6 best surge protector for computers

A surge protector for computers is a crucial accessory designed to safeguard electronic devices, particularly computers and related equipment, from voltage spikes, power surges, and electrical noise. These voltage irregularities can be caused by lightning, power grid fluctuations, or sudden power surges from various sources.

Key features of a surge protector for computers include multiple power outlets (usually 4 to 12 or more), which allow users to connect multiple devices simultaneously. The primary purpose of a surge protector is to redirect excess voltage away from sensitive electronics, preventing potential damage or data loss due to voltage surges.

Typically, surge protectors are equipped with metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or other protective components that divert excessive electricity to the ground, thereby keeping the connected devices safe. Some advanced surge protectors may also include indicators, such as LED lights, to signal when the unit is functioning correctly or when it needs to be replaced.

Additionally, surge protectors often come with features like built-in circuit breakers or fuses that trip or shut off power in case of an overload, adding an extra layer of protection. It's important to choose a surge protector with a high joule rating, as a higher joule rating indicates greater protection against power surges.

When setting up a computer or electronic workstation, a surge protector should be the first line of defense to ensure the longevity and safety of the connected devices. It's recommended to plug the computer, monitor, printer, and other critical devices into the surge protector to mitigate the risk of damage caused by electrical disturbances.

Regularly inspecting and replacing surge protectors, especially if they have taken a significant surge, is vital to maintain their effectiveness in protecting valuable electronics.Ultimately, investing in a reliable surge protector for computers is a prudent decision to secure your electronic investments from potential power-related issues.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best surge protector for computers on the market

Belkin 12-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector, 8ft Cord(3,940 Joules), Gray

Belkin

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Protect your devices from power surges with the Belkin 12-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector. The generous 8-foot extension power strip features six regular outlets and six BlockSpace outlets that accommodate oversized power adapters without blocking other outlets. With an intelligent circuit design that detects and accommodates the power needs of your devices, the multi plug power strip ensures your devices preform optimally. The network surge protector features a right angle plug with a low profile that fits conveniently behind furniture. Easy to use, the commercial power strip has a green "Protected" indicator light that assures your devices are secure and a red "Not-Grounded" indicator light that illuminates when your outlet is not correctly grounded. With a heavy-duty design that resists damage, the Belkin multi outlet surge protector safeguards your devices and helps enhance their performance. SURGE PROTECTION SAFETYIf a surge protector ever becomes hot to the touch, shut off the unit immediately.Never daisy-chain power strips to other power strips or extension cordsNever allow a power strip to be exposed to a moist environmentAvoid running too many high-energy consuming appliances through a single surge protector at onceHigh-energy consuming electronics/appliances include window AC units, space heaters, refrigerators, washers/dryers etc.Only one power strip should be plugged into a single two-outlet electrical socketNever cover a surge protector with carpet, furniture, or anything that would limit or prevent air circulationIMPORTANT: The protective components inside surge protectors that absorb over-voltage spikes will eventually wear out. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector from 3 to 5 years

12 outlet surge protector with 8 feet/2 meter cord and right angle AC plug
Safeguards computers, appliances, home theater and office equipment from potentially damaging power surges
Specs: 3,940 Joule energy rating, 6,000 volts maximum spike voltage, AC 15A, 125V, 1875W
Safe usage: Correct operation is important – see product description section below for useful safety information

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the clamping voltage of BE112234-08? Official Belkins website says 330V but amazon's description says 500V
Answer:	Reading off of the item in my hand its Stamped "Voltage Protection rating L-N 400V, L-G 500V, N-G 500V Type 3 SPDMy model number on mine says BE11230-08 so there may have been a change.
Question:	What is the amp rating on the USB plugs
Answer:	2 amps. But if you plug in two devices it will divide to 1 amp each.
Question:	Does it have an on-off switch
Answer:	Yes! Near the power cord, there is an on off switch.
Question:	I had a lightning strike last night and this popped and made a loud noise and then burning wire smell. Is this normal (how they die)? Fire hazard
Answer:	If you have experienced a lighting strike, the MOVs (metal oxide varistors) that dissipate the energy have been stressed. They may not handle the next strike very well and damage the important equipment you plug into this. It is best to purchase a new one so that it will work properly for the next lighting strike. If this is a common occurrence at your home, you should look into lighting arrestors and better ground for your electrical connection to the power grid. I would not trust the protection light (Green) if you are smelling any sort of burnt wire smell. The likelihood of a fire hazard is increased - if wire insulation has melted due to heat from the lighting strike. If I remember correctly, MOVs usually fail to an open state but I would not bet on it without testing. It is cheap insurance to throw this out and replace it with new.

Product features

Premium Protection for Your Electronics

APC Surge Protector with USB Ports, P11U2, 2880 Joule, 6' Cord, Flat Plug, 11 Outlet Power Strip Black

APC

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

APC 11 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with USB Charging Ports, 2880 Joules, Surge Arrest Home/Office (P11U2).

Included components: 11-Outlet SurgeArrest Surge Protector with 2 USB Charging Ports, User Manual

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this unit sufficiently handle a pc, router, printer, etc
Answer:	Yes on the bottom it has screw hole mounts. It will require precision on setting the screws.
Question:	how long is the outlet cord
Answer:	It has a traditional plug, not the right-angle flat type.
Question:	What’s the difference between axtra 8-outlet power strip to this product
Answer:	Standard MOV protection nothing to "clean" the line just clamps surges. Straight plug. Recessed switch, small LED and nice soft cord that lays. Best are the plug sockets not being grabbers. Plugs move in and out with ease.
Question:	How does APC 8 outlet power strip compare to axtra 8-outlet power strip
Answer:	The male end is straight or conventional. Great plug strip not made of Chinesium materials. UL listed!!

Product features

Reliable, safe protection from lightning, surges, and spikes

The P11U2 offers guaranteed surge protection from the most trusted power protection company in the industry, APC by Schneider Electric. Connect and protect up to 11 electronics, and conveniently charge your mobile devices via 2 additional USB ports.

Is a Surge Protector Enough?

Learn about the features, benefits and differences between a standard surge protector and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector, 8ft Cord(4,320 Joules)

Belkin

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector protects your electronic devices from surges and spikes. This 4320-Joule surge protector features 12 surge-protected outlets to provide powerful protection for your workstations, printers, broadband modems, home theater systems and everyday household electronics. It features a cord-management system that helps keep cables organized, and a rotating outlet design to allow extra room for large AC adapter blocks.

SURGE PROTECTION SAFETY If a surge protector ever becomes hot to the touch, shut off the unit immediately. Never daisy-chain power strips to other power strips or extension cords. Never allow a power strip to be exposed to a moist environment. Avoid running too many high-energy consuming appliances through a single surge protector at once. High-energy consuming electronics/appliances include window AC units, space heaters, refrigerators, washers/dryers etc. Only one power strip should be plugged into a single two-outlet electrical socket. Never cover a surge protector with carpet, furniture, or anything that would limit or prevent air circulation. IMPORTANT: The protective components inside surge protectors that absorb over-voltage spikes will eventually wear out. Most estimates put the average lifespan of a surge protector from 3 to 5 years

12 outlet surge protector power strip with 8 feet /2.4 meter cord
Space saving combination of rotating outlets and stationary outlets
Safeguards computers, appliances, home theater and office equipment from potentially damaging power surges
Backed by lifetime warranty and protected by $300,000 connected equipment warranty
Specs: 4,320 Joule energy rating / 6,000 volts maximum spike voltage / AC 15A, 125V, 1875W. EMI/RFI Noise Filter - 150K Hz - 100M Hz, up to 50dB
Safe usage: Correct operation is important see product description section below for useful safety information

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this Surge Protector have a Built in Circuit Breaker
Answer:	Ours is a regular 120v. outlet plug. Surge protector with heavy duty cord for use with various small appliance including electronic ones, computers, printers, etc. with a telephone outlet.
Question:	Does this wall mount unit have a screw to keep it securely plugged in
Answer:	I just received this product, and the plug is a flat, slightly angled to the right, but not rotating. Disappointing as I had come to really enjoy the rotating plug heads, but at least the slightly askew plug doesn't interfere with others. I have enough rotating head plugs, that if I do have a space problem I can swap them out. Even though this is apparently a variation, the design is exactly what you're seeing here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QPW9J2
Question:	What is the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating of this product? Is it listed as a transient voltage surge suppressor
Answer:	Hi. This unit has 330V clamping voltage.
Question:	How does the $300,000 dollar warranty work
Answer:	It plugs in flush to the outlet, rather than sticking out like most plugs. With the ground prong on the bottom, the cord drops down at about a 45 degree angle. The plug is a circle w/a diameter of about 1 3/8". It's about 3/4" thick.

Product features

Premium Protection for Your Electronics

The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Surge Protector protects your electronic devices from surges and spikes. Featuring 12 surge-protected outlets to provide powerful protection for your workstations, printers, broadband modems, home theater systems and everyday household electronics. It features a cord-management clip that helps keep cables organized, and a rotating outlet design to allow extra room for large AC adapter blocks.

Amazon Basics 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector | 4,500 Joule, 12-Foot Cord

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

8-outlet surge protector power strip with 4500 joule energy rating
Protects sensitive electronic devices such as computers, data lines, TVs, and more from potentially-damaging power surges
LED lights indicate active surge protection and grounded wiring
Fireproof MOV provides additional safety precaution from surges and spikes
Power on/off switch integrates with a 15Amp overload resettable circuit breaker
12 foot heavy-duty power cord, widely-spaced outlets with sliding covers, and a back keyhole wall-mount

User questions & answers

Question:	I only have the protected light lit up, but the grounded light isn't on. How do i get both to work
Answer:	Hi. Please refer to UM instruction “If the “Grounded” indicator goes off but power is present, unplug all the connected devices and consult a qualified electrician to check the outlet’s wiring”. Thanks.
Question:	Can this be wall mounted
Answer:	Yes It can. I have mine mounted with the cable coming out from the bottomwJust note the LEDs will be bright unless the power strip is hidden well or taped over.
Question:	Are all outlets protected or only the ones outlined in green
Answer:	All the outlets are protected.
Question:	What is the Clamping Voltage of this unit and the RFI/EFI filtration rating
Answer:	The Clamping Voltage: L-N 400, L-G 500, N-G 500. The EMI/RFI is 58dB.

Product features

8 Outlets

The heavy-duty power strip allows for up to 8 plug-ins, and will help safeguard your electronics from potentially damaging power surges and spikes.

Protects Devices

Ideal for homes or offices with sensitive equipment such as computers, multi-functional systems, TVs, communication devices, data lines, and more.

LED Indicator Lights

Featuring a fireproof design, the power strip includes built-in LED lights that indicate when your devices are protected and grounded.

Additional Features

Includes a power on/off switch, 15Amp overload resettable circuit breaker, a 4500 Joule Energy Rating, sliding outlet covers, and a 14 AWG power cord.

Amazon Basics 6 Outlet Wall-Mount Surge Protector

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

6-outlet surge protector power strip with three-prong plugs
Prevents damage to sensitive devices such as computers, media systems, and more due to sudden power surges and outages
Provides power to up to six electronic devices with 3-line AC protection
Space-saving design can be placed strategically behind an entertainment center or desk, or mounted on the wall
LED light surge protection indicator to show active status

User questions & answers

Question:	Can a TV and other electronic devices be plugged into this
Answer:	I honestly don’t remember. It had a card board sleeve over the cable. These cables have been being used live and in the studio. Great cables.
Question:	Will this surge protector "work" without the ground contact engaged (i.e. if, using adapter, it is plugged in to a standard 2 slot wall outlet
Answer:	I bought 2 single whites, didn’t see An option to buy as pair.
Question:	Does this device screw unto the outlet
Answer:	Just one
Question:	I see no screw in these pictures. Does it come with one? The pre-existing wall plate screws wouldn't be long enough to attach this
Answer:	yes

AmazonCommercial Heavy Duty Metal Surge Protector Power Strip, 1 PACK, Yellow

AmazonCommercial

Based on 178 reviews Check latest price

Product description

AmazonCommercial Heavy Duty Metal Surge Protector Power Strip, 7 AC Outlets,1080J, 6FT Cord, Yellow, 1 Pack

Heavy-duty surge protector/power strip with 7 grounded AC outlets (including 1 wider spaced outlet for larger plug adapters); ideal for residential, commercial, or industrial environments
Durable housing with fireproof MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) for advanced protection from surges and spikes
Surge protection/grounded LED indicator lights and power on/off switch with an integrated 15Amp resettable circuit breaker
Electrical rating: 15A, 120V, 1800W; 1080 joule energy rating protects sensitive electronic devices; UL certified
EMI/RFI noise filtration up to 40dB reduction
Wall-mountable design with keyhole back, cord management system, and heavy-duty 6 foot 14AWG power cord

User questions & answers

Question:	Why do others mentioned axtra 8-outlet power strip? is it better than amazon power strip
Answer:	I don't recall seeing any misspelling
Question:	Is axtra 8-outlet power strip better than amazon 7 outlet power strip
Answer:	XLR cables are standard latch type. there are no other XLR cable types, so yes.
Question:	Should I buy this power strip or other brand for my garage workshop
Answer:	SI SI ES PARA MICROFONO
Question:	How is amazon commercial 7-outlet power strip compare to axtra 8-outlet power strip
Answer:	True.