7 Best Surge Protector Consumer Ratings & Reports 2023

No one likes to fry an expensive laptop and gaming station due to heavy surge, but it happens when you expect it the least.

If you think that only a lightning strike and thunderstorm can cause power fluctuation, then it’s time to change this misconception.

Yes, extreme weather is a significant cause of electricity spikes, but it’s not the only reason.

Every time you turn on your vacuum cleaner or a hairdryer, it requires a large current and this instant high voltage demand first causes a drop and then a spike.

And do you know who will take that hit? It could be your PlayStation, Computer, TV, or another device.

So, what to do? Get the surge protector to have all-around safety for your electronic appliances.

Since tons of options are available, you should read by buying a guide to pick the one you need.

In this post, I am going to review the 7 best surge protectors according to consumer ratings and reports in 2023. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Best Surge Protector Consumer Ratings & Reports

I have compiled a list of the 7 best surge protectors based on consumer ratings and reports.

1. Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV 12 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

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Features at a glance
  • Diagnostic LEDs
  • UL Certified
  • 2880-joule surge protection rating
  • EMI/RFI noise filtering

When you are searching for a very reliable surge protector for our home theatre, certainly the best option comes straight from Tripp Lite.

This power strip will unlock 12 protected AC outlets alongside transformer outlets, which are compatible with bulky AC adapters.

You can connect every kind of device to your home theater system, such as wireless routers, televisions, video game consoles, streaming media players, broadband modems, desk lamps, sound systems, device chargers, and DVRs.

It is designed with an 8-foot AC input cord that features a 5-15P right-angle plug. There are sliding covers for each cover to prevent human contact with unused outlets.

A feature that makes it a very safe extension cord is its Diagnostic LED. It will give you quick confirmation that protection is active and the outlet is grounded.

Thanks to its built-in breaker, the circuit will switch off automatically in case of overheating or power overload.

Manufacturer covered all the outlets in high-impact housing that is fire resistant. The compact design makes it fit most confined spaces very well.

Tripp Lite created this device as per strict UL standards. You can connect your phone and cable lines in this power strip, as its RJ11 and coaxial jacks offer ultimate Data Line protection.

When it comes to placement, you can mount it to the wall, media cabinet, workbench, and desk.

What We Like!

  • Built-in breaker
  • Mounting slots included
  • Overload protection
  • Data Line Protection
  • High Impact Housing

Things to Consider!

  • Spacing between outlets is improper.

2. APC Surge Protector with USB Ports

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Features at a glance
  • Mountable design
  • 2880 Joules rating
  • 8 inches swivel cord
  • Flat plug included

Are you searching for ultimate surge protection for your electronics? Indeed an APC surge protector is what you need.

It is not as Surge Arrest for an excellent reason, aka it won’t let heavy surges cause any irreparable damage to your devices. Thanks to its multiple ports, you can connect and protect up to 11 electronics.

Do you want to charge your mobile devices too? Well, there are two additional USB ports to meet your needs in a way you never expected.

Every outlet is far enough apart in a way that one outlet doesn’t come into the way of another.

You can enjoy flexibility when it comes to mounting the unit as this power strip is designed with a swivel cord. An on/off switch would help you take control of all devices.

It offers great fault protection, so you will get a clear indication if there is an electrical problem.

What We Like!

  • Easy to handle On/off switch
  • Up to 11 devices surge protection
  • Easy to use
  • 2 additional USB ports

Things to Consider!

  • Sockets aren’t deep enough.

3. Power Strip, Bototek Surge Protector with 10 AC Outlet

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Features at a glance
  • Lifetime technical support
  • ETL Listed, FCC Certificated
  • Overload protection of all outlets
  • Easy to mount holes

Do you want to keep your office desk clutter-free? If yes, it’s time to get a Botet extension with a surge protector.

Thanks to its multi-outlet, you can simultaneously charge your mobile, tablet, computer, fax machine, printer, and other devices.

It is designed with overload protection, so you won’t have to worry that a sudden spike or unexpected power fluctuation will damage your expensive device.

The engineer behind this device used a built-in voltage sensor in its circuit. This sensor detects the power needs of your device and then responds accordingly.

Once you plug in your devices in this multi-circuit, you can enjoy peace of mind.

Bototek used a heavy-duty cord with a 10-outlet. This 100% heat dissipation copper wire has FCC accreditation. It comes with a Phosphor copper conductor for the socket.

A wide variety of outlet strips features 15-Ac grounded three-pin outlets with flat plug, 2 Special design outlets, and eight standard spacing outlets.

You can expect fast and efficient charging from this device. You will find mounting holes on the back, so it becomes easy for them to mount them to furniture, baseboards, and your walls.

What about quality and certification? Well, Bototek Surge protector is FCC certified and ETL Listed.

If you face any issue during use or some questions, you can make the most from the company’s friendly customer service. Its compact design won’t take much space.

You can use it without worrying about safety as it is 875W Power rated. In case of power overloading, its double-break safety switch trips off automatically. That means it offers dependable safety solutions for our home and office devices.

Whether you have standard or bulky chargers, every kind of switch fits perfectly in the outlet. Two widely spaced outlets are super compatible with big chargers.

What We Like!

  • Ultra-Compact and Space-Saving
  • Smart charging with Optimal charge speed
  • Widely compatible
  • Heavy Duty Copper Cord
  • 1382℉ Heat Resistant

Things to Consider!

  • Outlets are too spaced closely; they could be spaced well.

4. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector

Features at a glance
  • Dual Surge Protection
  • Triple Safety Feature
  • 12 AC outlets
  • Heavy-Duty design

You think twice before getting an extension cord when you have kids at home. It’s always good to be extra conscious as a parent. So, if you need a surge protector with dual protection level, it comes from Anker.

This brand offers a power strip that features dual 4000-joule surge protectors. You can expect all-around safety due to overload protection, fire-resistant exterior, and grounded protection.

It is designed with 12 AC flat power outlets that are good enough to power up all your household devices with optimal surge protection.

You can purchase Power Extend with peace of mind as it offers a $300,000 connected equipment warranty alongside an 18-month warranty and lifetime.

Its heavy-duty design unlocks high-impact resistance casing and a reinforced 10 ft cable to make this product suitable for daily use. There is extra space between outlets to ensure extra space for big chargers.

You can find dual mounting holes on the back. They make it easy for you to set this power strip anywhere you like, from wall to table.

Its flat plug allows you to fit it effortlessly into hard-to-reach outlets such as behind your bed or sofa.

What We Like!

  • Mount anywhere
  • Substantial cord 10ft
  • Accommodate large plugs
  • Access more outlets

Things to Consider!

  • It doesn’t have any USB ports.

5. Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector

Features at a glance
  • 3,940-Joule energy rating
  • 12 AC outlets with a surge protector
  • Heavy Duty
  • Coaxial cable protection

Do you want to recharge all your devices at an exceptional speed? It’s time to grab top-quality Strip surge protection from Belkin.

It is well-built and lets you top up the power of as many devices as you want without putting any of them at significant risk.

It is designed with 12 surge-protected outlets. You can enjoy coaxial protection for your cable or satellite connections.

If you have a direct data line, you can plug it into a direct data line, such as a fax machine. In case of voltage spikes, this surge protector ensures security.

People who have workstations and multiple devices at home, such as professional CPUs, Broadband Modems, and other electronics, can get optimal surge protection since they can withstand up to 3,940 joules.

You don’t have to worry that this device can cause a safety problem for your child as every outlet is designed with its dedicated safety lock when not in use.

This cover keeps the outlet covered and protects it from dust particles. You can use the same surge protector for different places. Since it is featured with a flat AC plug, you don’t need to get extra.

Thanks to its 8 feet cord, it can effortlessly reach hard-to-reach wall receptacles.

The circles are well-designed. They can withstand fire, impact, and rust. The Oversized Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) absorb excess electricity to avoid overheating.

It is designed with a 1-in-2-out RJ11 telephone or fax protection so that you can have nonstop phone line connections.

It is compact but offers wide spacing to fit different kinds of big plugs and charger bricks.

You can shop this product confidently as the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty. Another reason to rely on it is the $200,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.

What We Like!

  • Space-saving design
  • Long 2.4-meter cord
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Child safety lock

Things to Consider!

  • The dual-powered USB ports are not very powerful.

6. Belkin 1-Outlet Home Series Surge Cube

Features at a glance
  • mini surge protector plug-in outlet
  • LED Indicator Lights
  • Travel-friendly
  • Damage-Resistant Housing

Do you need a travel-friendly surge protector? If yes, then this 1-Outlet from Belkin Home Series Surge Cube is something to meet your needs quite well.

It’s compact and well-made. When you travel frequently, you need to keep one power strip alongside you.

You never know about the voltage and electricity situation in other countries. Connecting your Mac Pro and other expensive laptops means taking a considerable risk.

A sudden fluctuation in electricity voltage will damage the motherboard. And it means ruining your precious product.

So, a better option here and, indeed, a cost-effective one is to get a surge protector that you can keep with you all the time.

The portable size makes it your ideal companion for vacations and business trips. It will work as a safe charging station, no matter where you go.

It doesn’t matter what outlet you come across in another city or country; it will convert that outlet into a safe power outlet. You can charge our smartwatches, smartphones, and laptop comfortably.

Belkin designed this device with damage-resistant housing, so it lasted for years and became an excellent product to use every other day.

This mini electric outlet comes with a 1,080-Joule energy rating. It will offer a plug-in safety area on the go.

Charge your device without worrying about power spikes, lightning strikes, overload, and short circuits.

You can rely on this product as it brings a lifetime warranty and a dollar 50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.

What you like the most about this device is that it has a NEMA 5-15R receptacle and LED light indicators, which keep you alert all the time.

What We Like!

  • Dollar 50,000 Connected Equipment Warranty
  • Convenient and safe charging hub for smart devices
  • Space-Saver compact design
  • Affordable

Things to Consider!

  • It is bulky.

7. Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

Features at a glance
  • 6-outlet, surge-protector power strip
  • One transformer outlet
  • 790-Joule 3-Line Surge-Protection Rating
  • 6-foot long 14 AWG power cord

When you have one outlet at home and want to turn it into six, this power strip from AmazonBasics comes in handy.

It is designed with six power outlets that are good enough to charge your small devices alongside one transformer, ready to serve a big charger’s charging needs.

There is an on-off button with an indicator light on this surge protector power strip, and it helps you turn off the electricity of all the appliances at once. Some devices keep consuming your electricity on stand-by mode.

If you want to conserve energy and don’t want to pay huge energy bills, this power strip is what you need to grab for both your home and office.

Thanks to its compact design and six feet cord, you can set it all up in hard-to-reach areas and even in small apartments. It won’t eat your extra space and will help you keep your home and office well-organized.

There is an Indicator LED light. When it’s turned on, it tells you that it protects your devices. In case this light goes off, it’s a signal for replacement.

What We Like!

  • Multiple outlets
  • Shut down all electronics at once
  • Space-Saving Design
  • Super Affordable

Things to Consider!

  • Breaker /fuse is of one-time use only.

Surge Protector Buying Guide

It’s essential to create a safety net around your home and office electronics with a surge protector. Dealing with tons of options in the market during shopping becomes a tiresome task.

Let me share this burden with you through this detailed buying guide. It will help you look into those factors that matter before making up your mind.

Usage

Before discovering the best surge protectors, you should better have a hold on your needs. In other words, you need to decide what devices you are planning to protect.

How many outlets and extra sockets do you need? In the office, you need more than six ready to plug-in outlets, so you can charge your phone and connect your computer, fax machine, printers, scanners, and other devices.

This need extends with a growing family and multiple kitchen appliances at home.

Do you need USB ports too?

You can make the most of the USB ports in the design. They will let you charge your smartphone conveniently.

Where do you plan to use it?

At home, in the office, or on the move? It would help if you had a power surge protector for home and office. For travel, get a lightweight but reliable option.

If you travel often, get a surge protector with you as it will help you keep your laptop and other devices well-protected against unexpected power spikes.

You never know about the voltage and power situation outside your country. So, pack your bag with a travel-friendly surge protector like the one I mentioned above.

Decide how you plan to use it and then search for the best one that meets specifications.

Joules Rating

You are looking for surge protection as you need protection for your expensive devices.

Therefore, it’s vital to look into Joules rating, which defines how much energy a surge protector can absorb. The higher rating is equal to a better protection level.

A power strip with 1000 joules is always better and long-lasting than one with a 500 joules rating.

Safety Features

  • The first safety feature is Joules rating, but it’s not the only thing to look into a surge protector. You should check and find out whether the manufacturer created the device by following UL quality standards or not.
  • Another safety feature often resides in housing. If the manufacturer used high-impact and fire-resistant housing, you could easily spot this claim in the features. This housing prevents fire and makes this product durable with a good build.
  • Overload protection is a must-have feature to find in your surge protector. Since you are connecting multiple devices, overloading may lead to fire hazards. So, if power strips are overloaded, a built-in circuit breaker will turn off the strip automatically. As a result, you get peace of mind that a surge protector won’t put your house on fire.

Warranty

Always check for a warranty. Many times, you get a power strip, and it becomes useless the very next day. Who to call without warranty?

Instead of crying over your waste of money, always make a deal with a brand that offers a warranty.

Final Verdict

No matter what part of the world you belong to, power fluctuations are unavoidable. You don’t have any control over electricity spikes, but what you can control is your defense.

It’s always better to stay safe than sorry with a surge protector. You enjoy peace of mind after connecting multiple devices in a power strip.

You won’t have to shut down all the devices due to heavy storms or rain outside. You centralized this power control by turning off the switch on your surge protector.

Even when you have to keep up with your remote work in your home office, you don’t have to think twice about causing damage to your electronics.

Since so many are there, my buying guide will help you make the right choice. Another simple idea is to explore seven highly recommended surge protectors to get one that meets your needs well.

FAQs About Surge Protector

What Does a Surge protector do?

A surge protector passes an electric current through the outlet to multiple devices plugged into the power strip.

If the voltage rises unexpectedly, it will divert extra electricity to the grounding wire.

Thereby, no extra power or spike passes through your device’s cords, and it’s how you can prevent damage due to fluctuation and spikes in power.

What should not be plugged into a surge protector?

You should not plug hair styling tools, extension cords, other power strips, and small kitchen appliances in a surge protector.

If you have a small powered surge protector, don’t use a refrigerator and dishwasher plugs into it. They may break the power circuit or cause an electric fire if you do so.

When is a surge protector necessary?

You don’t need this device for coffee pots or alarm clocks. However, you should consider surge protection for them when you have expensive electronics such as LED TV, laptops, gaming consoles, charging phones, etc.

It’s necessary to have a power strip with a surge protector to avoid damage due to unexpected heavy surges and power fluctuations.

Do I need a surge protector or power strip?

If you simply need extra sockets at your place, get a power strip. However, you should get a surge protector when you need surge protection with extra power outlets.

Read More: Consumer Ratings & See all Blogs here

Jonathan Perry

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