A surge protector is essential protection for your expensive home office equipment. These are the best options combining surge protection, USB ports, and smart features.
Why We Picked These
We checked joule rating (higher = better protection), USB charging ports, physical spacing between outlets, and smart features.
1. APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector
The industry standard. 2880 joules of protection, 2 USB charging ports, widely spaced outlets for wall adapters, and APC's equipment protection guarantee.
Key specs: Price ~$29 | Rating: ★★★★★
- 2880-joule protection
- Equipment protection guarantee
- Widely spaced outlets
- No USB-C
- No smart features
2. Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip
12 outlets including rotating outlets for bulky transformers. The 4320-joule rating is exceptionally high for a standard surge protector.
Key specs: Price ~$39 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- 4320 joules
- Rotating outlets
- 12 outlets
- No USB ports
- Cord is short
3. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip
Voice control via Alexa/Google makes it genuinely useful. Four individually controlled smart outlets plus 4 USB ports and schedule timers.
Key specs: Price ~$39 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- Smart outlet control
- 4 USB ports
- Schedule timers
- Smart features require WiFi
- App needed for full control
4. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
Compact flat-plug design hides neatly behind furniture. 2100 joules, 3 USB-A ports, 6 AC outlets, and a rotating plug that reaches tight spaces.
Key specs: Price ~$25 | Rating: ★★★★★
- Flat rotating plug
- 3 USB-A ports
- Compact design
5. Tripp Lite 7-Outlet Surge Protector
Trusted brand in the IT industry. Simple, reliable, and the $50,000 connected equipment insurance gives peace of mind for expensive setups.
Key specs: Price ~$22 | Rating: ★★★★☆
- $50k equipment insurance
- Reliable IT brand
- Affordable
Buying Guide
For protection alone the APC or Belkin are hard to beat. Smart home users should look at the Kasa. Need a discreet footprint? The Anker flat-plug design is clever.