best travel power strip uk

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The 5 Best Travel Power Strips [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

780 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3151 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider With Travel Power Strips

1. all-around strip for everyday use, 2. compact power strip for traveling, 3. power strip with a usb-c port for greater versatility, 4. retractable cord power strip, 5. compact power strip with surge protection, final thoughts.

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In order to stay connected on the go, you will need a reliable power supply to keep your devices up and running at all times. Lightweight and compact, these clever little power strips offer multiple power outlets, allowing you to charge numerous different devices simultaneously.

When you need to rely on more than 1 outlet, a travel-friendly power strip offers you all the extra power and convenience you need while you are away from home. To ensure that you can enjoy reliable and efficient charging on the move, consider the following before you buy:

Power Source and Ports

Most modern-day travelers look for a power strip that doesn’t just offer regular AC plugs for day-to-day items — they also want to find USBs for charging their phones, tablets, cameras, and other devices.

A multi-function travel power strip will provide you with a selection of power options , with most offering AC outlets that can charge up to 5V/2.4A and additional UBS-A or USB-C power ports for charging cell phones and devices.

Hot Tip: Look for a power strip that offers 4 or 5 outlets — that way, you can charge your cell phone, your laptop, and even your electric toothbrush and other accessories all at the same time.

Cable Length

It is not just the additional power outlets that make a travel power strip so useful, it is also the versatility they offer when it comes to positioning . Unlike a wall socket, these power strips come with flexible cables that allow them to be positioned away from the wall and somewhere more practical.

With a travel power strip, though, you need to find the balance between a cord that is long enough to be useful without it becoming too bulky to carry around with you.

Power Supplies and Safety Features

Most countries work with different types of power sockets, and many have different voltages. Before you pack your regular power strip from home, you must check the electrical supply information for your destination.

Many power strips also come with safety features that will protect against surges in the electrical current, which could cause your devices to become overloaded, and they should always be made from fire-retardant materials in case the worst happens and they become over-heated.

The 5 Best Travel Power Strips

One beat power strip with usb.

This 5-in-1 power strip can support up to 5 different devices simultaneously and is perfect for use both at home and while you are away.

Each of the 3 USB ports can intelligently charge up to 5V/2.4A (total 5V/3.1A), and with built-in surge protection, it will prevent your devices from overheating.

With a 5-foot long extension cord, it can be used in multiple positions, and the lie-flat design makes it compact enough to discretely power up your electronics without getting in the way.

Made with high strength, fire-resistant ABS and PC shell, it is safe and durable, and with multiple outlets, it allows you to keep all of your chargers neatly in 1 place.

What We Like

• Lightweight and strong

What We Don’t Like

• USB ports are prone to fail over time

Anker Power Strip with USB

This highly capable, versatile travel cube comes with 3 AC outlets and 3 USB ports, allowing you to power up multiple appliances.

Compact and highly portable, it measures less than 2.5 cubic inches and offers 18W max output from the USB ports and 120W from the AC outlets.

Featuring Anker’s world-renowned PowerIQ technology, you can enjoy superfast charging, and the built-in overload protection and a fire-retardant casing will ensure that it stays safe, even while you are away from home.

• Super-compact but highly capable
• It would be better if it featured a slightly longer cable

One Beat Power Strip with USB C

Designed to charge up a wide variety of devices, this multi-function power strip comes with 3 AC outlets, 3 USB-A ports, and an additional USB-C port.

It is compatible with 100-240V worldwide voltage, and the compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for use at home, in the office, or even while you are away.

Offering superfast charging, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously , and with a 5-foot long extension cord, it can be placed within easy reach of your office desk, nightstand, or other practical pieces of furniture.

Made from high-quality components, it is fireproof and comes with protection against both overheating and short circuits, and the lightweight, compact design makes it easy to carry around with you.

• The compact design
• The space between the outlets is quite small

NTONPOWER Travel Power Strip

Perfect for use while you’re away from home, this compact but highly capable power strip comes with 3 power outlets and 3 USB ports, allowing you to charge up to 6 devices at a time.

With a reduced-length power cord that can be wrapped around the sockets for more compact carrying and high-quality construction that is resistant to fire , this is a safe and reliable power strip that is perfect for use while traveling.

For your continued safety, this awesome little power bank also has a fire-resistant outer shell and offers protection against overheating, overcharging, and electrical short circuits.

• Just the right size for traveling
• The cord is surprisingly short

UPWADE Outlet Travel Power Strip

This funky-looking power strip is one of the most compact 2 AC models you can buy and offers a hidden 5-foot power cord that lets you move the power strip around with you.

Highly portable and perfect for use while traveling, it comes with 2 surge-protected AC outlets and 4 smart USB ports that are all equipped with SmartID technology and multiple-circuit protection.

Incredibly safe, the unibody shell is made from fireproof materials, and the high-quality construction ensures that it remains safe from short-circuits and power surges on the go.

• The longer-length cord and compact design
• The plastic feels a little cheap and brittle

Being able to charge all of your appliances in 1 go makes life so much easier when you are away from home. Look for power strips that offer a combination of plug sockets and USBs, and ensure that the travel power strip you choose offers the correct voltage to charge your devices safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a surge protector and a power strip.

A power strip allows you to connect multiple devices from 1 wall socket. Surge protectors are a type of power strip that will protect your devices against electrical surges that can happen on your travels.

Do power strips reduce power?

Power strips do not reduce power as they are designed to draw the same amount of power for your device as if it was plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Is it OK to daisy chain power strips?

Daisy chaining is where you plug 1 power strip into another. You should not daisy chain power strips as this could cause electrical failure or even a fire hazard.

What should you never plug into a power strip?

There are some appliances that you should avoid plugging into a power strip and instead connect directly to your wall socket. These include white goods products (such as fridges and freezers) and devices that create heat, such as microwaves, coffee makers, and hair straighteners.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Options We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Travel Adapters

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Boone Ashworth

Carlton Reid

Reece Rogers

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

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The 9 Best Power Adapters for European Travel of 2024

Keep your devices charged and moving your trip along

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

One thing you don't want to forget on your next trip to Europe ? The right power adapter. Without it, you won't be able to keep the electronics and devices you need juiced up and ready to go. But finding the right one can be tricky: Each region of the world has its own outlet shape, so you'll need to find the one that works for your travel destination—or invest in a universal one. Also, consider the number of devices you'll likely bring and how much you're willing to spend.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, foval voltage converter.

User-friendly

Not suitable for heat tools

While many modern devices can transition automatically between different voltages, some can't. This is where the Foval Power Step-Down Converter comes in. Although priced higher than most adapters, it converts 220/240 volts to 110/120 volts, allowing you to use your single-voltage American appliances in Europe seamlessly. Plus, it has a European power cable and three removable adapters for the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, so you can also use it for other trips. This made it convenient for our product tester, Rebekah Joan , to travel with the device, only needing to attach the correct adapter, plug it into a socket, and press the power button to get it to work.

With two standard U.S. plugs and four 5-volt USB ports, you can charge an array of devices simultaneously—just make sure that the total wattage doesn't exceed 200. "It started making a quiet whirring noise, and in a second or two, our devices were charging at a normal pace," Joan said. "We charged plenty with it, including our phones, a portable charger, and our camera. Other than the expected slight delay, everything ran smoothly."

The converter automatically shuts down to prevent overloading, overheating, or short-circuiting, limiting hazards to you and your devices. Be wary of using curling irons, hair dryers, or hair straighteners, as Foval notes that it isn't designed to be used with these tools. It is only compatible with devices within the 110-to-120-volt range, which includes most American devices. What makes up for this is the converter's small size, measuring 4.8 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches for a device that "will save you space and money," according to our tester. There is also a detachable 5-foot cord for easy packing.

Out Power: 230 watts max | Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.13 x 1.47 inches | USB Ports: 4

TripSavvy / Rebekah Joan

Best Universal

Haozi universal travel adapter.

Covers Europe and beyond

Generous warranty

Not compatible with heat tools

In addition to a single AC power socket, the HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter features two USB ports—all of which can be used simultaneously. It's FCC, CE, and RoHS certified, while a lifetime guarantee gives you confidence in your purchase. The downsides? It's not suitable for use with high-powered appliances, including hair dryers, and at 2.2 x 3.2 x 2.6 inches, it's slightly bulkier than your standard single adapter.

If you travel frequently, consider investing in the HAOZI All-in-One Universal Travel Adapter rather than limiting yourself to one exclusively for Europe. Product tester Rebekah Joan tested the adapter's reliability abroad and noticed a slight delay in the electricity getting from one point to another. "After those few initial seconds, it charged our devices smoothly and without making a sound," she said. "We did notice a slight issue with some of the prongs getting stuck on the way out, but it was easily fixed by wiggling the slider back and forth."

Travelers from North America may need a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices, but Joan found that the adapter worked as well with a converter as it did alone. This is also an excellent purchase for those planning a European trip with stops in countries that don't accept the standard Type E/F plug. Interchangeable input and outlet sockets allow you to use the power adapter in more than 150 countries.

Out Power: 660 watts max at 110 volts, 1,380 watts max at 230 volts | Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.2 x 2.6 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best Lightweight

Ceptics world travel adapter kit.

Packs easily

Covers several regions

Comes with a travel pouch

Only supports dual-voltage electronics

If you often travel abroad for business, a compact and reliable adapter system is in order. That's what you get with the all-in-one World Adapter Kit from Ceptics. It has two U.S.-grounded inputs, two USB ports, and a USB-C cable.

No matter where you're headed, this lightweight (12.8 ounces altogether) kit has you covered. Six international adapters easily switch out and provide Quick Charge 3.0 power in North America, the United Kingdom, most of Europe, Australia, Japan, parts of Africa, the Middle East, China, and more. Features such as built-in surge protection and voltage indicator LEDs add peace of mind. Unfortunately, this system does not convert voltage, i.e., it is not curling iron friendly.

Out Power: 1,250 watts | Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 3.75 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best Budget

Orei power adapter plug.

Hair dryer compatible

Updated model

Excludes some big tourist countries

The OREI European Power Adapter Plug is a no-frills, cost-effective solution for American travelers to Europe and Russia. It is compatible with Type E/F plugs and should work in most countries except Italy, Switzerland, and the U.K. Plus, it fits into the recessed, circular plug sockets found in many parts of Western Europe and standard square-faced sockets.

Its newly improved design features internal metal interfaces for better conductivity. The power adapter plug has a maximum capacity of 250 volts ​and can accommodate devices that require up to 3,000 watts of power (including most hair dryers). Be aware, though, that it is only suitable for dual-voltage appliances. You can use the dual ports to charge two devices simultaneously—which is especially handy in hotel rooms with limited plug sockets. The universal input accepts plugs from most countries except South Africa.

Out Power: 3,000 watts max at 250 volts | Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | USB Ports: 0

Best for the U.K.

Ceptics travel adapter plug.

Great value

Sleek design

Limited geographic utility

Designed in the U.S., the Ceptics Type G Travel Adapter Plug keeps things simple for those planning a vacation to the U.K. (where standard European adapters won’t work). The plug also works for British Overseas Territories and ex-colonies within Europe, including Gibraltar and Cyprus, as well as other destinations like Hong Kong and Dubai. Your purchase includes three adapters, allowing you to simultaneously utilize all the sockets in your hotel room.

Each power adapter features two inputs, both of which accept two-prong polarized U.S. plugs or three-prong grounded U.S. plugs. They have a maximum load rating of ​250 volts and are suitable for dual-voltage appliances only. The product’s limited lifetime warranty means you can return faulty adapters for a free replacement.

Out Power: 2,500 watts at 220-240 volts | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best for Switzerland

Tessan swiss outlet adapter for us to switzerland.

Charges up to three devices

Power light

All ports face the same way

Must be paired with a converter

The TESSAN Swiss Outlet adapter has three different charging ports: two for USB charging and one for standard U.S. prongs. The USB charging ports can charge up to 2.4 amperes and are compatible with all USB charging devices, such as your phone, camera, tablet, and more. It is also the ideal size for travel, measuring just 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.67 inches, and can be used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and some areas of Rwanda. Plus, the adapter features a blue indicator light to tell you when it is on or off.

A converter is needed with this adapter, as it is only compatible with devices between the range of 100 to 250 volts.

Out Power: 2,500 watts at 250 volts max | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.1 x 2.67 inches | USB Ports: 2

Best for Italy

Orei adapter plug.

CE certified and RoHS compliant

Each piece can charge two devices

Supports almost any traveler in Italy

Very specific utility

If you’re planning a trip to Italy , the OREI USA to Italy Travel Adapter Plug is your best choice. The two-pack includes two Type L plugs for charging devices in Italy and the microstate of San Marino. Both adapters feature dual inputs, which allow them to accommodate two U.S. plugs at the same time. One of the inputs is universal and can accept plugs from any country except those that use Type M plugs (e.g., South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho). The adapters are also free of substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, giving you added peace of mind.

Out Power: 3,000 watts at 250 volts | Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches | USB Ports: 0

Best for France

Tessan type e/f plug adapter.

Supports up to five devices

Limited compatibility range

Although this type of E/F plug can be used in other parts of Europe, such as Germany and Spain, it is especially great if you plan on taking a trip to France. The adapter is considered to be five in one, with two AC outlets for standard U.S. prongs and three USB ports to charge multiple devices at once. It may only be compatible with devices between 100 and 250 volts, but the plug has an impressive max capacity of 2,300 watts and is lightweight.

Out Power: 2,300 watts at max 230 volts | Dimensions: 3.62 x 2.85 x 1.77 inches | USB Ports: 3

Best Design

Mogics super bagel.

Innovative, self-contained design

Auto-reset fuse

Comes with a case

May not work in South Korea

It is tempting to reach for universal adapters to cover all your current and future travel plans. However, these tech powerhouses tend to be bulky and frustrating to pack. MOGICS has crafted a clever device to combat this—and it doesn't hurt that it's super cute as well.

The Super Bagel is a universal power adapter that features two types of USB ports, and the type C is capable of fast, 18-watt charging when used independently. The MA1 adapter pops out of the center and features four different plug configurations for use in the U.S., U.K., European Union, and Australia. The bagel section houses five AC sockets and a handy 3-foot-long extension cord to reach any wall outlet.

Out Power: 18-20 watts via USB ports | Dimensions: 1.57 x 3.57 x 3.57 inches | USB Ports: 2

Traveling comes with its share of stressors, so why not eliminate the headache of trying to find a compatible charging system on the ground in your destination and pick up the FOVAL Voltage Converter before you leave? It covers large tourist hubs, comes with a 5-foot cable, and has an automatic shutoff feature if something goes wrong. If you plan to venture to other countries besides Europe, the HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter is an excellent choice.

What to Look For in a Power Adapter

Universal use.

The general rule is that the more universal the plug, the bulkier it is. If you’re taking a backpacking trip across Europe—or traveling with just a carry-on—get an adapter only designed for Europe. You won’t need the weight or size of one designed for Australia or South America, for example—so why bother?

Number of Devices

Consider a charging station if you’re a gadget head bringing plenty of electronics. They can handle multiple electronics on the same strip, with USB charging ports and regular outlets to spare. Sure, they’re a little more expensive, but it’s one (or three) fewer things to leave behind in a hotel room.

Simpler adapters tend to be cheaper. Think about how much you want to spend, particularly if this is your first trip out of the U.S. If you have future trips in mind, consider spending a bit more on an adapter that can do more.

Check the adapter’s packaging or online description to see what countries or regions it’s marked as compatible with. 

A universal adapter connects you to many regions’ types of plugs in one single unit. Plug adapters, on the other hand, have different plugs you swap out depending on the region you’re in. Universal adapters tend to be on the bulkier side (a common style is a cube with outlets for multiple regions and even USB chargers built into it). A plug adapter keeps a little lower profile, so if you’re making a point to travel light and are only going to a region or two, this might be your best bet. 

Check the voltage of your electronics against the voltage your adapter says it’s converting. (If you’re unsure what it is, Google or look at the instructions or manual for your device.) The voltage shouldn't be an issue for most generic devices and things like hair straighteners.

Jessica Macdonald is a freelance writer based in South Africa specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. Besides TripSavvy, Macdonald has written about her scuba diving experiences for Scuba Diver Life and is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition. She also has been TripSavvy's Africa expert since 2016.

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Advertisement

The Best Travel Plug Adapter

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector —our top pick for eight years running.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

The best power strip in 2024

Need more power sockets? Here is our pick of the best power strips available - including surge protection and smart options

In today's interconnected world, where every facet of our life is powered by electronics, the role of power strips can't be understated. From laptops to cameras and filming setups to smart TVs, and even the humble table lamp, our devices require consistent power to operate, and our homes and offices are simply not outfitted with sufficient outlets to accommodate all these needs. This is where power strips come into play. 

Power strips act as a conduit, expanding a single wall socket into multiple outlets, which effectively consolidates your device connectivity. This solution is ideal for those hard-to-reach outlets behind furniture or for settings where multiple devices need to be powered in close proximity.

As we dive into this comprehensive guide to the best power strips, we'll shed light on the features you should keep an eye on when purchasing a power strip for your home or office. Look for power strips that offer surge protection, ensuring your devices are safe from sudden spikes in electrical voltage that can cause significant damage. USB ports are another useful feature, allowing for easy charging of mobile devices. 

Also consider the cord length of the extension lead, offering flexibility based on your requirements. Moreover, some power strips even offer smart capabilities, allowing you to control connected devices via an app or a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. 

All our suggestions are fitted with an American-style 3-pin 120-volt power plug - and have power outlets with this same socket type - so suitable for use for US, Canada and Mexico. If going overseas, also consider one of the best travel adaptors . 

So plug in and power up, as we illuminate the landscape for the best power strips you can buy right now… 

The best power strips in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1: APC Performance SurgeArrest 12

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

When it comes to the best power strip with a surge protector, the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12 (P12U2) stands out for its superior performance and features. This power strip offers robust protection with a surge energy rating of 4,320 joules, well above many of its competitors. It provides a generous 12 outlets and 2 USB ports, making it an excellent choice for managing multiple devices simultaneously.

The APC Performance SurgeArrest 12 is designed with the user's safety in mind. It features a built-in fail-safe mode that cuts off power once its internal components have been compromised, ensuring the safety of your connected electronics. This means that even in the event of a catastrophic power surge, your devices remain protected. This model has also undergone rigorous testing by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), further cementing its reliability.

What’s more, APC offers a lifetime warranty and a remarkable equipment protection policy. If the SurgeArrest's circuitry is damaged by a heavy strike or power line surge and can't offer 100% protection, APC promises to replace the unit free of charge. This commitment to customer satisfaction and product durability is part of what sets APC's SurgeArrest 12 apart.

2: Alestor Power Strip with surge protector

For those seeking the perfect blend of convenience and safety in their workspace, the Alestor Power Strip with USB emerges as the top choice. This power strip features 12 AC power outlets and 4 USB charging ports, each capable of delivering a maximum output of 2.4A. This abundance of outlets makes it an excellent choice for workstations with multiple devices, including computers, monitors, lamps, and peripherals.

The Alestor power strip is integrated with smart technology that intelligently detects charging devices to provide optimal and even current across all outlets. This ensures efficient charging and reduces the risk of damage to your devices due to inconsistent power supply. 

Notably, the Alestor power strip stands out for its advanced level 3 power surge protection system. This system consists of a Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS), Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV), and Gas Discharge Tube (GDT), offering a massive surge absorbing capacity of 2700 joules. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for your devices, helping to prevent damage from unexpected power surges. The power strip is UL certified, ensuring it poses no environmental or human hazard, further consolidating its position as the best overall choice.

3: CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty

For those who need a power strip that provides a long reach, the CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty power strip stands out. This power strip comes with a 15-foot power cord, making it incredibly versatile and perfect for environments where outlets are fewer and farther apart, such as outdoors or in large home shops. This long cord effectively doubles as a short extension cord, expanding its usability even further.

With a 15-foot power cord, the CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty power strip provides exceptional reach, allowing users to connect devices at a substantial distance from the nearest outlet. This makes it ideal for a variety of environments, including outdoor settings and large homes where outlets are fewer and farther apart.

As with any power strip, users need to be careful not to overload the strip by plugging in too many high-powered devices. This can be a particular concern given the large number of outlets and the potential temptation to use the strip's long cord to power numerous devices.

4: TP-Link Kasa HS300

The TP-Link Kasa HS300 is widely regarded as one of the best smart power strips. It comes with six outlets, all of which can be independently controlled using the Kasa app. In addition, it features three USB-A ports to charge your devices and offers a surge protection rating of 1700J. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft Cortana for voice control. Furthermore, it can monitor energy usage, allowing you to keep track of the power consumption of the devices connected to it.

However, at 14.17 x 2.49 x 1.48 inches, it's quite large as far as power strips go and might not fit well in tight spaces. Also, the price tag is higher than non-smart options on the market.

5: Anker 20W 321 Power Strip

For those who often find themselves on the move, the Anker 521 Charger is a solid recommendation for the best power strip for travel. This compact and lightweight strip is perfect for tucking into a carry-on bag without adding much weight or taking up too much space. The power strip measures just 2.2 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches and weighs 9.7oz.

The Anker 321 is designed with travelers' needs in mind. It features three grounded AC outlets and three USB outlets (two USB-A and one USB-C PD) that can conveniently charge a mix of devices, from laptops to smartphones. Its five-foot cable is handy for reaching outlets that might be hidden behind hotel furniture, and the small, low-profile wall plug is angled at 45 degrees to prevent blocking adjacent outlets. Furthermore, the USB-C port is potent enough to charge tablets or smartphones – but limited power output means it is not suitable for all devices.

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Traveler’s Essential: Finding the Best Travel Power Strip

Table of Contents

With the advancements in technology, packing for travel got harder. Let us tell you why. There were days when a traveler packed a few necessary things in a backpack, got a passport, and moved away. These days, the range of necessary things increases many folds. An average traveler has to carry things like Smartphones, Laptops, Digital Cameras, Power Banks, Gimbals, Drones, and many more on their travel necessity list.

In today’s digital age, staying connected and powered up while traveling is essential. That’s where the best travel power strips come in. These compact and versatile devices provide a convenient solution for charging your electronic devices on the go. From smartphones to laptops, cameras to tablets, having a reliable power strip ensures you never run out of battery when you need it most.

Finding the best travel power strip can make a world of difference in your travel experience. With features like multiple charging ports, surge protection, and universal compatibility, these power strips cater to the unique needs of travelers. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them essential travel accessories.

With that many devices, charging all of them can be a challenge. In most cases, there is only one charging outlet available. Restaurants and hotels offer only one or two power outlets.

Your trip can potentially be ruined unless you have best a power strip while traveling.

What is a power strip?

A power strip is a block of electrical sockets with a wire attached to one end of a flexible cable, allowing the charging up of multiple devices from a single power source.

They are used when many devices are being charged up in immediacy. Many power strips often have circuit-breaking options in case of power overload from your transformer or your electric service provider/company. Some have the ability to protect your plugged-in devices against electric surges. But, there is a strong difference in power strips and surge protectors. Click on Power strips vs. Surge protector.

Why do I need Power Strip during travel?

A power strip is a useful accessory to have during travel for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. When you’re on the go, you likely have multiple electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and more that require charging. With a power strip, you can conveniently plug in all your devices at once, saving you time and ensuring they’re ready to use when you need them.

Another advantage of a power strip during travel is that it helps overcome the limited number of available power outlets. Hotel rooms or other accommodations often have a limited number of accessible outlets, especially if you’re sharing a room with others. Having a power strip allows you to maximize the usage of a single outlet by plugging in multiple devices into one strip. It eliminates the need to constantly switch and unplug devices, making it more convenient and efficient.

Furthermore, power strips often come with surge protection , which is crucial for safeguarding your valuable electronics. Electrical surges or fluctuations can occur in some areas, potentially damaging your devices. A power strip with surge protection acts as a buffer, shielding your gadgets from sudden voltage spikes and providing added peace of mind.

Additionally, carrying a power strip during travel can be beneficial for international trips. Different countries have varying power outlets and voltage standards. Some power strips are designed to handle different voltages and have universal plug adapters, allowing you to plug in your devices regardless of the country you’re in. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple adapters and ensures your devices can be charged anywhere.

So, a power strip is a practical and essential item to have during travel. It enables you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, overcomes the limited availability of power outlets, provides surge protection, and offers compatibility with different power standards. By having a power strip in your travel kit, you can stay connected, keep your devices charged, and ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Having a power strip during your travels can greatly enhance your experience for several reasons. Firstly, many hotel rooms or accommodations have a limited number of power outlets available. By having a power strip, you can plug it into one outlet and instantly have multiple outlets at your disposal. Additionally, if you’re traveling internationally, a power strip with universal adapters or interchangeable plugs can ensure compatibility with different types of power outlets and voltage standards.

Moreover, power strips often come with features like fast-charging USB ports and surge protection , which allow for efficient charging and safeguard your devices against electrical fluctuations. Lastly, sharing outlets becomes easier when you have a power strip, as it allows multiple people to charge their devices simultaneously. Overall, a power strip is a convenient and practical accessory that provides extra outlets, compatibility, and safety, making it an essential item for hassle-free travel.

How we tested these power strips.

Testing these power strips is very important before recommending them to our community. Our experts have designed a funnel-like process. Every single power strip has to go through this funnel before getting mentioned on this website.

• The first step of this process is the identification of the control button on the power strip. The best power strips have a control button on them. All devices turn off/on by one main on/off button. There are two modifications to this concept. One is the Master/slave power strip. Another is the Remote Control power strip.
• The second step is Indication . Good power strips have a neon light or a LED light indication to show the running current. Some even have led indication at every outlet.
• Energy-saving and Stand-by feature is also the most crucial and advanced features of a power strip. The sensor circuit in the power strip detects the level of power and strips off the power if the appliance goes on stand-by. This reduces the consumption of power of the appliances plugged in.
• On the fourth count, the best feature is to have socket arrangements in the power strip. The best power strips have two or more two types of sockets. Sockets arrangements vary differently. For physical access reasons, there is a maximum of two rows.
• The single most crucial feature of the power strip is Surge protection and filtering. The best power strips have built-in EMF/RFI filters and surge protection features. They have metal-oxide varistors that turn down excess voltages into the ground, in return protecting your appliance from power surges.

The power strip device with all flags mentioned above can be considered the best power strip of all time. Buying the wrong kind of power strip can cost you a life. A poor power strip can burn down all your devices and connected appliances for a minute reason. We, as surgeprotections.com, do not want you to waste your money, risk your life and the health of your devices.

Here is our recommendation for power strips to buy.

If you’re looking for extra protections for you precious and costly electric appliances like smartphones, tablets and laptops then this article is for you, Best travel Surge Protectors  

Top 6 Best Travel Power Strips Reviewed

Best travel power strip: anker power extend cube..

We have a lot of confidence in ANKER. Their power strips pass our every test and take our top spot. It combines many of the top features you need in a power strip. It is compact, lightweight, and aesthetically correct.

The circular layout lets you use all of the power outlets without letting chargers over-abuse and bump into each other. Its 5ft long cable and 45 degrees cube make it easier to use outlets even from hidden behind the furniture.

It has two 12W USB-A ports and a single 30W USB-C port. On the other hand, it has three AC power outlets. This power strip is a good mix for all travellers. It has low weight and more flexibility.

ANKER is a prestigious brand when it comes to chargers, batteries, and other power-equipment manufacturing. The company gives a regular 18-months warranty and a short-spanned $25,000 warranty in case of damage to the connected appliances.

Let’s discuss its pros and cons

Best Overall Power Strip: APC V11PT3 Surge Arrest.

APC offers a $100,000 equipment protection policy in this 11 outlets surge arrest power strip. This shows their confidence in the perfectness of this device. It can be used in scientific labs to protect highly sensitive instruments. Even we have a hard time coming up with a similar device like this.

This device has a proper LED indication of the running current and faulty wiring. It also has multilayered protection against all types of surges from outside. The six outlets for big plugs are nicely spaced without congestion. All the outlets have covers to keep the dust and debris out. Also, the long wire and 180 degrees cord make everything easier and nicer.

Best Power Strip for International Travel: BESTEK USB Travel Power Strip.

The BESTEK power strip is an ideal powerstrip for international travel. It is versatile and has an adaptable strap.

Its unique selling point is its set of eight adapters that covers almost every major country adapter standard. You can also buy these adapters separately but buying these in a set saves your extra efforts and some couple of bucks.

Best Travel Power Strip

The power strip provides 2 AC outlets and a generous 5 USB ports for chargings. Since most travel accessories can be charged with USB, its formation makes quite a sense. The combined power outlet o all the sockets is 8A or 40W which is capable of reaching 2.4A or 12W. This makes charging your devices faster.

Its compact shape makes the power strip a lot more portable. Its durability makes it heavier than other power strips but it comes with a cost of a sturdy fire-resistant body.

Best for Work Travel: Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord.

If you need a couple of extra outlets in a compact form, Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord is your go-to option. It is easy to pack and go when travelling. It can easily be fit in a laptop back while working offsite.

Its far-spaced 4 outlets make it easier to plug devices with larger adapters without overlapping with each other. For charging devices, 3 USB ports can cover you.

You can easily hang this power strip on a wall hanger or anything. It is due to its lightweight compact shape. Tessan Flat Plug Extension can offer you surge protection of 3940 Joules.

Best Mini-travel power strip: Belkin SurgePlus Swivel Charger

The BELKIN SurgePlus swivel charger is a good feature, compact, pocket-size power strip that you can easily carry around. It is made for a constraint environment, eliminating any tedious wires, it plugs directly into the wall outlet. The swivelling plug area lets you orient it in any direction.

For protection, this mini power strip offers you 918J surge protection with a strong fire-resistant outer body. Belkin SurgePlus has 3 AC outlets and 2 USB Ports. The Belkin SurgePlus Swivel Charger is an excellent, flexible option.

Best for Desktop: Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule

The Anker PowerExtend is more of an extended outlet with a complete set of USB ports than a power strip. Ideal for desktop and aesthetic workspaces where you regularly plug in computers/laptops and charge mobiles. Despite being small, it is lightweight and has a non-slip pad at its bottom.

It has a 3 LED set which indicates the power is on, the ground is protected, and surge protection is on respectively. It has an output of 45W from its USB ports for faster charging of compatible phones and laptops.

Read Also: Best travel Surge protectors

Final words:

In conclusion, after thoroughly evaluating and comparing various power strips designed specifically for travel, it becomes evident that power strips with surge protection are indispensable companions during your journeys. When embarking on your travel adventures, ensuring the safety and efficient charging of your electronic devices is of paramount importance. Investing in a high-quality power strip with surge protection not only facilitates seamless charging of multiple devices simultaneously but also acts as a crucial safeguard against unexpected power surges, offering peace of mind throughout your travel experience.

One of the primary advantages of incorporating a power strip with surge protection into your travel essentials is the convenience it provides. As a globetrotter, you likely rely on an array of electronic devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to cameras and laptops, to capture precious memories and stay connected with loved ones. With a travel power strip, you can effortlessly charge all your devices in one go, eliminating the need for multiple adapters and optimizing the limited number of power outlets often encountered during travel. This not only saves time but also ensures that your devices are fully charged, enabling you to document your travel experiences and share them with the world.

Furthermore, power strips equipped with surge protection offer an added layer of security, safeguarding your valuable electronics from unexpected voltage fluctuations that could potentially cause irreparable damage. During your travels, you may encounter varying power standards and electrical systems in different countries. With a travel power strip featuring surge protection, you can rest assured that your devices are shielded from voltage spikes, ensuring their longevity and uninterrupted functionality. This protection is particularly vital when exploring remote or less-developed regions where power infrastructure may be less stable or prone to fluctuations.

Related: Can a Power Surge Damage a Circuit Breaker

Additionally, the compact and portable design of travel power strips makes them an ideal companion for jet setters. These power strips are specifically crafted with the needs of travelers in mind, offering lightweight construction and often including universal plug adapters. The inclusion of these adapters ensures compatibility with various power outlets found across different countries, negating the need to carry multiple bulky adapters. By having a travel power strip with surge protection in your travel kit, you can confidently embark on your adventures, knowing that you are well-prepared to charge your devices regardless of your destination.

To summarize, travel power strips with surge protection are indispensable asset for modern travelers. Not only do they provide the convenience of charging multiple devices simultaneously, but they also offer crucial protection against power surges that can pose a risk to your electronics. By investing in a reliable travel power strip, you can ensure seamless connectivity, capture cherished moments, and explore the world with confidence, knowing that your devices are protected and ready for every leg of your travel journey.

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The 11 Best Travel Adapters, According to Frequent International Travelers

Let’s face it: Though you may dream of going off the grid for your next international trip, traveling without your phone , camera , or tablet isn’t particularly practical. And if you bring them, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to plug in and charge them at some point.

That’s why a trusty travel adapter is such an essential part of your packing list. While there are many options that can fit American plugs into international outlets, the right adapter should also fit your itinerary and the tech you’re bringing along. In addition to my own testing, I’ve tapped the expertise of world-touring travelers, creators, and influencers for whom staying powered up is as essential to their journeys as a passport. Whether you want to top up your phone battery in a Parisian café or need to charge seven devices from a single outlet, let their wisdom guide you to the adapter that most adeptly satisfies your travel needs.

A note: Unless explicitly mentioned here, it’s worth observing that typical travel adapters don’t convert power voltage, which can vary between countries. Though most smartphones and tablets are dual-voltage these days, you’ll want to double-check the specifications of your devices before leaving on your trip — especially if you’re bringing something like an electric shaver or a hair dryer.

Best “just the plug” travel adapters

“These are dirt cheap and fit in the palm of your hand,” says Going.com founder Scott Keyes of this low-cost, no-frills option fit for European (but not U.K.) travel. Small enough for even the tiniest, trickiest outlets, Keyes also lauds the flexibility that comes with this four-pack of adapters.

You both “don’t have to take turns charging your electronics” and don’t have to charge all of them in the same outlet, as you would with a bulkier (and pricier) all-in-one alternative. Plus, there’s something to be said for not letting a single missing adapter ruin your trip: “If I lose one, which, let’s be honest, happens not infrequently on the road, they’re cheap and easy to replace,” Keyes says.

For short trips that only involve a laptop and a phone, Arthur Wei, the well-traveled co-founder of Brooklyn Camper Vans , turns to this clever adapter. Truly living up to its “universal” billing, its ingenious design consists of interlocking pieces which snap into place to fit into European, British, Indian, Brazilian, and American outlets. Wei loves that Road Warrior’s adapter “packs light” and notes that its $12 price point means that your trip isn’t ruined if it goes missing.

Best travel adapters with built-in USB ports

I recently tested Epicka’s travel adapter on a two-week excursion around Portugal, and loved its ability to connect as many as six devices to power from a single outlet. It boasts three USB-C ports (plus two USB-A ports), all of which make it easy to charge smartphones, tablets, and other tech without even plugging a power block into the adapter itself.

If I have one complaint, it’s that it took a little extra finesse to fit it into the occasional oddly-angled European outlet. But double-checking that it’s plugged in properly is a small price to pay for this adapter’s charging capabilities. Overall, Epicka’s carry-on-friendly adapter offered solid value and performance, whether I needed to top up my camera battery or quickly charge my iPhone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch Lite while waiting for a transatlantic flight home.

When it comes to charging everything from her AirPods to her drone, Wendy Hu , photographer, creative director, and video host for Travel+Leisure, relies on this versatile option from Ceptics. Featuring two U.S. outlets, 2 USB-A slots ( another version features an additional two USB-C slots), and six interchangeable international adapters, Hu describes it as “sturdy and well-made” despite weighing in at just five ounces.

In addition to built-in surge protection to guard against voltage spikes and an attached micro USB cable (handy for charging smaller devices like Bluetooth headphones), it also offers quick-charging support for compatible devices — making it ideal for use in that brief window between daytime excursions and dinner plans, or during a brief pit stop in a café.

“For an adapter to work for me, it needs to be an all-in-one universal adapter with an AC outlet, USB-C, and USB-A outlets” says former Googler and current travel-content creator Catarina Mello , who recommends this one by Momax. “It also needs to have an overload dual fuse for safety and support for up to 2500 watts,” She says that’s a must in order to use devices like hair dryers, curlers, and steamers. “If your adapter can’t handle a larger surge current, it’ll get damaged or burn out.”

In addition to handling high-powered items, this universal adapter has space to power up to six devices from a single outlet across more than 150 countries. Three of those slots are quick charging USB-C ports, one of which pumps out 65 watts, delivering enough power to charge a laptop without bringing a separate adapter.

Matthew Kepnes, founder of Nomadic Matt and author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day , is loyal to Joomfeen’s efficient universal adapter, which nestles input plugs for European, U.K., U.S., and Australian outlets into a single, streamlined adapter weighing just over three ounces. With two USB-A ports, it maxes out on charging three devices at a time, making it a little less versatile than other, more powerful options. But if you’re looking for an adapter that can get the job done without eating into your travel fund, this option is hard to beat.

Best travel adapters with multiple AC outlets

For travelers who prioritize power over portability (or those who need an adapter that can safely convert voltage), multiple experts recommend Bestek’s Universal Travel Adapter, including former NFL player and current travel creator Jeremy Cash , who loves its “all-in-one design.” With a three-AC-outlet power strip and four USB-A ports, it includes support for charging up to seven devices at once “no matter what country I’m in,” he says.

In addition to that plethora of charging ports, travel blogger and mom Kiersten Rich lauds its ability to convert voltage, which she says is “better for protecting expensive electronics” and “critical” for any hair tools you’re bringing along for the trip.

With a profile of 7.8-by-6.5 inches and a weight of one pound, it’s far from the most minimalist option, but the inclusion of a five-foot detachable power cable means that this adapter can transform a single hard-to-reach outlet into a convenient charging station. That’s why director, producer, and photographer Kathryn Sheldon has relied on it through years of overseas trips with cameras in tow. She says, “I don’t bring it if I’m trying to be super lightweight and carry-on only, but otherwise it’s an amazing tool.”

On a recent trip to Thailand, Pack Hacker editor Lauren Maternowski says her team loved the utility of this mighty adapter from Mogics, which can charge seven devices simultaneously thanks to a unique circular power strip ringing the outlet adapter. It also makes use of a retractable extension cable that she says makes it “handy if your accommodations are short on accessible plugs.”

Maternowski says that you can also remove the titular bagel and leave it behind if packing space is at a premium: “The adapter itself is one of the smallest we’ve seen, so it won’t take up much room in your bag.”

If you aren’t worried about converting voltage but still find that you’re “always charging a million things,” travel blogger Rich recommends this 110-volt option from Foval for use with European outlets. Similar to Bestek’s adapter, it offers three AC outlets, four USB-A ports, and an extension cord. But it has the added advantage of a USB-C port — not to mention a slimmer, lighter design that can plug directly into a wall socket while taking up about half as much space in your luggage.

Best travel adapter accessories

Boasting a full complement of mesh and zippered pockets plus velcro cord holders, former NFL player Cash argues that this ProCase product “is essential for anyone who carries a ton of cords when they travel.” But it’s not just about cables: With a padded bottom compartment featuring removable dividers, its water-resistant design can safely store everything from external hard drives and MacBook chargers to AirPods and SD cards. As the pro athlete turned seasoned traveler puts it: “Trust me when I say you need this case.”

Former Googler Mello doesn’t travel without this five-foot, triple-pronged braid that functions as a USB-A to USB-C, lightning, and micro-USB cable. Though she usually treats these cables as her backup option, they’re viable as a primary cable if you’re looking to minimize clutter, and Mello admits they’ve “come in handy more times than I can count.” In welcome news for those who regularly misplace cables, these are sold in packs of three.

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Best International Travel Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed

Thomas Hawkins September 3, 2020

Last updated on February 28th, 2024.

When you’re traveling around the world, the last thing you want to worry about is your electronics blowing up from an electrical surge.

At home this would be a frustrating inconvenience… but while traveling internationally this has the potential to be devastating.

An excellent travel surge protector has a high joule rating, plenty of international adapters, and multiple sockets.

On the other hand, a faulty travel surge protector is a dangerous and expensive waste of money. It doesn’t make much sense to buy a surge protector that doesn’t actually protect your electronics, and it can hard to find a new one when you’re in a foreign country.

So to help you separate the good from the defective – we reviewed the Best International Travel Surge Protectors of 2024 .

Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the top international travel surge protectors on the market.

Let’s dive into the reviews.

Top 7 Best International Travel Surge Protectors

What to look for in a travel surge protector.

When yo u’re on the move, a reliable surge protector is a must-have to safeguard your electronics. Let’ s dive into the essential features you should consider to find the perfect one for your travels.

Number of Sockets

Running out of power sockets can be a real hassle, especially with surge protectors, where every outlet counts. It’s crucial to plan and determine how many sockets you’ll need to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

You could go with a multi-plug extension lead, but that’s going to cost more and take up more area, which isn’t best. So make sure you map out the range of sockets required prior to you buy your travel protector.

Safety Rating

Navigating through various safety standards can be daunting. For travel surge protectors, focusing on the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standard ensures you’re getting a device that meets rigorous safety criteria.

UL is among a number of companies approved to perform safety screening by the U.S. federal company Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has a list of approved screening laboratories , which are recognized as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.

Even within UL though, there are a lot of safety requirements that might use. For correct travel surge protection, you’re primarily want to be looking at the UL 1449 security requirement.

UL 1449 is the Underwriters Laboratories Safety Standard for Surge Protective Devices (SPD)– i.e. best for travel surge protection.

So ensure your international travel surge protector validates to UL 1449.

EMI/RFI Noise Filtering

EMI = Electromagnetic Interference , while RFI = Radio Frequency Interference . Although these terms are utilized interchangeably, they’re technically not the same thing. For the functions of travel surge protection though, we can treat them alike.

Lots of filters– e.g.  low pass filters , high pass filters , or band pass filters – just enable certain kinds of frequencies through, suggesting a set range of EMI/RFI emissions will be transmitted to the gadget being protected.

This is because particular EMI/RFI emissions will not interfere with the performance frequencies of various electric and electronic devices.

So the goal of EMI/RFI is noise filtering is to get rid of electro-magnetic and radio frequency interference that will disrupt the international travel surge protection.

So search for international travel surge protectors that have EMI/RFI emissions.

Clamping Voltage

Clamping voltage refers to the maximum amount of voltage that can pass a surge protector prior to it restricts additional voltage from passing to the gadget it is trying to safeguard.

For instance, an international travel surge protector may restrict a 6,000 V surge so that only 600V is ‘noticeable’ to the load. Thus here the clamping voltage for this travel surge protector is 600V.

An overly high clamping voltage means the surge protector could let through more voltage than your devices can handle, risking damage. It’s vital to choose a protector with a suitable clamping voltage for your gear.

Check the optimum rated voltage of your travel prior to buying a surge protector, so make sure that the clamping voltage of your international travel surge protection device is LOWER than the maximum operating voltage of your travel.

In general though, the clamping voltage should be LESS than 700V for a travel surge protector.

Joule Rating

The joule rating refers to how much energy your international travel surge protector can soak up. A higher joule rating equals better protection.

So how many joules of surge protection do you need? The response depends upon what you’re safeguarding. Are you protecting a PC, travel, or even a whole home? Your response will inform you what kind of joule rating you’re trying to find.

Here are some rough joule rating standards:

• A system with up to 1000 joules of surge protection suffices for little electronics.
• A surge protector with 1000 to 2000 joules will offer adequate protection for office devices and power tools.
• Consider the highest joule rating (2000+) for expensive video gaming consoles, home theater systems, and any computer that saves crucial information. Anything that is really pricey or irreplaceable.

So for your travel surge protector, a joule rating less than 1000 will suffice for small electronics. If you’re got a really pricey laptop or gaming PC to protect, consider 1000 to 2000 joules instead.

Diagnostic LEDs

It would be best if you had a method to confirm that your international travel surge protector is working– and that’s what diagnostic LEDs are for.

Look for international travel surge protection that includes diagnostic LED lights that verify power, protection and line fault status at a look.

A comprehensive warranty is not just peace of mind but also an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Opt for a surge protector backed by a substantial warranty for added security.

Not just for the apparent reason that if something goes wrong, you’ll have the ability to make a claim, but for the signal that a long warranty suggests about the quality of the travel surge protector (or rather, the confidence the provider has for the travel surge protector).

If suppliers provided generously long guarantees for international travel surge protectors that folded after 2 weeks, they would not be around for long.

So you want to long for longer warranties and high insurance payments on your travel surge protector (from companies that have actually been around for more than 5 years).

Related Surge Protector Reviews

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• Best Wall Mounted Surge Protector
• Best Surge Protector for Gaming PC
• Best Single Outlet Surge Protector
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About Thomas Hawkins

Best Face Shield: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed

Last updated on February 29th, 2024. A face shield is the best way to get …

The 10 Best Power Strips and Surge Protectors to Keep Your Devices Going

Protect your electronics and multiply your outlets.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Today, surge protectors often incorporate USB ports and surge protection. We’ve tested and vetted through our research a range to determine which are the best. But first, some buying advice.

The Best Surge Protectors

• Best Overall: APC Surge Protector
• Best Value: Belkin Surge Protector
• Best Surge Protection: Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Surge Protector
• Best for Remote Work: Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord
• Best for Under a Desk: BESTEK 8-Outlet 6-Foot Extension Cord Surge Protector

What to Consider

Surge protection.

The proliferation of wireless handheld devices that charge at lower voltages makes surge protection more important than ever. What most people don’t realize about surge protectors is that they wear out over time. With every voltage fluctuation they absorb, their lifespan is shortened. So, to be sure you’re getting the most protection you can, it’s a good idea to replace them every two to three years.

Power surges can occur for a number of reasons. People tend to worry most about lightning strikes, which can find their way to electrical wires and cause power spikes in the millions of volts. Most surge protectors can’t handle anything this large, so don’t rely on them during lightning storms—the best way to protect from this type of surge is to unplug your sensitive electronic equipment. More commonly, power surges are caused during storms when power lines are downed. When the power company’s transformers and complex switching systems try to reroute power or address changing demands, it can create inconsistent power flow with dips and bursts. The other common cause for surges occurs within your own home. Air conditioners , compressors, and electric ranges require a large amount of power, particularly when they start up. However, their need drops off quickly once they’re running, which can cause surges elsewhere in the house’s wiring. The amount of protection surge protectors provide is measured in joules. A joule is a unit of energy required to do a certain amount of work. One joule is about the amount of electricity used to light a one-watt LED for one second. To adequately protect an average home entertainment system or computers and related equipment, look for surge protectors rated in thousands of joules. Always check with the manufacturer, they usually provide examples on the packaging of what a certain model can protect.

Port and Outlet Selection

Using the surge protector as a power hub for your home office? The amount of ports and outlets readily accessible is important to consider. Since you’re probably plugging in multiple devices, like a desktop monitor and a laptop charger, a surge protector can prevent overloading your wall outlet while still providing ample energy and protection for your tech. Among the surge protectors here, the most outlets you’ll find are 12 (anything more feels like overkill). And the models may include up to four USB ports.

USB Options

While USB-A is still the most commonly used USB type and likely the first that comes to mind, USB-C is slowly becoming the standard because it has faster data transfer and charging speeds than USB-A. Plus, USB-C plugs are symmetrical, so they don’t have to be oriented one specific way to fit. This can alleviate some of that poking around you’ve probably had to do from time to time when trying to connect a USB-A cable. Many modern devices have the capability to connect via USB-C. Still, the adoption has been gradual, so it doesn’t hurt to consider a surge protector with a USB-A port or two just in case.

How We Selected

We’ve tested several surge protectors on this list. We researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience with them to determine the best options. We plugged surge protectors in and tested them in kitchens, family rooms, workshops, and offices. We evaluated them based on ease of use, features, and how they performed in various situations.

For any surge protectors that we haven’t gotten hands on, we carefully selected them based on our knowledge and context from previous testing, as well as their designs, versatility, capabilities, and customer experiences.

APC Surge Protector with Telephone, DSL, and Coaxial Protection

APC has a lot of confidence in this 11-outlet SurgeArrest, so much so that it offers a $100,000 equipment protection policy. Short of using it in a research lab to protect scientific instruments, we had a hard time coming up with a list of equipment to match that total. Multiple layers of protection guard against power surges coming through your coaxial TV cable, telephone/DSL lines, and home’s electrical outlets. There are LEDs to indicate protection status and building wiring faults.

The six outlets are spaced nicely to accommodate large power adaptors, and all of them have sliding covers to keep out dust and debris when you’re not using them. The heavy cord swivels 180 degrees so that it can lay flat and out of the way, no matter which way it’s oriented behind furniture.

Because of the SurgeArrest’s size and features, we found it most useful for elaborate entertainment or computer equipment.

Belkin Surge Protector

Belkin has everything covered with this 12-outlet surge protector. Connect phone/fax/DSL lines, coaxial cables for TV/cable modems, and ethernet and power cords for all your equipment to protect from surges and spikes wherever they come from.

The low-profile surge protector has six widely spaced outlets to accommodate large power adaptors, and a clip-on cable organizer keeps cords all heading in the same direction. The slim design helps it fit under desks and behind furniture, so you can set it up and forget it—although the protection and ground wiring status lights won’t be visible in this case.

Sliding covers protect unused outlets from dust and debris. Just remember they’re there, or it will be frustrating reaching behind furniture to plug something in. Finally, Belkin provides a $100,000 connected equipment warranty with this surge protector.

Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Surge Protector

The Amazon Basics Surge Protector isn’t super compact, but it is a standout for how much surge protection it provides. 36,200 customers on Amazon give it an average 4.8 stars. Not only does it provide a high level of protection against surges, it comes with a green LED light that lets you know the surge protection is working and the wiring is grounded.

Tessan Flat Plug Extension Cord

Tessan’s Flat Plug Extension Cord is a compact option for when you only need a couple of extra outlets. Its size and shape make it easy to pack when traveling—we carried it in our laptop bag when working off-site. Four standard outlets, spaced far apart, means it was easy for us to fit devices with large plugs without overlapping. Three standard USB ports were enough to satisfy our charging needs and helped make this useful as a tabletop charging station.

You can also hang this Tessan flat on a wall or above a desk or nightstand if space is limited. We were surprised and impressed with the 3,940 joules of surge protection—that’s a lot for a surge protector this inexpensive.

BESTEK 8-Outlet 6-Foot Extension Cord Surge Protector

Bestek’s 8-Outlet surge protector is ideal as an accessible, under-desk power solution. We found that eight outlets were more than enough for a fully outfitted, single work-station desk. Two of them are set apart from the others specifically for devices with large plugs. The other six are spaced more tightly, and we were able to use all of them with a range of standard plugs.

Four smart USB charging ports ensure each device is charged at the voltage and rate best suited for it, and they self-adjust the current when charging multiple devices simultaneously. The lighted on/off switch has an integrated circuit breaker for overload protection on all outlets, so your gadgets will be safe from fluctuations in voltage or a sudden lightning strike.

The unit has a 15-amp circuit breaker, so you can even power some appliances with it—we plugged in an 8,000-BTU window air conditioner without issue.

APC Rotating Surge Protector

APC’s six-outlet SurgeArrest is ideal for use near a desk or entertainment system. It has wall mounts on the back to hang it horizontally or vertically, but make sure it’s accessible, or the USB ports all the way at the end could be blocked. The main feature of this surge protector is how the six outlets swivel to provide ample room for large power adaptors or oversize plugs.

The power switch doubles as a circuit breaker reset, and when turned on, two LEDs indicate protection status and if the circuit is grounded properly. Finally, APC provides a $50,000 equipment protection policy.

One Beat 6-Outlet Surge Protector

The AC outlets on this surge protector from One Beat have ample space in between them to accommodate bulkier adaptors like laptop charging blocks. There are two outlets on the front panel and two on each side, which is convenient if you’re plugging in devices with cords that aren’t as flexible and need to lay flat. It’s space-saving and not very long, so it will work well for desktops and workstations.

The surge protector auto-detects your connected devices for charging efficiency, and the lighted on/off switch has an integrated circuit breaker and will automatically cut power if the voltage gets overwhelming.

Honeywell Wall Plate Surge Protector

Honeywell’s wall plate surge protector allows you to get more usage from the standard outlets around your home while saving space and eliminating extra extension cords . It comes with two AC charging outlets, along with a USB-A and a USB-C port for compatible devices.

Another convenient feature is the integrated phone stand, because you can set your device right on top of the wall plate to finish charging. Items plugged in benefit from the 800-joule surge protection.

While this surge protector doesn’t offer nearly as many outlets or charging ports as a traditional surge protector, it’s still a viable method for making the most of your standard home outlets if you don’t need to plug in that many more devices.

Anker PowerPort Cube Power Strip

The compact cube-shaped PowerPort from Anker is more of an extension cord with USB ports than it is a surge protector. Its tiny size means it doesn’t take up space on a desk and will always be close for easy plugging and unplugging.

The PowerPort comes with an adhesive pad to keep it from moving around, wherever you decide to put it—it’s super sticky, so you can even tack it on a wall. We were able to do away with multiple AC adapters thanks to this Anker.

There are three AC outlets and three USB ports, so it will power all the personal electronic devices you need for work or play. Its compact size also makes it ideal for travel, and the cube can easily fits into a briefcase or laptop bag. Similar to the Belkin and APC surge protectors, Anker has a connected equipment warranty, with coverage up to $25,000.

Jacklyed Surge Protector Tower

This Jackyled is a convenient table-top power tower, if you will, useful placed in the center of a conference table in collaborative environments or for meetings. It has outlets on every side, with two USB ports each on two of the sides. There’s a power switch for each tier of the tower, so you can be selective about which equipment you power off and which you leave on. The power cord for this unit retracts and winds into the base, so there’s no extra cable looped around to deal with. Plus, the handle on top makes for easy transport in between rooms.

We especially liked the Surge Protector Tower on our project table where tools and equipment frequently come and go and we have several things happening at once. A modest amount of surge protection guards sensitive electronics, although we wouldn’t suggest using this as a permanent power supply for these devices.

Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.

Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.

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Best surge protectors in 2024

Protect your devices with the best surge protectors and power strips

• 1. Best overall (US)
• 2. Best value (US)
• 3. Best budget (US)
• 4. Best for US offices
• 5. Best for US homes
• 6. Best overall (UK)
• 7. Best budget (UK)
• 8. Best for UK offices
• 9. Best for UK homes
• 10. Best for teams
• How to choose
• How we test

The quick list 1. Best overall in the US 2. Best value in the US 3. Best budget in the US 4. Best for US offices 5. Best for US homes 6. Best overall in the UK 7. Best budget in the UK 8. Best for UK offices 9. Best for UK homes 10 . Best for teams

The best surge protectors are essential for safeguarding electronic devices from unexpected voltage increases. The sudden rush of a power surge from electrical faults, lightning strikes, and the grid can cause serious damage to devices without the protection of surge protectors. 

The trouble with electrical surges is they can strikes at any moment, and they're largely undetected - until your devices stop working. Power supplies no longer supply power; 4K displays no longer display anything. This is where power surge protectors become invaluable. These towers and power strips are more than just extension cords for plugging in multiple devices, offering ways to reroute those unexpected extra volts away from devices. 

But what makes a good surge protector? Our team reviewed the top-rated surge protectors and power stripes, comparing protection levels, cord length, and port selection to hand-pick the best surge protectors for TVs, gaming PCs, and everything in between. 

Best surge protectors: The quick list

The best surge protectors will protect your devices, from your phones and laptops to  your home appliances. We've handpicked the best ones for US and UK homes and offices.

With a protection rating of 2880 joules, twelve AC outlets, safety covers, and a big insurance cover, this comes out on top as the best pick overall.

With 2,100 joules of protection and $200,000 warranty, that's more than enough for your basic devices like laptops, and printers.

With three layers of protection, six outlets, and a long cord, this is just enough to protect your kitchen appliances and small electronics at home. 

This space-saving Jackled surge protector tower helps users save even more in their energy bill and have easier access to all their devices.

Great for small appliances and electronics like phones, smartwatches, lamps, and smart speakers, this offers 800 joules of protection.

Offer 1,700 joules of protection, it has eight AC outlets and each pair has its on/off button to help save energy and money on your energy bill.

See UK surge protectors

A cheap yet realiable extension cord, it's a great option for budgeting households that doesn't have very demanding plugging needs.

With eight AC outlets, 6.6-foot cord, and two USB Type-A ports, this option from Belkin is an excellent and affordable option for the office. 

This power strip from Auopro, which boasts an octagonal prism shape, comes with a total of 12 AC outlets and five USB Type-A ports.

This one is a very affordable extension tower and comes complete with 1,700 joules of protection, eight outlets, and three USB ports.

The best surge protectors in the US

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Best surge protector overall

1. tripp lite protect it 12 outlet surge protector, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Tripp Lite is not a newcomer to electricity taming. The company was founded in 1922 to manufacture car headlights, but by the 1950s it was making rotating warning lights for the police, fire and ambulance markets, and in 1982 it created the first surge protector, having created the first UPS system for PCs two years earlier.

Very few manufacturers are willing to risk money to meet their sales promises. TrippLite is one exception. They offer lifetime exchange warranty on many of their products, as well as an insurance coverage for most of their surge suppressors. Insurance amounts vary according to the model.

Therefore, it's not surprising that the Tripp Lite Protect It 12 comes out on top as the best value pick. A notable feature of this model is that it provides a fail-to-safe design, also referred to as "automatic shut down" by Tripp Lite. Surge protectors with MOVs degrade with each surge to the point they become ineffective, but this device stops sending power when its protection has worn down, signaling that it's time to replace it.

There are twelve AC outlets, four of which are spaced out to let you connect big wall wart chargers that would otherwise step over the nearby socket. It has a generous 8ft cord with a 90-degree male plug that can be easily installed behind furniture. 

Considering its protection rating of 2880 joules, it is the best in our ranking, which means its lifespan under the same conditions will be twice as long as the second best pick, and eight times longer than the lowest rated pick at 300J.

There is also a circuit breaker, and the power switch can reset it after it trips. Another nice security feature are the child-proof outlet covers. By looking at the LED on the unit, you can tell when the protection is working. If TL's Protected light ever goes out, the surge protector will be replaced for free, no questions asked.

Icing on the cake is the $150,000 USD insurance on connected devices against surge damage for the life of the device. Having not used it, we assume it involves recording the invoices for purchases, assessing the damage by sending the affected equipment, etc. But in any case, it shows that the firm takes its level of protection seriously. Additionally, this model also includes coax cable protection (CATV, satellite, etc.).

Best value surge protector in the US

2. anker power strip surge protector.

Most people don't need a kitted-out power strip with surge protection, and if you're one of them, you're better off choosing something that's affordable like this one from Anker that offers 2,100 joules of protection. That's more than enough for your basic devices like smartphones, laptops, and printers, which is what most people have in their offices. 

There's eight points of protection here as well, including fire resistance, temperature control, and overload protection. And not that it will, but if it does fail, it comes with a $200,000 connected equipment lifetime warranty.

As for your charging needs, there are 12 AC outlets on hand, with enough space between each outlet to accommodate all your devices, as well as two USB Type-A ports and one USB-C with power delivers for fast charging - allowing you to fully-charge your iPhone in an hour. Just bear in mind that the USB and USB-C port do share output so if you're using all three at once, it will slow down all three to just 15W.

Amazon customers love this product too, many calling it the best power strip surge protector when it comes to value, and praising it for its relatively low footprint and solid build. Some have experienced one of the USB ports not working, but others have found that you simply need to reset the whole thing to get it working again.

Best budget surge protector in the US

3. amazon basics rectangular 6-outlet surge protector.

If you don't need a USB port and are on a tight budget, this surge protector from Amazon may be ideal for you. It offers 790 joules of protection as well as six AC outlets, both of which are enough for most people who don't really own a lot of devices.

It is a little basic in terms of its line of protection, but you are getting three layers here - just enough to protect your kitchen appliances and small electronics at home. And its six foot cord means that it's a little more versatile in its location. We wouldn't recommend using this to regularly power your PC or laptop, however, as it won't offer enough protection if a surge does happen.

Customers on Amazon gives it a 4.8 out of 5 rating, with a number of them commending it for its good build quality, great value, and cord length and many using it mostly for their small devices and gadgets. Their most common complaint, however, is that the power button light is too bright. If you're getting this one, be sure it stays tucked away somewhere to help diffuse that light at night.

Best surge protector for US offices

4. jackyled 1625w 13a outlet surge electric tower.

The ingenious design of this Jackled surge protector tower helps users save even more in their energy bill and have easier access to all their devices while saving space. Its vertical tower design is made in a way where you can plug all your electronics and appliances conveniently without them getting in the way of one another, while its three layer design means that you can turn on one layer at a time if others are not in use.

It also has a surge protection of 1,050 joules - enough to protection your more expensive devices like a PC or a laptop. RoHS and FCC certified, it also has overload, short-circuit, over-current and over-voltage, and overheating protection. And it comes with a 6.5-foot pure copper cold.

As for the ports, there's a lot of them. 12 AC outlets and six USB Type-A ports mean that you'll never run out of a place to plug in again. There's just no USB-C port, unfortunately, but that can be easily remedied.

Enjoying a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, customers love it for its space-saving form factor, retractable cord, and high quality. However, a small number of people have said that individual power buttons can be a double-edge sword, as you do have to remember to switch them on if you need to use them.

Best surge protector for US homes

5. ge 6-outlet surge protector.

Another cheap option that's highly-rated is this surge protector from GE. It offers 800 joules of protection, which again means that it's better for small appliaces and electronics - like phones, smartwatches, lamps, and smart speakers - than pricier devices like a laptop, but it's great for certain spaces in your home like the kitchen and bedrooms.

It still offers a great level of protection, however, coming with automatic shutdown thanks to its integrated circuit breaker to safeguard your things from overvoltage and overheating. And, to protect your kids and pets, every outlet - there are six on hand - has a twist-to-close safety cover. And of course, that 10-foot cable adds a bit more flexiblity.

Amazon customers highly-recommend it for being a heavy duty product that sits at a great price point. It's a little basic yes, but it gets the job done. Some people even use it for their smart TV

The best surge protectors in the UK

Best uk surge protector overall.

6. SAMERIVER 3M Tower Extension Lead with USB Slots

An excellent sharing surge protector for the office, this option from SameRiver is similar to the Jackyled tower extension on our US list above except it's smaller and less expensive (and perhaps has less features). It does offer 1,700 joules of protection, which means it's more than enough for office devices like laptops, printers, and monitors. And the fact that it's four-sided means it allows easy access for everyone using it.

It does have eight AC outlets, two on each side, and each pair has its on/off button to help save energy and help you save money on your energy bill. Plus there are three USB Type-A and one USB-C ports. The only thing is that those ports are only on one side so anyone needing access to them would have to do some sort of maneuvering, especially if there are several electronics and devices already plugged in.

Not that that's a deal-breaker anyway. Amazon customers love this product, and appreciate its compact for factor. And the 9.8-foot cable is someone many of them appreciate. One reviewer loved it so much they actually wanted to give it a 5.5-star rating.

Best budget surge protector in the UK

7. extrastar extension lead surge protection 4 way outlets.

While this ExtraStar lead surge protector doesn't say exactly how much protection it offers, this is a great option for budgeting households that doesn't have very demanding plugging needs. This is a cheap yet realiable extension cord perfect for smaller bedrooms and kitchen, especially with that 3.3ft cord - it just means you don't have a lot of cord length to put away when you're working with a tighter space.

What's unique about this surge protector is that each of its AC outlet - it has four - has its own switch, which should make a difference when your next energy bill comes around. To ensure the kids' safety, each also has a safety door. And though it doesn't specify its protection level, it does offer overvoltage, overcurrent. and short-circuiting protection.

Amazon customers have given it a 4.7 out of 5 overall star rating, with many giving it four stars and calling it a good item to use for small electronics and appliances. Some people have criticized its light indicators, saying they're too dim to see in daylight. But that's not exactly a deal-breaker, especially at that price.

Best surge protection for UK offices

8. belkin extension lead.

Belkin is a trusted name in electronics, and this power strip surge extension doesn't fall far from the tree. It has eight AC outlets, which is enough for most people, and two USB Type-A ports, which makes it an excellent and affordable option for the office. That's especially with that 6.6-foot cord, allowing it to be more versatile in terms of placement.

It offers 900 joules of protection, and very importantly, has a not-grounded LED indicator to let you know whether it's safe to plug in your devices or not. And its damage-resistant housing means that it'll last you for years and keeps the circuits safe from fire and rust. Belkin is also committed to sustainability, lowering its single-use plastic materials down to 20% since 2019 and using responsible packaging.

Many verified customers on Amazon have given it five out of five stars, praising its durability, good design and reliability. Some have also praised that its power on/off switch is recessed, which means it's less prone to accidental pressing.

Best surge protection for UK homes

9. auopro surge protector extension lead.

Get access to a total of 12 AC outlets and five USB Type-A ports with this power strip from Auopro, which boasts an octagonal prism shape, four sides of which house the outlets. It's an extremely effective design that keeps things compact while allowing you to plug all your devices and then some. And it's just the thing a small team needs.

While its level of protection isn't disclosed, it does come with overload and short-circuiting protection, and the whole thing is made of premium flame-resistant materials that are RoHS-certified. Computers, laptops, printers and other office devices and electronics are welcome, but it's safe for home use as well, especially with its built-in safety outlet cover to protect kids and pets.

Many Amazon customers have given this a five out of five rating, saying that it's well-made and reliable, especially for the cost. Quality control is a big of an issue, with some saying that the USB ports don't work. But the customer service is pretty responsive so it's easy to get a replacement.

Best surge protector for teams

5. tessan 8 way multi plug extension tower.

We love a good extension tower, especially when it's very affordable, and this one from Tessan is definitely a shoo-in. It offers 1,700 joules of protection, which is pretty high and will keep your pricey laptop or computer from frying. And it has light indicators to indicate that the surge and ground protection are working, giving you that extra peace of mind.

There are eight outlets included, two on each side, plus three USB ports on top right below the power button. You do have the choice of either three USB Type-A or two USB Type-A and one USB-C port, which is nice, and it has four non-slip feet for a secure base. Plus you can choose the length of cable: two, three, five and 10 meters.

It enjoys an average of 4.7 out of 5 star rating, with people praising it for its compact nature, clear light indicators and clean aesthetic that allows it to look good on top of desks as well. Some also appreciate that it's a good value for what it offers.

Best surge protectors: Frequently asked questions

What are surges.

An electrical surge is a brief spike in voltage. They can be generated outside your premises or within it, depending on what equipment is malfunctioning (mainly electric motors, such as water pumps, building elevators, etc.). These surges can cause damage to electronic equipment within your home or office.

External power surges are typically caused by the restoration of power after an outage or blackout, aside from lightning strikes on the power grid. When there are internal power surges, there can be many causes, ranging from poor wiring to using too many extension cords and daisy-chaining power strips.

You can take precautions when designing a new home to prevent them, such as ensuring air conditioners and central heating do not share the same power lines as your appliance sockets. If your property is old, or if you rent, rewiring a whole house or office is often neither easy nor practical. When you're on the road or at someone else's home or office, it's the same. Wherever you are you can keep your electronics protected against power surges by using a surge protector.

What is a surge protector?

Surge protectors are small appliances that look like power strips and convert an ordinary AC plug into multiple sockets, but also include a filter to prevent power surges from impacting your electronic devices. Inside them, a surge suppressor, technically called a surge arrester, prevents the peak AC voltage from exceeding a certain limit beyond what can seriously damage devices and this varies depending on country voltages, eg: 230 volts in Europe,120 volts in North America. 

During a surge, the excess voltage spike is discharged to ground instead of reaching your device. Because of this, it's essential to install AC wiring that complies with code and has proper earthing. Regardless of how good the surge protector is, it will be rendered useless with a weak or severed earth wire. 

How do surge protectors protect your devices?

For the technically inclined who want to know: it’s small electronic components called Metal Oxide Varistors, or MOVs for short, which are more often used for this filtering of surges. Other types of filters are gas discharge arrestors which are often seen in antenna protectors, but most of the time, MOVs are used, often in combination with other components like capacitors.

Many surge protectors but not all include a LED indicator to indicate if the AC socket connected to the surge protector has a good earth connection. Please note that the surge arrestor within your surge protector cannot absorb direct lightning strikes. A typical lightning strike can be measured at fifteen million volts, therefore, if you live in an area with frequent lighting, you should buy insurance as well.

Manufacturers of surge protectors certify their devices and measure their effectiveness, giving them a rating in Joules which is the amount of energy they can filter, and also its clamp voltage, which is the threshold. Put simply, the more joules, the better protection and the longer your surge protector will do its job. 

Finally, some surge protectors are equipped with fail-to-safe conditions, also known as automatic shutdown technology and "fail to shutdown". When the surge protector experiences a surge and the arrestors reach their end of life, the device stops sending power to your devices, telling you in no uncertain terms that it's time to replace it.

How to choose the best surge protector for you

It is best to buy a surge protector from a reputable brand, not a no-name company. A well-known company not only stands behind the quality of its electronics but also provides a warranty covering the devices they connect.

Choose one that has the number of extension sockets you need, and one that has the correct size and design for the intended location of usage. Some surge protectors have a round design, while others provide surge protection for both AC outlets as well as cable TV, RJ11 sockets, and RJ45 ethernet cables.

Once you are satisfied with the basics, you can move on to the extras. Some units provide USB ports for charging your phones, tablets and other USB devices. Some provide spaced sockets, which are ideal for those with many large "wall wart" chargers. 

Manufacturers of surge protectors certify their devices and measure its effectiveness, giving them a rating in Joules. The joule (expressed as J) needs a longer explanation: J is an international unit of energy. It is named after James Prescott Joule, who was a physicist, mathematician, and brewer from Salford, near Manchester. Mr Joule laid the foundation for the theory of conservation of energy, which later influenced the First Law of Thermodynamics. Furthermore, he developed Joule's law, which deals with energy transfer.  

To put the Joule rating of a surge protector in simple words, it indicates how much energy a device can absorb before the filter stops functioning. So the higher the joules, the more filtering it can do, and for a longer time, as each spike that hits your surge protector weakens its filtering ability. 

Operation time is important because the bad news about surge protectors is that they have a limited lifespan. Surge arresters can only absorb so much energy as they are rated for. A 500J surge protector can successfully filter a single spike of 500 joules of power, or ten spikes of 50 joules. Upon reaching its joule rating, the surge arrestor ceases to function as a filter: electricity will keep flowing through them, but so will spikes. 

A surge protector's lifespan is estimated at three to five years under the normal conditions of a well functioning power grid. If you live in an area where brownouts or blackouts are frequent, you should change the surge protector every two years.

Industry standards for surge suppression and power conditioning devices include IEEE 62.41 and UL1449, which limit the quantity of electricity that can pass through them. They specify how the surge suppressors will handle surges and what voltage they will clamp at. UL1449 specifies 330V as the best clamping rating for Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs). However, not all surge protector manufacturers use the same clamp voltage ,many use 400 volts. If your equipment is more critical or sensitive, you want to choose a surge protector with a lower clamp voltage. In the latest edition 3 specification, the term "Voltage Protection Rating" or VPR is used instead of let-through or clamping voltage. 

It should be noted that the most expensive type of surge protectors use Series Mode protection. A series mode surge protector blocks high current and absorbs excessive voltage. In these devices, current does not flow to ground, but is limited to acceptable levels so that electronic equipment is not damaged. This additional complexity, of course, comes at a price. That’s why the pick for the PRO category in our lists costs over six times more than the budget one, as it has a hybrid design using conventional design along with series mode protection.

Best surge protectors: How we test

Our team of expert reviewers have gone hands-on with everything from the best power banks to best portable power stations - so when it comes to recommended surge protectors, we know what to look out for (and what to avoid). 

First, we chose devices with J ratings going from 300 to 2880 joules, and in a variety of designs for every possible usage scenario: best for the home, for the office, to carry on travels, best for professionals (if cost is no issue), the most versatile (innovative design) and the best budget option for tight budgets. We selected three for every category.

Then, we purged our list of picks leaving only those from reputable vendors. Additionally, we removed those with a rating below 3.5/5 stars on the FakeSpot rating site. Finally we sorted our list of picks by price in each category to select the ones that offer the best value for their price and which had the best buyer review scores. 

Need more power? Also check out our picks of the best power banks and best portable power stations

But more on that below for those interested in the technicalities. 

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Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.

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European Travel Plug Adapter, FOVAL EU UK US Power Strip with USB C and 4 USB Ports, 3 AC Outlets, Wall Mountable, 5ft Extension Cord, Compact for Travel, Cruise Ship, Home Office

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 8 In 1 European Adapter: Equipped with 3 AC outlets, 4 USB port (5V/2.4A each) & USB-C port (5V/3A max). Allow simultaneous multi-device charging. And With smart charging technology, it can auto-detects your connected devices for faster charging efficiency. Perfect for cell phone, camera, laptop, kindle, lamps, and so on.
• Plug Adapter for Home or Travel: Includes 3 types of international adapters - EU(Type C), UK (Type G), US (Type A) plugs compatible with most of the world. Type A plug adapter can work in America for 3 prong flat pin plug, also compatible with Japan, Canada. Type C plug adapter can work in most of Europe. It is not only a travel adapter, but also a power strip for home/office.
• Multiple Safety Protection: Made of PC fireproof materials which can withstand temperatures up to 1,380℉ (750℃). Certified by CE and FCC to ensure the quality, and it can prevent your electric devices from over-current/over-charge/short circuit/over-heated. And the 5ft-long extension cord is made of phosphorus copper, which is very thick and has a better current carrying capacity.
• Non-slip & Compact Design: With four anti-slip mat, this European outlet adapter can be stable on any table. And it is only 3.93*3.93*1.1inches, will not take up your luggage space and will be a great travel companion during worldwide trips!
• Note: As a Europe travel adapter, this power adapter is only compatible with 110V to 240V wide voltage device. Your straightener, electric toothbrush or razor MUST support 110V-240V Dual Voltage, otherwise you may need a power voltage converter. This is NOT A VOLTAGE CONVERTER!

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Product Description

Non Surge Protector Power Strip

3 outlets power strip with 5 usb charging ports.

This power strip can support 8 devices simultaneously. Simple design and compact size, ideal for tabletop or bedside for home and office.

Compatible with 100~250V worldwide voltage. It is not only a power strip for most of home appliances, but also can be used as a europe travel adapter.

Includes 3 types of international adapters - EU(Type C), UK (Type G), US (Type A) plugs, compatible with most of the world.

Specification:

• Rated Current: 10A
• Voltage Compatibility: AC100-250V 50/60Hz
• Max. Power Rating: 2500W (1100W at 110V, 2500W at 250V)
• USB-A Port Output: 5V/2.4A Each Port
• USB-C Port Output: 5V/3A
• Cord Length: 5 ft/1.5m

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Looking for specific info, product information, warranty & support, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the versatility of the power strip. They say it provides multiple outlets and USB ports, allowing them to charge multiple devices at once. They also appreciate the charging speed, saying it charges their phones and hearing aids quickly. Customers also appreciate that the power adapter has a good cord length, which adds needed flexibility. Customers are happy with the performance, saying that it works well in different countries.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the performance of the adapter. They say it works beautifully, perfectly in Germany, England, and Spain. They also mention that it's very useful and works great with both plug types.

"Just used this adapter on an overseas trip and it worked GREAT ...." Read more

"... Worked great to charge iPhone XR , iPhone 11 Pro, Bose QC35 headphones, an HP laptop, and my Resmed Airsense 11 CPAP with zero issues in 4 different..." Read more

"...This adapter worked very well with the added bonus of having a number of power ports on the adapter so I could use it as an all in one solution for..." Read more

"...Other than that, all the ports worked great , having the two USB options was solid, and it charged all of my equipment (phone, laptop, etc) with ease...." Read more

Customers find the power strip compact enough for travel, easy to operate, and lightweight. They say it's not especially bulky and fits neatly at the bottom of their suitcase. Some say the rectangular block is easier to store in luggage. Overall, most recommend the product for its great size and lightweight design.

"...It was small enough that it didn't take up much room in my suitcase - but big enough to get all my items charged for next day use...." Read more

"...Really worked well for me and is very easy to travel with ." Read more

"...overall highly recommend this, as it was also well designed and fairly lightweight !" Read more

"... Less things to carry and easy to operate." Read more

Customers like the connectivity of the power strip. They say it provides multiple outlets and USB ports that allow them to charge multiple devices at once. They also appreciate the adapters that allow use in different countries. Overall, customers are happy with the product's connectivity and recommend it for use in hotels and other places with limited power outlets.

"...The USB ports are a nice addition for my usual travel needs as well. Will be happy to take this along on my next up travels!" Read more

"...Other than that, all the ports worked great, having the two USB options was solid , and it charged all of my equipment (phone, laptop, etc) with ease...." Read more

"Easy to use with multiple outlets for 110v power, USB B, USB C and multiple adapters for different countries of the world...." Read more

"...So convenient to be able to plug electrical items and charge electronics on the same device." Read more

Customers find the adapter great for traveling in Europe with multiple plugs and USB charging. They say it's reliable and provides adapters that work in the US, EU, and UK. Customers also say the power strip is sturdy and supports multiple devices without issue. They mention it'll save you the hassle of bringing multiple adapters and that it can be used for some appliances such as hairdryers and travel irons.

"This product is versatile and not only provides adaptors that work in the US , EU and UK but the extension cords adds needed flexibility...." Read more

"...Especially with the extra phone charger slots! & it has different attachments that you just plug in when you're ready to use it in different..." Read more

"...Nice feature is that it comes with an adapter you can use when you get back to USA so you can use it at home till you pack your bags for the next..." Read more

"...Most rooms only have a few plugs, so this made it easy to have one station , and the best feature was the universal ability to switch the plugs this..." Read more

Customers like the quality of the power strip. They mention it's well-made, sturdy, and heavy enough to stay where they place it. The USB ports are secure and snug, and it works well. Some say it'll be perfect for home on a desk and for traveling.

"...I would overall highly recommend this, as it was also well designed and fairly lightweight!" Read more

"...In addition to the long cord, the base is quite solid and didn't move around at all as I had things plugged into it...." Read more

"...It’s a great extension plug set up . I use it to charge all my electronic devices. ****..." Read more

"This product came with a defective UK plug adapter , which I didn't realize until I was already in the UK...." Read more

Customers like the length of the power strip. They say it has a good cord length, and the extension cords adds needed flexibility. Some say the cord is not too short or overly long, and is really useful.

"Just used this adapter on an overseas trip and it worked GREAT. Love the long cord - the only plug in the room was behind the bed, so the cord was..." Read more

"...adaptors that work in the US, EU and UK but the extension cords adds needed flexibility . Great purchase." Read more

"Used this traveling through Spain and it was great. The cord is long , so you can easily reach those weird plug locations in hotel rooms...." Read more

"...-The length of the cord was long enough so that I could plug it in under a nightstand and charge my devices on the table top..." Read more

Customers like the charging of the power strip. They say the USB-C provides fast charging, and the built-in ports charge their devices quickly. Some say they have not seen a decline in charging speed. The power strip is great for charging phones, tablet, and earbuds.

"...The USB-C provides fast charging , and the other options give you what you need to keep your other devices powered/charged...." Read more

"...It has so many plugs so it is great for charging phones , tablet and earbuds at the end of the day...." Read more

"...It is compact enough to fit easily into my suitcase. I was able to charge iPad , iPhone, hearing aids no problem...." Read more

"...We loved the long extension cord and had no issues charging an iPhone and an Android simultaneously...." Read more

Customers find the power strip easy to use. They say it's convenient, brilliant for travelers, and saves them hassle. They also appreciate the universal ability to switch the plugs and the ability to plug multiple cords in.

"...The extension cord made it easy to connect the plug to an outlet that was not easily accessible and still be useful to everyone who wants to charge..." Read more

" Easy to use with multiple outlets for 110v power, USB B, USB C and multiple adapters for different countries of the world...." Read more

"We spent 3 weeks in Italy in May of 2023. This was so easy to use for making sure all of our cell phones and power bricks were fully charged for the..." Read more

"...easy to have one station, and the best feature was the universal ability to switch the plugs this will probably always be in my suitcase with me..." Read more

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9 Best Travel Power Strips You’ll Crave For 2024 Cruises

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Categories CRUISE TIPS , Technology & Communication , Travel Gear

Cruisers should absolutely pack travel power strips or outlet extenders for their journey. Check out our 9 excellent choices.

A travel power strip or outlet extender is one must-have cruise accessory that you should pack for your trip. No matter the size of your travel party, if you have multiple devices that need charging, you will very likely be short on outlets in your cabin. And, the limited outlets available may not necessarily be conveniently located for your personal use. That’s why taking along something to expand your power options makes sense.

Please read on for our recommendations of the best travel power strips and outlet extenders available right now. The units below are cruise-friendly because they do not provide surge protection. Let’s dive in!

This post may contain affiliate links that could result in a commission to this website (at no additional cost to you). Visit our Disclosures Page for more information.

For Your Consideration: A New Contender

Hot off the production line, we have a new entry to the travel power strip market that arrived in late 2023. It has several unique features that make it a great option for cruise travel! Check out our detailed review of this 2023 Trond Power Strip .

Best Travel Power Strips/ Outlet Extenders

Anker powerport cube.

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This Anker power strip with USB outlets is a very compact, versatile cube-shaped power strip with three AC outlets and three USB ports. It also has power IQ technology that detects the type of device being charged and adjusts the voltage accordingly. Thus it offers high-speed charging of your devices as appropriate. 

With a length of less than 2 ½ cubic inches, the Anker power strip is highly compact and portable. The power cable comes with a thick rubber coating that offers protection from fire and overloading.  While this power strip makes an excellent travel companion, it is also great for everyday use around the house! (We have several!)

• Compact and portable power strip.
• Comes with three AC outlets and three USB ports.
• Power IQ technology for fast charging. 

• Compact and portable, hence ideal for travel. 
• Available in two colors. 
• Varied cable length available with 5, 8, and 10 feet options. 
• Weighs less than 10 ounces.
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Samsung galaxy. 
• Must remember to push the button to activate USB ports. 
• The thick cable is not particularly pliable. 
• May produce less efficient charging when multiple devices are connected simultaneously. 

Mifaso 7-in-1 Desktop Power Strip

This compact power strip comes with three power outlets and four USB ports, including a Type C port. It has a 5 feet long braided extension cord attached to it for charging. The power strip supports worldwide voltage. Thus, it makes an ideal travel companion.

It offers protection from overcharging, short circuits, overheating, and overcurrent, but is advertised as not having the type of surge protection that cruise lines frown upon.

The Mifaso powerstrip comes with an anti-skid pad that helps prevent the powerstrip from skidding while on the table. 

• Power strip with 3 AC outlets, 3 USB ports, and one Type C port. 
• 5 feet long braided extension cord. 
• Right-angled flat plug. 
• Anti-skid pad that prevents the power strip from skidding. 
• Lightweight and compact design. 
• Can charge seven electric devices at the same time. 
• Has a Type C port for charging your most updated devices.
• Compact and portable. 
• Flat plug design won’t hog other outlets. 
• The type C port does not support the charging of Macbook, Macbook Air, or Macbook Pro. 
• Several customers complained about the USB ports stop working after a few months. 
• The three electrical plugs are closely space. So, you may find it difficult to use all three at the same time. 

Trond 5-in-1 Outlet Extender

This cube-shaped outlet extender comes with three AC outlets and two USB ports. Thus, you can charge a wide range of devices from mobile to laptop, tablet, and iPad. The extender is made of flame retardant material and protects your devices from overcharging and short circuits.

This is a cordless style power strip that plugs directly into the wall outlet. The lack of a cord makes it very small and compact.  It is very easy to carry–fits in the palm of your hand. 

• Small and compact extender ideal for travel. 
• Comes with three AC outlets and two USB ports. 
• Plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. 
• Can plug three devices without touching each other as the outlets are not adjacent to each other. 
• Plugs flush into an outlet, so won’t take up counter space. 
• Small design makes it easy to use in airports or other public spaces.
• Protects the devices from over current, overcharging, overheating and short circuits. 
• Available in three colors. 
• Occasional complaints of low humming or buzzing sound. 

POWSAV Multi-Plug Outlet

This portable outlet extender comes with three outlets and three USB ports. Thus, you can charge six devices at the same time. The USB ports of the outlet detect the device being charged and provide the optimal charging speed. The three outlets can accommodate one large adapter and two standard plugs at the same time.

Depending on the size of the wall outlet, placing the expander in the bottom position of a wall outlet may block access to the top socket. You will have better results placing expander in the top position.

• Has three outlets and three USB ports.
• Wide spaced AC outlets. 
• Attractive cube design that is lightweight and compact. 
• Small and compact. Hence, easy to carry around. 
• Since the outlets are on three sides, you can easily connect three devices without the plugs blocking each other. 
• accommodates bulky plugs
• Can charge six devices at the same time. 
• May block access to adjacent outlets. 
• Some quality control issues. Many reports of defective units. 

TESSAN Multi-Plug Outlet Extender

This multi-plug outlet extender has four AC outlets and 3 USB ports. The outlets can accommodate three 2 prong flat pin plugs and one 3 prong flat pin plug. The outlets are designed in such a way that they do not block each other. The USB ports can detect the device and deliver the optimal charge for fast charging. 

This outlet extender can be used for any occasion, both inside and outside the house. 

• Outlet extender with 4 AC outlets and 3 USB ports. 
• Can accommodate three 2 prong flat pin plugs and one 3 prong flat pin plug.
• Optimal power usage. 
• The four AC outlets of the extender are designed such that they do not block each other. 
• Compact design and hence ideal for travel.  
• Can charge multiple devices at the same time. 
• When in use, the front-facing AC outlet may block access to USB ports. 

TESSAN Portable 2 Outlet Travel Mini Power Strip

This box-shaped travel mini power strip comes with two AC outlets and 3 USB ports. The AC outlets can accommodate three-prong plugs. The power strip has a rubberized bottom to prevent slippage. It supports a wide range of voltages.  

The Tessan portable mini power strip comes with a multi-protection system designed to protect against short circuits, overheating, and overcharging. Although somewhat larger in size, the item weighs less than 9 ounces.

• AC outlets and 3 USB ports.
• 5-foot cord
• Intelligent charging technology that detects each device and delivers power accordingly. 
• Support a wide range of voltages. 
• Protect against short circuits, overheating, and over current. 
• Small and portable size. 
• The 5-foot cord allows you to maximize the use of poorly placed outlets.
• Ideal for travel purposes as it supports a wide range of voltages. 
• The rubber bottom provides a good grip on the power strip to stay on the table. 
• Optimum use of power depending on the device charged. 
• Lightweight but bulky dimensions take up more counter space than some other models. 
• Some cell phone models charge slowly. 

Ntonpower Travel Power Strip

This is a doughnut-shaped cruise power strip that comes with 3 AC outlets and 3 USB ports. The compact and lightweight design of the power strip makes it an ideal travel companion. The power cord is short, around 15 inches, and can be easily wrapped around the groove. The length of the cord allows some access to poorly placed outlets but still remains relatively close to the source outlet.

It can be used to charge a range of devices like phones, laptops, iPads, and camera batteries.  The power strip comes with a smart chip inside that can protect the device from overcharging, short circuits, and overvoltage. 

• Comes with 3 AC outlets and 3 USB ports.
• 15-inch short power cord. 
• Smart chip that protects from overcharging, short circuits, and overvoltage. 
• Rubber mat at the bottom that prevents slippage. 
• Available in three shades – black, white, and red. 
• Compact and lightweight. 
• It can charge a range of devices. 
• The smart IC automatically detects the device being charged and provides the optimal power. 
• Several customers complained about the USB port not working properly in the long run. 
• It is not a good choice for charging large devices like stereo. 
• The power cord too short. 

TESSAN Multi-Plug Outlet Extender (2-Pack) 

This is a pack of 2 outlet extenders. Each extender has four outlets for charging devices with full – three 2 prong flat pin plugs and one 3 prong flat pin plug. The extender is cube-shaped and is lightweight and compact. These do not have USB slots.

• Accommodates devices with bulky plugs.
• Comes with four outlets for charging devices. 
• No surge protection or cord. 
• Can be used for cruise travel as it does not have surge protection or cord. 
• The outlets are well spaced, so have sufficient access to charge four devices at the same time. 
• Can be used in the home as well as for travel. 
• If you plug both the extenders together, you cannot access the outlets on adjacent sides.  
• No option for USB plugs. 

Anker PowerPort Strip PD

This sleek-looking power strip has a contemporary space-saving design with 1 USB-C port, 2 USB ports, 2 AC outlets, and a 5-foot power cord.  Location of AC outlets accommodates large size plugs. Can deliver an 18W high-speed charge with USB-C Power Delivery and Anker’s PowerIQ technology.

• Comes with 2 USB ports, 2 AC outlets, and 1 USB-C port. 
• Designed with a slimmer, flatter plug than typical power strips which allows access to hard-to-reach outlets. 
• 5-foot extension cord. 
• Internal child-friendly safety shutters that prevent insertion of foreign objects. 
• Space-saving design accommodates a wide range of devices.
• Can charge five devices simultaneously.  
• Compatible with all standard wall outlet voltages worldwide (100V – 240V).
• Supports high-speed charging (but now 25W fast charging).
• The slippery surface can move around on the counter.
• Some USB-C cords do not fit properly in the USB-C port. 

Bestselling Travel Power Strips on Amazon*

*(not necessarily cruise-friendly)

• 【Space Saving Flat Plug】With only 0.5-inch ultra slim design, flat wall plug is much thinner than traditional plugs, which can close to the wall easily, and hide in the back of furniture, bed or refrigerator, no waste for outlet and...
• 【USB C Fast Charging Station】Added extra 2 USB C ports for devices, the USB C port can charge up to 5V/3A. USB-A ports can charge up to 5V/2.4A Max. Compatible with cell phones, cameras, laptops, power banks, and more USB devices.
• 【Compact for Travel】3.2ft retractable power cord which makes it easy to storage, Compact Size(5.5*3.4*1.8 in), and lightweight design to fit into luggage and bag The 3 additional USB ports help also get rid of your bulky adapters....

• All-in-One Power: 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port power everything on your desk from a single compact power cube.
• Small Size, Massive Portability: At roughly the size of a tennis ball, this power strip fits easily into your luggage to keep you powered on any trip.
• Fast Charge Mobile Devices: Use the 20W USB-C port to charge an iPhone 13 Pro 2 times faster than with an original 5W charger.

• [FOR NIGHTSTAND & TABLE DESK]: The USB desktop power strip with switch works great on your nightstand, home and office table desk to handle your Bluetooth speaker, laptops, smart phone, iPads, camera battery without probolems. check the...
• [CRUISE MUST HAVES]: The non-surge protector, donut shaped power strip comes with 3 outlets / 3 USB ports and it is in perfect size that fits right in the palm of your hand. Great for frequent traveler cruise ships, hotels, home where there...
• [15 INCH SHORT EXTENSION CORD]: Short power cord wrapping around which makes it easy to storage; compact & small enough to throw in your suitcase for travel. Bring a great length extension cord if needed

• 【Easy to Pack & 4FT Retractable Extension Cord】： Small size (3.98 x 2.36 x 1.57 in) with flexible 4ft Retractable Extension Cord cleverly wraps around the body and plugs into a ac socket for neat storage, which designed to be easily...
• 【Travel & Cruise Accessories Must Haves】: Designed with no surge protection, making it a cruise-approved power strip. At only 8 oz, about the weight of a small orange, and smaller than the iPhone 13 Mini, and 4ft short extension cord...
• 【7 in 1 Travel Power Strip with USB C Ports】: 4 wide outlets (2 Type B 3 Prong outlets, 2 Type A 2 Prong outlets), and 3 USB ports(1 USB-C Ports) can power up to 7 travel device simultaneously on your desk from a single portable power...

• Full-Speed 67W Charging: Fully charge your MacBook Pro 13" in just 1 hour and 54 minutes with an impressive 67W power output, thanks to advanced Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Power Delivery (PD) technology.
• Streamlined and Sleek: With its ultra-slim design, this power strip incorporates a 0.35-inch flat plug and a 5 ft thin extension cord to make the most of your space.(Note: The AC power cord is built into the product and cannot be removed.)
• 6-in-1 Power Solution: Power up multiple devices simultaneously with 6 ports, including 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, and 2 AC ports, delivering high-speed charging of up to 67W for phones, tablets, and laptops.

Bottom Line

A travel power strip or outlet extender will be an excellent addition to any cruise packing list, and it will make navigating the use of your electronic devices significantly easier.  Be sure you have one for your next trip!

Elaine Warren

Founder & Crew Chief

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Related Articles

Best surge protector in 2024

These are the best surge protectors and power strips you can buy

When it comes to the best surge protectors, it can be a tad tempting to opt for the cheapest model out there. That’s understandable. After all, investing in a quality protector is hardly the sexiest tech purchase you’re ever going to make. Which isn’t to say buying a good one doesn’t have its benefits. If you’re blighted by electronic issues, one of the finest surge protectors can safeguard your favorite gizmos from going kaput. 

Zoning in on the right surge protector isn’t an easy process. Almost all of the big retailers stock them, which means you have thousands of options to sift through. Luckily, we’ve narrowed our list down to our favorite six models. My current favorite? That would be the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12 that’s main selling points are its Fail Safe mode and generous warranty.  

Read on to get the scoop on the best surge protectors on the market right now. Just remember not to be overly stingy on what can prove to be a vital device.

The best surge protector you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. APC Performance SurgeArrest 12

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The best surge protector or best power strip in our opinion is the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12, model P12U2. The unit offers 4,320 joules of protection, along with 12 electrical plugs and two USB ports. The surge protector is relatively slim and compact, making it an easy fit behind media consoles or televisions. Not only that, according to the APC product page, the SurgeArrest 12 undergoes testing by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The SurgeArrest 12 also has a built-in fail-safe mode, cutting off power once the internal components have been compromised. This will ensure your electronics stay safe, even if it means having to go pick up another unit. APC also offers a lifetime warranty and states on its website that if the circuitry is damaged by a heavy strike or power line surge and is unable to offer 100% protection, it will “replace your damaged SurgeArrest free of charge.”

This product has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with 22 reviews on B&H Photo. "Works great. And the green light around the edge looks dope and also makes it easy to find when you want to plug something in while you're editing in a darkened room," said a reviewer who awarded the surge protector 5 out 5 stars.

2. Belkin 12 Outlet Surge Protector

Belkin’s 12 Outlet Surge Protector, model BV12234-08, is an excellent unit that provides plenty of protection, which is why it’s one of the best surge protectors and best power strips on the market.

With 12 outlets and two USB charge ports, it matches the APC Performance SurgeArrest 12. It has a lower energy rating at 3,996 Joules but is still more than enough for most. It’s also available in white.

In terms of footprint, it’s relatively compact and can easily sit below a home theater setup. It also has a clip towards the bottom for cable management. The BV12234-08 also has room for large adapters, a recessed power button to prevent accidental shutoffs and mounting holes to secure to walls, baseboard or furniture.

The surge protector is backed by a two-year limited warranty. Just make sure not to plug in a heater, generator, medical device, car, or any other major electrical device, as that will voice any warranty protection.

This surge protector has been rated 4.5 out of 5 on B&H Photo. "I am loving this. I would tell people to get this surge protector and use it for all your devices," says one reviewer.

3. Anker PowerPort Strip 12

Anker is a brand more often found at online retailers like Amazon than at Best Buy. But the company has made a name for itself with its clean white aesthetic, value and quality. The Anker PowerPort Strip 12 is no exception.

As of publishing, the 6-foot version can be found for between $26-27. That undercuts the competition by around $10. Not only that, it has the surge energy rating and equipment protection to match. Although, the warranty on the surge protector itself only lasts for 18 months. This surge protector is also UL listed. As for protection, it has an overload protection feature that will flip the surge protector off during a major surge.

On Walmart's website, this product has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. "It is so convenient to plug in so many cords in one location. I am very pleased that I learned about the Anker Strip Surge Protector," said one reviewer.

4. CyberPower Desktop Power Charger

The CyberPower Desktop Power Charger is meant for a desk, to plug in accessories or charge phones. Not only that, it includes a 10W Qi wireless charger.

The CyberPower Desktop Power Charger is built like a brick, and that’s a good thing. Even with its smaller size, it won’t slide around. It really is ideal for the kitchen counter where kids may need to plug in laptops to do schoolwork or charge devices. 

The power cord is braided and robust, meaning it should deal with a fair amount of abuse. While not a typical surge protector, we feel it sits within a specific niche and is worth considering.

This product has been favorably rated on Home Depot's website based on 34 reviews. One reviewer who rated the surge protector a 4 out of 5 said: "Liked it so much, we bought 3."

5. Monoprice 12 Outlet Power Surge Protector with 2 Built-in USB Charger Ports

The Monoprice 12 Outlet Power Surge Protector with 2 Built-in USB charger Ports is a solid piece of kit. The transparent rails on the side that light up to indicate both grounding and surge protection look slick. And of all the units we tested, it was the sturdiest of the bunch, with a flat and wide base.

In terms of design, there’s plenty of room to plug on oddly-shaped power pricks. And the cord feels solid. 

The Monoprice 12 also has lights that indicate if surge protection is working, and if protection fails following a major surge, the light will shut off. The device will auto-shut to prevent damage to electronics. It’s also UL Listed.

The reason why the Monoprice 12 doesn’t rank higher on our list is due to subpar warranty and no equipment protection. The one-year warranty, while not bad, falls below the competition. This could be excused if the Monoprice 12 was a value leader. Unfortunately, as of publishing, it sells for around $28, which is more than the Anker PowerPort Strip 12.

This power strip has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Walmart's website. One of the 22 reviewers said: "Really useful. Works great. USB outlets are handy - and I don't get any noise from the USB ports when using with audio devices which I have gotten with other USB chargers."

6. Belkin 3-outlet Mini Surge Protector with USB Ports

The Belkin 3-outlet Mini Surge Protector with USB Ports is a bit of an oddball but could come in handy for specific situations. Acting more like a wall tap, the 3-Outlet essentially gives buyers additional ports on their walls. It also swivels, meaning it can sit both horizontally and vertically.

Compared to larger surge protectors, the 3-Outlet falls short. It doesn’t have nearly as high a Joule rating at only 918, nor does it offer the same amount of equipment protection. But it does have more surge protection than other barebones power strips. 

Still, it sits cleanly on a wall and can work well next to a nightstand to plug in a lamp and some phone chargers. For travel and small spaces, the 3-Outlet Mini Surge Protector with USB ports can come in handy. Just use it mostly for smaller devices.

This Belkin surge protector has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on B&H Photo. The surge protector "allows charging of multiple items in 3rd world hotel rooms with only one outlet! Protects from primitive grids, with huge power fluctuations," said one reviewer.

What to look for when buying a surge protector

The way most surge protectors work is by using Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), which reroute energy back to the electrical source. Think of it as an automated levee or dam that can push a massive surge of water back towards a river to help keep your home safe. While MOVs are an efficient and cost-effective way for manufacturers to design surge protectors, they're not an absolute fail-safe. Every time there's a major surge, the MOVs degrade and are sacrificed to ensure your electronics stay protected. That means surge protectors don't last forever.

Also, a high current surge is what can really damage electronics. Some surges may have a higher current than voltage, meaning the voltage threshold might not be met to trip the MOV. Other "non-sacrificial" methods do exist, such as from Zero Surge . But a simple two-outlet Zero Surge model costs more than $200, exceeding every item on this list by a wide margin. But if your budget allows for it, then Zero Surge might be the way to go.

Most quality surge protectors and power strips have a built-in kill switch which will make the surge protector inoperable if it can’t provide protection any longer. Others might continue to work without protection. All of the units on our list have the added security of turning off or notifying the user once components inside have degraded to a point of inadequate protection. 

And note, not all power strips offer surge protection. Some act as nothing more than an extension of an existing wall outlet. Some might add a layer of minimal surge protection. So, regardless of shape or size, all units on this list will give strong levels of protection. 

You’ll also notice that the surge protectors we recommend have high joule protection ratings. A joule is a measure of energy. The average lightning strike releases about one billion joules of energy in less than a second! The higher the joule rating, the more protection it offers. A higher joule rating also means a surge protector can absorb more energy before it fails. Generally, for most electronics and video game consoles — including the elusive PS5 and Xbox Series X — 2,000 joules and above will be more than adequate in keeping your devices safe. 

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Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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• Psychichfashion How about "smart" surge protectors, by which I mean energy saving surge protectors which turn off outlets automatically when they are not being used? Reply
• Bard Kallestad No surge protector survey can be accurate with using the "clamping voltage" ratings. No matter how many joules the unit can absorb, it must start absorbing them quickly with a low surge clamping voltage. 330v is the best and 500 or higher is too little, too late. Reply
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This is a modular safety power strip. By combining different modules, the modular safety power strip can adapt to the configuration requirements of different scenarios, the distance between modules can also be adjusted to adapt to different adapters, and the versatility of the modules can meet the use of several power strips in combination with each other, so that the indoor power strips can all be used to the best of their ability. Safety is also a growing concern for consumers and this product reduces the risk of electric shock and protects babies and children.

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The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2024

Forget to unplug the iron this morning the top smart plugs and power strips we've tested let you control anything you can plug into the wall from your phone..

Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring (KP125M)

Wyze Plug Outdoor

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300

Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer D23LP-2RW

Roku Outdoor Smart Plug

Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug EP40A

Tapo Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug P125M

Amazon Smart Plug

A high-tech home doesn't have to cost a fortune. Smart plugs (and power outlets) are an easy and affordable way to upgrade ordinary appliances, lighting, and any other electronics into smart home devices that you can control straight from your smartphone. Although installing and using these plugs is relatively simple, choosing which one is right for you is no easy task. To help you out, we've rounded up the best smart plugs and power outlets we've tested, along with a few tips to consider when automating your home.

You Can Trust Our Reviews

Deeper dive: our top tested picks, why we picked it.

All smart plugs can turn your devices off and on, but only some can tell you how much power your devices are using. The TP-Link Kasa Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring generates energy reports, letting you know just how much power is going through your lamp, home theater, or appliance. With Matter support, it works with most major smart home platforms and voice assistants.

Who It's For

This smart plug is a bit pricey, but it can potentially save you money in the long run if you want to make sure some of your larger electronics aren't using too much power. It's worth picking up to keep an eye on your power-hungry appliances, though there are cheaper options for automating small household items like lamps.

• Supports many smart home platforms, including Matter
• Generates energy reports with estimated costs
• Works with voice controls
• Lots of integration options
• Compact size

The Wyze Outdoor Plug provides two smart outlets you can individually control, in a weatherproof package designed to withstand rain and snow with a built-in light sensor for automating power based on available daylight. It's also very affordable, especially for an outdoor smart plug.

Pick up the Wyze Outdoor Plug if you want to automate holiday decorations, lighting, heaters, or anything else you keep outside. Just be aware that it doesn't support HomeKit or Matter.

• Very affordable
• Supports voice control
• Works with lots of smart devices
• Energy reporting
• Independent dual outlet control
• Doesn't support Apple HomeKit

Why limit yourself to just one or two outlets when you can remotely manage six at a time? The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is a full power strip with a half dozen outlets you can individually control and automate, along with three USB ports that are useful if you want to charge anything.

This power strip is useful for managing multiple lamps and other devices at once, as long as they're relatively close to each other. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but it doesn't support HomeKit, Matter, or SmartThings.

• Voice control.
• Surge protection.
• Energy monitoring.
• Works with IFTTT.
• Outlets aren't childproof.

Like the Wyze Plug Outdoor above, the Wyze Plug lets you control your lights and other devices without much of an investment. It's just, obviously, not intended for the outdoors. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, and it's easy to set up.

Smart plugs aren't particularly expensive (and you can often find them on sale), but the Wyze Plug is still one of the cheapest out there. If your smart home setup isn't built around HomeKit, Matter, or SmartThings, and you want to save money, this is worth checking out.

• Easy to install
• Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
• Lots of third-party support
• Doesn't support HomeKit
• Lacks power usage reporting

The Leviton Smart Mini is a bit expensive for a small one-outlet smart plug, but it has loads of features for automating your lighting. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Matter, and SmartThings, and it supports dimming for compatible bulbs.

This is the smart plug to get if you want to set up dimmer routines or otherwise adjust the light levels of your non-smart bulbs from your phone. Its wide compatibility also means it should play nice with all your other smart home gadgets and will continue to work if you decide to switch platforms or voice assistants later.

• Supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Matter, and SmartThings
• Works with IFTTT applets
• Lots of lighting customization options
• Lacks energy usage reports

Roku is a newcomer to the smart home market, but its first products in the category have proven very capable thanks to a collaboration with well-established budget-friendly device maker Wyze. Roku smart home devices can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, but their big appeal is for Roku TV and media hub users, because they're the only smart switches, bulbs, and cameras that you can control with the otherwise very limited Roku voice controls.

With the same weatherproofing (and physical design) of the Wyze Plug Outdoor, the Roku Outdoor Smart Plug is another inexpensive way to remotely control your outdoor devices. It's appealing if you also use Roku devices since you don't need to set up anything else to control the plug from your couch. Otherwise, the IFTTT-enabled Wyze Plug Outdoor is our preferred budget option.

• Independent outlet control
• Reports energy usage
• Works with other Roku devices
• Does not support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT
• Few third-party integration options

TP-Link's Kasa brand has plenty of outdoor-friendly smart plugs, but the 40A is the only one that works with Apple's HomeKit. In addition, this two-outlet smart plug supports every voice assistant and smart home standard except Matter, so you can control it just as easily whether you're an Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings fan. It even supports IFTTT routines.

This outdoor smart plug is specifically appealing for its HomeKit and SmartThings integrations. That's its big advantage over the cheaper Wyze Plug Outdoor. If you don't use one of those home automation platforms, go with Wyze's model, which can generate energy usage reports.

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings
• Dual-outlet design with independent controls
• Doesn't generate energy usage reports

The Tapo Mini is a compact smart plug from TP-Link Kasa, with a load of smart home platform options. It supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Matter, and SmartThings, making it one of the best-equipped mini smart plugs for handling whatever home automation standard you choose. It can't monitor power consumption, however.

Look to this smart plug if you need one with a small footprint that won't block the outlets beside it.

• Supports Matter (in addition to many other connectivity standards)
• Doesn't generate power usage reports

This single-outlet smart plug lets you control whatever is plugged into it using Alexa voice commands and the Alexa mobile app. It's a snap to install and works with some (but not all) Alexa smart home devices, but it doesn't work with other voice platforms and it lacks IFTTT support and energy reporting.

The Amazon Smart Plug is a good option for Alexa power users who want to smarten up an ordinary device like a coffee maker or a light. If you're not an Alexa loyalist, we recommend the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring, which offers more features including energy reports and broader third-party interoperability for the same price.

• Works with Alexa voice commands and Alexa-enabled devices
• Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant
• No IFTTT support
• Lacks energy reporting

Buying Guide: The Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for 2024

What is a smart plug and where can you use it.

Let's make this clear: Whether they're marketed as smart switches, smart outlets, or any variation thereof, smart plugs are ultimately plug-in outlets (or power strips). These devices plug directly into a wall outlet or traditional power strip and offer an outlet you can plug other things into for automation. You don't gain or lose any outlets in the process—you're simply making an existing outlet smart by connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network.

With that in mind, the first thing to consider is where you want to place your smart plug. While most are svelte enough to fit next to one another in your typical wall outlet, not all of them are, and power strips are a different story entirely. If you have a crowded power strip, it's important to consider the plug outlet's location. For instance, some feature outlets on the side. Whether this layout is easier or more difficult to access depends on the type of power strip you're using.

Note that some smart plugs are exclusively for the inside of your home. Others that can withstand the elements are a better choice for your backyard or porch.

What Does a Smart Plug Do?

Once you're sure a smart plug fits properly in your home, it's important to consider what it can do. Every plug we've tested lets you use your phone to turn control power—so if you've plugged in a lamp, for instance, you can turn it on or off no matter where you are. And most smart plugs also offer some form of scheduling. If you simply want to turn your connected coffee machine on at the same time every weekday morning, you can do that with any of the plugs on this list.

Scenes (this is the term most often used, but it might vary) let you program several devices to interact with each other. Some let you program scenes based on conditions such as temperature, humidity, and sunrise or sunset times. Others have preset "away" scenes for when you're on vacation, that turn connected devices on and off to make it look like someone is home. Scene options vary from plug to plug, so it's good to keep in mind what automation options fit your lifestyle.

If you're concerned about the environment or hoping to save a few bucks, look for a plug that supports energy monitoring. Just keep in mind that the energy data collected isn't uniform across all plugs. Some provide a detailed breakdown of how long your device has been on over the entire day, your daily average "on" time, your (estimated) monthly and daily power costs, and your average power usage in watts. Others simply give a cursory overview of the hours you use over a set period or don't report power usage at all.

Features aside, installation and app design are also major factors. Luckily, pretty much all the plugs we've tested are easy to install—you basically just plug them in and connect them to an app on your phone. App quality, on the other hand, varies. We take a close look at each plug's companion app in our reviews and consider its usability in our rating.

Are Smart Plugs Worth the Money?

Ultimately, the best smart plug for you is the one that easily interacts with the products you already have, especially any smart speakers and smart displays . For example, if you like Siri or are an avid iPhone user, you can get the best experience from a plug that supports Apple's HomeKit protocol. Similarly, if you already use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, make sure to get a plug that supports your voice assistant of choice.

Some plugs feature native support for a particular brand of smart home products, while others can interact with nearly anything via IFTTT . We've noted which features each plug supports in the chart below to help you determine which one best fits your needs.

So, if you can't settle on a family of smart light bulbs or you don't want to shell out big bucks for a set of new connected kitchen appliances , consider connecting the products you already own with a smart plug. Whether you're just dipping a toe into smart home tech, enhancing your rental unit , or creating custom IFTTT applets, smart plugs make it simple and affordable to automate just about anything in your home.

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About Alex Colon

I’m PCMag’s executive editor of reviews, steering our coverage to make sure we're testing the products you're interested in buying and telling you whether they're worth it. I've been here for more than 10 years. I previously managed the consumer electronics reviews team, and before that I covered mobile, smart home, and wearable technology for PCMag and Gigaom.

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