Top 10 Best USB Power Strips in 2021

Here we have Amazon's best USB power strips, from those you plug directly into the wall to mountable ones. There's bound to be a design that suits your needs!

Here's a buying guide to help you decipher USB power strips in case you're still at a loss which one to get. After all, we're talking about the safety of use as well as the safety of your devices!

From cord length to surge protection, the buying guide below will expound on the considerations to help you make a well-informed decision. 

Let's talk about the design or form of the USB power strip first. There are three main types of USB power strips: those that are wall-mounted, corded, and corded with extra organization. 

By getting a USB charger plugged directly into a wall outlet, you don't need to have an extra cable connecting the two, meaning less clutter. A wall charger limits an additional cable by bringing all your USB cords to a transformer-like adaptor plugged to a power outlet. 

These are often compact and can accommodate two to four USB ports. You can go for a wall charger if your charging station is within the proximity of the outlet. It minimizes dangling wires giving you a tidier look.

However, one thing to consider is the number of ports. Two to four ports are usually enough for one person's devices, but the number can quickly increase if more users are plugging into the power strip. 

Those who travel a lot usually have a wall charger due to their compact size and wide voltage accommodation. When choosing one, remember that you'll need to be close by if you wish to use your devices while charging!

Check to see your power outlet's location and proximity to your work station or where you often charge your devices. 

Another popular kind of USB power strip is one that is tethered with a cord and plugged to a wall. The biggest plus with this type is that, given the extra length, you don't have to be close to the wall to plug in your device when charging. 

Use these types of power strips if your wall outlet is inaccessible, like behind a shelf or piece of furniture, or too high or low to connect your USB cables to. 

Cord length is an important consideration in this case because you will need a longer cable if you're planning on letting the power strip travel to a designated location. These come in a wide variety of lengths and can range from one foot to six feet or more. 

These organized chargers took an extra step of providing shelves or dividers for your devices. You can keep your tablets, smartphones, and other devices neatly stacked or organized while they charge. 

Another benefit of a charging station is the wiring. They often come with designated USB cables of the same length which are plugged into the ports, giving you a more uniform setup. And because your device is within close contact with the charging station, there's no need for long, tangled wires. 

However, this may be a problem for those who prefer using their devices while charging. In such scenarios, using longer cables is advised. 

Two, four, six, or eight - your USB power strip should have enough ports to accommodate your devices! If you'll be sharing it with the family, roommates, coworkers and the like, then go for more ports. You can grab a power strip with as few as two ports to a heavy-duty one with 10 or more ports. 

One thing to note about plugging multiple devices at once into a USB power strip would be the possibility of charging speeds changing. Some power strips are equipped with technology that auto-adjusts power supply to the device's needs, whether one amp, 2.4 amps and so on. 

However, when the maximum amperage output of the power strip is met, say 3.5 amps, there will be less power discharge as a whole, meaning longer charging time. 

Take a glance through the following capabilities or features of a particular USB power strip you're interested in to ensure heightened safety and efficiency during use. 

When dealing with electrical currents, safety is crucial. Surge protection, or the capability of your charging strip to protect your device from voltage spikes, ensures a stable electrical supply of power while charging. 

Surge protection limits, suppresses, or blocks any unwanted and damaging voltage from your smartphone or other devices beyond that which is considered a safe threshold (120V). 

Nowadays, most power strips come equipped with surge protection or another form security such as protection from over-currents, over-charging, and short-circuiting. 

On top of surge protection, the quality of the power strip's materials is equally important. Meeting safety standards is a fundamental requirement to look for when picking out a power strip. 

The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification is one example where power strip manufacturers strive to be listed. This is a necessary standard to meet for products that are plugged directly into an outlet. The certification or listing ensures your power strip will not start an electrical fire, among other safety issues. 

The amperage of your power strip defines how fast your devices charge. Amps is abbreviated as "A," and the standard outputs for USB power strips are 1A, 2.1A, and 2.4A. While using any of the three would still charge your smartphone or tablet, newer devices with larger batteries would take a longer time if plugged on a port with a low amperage output. 

If time is an essential consideration for your charging requirements, then having a power strip with 2.4A output per port is recommended. 

Devices with larger batteries need more amperage. Do not use a charger with an amp rating lower than the device's needs (higher is fine!) For example, charging your tablet on a high power supply of 2.4A does not damage the device at all, whereas plugging it on a 1A port could risk overheating the charger and cause it to stop functioning altogether. 

When choosing the amperage of your power strip, consider the devices that would be plugged in. Bluetooth speakers, a USB mouse, or wireless keyboard are examples of devices that don't require high amperage, while newer smartphones, powerbanks, and tablets charge better on high amperage. 

You can also go for a power strip with ports that offer varying amperage for an all-in-one option to charge multiple devices such as one with ports that provide 1A and 2.4A. You can plug tablets or devices with large batteries on the latter. 

To get the most out of your USB power strip, you can consider getting one that offers more options such as quick charging features, wireless charging, or other power outputs. Quick charging is for those moments when you are out of time and don't mind the extra electricity consumption to charge your device. 

You might have a phone that supports wireless charging such as Qi. On top of the absence of cables, wireless charging is said to extend or maintain your device's battery life with proper usage. It offers quick charging capabilities and reduces the mechanical wear and tear of your charging ports.

Lastly, you often find USB power strips that offer other charging outputs such as AC, lightning, smartwatch, or type-C ports. This way, all your electronic devices could be charged in one hub.

If you're looking for other charging options, here are a few more links to get you started. 

Those who have taken the plunge and purchased a USB power strip were often blown away at how convenient they are. It is one of those home or office improvements that you didn't know you needed. Seeing all your devices neatly plugged into one spot without multiple adaptors is also pleasing to look at, making USB power strips even more worthwhile. 

Author: Hana Otsuka

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