Best Power Strips and Surge Protectors to buy

surge protector

When you’ve got a bundle of gadgets to plug in – from PCs and TVs to phone chargers – a reliable power strip with surge protection is worth its weight in gold. Below we’ve rounded up the 15 best power strips and surge protectors available online.

Each pick combines multiple AC outlets with protective features (and often USB charging) to keep your gear safe and powered. We’ve mixed home, office, and travel-friendly models, including smart strips, compact designs, and heavy-duty units. Let’s jump in!

Table of Contents

1. Anker 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

This Anker power strip earns its title as a best overall pick. It packs 12 AC outlets (with a smart layout so bulky plugs don’t block each other) plus 3 high-speed USB ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) for charging.

The USB-C port supports 20W Power Delivery – handy for fast-charging newer phones (it brought an iPhone 15 from near-dead to 50% in ~26 minutes in testing). With 2,100 Joules of surge protection on tap, it’s built to shield your devices from voltage spikes.

Anker’s 8-point safety system (surge suppression, overload cutoff, fire-resistant casing, etc.) offers peace of mind against electrical mishaps. We also love the low-profile flat plug and the 5-ft heavy-duty cord, which make placement easy behind furniture. Whether it’s your PC, gaming console, or home theater, this strip can handle a full desk or entertainment setup without breaking a sweat. (Ideal for home offices, gaming stations, and anyone needing lots of outlets with USB fast-charging.)

2. Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip (with USB Ports)

For simple, wallet-friendly power management, this Amazon Basics 6-outlet strip delivers the goods. Don’t let the compact size fool you – it provides a respectable 1,000 Joule surge protection rating to guard against spikes.

You get 6 AC outlets plus 2 USB-A ports built in, perfect for charging phones or tablets alongside your lamp or laptop. It has a convenient 6-foot cord and a flat on/off switch with a green LED that indicates your devices are grounded and protected.

Users report it’s a “reliable, clear-cut power strip” that’s great for preventing outlet overloads in a home setting. Spacing between outlets is a tad tight (large plugs may be a squeeze), but for everyday use of standard cords it’s no problem.

If you need an affordable surge protector for a small setup – say a nightstand, kitchen counter, or dorm – this Amazon Basics strip is up to the task. (Ideal for basic home use, small electronics, and budget-conscious buyers.)

3. Tessan Flat Plug Travel Power Strip – 4 Outlets + 3 USB

Packing for a trip or working in a tight space? The Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord is a compact lifesaver. It expands a single wall socket into 4 widely spaced AC outlets plus 3 USB ports (including one USB-C) – plenty for a laptop, phone, tablet, and more. Despite offering up to 900 Joules of surge protection, it’s remarkably portable: small enough to slip in a laptop bag and even mountable (holes on the back let you hang it on a wall or desk).

The low-profile 45° flat plug hugs the wall, so furniture can push up almost flush. Tessan’s design really shines in travel and remote work scenarios – our source was able to pack it in a laptop bag and power a mini workstation on the go.

Multiple USB outputs mean you can leave extra chargers at home. Overall, this is a versatile little power strip that adds outlets where you need them, without bulk. (Ideal for travel, hotel stays, coffee shop work sessions, or any small-space setup.)

4. Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector (8-ft Cord, 3,940 Joules)

Belkin’s 12-outlet surge protector is a tried-and-true workhorse for home or office. It features 12 AC outlets arranged in a long, low-profile strip – with widely spaced sockets to fit large “brick” adapters without crowding.

This unit provides a hefty 3,940 Joule surge absorption capacity, meaning it can take the hit from big surges and spikes (exactly what you want safeguarding expensive PCs, TVs, or appliances). It also includes sliding safety covers to keep dust out of unused outlets and a clip-on cable organizer to route cords neatly.

The build is slim enough to tuck behind furniture or under a desk, and the 8-foot cord with flat plug gives flexibility in placement. Belkin backs this strip with a $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty insurance for 2 years, demonstrating its confidence in the protection it provides. If you need a high-capacity surge protector for a full media center or office, this Belkin model has you covered. (Ideal for home theaters, large workstations, and safeguarding high-value electronics.)

5. BESTEK 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip (4 USB Ports)

This Bestek surge protector is a clever under-desk or workshop companion. It offers 8 total outlets, including 2 spaced apart specifically for bulky plugs (no more one charger hogging two outlets).

Additionally, 4 smart USB ports (shared 4.2A) auto-detect your devices to charge each as fast as possible. While its surge protection is rated at a modest 600 Joules, it shines in practical use: the strip handled powering an 8,000-BTU window A/C unit in testing without tripping, thanks to a robust 15A circuit breaker.

The lighted on/off switch doubles as an overload reset, and the unit’s 5-foot cord is plenty for most desks. Bestek even integrates a 15A circuit breaker to cut power on overloads and shield your gear. In short, this strip is great for organizing a single workstation or hobby bench with lots of devices – you get charging for phones/tablets and outlets for your gear in one. (Ideal for office desks, crafting tables, or any setup with mixed AC devices and USB gadgets.)

6. One Beat 6-Outlet Surge Protector (Side-Mounted Outlets + USB)

The One Beat 6-outlet strip puts a fun twist on power strip design. It has 6 AC outlets (900 Joule surge protected) in a space-saving layout – 2 on the front and 2 on each side of the bar. This clever arrangement prevents oversized plugs from crowding each other and helps reduce cord tangles, since cables can run out different sides.

On top of that, you get 3 USB charging ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) built in. Despite its compact size (and a cord as short as 1 ft on some models), it packs standard safety features like an illuminated power switch and 15-amp circuit breaker to cut off if overloaded. One Beat also uses “auto-detect” tech to optimize charging for whatever devices you plug into USB.

This one is perfect for desktops and workstations. The side outlets make it easy to plug in devices without all cables bunching in one spot. It’s not designed for large appliances, but for everyday electronics, it performs like a champ. (Ideal for office desks, dorm rooms, or anywhere you want a compact strip with tangle-free cord management.)

7. Addtam 5-Outlet Wall Charger Surge Protector (with USB-C)

Need to upgrade a standard wall outlet? The Addtam Wall Charger Surge Protector transforms any single socket into a mini power hub. It plugs directly into the wall, giving 5 AC outlets (three on the front, two on the sides) plus 4 USB ports – including 1 USB-C and 3 USB-A – all in one compact adapter. Impressively, it carries a 1,800 Joule surge protection rating, which is surprisingly high for a wall-mount unit.

A small LED indicator on the front lets you know that surge protection is active and grounding is correct. This Addtam extender is perfect for kitchens, bedrooms or travel, where you might only have an outlet – it saves space by eliminating the need for a separate strip on the floor. You can charge phones, tablets, or cameras via USB (the USB-C delivers up to 3.1A for faster charging), while still plugging in lamps, appliances, etc.

Note that the outlet prongs face downward (since it plugs in), so chunky plugs can overlap – but that’s a minor gripe for the convenience it adds. Overall, this is a super handy gadget to have around the house for extra outlets and surge protection without any cords. (Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or adding outlets in tight spots – also great in travel bags for hotel stays.)

8. JACKYLED 12-Outlet Surge Protector Tower (with 6 USB Ports)

If conventional strips won’t cut it, this Jackyled power tower offers a creative solution for multi-device setups. It’s a vertical tower with 12 AC outlets arranged on four sides, plus 6 USB charging ports (including 2 USB-C and 4 USB-A) around the top. The design is superb for a shared table or conference – everyone can plug into the tower from different angles. Each “tier” of outlets has its own power switch, so you can toggle groups of devices on/off independently (an easy way to cut power to some devices and save energy).

The Jackyled tower provides 1,050 Joules of surge protection and a built-in 13A circuit breaker, enough to guard typical office electronics. A really neat feature is the retractable 6.5 ft cord that winds into the base – you pull out only as much cord as needed and reel it up to avoid slack. There’s even a carrying handle on top for moving the tower around.

In testing, it proved excellent for collaborative workspaces with numerous gadgets, although it’s noted that this isn’t intended to be a permanent, heavy-duty supply for sensitive gear (more of a convenient charging hub). If you want a space-saving way to deliver power on a desktop or meeting table, Jackyled’s tower is a winner.

Ideal for conference rooms, co-working tables, workshops, or creative studios with many devices in use.

9. CRAFTSMAN 6-Outlet Magnetic Power Strip (2 USB Ports)

For garage and workshop gurus, the Craftsman Magnetic Power Strip is a dream come true. It includes 6 standard outlets and 2 USB charging ports in a sturdy strip that’s designed to stick onto metal surfaces.

Thanks to two strong rubber-coated magnets on the back, you can slap this strip onto the side of a tool chest, cabinet, workbench, or any steel surface – it holds tight without scratching the paint. It can also be wall-mounted vertically or horizontally via keyhole slots. An LED power switch on top glows to indicate when the strip is on. Keep in mind, this unit is not a surge protector (there’s no internal MOV, and no circuit breaker) – it’s essentially a convenient outlet multiplier for heavy-duty environments.

The build quality is solid, with a heavy 6.5 ft cord that feels durable for workshop use. If you primarily need outlet expansion and handy mounting rather than surge suppression (for example, powering drills, chargers, fans, etc., where your main supply might already be protected), this Craftsman strip excels. It keeps power outlets within arm’s reach wherever you need them in the garage. (Ideal for workshops, garages, and tool benches – great for power tool use and placement on metal surfaces.)

10. Tripp Lite “Protect It!” 12-Outlet Surge Protector (8-ft Cord, 2880J)

Tripp Lite has been a trusted name in power protection for decades, and their Protect It! 12-outlet strip shows why. It offers 12 widely spaced outlets (4 of them spaced extra apart for big transformers) and a beefy 2,880 Joule surge suppression rating – the highest in our roundup. In practical terms, that means it can absorb multiple surges over time and keep working longer before needing replacement.

In fact, this model uses Tripp Lite’s fail-safe circuitry that will automatically shut off power when its surge protection wears out, so it won’t continue delivering unprotected power unknowingly. The strip has an 8-ft cord with a space-saving right-angle plug, making it easy to situate behind furniture. As a bonus for home theater setups, it includes in/out coax connectors for cable/satellite lines and telephone/Ethernet jacks, giving those lines surge protection too.

Tripp Lite backs it with a substantial equipment insurance (often $150k+ warranty). If you have a lot of valuable electronics – multiple monitors, a desktop, printer, network gear, etc. – this protector can handle it. It’s UL-listed and built to absorb serious surges (even lightning-level spikes up to a point). (Ideal for high-end gaming rigs, office electronics, and home theater systems where maximum surge protection is needed.)

This Kasa Smart HS300 is not just a surge protector – it’s a smart home upgrade. It features 6 individually controllable outlets that you can turn on/off via Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Kasa app. Have a lamp, fan, or speaker you want to automate? Plug it in here and control it with your voice or phone (“Alexa, turn off the desk fan”).

The strip also has 3 USB ports for charging, and yes, it provides surge suppression (ETL certified) to protect your gear from spikes. What sets the HS300 apart is its smart features: you can set schedules or timers for each outlet, monitor each outlet’s energy usage via the app, and even group outlets with other Kasa devices to act together.

For example, automatically turn off all your home office devices at midnight. It’s rated 15A/1875W total, with a sturdy 6-ft cord. In a real-world test, one user managed a turtle habitat’s heat lamps and pad on schedules using this strip – it worked flawlessly to automate non-smart devices.

Essentially, the HS300 combines a power strip, surge protector, and Wi-Fi smart plug into one. It’s perfect for tech enthusiasts or anyone looking to add convenience and energy savings to their setup. (Ideal for smart homes, home offices, or anyone who wants to voice-control or schedule their plug-in devices.)

12. APC Performance P11U2 Surge Protector (11 Outlets, 2 USB, 2880J)

APC’s SurgeArrest strips are legendary, and the P11U2 model shows why. It provides 11 outlets (one of the highest outlet counts) with a robust 2,880 Joule surge protection rating. That means strong defense against power disturbances – a good choice if you live in an area prone to outages or lightning surges. Uniquely, it also includes 2 USB charging ports built in, so you can charge mobile devices without needing extra adapters. The unit’s design features a flat 90º wall plug and an 8-ft cord for flexible placement.

APC also incorporates status LEDs and a fail-safe mode: if surge components are exhausted by a massive surge, the strip will disconnect power to ensure no excess voltage reaches your gear. With APC’s decades of expertise, the P11U2 comes with a connected equipment protection policy (often covering tens of thousands of dollars). It’s an ideal all-around protector for home offices, AV systems, or workbench areas where you have lots of devices. Additionally, it’s UL-certified and designed to completely cut power if wiring is improper (Protect/Ground OK indicators ensure it’s safe). In short, you get trustworthy surge protection with ample outlets and the convenience of USB charging – truly a high-capacity solution. (Ideal for large offices, server or networking racks, and anyone needing many outlets protected in one unit.)

13. Anker Nano 6-in-1 Charging Station (2 AC, 4 USB – 67W USB-C)

This Anker Nano Charging Station is a hybrid of a power strip and a high-speed USB charger, all in a sleek, compact form. It provides 2 AC outlets for your laptop or lamp, but its real strength is the 4 USB ports – 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A – which together output up to 67W of charging power. That’s enough to fast charge a MacBook Pro 13″ to 100% in under 2 hours. One USB-C can deliver 45W and the other 20W (with PPS tech for optimal phone charging), so you could charge a laptop and phone simultaneously at high speed. The entire unit is slim and uses a flat 0.35″ plug with a 5-ft thin cord for a low-profile setup.

It’s perfect for a modern desk or minimalistic nightstand where you want to both power devices and charge USB gadgets without clutter. Anker built this with sustainability in mind too – the shell uses 75% post-consumer recycled plastic. Importantly, it still provides standard surge protection (900J rating and overload cut-off) to guard connected devices, and Anker covers it with a $200,000 lifetime connected-equipment warranty for confidence.

If you’re tired of big bulky strips and separate chargers, the Anker Nano 6-in-1 is a streamlined solution that tidies up your charging life. (Ideal for minimalist desks, bedside charging hubs, or travel where you need high-speed USB charging and a couple of outlets.)

14. CyberPower CSP600WSURC2 Wall Tap Surge Protector (Swivel Outlets + USB)

The CyberPower CSP600WSURC2 is a unique wall-mounted surge protector designed for tight spaces. It plugs directly into a wall receptacle and gives you 6 AC outlets – arranged in two banks of 90-degree swiveling plugs that you can rotate to the sides.

This means you can angle your cords to hug the wall or fit behind furniture with ease. Despite its compact form, it’s rated for 1200 Joules of surge protection and even includes 2 USB charging ports for your mobile devices. All 6 outlets are surge-protected and grounded, with an LED to indicate protection status. This adapter is excellent for behind TV stands, dressers, or kitchen counters, where a traditional strip wouldn’t fit.

By turning the outlet banks outward, bulky chargers can sit parallel to the wall rather than jutting straight out. Users love how this design clears up floor space and reduces cord clutter – one review praised the secure fit and the convenience of swiveling outlets in cramped spots. It essentially transforms an ordinary outlet into a 6-plug charging station with protection against surges and spikes.

If you have a wall outlet hidden behind a sofa or in a corner, the CyberPower swivel tap can maximize its utility while keeping cords low-profile. (Ideal for wall outlets behind furniture, tight apartments, or anyone who wants more outlets without a floor strip – great for entertainment centers and kitchens.)

15. Jgstkcity Desk-Clamp Power Strip (5 Outlets, 6 USB, 1200J)

Rounding out our list is a power solution for your desktop itself: the Jgstkcity Desk Clamp Power Strip. This unit firmly clamps to the edge of your desk (fits surfaces up to ~2 inches thick) so you have outlets and USB ports within arm’s reach.

It provides 5 AC outlets on the top and side, plus a total of 6 USB charging ports – uniquely, 4 are USB-C PD ports (each up to 20W) and 2 are USB-A (Quick Charge 3.0). In other words, it’s a 40W fast-charging station for your phones, tablets, and even smaller laptops, integrated right into a surge protector. The strip is ETL-listed with 1200J surge protection to guard your PC and monitors. It also has a 6-foot flat-plug cord that trails down to your wall.

The idea is to eliminate crawling under the desk – you can plug and unplug devices easily from the clamp-mounted hub. According to the product info, it keeps your workspace tidy and your chargers handy, which is a win-win. One thing to note: your desk needs ~0.4–0.5″ clearance from the wall for the clamp screw, and the clamp can be removed if you want to surface-mount it elsewhere. If you’re the type with multiple devices at your desk (laptop, phone, headset, lamp, etc.), this can simplify your life by bringing power right to you. (Ideal for standing desks, gaming stations, or any desk setup with lots of gadgets – it organizes power delivery and charging in one convenient spot.)

Conclusion & Tips for Choosing

Whether you need a heavy-duty surge protector for expensive electronics or a travel-friendly power strip to charge on the go, the options above have you covered.

Remember to consider the joule rating (higher is better for surge defense – aim for thousands of joules for sensitive or pricey gear), the number and layout of outlets (widely spaced or rotating outlets help with big plugs), and any extra features you’ll use (like USB ports, smart controls, or mounting options). For home offices and entertainment centers, investing in a quality surge protector is a smart move to safeguard against power spikes. For simpler needs or travel, a compact strip with basic protection will suffice.

In any case, replace surge protectors every few years as their components wear down with each surge event – and unplug devices during severe lightning storms as a failsafe. By picking one of the top performers above, you’ll get convenience, safety, and peace of mind for all your plugged-in essentials. Happy powering!

Last update on 2024-11-21 using Amazon Product Advertising API.

Disclaimer: My content is reader-supported, meaning that if you click on some of the links in my posts and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links help me keep the content on stage.gauravtiwari.org free and full of valuable insights. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe will genuinely benefit you. Your support through these links is greatly appreciated—it helps me continue to create helpful content and resources for you. Thank you! ~ Gaurav Tiwari