Surge protectors for AV gear are key parts of any electronic setup, giving top-notch protection from sudden voltage jumps and spikes. Picking the right one ensures your valuable gadgets stay safe and last longer. But it’s vital to choose a top-quality surge protector with great features like a high **joule rating**, **EMI/RFI filtering**, and several plug sockets.
We understand the difficulty in choosing the most suitable protector with the plethora of options available on the market. For this reason, we have diligently conducted research and testing on numerous AV surge protectors to identify the best for you. This article will guide you through the process, providing detailed insights to choose the best AV surge protector that offers the optimal protection for your electronic devices.
Best AV Surge Protector
Deciding on the best surge protector is a crucial aspect of ensuring your valuable electronics remain shielded from unforeseen voltage surges. The protector you invest in should offer a high joule rating, comprehensive number of outlets, optimal EMI/RFI filtration, and additional beneficial features based on your specific requirements. Given the multitude of options available, making an informed decision can be quite daunting. Fear not, as we have painstakingly researched and tested many AV surge protectors to create a comprehensive list of the best options for your consideration.
In this article, we will discuss our findings for the top AV surge protectors in the market today. We will furnish you with each protector’s unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, to allow you to make a well-informed purchase. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the information you need to choose the best AV surge protector that suits your needs and ensures your electronic devices stay safe and operational for years to come.
ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip – Slim Design Can Power & Protect Your Entire TV, Office, Or Gaming Setup – Advanced Surge Suppressor with 3420 Joules of Protection
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy surge protector, the ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The slim design of the power strip allows it to fit comfortably behind most entertainment centers, desks, and office furniture.
- The surge protector is equipped with 8 AC outlets and 2 USB ports, providing you with the flexibility to power all your devices.
- The premium quality materials used in the construction of the power strip ensure its durability and longevity.
Cons
- The power strip may not be suitable for larger devices due to its slim design.
- The surge protector does not come with a warranty.
- The power strip may not be suitable for areas with frequent power surges or blackouts.
We’ve been using the ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The slim design of the power strip is a great space-saving feature, and it fits perfectly behind our entertainment center. The 8 AC outlets and 2 USB ports provide us with enough power outlets to charge all our devices, including our laptops, phones, and tablets.
The surge protector is also made of high-quality materials, and it feels sturdy and durable. We appreciate the fact that it comes with a 3420 Joules surge protection rating, which is more than enough to protect our devices from power surges and spikes.
However, we do have a few minor complaints about the power strip. First, it may not be suitable for larger devices due to its slim design. Second, it does not come with a warranty, which is a bit disappointing. Finally, it may not be suitable for areas with frequent power surges or blackouts.
Overall, we think the ECHOGEAR ShockBlocker 8 Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy surge protector. Its slim design, multiple power outlets, and high-quality construction make it a great choice for powering and protecting your devices.
Belkin Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Long Flat Plug, UL-listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Phone Charger – 3,940 Joules of Protection
This Belkin surge protector power strip is a reliable and safe option for protecting your devices from power surges and spikes.
Pros
- The 12 AC outlets and 3 USB ports provide ample space for all your devices.
- The 8-foot long cord allows for flexible placement of the surge protector.
- The built-in circuit breaker helps prevent overloading and potential fires.
Cons
- The surge protector does not come with mounting hardware, which may require additional purchases for wall mounting.
- The product may emit a slight smell upon opening the package, but it is not harmful.
- The surge protector may not fit in some standard power outlet covers, which may require additional modifications.
This surge protector is a great option for those who need to charge multiple devices at once. The 12 AC outlets and 3 USB ports provide ample space for all your devices, and the 8-foot long cord allows for flexible placement of the surge protector. Additionally, the built-in circuit breaker helps prevent overloading and potential fires, providing an extra layer of safety.
The surge protector is also UL-listed, ensuring that it meets rigorous safety standards. However, it is important to note that the surge protector does not come with mounting hardware, which may require additional purchases for wall mounting. Additionally, the product may emit a slight smell upon opening the package, but it is not harmful. Finally, the surge protector may not fit in some standard power outlet covers, which may require additional modifications.
Overall, the Belkin surge protector power strip is a reliable and safe option for protecting your devices from power surges and spikes.
Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector – 150 Joules,9 Outlet Strips Surge Protector z – Heavy-Duty Electric Extension Cord Strip – 1U Rack Mount Protection Power Outlet Strip – 9 Front Switch – PDBC70
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty power strip with surge protection, the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great option.
Pros
- The 150 joules surge protection provides peace of mind against power surges and spikes.
- The 9 front panel switches make it easy to turn devices on and off without having to reach behind the equipment.
- The 9 outlet power strip provides ample space for all your devices and cables.
Cons
- The lack of grounded outlets may be a concern for some users.
- The power strip may not be suitable for high-power devices or equipment.
- The 3-foot power cord may be too short for some users.
The Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a great choice for those who need a heavy-duty power strip with surge protection. The 150 joules surge protection provides peace of mind against power surges and spikes, while the 9 front panel switches make it easy to turn devices on and off without having to reach behind the equipment. The 9 outlet power strip provides ample space for all your devices and cables.
One potential downside is that the power strip lacks grounded outlets, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the power strip may not be suitable for high-power devices or equipment. Finally, the 3-foot power cord may be too short for some users.
Overall, the Pyle PDU Power Strip Surge Protector is a solid choice for those in need of a heavy-duty power strip with surge protection.
Anker Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 2 USB Ports
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe surge protector power strip, the Anker Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 2 USB Ports is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The power strip is equipped with 12 standard outlets and 2 USB ports, making it versatile enough to charge all your devices.
- The surge protector has a total energy rating of 2100 Joules, which is high enough to protect your devices from power surges.
- The power strip is made of fire-retardant materials and has a built-in circuit breaker, which makes it safe to use.
Cons
- The power strip is not suitable for use in wet locations.
- The power strip does not come with a warranty.
- The power strip may not be suitable for use with certain types of sensitive equipment.
We have used the Anker Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 2 USB Ports to charge our laptops, phones, and other devices at home and in the office. The power strip has worked reliably and has not tripped the circuit breaker, even when we have plugged in multiple devices at the same time.
The power strip is easy to use and has a flat plug that fits easily into standard electrical outlets. The power strip also comes with a 5-foot power cord, which gives you some flexibility in terms of placement.
Overall, we recommend the Anker Power Strip with 12 Outlets and 2 USB Ports for anyone who needs a reliable and safe surge protector power strip for their home or office.
APC Performance Surge Protector with USB Ports, P11U2, 11 Outlet Power Strip, 2880 Joule Surge Protection
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient surge protector, the APC Performance Surge Protector with USB Ports is a great option.
Pros
- With 11 outlets, this surge protector provides ample space for all your devices.
- The two USB ports offer convenient charging options for your smartphones and tablets.
- The built-in circuitry provides premium protection against power surges, spikes, and line noise.
Cons
- The surge protector is quite bulky, which may make it difficult to fit in some spaces.
- Some users have reported issues with the USB ports not working properly.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
We’ve been using the APC Performance Surge Protector with USB Ports for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 11 outlets are more than enough to accommodate all our devices, and the two USB ports are a convenient addition. We’ve also noticed a significant improvement in the overall quality of our power supply since using this surge protector.
One thing to keep in mind is that this surge protector is quite bulky, so it may not fit in all spaces. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the USB ports not working properly, although we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some users, but we believe the quality and reliability of this surge protector make it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the APC Performance Surge Protector with USB Ports for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient surge protector.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best AV surge protector, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of surge protectors, and here are some factors to keep in mind:
Number of Outlets
One of the first things to consider is the number of outlets you need. If you have a lot of devices that need to be protected, you’ll want a surge protector with a lot of outlets. However, keep in mind that more outlets means a larger and heavier unit. Make sure you have enough space for the surge protector you choose.
Voltage and Amperage
Another important factor to consider is the voltage and amperage of the surge protector. Make sure the surge protector you choose can handle the power requirements of all your devices. If you’re not sure what voltage and amperage you need, consult with a qualified electrician.
Joule Rating
The joule rating is a measure of how much energy a surge protector can absorb before it needs to be replaced. A higher joule rating means the surge protector can handle more energy and will last longer. Look for a surge protector with a joule rating of at least 600 joules.
Type of Protection
Different surge protectors offer different types of protection. Some offer protection against surges from lightning, while others offer protection against surges from power outages or other sources. Make sure the surge protector you choose offers the type of protection you need.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the surge protector. While it’s important to choose a high-quality surge protector, you don’t want to overspend. Look for a surge protector that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best AV surge protector for your needs.
