Hunting for the best and most reliable surge protectors as a designer or artist can be tedious. Why so?
Because we are all surrounded by appliances at the office and in our homes. Without verifying the IEEE certifications or power ratings, your power strips can cause some serious damage to your prized laptops, mobiles, tablets, TVs, etc.
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The surge protector won’t turn your old PC into a gaming beast, but it can definitely protect your high-end electronic devices from the thing they run on – power! Every offline and online store has all these items on sale, and it isn’t easy to identify their quality or durability by just reading the specs or looking at a piece of the pierced box.
That’s why I am here to help you choose the best Avenger for your electronics team. If you are already using a surge protector, it is time to replace it with one of the reliable options we will discuss below.
Why so? Because the quality and material of a power strip degrades over time, and it is probably time for you to get a new one. So, let’s get down to business!
9+ Best Surge Protectors 2024 – Overview
- Anker Power Strip Surge Protector — Best surge protector overall (Editor’s Choice)
- GE Pro 6-Outlet Surge Protector — Best budget surge protector
- Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector — Best for professional use
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Strip — Best smart home surge protector
- Anker USB C Power Strip Surge Protector — Best fast charging surge protector outlet
- APC Desk Mount Power Station — Best for office use
- DoubleYI 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector — Best for small spaces
- AmazonBasics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector — Best affordable surge protector
- Travel Power Strip with USB Ports — Best pocket-size surge protector
What is the best surge protector?
Our pick for the best surge protector is the Anker Power Strip Surge Protector but check out comparison table below to see what’s best for your needs.
If you are a graphic designer or photographer, videographer, or any kind of artist then you must have a lot of gear like monitors, laptops, tablets, etc. The surge protectors listed below are some of the best available for your high-end devices.
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Top 4 Best Selling Surge Protectors
These are the four best selling surge protectors on Amazon right now:
What to look for in a surge protector outlet?
Surge protectors come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and prices. But is that it? From wall hanging strips to strips with long cables, there is a long list of available protectors. Here are some things you should consider before buying a protector.
Enough Outlets – You don’t want to keep on plugging and unplugging devices by purchasing a surge protector with four outlets when you have eight devices to keep charged. It is always better to go for a number higher than the devices you currently have in use. Ideally, a 6-outlet protector is good for home and a 12-outlet strip for the office.
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Cable Length – If your surge protector can’t reach the wall socket, then it won’t be of much use. Using an extension cord often voids the warranty and is not a safe option. So, choose a protector with the longest length of power cable, as you never know when you might need to connect devices to the opposite end of the socket wall.
Response Time – Surge protectors’ magic doesn’t get started immediately, as there is a very slight delay in forming a wall in response to the power surge. Longer response times can be dangerous for your devices. So, look for protectors that respond in less than a nanosecond.
Energy Absorption – The power rating, often given in Joules, tells how much power the protector can absorb before it malfunctions/fails. The higher this number, the more protection. A surge protector should, at least, have a 200-400 Joules rating and a 600 Joules rating for even better protection.
9+ Best Surge Protectors
1. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector (Editor’s Choice)
Best surge protector power strip overall
Outlet: 12-Outlet | Power rating: 2*4000 Joules
Anker’s Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option for creatives because it has excellent build quality and a 12-outlet option in which 6 outlets are arranged in the middle and 3 on either side for easy connectivity.
The 6-foot-long cable is simply a cherry on the top as it can flexibly fix your electronics system.
It has built-in dual protectors that can handle 4000 joules of power. In case of a major surge, the overload protection feature flips the protector off. This is our top pick for the best surge protector for artists & designers.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Compact and light-weight | ➖ No surge protection |
| ➕ Sensible design |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Power Everything: Equipped with 12 AC outlets to power all of your household devices.
- Dual Surge Protection: PowerExtend is equipped with not one but two 4000-joule surge protectors, ensuring continuous protection for your most sensitive devices during both small or large power surges.
- All-Round Safety: In addition to offering surge protection, this power strip incorporates a range of other safety features including overload protection, grounded protection, and a fire-resistant...
- What You Get: PowerExtend 12 Strip, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, lifetime* $300,000 connected equipment warranty, and friendly customer service.
2. GE Pro 6-Outlet Surge Protector
Best budget-friendly surge protector
Outlet: 6-Outlet | Power rating: 620 Joules
The GE Pro 6-outlet Surge Protector is the best budget-friendly option if you only need a few electronic devices. With 620 Joules power rating and a 2-feet extension cord, it offers great surge protection. There is an indicator light which when stops blinking it means the unit has expired.
Two keyhole slots make it a breeze to mount this protector on walls. What’s more? The smart automatic shutdown technology senses when the surge protection has stopped and cuts power to the unit, making it a safe choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Smart home connectivity | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Attractive design | |
| ➕ Large number of outlets |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Expanded Power – Each extension cord comes in a black finish and features 6 grounded AC outlets to provide power from a distance – perfect for creating a centralized hub for your electronics at...
- Versatile Cord – 2ft. power cord comprised of heavy-duty cable housed in a durable PVC insulation and jacket is strong enough to last a lifetime and pliable enough to easily fully extend. The...
- Protection – Featuring a surge protection rating of 620 Joules, an integrated circuit breaker with reset switch and automatic shutdown technology, this extension cord is the ultimate in protection...
- Functionality – Included keyhole slots make this unit easy to mount to a desk, table or counter. A reset switch puts power at your fingertips for easy control of your electronics.
- Trusted Brand – GE is the #1 Brand in surge protection and extension cords. This unit is UL listed with a hassle-free limited-lifetime replacement policy for peace of mind that your device is backed...
3. Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
Best power strip for professional use
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Outlet: 12-Outlet | Power rating: 3,940 Joules
This 12-outlet model of Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector is an excellent professional piece. It comes with multiple cord length options, sliding safety covers, and a 3,940-Joule energy rating.
Yes, you heard it right: this energy rating is sufficient to protect your equipment at the office, even the most powerful devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Design is space-saving | ➖ No USB ports |
| ➕ Block space outlets | |
| ➕ Sliding safety covers | |
| ➕ Highly versatile |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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4. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Strip
Best smart home surge protector
Outlet: 6 smart outlets and 3 USB ports | Power rating: – 5V/2A
Are you looking for a voice-controlled surge suppressor with its own mobile app? The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip with surge protection is exactly what you’re looking for. This 6-port power strip also includes three USB ports.
Using Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control each of the six plugs independently. Using the mobile app, you can group plugs and command them, as well as create scheduled events to toggle devices.
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And if that isn’t enough, the power strip has energy-monitoring features that measure how much power each device is consuming so that, when necessary, you can reduce power consumption.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to use | ➖ No home-kit support |
| ➕ Compatible with Alexa | |
| ➕ Three smart sockets |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 6 smart outlets: Independently control 6 smart outlets, and charge 3 devices with built in USB ports; Ideal for controlling electronics in your home, home office, or small business
- Surge protection: ETL certified surge protection shields sensitive electronics and appliances from sudden power surges that can occur during weather storms and cause irreparable damage
- Energy monitoring : Monitor how much energy devices connected to the power strip consume; Check on each one from your Kasa smart app and turn off ones that are using too much power
- Control from anywhere: Control connected devices from anywhere with the Kasa Smart app. Power up your office remotely and even your holiday lights from the app
- Voice control: Remotely control your smart plug and use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or MicroSoft Cortana. Plug type:3-prong plug
5. Anker USB C Power Strip Surge Protector
Best fast charging surge protector with USB
Outlet: 3 Outlets and 2 USB Ports | Power rating: – 1250W at 125V
Anker is well-known for its chargers, and with this USB surge protector PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule, it has essentially built charging ports into the surge protector. There are three standard three-prong outlets on one side. All the outlets are oriented in a different direction, preventing thick AC adapters from colliding with others.
Also, there are three fast-charging USB ports. The two USB-A ports can each deliver 15W of charging power, while the USB-C port can deliver up to 45W, though the ports can combine to deliver a total of 60W.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to use | ➖ A random sound |
| ➕ Great quality | |
| ➕ Fit nicely on one strip |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Charge at High Speed: A 45W USB-C port supports high-speed charging for a wide variety of phones, tablets, and more. Fully charge a 12″ MacBook in just 2 hours or charge an iPhone 11 almost 2 times...
- Clutter-Free Charging: With three AC outlets on one side, and two 15W USB-A ports and a 45W PowerIQ 3.0 USB-C port on the other, you can direct power cords towards the back of your desk while having...
- Superior Safety: Equipped with a wide range of safety features including surge protection, overload protection, a fire-resistant casing, and more to keep you and your devices completely safe.
- What You Get: PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule USB-C power strip with 6 ft cable, welcome guide, worry-free 18-month warranty, lifetime* $200,000 connected equipment warranty, and friendly customer...
6. APC Desk Mount Power Station
Best small surge protector for office use
Outlet: 3 USB ports and 6 Outlet | Power rating: 1080 Joules
The APC Desk Mount Power Station has a unique design that allows you to hook the surge protector onto the edge of a desk or over a cubicle wall, making it more accessible than strip power stations. It has a surge protection rating of 18 joules.
This model is one of the few with a USB-C charging port and two USB-A ports for other connections, making it an excellent choice for many offices.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Long cord | ➖ Disappointing quality |
| ➕ Auto-shutoff feature | |
| ➕ It has two indicators |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Desk clamp power station for under desk power, or mount over a cubicle wall (up to 2.4 inches thick)
- 18 Joules of surge protection
- 6 outlet surge protector power strip
- 1 type C USB charging port, plus 2 type A USB charging ports provide 4. 8A total charging power (sufficient for charging smartphones and tablets, but not computers)
- 6 foot power cord with flat end 9 degree space saving plug
7. DoubleYI 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Best for small spaces
Outlet: 12-Outlet | Power rating: 1,000 Joules
If you are running short on space, then this 1000 Joule rating, DoubleYI 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector, offers a sleek design with smart charging ports for improved connectivity. The rating is enough to cope with most of the average and high-end electronic devices, plus the 5 USB-A ports, which provide fast charging for smartphones and tablets. It is ETL Listed and FCC Certificated, so you won’t have to worry much about the safety of your devices. The power cord is 6.5 feet long, so all your devices can easily reach the surge protector.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good quality | ➖ Safety issues |
| ➕ Compact design | |
| ➕ Good extension chord |
Latest Price on Amazon:
8. AmazonBasics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Best affordable surge protector
Outlet: 8-Outlet | Power rating: 4,500 Joule
AmazonBasics 8-outlet surge protector is an ideal budget choice for both home and office usage. Available with both 6- and 12-foot power cords, this robust protector offers a handful of ports, although there are no extra USB ports. It also offers more than decent power surge protection with a 4500 Joule rating. There’s a LED light that shows when the surge protection is active. There is extra safety as the strip comes with sliding outlet covers.
For larger power bricks, the three outlets are in good positions. And as it is an Amazon original product, you can definitely rely on it.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great value | ➖ LEDs don’t turn off |
| ➕ Well-spaced outlets |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- IN THE BOX: Surge protector power strip for protecting computers, TVs, and other electronic devices from potentially damaging power surges
- OUTLETS: Includes 8 outlets
- SURGE PROTECTION: 4500 joules rating; green LED light indicates active surge protection and grounded wiring for all outlets
- ADDED SAFETY: 15 amp overload resettable circuit breaker; fireproof MOV for added protection from surges and spikes
- SPECIFICATIONS: 15 amps, 120 volts, 1800 watts
9. Travel Power Strip with USB Ports
Best pocket-size surge protector
Outlet: 7-Outlet | Power rating: 640 Joules
This is a Travel Power Strip that comes in mini-pocket size with a four-ft wrap-around cord. The weight of this power strip is 8 oz and it does not weigh down your travel bag. The flexible four-ft cord wraps around the body and plugs into an AC socket for neat storage.
The NTONPOWER pocket power strip is small and comes with two wide-space three-prong outlets. The desktop power strip flat plug works great on your nightstand, home, and office table desk to handle the Bluetooth speaker, laptops, smartphones, iPads, and camera battery without any problems.
The cube-shaped non-surge protector is perfect in size and fits in your palm. It comes with four AC outlets and three USB ports. It has two Type-B three Prong wide-space outlets that fit for big power adapters that do not block adjacent outlets and allows you to power up to seven devices simultaneously.
This particular surge protector is FCC and RoHS approved. It has a high-temperature fire shield outer shell that ensures complete protection against electrical short circuits, overheating, overcharging, overcurrent, and overvoltage.
You can wrap around the sockets for more compact carrying as this powerstrip comes with a cable tie for easy organization that helps you get rid of tangling cords and cable clutter.
This power strip comes with an 18-month warranty period for quality-related replacement or refunds.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Perfect for frequent travelers | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Capable of up to seven devices at the same time | |
| ➕ Extension cord that comes up to four ft long |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- [Easy to Pack, Travel Essential]: Carry-on compact size With 4ft Wrap Around Cord. Lightweight 8 oz power strip won’t weigh down your travel bag/luggage. Whether you're stuck at the airport and...
- [ 7-IN-1 Travel Power Strip with USB]: NTONPOWER USB Power Strip turns one outlet into 7, including two 3 Prong outlets, two 2 Prong outlets, and 3 USB ports that will charge most smartphones,...
- [ 4FT Wrap-Around Flat Plug Extension Cord]: Flexible 4ft Retractable Extension Cord cleverly wraps around the body and plugs into a ac socket for neat storage. Ideal for travel and business trip, it...
- [Cruise Must Haves]: The non-surge protector cruise power strip, travel extension cord comes with 4 outlets / 3 USB ports and it is in perfect size that fits right in the palm of your hand. Great for...
- [FULL-ROUND PROTECTIONS]: The extension cord with multiple outlets is FCC & RoHS approved with high temp fireshield outer shell, ensuring complete protection against electrical short circuit, over...
Frequently Asked Questions
Are more expensive surge protectors worth it?
It totally depends on your needs. If you are getting a surge protector for your home, then you might not need a lot of ports and a high power rating. In that case, an affordable or mid-range surge protector would do. But, if you are looking forward to using the protector for large devices such as printers, photocopy machines, and gaming laptops, then it is worth buying an expensive surge protector.
Are 450 joules enough for a surge protector?
What power rating surge protector is best depends on what device you are using. If you are using small, low-power-consuming devices, 450 Joules is enough. But if you want to use it for bigger devices that consume a lot of power, then look for a rating of 600 joules or more.
When should I replace my surge protector?
A surge protector has an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. If your home experiences frequent power outages, you're better off replacing your surge protectors every two years.
How do surge protectors work?
It works by drawing current from one outlet and passing it to the devices connected to the surge protector. A surge protector includes a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, which diverts any excess voltage to ensure that devices receive consistent power levels.
What do surge protectors do?
A surge protector or transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS)) is a device that protects electrical devices from voltage spikes in alternating current (AC) circuits.
Bottom Line
So, these were our top picks. You can rely on these surge protectors to safeguard your electronic devices. However, there is no steel-plated guarantee for anything involving electrical currents and electronic devices. Surge-related problems will arise from time to time, so it is best to replace them every two to three years.
