The Best Power Strip

Updated on 3 October 2022

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

This CE-certified IP20 surge protector guards your devices against lightning, fire, surges, electrical disturbances, shocks and rust thanks to its robust housing. In addition, it regulates the power supply and is also childproof. Thanks to the 2 LED indicators, you can see whether the system is protected or not. What we liked the most about the test was its sturdiness and its beautiful design, which fits perfectly into modern decor. It has 4 x 16A E-type sockets and a flush-mounted switch, but there are models with USB ports. Its total power of 3,680W is enough to charge large devices. We found the 2m cable to be sturdy, but it’s a little bulky, and there are no eyelets for hanging it up.

Nowadays, it has become almost indispensable to use power strips for our electrical appliances.

Directly connected to the wall socket, the flying power strip allows you to connect a maximum of 2 to 4 appliances.

The most important thing is to consider the number of sockets you need for your appliances.

In general, the power of a multi-socket is 3500 W, and the current is 16 A.

If you opt for an extension socket, measure the distance between the plug and your appliance.

In addition to the on-off switch, some power strips offer a connected nature or USB ports.

This device consists of 3 x 16A type E sockets and 2 x 2.1A USB ports for a total power of 3500W. During our test, however, we noticed a longer charging time when our smartphone was plugged into one of the USB ports (it would have been better if the power of these inputs were increased to 2.8A). We found the spacing between the sockets to be correct and the compact design to be quite unobtrusive in any interior. In addition, it has no switch or pilot light, which does not disturb your sleep at night. Finally, the CE standard indicates that it meets European safety requirements.

Ideal under a TV or in an open space, this Brennenstuhl model has a power rating of 3500 W – 230 V and has up to 10 sockets (2 rows of 5) of type F that can be plugged in both ways but does not allow polarisation to be defined. In our test, we found the separation of the sockets to be quite convenient, but the power strip is aesthetically sloppy, and above all, very bulky. Fortunately, the cable length (2 m) is convincing, and the cable clamp is handy for storing excess cable. It also has eyelets for attaching it to furniture. Finally, the two switches save electricity, and its low brightness did not bother us when we put it in a dark room.

This NF-certified power strip has 5 x 16A type E sockets and 2 x 2.1A USB-A ports ( 3500W – 230V). However, the amperage of the USB ports does not allow for fast charging of smartphones. Therefore, it is better to use the sockets if they are free. The cable is quite long (2m) and has slots for installation in furniture. As the switch lights up very discreetly, you can install it in the room, as the light is not too bright. After testing it out, the silicone protection (against knocks and scratches) and the discreet design are the most striking features.

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end	Mid-range alternative
Belkin BSV400ca2M	Arnould Triplite	Brennenstuhl Primera-Line	Electraline 35619
Its circuits are highly securely protected by numerous safety features. Despite its size, this model is very robust, powerful and its LED indicators are ingenious.	In addition to its affordable price, this power strip has a simple, modern and space-saving design. In addition, it blends in perfectly with the interior design.	A large number of sockets, the convenient separation of these, and the cable clamp make you forget a little about its dimensions. Even so, it fits perfectly into the interior.	This power strip has silicone protection, a discreet design, two USB ports and a space-saving flat plug. An extremely practical option.
See the price on Amazon	See the price on Amazon	£ 20.57 on Amazon	See the price on Amazon

How did we test?

Firstly, we judge the design of each power strip by its size, aesthetics and practicality. For the latter, we assessed the length of the cable (and its strength), the size of the socket, the presence of ports and, of course, the quality of the switches (and their visibility in a dark room).

We then tested the heat level of the power strips by plugging in several power-hungry devices simultaneously. Where there were USB ports, we also counted the charging time of our smartphones. Finally, we checked the spacing between the sockets by placing large plugs in them.

How to choose a power strip?

With more and more electrical appliances at home, it seems essential to have a power strip to supply them.

Quick and easy to install, it allows you to connect several plugs from a single power source without modifying your existing electrical circuit.

However, while this is a common feature of the many models on the market, not all of them offer the same performance and/or practicality.

So, to help you identify the one that is most likely to meet your needs, we have listed a few features to consider before making your purchase.

First, you should know that there are several types of power strips:

• The floating power strip: also known as the biplita, triplita or cuadriplita depending on the number of sockets it has, this model connects directly to a socket and thus allows you to have 2, 3 or 4 sockets in the same place.
• The extension power strip: unlike its floating counterpart, it is connected to a socket through a cable. In most cases, it is also equipped with a switch that allows the power supply to be switched off with a simple gesture.

• The retractable power strip: in addition to being very functional, it is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
• The lightning protection strip: can protect the devices connected to it from possible surges generated by a thunderstorm.
• The surge protection strip: is characterised by its ability to protect the electrical appliances connected to it against voltage variations in the electrical network.

Once you have made your choice among these variants, you should then look at other elements:

• The number of sockets: this may seem a trivial point, but it is essential. To get the most out of your potential purchase, you should first consider where you are going to install it and how many sockets you really need.
• The power: typically, a power strip has a power rating of 3500W and an amperage of 16A. Please note that for the power strip to work optimally, you should not plug in more appliances than it can handle.

• The length of the cable: this should only be taken into account if you opt for a model with an extension cable, lightning arrester or surge protector. In general, the recommended minimum is 80 cm to several metres.

• Features: in addition to the traditional on/off switch, some models have a child protection function, ideal for preventing accidents in the home, a connected nature (to combine it with other home automation devices), and USB ports, practical for recharging smartphones and tablets.

Other power strips we recommend

Expert Line 5 Outlet Multi-Socket Power Strip (£16.68 upon publication): simple and efficient, but a little short. Certified to CE and NF standards, this extension socket model includes 5 x 16 A sockets and has a maximum power rating of 3500 W – 230 V, allowing you to connect all kinds of appliances and lamps. Each socket is childproof. In addition, it has a small bracket to attach to a desk or table. However, after testing it, we have to point out two main weaknesses: the short cable length and the switch light, which is too bright at night.

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje