A low-quality AC adapter holds the power to ruin the most expensive gadgets at your home. To prevent such an ordeal, join us as we take you through this comprehensive buyer's guide and teach you exactly how to buy these adapters.

AC stands for alternating current, and DC stands for direct current. We use both these types of current in our everyday life. While the power from your wall socket is AC, the power used in devices such as computers is DC. An adapter helps us convert AC to DC to power up our devices. 

A barrel connector is a type of output connector you will find in most AC adapters. It comes in many variations, but the most commonly used one is the DC plug. A barrel connector plug is shaped like a hollow tube, and while its socket is also similar-looking it has a metal pin inside.

The first thing you want to check when buying an AC adapter is what output plug it uses. Most adapters use a barrel connector plug or some type of USB plug. Even if the adapter you want does not come with a compatible output plug type, you can usually find converters that can be attached to it to make it compatible. 

Voltage is another important factor to consider when figuring out the compatibility of an adapter, so it is best to go for an input voltage of 100V-240V. You also need to check the DC output voltage of an adapter to ensure it matches the input DC voltage of the device you want to connect with it. 

An adapter's input and output voltages can be found in the product description, and the input DC voltage of most devices can be found in their user manual or product label. You can also use online guides to walk you through the process of checking voltage compatibility. 

You should look for features such as overcurrent and short-circuit protection in an AC adapter. This will ensure your device’s safety, potentially saving you a lot of money in repairs. You can see what protection features an adapter has by going through its product description. 

It is best to measure the cable length you need before buying an adapter. When picking an AC adapter, ensure the cable length is slightly longer than what you measured. This way, setting up the adapter will be much easier. You can usually find the cable length in the product description.

We only chose compact AC adapters for our list. This way, portability and ease of storage are ensured. You can check the compactness of an AC adapter by looking at its product description, where the dimensions are usually stated. 

All of the products on our list are very easy to use and require next to no setup. This will save you time and effort in the long run. The adjustable SHNITPWR AC adapter from our list even has a knob controller and an LCD to make it easier to use. You can get a good idea of how easy to use your new AC adapter is by sorting through customer reviews.

The first spot on our list is taken by this AC adapter by TMEZON. Coming with a whole host of safety features under its belt, it has over-current and over-voltage protection to keep your devices safe. It also features short circuit protection and a compact design, making it portable and easier to store. 

This option has an AC input range of 100V-240V and a DC output rating of 12V at 2 amp. This large range means it will be compatible with a majority of devices. A great feature of this AC adapter is its eight foot long cord, which can prove handy. While there’s a lot to like about this pick, the protection features and compact design are definitely the aspects that have earned this adapter the first spot on our list.

This AC adapter pack by R-Tech is the runner-up on our list as it contains five black adapters. This pick has an input of 100V-240V with an output rating of 12V at 1 amp, so it will work well with most devices such as CCTV cameras and speakers. 

Each adapter in this pack has a cord length of 4.6 feet, making it easier to connect far away devices. Featuring a standard plug which works with DC12V devices, you also get a 30 day refund policy and a standard US based warranty.

This AC adapter brought to you by Excelity comes with seven extra plug converters alongside its standard output plug. This allows you to use it with a wider array of devices by simply popping on the compatible adapter. Featuring an input voltage rating of up to 240V, it has a cord length of 3.3 feet for your convenience as well as safety features like overheat, over-voltage, and over-current protection.

Also compact, it’s easy to carry and store.

AILKIN has brought us this super fast AC adapter charger pack which includes three adapters. It supports an input voltage of 100V-240V, and you can also use it to charge two phones simultaneously as it has two USB ports. This pick comes in 11 different color options, so you can match it with your phone’s color theme. 

Also featuring over-heat and over-current protection to protect your phone, another cool feature of this pick is how it stops charging once the power of your device is full. Compact enough to take it with you on the go, this pick is widely compatible as it can work with most devices such as iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and even LG Box!

This AC adapter by SHNITPWR is a beast thanks to its six foot cable length and high versatility. This pick comes with a staggering 14 plug converters, including a micro USB and Type-C option, making it a great option for DIY projects. Allowing you to choose between a 72 W and 36 W option, this adapter is adjustable and allows you to customize the voltage output to be compatible with different devices. 

Featuring helpful add-ons like over-current and over-heat cut-off protection that work to keep your devices safe, this option also comes with a reverse polarity converter. There is also an LCD built-in, which tells you the output voltage so you can better regulate it.

The voltage of an adjustable AC adapter can be changed to make it compatible with different devices. This makes it perfect for DIY projects.

You should only use a compatible adapter rating with your device. Otherwise, it can damage your device.

A polarity converter reverses the internal polarity of an adapter, so it should only be used with compatible devices. Using it as an extension can cause damage to your device.