The Best Surge Protectors For Gaming
If you have a gaming rig, chances are pretty good that one measly wall outlet isn't going to cut it. That's where surge protectors come into play. Surge protectors make sure the proper amount of electricity is flowing into your devices at all times and sport safety features to prevent an electrical surge from frying your gear. They also give you the added benefit of providing multiple outlets in one spot.
What to Look For
When you’re trying to decide which surge protector is right for you, some factors to consider are how many ports the protector has, how high its energy rating is, and how long its cord reaches. In our research, we found that Belkin’s twelve-port outlet took the cake in all of these regards. But its competitors, such as the USB-port-equipped Powrui surge protector, scored neck-and-neck for various reasons. Read on to discover which surge protector is the perfect complement to your gaming rig.
Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Ultimate protection
Belkin is our go-to name in the world of surge protection. Strong, sturdy, space-saving, and super effective, Belkin surge protectors offer fantastic value for the price and have helped organize countless gaming rigs. But they’re not just for gamers (obviously). These power strips come in various styles, some with as many as 12 AC outlets and additional USB ports. The cables are long, the operation is quiet, and the surge protection is rated for up to 3,940 Joules. Say goodbye to that nest of wires snaking through your house and consolidate everything with a Belkin power strip.
Pros
- The slim design doesn’t take up too much space, which is crucial to keeping your gaming station neat and tidy.
- This unit also features inputs for telephone, DSL, and cable lines, so it could serve as the central hub for your home’s telecommunications.
Cons
- The outlets in the middle row are spaced too closely together, though there are outer outlets for your bulkier plugs.
Powrui Surge Protector
Since we know you have multiple devices that need charging, we highly recommend this option from Powrui. Besides the six standard AC outlets, this pick sports two USB charging ports. That means you can juice up your phone and tablet without occupying those precious AC outlets. And for dealing with electrical surges, it has three complementary Surge Protection Units. An LED light turns on to indicate the surge protector is in Protection Mode when there is an electrical spike. After all, our precious phones deserve a little extra protection.
Pros
- It includes a hole in the center through which a screw affixes the unit to the outlet. Thanks to that, this unit won’t budge when you pull connected plugs out of it.
- The built-in USB ports are convenient because you don’t have to plug in a separate USB power block like you normally would.
Cons
- This won’t fit GFI outlets. Though these are less common, check to be sure that your outlets aren’t GFI before purchasing this protector.
GE Surge Protector
For those hard-to-reach outlets
GE makes a superior surge protector. When it comes to electricity, they know what they’re doing. This surge protector is best for plugging in a few devices far away from the outlet. There are three grounded outlets on this surge protector. The cord is the real draw here. It is eight feet long to give you plenty of distance. It is braided with a chevron pattern, which serves both form and function. The cord looks nice aesthetically, much better than the typical extension cord. The design also prevents the cord from tangling, so you won’t waste your time and energy untangling the cord.
Pros
- Measuring eight feet long, this cord can reach behind couches and other furniture.
- Plenty of surge protectors are downright ugly. This one’s simple design gives it a clean, tidy look.
Cons
- It only has three outlets, which means you’ll have to decide which three appliances are most in need of surge protection.
BN-Link 8 Outlet Surge Protector with Timer
Set it to your schedule
Remembering when to power on and off all your different lights and gadgets can be daunting. That’s why BN-Link designed their surge protector with a mechanical timer. With this power strip, you can choose to set a timed schedule that repeats every 24 hours. Perfect for fishtanks, reptile tanks, greenhouses, and other lights, the timer is easy to program and reliable. And if you don’t want to use the timer, you can easily bypass it with the flip of a switch.
Pros:
- Half of the outlets are controlled by the timer, while the other half are not. Thanks to that, you can choose which appliances you want to be always on and which should be timer-controlled.
- This is also great for those with indoor gardens, terrariums, and other time-sensitive operations.
Cons:
- The timer is mechanical, so it can be a bit noisy. Keep that in mind if you plan on using this surge protector in a room you’ll be sleeping in.
Echogear On-Wall Surge Protector
A brilliant pivoting design
It can be pretty frustrating to try to fit all your plugs into one surge protector, especially when the AC outlets are spaced so closely together that they render adjacent ones inaccessible. That’s why we adore the low-profile, pivoting design of the Echogear on-wall surge protector. It plugs straight into a wall outlet, and each outlet can rotate 90-degrees to accommodate even the bulkiest of plugs. It’s the perfect way to keep your computer station organized and neat without having to piece together a puzzle of wires, cables, and plugs.
Pros
- The unique design provides it with an unmatched level of versatility. The outlets can be rotated to accommodate oddly shaped furniture and the like.
- It certainly has a unique look, so it could add an interesting look to your gaming station.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this surge protector will probably cover your entire wall outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug two surge protectors into the same wall outlet?
While it is physically possible to plug two surge protectors into the same wall outlet, it is strongly discouraged to do so, particularly if you’re plugging in electronic devices.
What does the energy rating of a surge protector signify?
The energy rating of a surge protector signifies how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails.
What is the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
A power strip doesn’t absorb energy in the case of a power surge, but a surge protector does.
About the Author
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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.