Finding the "best" power strip depends on whether you need heavy-duty surge protection for expensive electronics, smart features, or a compact design for travel or desktop use. Based on expert testing and top industry recommendations, here are the leading options categorized by use case:
Widely recognized as a top overall pick by Wirecutter for heavy-duty workstation and home office protection, offering ample outlets and robust clamping voltage.
What are the top-rated power strips available right now?
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This is the better choice if you want fast USB-C charging, including up to 100W for compatible laptops. It has 4 USB-C + 2 USB-A + 3 AC outlets, but only 300J of surge protection.
12 outlets, USB-A/USB-C, an 8-ft cord, and 3,000J of surge protection for about $40.
What I'd buy
For a home office, TV setup, gaming setup, or general household use:Anker 351. Its combination of lots of AC outlets, USB charging, 2,100J protection, and price is hard to beat.
One caveat: if your main goal is charging a MacBook or other USB-C laptop directly from the strip, I'd choose the Anker 100W instead. A USB-C port doesn't necessarily mean high-power USB-C PD charging.
If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $30/$50/$100) and what you're plugging into it, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options.
When looking for the best power strip with integrated USB ports, the top choices balance a flat plug design, a high Joule surge protection rating, and a practical mix of USB-A and fast-charging USB-C ports.
The top-rated models on the market feature distinct advantages depending on your setup:
Best for: Desks, nightstands, and general everyday use.
Why it’s great:Anker's popular compact power strips typically feature a space-saving flat plug that fits smoothly behind furniture, multiple AC outlets with wide spacing, and a solid combination of USB-A and USB-C ports. They also come with respectable Joule ratings and reliable connected-equipment warranties. You can check availability on platforms like Best BuyBest Buy.
Best for: Smart homes and individual outlet control.
Why it’s great: Features 6 individually controlled smart AC outlets and built-in USB-A ports. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you monitor energy usage and turn off specific plugged-in devices remotely without needing individual smart plugs.
Best for: Heavy entertainment centers or crowded home offices.
Why it’s great: Known for high Joule ratings (often 4,000+ Joules) and a generous number of widely-spaced AC outlets alongside smart USB charging ports that automatically detect your device to optimize charging speed.
Best for: Matter-compatible smart integration and energy tracking.
Why it’s great: Highlighted by tech communities as a versatile pick featuring smart capabilities, physical controls, comprehensive energy monitoring, and reliable surge protection thresholds for sensitive gear.[2]
To help narrow down the ideal option, tell me:
What devices are you planning to plug in (e.g., heavy appliances, a gaming PC, or phone chargers)?
Do you need smart/Wi-Fi features or a standard manual power strip?
Highlighted by CNET as the leading smart power strip. It features individual smart-plug controls, Apple Home compatibility, and built-in energy monitoring.
Available at Best Buy , this heavy-duty option boasts a massive 4,680-joule rating, coaxial/ethernet data-line protection, and a mix of standard and widely spaced outlets.
A versatile multi-pack option from CyberPower Systems USA that combines surge strips with USB-C/USB-A charging and wall-tap configurations.[2][3]
Energy Optimization & Safety Strategies
To get the most efficiency and safety out of your power strip and connected appliances:
Unplug phantom-load devices (like gaming consoles, TV streamers, and extra chargers) or use a switched power strip to cut power entirely when they are not in use.
Avoid "daisy-chaining" (plugging one power strip or extension cord into another), which can overload the circuit and start an electrical fire.
Check the Joule rating; look for a minimum of 1,000 to 2,000 joules if you are protecting high-value equipment like computers or entertainment systems.
Replace your surge protector every few years or immediately after a major power surge, as the internal metal oxide varistors (MOVs) degrade over time.
To help narrow down the ideal choice, tell me:
What devices you plan to plug in (e.g., a gaming PC, kitchen appliances, or phone chargers)?
Do you need smart features (like app control or voice commands)?
If you mean a regular household power strip with good surge protection, my practical pick right now is the Anker 351 Power Strip.
Anker 351 Power Strip - $41.35 (Nexoltic)
12 AC outlets plus USB-A and USB-C charging
2,100 joules of surge protection
Around $40 currently
Good fit for a desk, TV setup, gaming setup, or home office
Tom's Guide also identifies the Anker 351 as its overall pick for 2026.
Other good choices
For maximum surge protection: Look at the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot Plug — it has a 4,320-joule rating and rotating outlets.
For lots of USB-C charging: Anker's newer 12-in-1 strip provides 8 AC outlets plus 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports, with up to 35W USB-C charging.
For a computer/network setup: Consider a UPS rather than just a power strip. A UPS provides battery backup in addition to surge protection; Wirecutter's current top pick is the CyberPower LE1000DG.
One important distinction: don't buy a basic "power strip" if you're trying to protect expensive electronics. Make sure it specifically says surge protector and has a meaningful joule rating.
If you tell me what you're plugging into it (e.g. TV + PS5, gaming PC, appliances, home office, or just general use), I can narrow it down to the right one.