Best smart surge protectors 2023
Let your voice command power (outlets)!
With all the gadgets and devices we own today, we want to protect them from any surges or spikes that may occur. Unfortunately, electronic devices can be expensive to replace, so why not purchase an intermediary device to absorb any extra charge that may pass through the circuit?
You can get a standard surge protector, but if you want to get something that's connected so it can be part of your overall smart home, we've rounded up a bunch of the best smart surge protectors that offer more than just surge protection.
These are the smartest surge protectors out there
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Independent control
The Kasa Smart Power Strip has six power outlets and three USB ports. You can control each of the six outlets independently with the Kasa Smart App. You can even set a time for when an outlet turns on or off. Voice commands can be used with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana to control any device connected to the power strip.
Compact power
GHome's 9-in-1 smart surge protector easily hooks onto the power socket on the wall, so you don't have to deal with dangling wires. It features six AC sockets, out of which three can be individually controlled using the compliant app or your voice with Alexa or Google Assistant. In addition, you get three USB Type-A ports so you can plug in your chargers and other USB-powered devices directly.
Great Flexibility
Besides versatility in sockets, TESSAN's smart power strip offers the liberty to obscure the power strip, thanks to its 6-feet-long cable. Three of the six power sockets can be turned on or off using the Smart Life app, which also allows you to set schedules and control the smart outlets remotely, even when you are not on the same Wi-Fi network. The three USB ports offer a power output of up to 2.4-amperes, which is sufficient to charge your Pixels and iPhones — not just USB-powered accessories.
No hub required
Who needs a smart hub when you have a smart surge protector? Geeni's Protector works with Alexa and Google Assistant and doesn't require you to use a hub to get it up and running. All you need is the standard 2.4GHz Wi-Fi that's already in your home, and the Geeni app on your smartphone or tablet.
For the great outdoors
What's the fun about having a smart home if you can't help make your outdoor accessories smart, too? POWRUI takes care of that with its Outdoor Smart Surge Protector, which offers IP44 water resistance, and is made with ABS fireproof material and a splash-proof design to withstand the elements. Instead of being limited by the power cables to the surge protector, the POWRUI's four outlets are separated, allowing more mobility.
Everyone's friend
With the LINGANZH Surge Protector, you'll get Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and you can set schedules and timers with the necessary app. You can also use the app to set up "Device Sharing," giving access to anyone in your home to use and control the different outlets.
Outdoor convenience
Whether you are looking to control lighting on your porch, or make sure the sprinkler gets turned on timely, this Meross outdoor smart plug is just the right product for you. It features three outlets, each with a maximum output of 15A. The power strip is controlled by a MediaTek IoT chip that ensures better connectivity and convenience that you can rely on. In addition, it is resistant to water, heat, and dust to ensure a long life. Besides Alexa and Google Assistant, the smart plug also works with Samsung SmartThings.
For the design-conscious
This one will cost you a pretty penny, but if you take great pride in how every gadget in your home looks, the style can't be beaten. And it delivers the goods, with a total of eight outlets plus five rapid-charging USB ports, including a pair of USB-A and three USB-Cs. With fire and power spike safety and everything powered by the WovenArmor cable, it's as sleek as it is functional.
For Apple fans
If your preferred smart home platform is Apple HomeKit, this is the power strip for you, though it's compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings as well. It's pretty basic with just four outlets and four USB ports, but the six-foot extension cord is a nice touch so that you can hide it behind the couch or your office desk. Control it remotely using the HomeKit app (a separate Apple device, like an Apple TV or iPad, is required) or use it with an Android phone and the Meross app.
Which smart surge protector comes out on top?
For a reasonable price, the TP-LINK WiFi Smart Power Strip is a top choice when it comes to the best smart surge protectors. It has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect to it via the Kasa Smart app. With the app, you can schedule times to switch outlets off or on. You get six outlets and three USB ports, which is a healthy amount of sockets to plug your devices into. It's perfect for the living room or office, and there's voice control using Amazon Echo and Google Home.
If you are willing to spend the money to connect many devices for your home theater or office, it doesn't get much more stylish than the Austere V Series Power. Yes, it's much more expensive than the others on this list. Still, you also get premium protection with tons of outlets and spacing between each AC port, so you don't have to worry about skipping one in between when plugging in devices with larger adapters.
Given how expensive tech devices are today, you want to invest in the best possible products to protect them. Any of the smart surge protectors on this list will do the job, and also protect your smart haven.
Choose the one that will fit well in the space you intend to position it, which will accommodate everything you want to plug in. However, in case you do not care much about controlling electrical appliances, we also have a list of non-smart surge protectors that will be easier on your pocket as well.
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Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.
- Tushar MehtaContributing Writer