It's a familiar scene: your desk with a laptop, a monitor, a phone charger, and perhaps a lamp. All of which need to be plugged into a limited number of wall outlets. The tangle of cables and the constant swapping of plugs is a daily source of minor annoyance. In this context, a modern power strip with USB is not a luxury, but a necessity for a tidy and efficient home, office, or living room.
This article is intended as a practical guide. We'll help you make the right choice by focusing on specifications that truly matter, without the marketing jargon. We will highlight several popular choices and give you concrete tips on what to look for when making a purchase.
Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know which features are important for your situation. Here are three key points to consider.
The most obvious question: how many devices do you want to connect? A 6-outlet power strip is often a good standard for a desk or TV stand. But look beyond just the number of AC outlets. The addition of USB-A or even USB-C ports on a power block with USB means you can charge your smartphone, tablet, or other gadgets directly without using a separate adapter. This not only frees up an outlet but also reduces clutter.
Safety is one area where you don't want to skimp. A good power strip offers more than just extra connection points. Look for the following features:
The details often make the difference in daily use. For example, consider:
Based on the criteria above, we have selected a few products that stand out for their specifications and functionality.
Why It Stands Out This is not a traditional power strip with a cord, but a compact outlet splitter that you plug directly into the wall. Its simplicity and space-saving design make it a handy solution for specific situations.
Pros
Who Is This For? This is a practical choice for anyone who needs to quickly expand an outlet without extra cables. Think of the kitchen, a hotel room, or any place where an extension cord would get in the way. Note: this model does not have USB ports.
Why It Stands Out This power strip combines a generous number of outlets with the functionality of individual switches. This gives you complete control over your energy consumption and connected devices.
Pros
Who Is This For? Ideal for the conscious user with a home office or an extensive entertainment setup. The individual switches are perfect for those who want to control the power consumption of peripherals like printers, speakers, or external hard drives.
Why It Stands Out This model shares many of the strengths of its shorter-corded counterpart but adds a crucial feature: an extra-long 5-meter cord. Additionally, surge protection is explicitly mentioned.
Pros
Who Is This For? This is the solution for larger rooms, workshops, or situations where the distance to the wall outlet is a challenge. The combination of a long cord, comprehensive protection, and individual switches makes this a very versatile and safe choice.
The right power strip depends entirely on your personal situation. Are you looking for a model with more USB ports, a different design, or perhaps a more compact travel version? Countless configurations are available.
Curious about other possibilities? Check out our full range of products.
Discover More Power Strips with USB-A Outlets
Overload protection activates if you draw too much power from the strip (for example, by plugging in too many high-power devices). The power is then cut off to prevent overheating and fire. Surge protection guards against short, high voltage spikes from an external source, like a nearby lightning strike, thereby protecting the connected electronics.
No, this is strongly discouraged. So-called 'daisy-chaining' of power strips significantly increases the risk of overload and fire. It's better to use a single power strip with enough outlets and a sufficiently long cord.
Most power strips with USB divide the total power output among the available ports. For example, the Dewenwils models above have a maximum output of 2.1A. If you connect one device, it may charge faster. If you connect two devices, the charging speed is divided between them. This is usually sufficient for overnight charging of a phone and a smartwatch, but for fast-charging multiple devices at once, you might need a more powerful, separate USB charger.