Safe-T-Plug

Best Surge Protector

What is the best surge protector? For most homes, the best surge protector is the Anker 351 Power Strip with 2100J Surge Protector. A surge protector absorbs voltage spikes so they don't damage your electronics, and more joules means more protection. The Anker has 2100 joules and 12 outlets.

The best surge protector with battery backup is the APC BE600M1, and the best wall mount surge protector is the GE 6-outlet, which has keyhole slots for mounting.

Updated

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick picks

What do joules mean on a surge protector?

Joules tell you how much surge energy it can absorb before it wears out. Higher is better. For TVs, computers and game consoles, look for about 1,000 joules or more. For lamps and phone chargers, less is fine.

Our picks

Best overall

Anker 351 Power Strip, 2100J Surge Protector, 12 AC + USB-C

Good for: desks, TV stands and anywhere you have lots of plugs.

  • 2100 joules of surge protection
  • 12 outlets, 1 USB-C (20W) and 2 USB-A ports
  • Extra space between outlets for bulky plugs
  • 5 ft cord, mounting screws included
Check it on Amazon

Best long cord

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 800J, 10 ft Cord

Good for: reaching an outlet across the room.

  • 800 joules of surge protection
  • 10 ft cord with a flat, angled plug
  • Safety covers for unused outlets
  • Listing says ETL safety certified
Check it on Amazon

Best wall tap (no cord)

Philips 6-Outlet Wall Tap Surge Protector, 900J, 2-Pack

Good for: turning one wall outlet into six behind a couch or nightstand.

  • 900 joules of surge protection
  • Plugs straight into the wall, no cord
  • LED shows protection is working
  • Listing says ETL safety certified; 2-pack
Check it on Amazon

Best for a desk with lots of USB

HANYCONY Surge Protector Power Strip, 1080J, 8 AC + 4 USB

Good for: charging phones and tablets alongside your other gear.

  • 1080 joules of surge protection
  • 8 outlets plus 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
  • Wide 2.2 inch spacing between outlets
  • 5 ft braided cord
Check it on Amazon

Best for computers and Wi-Fi

APC BE600M1 UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector

Good for: keeping your internet up and saving work when the power blinks.

  • Battery backup: about 23 minutes at 100W, per the maker
  • 5 battery-backup outlets plus 2 surge-only outlets
  • USB port keeps charging in an outage
  • Replaceable battery
Check it on Amazon

Best budget pick

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 790J, 6 ft

Good for: lamps, chargers and small electronics on a budget.

  • 790 joules of surge protection
  • 6 outlets, one spaced for a transformer plug
  • 15 amp circuit breaker
  • 6 ft cord
Check it on Amazon

What is the best wall mount surge protector?

The GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector. It has keyhole slots for mounting on a wall or desk, and its 10 ft cord reaches the nearest outlet. The Anker 351 also comes with mounting screws. Want no cord at all? The Philips wall tap plugs straight into the outlet and turns it into six, with 900 joules of protection.

What is the best surge protector with battery backup?

The APC BE600M1. It's a UPS: a surge protector with a battery inside. The maker says it runs about 23 minutes at 100 watts, enough to keep a router and modem online or save your work and shut a computer down. 5 outlets get battery backup plus surge protection, 2 are surge only, and its USB port keeps charging a phone during an outage. The battery can be replaced when it wears out.

What should never be plugged into a surge protector?

Space heaters. CPSC and ESFi both say to plug space heaters straight into a wall outlet, never a power strip, because it can overheat. CPSC's winter safety tips and ESFi's space heater tips. Check the manual for other big appliances too.

Is a surge protector the same as a power strip?

No. A basic power strip just adds outlets. A surge protector also absorbs voltage spikes. Every pick on this page is a surge protector.

What is better than a surge protector?

A battery backup (UPS) like the APC above. It protects against surges and keeps your gear running for a few minutes when the power goes out.

Do surge protectors wear out?

Yes. Each surge uses up some of the protection. Many have a light that shows protection is still working; when it goes out, replace it.

How we picked

We looked at what people actually buy on Amazon, kept the products lots of buyers already use and like, and favored known safety brands. We read each maker's listing and pulled the key details you see on the cards. We haven't lab-tested these products, so we don't give scores. Details come from the product listings as of October 10, 2026, so check the listing for current sizes, fit and safety listings before you buy.