors, which are more compact and power-efficient than older silicon semiconductors, you might wonder why the unit only produces 70W. Well, that's because the engineers left room for a USB-C cable. Also: I replaced my smartwatch with Garmin's new sleep tracker for weeks - here's my verdict 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. The retractor has 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. I've found this cable particularly useful, and both the cable and the retractor has withstood the test of time. On the bottom of the unit are three more USB ports: one USB-C port with a maximum output of 60W, another USB-A port with a maximum 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. 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). I've lost count of the times when a charger has come loose from the wall and aborted my charging efforts. 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 they fit better into the ports. Also: The weirdest tool I own is also one of the most useful (and it's $10 on Amazon) 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. Surge-protection aside, the unit is packed with safety features, including a fused 10A supply (it comes with a spare fuse), overload, overvoltage, overheating, and short-circuit protection, and it is built from fireproof polycarbonate. Also: The SSD gadget that keeps my private data secure (while making me feel like James Bond) Why I recommend this product First, the price is right. Right now, the Baseus EnerCore CG11 is only $36, 28% off the full price of $50, making it a steal for a universal travel adapter of this quality. The EnerCore CG11 is also just well-engineered and has a good build. 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, which make it stand out among a sea of travel adapters.
