A surge protector is a device that plugs into an electrical outlet and allows you to connect multiple electronics to the unit rather than the wall. When a lightning strike or other electrical event causes the electricity flowing through your home to spike, the surge protector suppresses the extra voltage, saving you from having to replace damaged or destroyed appliances.
Best Surge Protectors 2023
Surge protectors are electronic devices that protect your electronics from power surges, spikes, and voltage fluctuations. These surges can occur for a variety of reasons, including lightning strikes, power outages, and others, and they can cause serious damage to your electronics if not protected.
A surge protector works by diverting excess voltage away from your devices and into the ground, preventing damage to your electronics. This not only protects your devices, but it can also extend their lifespan and save you money over time.
When selecting a surge protector, consider the number of outlets required, the level of protection provided, and the type of devices you will be using. For example, if you need to protect several devices, you should consider getting a surge protector with multiple outlets.
Furthermore, some surge protectors include features such as phone and cable protection, network connection protection, and more, making them a versatile choice for your home or office.
Finally, a surge protector is a wise investment if you want to protect your electronics from power surges and voltage fluctuations. With so many options, it’s simple to find the right surge protector for your needs and budget. So why take the chance of harming your devices? Invest in a surge protector today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your electronics are safe.
Read on to learn more about the best surge protectors to buy in 2023:
Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug
Key Features
- 8 Pivoting Plugs
- Class-Leading Surge Protection
- Functionally Long Cord
- Long-Lasting
Overview
For a workplace, home entertainment center, or anybody managing numerous delicate electronics, the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug is ideal. It has 12 outlets that are thoughtfully spaced apart, eight of which pivot to accommodate the large plugs or adapters frequently found on laptops, desktop PCs, printers, or other similar equipment. In fact, no other model could fit as many large plugs as this one could. This power strip is unrivaled when it comes to shielding your electrical equipment from internal or external surges.
Its 4320 Joules (6,000+ volts) of spike protection, which is among the best in our study, offers excellent surge protection and dependable, steady power to help your gadgets endure longer than from the little daily internal surges that occur frequently.
This kind is the greatest for what it is intended to do, which is to safeguard delicate devices that require a constant power source. While it excels in all office activities, it is a bit more expensive, larger, and less adaptable than some other versions. It would be excessive for presentations, home renovation tasks, or adding power sources to your house’s office desk or kitchen.
KMC 6-Outlet Surge Protector
Key Features
- Great Longevity
- Killer Value
- Twin Pack
- Decent Surge Protection
Overview
Our top pick for the most affordable alternative is the 2-pack of KMC 6-Outlet Surge Protector. No other model offers the same level of performance at the same price. Even while it isn’t particularly fancy, it is undeniably reliable and useful, placing it above many of the other twin pack or single power strips in the $10–$15 price bracket. It provides substantially greater surge protection than other, more expensive models, retains the 15 amps of power in your wall socket, and comes with a fine, 4-foot, 14-gauge wire that is more durable and lengthier than most other budget models.
Although this model’s traditional style is incredibly useful, it lacks other features like pivoting plugs, childproof covers, and USB outlets. The KMC 6-Outlet Surge Protector is our preferred choice, nonetheless, for people looking for a basic but well-designed product for a variety of tasks without spending a lot of money.
CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty
Key Features
- Extremely Rugged
- Tough All-Aluminum Construction
- 15-Foot Heavy-Duty Power Cord
- Good for Home and Commercial Use
Overview
Check out the CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty if you need a nice power strip to bring to the job site for home improvement tasks, yard chores, or your home workshop. All of our testers praised the product’s 15-foot heavy-duty power cord, which frequently saved us from having to use an extension cord for outside work. We adored its chunky metal body made of aluminum and its 10 conventional AC outlets with a combined rating of 15 amps (the same amount of power your average wall outlet provides). It can handle a few other things without tripping, and a more powerful power tool like a miter saw, or folding table saw. The 2800 joules of protection offered by this model, which is among the finest in our evaluation and significantly better than average, should be noted by people looking for top-tier surge protection.
The CRST 10-Outlet is exceptionally durable and ideal for outdoor uses that call for a good deal of power, but it is not waterproof and should not be left outside in the rain. We also thought that its plugs were a little too close together for power tools, converters, and chargers with larger plugs. In the worst-case scenario, we could still easily install six bigger plugs, ensuring that plug spacing was never a problem. Finally, even a power tool with a high draw can be used with its 15-amps.
However, it probably isn’t enough to run two powerful tools simultaneously, equivalent to a standard wall outlet. In addition to charging a few lesser power tools, a stereo, and a few phones, it has the ability to run one highly powerful tool (like a miter saw). In the end, we believe this is the best choice for modest and medium-sized job sites, home renovation tasks, or assistance when working in the yard where you require a good deal of durability, power, and versatility. The advantages of the lengthy chord will be most apparent because you might not need to unwind a longer extension cord.
JACKYLED Surge Protector Charging Station
Key Features
- Slick Retractable Cord
- Lots of Power in a Small Footprint
- Sharp-Looking
- Easy to Turn Off Power
Overview
The JACKYLED Surge Protector Charging Station comes highly recommended if you’re looking for a tower-style power strip for a home office or a shared workspace. This was a top pick among reviewers for office meetings since it offered a central location where everyone could keep charged when more conventional wall outlets would be scarce.
For home offices or shared workspaces where people frequently come and go and need to plug in various equipment, we also really liked it. The Jackyled offers a sleek, professional-looking power strip with ten conventional AC wall outlets, four USB outlets, and a sleek retractable 6.5 chord that delivers a ton of power for its size.
We only encountered a few minor issues with this gadget. We didn’t like how the tower itself had to rotate in order to coil or unravel the cable. This implies that nothing can be plugged into when you are setting it up. Although it’s a disappointment, we never had a problem with it in practical use because we usually set up the power strip before connecting it to various gadgets.
The fact that it only offers 900 joules of surge protection is another disadvantage. This is reasonable and should be adequate for most office-related uses, but if people want to protect sensitive devices, they might want something a little more substantial.
Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
Key Features
- Solid Protection
- Great Value for the Money
- Automatic Shut-Off Feature
- Durable, No-Tangle Power Cord
Overview
If you’re ready to accept the danger of the diminished protection you pay for, many inexpensive surge protection options are available in stores and online. A 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip from the well-known electronics manufacturer Philips offers remarkable safety features at a reasonable price.
The gadget has been approved by one of the major safety testing facilities in the country because it is ETL listed. Although it has a 720-joule rating, which is sufficient for smaller, less expensive appliances, it represents the lower end of surge protection, which you would not want to risk with many expensive goods. However, it offers a crucial feature that many of its rivals do not: automated shutdown. This implies that if the surge protector stops working without your knowledge, your devices won’t continue to operate without protection.
The braided power cord, which is this device’s main selling point, seems durable and resistant to twists and tangles. If the base model’s 4-foot rope length doesn’t seem long enough for your room, this model is also available with 6- and 10-foot cables.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
Key Features
- Three USB Ports
- Energy Monitoring
- Remote Control Through App and Voice Commands
- 3 Feet Cord Length
Overview
When you connect the Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 from TP-Kasa Link’s Smart brand to your home Wi-Fi network, it offers six outlets and three USB charging ports that you can wirelessly control. The Kasa Smart smartphone app or voice commands using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana may control the HS300 once it is online. Each outlet’s connected gadgets can be individually turned on and off, grouped together, or used with other smart items.
The HS300 differs from standard smart power strips/outlets in that it has ETL-certified surge protection for reliable and safe operation. It has a good energy absorption capacity of 1710 joules, and according to its voltage protection rating (VPR), surge voltages can be reduced to 500 volts. The voltage rating of premium surge protectors is often 330 or 400 volts. A dedicated “non-smart” option would be a better investment if excellent surge protection is your top goal. Overall, its surge performance is mediocre.
The HS300 offers real-time energy monitoring, just like many other Kasa Smart products. You can track which of your gadgets uses the most power at what time using this tool, and you may alter your usage accordingly.
Final Words
After reviewing the best surge protectors, it is clear that there are several factors to consider when selecting the best one for your needs. The number of outlets, the level of protection provided, and the overall design of the product are among these factors. To ensure the safety of your electronics, choose a surge protector with enough outlets to accommodate all of your devices and one with a high level of protection. Furthermore, the surge protector’s design should be user-friendly and simple to install. With these considerations in mind, readers should be able to make an informed choice and choose the best surge protector for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is a device that is designed to protect electronic devices from sudden voltage spikes that can cause damage or disrupt normal operation.
How does a surge protector work?
A surge protector works by redirecting excess voltage away from the connected devices to a grounding wire. This helps to prevent damage caused by voltage spikes and surges.
Do I need a surge protector for my home?
It is recommended to have a surge protector installed in your home, especially if you have a large number of electronic devices that are connected to an electrical outlet. This will help to protect your devices from potential damage caused by voltage spikes and surges.
What is the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
A surge protector is designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes, while a power strip simply provides additional electrical outlets. Power strips do not offer any protection against surges.
How do I choose the right surge protector for my needs?
When choosing a surge protector, it is important to consider the number of outlets you need, the level of protection you require, and the size of your budget. Additionally, it is important to choose a surge protector that is compatible with the types of devices you plan to connect.