The Best Surge Protectors to Buy

Surge protectors are essential for protecting your electronic gadgets from sudden surges in electrical current caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or defective wiring. 

In today’s digital world, where we rely more than ever on laptops, cellphones, gaming consoles, and home theaters, power surges pose a significant risk of harming or even destroying our costly equipment. 

Investing in a high-quality surge protector protects your electronics while providing peace of mind. 

This post will examine the top five best-selling surge protectors to help you find the best option.

Our editorial team independently selects all products featured in this review. This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from purchases made through those links. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Quick Links on the Best Surge Protectors

• Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector
• APC SurgeArrest 8-Outlet Surge Protector
• AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector
• Tripp Lite TLP1008TEL 10-Outlet Surge Protector
• Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip Surge Protector

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Why Do You Need a Surge Protector?

Power surges can occur unexpectedly, with significant implications. 

A surge can harm your computer’s motherboard, destroy your television’s circuits, or corrupt data on an external hard drive. 

Whether you work from home, own a business, or want to protect your home entertainment system, a surge protector is a low-cost purchase that may save you thousands of dollars.

Key Features to Look for in a Surge Protector

Number of Outlets

One of the first things to consider when purchasing a surge protector is the number of outlets available. 

If you have several devices, you’ll need a protector with enough outlets to support them all. Some variants even have spaced-out outlets to accommodate larger plugs and adapters.

Joules Rating

As previously stated, the joule rating is significant. It indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb. 

A joule rating of 600-1000 is usually sufficient for modest household electronics. For more critical or sensitive equipment, seek a rating of 2000 or higher.

USB Ports

Many current surge protectors have USB ports, allowing you to charge smartphones, tablets, and other devices without an outlet. 

This capability is handy if you have limited outlets but need to charge many devices.

Design and Durability

Consider the surge protector’s design and build quality. Long power cords, right-angle plugs, and durable casings are desirable attributes. 

Look for a compact design to fit the shield into small locations.

Certifications and Safety Standards

Check that the surge protector you chose satisfies the necessary safety standards. 

Look for UL certification, which means the product has been tested and satisfies strict safety standards. This accreditation is particularly vital for safeguarding your gadgets from fire threats.

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Detailed Reviews of the 5 Best-Selling Surge Protectors

Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector

The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Surge Protector is a versatile and high-capacity choice for home theaters, gaming sets, and office environments. Its distinctive pivoting outlets enable the flexible placement of cords and plugs, even large adapters.

Key Features:  

• 12 pivoting outlets  
• 4320 joules rating  
• 8-foot power cord  
• Phone line protection  
• Cable management clip  

Pros:

• Excellent joules rating
• Flexible outlet arrangement
• Long power cord  

Cons:

• Larger footprint
• Higher price point  

Users are enthused by the pivoting outlets’ versatility and the peace of mind provided by the high joule rating. Some say it’s a little big, but the extra safety and convenience make it worthwhile.

This surge protector is ideal for users with many devices, particularly in home entertainment or workplace environments. It stands out thanks to its high joules rating and rotating outlets.

APC SurgeArrest 8-Outlet Surge Protector

APC is a well-known name in power protection, and the SurgeArrest 8-Outlet Protector lives up to that reputation. 

With eight well-spaced outlets and a high joules rating, it’s ideal for protecting a wide range of gadgets in your home or business.

Key Features:

• Eight outlets  
• 2630 joules rating  
• 6-foot power cord  
• Fail-safe mode  
• Lifetime warranty and $75,000 equipment protection policy  

Pros: 

• High joules rating
• Fail-safe mode
• Lifetime warranty  

Cons: 

• Lacks USB ports
• Fewer outlets than some competitors  

Customers value the robust protection and warranty provided by APC. 

We especially appreciate the fail-safe mode, which turns off the protector when it can no longer defend devices.

It is a dependable option for those seeking excellent security and peace of mind, although the lack of USB ports may be an issue for some.

AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector

For those on a tight budget, the AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector provides necessary protection at an inexpensive price. It’s a simple solution for modest home or business setups.

Key Features: 

• Six outlets  
• 790 joules rating  
• 2-foot power cord  
• LED indicator lights  

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Compact design
• Easy to use  

Cons: 

• Lower joules rating
• Shorter power cord  

Users consider this surge protector to be excellent value for the price, while others believe the lower joules rating makes it best suited for smaller, less critical gadgets.

It is a fantastic low-cost choice for safeguarding everyday electronics, but it may not be adequate for high-value or sensitive equipment.

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Tripp Lite TLP1008TEL 10-Outlet Surge Protector

The Tripp Lite TLP1008TEL offers an outstanding balance of protection, features, and price. With ten outlets and a high joules rating, it’s well-suited for larger setups in both home and office environments.

Key Features:

• Ten outlets  
• 2395 joules rating  
• 8-foot power cord  
• Telephone and coaxial line protection  
• Diagnostic LED indicators  

Pros: 

• Ample outlets
• High joules rating
• Long power cord  

Cons: 

• Somewhat bulky
• Outlets close together  

Customers value the combination of features and protection at a reasonable cost. The lengthy chord and many outlets make it versatile; however, the space between outlets may be improved.

A good option for individuals who require numerous outlets and reliable protection, particularly for more extensive settings.

Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip Surge Protector

The Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip Surge Protector adds smart functionality by allowing you to control your gadgets remotely using an app. 

It’s ideal for tech-savvy consumers who wish to incorporate surge protection into their smart home setup.

Key Features:

• Six smart outlets  
• 3 USB ports  
• 1710 joules rating  
• WiFi connectivity for remote control  
• Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant  

Pros: 

• Smart functionality
• USB ports
• Integration with smart home systems  

Cons: 

• Mid-range joules rating
• Higher price  

Users love the convenience of controlling outlets via their phones or voice commands. 

However, some mention that the joules rating is lower than other protectors in this price range.

The Kasa Smart Power Strip is best for those who want to combine surge protection with smart home features. It is an excellent addition to a modern, connected home.

Conclusion

Choosing the suitable surge protector depends on your needs and the devices you want to protect. 

If you need robust protection for a home theater or gaming setup, the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug is an excellent choice. 

For those on a budget, the AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector offers reliable essential protection at an affordable price. 

If innovative features are your priority, the Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip is perfect for integrating into a connected home.

A high-quality surge protector is essential to safeguarding your electronics from power surges. Choose wisely based on the features that matter most to you, and protect your valuable devices from unexpected electrical spikes.

FAQs

What is the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?

A power strip provides many outlets without surge protection. On the other hand, a surge protector offers built-in protection against voltage spikes, preventing harm to your devices.

How do I know if my surge protector needs to be replaced?

If your surge protector has an indication light, it will let you know when it is no longer effective. Also, if it has been subjected to a significant power spike, it should be replaced.

Can I use a surge protector with high-powered devices like a microwave?

High-powered appliances, such as microwaves or refrigerators, should generally be plugged directly into a wall socket since they can take more power than most surge protectors are intended to manage.

Is it safe to daisy-chain surge protectors?

No, it’s unsafe to daisy-chain surge protectors, as this can overload the circuit and increase the fire risk.

How often should I replace my surge protector?

Surge protectors should be updated every 2-3 years or immediately following a severe power surge, even if they appear operational.

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