The 8 Best Surge Protectors to Keep Your Gear Safe and Powered Up
Our recommended picks are reliable and are packed with all the ports you need.
If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Chances are, the surge protectors you're currently using are a few years old. Believe it or not, they can wear out over time, and you should replace them every 2 years or so. Surge protectors are not just bulkier power strips with more outlets — they're an essential accessory for every home. Their ability to absorb power surges and surplus voltage ensures that your expensive electronics remain out of harm's way.
Surge protectors today have gotten a major upgrade, too. Several have USB ports for more easily recharging your smartphone or tablet. Some even connect to your wireless network so you can turn the outlets off remotely with your smartphone or set schedules when your equipment turns on or off.
The Best Surge Protectors
What to Consider
The Higher the Joule Rating, the Better!
When shopping for a surge protector, you should look for one that has a high energy rating of at least 600 joules. This rating helps determine the life expectancy of your surge protector. The higher the joule rating, the longer the surge protector will last.
Is Your Surge Protector Certified?
You should purchase a surge protector that has a UL 1449 certification, as only the best offerings achieve this safety rating. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard Technical Panel analyzes surge protectors' construction, performance, and electrical and mechanical components to ensure they're safe.
Other Features to Take Into Account
- Automatic Shutoff: Some surge protectors have a failsafe function and will automatically turn themselves off if they are unable to protect your gear. Many models also have useful LED lights that display whether or not the surge protector is operating correctly and its outlets are grounded (meaning you won't get shocked or electrocuted when you plug in a new device on the strip).
- Port Selection: Pay attention to how many outlets or USB ports the surge protector has so you have enough space to plug in your electronics.
- Spacing: Not only should you account for how many outlets the surge protector has, but you should also check to see how the AC outlets are spaced out. If you have bulky power adapters, you'll definitely want some gaps in between the outlets!
We did the grunt work for you and separated the best surge protectors from the rest. Our picks are reliable, durable, and safe. They're packed with plenty of ports and long cords and are backed by extensive warranties.
Whether you're starting from scratch and just moved into a new home, or are just looking to upgrade your existing surge protectors, here are some of the best options available.
Pros
- Convenient auto-shutoff feature
- Has child-resistant outlet covers
Cons
- Outlets are spaced close together
- No USB ports
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 12
• USB ports: 0
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 2,880 joules
The Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV offers everything you could possibly want in a surge protector. It has 12 outlets so that you can charge and power all your gadgets, plus there are coaxial and telephone connectors to hook up your cable box and landline.
The surge protector is a favorite of Wirecutter and TechHive. Both outlets raved about its auto-shutoff feature that cuts power when it's no longer able to offer protection and block power surges. A reviewer at Wirecutter said the surge protector “provides all the safety features you need, plenty of outlets, stellar surge protection performance, and a noticeably nicer build quality than other units.”
We also like that it has LEDs that display whether or not you're grounded and protected. Even better, it's backed by a lifetime warranty. If you want a surge protector with USB ports, consider the Tripp Lite TLP128TTUSBB instead. Its 8-foot-long cord is plenty generous, it has a robust build quality, and it's earned certification by the Underwriters' Laboratory Standard Technical Panel.
Related: We Found the Fastest USB Chargers for Your Phone, Laptop, and Tablet
APC SurgeArrest P11VT3 Surge Protector
Pros
- Its cord swivels
- Equipped with LED lights to show whether you're grounded
Cons
- High clamping voltage
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 11
• USB ports: 0
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 3,020 joules
The APC P11VT3 has six outward-facing outlets that are generously spaced apart to accommodate large power adapters. Each one has sliding covers to keep out dust and debris when not in use. Plus, there are five additional outlets for powering smaller-sized plugs and inputs for coaxial cables and a phone line/DSL splitter for data line protection.
Our Test team appreciated the APC's heavy cord, which swivels 180 degrees to lay flat and out of the way, no matter which way it's oriented behind furniture. Like our best overall pick, this option has convenient LED lights that display whether or not you're grounded and protected.
It's also backed by a lifetime warranty and a $100,000 equipment protection policy.
APC Essential PE76W SurgeArrest PE76 Surge Protector
Pros
- Isn't bulky
Cons
- Low joule rating
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 7
• USB ports: 0
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 1,440 joules
For those looking for an affordable but reliable surge protector, consider APC’s PE76 model. Although it isn’t decked out with a dozen outlets like our Best Overall pick (this one just has seven), it still offers 1,440 joules of surge protection. This rating explains how much energy the surge protector can handle before it dies, so it’ll need replacing sooner than our favorite pick, which is rated at 2,880 joules.
The PE76 has a 6-foot-long power cord with a right-angled plug, which allows furniture to be moved to flush against the fall. Like our top pick, it features an LED light that illuminates to warn you if its circuitry has been damaged. In the event that it is damaged, APC will replace the surge protector since it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Side USB ports prevent cables from bending
Cons
- USB-C port isn't powerful enough for laptops
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 8
• USB ports: 4
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 2,700 joules
Only a small handful of surge protectors are equipped with a USB-C port that supports the Power Delivery (PD) standard, and the LDNIO is the best, most reliable, and most versatile option.
In case you're unfamiliar, USB PD can charge devices up to 20 times faster than traditional USB ports. The surge protector features a single USB-C port, four USB-A jacks, and 8 outlets that can accommodate plugs of all shapes and sizes.
It's worth mentioning that this surge protector's USB-C port limits output at 18 watts, so you should only use it for recharging smartphones and tablets, not a full-sized laptop. If you need that extra wattage, consider the Anker 335 surge protector, which dishes out 30 watts. Unfortunately, it’s twice the price of the LDNIO power strip — but it’s well worth it in our opinion.
Pros
- One of the few travel-friendly adapters with surge protection
Cons
- Cord isn't removable
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 3
• USB ports: 3
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 300 joules
If you travel frequently and want a relatively portable surge protector to take with you on the go, Anker will have your back. This power strip is one of the most versatile and portable ones money can buy. It features three AC outlets, a USB-C port, and two traditional USB ports.
Compared to Anker’s similar PowerStrip Pad and Cube the 623 Power Strip is actually powerful enough to charge a laptop. This one’s USB-C port cranks out 45 watts of power, while the others only can allocate 30 watts. This option also features a built-in AC cord that’s 6 feet long.
TP-Link Kasa HS300 Smart WiFi Power Strip
Pros
- Can be controlled remotely
Cons
- USB ports don't support fast charging
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 3
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 1,710 joules
This sleek and futuristic surge protector from TP-Link lets you control electronics in your home anywhere. It's equipped with six smart outlets that you can control using your smartphone or smart speaker. Plus, it features three 2.4A USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets.
If you're wondering why you'd need an internet-connected surge protector, you should know that this one lets you set schedules to turn each outlet on and off at specific times throughout the day. It also helps you monitor how much energy your devices are using.
Pros
- Has its own screw to mount to your outlet
- Compact design
Cons
- USB ports don't support fast charging
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 2
• Power switch: No
• Surge protection: 1,080 joules
The Essential SurgeArrest by APC is one of the sleeker-looking surge protectors on the market. It easily plugs into a standard outlet and comes with six power outlets and two USB-A ports for charging your smartphone or tablet.
It’s convenient, affordable, UL-certified, and backed by a lifetime warranty. We think it’s perfect for the kitchen or behind a nightstand in the bedroom.
Pros
- Cable is 6 feet long
- More durable than the competition
Cons
- Green LED light is really bright
Key Specs:
• Outlets: 12
• USB ports: 2
• Power switch: Yes
• Surge protection: 4,320 joules
The APC P12U2 12-outlet surge protector has a high energy rating of 4,320 joules, so it’s a great option for computers, video game consoles, printers, televisions, and other power-hungry devices.
Our test team praised it for its well-spaced-out outlets and two 2.4A USB ports that can rapidly charge a smartphone or tablet at full speed. The device is backed by a lifetime warranty and has a power cord that’s 6 feet long.
Brandon Carte is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering technology, gadgets and appliances. His reporting has been featured on Best Products, Top Ten Revies, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
Watch Next
The Best Dorm Essentials Deals to Pick Up Now
39 Dorm Room Ideas for Your New Campus Home
The 8 Best Underbed Storage Products
10 Best Apple Charging Stations
