The Best Surge Protectors
Both serious techies and casual electronics lovers shouldn't go without a good surge protector. These appliances offer both protection and convenience, letting you plug multiple devices into a single outlet while ensuring neither your systems nor your home or office wiring will overheat. But not every surge protector is worthy of your rig, which is why we've made this list of our personal favorites for your shopping convenience. Read on and get ready to make your setups a whole lot safer and easier to manage.
What to Look For
We had three big questions for every surge protector we looked at: does it live up to its name in protecting against power surges? Can it power many electronics without overheating or slackening its output? Finally, can it be used with various plugs, electrical systems, and input types? Every surge protector on our list excelled in these areas to our satisfaction. The Nuetsa strip became our favorite thanks to its wide variety of plugin types and high voltage threshold. We also loved that Powrui developed a surge protector focused on protecting and accommodating our USB devices. Keep reading to see which surge protector should stand guard in your home or office today.
Nuetsa Six-Foot Surge Protector
Long and strong
A great surge protector can wear many hats, and this one clearly hit up the haberdashery. All six feet of this surge protector can accommodate up to eight standard plugs as well as four USB ports. And thanks to its heavy-duty cable that discharges power much more efficiently than other protectors, there’s no need to worry if all those ports happen to get filled up. Whatever you need from a surge protector, this one is likely to do the trick.
Pros
- Very compact, especially considering how many inputs it has
- Flat wall plug allows for easy insertion into many electrical systems
Cons
- Plastic housing feels somewhat flimsy
Addtam USB Wall Charger Surge Protector
You won’t have to worry about burdening your personal space with the assistance of this surge protector. This deceptively squat charger can hold a multitude of outlets and USB ports within its compact, fireproof shell. Each input is spaced distinctly apart from its neighbors, which not only declutters your space but also cuts down on potential electrical hazards. Wrap it up with a cap of 1,800 joules of wattage, and you have a surge protector worth recommending.
Pros
- More aesthetically appealing than the typical surge protector
- Can handle a large number of devices without even running hot
- The compact shape and build make it great for travel
Cons
- Loses charging speed when charging many devices at once
Powrui Six-Foot Surge Protector
The core of it all
The tech lovers in our readership shouldn’t skip over this powerful surge protector. With four USB ports and four standard outlets, it’s as capable of powering a multitude of personal electronics as it is at accommodating traditional tech and appliances. And with its 10A overload protection switch, you can rest easy charging all types of electronics at once. Those who frequently need to charge their pads, phones, and handheld gaming consoles should pick this surge protector up.
Pros
- Available in six-foot and 10-foot variants depending on the needs of the user
- The cable is flexible, and the chassis is lightweight, giving this surge protector added portability
- 10A switch is large enough to press quickly and easily without fumbling
Cons
- The writing on the power switch is light and difficult to make out
Alestor 12-Outlet Surge Protector
Massive possibilities
No matter how many electronics and appliances you own, this surge protector will power most, if not all, of them. With 12 outlets and four USB ports, it can power a small office’s worth of electronics from one source. And with a heavy, insulated extension cord and both grounding and surge protection indicators, it will always keep you safe from overheating and overcharging. Anyone with many things to power simultaneously will love this surge protector.
Pros
- Evenly-spaced outlets increase safety and decrease clutter
- Can accommodate older plugs with thicker material, unlike some modern surge protectors
- It lays flat, making it easy to plug devices in and out
Cons
- Can charge slowly when filled to capacity
Belkin 12 AC Power Strip Surge Protector
There’s no need to worry about this surge protector being unable to reach from the wall to your setup. At eight feet in length, this surge protector extends past the typical cord length in this product line by a couple of feet. It works well in its own right too, with 12 outlets and a heavy yet compact design. It’s not a stretch to say that this surge protector can serve you almost anywhere you place it.
Pros
- The 3,940J capacity ensures solid protection against heat and sparks
- Good outlet spacing lets hefty plugs share space without issue
Cons
- Bulk makes it tricky to move around or travel with
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a surge protector even if I don’t use many electronics?
When it comes to protection against fires and surges, the electrical wiring of your environment makes almost as much of a difference as how many electronics you have plugged in. In other words, houses and offices with old electrical setups may benefit as much from a surge protector as people who need to power many different devices simultaneously.
When a surge protector says it has a specific joule capacity, what does that mean?
Without getting too scientific, joules are essentially a unit of measurement describing how much electricity is being transferred into heat. The more joules a surge protector claims to accommodate, the more electricity it can handle without putting you or your possessions in danger.
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.