A surge protector is vital if you want to keep your electronics safe from electrical power spikes. The latest models have more than just a few outlets, as well as smart connectivity and energy-monitoring features.
In addition to controlling a surge protector from your smartphone, some of the top-rated protectors have added safety features, coaxial connectors, and adjustable cords for added convenience. Check out our list for a top-of-the-line surge protector for every home, office, and budget.
At a glance:
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Strip
Today’s best surge protectors don’t just protect electrical devices, they also enable all kinds of useful connections. This excellent TP-Link strip, for example, has six smart outlets that can be individually controlled with an app, giving protection while allowing you to customize devices, set schedules, and automatically turn them on or off. It’s also compatible with voice commands via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Cortana. Three USB ports provide alternative connections for charging other devices, too.
If all this wasn’t enough, this power strip also has energy monitoring features, measuring how much power everything is consuming so you can decrease power use, if necessary. You can also check out our larger list of the best smart surge protectors for more like this.
APC Desk Mount Power Station
This professional U-shaped protector is designed to hook onto the edge of a desk, for much easier access than trying to position a strip on the floor (you can also put it over a cubical wall, etc.) It provides 18 joules of surge protection. This model is also one of the few available with a USB-C charging port, as well as two USB-A ports for other connections, making it a great fit for many offices.
Teckin Smart Power Strip
Teckin has a competitive smart power strip that you can control via app, perfect for larger entertainment systems or complex computer layouts. You can set timers and other settings for each individual outlet, as well as setting shut-off times to fully power down/up the power strip and save energy. In addition to compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, the strip also works with IFTTT, ideal for those who prefer the customizable platform for their smart gadgets.
Belkin BE112230-08 12-Outlet
With many years of experience working with outlets and plug-in solutions, Belkin has experience making durable surge protectors. This 12-outlet model is a great professional piece with multiple options for cord length, sliding safety covers, and a 3,940-joule energy rating that’s high enough to protect even the largest office equipment. There are also detachable cord clips to route all your cords through for better organization.
Tripp Lite 10-Outlet
Tripp’s contribution is a “home and office” surge protector suitable for various electronic setups. Its handy LED diagnostic lights keep you posted about outlet status, and a built-in splitter can turn one RJ11 jack into two for a modem, fax (hey, some people still use them), or telephone/DSL line. We especially liked that four of the outlets provide enough space to fit more awkwardly-shaped adapter plugs.
This cord measures a standard eight feet long. You can also choose a version with coaxial connectors to protect your coaxial TV connections.
Belkin 6-Outlet SurgeMaster Wall Mount
This Belkin version has a wall mount option for setups that aim to raise the surge protector off the floor. Just plug the model into a wall outlet for six individual, protected outlets, each with a substantial 1,045-joule rating. It’s not appropriate for use with large appliances, but it’s an excellent choice for garage worktables, kitchen counters, office desks, and the like. This cord measures a standard eight feet long, and you can choose a coaxial connector model that protects any coaxial TV connections you may have.
Globe Electric 7732001 6-Outlet
Most surge protectors don’t give you any positioning choices, but the Globe Electric outlet has a vertical swivel that lets you adjust your outlets’ direction. This impressive feature helps you optimize your space by simultaneously organizing several cords. Despite its small size, the Globe Electric is compatible with hefty electronics, which is another perk. You can choose between six- or eight-outlet models.
Anker 12-Outlet Power Strip
This power strip from Anker has plenty of safety features, a sizable number of outlets, and a lengthy 6-foot cord that allows you to power devices no matter where they are in the room. This surge protector has 12 AC outlets, which is more than enough for most people to connect all their devices. It also comes with three USB-A ports that are perfect for plugging in your phone and other mobile devices. Anker claims its surge protector can charge your phone faster than the original brick, cutting the time you need to connect your phone in half.
Aside from that, it has the standard safety features you would want in a surge protector. There is an LED indicator to let you know when your devices are protected, as well as an automatic shutoff to help protect them from overload. For $30, it’s a solid deal too.
360 Electrical Revolve
Sometimes it is difficult to wrestle all your cables into the proper position to hook into a surge protector, and that’s when something like the 360 Electrical Revolve comes in extra handy. This surge protector has four AC outlets that fully rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise, allowing you to position the outlet where it is most convenient to connect your device.
It comes in a compact form factor and includes an LED light to indicate it is receiving power. The only downside to the Revolve is it only has four ports. However, if you have a lean office setup that still requires fiddling with cables, the 360 Electrical Revolve is an excellent solution.
Peace by Hampton Smart Surge Protector
If you’re looking for a fast and straightforward way to upgrade some of your devices to smart home material, this smart surge protector from Peace by Hampton may be an excellent choice for you. With this smart surge protector, you can control lights and small appliances. With the app, it’s easy to check the status of your devices, whether you’re home or away, turn them on or off, and even create a schedule for them.
The smart surge protector also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to include devices in your existing smart home setup seamlessly. This power strip comes with 4 AC outlets and 2 USB ports. The surge protector also has built-in Wi-Fi, and it doesn’t require a hub to connect.
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