The 7 Best Surge Protectors of 2023

Look for the joules rating, the number of outlets, and the outlet protection types to determine the right one for your needs

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The best surge protectors should protect your devices from power spikes, have plenty of outlets to handle all your electronics, and have multiple types of connections like USB and Ethernet. Some take it a step beyond, combining surge protection with battery backup so you can safely power down sensitive electronic equipment such as game consoles and PCs.

We tested and reviewed the best surge protectors on the market so you can confidently choose one right for your needs.

Best Overall

APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA

4.5
APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA

Amazon

What We Like
  • Clear LCD display

  • 10 outlets, including five battery backup outlets

  • Vertical orientation doesn't take up as much space

  • Hot swappable batteries

  • Option to connect additional batteries

What We Don't Like
  • Stepped sine wave (like cheaper options)

  • No USB or additional charging outputs

  • Big and heavy

If you’re prone to storms that knock out power, the APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA is your technology lifesaver. Part-UPS and part-surge protector, the device allows you to decide which of your items needs to be protected from spikes and which items you prefer to be on the UPS supply.

The UPS side offers up to 865W of battery life to keep your tech devices functioning during power outages, while the surge protection side keeps any currents consistent and safe.

A PowerChute system also informs you on what equipment uses how much voltage. You can do just that if you prefer to shift some of the voltage elsewhere. You can even swap out to a more robust backup battery if you feel the one included isn’t suitable for your home.

APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA

Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen

"Small electronics (like lamps, radios, and battery chargers) are fine with joule ratings under 1000. But for computer or home theater equipment, you’ll definitely want to consider surge protectors with joule ratings of 2500 or more." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester

Best Flat Surge Protector

APC Power Strip with USB Charging Ports

APC Power Strip with USB Charging Ports

Amazon

What We Like
  • Light

  • 2.4 amps USB charging ports

  • Inexpensive

What We Don't Like
  • Only eight outlets

Significantly smaller than APC's Back-UPS Pro Surge Protector, this APC Power Strip still offers up to eight different outlets for protection. Should you forget your phone charger across the house, no worries—this surge protector comes with two USB ports for a charge of up to 2.4 amps.

Because it's solely a surge protector, it weighs less than 2 pounds and can be easily transported around the house or tucked away behind a desk. While it has only eight outlets (but comes with up to 11 total), four of those are transformer outlets to protect your equipment. Best of all, it has a 2638 joules rating, so your office equipment will be protected from any power spikes.

"Small electronics (like lamps, radios, and battery chargers) are fine with joule ratings under 1000. But for computer or home theater equipment, you’ll definitely want to consider surge protectors with joule ratings of 2500 or more." — Stanley Goodner

Best for Small Appliances

BESTEK 6-Outlet Surge Protector

BESTEK 6-Outlet Surge Protector

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Great for lamps and phones

  • 1875W protection

What We Don't Like
  • Not great for computers and gaming consoles

  • Cannot turn plug-ins for optimal usage

This BESTEK surge protector comes in two different colors and offers an unbeatable price for peace of mind. A power light indicates whether it’s protecting your tech from power surges and a built-in phosphor bronze conductor keeps up to 200 joules safe.

Overload protection and copper technology will keep anything plugged in from overcharging and overheating. Small and under 2 inches thick, the BESTEK can fit discreetly behind almost any small appliance or underneath a desk thanks to its 6-foot long extension cord.

Best Budget

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comes with up to 20-foot extension cord

  • Up to 800 joules protection

  • Lightweight

  • Wall mounts

What We Don't Like
  • Bulky flat head plug-in

GE’s 6-Outlet Surge Protector is by far the best value if you’re looking for a cost-conscious option. Offering options between 1- and 20-foot long cords, it can work with almost any space within the home.

If you’re short on space, it can mount on the wall of a studio apartment, and can even work with any cord due to its swivel plug-ins. 800 joules keep almost all tech equipment safe from power spikes, and a built-in circuit breaker will keep tech safe at any time.

"After a month of use, the 800 joules keeps my work laptop safe. Bonus points go to the swivel feature so I can move the laptop around my office without any issues." — Rebecca Isaacs

Best Backup Battery

CyberPower EC850LCD

CyberPower EC850LCD

Amazon

What We Like
  • Eco-friendly

  • 12 outlets

What We Don't Like
  • No USB ports

  • No swivel plug-in ports

The CyberPower EC850LCD is a great option to keep your equipment protected during a power outage. Half of the CyberPower is a UPS system (battery backup), so you can keep your computer running long enough to safely turn it off or charge phones during an emergency. Even better, if you’re in a time crunch, it can safely run for up to 120 minutes.

The other half works solely as a power surge protector, keeping over 500 joules safe. Another perk to this surge protector is that it’s eco-friendly, using compact power chargers and power inverters to create extremely efficient power in the event of a power outage.

Best for Desks

JACKYLED Surge Protector Electric Charging Station with Wireless Charger

JACKYLED Surge Protector Electric Charging Station with Wireless Charger

Amazon

What We Like
  • Vertical, space-saving design

  • Multiple USB ports

What We Don't Like
  • Bulky

  • Weak retractable extension cord

Desk space can be prime real estate during the workday. This JACKYLED charging station helps keep your work laptop plugged in while ensuring you’re able to charge your phone, thanks to its rubberized, anti-slip wireless fast-charging station on the top of this surge protector.

You can control which plug-ins have power with the tap of one of the three charging station buttons. You can also retract the cord to keep any excess cordage out of your way while you work. With up to 900 joules of surge protection, you’ll be able to keep your laptops, phones, and other tech equipment safe from overheating or circuit breaking.

Best Splurge

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD

Amazon

What We Like
  • Slim, rounded design

  • Ready right out of the box

  • GreenPower UPS significantly reduces energy requirements

  • Up to six years of battery life

  • Lightweight compared to competition

  • USB ports

What We Don't Like
  • Only four battery backup outlets

The best splurge for a high-end gaming rig is, by far, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. Not only does it come with a sleek design, but it protects up to 1445 joules for a higher-end machine. Since this surge protector also moonlights as a UPS system, you can keep your gaming rig safe from spikes while safely finishing what you started before shutting any PCs down during a power outage.

A multi-function LCD screen will tell you anything you need to know regarding what’s charging and how much energy it’s taking up. Keep up to 12 various plug-ins safe, with two front-facing USB ports that are optimal for charging.

What to Look for in a Surge Protector

Joules - Joules measure how much a protector can take during a power spike. The higher a joules rating, the higher the threshold a protector can withstand. Once the joules reach that threshold, be it one massive spike or a series of smaller spikes, the surge protector isn’t as effective, so higher is better.

Outlets - Will you need to charge your cell phone on this surge protector? If so, looking for one with USB ports might be in your best interest. Swivel outlets are also critical because setting up multiple cords can sometimes be tricky depending on the plug-in’s bulk. For example, a Nintendo Switch charger could take up less space if used on a swivel outlet.

Outlet protection types - Depending on the power surge protector, a light may indicate when the threshold of joules has been met, which means it’s time for a surge protector replacement. Some protectors don’t have these lights, though, so take a look and see if the surge protector that’s caught your eye can indicate whether it’s time for a replacement.

FAQ
  • Is there a difference between a power strip and a surge protector?

    Yes. A power strip offers the amenities of extra outlets without the safety of a surge protector, which prevents the dangerous power surges that damage electronics. You can get a power strip, but when the next storm or spike hits, your gear’s safety is not guaranteed.

  • Is a surge protector a necessity?

    If you enjoy the amenities of your computer without having to worry about it breaking down, then yes, a surge protector is very important. One power outage or surge could wipe out your computer, a smart TV, and other electronics so if you like the peace of mind of keeping your home tech safe, get a surge protector.

  • How does a Surge Protector Work?

    When a thunderstorm or power spike hits, it can cause a surge of current in the electrical system. That current hits your home items, which are not typically equipped to handle power spikes and can short out electrical items, such as computers or smart TVs. A surge protector stops the excess current from coming into contact with your tech and redirects it back into the grounding wires or uses other dissipation methods to keep it from harming the items in your home.

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