The 5 Best Power Strips and Surge Protectors of 2025
As of July 28, 2025, every modern home and office is packed with expensive electronics. But here’s a hard truth: not all power strips are created equal. A basic strip just gives you extra outlets, while a high-quality surge protector is an essential insurance policy, defending your valuable gear from damaging power spikes. We’ve sorted through the crowded market to find the five best power strips and surge protectors on Amazon, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for your office, home theater, or travel bag.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our research.
1. Best Overall: Anker 351 PowerExtend Strip
Outlets: 12 AC | USB Ports: 1 USB-C (20W), 2 USB-A | Surge Protection: 4000 Joules | Cord Length: 6 ft
- Massive 4000-joule surge protection
- Widely spaced outlets for bulky adapters
- USB-C Power Delivery for fast charging
- Trusted brand with great safety features
- Can be bulky for tight spaces
- Higher price point
2. Best for Travel: Anker PowerPort Cube
Outlets: 3 AC | USB Ports: 3 USB-A | Surge Protection: None (safer for cruise ships) | Cord Length: 5 ft
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Clever cube design prevents plug blockage
- No surge protector makes it cruise ship-approved
- Adhesive pad for mounting
- Offers no surge protection for your gear
- Limited number of outlets
3. Best for Home Theater: Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
Outlets: 12 AC | USB Ports: None | Surge Protection: 3940 Joules | Cord Length: 8 ft
- Excellent outlet spacing for large power bricks
- Coaxial and phone line protection
- Robust surge protection rating
- Includes cable management clip
- No built-in USB ports
- Very large footprint
4. Best for the Workshop: Tripp Lite 6-Outlet Bench Power Strip
Outlets: 6 AC | USB Ports: None | Surge Protection: None (or models with it) | Cord Length: 6 ft
- Rugged all-metal housing
- Mounting tabs for easy installation on a wall or workbench
- Widely spaced outlets
- Built for durability
- Basic models lack surge protection
- Industrial aesthetic isn’t for everyone
5. Best Smart Power Strip: Kasa Smart Power Strip (HS300)
Outlets: 6 Smart AC | USB Ports: 3 USB-A | Surge Protection: 1710 Joules | Cord Length: 3 ft
- Individual control for each of the 6 outlets
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy monitoring features
- Easy-to-use Kasa app
- Requires Wi-Fi connection for smart features
- Surge protection is lower than dedicated models
How to Choose a Power Strip: A Guide to Safety and Features
- Surge Protection (Joules): A joule is a unit of energy. The joule rating tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. For expensive electronics like computers and TVs, look for a rating of at least 1000 joules, with more being better. A simple power strip has a 0 joule rating.
- UL/ETL Certification: This is non-negotiable. Look for a mark from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek) on the product. This means it has been tested by a third party to meet critical safety standards. Never buy a surge protector without this certification.
- Outlets & Spacing: Count how many devices you need to plug in and add a few more for the future. Look for strips with some widely spaced outlets to accommodate bulky AC power adapters without blocking adjacent sockets.
- USB Charging: Many modern strips include USB-A and USB-C ports. For fast-charging modern phones and laptops, look for a USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) of at least 20W.
CRITICAL SAFETY TIP: NEVER DAISY-CHAIN
Never plug a power strip into another power strip. This can overload the original strip and the wall outlet, creating a serious fire hazard. If you need more outlets, buy a strip with more outlets or use a different wall socket.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Your Electronics
Choosing the right power strip is about more than just adding outlets—it’s about protecting your valuable devices, adding convenience with USB charging, and ensuring peace of mind. For a do-it-all solution that offers incredible protection and features for a home office, the Anker 351 PowerExtend is our top choice. For those constantly on the move, the compact and clever Anker PowerPort Cube is an essential piece of travel gear. By investing in a quality, certified surge protector, you’re safeguarding the electronics that power your modern life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think of the joule rating like a health bar for your surge protector. A 2000-joule strip can absorb one massive 2000-joule hit, or ten 200-joule hits. Each power surge it absorbs “uses up” some of its protection. This means that surge protectors are disposable items that wear out over time.
Yes, they absolutely wear out. The internal components that absorb power surges (called Metal Oxide Varistors or MOVs) degrade with every surge they block. Most quality surge protectors have an indicator light labeled “Protected” or “Grounded.” If this light goes out, it means the protective components have been used up, and the strip is now just a basic power strip. It should be replaced immediately.
A “power strip” is just a simple extension cord with extra outlets. It offers zero protection from electrical surges. A “surge protector” (or “surge suppressor”) looks similar but has internal electronics designed to absorb and divert voltage spikes, protecting your gear. If a device doesn’t have a “joule” rating, it’s just a power strip.
