We’ve Tested 15 Power Strips and Like These 9 the Best

Power strips are a simple solution to having too few outlets. Today’s many cordless tools and electronic devices are handy, but they present a problem: the outlets in a home—especially an older home—just aren’t enough to plug everything in. To help meet the electrical needs in our readers’ homes, we researched over 35 power strips and selected the top 15 for hands-on testing. And we found a favorite! DeWalt’s Magnetic Power Strip earned top honors for its powerful magnets that attach firmly to metal surfaces, a 6.5-foot cord, and a quality build.

The right power strip for you depends on how you want to use it, where you want to use it, and what you need to plug in. Keep reading to find out how the following models fared in our tests and how they earned a spot in this lineup of the best power strips. 

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Magnetic Power Strip With 6 Outlets
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
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3. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: APS IPX6 9-in-1 Outdoor Power Strip –FROM BEST OUTDOOR POWER STRIPS
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4. MOST VERSATILE: Belkin 8-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip 
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5. BEST PORTABLE: Anker Nano 6-in-1 Power Strip
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6. BEST FOR WORKSHOP: Klein Tools PowerBox 1 Magnetic Power Strip
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7. BEST SURGE PROTECTION: Belkin 12-Outlet PivotPlug Surge Protector
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8. BEST FOR DESKS: Jgstkcity Desk-Clamp Power Strip with USB
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9. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CRST Heavy-Duty Power Strip Surge Protector
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Power Strips Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Our list includes power strips for a wide range of uses. Whether you need to charge batteries in your workshop or garage or want extra plug-ins on a desk or nightstand, you’ll find the right one in our tested lineup.

Best Overall

DeWalt Magnetic Power Strip With 6 Outlets

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What We Like

• Strong magnets securely attach to metal
• High build quality
• Master power switch
• Two USB ports

What We Don’t Like

• Not as many outlets as some models
• No surge protection

Specs 

• Outlets: 6 AC, 2 USB-A
• Surge protection: No
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 5/5; Durability 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.8/5

Two very strong magnets on the back of DeWalt’s power strip helped move it to the top of our list, and for good reason. In a workshop situation, it’s crucial to have instant access to a power strip when needed. We’ve had strips fall behind work benches and get tangled up in cords. With DeWalt’s magnetic power strip, all we had to do was put it on a metal surface, like a tool chest, and it didn’t move or fall off, even when we unplugged cords. 

It’s also very well built—there’s no wimpy plastic on this one. It features six standard outlets and two USB ports. The strip also has a master power switch we used to turn the entire strip on and off. That’s a handy feature because we didn’t have to mess with unplugging the individual cords when we shut down for the day. 

What our tester says: “While I tested power strips with more outlets, the DeWalt power strip offers everything a DIYer needs for plugging in tools and chargers. I especially liked that the magnets are so strong that the strip stayed where it was supposed to.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the DeWalt power strip at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Grainger. 

Best Bang for the Buck

AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

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What We Like

• Affordably priced power strip
• Up to 790 J surge protection
• Keyhole slots for wall mounting

What We Don’t Like

• Limited spacing between outlets
• No USB ports

Specs 

• Outlets: 6 AC
• Surge protection: Yes, 790 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Power strips don’t have to be expensive. The AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip is just right for basic appliances. It offers surge protection up to 790 joules (J), and best of all, it comes at an affordable price. 

We tested this power strip by plugging in several small appliances and chargers. The only issue we ran into was not being able to use every outlet if the cords we plugged in had large, 3-prong (grounded) plugs. There wasn’t quite enough room between the outlets to fit a 3-prong plug in each one, so we had to skip every other outlet or use cords without ground prongs. 

Since many small appliances only have two-prong plugs, many users would not have an issue with this power strip. We found it well-suited for home offices, bedrooms, and other spaces where more outlets are needed. We also liked the ability to mount this strip on a wall via the keyhole slots on the backside. 

Get the AmazonBasics power strip at Amazon. 

Best for Outdoors

AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

See It

What We Like

• Suitable for outdoor use in wet weather
• Integrated safety fuse
• Widely spaced outlets

What We Don’t Like

• Offset cord doesn’t fit GFCI boxes

Specs 

• Outlets: 6 AC, 3 USB-A
• Surge protection: Yes, 400 J
• Water resistance: IPX6

Our Ratings: Design 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

Along with its excellent weather resistance (IPX6), this power strip from APS also offers a nice collection of socket options. Its six 3-prong outlets are well-spaced with no obstructions, so we had no problem fitting larger plugs side by side. There are also three USB plugs on the end of the power strip that are convenient for charging smart devices, lights, or small electronics that use a USB outlet. We found it particularly handy for charging drone batteries.

Along with being weatherproof, the power strip also has a durable feel thanks to its tough plastic housing. It barely registered a scratch when we dropped it. Plus, it has an internal circuit breaker that trips at 1,875 watts and a 306 rotating ball joint where the power cord connects to the power strip, preventing bending that can cause damage at this connection point. 

With its ample capacity and top-notch weather resistance, this is our favorite outdoor power strip for extended use.

Get the APS outdoor power strip at Amazon. 

Most Versatile

Belkin PivotPlug 8-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip

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What We Like

• Adjustable pivot plugs
• Cord management clip
• Light-up status indicators
• High joule rating (1,800)

What We Don’t Like

• Shifts if not mounted

Specs 

• Outlets: 8 AC
• Surge protection: Yes, 1,800 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 5/5; Durability 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

We’re smitten with Belkin’s idea of incorporating pivot plugs in their power strips. What a neat idea! We tested other power strips where the outlets were configured in a way that kept us from using every one of them because using large plugs blocked adjacent outlets. That’s not a problem with pivot plugs.

Turning the outlets one way or the other on the power strip’s column gave us ample space for every plug. Another perk is a clip at the end of the strip where we were able to tuck the cords to help keep things tidy. The Belkin power strip has a heavy-duty 6-foot cord and light-up status indicators that let us know the unit was protected and grounded. 

The only downside—and it’s really just a matter of personal preference—is that the power strip itself tends to roll around a bit unless it’s mounted via keyholes on the back. With a high joule rating of 1,800, we think this power strip surge protector is a good pick for sensitive electronics and digital devices. 

Get the Belkin PivotPlug 8-outlet power strip at Amazon, Walmart, or Belkin. 

Best Portable

Anker Nano 6-in-1 Power Strip

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What We Like

• Compact power strip with flat plug
• Rapid-charge USB ports
• Over-volt and short-circuit protection
• Ideal for travel or remote work

What We Don’t Like

• Non-surge power strip
• Limited outlets

Specs 

• Outlets: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C 
• Surge protection: No
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5

We found a lot to like about the Anker power strip, although it’s more of a square than a strip. It’s a great option for anyone who needs extra plug-ins on the fly. It doesn’t have a joule rating, so it doesn’t provide surge protection; however, it does offer over-volt and short-circuit protection, so we’d be comfortable taking it to an internet cafe, plugging in a laptop, and charging our phone and tablet (via the rapid-charge USB ports) while we work remotely. 

We liked the ultra-slim design of this flat plug power strip, which includes a narrow plug that can be plugged into tight spots behind desks and nightstands. It comes with a flexible, 5-foot cord that winds around it, making it suitable for storing in a backpack or laptop bag without taking up too much space. 

While it only offers 2 AC outlets, that’s probably enough for someone traveling or working remotely for the day. It’s not made for plugging in power tools, but it’s perfect for anyone on the go. We also like the fact that it’s made from 75 percent recyclable materials. 

Get the Anker power strip at Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, and Anker. 

Best for Workshop

Klein Tools PowerBox 1 Magnetic Power Strip

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What We Like

• High surge protection
• Wall-mount power strip
• Ideal for shop use
• Very strong magnets

What We Don’t Like

• Not weather-resistant

Specs 

• Outlets: 4 AC, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C
• Surge protection: Yes, 2,160 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5

Klein Tools did a great job with the PowerBox 1, and we found the perfect spot for it: in our workshop! The PowerBox 1 provides 2,160 J of surge protection and comes with magnets on the back for attaching to a metal surface. We liked the idea of the magnets, and they were even stronger than the ones on the DeWalt power strip. We attached the PowerBox to a metal workstand and we had to pull hard just to get it off. 

We also liked the mounting holes in all four corners. This allowed us to insert screws to mount the PowerBox to a wall or workbench and eliminate movement. The PowerBox is a good choice for woodworkers, crafters, and DIYers who must plug in multiple tools and simultaneously charge their phones. We like that it has good surge protection, but we wish Klein Tools had designed it to be weather-resistant so that we could use it outdoors as well. Nonetheless, it’s a nice heavy-duty power strip. 

Get the Klein Tools power strip at Amazon, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot.

Best for Surge Protection

Belkin 12-Outlet PivotPlug Surge Protector

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What We Like

• High surge protection
• 8 pivoting outlets
• 2 cable connectors
• Integrated cord clip

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for outdoor use

Specs 

• Outlets: 12 AC, 2 cable
• Surge protection: Yes, 4,320 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5

For a high level of surge protection, the Belken 12-outlet power strip is hard to beat. It comes with a 4,320 J rating, making it a good choice for plugging in sensitive electronics. Like the other Belkin model we tested, this one features pivot outlets (eight, to be precise), which we were able to rotate outward to make the most of the available space. We plugged in large and small plugs with no problems. 

It also has four standard AC outlets on the front center that don’t move and a handy cord clip at the end of the strip. The great surge protection was our favorite feature on this one, but be aware that plugging in 12 devices or tools and running all or most of them simultaneously will likely flip a breaker. Another perk is that this power strip has an 8-foot cord, so it offers more location versatility.

What our tester says: “I think this is a great power strip for use in a home office or media room, where users can plug in several sensitive devices at once without worrying about power surges.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Belkin PivotPlug 12-outlet power strip at Amazon, Walmart, or Belkin. 

Best for Desks

Jgstkcity Desk-Clamp Power Strip with USB

See It

What We Like

• Declutters messy desks and controls cords
• Versatile charging options
• Sturdy twist clamp

What We Don’t Like

• Limited surge protection for sensitive devices

Specs 

• Outlets: 5 AC, 2 USB-A, 4 USB-C
• Surge protection: Yes, 1,200 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 5/5

Home office desks are notorious for hosting a messy tangle of cords. Our work desk is covered with cords for speakers, monitors, an Echo Dot, and a mouse. Another cord is involved if we want to charge our phones as we work. As such, we love the organizational ability of this desk-clamp power strip. 

It has 5 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 4 USB-C ports. The clamp is sturdy, and when it’s tightened snugly, it keeps the power strip firmly in place. This is a great little desk power strip, but it isn’t perfect. It offers 1,200 J of surge protection, but we don’t think that’s quite enough to protect pricey PCs, monitors, and electronic peripherals. We solved this problem by plugging the desk power strip into a dedicated surge protector outlet (sold separately) under the desk. It’s the perfect setup for us: outlets in a handy, organized spot, and powerful surge protection for sensitive electronics.

Get the Jgstkcity power strip at Amazon. 

Best Heavy-Duty

CRST Heavy-Duty Power Strip Surge Protector

See It

What We Like

• Good build quality
• Long 15-foot cord
• 15-amp circuit breaker

What We Don’t Like

• Not water-resistant

Specs 

• Outlets: 10 AC
• Surge protection: Yes, 2,800 J
• Water resistance: No

Our Ratings: Design 4/5; Durability 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5

Along with a tough build and large capacity, this outdoor power strip is exceptionally well-designed for those who need a power hub for corded power tools. The CRST has a tough aluminum housing that, combined with the thick plastic covers on its ends, makes it capable of enduring plenty of abuse and drops. We appreciated its thicker 14-gauge power cord (most are 16-gauge).

Measuring 15 feet long, the power cord is much longer than others. This allowed us to extend it out into the yard or driveway without having to add an outdoor extension cord. And while that long cord could be unwieldy, the strip includes an integrated cord holder that allowed us to wrap any slack neatly around the housing and secure it with a Velcro strap. If you need a power strip with a long cord, this is the one.

Its bright yellow color makes it more visible to foot traffic, and it comes equipped with a 15-amp breaker switch in case the user pulls too much juice at one time. This is a good power strip for outdoor DIY projects, but it’s not water-resistant, so use it only in dry conditions. 

Get the CRST power strip at Amazon. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Power Strips

When we started researching the best power strips, we discovered hundreds of different options on the market, so we started by looking carefully at the top-rated models. We took brand names into consideration, to an extent—Anker and Belkin are well-respected names in the industry, for example—but we also looked carefully at niche brands and AmazonBasics picks with good customer reviews. Our initial list had over 35 best-selling power strips, but we narrowed that down to 15 picks we wanted to try out for ourselves. 

In our hands-on testing, we used the power strips for two weeks, noting their build quality, trying out their features, and assessing their design. We plugged in battery chargers, power tools, PCs, monitors, peripherals, and small appliances.

Since the primary purpose of buying a power strip is to have additional outlets, we noted how easy (or difficult) it was to use all of the outlets on the strip at the same time. Our goal wasn’t to see how much power we could pull—that depends solely on the circuit—but to see how well the strips were designed for real-world use. 

We awarded points based on a rubric: the better a strip performed on a test or assessment, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to find our top pick and categorize the others by their best use. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Power Strip

Before choosing the best power strip for your needs, consider how and where you plan to use it, as well as the important factors below. 

Equipment Type

The right power strip for your needs depends heavily on how it will be used and which devices or equipment will be plugged into it. 

• Power tools need a rugged power strip with wide spacing between the outlets so larger plugs will not block adjacent outlets. These power strips also typically have a metal frame to protect them from impact damage and a higher power capacity, so you can use them with larger appliances that could overload a regular power strip.
• Office equipment requires a power strip with multiple specialty outlets for various devices, including modem outlets, USB wall outlets, and coaxial connections. Power strips with surge protection will keep office equipment safe.
• Simple power strips are suitable for small household appliances. Although many residential-use power strips may have surge protection capability, they are not intended for high-power appliances or devices.
• Multimedia and smart devices require high surge protection because a power surge can easily damage the sensitive electronics inside these devices. Power strips with multiple USB outlets and smart home compatibility are an ideal option for your smart devices.
• Outdoor equipment requires a power strip that is weather-resistant, temperature-resistant, impact-resistant, and offers surge protection to ensure that neither the devices nor the strip will be damaged. However, larger garden tools, like lawnmowers or snowblowers, typically require a heavy-gauge extension cord plugged directly into a home’s outlet.

Number of Outlets

The number of outlets you need in a power strip depends on both how many and what type of devices you want to plug into it. Remember that you should not plug high-power-capacity devices into power strips, regardless of the number of outlets. The circuit still limits the power strip.

Power strips can have as few as two outlets or more than 20. These outlets can be standard power outlets, USB-A or USB-C outlets, wide-spaced outlets intended for larger adapters, and specialty connections like ethernet or coaxial connections. The number and configuration of outlets are mostly a personal preference; however, consider that as the number of outlets increases, so does the size of the power strip. So, if space is an issue, choose a power strip with fewer outlets and a narrower profile.

Length and Configuration

Length and configuration refer to the length of the cord and the type of outlets in the power strip. 

• Cord length is always an important consideration. Cords should be long enough for their intended purpose, but not so long that they create an untidy mess—but often cords don’t come in exactly the right length. Cord length typically ranges from less than a foot to more than 20 feet, though the average length is approximately 6 feet.
• Outlet type is another factor to consider before purchasing a new power strip. Many users are fine with a product that only has standard outlets, but others need USB outlets to make it easier to charge smartphones, headphones, and other USB devices. Another option is a power strip with outlets that are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa to set up timers, turn the electrical outlet off from anywhere via an app, or control the power flowing to the strip through voice control.

Surge Protection

In our technologically advanced society, many devices and appliances embedded with complex electrical systems are very sensitive to power surges, so surge protection is a feature of a power strip nearly everyone needs. Power surges typically occur when a storm brings down electrical lines, causing the power company to reroute power to address power demands. These changes can create inconsistent power flow fluctuations, resulting in a power surge. The only way to protect all appliances and devices is with a whole-house surge protector, but strips with surge protection will reduce the risk of damage to sensitive electronics and devices. 

Surge protection—also referred to as the surge suppression rating of a power strip—is measured in joules (J) and normally varies, depending on the product, from as low as 100 J to higher than 4,000 J. When using a power strip as surge protection for expensive or sensitive devices, it is important to invest in a power strip with a high surge suppression rating.

Smart Tech

A standard power strip runs electricity to multiple devices, typically via an on/off switch. Smart power strips function similarly, but they can also connect with compatible smart home systems, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, usually through a WiFi connection.

Once a smart power strip connects to a smart home system, users can control the electrical supply to the paired devices through either voice control or a smartphone app. Some power strips even support timers or schedules so connected devices will automatically turn on or off.

Safety Features

While power strips don’t seem very dangerous, cords can become trip hazards and electrocution and fires can result from improper use. Many power strip manufacturers include safety features like full-metal housing, internal circuit breakers, or ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect users and their property from harm.

• Full-metal housing is especially useful in construction environments where impact damage is a regular risk. These power strips are made with a durable metal casing to protect the outlets, cables, and internal connections from damage, including a potential fire or short-circuiting of the power strip.
• Internal circuit breakers are designed to automatically turn off the power strip in the case of a dangerous system overload to help prevent damage to the electrical system.
• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are typically installed in outlets in areas where water is a hazard. If a piece of electrical equipment comes into contact with water, a GFCI automatically cuts electricity to the outlet if it detects a short circuit to protect users from injury—and even death—from a dangerous electrical shock.

FAQs

Take a look below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about electrical power outlet strips.

Q. Are power strips dangerous?

If used properly, a power strip can actually reduce the risk of electrical fire by providing a safe place to plug in additional accessories. However, if misused, either by overloading it, using it for appliances it’s not rated for, or linking multiple power strips together (called daisy-chaining), a power strip can become a danger. 

Q. What should you never plug into a power strip?

Never plug high-power-capacity appliances, such as electric space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, toaster ovens, and air conditioners, into a power strip.

Q. Is it dangerous to daisy chain power strips?

Daisy-chaining power strips means linking multiple power strips together in a series that connects back to a single electrical outlet. This is a big concern for fire-fighting professionals because daisy-chained connections will almost invariably lead to an overloaded power strip that heats up until it burns out or catches fire.

Q. Why do power strips catch fire?

Power strips can catch fire if they are old or frayed, or if they are overloaded beyond their capacity. This can happen when several devices that draw too much electricity, such as air conditioners or electric heaters, are plugged into the same strip. The strip will then heat up and eventually begin to melt, sparking a fire.

Q. How long do power strips last?

While there is some discrepancy between specific products, on average, power strips will last for about 2 years before replacement is necessary. However, they can last between 3 to 5 years if properly maintained.

Q. Is it safe to plug two power strips into one outlet?

It depends on what you plug into the strips, but in general, it’s not a good practice to plug two strips into one outlet. Overloading the circuit will cause the breaker to trip.

Q. Are smart power strips worth the money?

In a home that has too few outlets for the owners’ needs, power strips can absolutely be worth the money because they expand the number of outlets available. Power strips that have surge protection are also ideal for homes with a lot of sensitive electronics, as the strips prevent damage when power surges might otherwise cause damage. Just keep in mind that power strips don’t actually provide more power to the home—they just allow more devices to use the power that’s already there.

Q. Should I turn off my power strip at night?

It’s not a bad idea. Turning it off will reduce standby energy usage, but as long as you’re not overloading the circuit, it should be safe to leave on.

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction and power tools. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Tony Carrick has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology.

Additional research was provided by Timothy Dale.

 

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