Joybuy Insights

Power Strip with USB: Our Recommended Models

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.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for in a Power Strip?

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know which features are important for your situation. Here are three key points to consider.

1. Number and Type of Ports

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.

2. Safety and Protection

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:

  • Surge Protection: A power strip with surge protection shields your valuable equipment from voltage spikes, such as those caused by a nearby lightning strike. This is especially important for computers, televisions, and other sensitive electronics.
  • Child Safety: A must-have in households with children. The openings of the outlets are shuttered and will only open when pressure is applied simultaneously by both prongs of a plug.
  • CE Marking: Always check if the power strip has a CE marking. This indicates that the product complies with the applicable safety standards within the European Union.

3. Convenience and Extra Features

The details often make the difference in daily use. For example, consider:

  • Cord Length: Is your wall outlet far from your desk? A power strip with a long cord (e.g., 3 or 5 meters) gives you the freedom to place your devices wherever you want. Conversely, a short cord can be useful for neatly tucking away a multi-outlet extension cord.
  • Switches: A power strip with a switch is ideal for combating phantom power consumption. With a single press of a button, you can completely turn off all connected devices. Some models even have individual switches for each outlet, offering maximum control and energy savings.
  • Outlet Orientation: Outlets rotated at a 45 or 90-degree angle ensure that bulky adapters or right-angle plugs don't obstruct each other.

Our Top Product Picks

Based on the criteria above, we have selected a few products that stand out for their specifications and functionality.

For Those Who Don't Need USB: 5five 3-Way Wall Outlet Adapter

5five 3-Way Wall Outlet Adapter

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

  • Compact Design: No extra cables, ideal for behind a cabinet or for travel.
  • Child Safety: Equipped with safety shutters for added peace of mind.
  • Instant Expansion: Instantly turns a single outlet into three connection points.

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.

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For the Home Office Worker: Dewenwils 6-Outlet Power Strip with 2 USB Ports (2m Cord)

Dewenwils 6-Outlet Power Strip with 2 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

  • Individual Switches: Turn each device on or off separately to save energy.
  • Spacious Layout: The outlets are spaced far enough apart (60 mm) and rotated 90 degrees, so even bulky adapters will fit.
  • Integrated USB Ports: Two USB-A ports for charging your mobile devices.
  • Safety: Equipped with overload protection and child safety features.

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.

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For Maximum Flexibility: Dewenwils 6-Outlet Power Strip with 2 USB Ports (5m Cord)

Dewenwils 6-Outlet Power Strip with a long cord

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

  • Extra-Long Cord: The 5-meter cable provides maximum freedom to place the power strip where you need it, even if the outlet is far away.
  • Comprehensive Protection: According to the manufacturer, it offers protection against surges and lightning strikes, in addition to overload and child safety protection.
  • Individual Switches and USB: The same user-friendly features as the 2-meter model, including 6 outlets and 2 USB ports.
  • Mounting Options: Equipped with five mounting holes for secure attachment to a wall or under a desk.

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.

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Need More Options?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between surge protection and overload protection?

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.

Can I plug multiple power strips into each other?

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.

How many devices can I charge simultaneously via the USB ports?

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.


By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer