A power strip with USB ports eliminates wall-wart charger clutter — every USB port on the strip is a charging slot that doesn't block an AC outlet. In 2026 the best models include USB-C ports with Power Delivery (fast charging up to 65W for laptops and phones), USB-A ports for older devices, and surge protection rated in joules that actually protects connected electronics from voltage spikes.
We evaluated surge protection joule rating, USB charging speed, outlet count, cord length, and build quality across these four picks.
What to Look For
- Surge protection rating: Rated in joules — higher is better. 500 joules is minimal protection. 1000 joules handles typical household surges. 2000+ joules handles major surges from nearby lightning strikes. Never use a power bar with 0 joule "surge protection" claim — it offers none.
- USB-C Power Delivery: USB-C PD ports charge compatible phones at 18–65W — significantly faster than standard 5W USB-A charging. 65W PD charges most laptops. Check if the power strip has dedicated USB-C PD ports (not just shared USB-C ports).
- Flat plug design: Flat plug power strips plug flush against the wall and fit behind furniture and under desks — standard angled plugs stick out 3+ inches from the wall.
- Cord length: 3 feet reaches nearby outlets. 6 feet reaches across desks. 10 feet reaches from wall outlets to the center of a room. Never extend power strips with extension cords — buy a longer cord power strip instead.
Our Top Picks
APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector P11VNT3
11 AC outlets, 3020 joule surge protection, 2 USB-A ports, EMI/RFI noise filtering, LED indicator shows surge protection status, and APC's connected equipment guarantee ($75,000 coverage if equipment is damaged while connected). Best surge protection in the category.
Anker 321 Power Strip with USB C
3 AC outlets, 1 USB-C 20W port, 3 USB-A 2.4A ports, 4-foot braided cord, compact design, and 1500J surge protection. Best power strip for desks — USB-C 20W handles iPhone and small Android fast charging, and the 4 USB ports eliminate most charger clutter.
Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
12 AC outlets, 4320 joule surge protection (highest in category), 2 USB-A ports, 8-foot cord, two rotating outlets for oversized wall-warts, and Belkin's $300,000 connected equipment warranty. Best for protecting expensive home office equipment — 4320 joules is professional-grade protection.
Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector
6 AC outlets, 2 USB ports, 1080 joule surge protection, 6-foot cord, and a power indicator LED. Best budget power strip — adequate for basic home use without excess features that add cost.
Bottom line: APC P11VNT3 is the best power strip for protection — 3020 joule surge, 11 outlets, and APC's $75K connected equipment guarantee at $30. Best USB-C desk strip: Anker 321 at $30. Maximum protection: Belkin 12-outlet at 4320 joules. Budget: Amazon Basics at $15.
