The Best Outdoor Extension Cords

What to Look For

When searching for the best outdoor extension cords, we considered performance, price, and durability. The ideal cord should be a combination of all three. For example, if you wanted an extension cord that was specifically designed to hold up to harsh conditions without breaking the bank, you should try the Ultra Pro heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. If you wanted a durable extension cord that would look at home in a garden for a great price, you may want to consider the Clear Power lawn and garden outdoor extension cord. Check out the rest of our products to find the extension cord that’s perfect for your project.

Southwire Yellow Outdoor Extension Cord

Power to the people

This all-around great extension cord features a heavy-duty wire gauge and high visibility, so it's perfectly capable for almost any situation.

Best Overall

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Whether you’re using machinery or just powering outdoor lights, this extension cord has you covered. With a robust 12-gauge cord and bright yellow insulation, you’re getting solid cabling that’s highly visible for safety. This cord is contractor-grade, so it’s great for tools that need reliable power free from voltage dips. No matter what you use it for, if you want power that won’t get weaker with more cable length, this is the cord for you.

Pros:

• Even though it may seem expensive, most competing prices are noticeably higher. No matter which way you spin it, you’re getting a good product at a good price with Southwire.
• We were surprised at the durability of the molded power block. It also has an indicator light that shines when it’s in use, which is a really useful feature.

Cons:

• While the bright yellow color is great for visibility, it’s not ideal if you’re trying to keep a low profile with your cords.

Clear Power Lawn and Garden Outdoor Extension Cord

Dazzling decorations

Power your decorations or landscaping lights without eyesore extension cords by using this lawn and garden cord.

Runner Up

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If you’re using your extension cord for outdoor lights or landscaping, this cable is a sure winner. With its numerous color options and wide range of temperature resistance, this cord was made to blend right in with nature and withstand all kinds of outdoor conditions. It’s capable of handling 13 amps of current, so for casual projects, you can’t go wrong with this cord.

Pros:

• We were very impressed with the quality given the price. Even with the wide variety of lengths and colors, every option was affordable.
• The electrical blades are brass but coated in nickel so they won’t corrode easily outside. This cord is built to withstand weather conditions for the long haul.

Cons:

• Some of the subtler color options, like green, are great for blending in with the environment. However, they’re not ideal for professional work environments where visibility is important.

Ultra Pro Heavy-Duty Outdoor Extension Cord

Five in one plugging

This hefty extension cord features heavy-duty shielding and five outlets for maximum power-sharing.

Best Heavy Duty

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Sometimes one plug isn’t enough. If you want multiple outlets in an enclosure that’s tough as nails, look no further. This extension cord has a circular ending with five outlets to choose from. You can simultaneously power several devices safely because of the internal circuit breaker that protects against overloads. With heavy insulation and an innovative design, there’s a lot to love.

Pros:

• Each outlet has a feature where they twist to close, guarding the outlet with a safety cover. If safety is your main concern, this is a huge plus.
• This cord is an amazing value. It essentially does the job of an extension cord and a power strip in one but costs less than either individually at a major retailer.

Cons:

• Even though the shielding is heavy, it’s intended for appliances requiring less than 13 amps, so higher-voltage tools aren’t compatible.

Iron Forge Black Cable Extension Cord

More for your money

If you’re working with a small budget, this affordable extension cord may be the right choice for you.

Best Value

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If you’re looking for power on a budget, this cord will give you the most bang for your buck. At any length you choose, this extension cord is affordable and built to handle most everyday uses. It even features three outlets at the receiving end, so it’s almost like a small power strip. For the price, it’s almost impossible to beat this offer.

Pros:

• Unlike a lot of extension cords with a similar three-outlet design, all outlets are grounded. This means you have three-prong openings for every plug, making it a great all-purpose cord.
• The receiving end of this extension cord is very solid, and the molded rubber block is much sturdier than a traditional power strip. That makes it perfect for outdoor use where it may get stepped on or covered in dirt.

Cons:

• This 16-gauge wire is thinner than most heavy-duty options.

Conntek NEMA Outdoor Extension Cord

Crank up the juice

With its large capacity for containing electrical current, this extension cord is great for those looking to power machines that use a lot of electricity.

Best For High Amperage

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Sometimes thin wires and low voltage just won’t cut it. If you need a power cord that’s just as tough as the tools you’ll use it for, this is the one for you. This massive extension cord can safely provide up to 20 amps consistently, whereas most competitors top out at 15. If you’re into the technical jargon, it can handle 500 watts and 125 volts of electricity. To put it simply, this thing can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Pros:

• This cord has a T-style plug and receptacle, making it compatible with both 20- and 15-amp appliances.
• This has a thick 12-gauge wire that has a built-in indicator light. It will light up whenever it’s in use, so you’ll know whether the cable is working or not.

Cons:

• This only comes in one color, so it’s pretty bare-bones in its appearance. However, if you value performance more than appearance, this is no problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gauge of wire is biggest?

Wire gauge for extension cords can range anywhere from 12 to 18. Wire gauges work inversely to regular sizes, meaning that the higher the number is, the thinner the wire is. This means that a 12-gauge wire is thicker than a 14-gauge wire, and so on.

How many amps do I need?

For most household appliances and electronics, 13 amps should suffice. Most extension cords have a maximum of 13 amps, but some can go up to 15 or 20. Some larger appliances or tools can use more amps and would require a larger extension cord.

About the Author

Mitchell is a professional musician and knows the importance of quality gear. From filming music videos to recording albums from his computer, he has discovered what separates the best tech from the worst. He hopes to share his expertise and experiences in the world of technology to guide others towards reliable gear that helps them shine.

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