The best surge protectors of 2023

Finding a proper protector for your electronics ensures that they’ll remain guarded against potentially irreversible damage that comes from commonly occurring electrical spikes in building wiring and power grids. While any amount of protection is better than none, it’s important to consider what types of appliances you’ll be using to determine what type is best for your needs. For most common home appliances—like lamps—any standard surge protector should do the trick. For high-wattage appliances and critical electronic equipment like computers or stereos, however, a heavy-duty model may be more fitting. Whether you’re looking for a portable surge protector to use with your electronics while you’re on the go, or one for permanent use in a business or home, we’ve compared some of the best surge protectors currently available to help you make an informed decision.

• Best overall: Kasa Smart HS300 Plug Power Strip
• Best for college dorm: GE UltraPro 10-Outlet Surge Protector
• Best heavy-duty: Tripp Lite Isobar 6
• Best for TV: APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender
• Best for office: Belkin Pivot Plug Surge Protector
• Best portable: Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector
• Best budget: GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

How we chose the best surge protectors

The homes and offices of the PopSci writers and staff are loaded with gadgets, all of which require ample power to charge and operate. To find the right choice for you, we surveyed dozens of models with a mixture of online research and hands-on experience to hone in on the models that make the most sense for specific users. The entries on this list come from reputable brands that have demonstrated reliability, which is crucial when trusting pricy gear to their performance. We looked for a mixture of functionality, reliability, and design that would offer the piece of mind you’re paying for in the first place.

The best surge protectors: Reviews & Recommendations

Power surges are a normal and inconvenient part of life that frequently occur when utility companies switch electricity on and off again. Various electrical events—including lightning strikes, storms, and power cycling of large appliances like air conditioners—can also trigger them. By placing a surge protector between your electronics and the wall outlet, you can add a layer of safeguarding for your precious appliances to prevent them from getting fried. One of our choices is an invaluable accessory for your priceless setup.

Best overall: Kasa Smart HS300 Plug Power Strip

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Why it made the cut: Smart functionality and built-in power monitoring make this the best power strip surge protector.

Specs

• Protection: 1,710 joules
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 3

Pros

• Smart home connectivity
• Sleek design
• Lots of outlets
• Handy companion app

Cons

• Pricey
• Needs the app for full functionality

The Kasa HS300 is one of the best smart surge protectors on the market, offering 1,710 joules of surge protection in a sleek white finish and slim design that will be welcome in any office or home environment. It has many useful features onboard—including scheduling, remote control of devices, and power consumption monitoring—that are all accessible within the app. It’s compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Microsoft Cortana for users who want to harness the voice control feature. And this unit also can work as a standalone product with no hub required.

The simple, familiar design makes this model easy to hide away under a desk or entertainment center. Three built-in USB ports add extra charging options, and the plug on the strip itself lays relatively flat to the wall so it won’t get smushed by your furniture and bent out of shape.

Best for college dorms: GE UltraPro 10-Outlet Surge Protector

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Why it made the cut: With 10 outlets and two high-speed USB ports, this strip is a great option for a common room or other shared space. No one gets left out.

Specs

• Protection: 3,000 joules
• Outlets: 10
• USB ports: 2

Pros

• Tons of protection
• Lots of sockets
• Modern design

Cons

• Bulky

The ubiquitous USB charging port is used to power everything from portable hard drives to cellphones, making it a popular outlet choice for inclusion on power strips and aftermarket wall outlets. Buying a surge protector with USB ports allows users to give their smartphones protection that traditional wall chargers and power strips don’t offer. It’s always nice to have peace of mind when charging a phone, and it ensures you won’t be stuck with a bricked device in the event of a power surge. These also eliminate the need for users to keep track of their wall chargers, which can often go missing, allowing them to plug straight into the surge protector. This is especially handy when you’re in a college dorm situation where multiple people may need access to charging capabilities, which is why it is our pick for the best surge protector for college dorms.

Users looking to charge numerous peripheral devices and enjoy the benefits of surge protection won’t have to skimp on normal three-pronged outlets with this GE UltraPro 10-Outlet Surge Protector. Its 10 grounded outlets and two USB ports offer 3,000 joules of surge protection to devices of all sorts in multiple plug orientations, making it a good option for shared spaces and desk areas with many devices to power. You can choose between 3-, 4-, and 6-foot cord lengths depending on the layout of your space. It’s the perfect model to put in a common room for shared use.

A pair of slotted holes on the back of the device makes it easy to mount to a desk or wall so that you can secure it down, and you won’t have to worry about someone walking off with it next time there’s a party or people come over.

Best heavy-duty: Tripp Lite Isobar 6

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Why it made the cut: Its super-burly build and military-grade protection can power extremely demanding devices in challenging environments.

Specs

• Protection: 3,330 joules
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 0

Pros

• Super durable
• Maximum protection
• Meets high safety standards

Cons

• Bulky
• No USB

The Isobar from Tripp Lite is a convenient and robust surge protection unit from a power protection industry veteran. It features a six-foot AC power cable and six protected outlets mounted in isolated filter banks to reduce noise interaction between connected electronics. Three indicator LEDs show users the current protection status and whether there’s a problem with the electrical line. Tripp Lite also offers insurance for connected peripherals, making the Isobar one of the best heavy-duty surge protectors for workshops, garages, and industrial spaces.

The surge protection potential of consumer devices is measured in joules, a unit equivalent to one watt applied to an electrical system for one second. A surge protector with a higher joule rating can absorb more energy before failing, which translates to more robust and comprehensive surge protection for critical equipment. If you plan on protecting expensive or sensitive high-wattage electronic equipment like computers, air conditioners, stereo equipment, or power tools, opting for a heavy-duty surge protector with a joule rating of 3,000 or more is a must. That’s what makes the Isobar so appealing to commercial users.

The sturdy metal housing allows this burly surge protector to function properly in demanding environments, like workshops and studios, without potentially cracking or becoming damaged and jeopardizing your equipment in the process. As a bonus, it looks as burly as it is.

Best for TVs: APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender

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Why it made the cut: Its flat form factor makes it easy to tuck behind an entertainment center or TV stand where it can keep many cords in order.

Specs

• Protection: 1,080 joules
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 2

Pros

• Flat profile makes it easy to hide
• Well-spaced outlets
• Powerful USB charging

Cons

• Average protection levels
• Dated design

The APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender is one of the best surge protectors for TVs—and space-saving, too. It can generously expand any standard wall outlet into six plugs and two USB ports and add 1,080 joules of surge protection while hardly adding any extra space. That makes it easy to hide behind your entertainment center. It uses your wall outlet’s existing screw hole to fit securely without the danger of coming loose as you unplug your electronics. It also features LED protection indicators to keep you apprised of its current status. At this price point, there’s no better option for super-compact and relatively high surge protection. Because you get six individual outlets, it can also run entertainment devices like streaming boxes or smart speakers. The USB ports add a nice touch if you want to charge your devices or a remote.

Best for office: Belkin Pivot Plug Surge Protector

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Why it made the cut: More than 4,000 joules of protection and 12 outlets means you have plenty of space for chargers, a printer, your desktop, and more.

Specs

• Protection: 4,320 joules
• Outlets: 12
• USB ports: 0

Pros

• Lots of outlets
• Built-in cord management
• Eight-foot power cord

Cons

• No USB outlets
• Bulky

If you work from home, you know how important desk and outlet placement are to your productivity. And if you’re working with a full home office set-up—printer, modem, desktop monitors—outlets can quickly become scarce. This Belkin Pivot-Plug Surge Protector has a long 8-foot cord and 12 outlets to accommodate all your tech. Eight of the 12 plugs pivot, meaning your charging blocks and plugs can coexist with plenty of personal space. Although it doesn’t have any USB outlets, you probably don’t want your cellphone around while you’re trying to work on that big quarterly report. There is even phone line protection for your office phone. And 4,320 joules of protection give you peace of mind as you work during a big storm. This surge protector means business—and you’ll be able to conduct yours easier when you’re not puzzling together plugs.

Best portable: Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector

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Why it made the cut: When space is an issue, this pocket-sized power strip offers three outlets and two USB ports in a package the size of a candy bar.

Specs

• Protection: 918 joules
• Outlets: 3
• USB ports: 2

Pros

• Easily fits in a pocket
• Fast-charging via USB
• Won’t eat up a whole wall outlet

Cons

• Only three outlets

Power strips, surge protectors, and other power distribution devices are best known for supplementing fixed workspaces and areas of the home. Still, power surges can affect your electronics anywhere and at any time. In some cases, power surges are more likely to affect your electronics while traveling than at home if you factor in the unfamiliarity of the local power grid and weather. For maximum protection of your sensitive devices wherever you go, get the best portable surge protector and enjoy the benefits of surge protection on the road.

Travelers who want extra peace of mind when using power outlets will appreciate the incredibly small form factor and 918-joule protection rating of this USB surge protector from Belkin. It comes in three variants rated for different levels of amperage depending on what peripherals you plan on plugging in. It uses a 360-degree rotating plug to maximize its compatibility with strange outlets in hotels, airports, and more. It’s flexible and simple to use, too, with two USB ports offering a combined 2.1 amps of charging power and an onboard protection status LED. It’s great on an RV or travel van because it doesn’t take up much space and won’t overdraw your vehicle’s system. Plus, if you want to take it inside a coffee shop or other spot where you may be spending some time, it’s easy to tote.

Best budget: GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

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Why it made the cut: This ultra-affordable strip is a great option when you just need basic protection, or you want to keep a spare unit on hand for emergencies.

Specs

• Protection: 800 joules
• Outlets: 6
• USB ports: 0

Pros

• Very cheap
• Compact form factor
• Rotating sockets

Cons

• Limited protection
• No USB

This six-outlet surge protector from GE packs an integrated surge protector and 800 joules of protection into a familiar body, making it one of the best cheap surge protectors for the money. Each of its outlets can be closed with a simple twist for extra safety, and wall outlet mounts on the rear allow users to mount it up and off the floor if needed. It has a three-foot power cord and standard plug and offers incredible value for the money, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget or users looking to purchase in bulk.

The key function of a good surge protector is the preservation of your electronics, so it’s hard to compromise on price without a dip in quality. Still, by remaining aware of the joule rating of the surge protector and the wattage of the equipment you’re powering with it, you can accomplish an adequate level of protection at an affordable price point. The GE and similar models are best for stationary use in the home due to less durable casing materials and may not bear the bells and whistles of more expensive units. Still, as long as you’re not powering irreplaceable equipment or operating in a building with a known history of frequent and intense surges, they should do just fine. The GE model strikes the right balance between performance and reliability for basic jobs. You don’t always need maximum protection if you’re just trying to string some holiday lights or have a power strip on-hand for emergencies.

What to consider when buying the best surge protectors

Surge protectors are available in portable, bag-sized travel units as well as tough, metal-clad industrial forms and everywhere in between. Determining the best unit for your needs comes down to the level of protection you require according to the quality of the electric system from which you’re pulling power and the value of the equipment you’re looking to protect. Whether you’re enduring daily power spikes or just want reliable protection for some extra peace of mind, we’ve picked out a few of the top surge protectors on the market to help you give your electronics the protection they deserve.

Voice control

Voice control, smart home technology, and home automation are more commonplace and accessible than ever before. There are countless smart plug products on the market that allow users to integrate traditional appliances with a smart home system. The best smart surge protectors offer users this same convenient hands-free remote electronics control without sacrificing high-level protection from power surges in a single unit.

Most smart surge protectors offer compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and other popular smart home systems, but many can function as standalone units. A local Wi-Fi network and a companion app are usually all it takes to get up and running, turning a smartphone into a universal remote for your electronics. Users who want to create automated lighting schedules or activate coffee makers, slow cookers, and other devices from afar will appreciate the convenience and safety that a smart surge protector provides. These may not be the most robust choice for heavy-duty applications, but they’re unparalleled for adding flexibility, protection, and voice control to commonplace household and office appliances.

USB ports

You don’t always have to find a charging brick when you want to plug in your phone or other portable devices. Some surge protectors have built-in USB connectivity, which allows you to charge extra devices without having to occupy one of the AC sockets. These can come in handy even when you might not expect it. For instance, USB ports can be handy for charging controllers if you have them on the surge protector in your home theater.

Outlet arrangement

If you’re going to be plugging in big power bricks, there’s a chance you might run into a traffic jam that prevents you from using all of your surge protector’s real estate. Try to visualize the plugs you need to accommodate and ensure there’s room for everything. Otherwise, you’ll be trying to daisy chain strips together, and that’s not good for anything.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best surge protectors

Surge protection doesn’t come standard in most buildings and power systems, so it’s crucial to ensure that your electronics are safeguarded from inevitable power spikes and blackouts with the best surge protector for your needs. Home users should turn to a smart surge protector for total control over their electronic ecosystem or a surge protector with USB ports for quick charging and protection of their irreplaceable devices. In contrast, commercial users who need robust protection should turn to a heavy-duty surge protector to keep their bases covered. Whether you’re powering a vacuum cleaner or a smartphone, every user of electronic equipment, big and small, should use a surge protector. Then you can rest assured that your devices are safe and sound the next time a blackout or power surge comes around.

• Best overall: Kasa Smart HS300 Plug Power Strip
• Best for college dorm: GE UltraPro 10-Outlet Surge Protector
• Best heavy-duty: Tripp Lite Isobar 6
• Best for TV: APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender
• Best for office: Belkin Pivot Plug Surge Protector
• Best portable: Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector
• Best budget: GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.