The 10 Best AC to DC Power Converters

Updated December 10, 2018 by Christopher Thomas

We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. Many modern portable devices are driven by DC power, but the juice that comes out of your wall socket is AC. So you will need one of these converters to ensure that gadgets without the requisite built-in electronics, such as your handheld car vacuum or mini RV refrigerator, don't explode when you plug them into a mains source. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best ac to dc power converter on Amazon.

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10. Jianyi Driver

With an IP67-rated construction, the Jianyi Driver can withstand moisture that would cause other units to fail immediately. It's perfect for applications in or around water, such as pool lighting, pond features, and general outdoor use in wet climates.

Uses bare wire leads
Automatically detects input current
Requires some skill to install

Brand	JIANYI
Model	pending
Weight	2.9 pounds
Rating	4.0 / 5.0

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9. Sout Socket

If you're not looking for a ton of current, the Sout Socket may be all that you need, and it's small enough to pocket and take anywhere at a moment's notice. It's compatible with 110 and 220 volts, either of which comes out of the main socket stepped down to 12.

Usb quick-charge port
Money-back guarantee
Won't work with heaters or fridges

Brand	Sout
Model	pending
Weight	2.4 ounces
Rating	4.4 / 5.0

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8. Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power

Considerably beefier than most, the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power acts as a DC station and charger for devices and batteries inside your motor home. It protects your investments by no longer feeding connected cells when it detects their capacity to be full.

Microprocessor-controlled operation
Produces a constant filtered current
Meant for use only with an rv

Brand	Progressive Dynamics
Model	pending
Weight	5.7 pounds
Rating	4.0 / 5.0

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7. Samlex SEC-1235M

The Samlex SEC-1235M looks and feels like a professional-grade unit, and it performs at much the same level. It accepts both single- and dual-phase inputs, though you'll have to access an internal jumper to select the appropriate one.

Works with 50- and 60-hz systems
Very precisely regulated
Voltage is not variable

Brand	Samlex
Model	SEC-1235M
Weight	4.3 pounds
Rating	3.9 / 5.0

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6. TekPower TP50SW

A wealth of useful features makes the TekPower TP50SW one of the highest-performing models available. It has a dual-mode, switchable analog meter, allowing you to keep an eye on the flow, and its overload protection circuit will prevent disaster in the event of a surge.

Binding posts and a lighter socket
A nearly unrivaled 750-watt maximum
One of the most expensive

Brand	Tekpower
Model	TP50SW
Weight	7 pounds
Rating	4.2 / 5.0

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5. Pro-Elec Battery Eliminator

Consisting of an on-off switch, two posts, and a selector knob, the Pro-Elec Battery Eliminator is extremely simple, but for low-power needs, it does a great job. This is partially due to its high-quality regulator, which is nearly on a par with high-end, benchtop units.

Variable output from 3 to 12 volts
High-efficiency operation
Limited to a maximum of 2 amps

Brand	PRO-ELEC
Model	pending
Weight	15.2 ounces
Rating	4.2 / 5.0

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4. VacPlus Adapter

Ideal for many handheld appliances originally built for in-car use, the VacPlus Adapter comes in 6- and 10-amp versions, both equipped with a convenient, 7-foot-long cord. It's not just versatile, though; it's also one of the most affordable.

Built-in thermal failsafe
Two-year exchange guarantee
Integrated overheating prevention

Brand	Vacplus
Model	USVA113*10P
Weight	1.2 pounds
Rating	4.0 / 5.0

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3. Belker Universal

Built with small electronics in mind, the Belker Universal comes with 8 interchangeable plugs: 7 of the barrel variety, and one micro USB. At under twenty dollars, it's a cost-effective way to replace lost or damaged wall warts.

Voltage selection key
Protected from overheating
Automatic short circuit shutoff

Brand	Belker
Model	BK-UA-30
Weight	6.4 ounces
Rating	5.0 / 5.0

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2. TekPower TP30SWII

While it's marketed to ham radio operators, the TekPower TP30SWII can fill many different roles, thanks in part to its variable output. The socket maxes out at 10 amps, but the unit can push a whopping 30 amps through its bare wire connectors.

Built to minimize interference
Adjustable noise offset
Engineered to mitigate ripple

Brand	Tekpower
Model	FBA_TP30SWII
Weight	5.5 pounds
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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1. Roypow C180

Capable of handling more current than almost anything else its size, the Roypow C180 is highly reliable, and it doesn't even cost very much. It can drive high-energy devices that most cannot, including portable refrigerators and air compressors.

Ultra-quiet built-in fan
Dynamic 11- to 14-volt output
Backed by an 18-month warranty

Brand	Roypow
Model	pending
Weight	1.1 pounds
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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Editor's Notes

December 06, 2018: Generally speaking, only large appliances operate directly on AC power, so if you want to use your DC-driven gadgets on wall electricity, you'll need the right converter. If all you're doing is re-purposing, say, a car-oriented vacuum, fridge, or seat warmer, the Roypower is almost impossible to beat. Ham radio enthusiasts and anyone who frequently uses very sensitive electronics should consider either TekPower, or the Samlex. We located one of the more effective outdoor and high-humidity models in the Jianyi, and the Progressive Dynamics model is an incredibly powerful unit designed for installation in RVs, motor homes, and mobile trailers.

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Last updated on December 10, 2018 by Christopher Thomas

A traveling chef, musician, and student of the English language, Chris can be found promoting facts and perfect copy around the globe, from dense urban centers to remote mountaintops. In his free time he revels in dispelling pseudoscience, while at night he dreams of modern technology, world peace, and the Oxford comma.

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