| Best Choice |
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Hitrends Surge Protector Power Strip 6 Outlets with 6 USB Charging Ports | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector Tap | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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APC UPS BE850G2 850VA Battery Backup & Surge Protector | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Hitrends Surge Protector Power Strip 6 Outlets with 6 USB Charging Ports
- 2. Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector Tap
- 3. APC UPS BE850G2 850VA Battery Backup & Surge Protector
- 4. CyberPower CPS1215RMS Surge Protector
- 5. Belkin Metal Power Strip Surge Protector
- 6. Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV 12 Outlet Surge Protector
- 7. Accell Power Air Surge Protector and USB Charging Station
- 8. GE 6 Outlet Surge Protector
We’ve all seen that nightmare scenario of a spiderweb of plugs and cords, all daisy-chained together to provide power to a home theater system. While that “solution” works from a technical standpoint, it’s also a dangerous fire hazard and doesn’t protect your valuable electronics from power surges. All it takes is one interruption of power at the wrong time to send a surge through the circuit, damaging whatever is on the other side of that outlet.
Surge protectors are the safest option for splitting a single wall plug to multiple devices. These power strips prevent power back flowing from devices and have integrated circuit breakers to prevent power surges from reaching your sensitive electronics. Once you start looking at surge protectors, the options on the market are ample. Do you want a battery backup? Maybe some extra USB charging ports? The selections can become overwhelming, but if you know what you’re looking for, you will find the best surge protector that works for you.
The Best Surge Protectors
The Hitrends Surge Protector Power Strip 6 Outlets with 6 USB Charging Ports does a great job distributing power to multiple devices safely. This surge protector provides safe power distribution to six outlets, and you can also use it to provide fast charging via six USB ports. These USB ports automatically detect the device’s charging amperage to avoid battery damage.
The six-foot-long extension cord provides plenty of convenient placement options without leaving several feet of unused cord. The surge protector also features a low profile design allowing you to place it in an open area without making it the centerpiece of the room. This surge protector is a great solution for any household.
- Six outlets and six USB charging ports
- Distributes power to multiple devices safely
- Low profile design
- Great solution for any household
- Brand Hitrends
- Model YA30WSL-6AC6U
- Weight 1.05 lbs
Provides fast charging via six USB ports
USB ports automatically detect charging amperage to avoid battery damage
Six-foot-long extension cord
Must be unplugged when not in use
Surge protector gets hot if six devices are plugged in at once
If you are looking for a safe way to expand the number of available power outlets on your wall, the Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector Tap is one of the best wall-mounted surge protectors on the market. Available in several colors ranging from black to coral to teal, you are sure to find a matching surge protector for your room. These low profile surge protectors save space without putting your electronics at risk.
While this surge protector only protects up to 900 joules, it is better than gambling with an unprotected circuit. Philips’s bulk packaging allows for multiple rooms to have surge protectors installed at the same time. The integrated LED display is discreet and straightforward while displaying the power flow through the surge protector. This is the best option for low profile surge protection.
- Best wall-mounted surge protector on the market
- Safe way to expand the number of available power outlets on your wall
- Bulk packaging allowing for multiple rooms to have surge protectors installed at same time
- Brand Philips
- Model SPP3466BC
- Weight 12 ounces
Available in a number of colors
Low profile surge protectors save space
Integrated LED display is simple and unobtrusive while displaying the power flow
Only protects up to 900 joules
Not a very durable model compared to other options
Cannot use all of the outlets at one time
If you need a surge protector with a battery backup, the APC UPS BE850G2 is the best option that we have found. This battery backup offers up to 32 minutes of runtime at 100 watts, giving you that crucial time to save your work on your computer during a power outage. While there is no additional warning before the battery power runs out entirely, this backup provides ample time for a safe shut down. There is even an alarm that sounds when you’re using battery power, but that alarm can be muted as well.
The added USB inputs are useful for those crucial times during an emergency. This surge protector has a long life span, and the battery is completely replaceable. APC stands behind its products with a three-year warranty and a $75,000 connected equipment policy.
- Battery backup offers up to 32 minutes of runtime at 100 watts
- Added USB inputs for emergencies
- Long lifespan and completely replaceable battery
- Three-year warranty and $75,000 connected equipment policy
- Brand APC
- Model BE850G2
- Weight 10.43 lbs
Extra time to save your work on your computer during a power outage
Alarm that sounds when you’re using battery power
Backup provides ample time for a safe shut down
Heavier product compared to other models
Be careful of damaged ports upon receiving product in mail
Mute button on alarm does not always work
If you are looking for the best surge protector on the market for your server rack, the CyberPower CPS1215RMS Surge Protector is the best bet. With a standard 15 amp power input, the power is split into ten outputs. There is an optional 20 amp version available with 12 outputs, but it requires a NEMA 5-20P input plug. The integrated LED display mounted to the front of this surge protector clearly shows power flow status, allowing for quick troubleshooting.
The covered master power switch is also extremely convenient and includes a handy red LED display for the on position; now, you don’t have to worry about a stray power cable shutting down everything on the surge protector. If you have a standard 19-inch server rack, the CyberPower CPS1215RMS is your best surge protection solution in the marketplace.
- Best surge protector on the market for your server rack
- Power is split into 10 outputs with a 15 amp power input
- Optional 20 amp version available with 12 outputs
- Brand CyberPower
- Model CPS1220RMS
- Weight 6 lbs
Integrated LED display mounted to the front clearly shows the status of power flow
Covered master power switch includes a red LED display for the on position
Works ideally with a standard 19-inch server rack
Front plastic cover on power switch is poor quality
Manufacturer has been known to ship refurbished items instead of new
If you are looking for a durable surge protector for your garage or workshop, the Belkin Metal Power Strip Surge Protector is definitely your best option. Belkin is known for making some of the highest quality power strips on the market today. This surge protector’s impact-resistant metal case provides exterior protection, while the 885 joules rating protects your components from electrical surges.
The cross-hatched wall mount points on the back of this surge protector allow for easy and safe wall mounting. Although five of the six sides of this power strip are metal, the plastic backing plate is a weak point. That being said, it would still take quite the impact to cause damage to this surge protector. If you’re looking for a power solution for your workshop, this surge protector is a great option.
- Durable surge protector for your garage or workshop
- Impact-resistant metal case provides exterior protection
- 885 joules rating protects your components from electrical surges
- Brand Belkin
- Model F9D600-15-DP
- Weight 2.36 lbs
Cross-hatched wall mount points on the back allow for easy and safe wall mounting
Five of the six sides of this power strip are metal
Reputable company makes some of the highest quality power strips on the market today
Plastic backing plate a weak point
Cannot be mounted very easily
A few models have stopped working abruptly
The Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV 12 Outlet Surge Protector is perhaps one of the safest options currently available on the market. This surge protector is great for preventing extra voltage from reaching its outlets. This product also has a critical auto-shutoff feature, safely stopping all power once the protection wears out. In addition to the 12 traditional outlets, the Tripp Lite surge protector has both coaxial and telephone connectors. A long eight-foot cord allows maximum flexibility while in use.
This product can be safely mounted to any wall in your home, garage, shed, theater, den, office space, or any other space you would use it for. A lifetime limited warranty and $150,000 ultimate lifetime insurance is included with this purchase and covers any connected equipment damaged by a power surge.
- One of the safest you can buy
- Auto shut-off
- Both coax and telephone connectors
- Insurance included with purchase
- Brand Tripp Lite
- Model TLP1208TELTV
- Weight 2.12 lbs.
$150,000 Insurance included with purchase
Perfect for telephone, internet, & TV connections
Safe & secure
Larger than most
Heavier than most
Premium price, but a premium product
If you’re looking for a compact design, the Accell Power Air Surge Protector and USB Charging Station may be the best choice for your needs. This surge protector features a circular design that includes six AC outlets and two 2.4-amp USB ports. It has enough power to charge one smartphone or tablet at high speed or two devices at low speeds.
The Accell Surge Protector includes a six-foot cord for added convenience. It is an ideal compact size to easily fit under your bed, nightstand, or coffee table to charge your devices. This product is available in color options of white or black. It includes safety features such as an on/off power button, a green LED power indicator, and a blue LED surge protection indicator.
- A compact but powerful household surge protector/charging station combo
- Perfect for charging your electronic devices around the home
- Brand Accell
- Model D080B-048F
- Weight N/A
Perfect for household use
Charges devices, protects against power surges
White or black
Not for industrial use
Better for small electronics like phones & tablets rather than home desktop computers
The GE 6 Outlet Surge Protector features an extra-long 10-foot extension cord for ultimate flexibility. A twist-and-close safety feature allows you to seal off outlets when not in use to avoid electric shock. This product can be easily and safely mounted to any wall in your home, office, den, garage, or basement using the keyholes on the back.
The flat plug’s space-saving design is another important safety feature, which is engineered to allow the power cord to sit close to the wall. It features a protection rating of up to 800 Joules. When the surge protection on the GE surge protector expires, the protected indicator light will no longer be illuminated.
- The extra-long, 10-foot cord means it’s ideal for home office set-ups.
- It’s also ideal for the garage or workshop
- Twist-and-close outlets prevent accidental shock
- Brand GE
- Model 14092
- Weight 1.45 lbs.
10-foot cord
Closeable outlets
Space-saving design
Designed for household use
Not ideal for industrial applications
Best Surge Protectors Buying Guide & FAQ
Surge protectors are an excellent safety accessory to protect your electronics and personal devices. A regular power strip may seem like a great option to add a few extra outlets, but many power strips can be vulnerable to power surges that can damage your belongings.
The best surge protectors absorb common household surges to prevent damage and fires. These products often contain multiple power outlets, and USB ports to charge and protect multiple devices at one time. LED indicators show that your devices are being protected, and once protection is worn out or is no longer working, the best surge protectors will cut the power or indicate that it is time for a replacement.
Benefits of a Surge Protectors
The primary reason for purchasing a surge protector is for safety purposes. It is also a cost-effective, affordable way to safely protect your personal devices and valuable electronics from damage. Whether you need it for your home office, living room, garage, den, or theater, you should be using a surge protector in almost every room in your house.
Surge protectors feature LED lights to indicate that your device is working properly, and your electronics are under protection. Most models include multiple outlets and even USB ports to charge several of your devices simultaneously. It’s also important to buy a heavy-duty model built to withstand the test of time.
Purchasing a product from a trusted brand and with a sufficient joule rating is important to preserve your purchase’s lifespan. Surge protectors do not last forever—with an average lifespan of only 3-5 years—so it is a good idea to replace your surge protectors every few years.
- Surge protectors are an affordable option to protect your electronics and personal devices.
- Surge protectors often contain multiple power outlets or USB ports to allow you to charge several devices simultaneously.
- Surge protectors should have a sufficient joule rating to preserve the lifespan of your purchase.
The Most Common Types of Surge Protectors
There are three basic types of surge protectors, named for their installation location and the service area they protect. You may not need all three for your home, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types and features. It’s important to make the correct purchase that will best serve your household’s needs and protect your belongings.
Service Entrance
Service entrance surge protectors are the largest, most heavy-duty, and longest-lasting of the three types of surge protectors. This product needs to be installed on the main breaker of your home. They are usually the most expensive of the three types, but they typically have the highest surge capacity of any surge protector.
Most modern homes, apartment complexes, and condominiums already have this type of surge protector included, but if yours does not, you should consider installing one. Service entrance surge protectors can safeguard you from massive surges that could destroy any other types of protectors. But many smaller surges could still pass through, creating the need for additional protection with one of the other types.
Whole-Home
Whole-home surge protectors are very similar to service entrance surge protectors, but they can easily be installed yourself, unlike the other type. This type of surge protector should be installed inside your main circuit breaker. They essentially protect all of the circuits inside your home, hence the name of this type. They will protect against both large and small surges.
If you are interested in purchasing this type of surge protector, make sure to do your research as there are several different models available on the market. It should be noted that even if you have this type of surge protector, you should still consider the other types for full protection of your household.
Receptacle
Receptacle surge protectors are likely the type that you’re most familiar with. Effectively a power strip with surge protection, this type often contains multiple outlets to protect and charge several devices at the same time.
They also have the lowest average cost of the three types. Aside from power strips, Receptacle surge protectors can also be a simple, low-profile socket. While this type is the most cost-effective, receptacle surge protectors are not as durable as the other types and should be replaced every three to five years.
Features to Look for in Surge Protectors
Using surge protectors to protect your devices and electronics is an excellent idea. There are so many variations, brands, and models available, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the product before making your purchase. You should consider several essential features to know which surge protector is the best choice for your household protection.
Joules
A joule is a unit of energy used to rate various surge protectors. The joule rating indicates how much power the surge protector can absorb before it fails. More joules means that your surge protector can handle larger surges or several smaller surges before your devices are no longer protected. As a general rule of thumb, the more joules, the better.
You should look to purchase a surge protector with a high enough joule rating to protect all of your devices. Of course, higher joule ratings are not the only factor to consider when shopping for the ideal surge protector for your home.
Warranty
Not all surge protectors offer a warranty, but it is another critical factor to consider before purchasing your surge protector. The most reputable brands should offer some warranty. The most common type is a limited warranty up to one or two years, although some brands offer limited warranty and cash insurance when purchasing their products.
Warranties cover any connected equipment damaged by a power surge that should have been protected by their product. You will probably never need this extensive insurance policy, but if a brand offers it at an affordable price, you should not pass it up.
Outlets
The number and type of outlets are an important consideration when purchasing a surge protector. If you will be using this product to protect and charge your devices, it is a good recommendation to always make sure there are more outlets than you think you will need.
In addition to regular AC outlets, many models also come with USB ports to safely and efficiently charge your smartphones or tablets. Power strips often come with different length extension cords, which can be another thing to consider if you are using it in your home office or living room and want to hide the surge protector from plain view.
Care and Maintenance for Surge Protectors
When caring for your surge protector, make sure to follow your instruction manual and manufacturer’s instructions. Whether your surge protector is old or new, you can take a few simple steps to prolong its lifespan.
Make sure never to plug a surge protector into an extension cord or plug multiple surge protectors into the same outlet. If you do this, you may exceed the surge protector’s current ratings, which could result in a blown fuse or tripping your circuit breaker. A worst-case scenario could result in melting or the start of an electrical fire. As another safety measure, you should never cover up any part of a surge protector or extension cord with rugs, carpet, or other decorative items, as this could result in a fire hazard.
- Use three-prong plugs or plugs with one blade that’s thicker than the other, whenever possible. This is an excellent safety precaution that decreases the risk of electric shock.
- Ensure that your surge protector’s status indicator lights do not report any issues when you first plug in your surge protector. Most products have a single grounding light that indicates whether there’s a ground fault. A ground fault could damage your electronics or even start a fire.
- Always replace your surge protectors after any large event such as a lightning storm or multiple power outages in a short period. Double-check each outlet for burn marks or any sign of damage before plugging in your devices.
Best Surge Protectors FAQ:
Understanding what a surge protector is and how a surge protector works is essential for proper use. You should become familiar with the various types and features of a surge protector before purchasing one. Ensure you know what devices need to be plugged in and protected by the surge protector before using it in your home.
A surge protector is specifically designed to protect your electronics from voltage surges. It attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or shorting to ground.
You should never use surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. Check your safety manual if you are unsure.
A surge protector is not needed for your fridge. If you are considering one, consider the highest joule ratings—at least 2000 and above for home appliances.
Our Top Pick
The Hitrends Surge Protector Power Strip 6 Outlets with 6 USB Charging Ports is our pick for the best overall surge protector. This product features six outlets with six USB charging ports to charge multiple devices safely and at the same time. The USB ports automatically detect the device’s charging amperage to avoid battery damage. It includes a six-foot-long extension cord and low-profile design, allowing you flexibility when using this product in your household.
Final Thoughts
For the best overall surge protector, consider the Hitrends Surge Protector Power Strip 6 Outlets with 6 USB Charging Ports, featuring excellent safety features. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, consider the Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector Tap with an integrated LED display.
