The best surge protector 2024
21 min read
The best surge protectors are essential for safeguarding electronic devices from unexpected voltage increases. The sudden rush of a power surge from electrical faults, lightning strikes, and the grid can cause serious damage to devices without the protection of surge protectors.
The trouble with electrical surges is they can strikes at any moment, and they’re largely undetected – until your devices stop working. Power supplies no longer supply power; 4K displays no longer display anything. This is where power surge protectors become invaluable. These towers and power strips are more than just extension cords for plugging in multiple devices, offering ways to reroute those unexpected extra volts away from devices.
But what makes a good surge protector? Our team reviewed the top-rated surge protectors and power stripes, comparing protection levels, cord length, and port selection to hand-pick the best surge protectors for TVs, gaming PCs, and everything in between.
Best surge protectors: The quick list
The best surge protectors will protect your devices, from your phones and laptops to your home appliances. We’ve handpicked the best ones for US and UK homes and offices.
1. Tripp Lite Protect It 12
With a protection rating of 2880 joules, twelve AC outlets, safety covers, and a big insurance cover, this comes out on top as the best pick overall.
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2. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
With 2,100 joules of protection and $200,000 warranty, that’s more than enough for your basic devices like laptops, and printers.
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3. Amazon Basics 6-Outlet
With three layers of protection, six outlets, and a long cord, this is just enough to protect your kitchen appliances and small electronics at home.
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4. JACKYLED 1625W 13A Outlet
This space-saving Jackled surge protector tower helps users save even more in their energy bill and have easier access to all their devices.
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5. GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector
Great for small appliances and electronics like phones, smartwatches, lamps, and smart speakers, this offers 800 joules of protection.
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Offer 1,700 joules of protection, it has eight AC outlets and each pair has its on/off button to help save energy and money on your energy bill.
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A cheap yet realiable extension cord, it’s a great option for budgeting households that doesn’t have very demanding plugging needs.
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With eight AC outlets, 6.6-foot cord, and two USB Type-A ports, this option from Belkin is an excellent and affordable option for the office.
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9. AUOPRO Surge Protector
This power strip from Auopro, which boasts an octagonal prism shape, comes with a total of 12 AC outlets and five USB Type-A ports.
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10. TESSAN 8-Way Extension Tower
This one is a very affordable extension tower and comes complete with 1,700 joules of protection, eight outlets, and three USB ports.
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The best surge protectors in the US
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Best surge protector overall
Tripp Lite is not a newcomer to electricity taming. The company was founded in 1922 to manufacture car headlights, but by the 1950s it was making rotating warning lights for the police, fire and ambulance markets, and in 1982 it created the first surge protector, having created the first UPS system for PCs two years earlier.
Very few manufacturers are willing to risk money to meet their sales promises. TrippLite is one exception. They offer lifetime exchange warranty on many of their products, as well as an insurance coverage for most of their surge suppressors. Insurance amounts vary according to the model.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that the Tripp Lite Protect It 12 comes out on top as the best value pick. A notable feature of this model is that it provides a fail-to-safe design, also referred to as “automatic shut down” by Tripp Lite. Surge protectors with MOVs degrade with each surge to the point they become ineffective, but this device stops sending power when its protection has worn down, signaling that it’s time to replace it.
There are twelve AC outlets, four of which are spaced out to let you connect big wall wart chargers that would otherwise step over the nearby socket. It has a generous 8ft cord with a 90-degree male plug that can be easily installed behind furniture.
Considering its protection rating of 2880 joules, it is the best in our ranking, which means its lifespan under the same conditions will be twice as long as the second best pick, and eight times longer than the lowest rated pick at 300J.
There is also a circuit breaker, and the power switch can reset it after it trips. Another nice security feature are the child-proof outlet covers. By looking at the LED on the unit, you can tell when the protection is working. If TL’s Protected light ever goes out, the surge protector will be replaced for free, no questions asked.
Icing on the cake is the $150,000 USD insurance on connected devices against surge damage for the life of the device. Having not used it, we assume it involves recording the invoices for purchases, assessing the damage by sending the affected equipment, etc. But in any case, it shows that the firm takes its level of protection seriously. Additionally, this model also includes coax cable protection (CATV, satellite, etc.).
Best value surge protector in the US
Most people don’t need a kitted-out power strip with surge protection, and if you’re one of them, you’re better off choosing something that’s affordable like this one from Anker that offers 2,100 joules of protection. That’s more than enough for your basic devices like smartphones, laptops, and printers, which is what most people have in their offices.
There’s eight points of protection here as well, including fire resistance, temperature control, and overload protection. And not that it will, but if it does fail, it comes with a $200,000 connected equipment lifetime warranty.
As for your charging needs, there are 12 AC outlets on hand, with enough space between each outlet to accommodate all your devices, as well as two USB Type-A ports and one USB-C with power delivers for fast charging – allowing you to fully-charge your iPhone in an hour. Just bear in mind that the USB and USB-C port do share output so if you’re using all three at once, it will slow down all three to just 15W.
Amazon customers love this product too, many calling it the best power strip surge protector when it comes to value, and praising it for its relatively low footprint and solid build. Some have experienced one of the USB ports not working, but others have found that you simply need to reset the whole thing to get it working again.
Best budget surge protector in the US
If you don’t need a USB port and are on a tight budget, this surge protector from Amazon may be ideal for you. It offers 790 joules of protection as well as six AC outlets, both of which are enough for most people who don’t really own a lot of devices.
It is a little basic in terms of its line of protection, but you are getting three layers here – just enough to protect your kitchen appliances and small electronics at home. And its six foot cord means that it’s a little more versatile in its location. We wouldn’t recommend using this to regularly power your PC or laptop, however, as it won’t offer enough protection if a surge does happen.
Customers on Amazon gives it a 4.8 out of 5 rating, with a number of them commending it for its good build quality, great value, and cord length and many using it mostly for their small devices and gadgets. Their most common complaint, however, is that the power button light is too bright. If you’re getting this one, be sure it stays tucked away somewhere to help diffuse that light at night.
Best surge protector for US offices
The ingenious design of this Jackled surge protector tower helps users save even more in their energy bill and have easier access to all their devices while saving space. Its vertical tower design is made in a way where you can plug all your electronics and appliances conveniently without them getting in the way of one another, while its three layer design means that you can turn on one layer at a time if others are not in use.
It also has a surge protection of 1,050 joules – enough to protection your more expensive devices like a PC or a laptop. RoHS and FCC certified, it also has overload, short-circuit, over-current and over-voltage, and overheating protection. And it comes with a 6.5-foot pure copper cold.
As for the ports, there’s a lot of them. 12 AC outlets and six USB Type-A ports mean that you’ll never run out of a place to plug in again. There’s just no USB-C port, unfortunately, but that can be easily remedied.
Enjoying a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, customers love it for its space-saving form factor, retractable cord, and high quality. However, a small number of people have said that individual power buttons can be a double-edge sword, as you do have to remember to switch them on if you need to use them.
Best surge protector for US homes
Another cheap option that’s highly-rated is this surge protector from GE. It offers 800 joules of protection, which again means that it’s better for small appliaces and electronics – like phones, smartwatches, lamps, and smart speakers – than pricier devices like a laptop, but it’s great for certain spaces in your home like the kitchen and bedrooms.
It still offers a great level of protection, however, coming with automatic shutdown thanks to its integrated circuit breaker to safeguard your things from overvoltage and overheating. And, to protect your kids and pets, every outlet – there are six on hand – has a twist-to-close safety cover. And of course, that 10-foot cable adds a bit more flexiblity.
Amazon customers highly-recommend it for being a heavy duty product that sits at a great price point. It’s a little basic yes, but it gets the job done. Some people even use it for their smart TV
The best surge protectors in the UK
Best UK surge protector overall
An excellent sharing surge protector for the office, this option from SameRiver is similar to the Jackyled tower extension on our US list above except it’s smaller and less expensive (and perhaps has less features). It does offer 1,700 joules of protection, which means it’s more than enough for office devices like laptops, printers, and monitors. And the fact that it’s four-sided means it allows easy access for everyone using it.
It does have eight AC outlets, two on each side, and each pair has its on/off button to help save energy and help you save money on your energy bill. Plus there are three USB Type-A and one USB-C ports. The only thing is that those ports are only on one side so anyone needing access to them would have to do some sort of maneuvering, especially if there are several electronics and devices already plugged in.
Not that that’s a deal-breaker anyway. Amazon customers love this product, and appreciate its compact for factor. And the 9.8-foot cable is someone many of them appreciate. One reviewer loved it so much they actually wanted to give it a 5.5-star rating.
Best budget surge protector in the UK
While this ExtraStar lead surge protector doesn’t say exactly how much protection it offers, this is a great option for budgeting households that doesn’t have very demanding plugging needs. This is a cheap yet realiable extension cord perfect for smaller bedrooms and kitchen, especially with that 3.3ft cord – it just means you don’t have a lot of cord length to put away when you’re working with a tighter space.
What’s unique about this surge protector is that each of its AC outlet – it has four – has its own switch, which should make a difference when your next energy bill comes around. To ensure the kids’ safety, each also has a safety door. And though it doesn’t specify its protection level, it does offer overvoltage, overcurrent. and short-circuiting protection.
Amazon customers have given it a 4.7 out of 5 overall star rating, with many giving it four stars and calling it a good item to use for small electronics and appliances. Some people have criticized its light indicators, saying they’re too dim to see in daylight. But that’s not exactly a deal-breaker, especially at that price.
Best surge protection for UK offices
Belkin is a trusted name in electronics, and this power strip surge extension doesn’t fall far from the tree. It has eight AC outlets, which is enough for most people, and two USB Type-A ports, which makes it an excellent and affordable option for the office. That’s especially with that 6.6-foot cord, allowing it to be more versatile in terms of placement.
It offers 900 joules of protection, and very importantly, has a not-grounded LED indicator to let you know whether it’s safe to plug in your devices or not. And its damage-resistant housing means that it’ll last you for years and keeps the circuits safe from fire and rust. Belkin is also committed to sustainability, lowering its single-use plastic materials down to 20% since 2019 and using responsible packaging.
Many verified customers on Amazon have given it five out of five stars, praising its durability, good design and reliability. Some have also praised that its power on/off switch is recessed, which means it’s less prone to accidental pressing.
Best surge protection for UK homes
Get access to a total of 12 AC outlets and five USB Type-A ports with this power strip from Auopro, which boasts an octagonal prism shape, four sides of which house the outlets. It’s an extremely effective design that keeps things compact while allowing you to plug all your devices and then some. And it’s just the thing a small team needs.
While its level of protection isn’t disclosed, it does come with overload and short-circuiting protection, and the whole thing is made of premium flame-resistant materials that are RoHS-certified. Computers, laptops, printers and other office devices and electronics are welcome, but it’s safe for home use as well, especially with its built-in safety outlet cover to protect kids and pets.
Many Amazon customers have given this a five out of five rating, saying that it’s well-made and reliable, especially for the cost. Quality control is a big of an issue, with some saying that the USB ports don’t work. But the customer service is pretty responsive so it’s easy to get a replacement.
Best surge protector for teams
We love a good extension tower, especially when it’s very affordable, and this one from Tessan is definitely a shoo-in. It offers 1,700 joules of protection, which is pretty high and will keep your pricey laptop or computer from frying. And it has light indicators to indicate that the surge and ground protection are working, giving you that extra peace of mind.
There are eight outlets included, two on each side, plus three USB ports on top right below the power button. You do have the choice of either three USB Type-A or two USB Type-A and one USB-C port, which is nice, and it has four non-slip feet for a secure base. Plus you can choose the length of cable: two, three, five and 10 meters.
It enjoys an average of 4.7 out of 5 star rating, with people praising it for its compact nature, clear light indicators and clean aesthetic that allows it to look good on top of desks as well. Some also appreciate that it’s a good value for what it offers.
Best surge protectors: Frequently asked questions
What are surges?
An electrical surge is a brief spike in voltage. They can be generated outside your premises or within it, depending on what equipment is malfunctioning (mainly electric motors, such as water pumps, building elevators, etc.). These surges can cause damage to electronic equipment within your home or office.
External power surges are typically caused by the restoration of power after an outage or blackout, aside from lightning strikes on the power grid. When there are internal power surges, there can be many causes, ranging from poor wiring to using too many extension cords and daisy-chaining power strips.
You can take precautions when designing a new home to prevent them, such as ensuring air conditioners and central heating do not share the same power lines as your appliance sockets. If your property is old, or if you rent, rewiring a whole house or office is often neither easy nor practical. When you’re on the road or at someone else’s home or office, it’s the same. Wherever you are you can keep your electronics protected against power surges by using a surge protector.
What is a surge protector?
Surge protectors are small appliances that look like power strips and convert an ordinary AC plug into multiple sockets, but also include a filter to prevent power surges from impacting your electronic devices. Inside them, a surge suppressor, technically called a surge arrester, prevents the peak AC voltage from exceeding a certain limit beyond what can seriously damage devices and this varies depending on country voltages, eg: 230 volts in Europe,120 volts in North America.
During a surge, the excess voltage spike is discharged to ground instead of reaching your device. Because of this, it’s essential to install AC wiring that complies with code and has proper earthing. Regardless of how good the surge protector is, it will be rendered useless with a weak or severed earth wire.
How do surge protectors protect your devices?
For the technically inclined who want to know: it’s small electronic components called Metal Oxide Varistors, or MOVs for short, which are more often used for this filtering of surges. Other types of filters are gas discharge arrestors which are often seen in antenna protectors, but most of the time, MOVs are used, often in combination with other components like capacitors.
Many surge protectors but not all include a LED indicator to indicate if the AC socket connected to the surge protector has a good earth connection. Please note that the surge arrestor within your surge protector cannot absorb direct lightning strikes. A typical lightning strike can be measured at fifteen million volts, therefore, if you live in an area with frequent lighting, you should buy insurance as well.
Manufacturers of surge protectors certify their devices and measure their effectiveness, giving them a rating in Joules which is the amount of energy they can filter, and also its clamp voltage, which is the threshold. Put simply, the more joules, the better protection and the longer your surge protector will do its job.
Finally, some surge protectors are equipped with fail-to-safe conditions, also known as automatic shutdown technology and “fail to shutdown”. When the surge protector experiences a surge and the arrestors reach their end of life, the device stops sending power to your devices, telling you in no uncertain terms that it’s time to replace it.
How to choose the best surge protector for you
It is best to buy a surge protector from a reputable brand, not a no-name company. A well-known company not only stands behind the quality of its electronics but also provides a warranty covering the devices they connect.
Choose one that has the number of extension sockets you need, and one that has the correct size and design for the intended location of usage. Some surge protectors have a round design, while others provide surge protection for both AC outlets as well as cable TV, RJ11 sockets, and RJ45 ethernet cables.
Once you are satisfied with the basics, you can move on to the extras. Some units provide USB ports for charging your phones, tablets and other USB devices. Some provide spaced sockets, which are ideal for those with many large “wall wart” chargers.
Manufacturers of surge protectors certify their devices and measure its effectiveness, giving them a rating in Joules. The joule (expressed as J) needs a longer explanation: J is an international unit of energy. It is named after James Prescott Joule, who was a physicist, mathematician, and brewer from Salford, near Manchester. Mr Joule laid the foundation for the theory of conservation of energy, which later influenced the First Law of Thermodynamics. Furthermore, he developed Joule’s law, which deals with energy transfer.
To put the Joule rating of a surge protector in simple words, it indicates how much energy a device can absorb before the filter stops functioning. So the higher the joules, the more filtering it can do, and for a longer time, as each spike that hits your surge protector weakens its filtering ability.
Operation time is important because the bad news about surge protectors is that they have a limited lifespan. Surge arresters can only absorb so much energy as they are rated for. A 500J surge protector can successfully filter a single spike of 500 joules of power, or ten spikes of 50 joules. Upon reaching its joule rating, the surge arrestor ceases to function as a filter: electricity will keep flowing through them, but so will spikes.
A surge protector’s lifespan is estimated at three to five years under the normal conditions of a well functioning power grid. If you live in an area where brownouts or blackouts are frequent, you should change the surge protector every two years.
Industry standards for surge suppression and power conditioning devices include IEEE 62.41 and UL1449, which limit the quantity of electricity that can pass through them. They specify how the surge suppressors will handle surges and what voltage they will clamp at. UL1449 specifies 330V as the best clamping rating for Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs). However, not all surge protector manufacturers use the same clamp voltage ,many use 400 volts. If your equipment is more critical or sensitive, you want to choose a surge protector with a lower clamp voltage. In the latest edition 3 specification, the term “Voltage Protection Rating” or VPR is used instead of let-through or clamping voltage.
It should be noted that the most expensive type of surge protectors use Series Mode protection. A series mode surge protector blocks high current and absorbs excessive voltage. In these devices, current does not flow to ground, but is limited to acceptable levels so that electronic equipment is not damaged. This additional complexity, of course, comes at a price. That’s why the pick for the PRO category in our lists costs over six times more than the budget one, as it has a hybrid design using conventional design along with series mode protection.
Best surge protectors: How we test
Our team of expert reviewers have gone hands-on with everything from the best power banks to best portable power stations – so when it comes to recommended surge protectors, we know what to look out for (and what to avoid).
First, we chose devices with J ratings going from 300 to 2880 joules, and in a variety of designs for every possible usage scenario: best for the home, for the office, to carry on travels, best for professionals (if cost is no issue), the most versatile (innovative design) and the best budget option for tight budgets. We selected three for every category.
Then, we purged our list of picks leaving only those from reputable vendors. Additionally, we removed those with a rating below 3.5/5 stars on the FakeSpot rating site. Finally we sorted our list of picks by price in each category to select the ones that offer the best value for their price and which had the best buyer review scores.
Need more power? Also check out our picks of the best power banks and best portable power stations
For the technically inclined who want to know: it’s small electronic components called Metal Oxide Varistors, or MOVs for short, which are more often used for this filtering of surges. Other types of filters are gas discharge arrestors which are often seen in antenna protectors, but most of the time, MOVs are used, often in combination with other components like capacitors.
Many surge protectors but not all include a LED indicator to indicate if the AC socket connected to the surge protector has a good earth connection. Please note that the surge arrestor within your surge protector cannot absorb direct lightning strikes. A typical lightning strike can be measured at fifteen million volts, therefore, if you live in an area with frequent lighting, you should buy insurance as well.
Manufacturers of surge protectors certify their devices and measure their effectiveness, giving them a rating in Joules which is the amount of energy they can filter, and also its clamp voltage, which is the threshold. Put simply, the more joules, the better protection and the longer your surge protector will do its job.
Finally, some surge protectors are equipped with fail-to-safe conditions, also known as automatic shutdown technology and “fail to shutdown”. When the surge protector experiences a surge and the arrestors reach their end of life, the device stops sending power to your devices, telling you in no uncertain terms that it’s time to replace it.
But more on that below for those interested in the technicalities.
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