12 best surge protectors

Technological progress has radically changed our lives. Literally a hundred years ago, not every house had electricity, and today we cannot imagine our home without several dozen outlets wherever possible. Household appliances, TVs, computer chargers and much more need not only be connected, but also protected from all kinds of "cataclysms".

It is difficult to protect yourself from power outages, but from power surges, power surges, short circuits, etc. - can. This will require surge protectors. Some people mistakenly consider them to be an ordinary extension cord "with a button". In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated. This is a device that protects the electronics connected through it from high-frequency, low-frequency, impulse noise, overcurrent, as well as short circuit. Quality devices use several lines of defense. These can be varistors, inductors, capacitors. A fuse can also be used, which acts as insurance in expensive models, and the only element of protection in cheap ones.

A surge protector is also useful if you simply do not have enough sockets, or they are located far from the connected electronics. In this case, you should pay attention to the length of the cord and the number of outlets. Surge protectors with USB ports may also be relevant, because a large number of electronics - smartphones, tablets, power banks, etc. - charged from USB. Finally, in this ranking we will look at several filters with interesting design features.

But first, let's remember the best surge protector manufacturers:

• APC (American Power Conversion). The American company, established in 1981, is best known for its uninterruptible power supplies. Now taken over by the French Schneider Electric and produces mainly UPSs, voltage stabilizers and surge protectors.
• Sven. The company was founded in 1991 in Russia. The headquarters are currently located in Finland. The company is engaged in the production of not only surge protectors, but also acoustics, gaming peripherals, accessories for mobile devices. The quality of the materials is low, they do not indulge in additional chips, but the quality at a low cost is at a decent level.
• Pilot. Under this name, the products of the ZIS company, created in 1992, are produced. The company specializes in the production of extension cords, surge protectors, UPS and stabilizers. The name of the company has become a household name for some - many people call the surge protector "pilot"
• Xiaomi. It seems that the Chinese from Xiaomi are doing everything that we see around us. There are in their assortment several surge protectors of very good quality with their own unique features and excellent design.

You will find even more manufacturers and interesting surge protectors in our rating.

The best traditional surge protectors

We start with the most common surge protectors, in which there are no additional elements other than sockets and a power button. Of course, protection of varying degrees of complexity is hidden inside, but the user, if everything is fine, will not have to contact it. In the rating you will find both ultra-budget and high-quality expensive models.

4 SVEN Optima Base 5

 

The rating is opened by a very cheap surge protector from SVEN. Externally - a simple black (or gray) bar made of impact-resistant refractory plastic. Next to the logo is the power button and five sockets. The length of the cord can be 1.8, 3 or 5 meters. On the back surface there are grooves with which the surge protector can be fixed to any vertical surface.

Despite the cheapness, not only a simple thermal fuse is located inside, but also a varistor protection against high-voltage discharges. The maximum permissible load is typical for this class of devices - 2200 W. The protection can absorb up to 4500 A of impulse noise.

3 ZIS Pilot-S

 

Pilot-S outwardly differs little from the previous participant - the rectangular block was only slightly diluted with curved lines. The body plastic can only be white. As it should be, it is difficult to burn and holds the blow well. Power button without light indication, which does not allow assessing the condition from afar. However, some users will appreciate the lack of annoying glow. There are 6 sockets, one of which is devoid of grounding contacts for connecting old-style plugs. There are five wire length options: 1.8, 3, 5, 7 or 10 meters.

The insides are in many ways similar to SVEN. There is a varistor limiter, a thermal fuse that trips when the temperature inside the housing rises, a fuse for short-circuit protection and a bimetallic overload protection. Of the minuses, we note the lack of suppression of high-frequency interference.

2 SVEN SF-05PL

 

We will give the second place to another budget model SVEN. The body of the model is made in a rather interesting form factor with several rounded corners. The plastic is matte, but its texture on the top and side edges is different. The wire is 1.8 meters long, quite thick and durable.

A distinctive feature of the SF-05PL is individual switches on each of the five sockets. This is convenient if you do not use this or that device from time to time - the switch makes it faster, more convenient and safer to turn off or turn on the power without touching the plug itself or loosening the contacts. The only drawback that users talk about in the reviews is a large percentage of defective models and not very high quality. We advise you to carefully check the device before purchasing and, if possible, additionally solder the contacts inside it.

1 APC SurgeArrest PM8-RS

 

A very high quality surge protector from APC receives the virtual gold medal. The body is made in the form of a trapezoid. The plastic is durable, practical, but cute enough. The button fits well into the overall design. Next to it there are three light indicators with inscriptions in Russian: protection is working, power overload, there is grounding. The cable is only two meters long. But they did not regret the sockets - 4 are located on the upper surface, 4 more on the side. The distance between them is large enough that even large power supplies can be connected.

The insides deserve respect. Available: EMI and RFI filtering, automatic reusable fuse. There are varistors and fuses, of course. All this helps to protect the connected electronics from voltage surges, interference and other troubles. The manufacturer is so confident in the reliability of the device that it is ready to repair or replace a broken SurgeArrest for 5 years free of charge. If, for example, after a power surge your computer is "covered", the manufacturer undertakes to repair it free of charge.

Best surge protectors with USB connectors

Modern electronics is becoming less and less voracious. A huge amount of consumer electronics are charged via regular USB. Let me give you a personal example: I use a smartphone, wireless headphones, a power bank and a fitness bracelet. All devices came with a USB cable, but there is only one power supply. Charge one at a time or from a computer? Inconvenient. In such a situation, it is the surge protector with USB connectors that saves. It takes up less space while allowing you to connect more devices. And extra elements - power supplies - are missing.

4 ERA USF-5es-USB-W

 

The most affordable surge protector with USB connectors opens the rating. The appearance is practically no different from the comrades from the previous category. It seems that the case has just been slightly lengthened to accommodate a pair of USB ports. White color. The wire is only 1.5 meters long. The plug is equipped with a ring for which it is very convenient to pull it out of the socket.

Basic level protection. The filter will save you from impulse noise, overload and short circuit.The USB ports provide 2.1A / 5V, which is quite enough for charging smartphones and more energy-demanding tablets.

3 ORICO ODC-2A5U-WH

 

The top three are opened by an unusual model from the notorious Orico. The bronze medalist attracts attention immediately - instead of the usual row of traditional sockets, the user is expected only by a pair that can withstand a total load of 2500 W, and 5 USB connectors for all kinds of equipment. The solution is practical, considering how many modern gadgets are charged via regular USB. Among other things, the shape of the surge protector allows you to use it as a docking station for your phone.

Filter dimensions are only 130x130x73 mm. The body is made in the usual Orico design of white glossy plastic - it looks great, but collects dust just as well. The workmanship is excellent - there is no doubt about the reliability. The manufacturer claims protection against power surges, short circuits, overheating, overloading and even overcharging. In general, an excellent model for people who have much more compact gadgets than traditional technology.

2 ORICO OSJ-4A5U-WH

 

Orico is a manufacturer of very high quality surge protectors, and therefore without a twinge of conscience we recommend another model of the company. The design is typical for the company - minimalistic, but stylish, not boring. White color. Glossy and matte plastic is combined. The only complaint is the unreasonably large dimensions. The model carries only 4 classic sockets and 5 USB-connectors, but the length is almost 367 mm.

The characteristics of the device do not cause any complaints: the filter is capable of "digesting" 4000 W of energy and current up to 16A. There is a separate beautiful switch for each outlet. We have already discussed the advantages of such a solution above. In addition to the set of protections already familiar from the previous participant, it is worth noting support for fast charging. This function will be appreciated, perhaps, by all users of modern smartphones - you can throw your own charger into a distant box and use only the surge protector, which took the second place in our rating.

1 Xiaomi Mi Power Strip

 

Xiaomi is one of the leading companies in many areas of our life. So their surge protector turned out to be extremely successful. Outwardly, the model is very similar to the previous participant. The main differences lie in the number of sockets - there are 3 sockets and 3 USB ports - and their type. From the good - the inputs are universal. You can connect both European and old Russian and Chinese or American plugs without any adapters. If you like to order a variety of equipment abroad, you will definitely like this feature. There are also protective shutters on the holes. Of the minuses, there is no grounding.

The USB connectors supply a maximum of 5V / 2.1A. The maximum total current is 3.1A, i.e. 5V / 1A per output, which is standard. We also note the high level of maximum load - 2500 W, while most competitors have a maximum of 2200 W.

The best surge protectors with unusual features

What if you need to not only power your electronics through regular power outlets or USB ports, but also perform some specific tasks. Models from this category will come in handy. It is almost impossible to systematize these devices, and therefore we ask you not to pay attention to the allocation of seats - each device is unique in its kind and perfectly fulfills the task assigned to it.

4 PS Audio Dectet Power Center

 

There are music lovers - people who love high-quality sound and good music. And there are audiophiles who are difficult for ordinary people to understand. They are ready to pay an indecent amount for a regular surge protector. But is the PS Audio Dectet Power Center so common? Not at all. In a relatively compact case, there are 10 sockets, divided into 3 groups. 2 sockets are dedicated for connecting powerful equipment such as power amplifiers. The other two groups of 4 sockets each are designed to connect analog and digital equipment. Each type has its own group.

The insides are even more interesting.Star Connection - Each receptacle is directly soldered to the input cable to reduce crosstalk. To eliminate external noise, a filter on the inductors is used. In general, the level of protection against voltage surges and interference (external and internal) is at the highest level. Users of the device claim that the sound has become much cleaner and more detailed.

3 Power Cube SISN-BLACK-10

 

The Power Cube model and the following models belong to a much more familiar price category for us. A fairly massive body carries 6 sockets, one of which is somewhat distant from the main unit, so that even massive power supplies and non-standard plugs can be connected. The case can hardly be called beautiful, but there are no questions about practicality. Two through-holes for wall mounting are much more convenient than the hidden grooves on the bottom of most other models.

The main distinguishing feature is the protection of the telephone line. The filter is an intermediary that cuts off the transmission of current to the receiving device in the event of a voltage surge in the supply part. This will save your phone, fax or modem and reduce interference in day to day use. Separate phase, zero and ground protection are provided. There is interference filtering. The manufacturer is confident in its products, and therefore provides a guarantee for the connected equipment.

2 Pilot T

 

A virtual silver medal is received by a fairly affordable model of a domestic manufacturer - Pilot T. The name perfectly suits the device, because we have a T-shaped surge protector. But the absence of a wire in it is much more interesting - the device is inserted directly into the outlet. This solution is suitable if the length of the wires of the connected devices is sufficient, but there are no outlets in the required number. In order not to break the outlet with a large mass of the mains filter, there are adjustable legs that rest against the wall and reduce the load on the socket.

The filter carries 4 classic sockets and a pair of USB ports. The total power can reach 3.3 kW, the current is 15 A. USB connectors give a total of 2A, which is enough for charging tablets, but not enough for devices with fast charging support. The power button is conveniently located on the front surface. The build quality and reliability raises no objections.

1 SVEN Special Base

 

Finally, our rating ends with a very simple, but unique model - a surge protector for an uninterruptible power supply. In fact, we have before us a regular extension cord with a cable length of 0.5 or 1.8 meters, providing five additional outlets of the usual standard. You can insert a wire from a computer, monitor, etc. into them. The model is capable of passing through itself up to 2200 watts of energy. No protection or filtration means are provided as the UPS assumes these tasks. The Special Base connects to it with an IEC-320 input plug.