As the name would suggest, surge protectors are designed to keep your electronics safe during a power surge (such as a lightning strike). But not every surge protector is the same, and the right one for your home will depend on how many devices you own and how concerned you are with protecting them in case of a surge.  If you’re buying electronics this holiday season, check out the following list to find some of the best options on the market right now. We’ve included something for everyone from basic, budget-friendly surge protectors to sophisticated, Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
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AC outlets: 12USB ports: 3Maximum surge rating: 4,000 joulesWarranty: 18 monthsConnected equipment protection: $300,000

Whether you’re looking for power, safety, or versatility, the Anker PowerPoint Strip 12 has it all. With three USB ports and 12 AC outlets, this product would work well for all types of purposes, including gaming system set-ups and home offices. The USB ports are designed with Anker’s PowerIQ fast-charging technology, which can save up to an hour of charging time for mobile phones. In terms of safety, the surge protector has an LED indicator that displays when surge protection is active. When overloaded, it will automatically shut off, helping protect your devices from damaging electrical surges. As another (but smaller) perk, this surge protector has a sleek design and is available in white and black, so it should match most electronics.

AC outlets: 6USB ports: N/AMaximum surge rating: 1,200 joulesWarranty: LifetimeConnected equipment protection: $20,000

If you only have a few devices to plug in, consider the Tripp Lite SWIVEL6. This surge protector plugs directly into the wall and features three rotating outlets, so it’s ideal if you only have a small amount of space behind your TV. It would also work well in hotel rooms since it’s compact and easy to throw in your suitcase. As for safety, the device includes LED lights to indicate protection status and has an automatic shut-off setting during surges. It’s also been certified to meet UL 1449 standards, so you can feel confident that you’re buying a safe product. The brand is known for its diverse surge protectors ranging from one to 12 outlets, but we think the six-outlet SWIVEL6 strikes a nice balance of power and protection.

AC outlets: 12USB ports: N/AMaximum surge rating: 4,320 joulesWarranty: 12 monthsConnected equipment protection: N/A

You can easily tell when the surge protection is active based on the LED light indicators on the device. And when the surge protector is overloaded, you can use the on/off switch to reset the 15Amp circuit breaker.

AC outlets: 6USB ports: N/AMaximum surge rating: 1,080 joulesWarranty: LifetimeConnected equipment protection: $50,000

The Belkin PivotPlug 6-Outlet Surge Protector is another good option if you’re short on space or want fewer cables around your home. Like the Tripp Lite product, it plugs directly into the wall and comes with pivoting outlets for all types of device cords. This Belkin product has an energy rating of 1,080 joules, which is enough to protect an average-sized home office during a power surge. It also has easy-to-read red and green lights so you can see when surge protection is active. There are also products in the PivotPlug line that have more outlets or come with a cord if that’s what you prefer.

AC outlets: 12USB ports: 4Maximum surge rating: 4,360 joulesWarranty: N/AConnected equipment protection: N/A

This surge protector from Witeem is another high-powered option with 12 outlets and four USB ports. Even better? The USB ports are equipped with fast-charging technology, so you can quickly power up your favorite devices. With an ample 4,360-joule surge rating, this product could be a good pick if you have a large gaming set-up, entertainment system, or shared home office. In addition to surge protection, the Witeem device also protects against overheating and short-circuiting. The Witeem Surge Protector Power Strip comes with a 6’ cord and is available in black or white.  But if you’re a serious gamer or just want to run multiple devices on the same surge protector, you should go for something with a higher rating. The same applies if you have expensive electronics that you want to protect (in which case, you should also seek out a surge protector with a connected device warranty). If this is you, we’d recommend something like the Anker PowerPort Strip 12. You’ll also want to consider which extra features you might want. For example, some surge protectors include fast-charging USB ports so you can charge your phone or tablet. Others include built-in Wi-Fi, apps, or smart home integration, so you can control your electronics with your voice or mobile phone. The APC SurgeArrest Smart Surge Protector is a good option in these cases. At the same time, we wanted to include options for every budget and style, so you’ll notice that the surge protectors we chose come in a range of prices and designs. Surges happen for a number of reasons, like when a large appliance in your home kicks back energy or when lightning strikes. Surge protectors are usually bigger and bulkier than power strips. They’re also relatively cheap, so buying one is an affordable way to get extra peace of mind. Moreover, the operational life of a surge protector is between three to five years. Therefore, you’ll want to keep tabs on when you buy them. That way, you know when to replace them.