Travel power strip solves the problem of different socket type and the need to have multiple sockets at the same time. The idea is to ensure that we have enough electricity sockets no matter what is available in our hotel room. Also, some power sockets in some hotel rooms are located in really tricky spots and it’s not really convenient having to reach it every single time. Good travel power strip is supposed to provide all-in-one solution to all these problems.

I tested two products of travel power strips from Kickstarter: Trix and Mogicks Bagel. Two products taking entirely different design approach in trying to solve our travel problems with wall sockets.

Trix is a palm-sized travel power strip from a company named Trix Point. The palm-sized design allows us to grab and hold this unit using one hand. The exact size of this product is 11 cm x 11 cm x 4.5 cm. It offers 3 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for charging. The USB ports can supply up to 25W combined, and they support QC 2.0 charging technology. A recent visit to Trix website now shows 3 versions of USB ports: quick charge, 20W and 10W. From the specifications, it seems that the unit I received from Kickstarter reward is the quick charge.

For the socket type, Trix is available in type A (US), type F (EU), type G (UK), type I (AU) or universal sockets. The cable length is 1 m or 1.5 m and the cable is permanently attached to the main unit. There’s an optional magnetic ring to allow us to attach Trix in any location with metal (that contains iron, cobalt or nickel). We can choose black, red or white design for the product.

Mogicks offers two different products for travel power strip: donut and bagel. Probably not the most unique name, but that’s how their product looks like: a ring-like power strip with a hole in the centre. Donut power strip comes with US sockets and Bagel power strip comes with universal sockets. The cable is 93 cm and can be rolled into the power strip as part of the design. It also has 2 USB ports delivering 2.0 A fast charge. Thanks to its super compact design (8.2 cm diameter and 3.2 cm thickness), we can even put Bagel inside our front-pocket without having to worry about loose cable. All tucked in.

Just by reading the specs, it would seem that Mogicks Bagel is a better product for travel as it’s more compact and offers better portability. It was also my initial guess before I received both products.

I received Mogicks Bagel several weeks before I received Trix. Indeed I was impressed with how small Mogicks Bagel is. However… I was soon disappointed with the build quality. To be fair, there is nothing severely broken with my Bagel, but the overall look and feel does not give me the confidence to use it. The connection between the cable and wall plug does not feel sturdy. Plugging my chargers with AU plugs to its universal outlet does not give the firm-and-secure feeling. I take safety issue seriously, especially related to electricity, and it does not look like something I will plug into my wall socket and leave unattended. And that defeats the whole purpose of having it as a travel power strip.

Trix power strip is noticeably bigger. But on the bright side, it also feel significantly sturdier. I plugged various cables and devices to its sockets and get the firm-and-secure feeling. Sure it’s not as portable as Bagel, but I choose a product I feel confident on when it comes to electricity.

Again, there is nothing actually broken with my unit of Mogicks Bagel. This lack of confidence could be something very subjective and somewhat baseless. There is a fair chance that both products are equally safe to use. After all, there are some safety certifications they have to pass before they can sell the products.