5 Best Surge Protectors to Keep the Power Going
Surge protectors are often overlooked as a necessity, but these days, everyone needs more outlets for more devices and it's important that they all be protected. In case of a lightning strike or an electrical issue, you want your devices to be protected from a powerful surge that can fry everything and ruin your devices completely. It also provides the freedom to put your devices where you want them, even if there aren't enough outlets in a particular spot. Below are the five best surge protectors around, and we've ranked them for you depending on your specific needs.
Bototek Surge Protector with 10 AC Outlets and 4 USB Charging Ports
Everything you'd want in a surge protector
These days, devices don’t always have the classic three-prong plugin and it may be easier to use the USB port. This surge protector has 10 AC outlets for your usual plugin, but also 4 USB charging ports for phones or anything else you might need. That’s a total of 14 plugins! It’s 6 ft cord can get most jobs done. This is great for a home office or common area.
Pros:
- USB ports
- Comes in black and white
- On/off switch
Cons:
- Outlets are packed closely together
Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
When you just need more outlets
Belkin has always been a trusted name when it comes to technology. This surge protector is no exception. Boasting 12 outlets, it’s great for an area with multiple devices like an entertainment system or home theater. It’s protected by a $300,000 connected equipment warranty. It has a 6,000V max spike voltage and a 3,940 Joule energy rating. This is great for the heavy duty jobs.
Pros:
- Comes with warranty
- 12 outlets
- 8 ft cord
Cons:
- Bulky if you don’t need so many outlets
ECHOGEAR Power Strip Surge Protector with 8 Rotating-Outlets
You can't keep these covered
This is by far the coolest surge protector, and I never thought I would say that sentence. The rotating outlets makes it impossible for one outlet to be blocked by a large AC adapter or any other kind of plug. It comes with cable management hooks to keep your cords from getting tangled. It has a 2160 Joule rating which is top of the line for 8 outlets.
Pros:
- Easy organization
- Rotating outlets
- Power rating
Cons
- Shape may make it difficult to hide well
Digital Energy 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
Don't pull it tighter, just get a longer cord
This digital energy surge protector may only have 6 outlets, but it has a 25ft cord that makes going the distance a breeze. This is perfect for when the outlet just isn’t in the right place in the room. It comes with an on/off switch as well. This surge protector has a 350 Joule rating and comes with a lifetime warranty. They make returns simple and fast.
Pros:
- Long cord
- Lifetime warranty
- On/off switch
Cons
- Not meant for use outside or in wet areas
AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip 2-Pack
You don't need to splurge to surge
When you just need a couple more outlets and don’t want to break the bank, this is the perfect surge protector for you. Getting two surge protectors at such a low price is unheard of. They have a two foot long cord which doesn’t get you far, but sometimes you have to let the plugin cords do the work. It comes in black and white and has a 200 Joule rating. This is perfect for small appliances like phones, lamps, or anything in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Price
- Great for appliances
- Comes in black and white
Cons:
- Isn’t meant for devices that need a lot of energy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of handling more joules?
Joules are a measurement of energy, so the more joules a surge protector can handle means it can provide energy to more devices or devices that require more energy. Though, having this ability can make a higher Joule rating more expensive.
Can you use these overseas?
It isn’t recommended to use these surge protectors overseas because those outlets have a different voltage and these surge protectors aren’t made for that.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.