Best Power Strip of 2025: Top 5 Picks for Reliable Charging and Protection

If your outlets are always full or your desk is a mess of tangled cords, it's probably time for a better power solution. The best power strip today doesn't just give you more plugs—it adds fast-charging USB-C ports, smart controls, surge protection, and helps keep your space neat and organized.

Whether you're outfitting a home office, gaming setup, or just need something that won't spark the next time you plug in your laptop, this guide breaks down the top power strips in 2025—and what actually matters when picking one.

5 Best Power Strips in 2025

Below are five picks we consider the best power strip upgrades for 2025. They cover everything from ultra-high-wattage USB-C bricks to voice-controlled smart strips, so you can match the right tool to your desk, nightstand, or studio.

1. Anker Prime Charging Station (8-in-1, 240W)

The flagship Anker Prime Charging Station (8-in-1, 240W) gives you laptop-class USB-C charging plus two full-power AC outlets in a body smaller than most external drives. Four USB-C and two USB-A ports share 240W total, with any single USB-C delivering up to 140W—plenty for a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Want to cut phantom power? A Wi-Fi-enabled app lets you name ports, watch live wattage, and schedule shut-offs from your phone. With a slim 0.71” profile, it slides neatly under your monitor, keeping cables organized and pointed forward, so everything from earbuds to tablets stays within easy reach.

ActiveShield 3.0 temperature monitoring checks thermals 6 million times a day to safeguard connected gear. Whether you're a creative professional or just someone who juggles multiple high-powered devices, this is easily one of the best power strips with USB you can get.

What's good:

• 240W shared USB output; up to 140W on a single USB-C for laptop-class charging
• Two grounded AC outlets for monitors or light stands, plus 4 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
• App control with real-time wattage and timers
• Ultra-slim brick (3.07 × 5.43 × 0.71 inches) keeps clutter off the floor
• ActiveShield 3.0 continuous temperature checks
• Lifetime connected equipment warranty
• 300J surge protection

2. Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station (140W)

If you want laptop-grade USB-C power in something slimmer than your phone, this Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station is the one to beat. Two USB-C and two USB-A ports share a robust 140W—enough to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro when nothing else is plugged in, or top up several smaller devices at once.

Around back, two pass-through AC outlets are rated for a combined 1,000W, making them perfect for a monitor and desktop speakers without overloading the strip. An onboard screen gives you real-time wattage per port, and GaN components keep heat in check while boosting efficiency. At just 0.7 inches thick, it slips easily into a bag, and the five-foot cord detaches for travel.

What's good:

• 140W output shared across 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports (up to 140W on a single USB-C)
• Two pop-up AC outlets rated for 1000W total
• Front LCD with live voltage/current readouts
• Pocket-able 0.7” profile and detachable cord
• GaN tech keeps temps low and efficiency high
• Seven-point safety system despite the size

3. Anker Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W)

Think of this Anker Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W) as the everyday desk tidy-upper: three AC outlets on the back for monitors or lamps and four USB ports (two USB-C + two USB-A) on the front for phones, tablets, and headphones. Any USB-C port can push a full 100W alone, perfect for fast-charging a MacBook Pro 16”.

The strip stays wafer-thin thanks to GaN components and routes its flat, low-profile cable straight down a grommet or behind a monitor stand. ActiveShield thermal monitoring and a connected-equipment warranty round out the package.

What's good:

• 3× AC 2× USB-C plus 2× USB-A in a single, notebook-sized bar
• 100W USB-C fast-charges most laptops
• Flat, tangle-free power cord and compact body
• ActiveShield temp sensing and warranty coverage
• Front-facing USB layout keeps cables visible and short

4. Anker 351 Power Strip

Looking for the best surge protector power strip with a ton of outlets and a few USB jacks? The Anker 351 Power Strip delivers. Twelve widely spaced AC sockets wrap the perimeter, leaving room for bulky bricks. Up front you get a 20W USB-C PD port that can top an iPhone to 50 % in 30 minutes, plus two USB-A ports for legacy gear.

An eight-point safety system adds 2,100J surge protection, fire-resistant housing, and overload shut-off. Two keyhole slots let you mount it under a desk, and the 5-ft cord is flexible enough to snake behind furniture.

What's good:

• Massive 12-AC-outlet expansion with wide spacing
• 20W USB-C PD for phone or tablet quick-charge
• Built-in 2,100J surge, overload, and flame protection
• Wall-mount keyholes and angled end cord for tidy installs
• Budget-friendly price for big setups

5. Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip HS300

If voice commands and energy insights matter more than raw wattage, Kasa HS300 is the best smart power strip. Six outlets appear individually in the Kasa app and in Alexa or Google Home, so you can name lamps, 3D printers, or routers and schedule each one—or shut them all with a single phrase.

Three always-on USB-A ports cover small devices, while ETL-certified surge protection guards sensitive electronics. Built-in energy monitoring graphs real-time and historical consumption per outlet, letting you spot power hogs without another gadget.

What's good:

• Six independently switchable smart outlets
• Native Alexa, Google, and SmartThings support—no hub
• Energy-use charts and per-device cost tracking
• Right-angle plug and slim housing fit behind furniture

What to Look for in the Best Power Strip

Power strips have evolved into mini power hubs, but the fundamentals still matter. Here's what to look for when choosing:

Safety First

Look for certifications. The most important safety signal is a UL listing—specifically UL 1363 for basic strips or UL 1449 for surge protectors. These show the product meets strict electrical standards. ETL is also widely accepted and follows the same testing protocols.

Built-in protection matters. A good power strip should include an internal circuit breaker to cut off power during overloads. Many also use flame-retardant casings rated up to 750 °C for added safety.

Surge Protection & Joule Rating

Surge protectors help absorb sudden voltage spikes—caused by things like lightning or power outages—and keep your gear safe. The higher the joule rating, the more energy the strip can absorb before it wears out. For electronics like PCs and TVs, aim for 1,000-2,000 joules or more.

Wattage & USB Power Delivery

Modern power strips often include USB-C ports with Power Delivery (PD), capable of charging laptops, tablets, and phones. Look for:

• At least 20W PD for smartphones
• Up to 100W (PD 3.0) for most laptops
• Up to 140W (PD 3.1) for higher-demand devices

If you see “GaN” tech (gallium nitride), that's a good sign—it means higher efficiency and cooler performance than older silicon-based chargers.

Smart Features & Energy Monitoring

Smart power strips connect over Wi-Fi and let you control outlets individually using an app or voice assistant. These are especially useful for automating routines or cutting off power to idle devices.

Outlet Layout

More outlets aren't always better—it depends on how they're arranged.

• Look for widely spaced or rotatable outlets if you use bulky plugs or adapters.
• For smaller setups, built-in USB ports reduce clutter.
• A flat plug and low-profile housing are helpful for fitting behind furniture or in tight spots.

Build Quality, Warranty & Support

Cheap strips often fail where the cord meets the body, so check for reinforced strain relief in that area.

Many higher-end power strips offer a connected equipment warranty—essentially, they'll reimburse you if a surge damages your gear while using their product. Make sure to read the fine print on what's covered and how to claim it.

Conclusion

Choosing the best power strip in 2025 means thinking beyond the number of outlets. Today's power strips offer smart features, fast USB-C charging, and robust surge protection that makes a real difference in safety, convenience, and performance. Whether you're building a smarter workspace, powering multiple high-demand devices, or just want to keep things tidy and safe, any of the picks here are a strong place to start. Think smart. Charge smarter.

FAQs

What is the best power strip to use?

The best power strip really depends on what you need it for, but if you're looking for something modern, compact, and powerful, the Anker Prime Charging Station (8-in-1, 240W) is a top pick. It combines high-wattage USB-C charging—up to 140W on a single port—with two AC outlets and app-based control, making it ideal for desks or tech-heavy setups.

Which is better, a surge protector or a power strip?

A basic power strip simply gives you extra outlets, while a surge protector includes special components that guard against sudden spikes in voltage—like from lightning or electrical faults—which can damage your electronics. So, if you're plugging in valuable devices like computers, TVs, or gaming consoles, a surge protector is the smarter, safer option. For simpler, low-wattage devices like lamps or phone chargers, a standard power strip works just fine.

Can I plug a power strip into another power strip?

No. This practice, called “daisy chaining,” is a major safety hazard. When you plug one power strip into another, you risk overloading the electrical circuit, which can cause overheating, fire, and void warranties. It also often breaks building and fire safety codes. To stay safe, always plug power strips directly into a wall outlet.

What firefighters say you should never plug into a power strip?

Firefighters and safety experts strongly advise against plugging high‑wattage or heat‑producing appliances into a power strip. That includes space heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, curling irons, and power tools—these devices draw too much power and can cause the strip to overheat, short out, or even spark a fire.