Buying Guide
The Best Surge Protectors for PC
From the Amazon Basics 12-outlet to the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J: five surge protectors ranked on joule rating and outlet count, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A desk full of a PC, monitors and chargers needs outlets with room for bulky adapters and a stated surge rating. Every pick here lists its joule rating and outlet count.
Our comparison rests on published figures for surge rating, AC outlets and cord length; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out USB ports, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Joule Rating
SUPERDANNY 13-Outlet Surge Protector (5000J)
The highest joule rating here (5000 joules).
Best for: A desk with a PC, monitors and a printer.
Our take Check price for SUPERDANNY 13-Outlet Surge Protector (5000J) (opens in a new tab)
Most Outlets
4800J Surge Protector with 18 Outlets and 10ft Cord
The most outlet count here (18 outlets).
Best for: Buyers who put outlet count first.
Our take Check price for 4800J Surge Protector with 18 Outlets and 10ft Cord (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Amazon Basics 12-Outlet Surge Protector (4000 Joules)
The lowest price among these surge protectors at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the 18-outlet 4800J strip the next step up.
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics 12-Outlet Surge Protector (4000 Joules) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
TROND 13-Outlet Surge Protector (4000J)
38mm outlet spacing for large adapters.
Best for: Buyers who want 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters.
Our take Check price for TROND 13-Outlet Surge Protector (4000J) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector (3480J)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a flat plug that sits flush to the wall.
Best for: Buyers who want a flat plug that sits flush to the wall and can spend more than the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet costs.
Our take Check price for Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector (3480J) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Joule Rating1 of 5
SUPERDANNY 13-Outlet Surge Protector (5000J) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SUPERDANNY 13-outlet is built around a 45-degree flat plug, with 15A and 1875W capacity on top.
Best for
- A desk with a PC, monitors and a printer.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Amazon Basics 12-outlet cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5000 joules joule rating and offers a 13 outlets outlet count. Nothing else here matches its 5000 joules joule rating; the 18-outlet 4800J strip comes closest at 4800 joules. On cord length it sits mid-pack at 6.5ft: the 18-outlet 4800J strip comes in at 10ft, and the TROND 13-outlet comes in at 5ft.
2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W) usb ports is unique to it among these picks, while the TROND 13-outlet uses a 4 USB ports (17W total). You also get a fire-retardant casing with 8-fold protection. A surge protector clips voltage spikes but does not keep a PC on in an outage. Keep the total plugged-in load under 15A (1875W), and do not chain strips. When we checked, only the TROND 13-outlet and cheaper picks cost less, and the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Surge rating: 5000 joules
- AC outlets: 13 outlets
- Cord length: 6.5ft
- USB ports: 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W)
Pros
- 5000 joules of surge protection
- 13 AC outlets
- 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W) for charging
- 45-degree flat plug
Cons
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at the time of writing
Most Outlets2 of 5
4800J Surge Protector with 18 Outlets and 10ft Cord on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 18-outlet 4800J strip is built around grounded and protected indicator lights, with side, top and back mounting on top.
Best for
- Buyers who put outlet count first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Amazon Basics 12-outlet cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4800 joules joule rating and offers an 18 outlets outlet count. Its 4800 joules joule rating ranks second of 5 here, behind the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet (5000 joules) and ahead of the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J (3480 joules). On cord length it leads this guide at 10ft, ahead of the Amazon Basics 12-outlet (8ft).
It is the only pick here with 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W) usb ports; the TROND 13-outlet has a 4 USB ports (17W total) instead. You also get a flat plug on a 10ft cord. A surge protector clips voltage spikes but does not keep a PC on in an outage. Keep the total plugged-in load under 15A (1875W), and do not chain strips. Its price falls between the Amazon Basics 12-outlet and the TROND 13-outlet, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Surge rating: 4800 joules
- AC outlets: 18 outlets
- Cord length: 10ft
- USB ports: 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W)
Pros
- 4800 joules of surge protection
- 18 AC outlets
- 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W) for charging
- Grounded and protected indicator lights
Cons
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Amazon Basics 12-Outlet Surge Protector (4000 Joules) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Amazon Basics 12-outlet stands out for a 15 amp circuit breaker, and it adds safety shutters on the outlets.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the 18-outlet 4800J strip the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: joule rating of 4000 joules, behind the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet (5000 joules).
Why we like it
It also offers a 4000 joules joule rating and offers a 12 outlets outlet count. On cord length it sits mid-pack at 8ft: the 18-outlet 4800J strip comes in at 10ft, and the TROND 13-outlet comes in at 5ft. You also get a power switch and a keyhole for wall mounting.
A surge protector clips voltage spikes but does not keep a PC on in an outage. Keep the total plugged-in load under 15A (1875W), and do not chain strips. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the 18-outlet 4800J strip the next step up. What it gives up: joule rating of 4000 joules, behind the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet (5000 joules); by contrast, the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet offers 5000 joules.
Key dimensions & specs
- Surge rating: 4000 joules
- AC outlets: 12 outlets
- Cord length: 8ft
Pros
- 4000 joules of surge protection
- 12 AC outlets
- 15 amp circuit breaker
- Safety shutters on the outlets
Cons
- Joule rating of 4000 joules, behind the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet (5000 joules)
Also Consider4 of 5
TROND 13-Outlet Surge Protector (4000J) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the TROND 13-outlet brings to the table is 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters, plus a 14AWG copper cord with a flat plug.
Best for
- Buyers who want 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters.
Skip if
- Skip it if cord length matters most to you; the 18-outlet 4800J strip offers 10ft.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4000 joules joule rating and offers a 13 outlets outlet count. On joule rating it ties with the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at 4000 joules. On cord length it trails the group at 5ft, while the 18-outlet 4800J strip comes in at 10ft.
A 4 USB ports (17W total) is unique to it among these picks, while the 18-outlet 4800J strip uses 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W) usb ports. It also comes with UL94 V-0 flame-retardant housing. A surge protector clips voltage spikes but does not keep a PC on in an outage. Keep the total plugged-in load under 15A (1875W), and do not chain strips. When we checked, only the 18-outlet 4800J strip and cheaper picks cost less, and the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Surge rating: 4000 joules
- AC outlets: 13 outlets
- Cord length: 5ft
- USB ports: 4 USB ports (17W total)
- Extras: ETL listed
Pros
- 4000 joules of surge protection
- 13 AC outlets
- 4 USB ports (17W total) for charging
- 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters
Cons
- Cord length trails the 18-outlet 4800J strip (10ft)
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector (3480J) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J brings to the table is a flat plug that sits flush to the wall, plus charging for up to 15 devices at once.
Best for
- Buyers who want a flat plug that sits flush to the wall and can spend more than the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if joule rating matters most to you; the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet offers 5000 joules.
Why we like it
It also offers a 3480 joules joule rating and offers a 12 outlets outlet count. On cord length it sits mid-pack at 6ft: the 18-outlet 4800J strip comes in at 10ft, and the TROND 13-outlet comes in at 5ft. You get USB-A and USB-C usb ports here, which sets it apart from the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet and its 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W) usb ports.
You also get a mounting option. A surge protector clips voltage spikes but does not keep a PC on in an outage. Keep the total plugged-in load under 15A (1875W), and do not chain strips. Only the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on joule rating, where the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet offers 5000 joules.
Key dimensions & specs
- Surge rating: 3480 joules
- AC outlets: 12 outlets
- Cord length: 6ft
- USB ports: USB-A and USB-C
- Extras: UL certified
Pros
- 3480 joules of surge protection
- 12 AC outlets
- USB-A and USB-C for charging
- Flat plug that sits flush to the wall
Cons
- Joule rating trails the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet (5000 joules)
- Outlet count trails the 18-outlet 4800J strip (18 outlets)
- Costs more than the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at the time of writing
How We Chose These Surge Protectors for PC
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five surge protectors on joule rating, outlet count, cord length and USB ports from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and USB ports and extras are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet to the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J, state joule rating, outlet count and cord length.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Amazon Basics 12-outlet gives no USB ports; the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet, the 18-outlet 4800J strip and the Amazon Basics 12-outlet give no extras.
- Price range
- From the Amazon Basics 12-outlet to the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Surge Protector for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Joule rating across these picks
The SUPERDANNY 13-outlet tops joule rating at 5000 joules and the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J sits lowest at 3480 joules. For less, the 18-outlet 4800J strip is the runner-up at 4800 joules.
Outlet count
Across these 5 picks outlet count spans 12 outlets (the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J) to 18 outlets (the 18-outlet 4800J strip). The 18-outlet 4800J strip is the pick for outlet count.
How much cord length you need
Across these 5 picks cord length spans 5ft (the TROND 13-outlet) to 10ft (the 18-outlet 4800J strip). For less, the Amazon Basics 12-outlet is the runner-up at 8ft.
Extras
The TROND 13-outlet lists ETL listed; the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J lists UL certified. Settling extras first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The Amazon Basics 12-outlet: safety shutters on the outlets. The TROND 13-outlet: a 14AWG copper cord with a flat plug. The Belkin 12-outlet 3480J: charging for up to 15 devices at once.
How to Choose a Surge Protector for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A desk with a PC, monitors and a printer | SUPERDANNY 13-outlet | The highest joule rating here (5000 joules) |
| Buyers who put outlet count first | 18-outlet 4800J strip | The most outlet count here (18 outlets) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the 18-outlet 4800J strip the next step up | Amazon Basics 12-outlet | The lowest price among these surge protectors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters | TROND 13-outlet | 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters |
| Buyers who want a flat plug that sits flush to the wall and can spend more than the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet costs | Belkin 12-outlet 3480J | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a flat plug that sits flush to the wall |
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Key specs side by side
The SUPERDANNY 13-outlet leads on joule rating at 5000 joules, ahead of the 18-outlet 4800J strip at 4800 joules. "Not listed" marks USB ports where the Amazon Basics 12-outlet leaves the figure out.
| Surge Protector | Surge rating | AC outlets | Cord length | USB ports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPERDANNY 13-outlet | 5000 joules | 13 outlets | 6.5ft | 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W) |
| 18-outlet 4800J strip | 4800 joules | 18 outlets | 10ft | 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W) |
| Amazon Basics 12-outlet | 4000 joules | 12 outlets | 8ft | Not listed |
| TROND 13-outlet | 4000 joules | 13 outlets | 5ft | 4 USB ports (17W total) |
| Belkin 12-outlet 3480J | 3480 joules | 12 outlets | 6ft | USB-A and USB-C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 18-outlet 4800J strip compare with the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet on joule rating?
Between the top two, it is 5000 joules on the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet against 4800 joules on the 18-outlet 4800J strip, a 4% difference. The spread runs down to the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J at 3480 joules.
Is the 18-outlet 4800J strip ahead of the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet on outlet count?
The 18-outlet 4800J strip leads at 18 outlets, with the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet at 13 outlets. The Belkin 12-outlet 3480J is at the other end of this group with 12 outlets.
Is the 18-outlet 4800J strip ahead of the Amazon Basics 12-outlet on cord length?
The 18-outlet 4800J strip leads at 10ft, with the Amazon Basics 12-outlet at 8ft. The TROND 13-outlet closes the ranking at 5ft.
Is the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J worth paying more than the Amazon Basics 12-outlet?
The Belkin 12-outlet 3480J matches or trails the Amazon Basics 12-outlet on joule rating, outlet count and cord length. The Amazon Basics 12-outlet leads on joule rating (4000 joules) and cord length (8ft). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
What makes the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet the Highest Joule Rating?
It carries the badge for the highest joule rating here (5000 joules). The 18-outlet 4800J strip is next on joule rating at 4800 joules, so this pick's 5000 joules is 4% further out. It gives up cord length (6.5ft against 8ft) to the Amazon Basics 12-outlet, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for A desk with a PC, monitors and a printer.
Do the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet and the 18-outlet 4800J strip differ on USB ports?
The SUPERDANNY 13-outlet uses 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A (PD 20W); the 18-outlet 4800J strip uses 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (PD 20W); the TROND 13-outlet uses 4 USB ports (17W total); the Belkin 12-outlet 3480J uses USB-A and USB-C. The maker of the Amazon Basics 12-outlet doesn't state USB ports, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SUPERDANNY 13-outlet. Look at the 18-outlet 4800J strip for the most outlet count here (18 outlets), the Amazon Basics 12-outlet for the lowest price among these surge protectors at the time of writing and the TROND 13-outlet for 38mm outlet spacing for large adapters if those matter more to you.
Plug nothing heavier than the strip's 15A limit into it and do not chain one strip into another.