Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector - Review

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports - 1000 Joule, Black Review: Protect Your Electronics from Power Surges and Spikes

In today's digital age, our lives depend on electronic devices, from smartphones to laptops and home entertainment systems. We invest heavily in these gadgets and rely on them for communication, information, entertainment, and work. However, what if one day a power surge or spike damages or destroys these devices, leaving us with hefty repair or replacement costs and lost data and productivity? That's where surge protectors come in. Amazon Basics offers a reliable and affordable solution with its 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports.

Design and Features

At first glance, the Amazon Basics surge protector power strip looks like a typical extension cord, but with compartments for six plugs and two USB ports on top. It has a black matte finish that matches most home and office decors and feels sturdy and well-built. The cord is around 2 feet long, which is adequate for plugging into a nearby outlet and positioning the power strip on a desk, floor, or wall. Speaking of walls, one of the standout features of this power strip is the included surface-mounting template, which allows you to install it securely and neatly on a wall or under a desk. This feature is particularly useful for saving space and avoiding tangled cords.

The six power outlets are spaced out enough to fit most plugs, including bulky adapters, without crowding or blocking other ports. The two USB ports provide a convenient way to charge smartphones, tablets, or other USB-powered devices without requiring an extra charger or adapter. The ports have a maximum output of 2.4 amps, which means they can charge two devices simultaneously at a decent speed. However, if you're charging two power-hungry devices at once, such as an iPad and a fast-charging smartphone, you may notice a slight drop in charging speed compared to using their respective chargers.

The surge protection rating of this power strip is 1000 joules, which is decent for most home and office environments. What this means is that the power strip can absorb and dissipate up to 1000 joules of energy that result from power surges, spikes, or lightning strikes. For context, a typical power surge from a thunderstorm can be around 6000 joules or more, so a power strip with a 1000-joule rating can provide a basic level of protection but may not withstand a severe surge. Nevertheless, for daily use and occasional surges, this power strip can give you peace of mind and protect your devices from harmful voltage fluctuations.

Performance and User Experience

To test the performance of the Amazon Basics surge protector power strip, we plugged in various devices, from chargers to laptops and monitors, and activated a simulated surge generator. The results were impressive: the power strip reacted swiftly to the surge and shut off power to the devices, thereby preventing any damage. We also noticed that the power strip emitted a faint audible click when it activated its surge protection circuit, which can be reassuring but may not be suitable for quiet environments.

The user experience of the Amazon Basics surge protector power strip is straightforward and effortless. You plug it in, and you're good to go. There are no buttons, switches, or LED lights that can be confusing or annoying. The power strip also has a lighted on/off switch that lets you turn off all connected devices when not in use, saving energy and reducing standby power consumption. According to Amazon, this power strip can save up to $20 per year in energy bills compared to not using a power strip.

Customer Reviews and Price

The Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from thousands of customers on Amazon's website. It has a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating, based on over 9300 reviews, which is a testament to its quality and value. Customers praise the power strip for its affordability, durability, and convenience, with many mentioning its usefulness for home offices, gaming setups, and travel. Some customers commented that the cord could be longer or thicker, but these are minor quibbles that do not affect the overall performance of the product.

Speaking of price, the Amazon Basics surge protector power strip is a steal at around $14.99 on Amazon. It is one of the most affordable and reliable power strips on the market, offering a combination of surge protection, USB charging, and multiple outlets for a fraction of the cost of high-end models. Amazon also offers a one-year limited warranty for this product, which adds to its value and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

In summary, the Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 2 USB Ports is an excellent product that provides basic but essential protection for your electronic devices against power surges and spikes. It has a sleek and practical design with six outlets and two USB ports that cater to most devices and scenarios. It also comes with a useful surface-mounting template for better organization and safety. The 1000-joule suppression rating is sufficient for daily use, and the power strip reacts quickly and reliably to surge events. At under $15 and with a high rating and positive customer reviews, this power strip is a must-have for any tech-savvy person who cares about the safety and convenience of their devices.

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector

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