The Best Power Strips for Gaming
Too many plugs, not enough outlets — such is the common plight of the gamer. You have a computer, monitor, speakers — the list goes on and on. Most rooms only have a few wall outlets. Luckily, the need for more outlets has been met with the invention of the handy electrical accessory known as the power strip, which provides extra outlets for all of your power needs. Determining which is the best power strip for you depends on how many devices you need to plug in at once, how far your gaming setup is from the wall outlet, and whether or not you need USB ports. We reviewed some of the best power strips out there to help you choose the right one for your gaming rig. Check out our top picks.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best power strips for gaming are compact, provide a generous amount of outlets, and keep your electronics safe from surges. If you’re looking for a vertical option, Jackyled’s power strip is a great choice. The power strip’s cord is retractable, so it’s ideal for smaller spaces. For those who need assurance that their gaming rig will be safe during surges and outages, consider APC’s power strip. It even features USB outlets so you can charge your phones, gaming controllers, and more. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Jackyled Power Strip
Space saving power
This is an innovative power strip from Jackyled. Instead of being horizontal, this power strip is vertical. The vertical tower design of this power strip gives it many advantages over the typical horizontal power strip. For example, it takes up less surface area on your floor or desk. In our humble opinion, it also looks cooler than the average power strip. Each layer of this power strip has its own power switch, so you can save energy by turning off power to the outlets you’re not using. There is enough space around every outlet to plug in bulky power adapters. The cord on this power strip is retractable, too, so you can adjust it to a length that won’t get in your way.
Pros:
- The tower design is a great space saver, and we found it useful for smaller desks and multiple users. There’s also enough space between the outlets for oddly shaped plugs.
- The adjustable and retractable power chord allows it to be placed virtually anywhere.
Cons:
- The USB ports are a bit underpowered, so they may not be best for power-hungry devices.
GE Power Strip
This is a solid power strip from GE. It has six AC outlets with a cord that is 10 feet long. That long cord gives you a lot of flexibility for where you put your gaming setup; you’re not limited to being a few feet from the wall outlet. The plug on the end of the cord is a flat plug, which ends up flush against the wall when you plug it in. This allows you to place furniture right up against the wall, as opposed to having to leave a big space to accommodate a bulky plug. Each of the outlets on this power strip has twist-to-close safety covers, so you can cover the outlets that are not in use and prevent anything else from getting in them.
Pros:
- The flat 10-foot cord allows for this power strip to remain hidden.
- The twist-to-close safety covers make this the perfect pick for parents who have little kids with curious fingers.
Cons:
- It does not come with USB ports.
APC Power Strip
This is a fantastic power strip from APC. It has 11 AC outlets as well as two USB ports for charging your USB devices. This power strip has an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which will keep your devices supplied with the right amount of power at all times. This power strip has a very high energy rating of 2880 joules. It also has a building wiring fault indicator that will alert you if there are wiring problems in the wall circuitry.
Pros:
- This power strip comes with an ample 11 AC outlets, making it an ideal pick for your office or home theater.
- This may be big, but it’s not bulky. The power strip is flat enough to be flushed against walls, and it’s mountable.
Cons:
- There are only two USB ports.
Superdanny Power Strip
This power strip from Superdanny has five AC outlets and three USB charging ports. The USB ports have smart Integrated Circuit (IC) technology; they automatically adjust the power output to be the appropriate amount for the device that’s currently plugged in. This power strip uses one piece of copper sheet for better conductivity and is made from fire-retardant material. There are two mounting holes on the back, so you can easily mount this power strip on the wall.
Pros:
- The slim design and two mounting holes make this power strip perfect for discreet placement.
- Unlike other power strips, the plugs are positioned to the side, so bulky plugs only need a single space.
Cons:
- There are only five AC outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an aesthetically pleasing way for me to use a power strip?
With the number of electronics utilized in the average home these days, most rooms are filled with a jungle of cords. While power strips help reduce the clutter, they can still look unsightly. However, there is a solution and a simple one on that: mount the power strip to the wall. A lot of people aren’t aware of this option, but if you look on the back of your power strip, you’ll likely see a set of mounting holes. To mount the power strip on the wall, simply hammer a nail into the wall and leave the head protruding slightly. Then hang the power strip on the nail using the mounting holes on the back. Depending on the weight of the power strip, you may want to mount it onto some wall studs.
What is a flat plug?
The typical plug sticks out from the wall. A flat plug is much slimmer, and the cord extends parallel to the wall instead of perpendicular like a regular plug. This saves airspace in front of the outlet and allows you to position furniture closer to the wall containing the outlet.
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.