Accell D080B-051B (Out of stock): It looks like a squid or maybe a six-legged octopus. (Hexapus?) I feel like this is enough reason to buy it, but it may not be for everyone. Its main benefit is that, instead of rigid outlets on a flat frame like most surge protectors, it has five short cables with the outlets at the end. The Accell is rated at a claimed 1,080 joules. Most surge protectors will continue to pass power when they’ve passed their joule rating, but the D080B-051B has a fail safe, cutting power so your gear is protected against further surges. You will need to buy a new one if this should happen, but the whole point is to protect your more expensive gear. It’s surprising that more surge protectors aren’t built like this. Most people probably won’t need this specific type of functionality, but I’m sure some of you are looking at it and know exactly how it will fit in your home. Unlike the others on my list, there’s no connected device warranty — meaning the company doesn’t have a program to replace your fried devices should it occur. Although with Accell’s unique fail-safe, you might not need it.
The Belkin SRA007p12tt6 is a classy-looking 12-outlet surge protector with a matte-white finish that would work better on a desk or otherwise visible spot than most of the other large protectors. Six of its outlets are widely spaced, and there are two 2.4-amp USB-A and one 3-amp USB-C outlet (4.5 amps combined max output). The wall plug is conveniently angled at 90 degrees at the end of the 6-foot cable.
The APC P6WU2 (Update: Currently Unavailable) is a chunky wall-mount design with six side-mounted outlets and two USB ports on the front. Depending on what you’re plugging into it, they might bunch up or not fit against the wall. The Amazon S9P658O300A00 can fit more plugs for a somewhat similar footprint. However, the APC has a connected device warranty ($50,000), while the Amazon doesn’t. For something similar but smaller, check out the Belkin BSV300ttCW mentioned below.
The Belkin BE112230 shares the flat design of the switched Belkin F7C01008q, just without the switch. It has six wide-spaced outlets, a claimed 3,940 joules of protection and a connected equipment warranty.
The Belkin BST300bg is a decent travel alternative to the Accell. It has three outlets on the front and two USB ports on the top. The plug swivels so you can orient it in multiple ways. The Accell is a little smaller, but this is a good runner-up.
The wall-mounted Belkin BSV300ttCW has three outlets and two USB ports, all on the front. Its most interesting design feature is a lipped top surface where you can lean your phone while it’s charging.
The cube-shaped Belkin SRA006p3tt5 is similar to the currently unavailable Anker in that it’s a small protector at the end of a long cord. The Anker’s smaller size and dedicated USB-C connection are more convenient, but if you’re connecting larger wall warts, they’ll likely fit better on this.
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