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Every home needs at least one surge protector. These power strips come equipped with defenses against electrical surges from blackouts, storms, construction work and other events that would otherwise fry electronics such as your computer or TV.
- The Best Surge Protectors for 2026: Powerful Winter Storm Protection
- What is the best surge protector overall?
- Best surge protectors of 2026
- Best overal surge protector
- Best USB-C surge protector
- Best surge protector with a long cord
- Best budget surge protector
- Best surge protector for high Joules protection
- Best surge protector with connected device warranty
- Surge protectors, compared
- Other surge protectors we've tested
- What's the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
- What we updated
- Factors to consider when buying a surge protector
At CNET, we've tested over a dozen of the latest surge protectors, with an eye on both quality and advanced smart features that offer scheduling options, app controls and energy monitoring. Our list includes the best choices for Apple users, cheap models you can trust and powerful versions for large setups.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
What is the best surge protector overall?
Tapo's surge protector has the best smart features out of everything we tested.
TapoWhen testing smart features in particular, one surge protector quickly rose to the top: the Tapo P316M Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. You'll see this surge protector recommended on many lists and for good reason. The Tapo brand is generally reliable and the smart features are excellent, including Apple Home compatibility and energy monitoring, and it's not prohibitively expensive either.
However, some people may want extra cord length, or a brand that specifies a healthy amount of Joules protection. Check out all my final picks below for the full range of options.
Best surge protectors of 2026
Pros
- Super smart with Apple, Alexa and Google support
- Energy monitoring features
- Overcharge shutoff
Cons
- No USB-C
- No stated certification or Joules rating
Why I like it:
Tapo’s smart surge protector includes a bit of everything, making it the easiest recommendation for anyone who wants a smart surge protector upgrade. The six outlets and three USB ports are Matter supported, so they work with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home/Siri. (Apple support is particularly hard to find for these power strips.)
Setup and connection are easy, although you'll need to name each plug for the device it’s connected to -- I’m using one in my Google Home app right now, so I’m well acquainted with the process. Individual and group control is easy, and Tapo includes energy monitoring as well if you prefer to dig into the data and see what’s consuming the most power.
This is the go-to surge protector if you want the complete set of smart features. The only downside is that the current version of this power strip doesn’t have any USB-C ports, which is a pain when connecting some newer devices. (I’ve got another option for that below.) Tapo also isn’t releasing any specific Joules protection numbers, which is a pity on such an otherwise complete model.
Who this is for:
People who want all the smart bells and whistles, including Apple support and energy monitoring, in one package.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People who absolutely need USB-C ports on their surge protector, and those who don’t really care about having that many smart features or app controls.
Pros
- USB-C ports included, plus fast charging 20W port
- Alexa and Google Home compatibility
Cons
- Fast charging may not work with nearby plugged-in devices drawing on power
Why I like it:
Despite their now-widespread use, it can be hard to find USB-C ports on smart surge protectors. This BN-Link model offers two USB-C options, with one offering 20W fast charging, something not many smart power strips have. The three indicator lights are also useful for spotting device performance and signaling when you need a replacement.
Those smart features also include compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, although scheduling features appear to be limited to the outlets only. Also note that the fast charging USB-C port may not provide the full 20W if other devices are plugged in at the same time.
Who this is for:
Those who really need a USB-C port or two on their smart surge protector.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
People without many USB-C needs, those who absolutely need Apple support.
Pros
- Longer cord options at 6 feet
- Apple and Siri compatibility
- Overload cutoff circuit
Why I like it:
Not all surge protectors have lengthy cords, but you may need one badly if nearby outlets are unavailable. This Meross smart power strip has one of the longest cords I’ve found at 6 feet. Along with Tapo’s model, it’s also one of the few I’ve found that work with Apple and Siri, along with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings.
This is an otherwise dependable power strip, but note that it includes four outlets while most of my other picks have six or more.
Who this is for:
People who don’t have nearby outlets and need a surge protector with a bit of a reach.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those looking for a power strip with more than four outlets or those who need USB-C.
Pros
- Very low cost
- Slim design
Cons
- Only three outlets
- Around 250 Joules protection is quite low
Why I like it:
If you want affordability as well as some surge protection, you can’t do much better than this Wyze model, which starts at $10, and I’ve found it discounted for significantly less, too. Wyze is a reliable producer of budget-level home technology, and this power strip doesn’t disappoint.
The protector is more limited than my other picks, with only three outlets and USB ports, but the price can’t be beat. The downside is a lack of smart surge protector features such as app or voice assistant compatibility.
Who this is for:
People who want some surge protection, but at a very low cost.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
If you really want smart features, app controls and scheduling, this isn’t the power strip for you. Also, the surge protection is pretty low at 268 Joules, so if you get a lot of lightning storms or power surges you should probably find a more powerful model.
Pros
- High 4,000-Joule rating for serious home protection
- 13 outlets with lots of spacing and four USB ports
- Options for very lengthy cord up to 15 feet
Cons
- No USB-C
- No smart features
Why I like it:
You won’t find smart features on Trond’s surge protector, but you will find a powerful 4,000-Joule protection rating, particularly high for a home setting and ideal if you have a large bank of electronics to plug in. The 13 well-spaced outlets also help, along with the three USB-A and one USB-C port.
This model is also wall-mountable and if you don’t mind paying more, it’s another excellent choice for a lengthy power cord, which can be upgraded up to 15 feet for a large reach. If you need extra protection in your home and you have the room, this power strip is hard to beat.
Who this is for:
People who need a heavy-duty, versatile surge protector for a large setup.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those who really want a smart surge protector with app features, those who don’t have the space or the need for so many outlets.
Pros
- Connected device warranty for up to $200,000
- USB-C port with 20W charging
- 12 outlets
- 2,100 Joule rating, which is more than most
Why I like it:
A connected device warranty offers coverage if surges damage expensive hardware such as computers while connected to the surge protector. It’s quite rare for home surge protectors to offer warranties like these, since they’re difficult to claim and costly for companies when they do pay out. But Anker is one of the few brands still offering a strong package, including a lifetime $200,000 connected equipment warranty.
Pair that with the very healthy 2,100-Joule rating and the included USB-C port, and this is one of the best surge protectors I’ve found for those who want protection for all kinds of devices, especially if they have larger setups that may need a dozen outlets. The only thing it’s missing is smart features.
Who this is for:
People who want a connected device warranty, those looking for a larger surge protector that has a USB-C offering.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Those most interested in smart features, or who want a slimmer, smaller surge protector.
| $50 | $40 | $32 | $10 | $30 | $29 |
| 6 outlets, 3 USB-A ports | 6 outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports | 4 outlets, 4 USB-A ports | 3 outlets, 3 USB-A ports | 13 outlets, 3 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port | 12 outlets, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port |
| N/A | 1,200 | N/A | 268 | 4,000 | 2,100 |
| Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Gemini, Siri, Bixby | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 3 feet | 5 feet | 6 feet | 4 feet | 5 to 15 feet | 5 feet |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lifetime warranty up to $200,000 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Read more: 10 Shocking Facts About Power Strips
Accell D080B-051B (Out of stock): This surge protector's main benefit was that instead of rigid outlets on a flat frame like most surge protectors, it has five short cables with the outlets at the end. The Accell is rated at a claimed 1,080 Joules and has a cut-off failsafe like many heavy-duty surge protectors offer. That's good, but its unique shape makes it difficult to recommend for the average situation.
Belkin SRA007p12tt6: This is a classy-looking 12-outlet surge protector with a matte-white finish that would work better on a desk or otherwise visible spot than most of the other large protectors. Six of its outlets are widely spaced, and there are two 2.4-amp USB-A and one 3-amp USB-C outlet (4.5 amps combined max output). The wall plug is conveniently angled at 90 degrees at the end of the 6-foot cable.
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip: Amazon's strip is fine, if you're an Alexa user, but it lacked other smart features, and $40 is too high a price for this limited surge protector.
Belkin BE112230: This model uses the same flat design as the switched Belkin F7C01008q, just without the switch. It has six wide-spaced outlets, a claimed high 3,940 Joules of protection and a connected equipment warranty.
Belkin BST300bg: This is a decent travel alternative to the Accell. It has three outlets on the front and two USB ports on the top. The plug swivels so you can orient it in multiple ways. The Accell is a little smaller, but this is a good runner-up.
Belkin BSV300ttCW: This wall-mounted model has three outlets and two USB ports, all on the front. Its most interesting design feature is a lipped top surface where you can lean your phone while it's charging.
Eve Energy Strip: The goal for this power strip may have originally been to provide an Apple-focused experience for those who have an iPhone or iPad (which are required to use the surge protector). The problem is that now other models from brands such as Tapo offer Apple compatibility without restrictions and at far lower prices, leaving this power strip far behind.
A surge protector controls and diverts excess power to keep your electronics safe, while a power strip simply offers more outlets to plug stuff in.
Raimund Koch/Getty ImagesA power strip and surge protector may look similar, but the power strip will not offer surge protection for appliances and devices plugged into it. Plug-in surge protectors work by absorbing and diverting a surge. The excess voltage is sent to the outlet's ground wire -- the third prong in modern electrical sockets -- and is prevented from reaching any devices that are plugged into that socket. A power strip will simply give you more outlets to plug in electronics.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a basic strip and a surge protector is by checking if it has a Joule rating. All surge protectors have one, and it's essentially how much of a power surge it can protect against.
Early 2026: It was time for a full list refresh after we tested and looked at all new models, checked the latest specs to see what was available and took a look at models that just weren't keeping up. The result is our new list, which includes a mix of both very smart surge protectors and less smart (but powerful) models for those who don't want an app. I'm also working on testing the latest Anker offerings, which could find a place on this list.
Consider what surge protectors can do for your home and what exactly you need.
mikroman6 via Getty ImagesA high Joule rating
Joule ratings indicate how much energy a surge protector can absorb before failing. It's essentially a measure of how much protection each surge protector will offer you. Around 1,000 Joules or more is ideal. Be wary if there are no certifications or Joules/other ratings.
Well-spaced sockets
One of the most important things was having enough outlets to fit the wall wart power adapters that come with most products. These bulky connectors usually take up two or more spaces on normal outlets and power strips. I physically checked each power strip to see if its outlets were sufficiently spaced to fit multiple warts.
Number of outlets
Generally, the next size up from what you’re considering will give you room to grow if you need to add new gear or devices down the road.
Warranties for connected devices
Gaurantees aren't as common as they once were, but this warranty applies in case your gear is destroyed by a power surge. Are you likely to get your money back if your gear gets zapped? Hard to say. Insurance like this is hard to collect on, as some companies will only replace connected gear "at their option." Having this sort of guarantee does give you some peace of mind, however; more than you have without it, and perhaps it will cover you in a way your homeowners or renters insurance doesn't.
Number of surge protector
If you’re connecting enough devices to fill a surge protector, it’s worth considering getting two smaller ones (say, two eights instead of one 12). Spreading out the electrical load could be safer. Even more practical, it also might allow you to connect to two different outlets. This is especially important if you’re connecting a lot of high-power devices. Of course, this isn’t always possible, but it’s worth considering.
If you need a bigger upgrade
If your location is prone to lightning strikes, you’ll want more protection than just a surge protector. Using a surge protector to protect against frequent lightning is like using a baby gate to stop an elephant. A whole-home surge protector is usually a better option here.
