What's the difference between a wall charger and an adapter?
Wall charger basics
A wall charger (also called a power brick or AC adapter) converts AC power from a wall outlet into DC power your device needs. It typically has a USB port or a built-in cable. The term 'adapter' is sometimes used interchangeably, but strictly speaking, an adapter changes plug shape or voltage.
For example, a travel adapter lets you plug a US device into a European outlet. A power adapter for a laptop converts AC to DC and often includes the plug. Many phone chargers are just wall chargers with a USB port.
When you need an adapter
You need a plug adapter when traveling to a country with different outlet shapes. You need a voltage converter if your device isn't dual-voltage (most phones and laptops are). A wall charger alone won't fit a foreign outlet without a plug adapter.
Some wall chargers have interchangeable plugs or come with adapters. Always check the input voltage on your charger; if it says 100-240V, it works worldwide with just a plug adapter.
- Wall charger: converts AC to DC for your device
- Plug adapter: changes plug shape only
- Voltage converter: changes voltage for non-dual-voltage devices
- Travel adapter: often combines plug and voltage conversion
Common mistakes
- Thinking a plug adapter also converts voltage.
- Using a voltage converter when a simple plug adapter would suffice.
- Calling a USB port on a laptop an adapter.
