Owning a PC or any other type of volatile electronics demands for some sort of overload protection for it. Of course, that isn’t always the case, and many people use just simple power outlets, which do a proper job, but in the case of a short circuit they can’t help you and you will probably end up with multiple hardware failures.
For that reason, more demanding users and offices are looking for safer solutions and are trying to find the best surge protector and UPS devices for the safeguarding of their property. Nevertheless, the fact is that, unless you are working with a sensitive data, UPS devices aren’t a must for you and surge protectors will give you more than enough safety and will cost you less at the same time.
On the other hand, finding the proper device is not at all an easy task and it requires a bit of research. However, this guide can help you with that and give you some advice, and all you need to do is to carefully read the following lines.
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How to Choose the Best Surge Protector
As previously mentioned, purchasing a quality device, in this case, the best surge protector that will completely fulfill your every need, isn’t simple, but if you know what to look for in this device, the search will surely be a little bit easier.
Surge protection rating
Things are pretty simple when it comes to surge protection rating: more Joules on its behalf mean better protection and more resistance to overloads, short circuits, etc. Therefore, in this case, more is definitely better.
Maximum power supported
In case you own a PC with a 600W PSU, it would be advisable to purchase a surge protector with at least that much-supported power. Fact is that your computer will probably work with a smaller-capacity surge protector, but on the other hand, it might not, and gambling for the sake of a few bucks saved surely isn’t a smart decision. In other words, calculate the power of all the devices that need surge protection and go for the unit that has enough fuel to run all of them.
Number of outlets
More outlets mean you will be able to connect more devices. For that reason, do your homework, calculate your needs and make a decision according to that. If it is possible, also add a couple of extra outlets. You may not need them now, but have in mind that everything changes, including your needs.
Extra features
Extra features aren’t a necessity but might come pretty handy. Therefore, go for as many extra features as you can and try to look for ones that you might really need, such as, for example, child protected outlets (if you have or plan to have kids) or USB charge ports.
10 Best Surge Protectors
Tripp Lite 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip (TLP808B)
A Cheap but Efficient Surge Protector
Tripp Lite 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip (TLP808B) is a good quality surge protector that will do a proper job at an affordable price. It won’t do miracles and it is not equipped with numerous premium features; nevertheless, it supports a decent wattage of 1800W and has a surge-protection rating of 1440 Joules that will be more than enough for most people.
The protector itself comes equipped with eight-foot AC power cord and eight NEMA 5-15R surge protected outlets, three of which support for the connection of fairly large transformers while allowing free use of the other five outlets at the same time. Thanks to its automatic turn-off feature, as soon as a circuit is compromised, the power in all the outlets is cut and that way all the appliances are saved from a surge.
TLP808B complies with UL 1449 safety standards and is supplied with both child-safety covers and LED diagnostics that will surely make your life a bit easier. Also, it is outfitted with EMI/RFI filters for noise reduction at up to 40dB and, more importantly, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Overall, TLP808B is without a doubt one of the best power strip surge protector devices available, especially considering its price, which is more than fair.
- Cheap
- Three outlets designed for bulky transformers
- Lifetime warranty
- Not that great build quality
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HOLSEM X12 Outlets Surge Protector Power Strip
A Highly Versatile Surge Protector Perfect for Everyday Use
If you are looking for a versatile and quality-built surge protector that won’t cost you a fortune at the same time, HOLSEM X12 Outlets Surge Protector Power Strip might be the right deal for you.
This not-that-small device has a powering limit of 1845W and excellent 4000 Joule energy rating that will give great protection to numerous devices in your household, from a gaming PC to a hairdryer. Also, similar to many other devices of this type, it offers an automatic shutdown option that will turn off power in every outlet at the first sign of overload, helping your equipment stay safe and sound.
HOLSEM X12 comes with 12 (six regular and six wide) surge protected outlets (their positioning doesn’t allow for easy, simultaneous use of all of them) and three USB power charging ports (two with 3.1A charging speed and one with 1A speed). Also, it is supplied with four mounting slots for vertical positioning and power switch indicators for easier use.
Moreover, HOLSEM X12 is UL-certified and it is a highly durable device that can withstand even 750°C temperatures. Also, it comes with a decent two-year warranty and overall offers a performance worth the champions and in the rank with the best wall mount surge protectors.
- Three USB charging ports
- Excellent build quality
- Great capacity
- Outlets are too close to each other
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BESTEK MRJ6008-BK
A Uniquely Designed Surge Protector Perfect for the Not-Too-Demanding Users
Although it might not seem that usual, devices can be attractive, practical and affordable at the same time. A prime example of that is a BESTEK MRJ6008-BK that comes with a unique rounded shape, and offers decent performance, good enough for a regular home user or a college student, for example. It lacks premium features or top-of-the-chart efficiency; nevertheless, it comes with six surge-protected outlets and four USB-charged ports with different speeds (one 1.5A, two 2A and one with 2.4A) to accommodate various device types.
The protector itself is UL-certified, has an 18-month warranty and is equipped with child-resistant safety shutters, along with the automatic on-off circuit breaker that turns off the power when there is an overload or a short circuit and has heat resistance to temperatures up to 750°C.
Unfortunately, BESTEK MRJ6008-BK has a protection rating of only 220 Joules, which is rather small but is still good enough for the not-too-demanding users.
In other words, if you are looking for the best surge protector with USB-charging function, or at least the most versatile one and you are not such a large power user, BESTEK MRJ6008-BK might be a real revelation for you.
- Affordable
- Unique design
- Outlets too close to each other
- Only 220 Joules of protection rating
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APC (P12U2)
A Premium Quality Surge Protector at an Affordable Price
Buying a quality, high performing, but the cheap device is a forever-long goal for the majority of users, and although such devices aren’t always easy to find, they do exist, and APC (P12U2) surge protector is a prime example of them.
This device is not that impressive at first glance, but it supports the 1800W of power and has a great protection rating of the very impressive 4320 Joules. It comes supplied with 12 NEMA 5-15 surge-protected outlets and two fast-charging 2.4A USB ports. Moreover, it is equipped with EMI/RFI filters, safety shutters, LED indicators, on/off switch and even a 180° rotatable six-foot cable. In other words, everything you might expect from the best surge protector is there.
APC (P12U2) is a UL-certified device, with a lifetime warranty and according to its capabilities, it is an ideal solution for various types of home electronics, from gaming PCs and consoles to appliances such as TVs. In other words, if you are searching for the best surge protector for TV or any other similar type device, APC (P12U2) will be more than a good bargain and altogether a winning deal.
- Fast USB charging ports
- Spacious
- Affordable
- Great
- USB ports are too close to outlets
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AUKEY Power Strip Surge Protector (PA-S14)
A Great Charging Station and a Surge Protector in One
If you own numerous USB-charged devices and need a power tool for their simultaneous charging, but also want a couple of surge-protected outlets for some of your hardware, AUKEY Power Strip Surge Protector (PA-S14) might be the winning arrangement for you.
This seven-inch tall device offers six USB charging ports with a maximum speed of 2.4A on each port and 6A on all ports combined. Also, it is equipped with both LED indicators and advanced built-in circuitry, as well as 12 surge-protected outlets that unfortunately don’t have safety covers, which makes the whole device not that appealing for homes with children.
Moreover, this surge protector has a power output of 1875W and a highly respectable surge protection rating of 1500 Joules.
Unfortunately, there are also a couple of drawbacks, such as the lack of vertical mounting capability, and more importantly, the absence of EMI/RFI noise filters. Nevertheless, its two-year warranty and generally good characteristics make it one of the best surge protectors with USB power charging capability, and an altogether excellent home power station option.
- Efficient charging
- No overheating
- No EMI/RFI noise filters
- Not mountable on the wall
- No outlets safety covers
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Accell Powramid Air Surge Protector (D080B-030K)
A Decent Quality Surge Protect in a Spaceship “Suit”
Accell Powramid Air Surge Protector (D080B-030K) is one of those devices that deliver solid performance and a decent set of features at a fair price. Attractive, with a spaceship look, this device offers a somewhat different approach to the design, but great usability and excellent positioning of its six surge-protected outlets that allow for an easy connection of bulky transformers, without covering of the other outlets.
Moreover, this surge protector is equipped with two USB ports with a charging speed of 2.4A and an on/off power button with LED indicators that unfortunately doesn’t offer easy access and has a cover that’s easy to lose.
Accell Powramid Air Surge Protector (D080B-030K) has a surge protection rating of 1080 Joules and allows for a maximum power of 1800W. Also, it offers a durable, scratch resistant design, followed by the respectable five-year warranty and overall great practicality.
Although it has many positive sides, this device surely isn’t among the best surge protector utilities available; however, it offers a nice package at a fair price and generally presents a really good overall choice.
- Five-year warranty
- Great design
- Good surge protect rating
- The switch doesn’t have easy access
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AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
A Cheap and Basic Surge Protector that Delivers a Great Value for the Money
Affordable devices with basic features are usually dedicated to a large base of users who are looking for practicality and, more importantly, that the utility does the job. AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector surely does fulfill these requirements.
As previously mentioned, this surge protector comes equipped with only the things that must be there and nothing more than that. It has a 4320 Joule energy rating, 12 widely positioned surge-protected outlets, durable eight-foot cord, LED indicators and on/off switch supplied with overload protection.
Fact is that you won’t be amazed by it, but you will get what you need and all that for a tiny price. Altogether, AmazonBasics 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector definitely isn’t the best surge protector available, but on the other hand, it surely has one of the best values on the market.
- Cheap
- Great capacity
- Good value for the money
- Limited features
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Tripp Lite 3 Outlet Portable Surge Protector (SK30USB)
A Small, but Effective Surge Protector Unit
Portability and compact size are underrated in many cases, and Tripp Lite 3 Outlet Portable Surge Protector (SK30USB) is no exception to that rule. However, as soon as you start needing those characteristics, the altogether value of the surge protector that has them drastically rises.
SK30USB protector maybe offers limited capacity, but on the other hand, it also offers plenty of features needed for pleasant and trouble-free work. It has a two USB ports with charging speeds of 2.1A, three NEMA 5-15R surge-protected outlets, and it comes with a wall-mounting capability. Also, it comes with EMI/RFI noise filters, LED indicators, and more importantly, a circuit breaker for protection against overloads.
SK30USB supports up to 1800W of power and has a decent surge protection rating of 540 Joules that is backed with a very convincing lifetime warranty.
In other words, this surge protector is a great device in a small package and definitely presents one of the best travel surge protector devices available, but also a handy tool for the not-too-demanding users.
- Affordable
- Compact
- Lifetime warranty
- Limited capacity
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TP-LINK Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip with Surge Protection
A Power Strip as No Other
Innovations are always welcomed because they create additional value for the product and, if they are good enough, change the whole industry. One of those types of devices, with great potential and perspective, is TP-LINK Kasa Smart that introduces voice control over the power surge and possibility for outlet programming and scheduling.
This highly interesting device comes with six smart surge-protected outlets and three USB ports with 2.4A charging speed. Also, not only does it allow for voice control (it works with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, and Google Assistant), but it also offers the opportunity for management over mobile devices, with the help of a simple app.
TP-LINK Kasa Smart has a sleek design and comes with a Wi-Fi connection (2.4GHz) needed for the voice controlling and it complies with both UL and ETL certifications. More importantly, it supports for the maximum power of 1875W and allows easy combining with the other Kasa Smart utilities.
Overall, TP-LINK Kasa Smart is an amazing tool that will raise your power surge protection to another level and it undoubtedly presents one of the best surge protectors for gaming PCs, TVs and other volatile devices in your household.
- Voice control
- Programmable outlets
- Sleek
- Expensive
- Outlets lack the childproof features
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Belkin (BV112234-08)
A Versatile Surge Protector Ideal for Home and Office
If you are in demand for a highly versatile surge protector, with various output types, Belkin (BV112234-08) might be the best choice for you. Affordable, with a low-profile design and surge-protected connection for Ethernet, Coax and Phone-line along with 12 regular outlets, this device delivers everything that a small office might need, offering full security of all your devices and connections.
Belkin (BV112234-08) comes with a lifetime warranty and is equipped with sliding safety covers. More importantly, it has 3996 Joules safety rating and allows for the maximum power of 1875W, which is very nice for any surge protector. Moreover, this protector allows for easy wall mounting and altogether presents a very handy tool for most users.
In other words, if versatility and great connectivity are your number one goal, Belkin (BV112234-08) is the best surge protector that money can buy and you surely won’t make a mistake by buying it.
- Versatile
- Feature rich
- Great capacity
- Flimsy on/off switch
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Conclusion
This guide has been made with an intention to help you with your search for the best surge protector. If it managed that, its purpose is accomplished. On the other hand, if it didn’t, hopefully, it at least cleared some of the doubts that you had and made your future search a bit less stressful.