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Power up with these best surge protectors
As a Florida resident, I know storms. They roll in off the Gulf, ominous and threatening, a shroud of black that blankets the Tampa Bay area in a deluge of rain and thunder. Just one errant strike of lightning can easily knock out a power line, flickering the lights until finally, they fail to return.
Losing power has more consequences than just losing the lights. If you aren't prepared, power loss can easily short out your computer or appliances. That is why it is critical that you arm yourself with a surge protector for when the inevitable happens. Storms happen everywhere, which is why a surge protector is a worthy investment.
It is just a matter of finding the best one, which is where this list can help. Before you go rushing to the store or open your Amazon app, check out these best surge protectors to help protect the devices and appliances in your home.
Also: Read more about the best multi-port chargers
- Child-resistant outlets
- Generous number of outlets
- Auto shut-off
- Tight spacing between outlets
Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector tech specs: Number of outlets: 12 | Voltage: 120 volts | Cord length: 8 feet | Dimensions: 13.39 x 8.66 x 2.05 inches
The Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector is the overall best surge protector, combining maximum protection with incredible value and a reliable performance.
It features built-in TEL/DSL protection, abiding by UL 1449 safety standards with a 2160-joule surge protection rating and automatic shutoff. Designed to work with a series of devices, this best surge protector will help safeguard devices like your PC and laptop while also protecting things like your television and the lamps in your home. There are 12 outlets in total with RJ11 jacks, operating at a total of 120 volts. A six-foot telephone cord is also included.
It comes highly recommended, too.
Says Drew Romero, Founder of Tkxel, "I recommend the Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector. It provides ample outlets for multiple devices, has a sturdy construction, and has performed reliably over the years."
Ricky Allen, the Marketing Director of Ever Wallpaper, agrees. "Our company uses Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector in our office, and I have used it personally since January 2022," he says. "It has kept our equipment and devices safe from power surges and spikes, which is especially important for those who work in areas that experience frequent thunderstorms."
- LED indicator
- On/off switch
- Multiple cord lengths
- Could have more outlets
Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector tech specs: Number of outlets: 8 | Voltage: 120 volts | Cord length: 6, 8, 10, or 12 feet | Dimensions: 11.75 x 2.99 x 1.14 inches
Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector may not have as many outlets as the Tripp Lite model, but it still offers excellent value with an affordable price tag.
You can use up to eight outlets in total, accommodating a series of devices with operation at 120 volts, 1,800 watts, and 15 amps. It also features a 4500-joule energy rating for extra power. Amazon's exclusive Fireproof MOV technology provides an extra line of defense for your most cherished devices, giving you extra peace of mind.
This black and green power strip offers an on/off switch with a resettable circuit breaker accommodating 15 amps. A green LED indicator light simplifies matters, letting you know when the surge protector is at work so you never have a doubt. The outlets also feature sliding covers to protect them when not in use, plus a built-in keyhole in the back that you can use to mount the unit to the wall. The heavy-duty cord is six feet long and uses a three-prong plug for easy use with your standard wall outlet.
- Can handle large appliances
- Dual USB charging ports
- Rotating cord
- Pricey
APC Surge Protector tech specs: Number of outlets: 11 | Voltage: 120 volts | Cord length: 8 feet | Dimensions: 11.89 x 4.7 x 1.57 inches
APC is known for its stringent testing guidelines, and the APC Surge Protector is no different, having passed discriminating IEEE testing and been given a P11U2 rating.
It delivers 11 block-spaced outlets, a generous number with a design that accommodates your larger, bulkier plugs. It also offers the extra bonus of two USB ports, so you can easily charge your devices without fear of a storm destroying them. Together, they provide 2.4 Amps worth of power and operate at 120 volts. It has an energy rating of 2630 Joules with Surge Arrest Home/Office (P11U2) surge protection. Armed with this extra protection, this surge protector is equipped to handle even your larger appliances, like your TV, fridge, or even the best stereo system. The switches are built with easy on/off switches ,so you can choose which devices to power.
The eight-foot power cord comes with a 360-degree rotating plug that is designed to offer extra convenience.
- Affordable
- Safety covers
- Multiple cord lengths
- Few outlets
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector tech specs: Number of outlets: 6 | Voltage: 120 volts | Cord length: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25 feet | Dimensions: 9.98 x 2.01 x 1.34 inches
The GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is the best cheap surge protector you can buy when you are on a budget. It offers six grounded outlets operating at 120 volts with an 800-Joules protection rating. The extra-long power cord measures ten feet for greater convenience.
For Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool, there is the added comfort of the GE name. "GE tends to be a trusted name when it comes to all things electrical, so I feel slightly more confident that my electronic devices are more protected," he says. "I've used the GE 6-Outlet surge protector for quite some time with no issues."
Dana Ronald, CEO of Tax Crisis Institute, is also a user and recommends this best surge protector. "We've been using the GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector for over four years, and I'm very pleased with its performance," he says. "It's reliable and easy to install, and the extra-long cord is handy."
Its thoughtful construction is also a plus. Ronald adds, "What I like about the GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is that it includes an integrated circuit breaker and automatic shutdown technology, which helps ensure its longevity."
- Smart technology
- Energy monitoring
- Scheduling capability
- Extremely short cord
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip tech specs: Number of outlets: 6 | Voltage: 125 volts | Cord length: 3 feet | Dimensions: 14.17 x 2.49 x 1.48 inches
With its smart capability, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is one of the most popular and best surge protectors you can buy. It includes six outlets that operate at 125 volts with the additional bonus of three integrated USB ports.
Robbie Baskins, Founder of Voddler, is a current user, saying it adds both convenience and efficiency to his home. "With this Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, I can manage my connected devices from anywhere using the Kasa Smart app, remotely control the outlets and schedule on/off times for connected devices, check on the status of my devices, and even create custom scenes."
Anthony Buzzetta, Founder of tech site G TIER, calls it a personal favorite. "The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is my personal favorite because it provides comprehensive protection against surges, spikes, overvoltage and lightning strikes," he says. "Its six smart plugs make it easy for you to control multiple appliances at once using your phone or voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant voice."
With ETL-certified surge protection, this best surge protector offers energy monitoring, so you can use the Kasa smart app to check consumption. You can also use the app to control connected devices, allowing you to turn on and off the power to each individual device at will.
What is the best surge protector?
Users love the Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector, making it the best surge protector you can buy today. With 12 different outlets, it is the most generous with its design, and though it just tops $50, users agree that it is worth every dollar.
To see how it stacks up, this is a look at the best surge protectors.
Best surge protector | Cost | Number of outlets | Volts |
Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector | $55.50 | 12 | 120 volts |
Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector | $21.50 | 8 | 120 volts |
APC Surge Protector | $45 | 11 | 120 volts |
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector | $15 | 6 | 120 volts |
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip | $47 | 6 | 125 volts |
Which is the best surge protector for you?
After a while, all of these surge protectors can begin to blend together and seem the same. To help you find the best surge protector for your needs, consider these expert recommendations.
Choose this best surge protector... | If you want... |
Tripp Lite Protect It 12-Outlet Surge Protector | Reliable performance. This surge protector also has plenty of room for your devices. |
Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector | The best value. This surge protector is affordable and economical and still gets the job done. |
APC Surge Protector | A surge protector for larger devices. This model is designed to tackle those power-hungry devices in your home. |
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector | An affordable pick. This best surge protector costs less than $20 and still performs reliably. |
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip | A surge protector made for smart homes. This model is exactly what you need when you want to control your surge protector on the go. |
How did I choose these best surge protectors?
When searching for the best surge protector, it is important to take several factors into account. These are some of the factors I considered during my search.
Outlets: Check the number of outlets available in each surge protector and think about which devices you may want to use with it. If you plan on connecting larger appliances like your TV or refrigerator, you will want an outlet capable of holding larger, bulkier plugs. Several surge protectors also offer USB ports for your phone and other devices.
Joules: The amount of joules determines how much a surge protector can withstand during a spike in power. The higher the joules, the better prepared your surge protector is to handle differing levels of power.
Certification: Confirm that your chosen surge protector has passed testing by a UL certification company to ensure it is safe to use for your devices and in your home.
Cost: Price is often a concern, so shop your options to find the best surge protector for your budget. It is a simple matter to find a surge protector under $50 to help ensure that your new purchase doesn't break the bank.
What does a surge protector do?
To explain what a surge protector is, we look to the experts.
Ovidiu Cical, the CEO & Co-founder at Cyscale, explains, "Surge protectors, in a nutshell, are the saviors of modern-day fragile electronics because they deflect suddenly increased voltage, typically caused by storms, away from the gadgets."
Ronald adds, "A surge protector protects your electronics from sudden power spikes that could damage them. They can also help save energy by stopping loads and helping you unplug devices without having to crawl behind furniture."
Allen recommends a surge protector for anyone with electronic or sensitive equipment for several reasons, "It provides an extra layer of protection against unexpected power issues. It also helps to extend the lifespans of your devices by preventing power surges from damaging them. They typically last for many years if used properly and are not subjected to frequent power outages or surges."
How long do surge protectors last?
This brings up the question of how long a surge protector lasts. Once you finally decide on the best surge protector for your devices, the last thing you want to do is replace it.
"Surge protectors generally last several years, depending on the usage and quality of the product," says Ronald. "In general, it's a good idea to replace them every 3-5 years if they are regularly used."
Anthony Buzzetta, Founder of tech site G TIER, adds an important point. "They can typically handle thousands of 'shots' before they need replacing," he explains, "so how often you are exposed to power spikes or storms will depend on when yours needs replacing. Always double-check with the manufacturer's recommended details before purchasing any product."
Are there alternative best surge protectors worth considering?
These aren't the only options for surge protectors. Consider these options users recommend, as well.
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