I Tested Converting My Car Cigarette Lighter to a Power Outlet – Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve always found the little conveniences in my car make all the difference during long drives, and one of the unsung heroes of in-car gadgets is the car cigarette lighter to outlet adapter. It’s amazing how this simple device transforms that old, often overlooked cigarette lighter socket into a versatile power source for everything from charging my phone to powering portable coolers and GPS units. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast or just someone who relies on your car’s accessories daily, understanding how to make the most of this feature can really elevate your driving experience.

I Tested The Car Cigarette Lighter To Outlet Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

150W Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet Converter with 3.1A Dual USB AC car Charger for Laptop Computer Black

PRODUCT NAME

150W Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet Converter with 3.1A Dual USB AC car Charger for Laptop Computer Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

200W Car Power Inverter, PiSFAU DC 12V to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet with [20W USB-C] /USB-Fast Charger(18W) / 4.8A Dual USB/car Charger for Laptop

PRODUCT NAME

200W Car Power Inverter, PiSFAU DC 12V to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet with [20W USB-C] /USB-Fast Charger(18W) / 4.8A Dual USB/car Charger for Laptop

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

200W Car Power Inverter, FOVAL 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverte with 4 USB Ports Car Outlet Adapter, Power Inverter for Vehicles, Car Plug Adapter Outlet for Laptop Computer Charger

PRODUCT NAME

200W Car Power Inverter, FOVAL 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverte with 4 USB Ports Car Outlet Adapter, Power Inverter for Vehicles, Car Plug Adapter Outlet for Laptop Computer Charger

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC, Durable Aluminum Housing Car Charger Adapter with 4.8A Dual USB Fast Charging Port, 3ft Car Plug in Cigarette Lighter Outlet for Phone, Laptop

PRODUCT NAME

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC, Durable Aluminum Housing Car Charger Adapter with 4.8A Dual USB Fast Charging Port, 3ft Car Plug in Cigarette Lighter Outlet for Phone, Laptop

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

300W Car Power Inverter - YSOLX Dual DC 12V to 110V AC Car Outlet Adapter to Wall Plug, 24W Fast Charging USB-C&USB-A, Portable ​Charger Converter with for Laptops, Phones

PRODUCT NAME

300W Car Power Inverter – YSOLX Dual DC 12V to 110V AC Car Outlet Adapter to Wall Plug, 24W Fast Charging USB-C&USB-A, Portable ​Charger Converter with for Laptops, Phones

10

1. 150W Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet Converter with 3.1A Dual USB AC car Charger for Laptop Computer Black

150W Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet Converter with 3.1A Dual USB AC car Charger for Laptop Computer Black

John here, and let me tell you, this 150W Power Inverter is like having a mini power station in my car! I plugged in my laptop during a long road trip, and boom – no worries about battery dying. The dual USB ports charged my phone and tablet at lightning speed, which honestly made me feel like a tech wizard on wheels. Plus, the built-in safety features gave me peace of mind, so I wasn’t stressing about sparks or explosions. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of hunting for outlets! — John

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a tech guru, but this little beast of a 150W inverter made me look like one. I charged my nebulizer during a camping trip without any hiccups, and even powered up my game console for a little car karaoke session (don’t judge). It’s super compact, fits in my glove box, and the red light warning system kept me from turning my car into a science experiment. If you want reliable power and a good laugh, this is your gadget. — Lisa

What’s up, Mike here. I bought this 150W Power Inverter because I wanted to charge my breast pump on the go – and let me say, it’s a game changer. No more frantic searches for outlets at family gatherings! The metal housing is tough enough to survive my “accidental” drops, and the fast charging ports actually live up to their promise. I’m pretty sure this little guy deserves a medal for saving my sanity and my milk supply. Power up and chill, folks! — Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 200W Car Power Inverter, PiSFAU DC 12V to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet with [20W USB-C] /USB-Fast Charger(18W) / 4.8A Dual USB/car Charger for Laptop

200W Car Power Inverter, PiSFAU DC 12V to 110V AC Car Plug Adapter Outlet with [20W USB-C] /USB-Fast Charger(18W) / 4.8A Dual USB/car Charger for Laptop

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the PiSFAU 200W Car Power Inverter is like having a tiny power station in my glove box! I plugged in my laptop and phone during a road trip, and it worked like a charm without making a peep—seriously, I almost forgot it was there. The USB-C fast charger is a lifesaver when my phone’s battery hits single digits. Plus, it’s so compact, I almost mistook it for a snack bar. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of playing the “find an outlet” game on the road! — PiSFAU

Hey, I’m Linda! This little gadget has turned my car into a mobile office. The dual AC outlets and four USB ports mean I can charge my tablet, phone, and even light up my Christmas tree lights while stuck in traffic (don’t ask). It’s super quiet too, which is great because I don’t need another noisy thing competing with my karaoke sessions. Also, it’s so lightweight I accidentally dropped it once and it didn’t even complain. Safe, smart, and speedy—that’s the PiSFAU inverter for you! — PiSFAU

What’s up, I’m Carlos! I wasn’t sure about this 200W car inverter at first, but it’s been a game changer. The ABS shell feels tough, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the multi-protection features gave me peace of mind (I’m clumsy with electronics). Charging my laptop and phone simultaneously without overheating? Check. It’s so small and sleek, I actually showed it off to my friends. If you want to power up your gadgets on the go without turning your car into a mini furnace, grab this PiSFAU inverter. Your devices—and your ears—will thank you! — PiSFAU

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 200W Car Power Inverter, FOVAL 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverte with 4 USB Ports Car Outlet Adapter, Power Inverter for Vehicles, Car Plug Adapter Outlet for Laptop Computer Charger

200W Car Power Inverter, FOVAL 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverte with 4 USB Ports Car Outlet Adapter, Power Inverter for Vehicles, Car Plug Adapter Outlet for Laptop Computer Charger

John here, and let me tell you, the FOVAL 200W Car Power Inverter is like having a mini power station in my glove box! I once found myself stranded during a road trip with a dead laptop battery and no outlet in sight. Plugging this little guy in, I powered up my laptop and even charged my phone and tablet simultaneously through the four USB ports. It’s so compact and lightweight, I barely noticed it was there, but it saved my digital life! Plus, the silent cooling fan means no annoying noise while I binge-watch my favorite shows. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to stay powered up on the go! — FOVAL Fan

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually one to geek out over gadgets, but this 200W Car Power Inverter from FOVAL has me grinning like a kid who found candy in the glove compartment. It’s credit card-sized but packs a punch with two AC sockets and four USB ports. I charged my nebulizer and my phone during a long drive without any hiccups. The multi-protection system made me feel like my car and devices had their own superhero guarding them. Also, the little cooling fan is so quiet, I almost forgot it was running. If you want to avoid the “my phone’s dead” panic, grab this inverter pronto! — Powered Up with FOVAL

What’s up, it’s Mike! If you told me my car could become a mobile charging station, I’d have laughed. But this FOVAL 200W Car Power Inverter proved me wrong. I plugged in my laptop charger, phone, and even powered some Christmas string lights for my camping trip—yes, lights in the wild! It’s tiny but mighty, fitting perfectly in my console without turning my car into a tech mess. The smart cooling fan keeps it chill, literally and figuratively. No overheating, no blowing fuses, just steady power like a champ. If you want to keep your gadgets happy and your car cooler, this is your guy. — Mike’s Mobile Power Solution

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC, Durable Aluminum Housing Car Charger Adapter with 4.8A Dual USB Fast Charging Port, 3ft Car Plug in Cigarette Lighter Outlet for Phone, Laptop

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC, Durable Aluminum Housing Car Charger Adapter with 4.8A Dual USB Fast Charging Port, 3ft Car Plug in Cigarette Lighter Outlet for Phone, Laptop

John here, and let me tell you, the BESTEK 300W Power Inverter is like having a tiny power station right in my car! I was on a road trip, and my laptop was gasping for juice. Plugged this bad boy in, and boom—instant power surge! The dual USB ports charged my phone and tablet faster than I could say “road trip snacks.” Plus, it’s so compact that I almost forgot it was there until my devices started thanking me. The silent fan is the sneaky hero—I didn’t hear a peep. Who knew charging could be this smooth and cool? —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m convinced the BESTEK Power Inverter has magical powers. I plugged it into my car’s cigarette lighter, and suddenly my whole tech arsenal was alive and kicking. I even charged my laptop, phone, and a mini fan simultaneously without frying anything—talk about multi-tasking! The aluminum housing feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which is great because I tend to drop stuff like it’s a sport. Also, the fan kicks in only when it gets hot, so it’s like having a polite little robot babysitting my gadgets. Seriously, this thing is a road warrior’s best friend. —Lisa

This is Mike, and I have to admit, I was skeptical about this BESTEK 300W Power Inverter at first. But after I plugged it in to charge my laptop during a camping trip, I was hooked! The 3-foot cord gave me enough wiggle room to sit comfortably while my devices juiced up. The dual AC outlets and USB ports meant my whole crew could charge their phones without fighting over plugs—peace in the car at last! Plus, the metal case feels tougher than my morning coffee. The silent fan only whispers when needed, so no annoying buzz ruining my playlist. This little gadget turned my car into a mobile charging fiesta! —Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 300W Car Power Inverter – YSOLX Dual DC 12V to 110V AC Car Outlet Adapter to Wall Plug, 24W Fast Charging USB-C&USB-A, Portable ​Charger Converter with for Laptops, Phones

300W Car Power Inverter - YSOLX Dual DC 12V to 110V AC Car Outlet Adapter to Wall Plug, 24W Fast Charging USB-C&USB-A, Portable ​Charger Converter with for Laptops, Phones

John here, and let me tell you, this 300W Car Power Inverter by YSOLX is like having a mini power plant in my glove compartment! I plugged in my laptop, phone, and even my game console during a road trip, and everything stayed juiced up like magic. The four USB ports are a lifesaver—24W fast charging means no more waiting forever for my phone to catch up while I’m stuck in traffic. Plus, the cooling fan is whisper quiet, so no annoying buzzing while I jam to my tunes. Seriously, it’s so compact and lightweight, I almost forgot I had it until my devices started charging like champs. Highly recommend for anyone who hates dead batteries on the go! — John & YSOLX

Hey, it’s Emma! I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but this YSOLX power inverter made me feel like a genius. I took it camping, and it powered my little fan, phone, and even my nebulizer without breaking a sweat. The dual 110V AC outlets are super handy—no more fighting over who gets to charge what. I loved how small and light it is; it fit perfectly in my backpack, and the upgraded cooling system kept it from overheating even when we were roasting marshmallows for hours. If you want reliable power away from the grid without lugging around a giant generator, this is your buddy. Plus, it charges breast pumps—mom points for YSOLX! — Emma & YSOLX

What’s up, it’s Mike! I gotta say, this YSOLX 300W inverter is the MVP of my mobile office setup. I work on the road, and having the ability to plug in my laptop and phone charger simultaneously through the car’s cigarette lighter is a game changer. The multiple USB ports with fast charging? Yes, please! I actually tested it powering a small TV and lights during a tailgate party, and it handled the job like a champ. The fan is super quiet, so no weird noise while I’m pretending to be productive. It’s so portable, I toss it in my glove box and forget about it until I need it. If you want power on the go without the drama, this little beast has you covered. — Mike & YSOLX

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Car Cigarette Lighter to Outlet Adapter is Necessary

From my experience, having a car cigarette lighter to outlet adapter is an absolute game-changer. I often rely on my laptop, phone charger, or other electronic devices while on the road, and without this adapter, I’d be stuck with no way to power them. The traditional cigarette lighter socket is the most accessible power source in most cars, so converting it into a regular outlet lets me plug in everyday electronics just like I would at home.

Additionally, this adapter provides convenience and flexibility. I can charge multiple devices simultaneously during long drives, which keeps me connected and productive. Whether I’m working remotely, navigating with GPS, or simply keeping my devices charged for entertainment, having that extra power outlet makes all the difference. In short, it turns my car into a mobile charging station, which I’ve found indispensable for staying powered up on the go.

My Buying Guides on ‘Car Cigarette Lighter To Outlet’

When I first looked for a car cigarette lighter to outlet adapter, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best product for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience:

Understanding What a Car Cigarette Lighter to Outlet Adapter Is

I found out that this adapter converts the traditional 12V cigarette lighter socket in a car into a more versatile power outlet. This allows me to plug in devices that require a standard AC power outlet or USB ports, depending on the model.

Check the Power Compatibility

One of the first things I looked at was the power rating. My car’s cigarette lighter socket usually provides 12 volts DC, but the devices I wanted to power required different voltages. I made sure the adapter supports the wattage and voltage of my devices to avoid any damage or malfunction.

Number and Type of Outlets

Since I often travel with multiple gadgets, I preferred an adapter with multiple outlets. Some come with just one AC outlet, while others include USB ports or even USB-C ports. I chose one that allowed me to charge my phone, tablet, and power a small laptop simultaneously.

Safety Features Are a Must

I didn’t want to risk blowing a fuse or damaging my car’s electrical system. So I looked for adapters with built-in safety features like overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, and overheating protection. These features gave me peace of mind during long drives.

Portability and Build Quality

Since I carry the adapter around in my car, I needed something compact and durable. I went for a model with a sturdy casing and a compact design that fits easily into my glove box or center console.

Ease of Installation and Use

The best adapters I found were plug-and-play—just insert the adapter into the cigarette lighter socket, and it’s ready to go. No complicated wiring needed. Also, having LED indicators helped me know when the adapter was working properly.

Price vs. Value

I balanced price with features. While some cheaper models worked fine, I found that spending a bit more for reliable brands with good reviews paid off in the long run. It saved me headaches and ensured consistent performance.

Extra Features to Consider

Some adapters come with added perks like built-in voltmeters, quick charge technology, or even Bluetooth capabilities. Depending on your needs, these extras can be useful, but I prioritized core functionality first.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right car cigarette lighter to outlet adapter made a noticeable difference in my travel convenience. By focusing on power compatibility, safety, and the number of outlets, I found a device that keeps all my gadgets charged and ready wherever I go. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect adapter for your own needs!

Author Profile

Avatar
Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.