How to choose a power strip
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most homes in 2026, a power strip with built-in surge protection, at least six outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a 6-foot cord strikes the right balance of safety and convenience. Skip unlisted no-name brands and look for UL or ETL certification to protect your electronics.
Surge protection vs. basic power strips: what’s the difference?
A basic power strip is just a multi-outlet extension cord, it gives you more plug space but does nothing to guard against voltage spikes. A surge-protected strip contains a metal oxide varistor (MOV) that absorbs excess voltage during a lightning strike or grid fluctuation. If you’re plugging in a computer, TV, gaming console, or any sensitive electronics, surge protection is essential. For simple lamps or phone chargers that you don’t mind losing, a cheap basic strip works fine. But the extra money for a reputable surge protector is trivial compared to replacing fried gear. Just remember: surge protection is a consumable component; it absorbs spikes and gradually loses effectiveness over time.
How many outlets and what kind do you actually need?
Six outlets is the sweet spot for most desks and entertainment centers. If you have bulky wall warts (AC adapters), look for models with widely spaced outlets so one brick doesn’t block the next. Count your actual devices, many people underestimate how many plugs they’ll use later. USB ports are now standard: USB-A is still common for older cables, but USB-C is increasingly necessary for newer phones and laptops. Some strips include a single USB-C with Power Delivery for faster charging, but those are rarer. A typical strip’s combined USB output is around 2.4 amps per port, fine for overnight bedside charging but not for fast-charging a tablet from dead.
Cord length, form factor, and mounting options
A 6-foot cord is the default for most power strips, long enough to reach behind furniture without creating a trip hazard. If your outlet is behind a bulky desk, a longer cord (9 or 12 feet) saves you from using an extension cord, which you shouldn’t daisy-chain anyway. Form factor matters more than you think. A flat wall-tap design vanishes behind furniture but offers only three or four outlets, usually without surge protection. A traditional rectangular strip lays on the floor or attaches under a desk. Look for models with mounting holes or keyhole slots if you want a clean, vertical installation under a standing desk or table.
What safety certifications and features matter?
The most important thing is a certification from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). usually UL 1363 or ETL. That mark means the strip passed fire and electrical hazard tests. Avoid any market-place mystery brand that doesn’t show a certification logo; counterfeit products can have undersized wiring or no MOV at all. After certification, look for a built-in circuit breaker (usually a reset button) that trips if you overload the strip. Some models include an “protected” indicator light that tells you the surge protection is still active. Once that light goes out, it’s time to replace the strip.
Should you buy a smart power strip?
Smart power strips let you control each outlet individually through a phone app or voice assistant, useful for cutting phantom power to a printer, monitor, or speaker when they’re not in use. Some even track energy usage per outlet, which can help you identify which devices are sipping power. But smart strips cost significantly more than a good dumb surge protector, and they often lack high joule ratings because the smart electronics occupy internal space. If you mainly need protection and extra plugs, skip smart features. If you’re building a home office and want to kill standby power with a voice command, a well-reviewed smart strip with surge protection is worth considering.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a surge protector for a lamp?
No. A basic plug multiplier is fine for lamps, fans, and other simple appliances that don’t contain electronics. Save surge protection for anything with a circuit board or display.
Can I plug a power strip into another power strip?
No, never daisy-chain power strips. Plugging one strip into another risks overloading the first strip’s circuit and can cause a fire. Use a single, properly rated strip for all your devices.
How long does surge protection last?
The MOV component degrades each time it absorbs a surge. Most manufacturers suggest replacing the strip every 2–3 years or immediately after a major power event. Many strips have an indicator light that turns off when protection is gone.
What does the joule rating actually mean?
It measures the total energy the surge protector can absorb before failing. Higher numbers mean more protection capacity, but don’t obsess over a specific joule count. For most home electronics, a rating in the typical mid-range (several hundred joules) is ample.
Are USB ports on power strips safe for charging overnight?
Yes, from reputable brands. Quality strips include smart-charging chips that detect a full battery and trickle-charge rather than overcharge. Cheap no-name strips may not have proper voltage regulation, so stick with certified models.
What’s the difference between UL and ETL certification?
Both are recognized by the same national safety standards (UL 1363). UL is more widely known, but ETL is functionally equivalent. The key is that the product has one of these marks, if it doesn’t, it’s not worth the risk.