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The best surge protectors for safeguarding your devices

Looking to protect your electronics from unexpected power surges? We've compiled a list of the best surge protectors on the market that offer excellent performance and value for money.

Published Feb 14, 2024
4 min. reading time
four surge protectors on blue background

Whether it's your cutting-edge gaming setup, your home office equipment, or your kitchen appliances, protecting your electronics from power surges is crucial. 

That's where a surge protector comes in. 

This handy device diverts any excess voltage, keeping your devices safe and sound. In this roundup, we've curated a list of the best surge protectors to help you make an informed decision. 

So, let's dive right in and find the right surge suppressor for your needs.

Read more: 11 of the best space heaters for a comfortable home

Top surge protectors

amazon basics surge protector
Amazon Basics Rectangular 6-Outlet Surge Protector
$11.94 at Amazon
audioquest powerquest 8 surge protector
AudioQuest PowerQuest 8 Outlet
$399.95 at Best Buy
belkin power strip surge protector
Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
$20.99 at Amazon
anker surge protector
Surge Protector Power Strip
$21.99 at Amazon

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 6

  • USB charger: No

  • Cord length: 6 ft. 

  • Protection level (J): 790 joules

  • Connected device insurance: None

This surge protector from Amazon Basics is ideal for protecting small appliances, phones, lamps and more from potentially damaging power surges. 

It’s one of the top-rated surge protectors because of its 790 joules three-line surge protection rating, ensuring your devices are safe. It includes six outlets, with one specifically designed for transformers, making it a small surge protector with big capabilities. 

A clear indication of active surge protection is shown by a red LED light, and it also features a 15 amp circuit breaker for added safety and has a 6-foot power cord for flexibility in placement.

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 8

  • USB charger: 4

  • Cord length: 7 ft.

  • Protection level (J): Unlimited

  • Connected device insurance: $1,000,000

With an unlimited joule rating, the AudioQuest PowerQuest 8 is unequivocally one of the best surge protectors on the market today, known for both reliability and durability. 

This small surge protector not only defends your home office equipment, TVs and sound systems with its eight surge-protected outlets but also protects your phone and network cables from power surges and spikes, offering you whole house surge protection in one compact package.

The 7-foot power cord allows room placement and includes four high-speed USB ports for quick and convenient charging.

belkin power strip surge protector
Photo: Amazon

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 12

  • USB charger: No

  • Cord length: 8 ft.

  • Protection level (J): 3,940 joules

  • Connected device insurance: $300,000

If having many outlets is a priority for you, then you won’t go wrong with this surge protector from Belkin. 

It features a one-in-two-out RJ11 telephone or fax protection, ensuring continuous phone line connections while its coaxial cable protection safeguards your cable box and satellite connections. This power surge protector can protect your devices from power spikes, lightning strikes and fluctuations entrenched by a massive 3,940 joules overcurrent and overload protection.

This surge protector's compact design is ideal for workstations, game rooms and home offices, while the wide-spaced outlets accommodate large plugs and charger bricks comfortably.

anker surge protector
Photo: Amazon

Surge Protector Power Strip

You save $14.00 (38.90%)
$21.99$35.99

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 12

  • USB charger: 3              

  • Cord length: 

  • Protection level (J): 

  • Connected device insurance: $200,000

With 12 AC outlets, one USB-C port and two USB-A ports, this surge protector boasts the capacity to power up all your appliances and mobile devices simultaneously.

If speed is your top priority, this power strip's 20W USB-C port can fast-charge your iPhone 13 from 0 to 53% in just 30 minutes — making it perfect for those constantly on the go. 

There’s ample space between each outlet which allows it to accommodate even the largest plugs, making it ideal for home office, lounge or even kitchen setups.

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 12

  • USB charger: 2 

  • Cord length: 6 ft.

  • Protection level (J): 4,050 joules

  • Connected device insurance: None

With a surge protection rating of 4,050 joules, this Monster surge protector is sure to be a great fit for the majority of tech in your house. 

This power surge protector is equipped with Fireproof MOV & Dual mode technology so your pricey electronics remain safe from power overloads. The build is sturdy and enclosed in tough plastic housing for durability, making it great for different spaces like offices, homes, RVs, or even dorm rooms.

Complying with national safety testing standards, this surge suppressor casts away your fears, promising you reliable safety. It also keeps you up-to-date with its built-in LED indicating when your devices are protected and your wiring is properly grounded.

philips surge protector
Photo: Target

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 6

  • USB charger: No

  • Cord length: 6 ft.

  • Protection level (J): 1,080 joules

  • Connected device insurance: $100,000

If you’re looking for a reliable surge protector on a budget, then we don’t think you can beat this one from Philips. 

With automatic shutdown technology, an integrated circuit breaker, and a surge protection level of 1,080 joules, we’re sure this is the ideal protection against circuit overloads and voltage spikes. 

The Philips 6-Outlet Surge Protector's extra-long 6 fee braided fabric power cord is connected to a flat plug. This design allows it to plug in easily behind desks, sofas and other furniture, while the woven, braided cord makes it more durable and tangle-resistant (essential for a larger home set-up).

Specifications:

  • No. of outlets: 10

  • USB charger: No

  • Cord length: 15 ft.

  • Protection level (J): 1,440 joules

  • Connected device insurance: None

Boasting 10 grounded outlets that can accommodate multiple appliances at the same time, including two spaced-out outlets for larger plugs, this durable power strip is ideal for home and office use.

Its 15-amp circuit breaker provides further protection against short circuits and overloads, ensuring that your appliances stay safe. Equipped with a heavy-duty, durable metal casing, this power strip will last for years to come.

Mountable on walls, it provides easy access for electrical tooling and is compact enough to fit under a desk, making it a favorite for trade professionals.

Are surge protectors 100% effective?

No surge protector can guarantee 100% protection against all power surges. 

However, high-quality surge protectors can handle most common power surges and significantly reduce the risk of damage to your electronics. 

It is always recommended to use a surge protector for valuable electronics to provide a layer of defense against power surges.

What are the disadvantages of a surge protector?

While surge protectors offer vital protection for your electronics, they do have a few limitations. 

First, they can't protect against very high-voltage surges, such as those caused by a lightning strike. Second, surge protectors can wear out over time, reducing their effectiveness. 

Lastly, high-quality surge protectors can be quite costly, though the protection they provide often justifies the price.

Which surge protectors get our stamp of approval?

Investing in a surge protector is a good idea for everyone. So if you’re still looking, here are our favorites. 

The Amazon Basics model offers great value for money, providing reliable protection for small appliances, phones and lamps. 

On the other hand, the AudioQuest model is a high-end option with an unlimited joule rating, making it our favorite surge protector for high-value electronics. It’s also ideal for those with extensive home office or media setups.

So why wait? Secure your devices today with the best surge protector for your needs!


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Prices updated on 02/14/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Phoebe Davenport

A book aficionado, you will always be able to rely on Phoebe Davenport for the best book recommendations. On the weekend, you’ll probably find Phoebe at a bottomless brunch in London, at a museum, or chilling at home with her two cats.