The best small power strip is the one that turns a far-away wall outlet into enough plugs for the whole desk without adding to the cable spaghetti. A laptop, a monitor, a lamp, a phone charger and a speaker all want power at once, and the outlet always hides behind the heaviest furniture. We compared five small strips by outlet count, cord length, surge protection and stated warranty to find the ones that fit a home desk. The Mifaso 12-outlet strip takes Best Overall, with the TROND USB strip close behind.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Mifaso 12-Outlet Power Strip: 12 outlets, 900 joules, ETL-listed, 5-foot cord, 1-year warranty Check price on Amazon
Runner-Up TROND 4-Outlet USB Power Strip: 4 USB ports, 360-degree rotating plug, 900 joules, 18-month warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Mini Strip GE 3-Outlet Mini Power Strip: 5-inch braided cord, flat plug, ETL and UL listed, limited-lifetime warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Portable J.VOLT 4-Outlet Power Strip: 20-inch cord, lighted switch, 250 joules, 1875W rating Check price on Amazon
Also Worth a Look GE 3-Outlet Mini Strip: GE 3-outlet mini strip with a 5-inch braided cord Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mifaso 12-Outlet Power Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | GE 3-Outlet Braided Mini Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | TROND 4-Outlet USB Power Strip | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | GE 3-Outlet Mini Power Strip | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | J.VOLT 4-Outlet Power Strip | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |

Mifaso 12-Outlet Power Strip
A 12-outlet surge protector with a 3-sided layout, a 5-foot cord and ETL-listed multi-protection.
Pros
- 12 widely spaced AC outlets fit bulky plugs without blocking
- 900 joules of surge protection with overload protection
- ETL-certified with short-circuit, over-current and over-voltage protection
- Flat 45-degree plug and two wall-mount holes for tight spots
Cons
- 1625W rating trails the 1875W J.VOLT
- Longest strip here at 6.49 in
- No USB ports for charging phones or tablets
- Black finish only
Detailed Review
Mifaso lists this as a 12-outlet surge protector with 900 joules of protection, a 5-foot cord and ETL certification. The 3-sided layout spaces the 12 AC outlets so bulky plugs do not block each other, and the strip carries overload, short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage and overheating protection with an integrated circuit breaker. The flat plug angles 45 degrees to sit close to the wall, and two mounting holes allow wall or desk mounting. The listing rates it 1625W at 125V and 13A and states a 1-year warranty.
Who it's for: someone who needs a dozen outlets for a home office, dorm room or workbench in one strip. Who should skip it: anyone who wants USB charging ports or a white finish.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 3/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 12 AC |
|---|---|
| Cord | 5 ft |
| Surge protection | 900 joules |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 24 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ETL-certified; overload, short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage and overheating protection are stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1 year. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Surge protector limits. Look for a UL 1449 listing, never plug one strip into another, keep the total load under the stated rating, and replace the unit after a major surge or when its indicator says protection has ended.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

GE 3-Outlet Braided Mini Strip
A 3-outlet mini power strip on a braided cord with a grounded flat plug, ETL listed and rated 13A/125VAC/1625W.
Pros
- Three grounded outlets turn one wall outlet into three
- Flat plug fits behind TVs and furniture without blocking the other outlet
- ETL listed with a limited-lifetime replacement policy
- 1625W rating covers everyday indoor electronics and small appliances
Cons
- Title says a 5-inch cord while the bullets say 6-inch
- Bullets say indoor-rated while the spec table says outdoor
- Single unit, no multi-pack option
- Braided cord adds bulk behind tight furniture
Detailed Review
The listing states a 3-outlet mini power strip with a braided cord, a grounded flat plug and ETL listing, rated 13A/125VAC/1625W for indoor electronics and small appliances, backed by a limited-lifetime replacement policy. Two contradictions: the title says a 5-inch cord while the bullets say 6-inch, and the bullets say indoor-rated while the spec table says outdoor. We went with the title for length and the bullets for indoor use.
Who it's for: a desk or media console where one outlet must become three behind furniture. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a longer reach or a clearly outdoor-rated cord.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Length | 5 in braided (title) |
|---|---|
| Outlets | 3 grounded |
| Rating | 13A/125VAC/1625W |
| Plug | Grounded flat plug |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 23 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ETL listed, so safety scores 8 of 10. Limited-lifetime warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Surge protector limits. Look for a UL 1449 listing, never plug one strip into another, keep the total load under the stated rating, and replace the unit after a major surge or when its indicator says protection has ended.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

TROND 4-Outlet USB Power Strip
A 4-outlet strip with 4 USB ports, a 360-degree rotating flat plug and 900 joules of surge protection.
Pros
- 4 USB ports (2 USB-C) charge 8 devices at once
- 360-degree rotating flat plug fits any outlet orientation
- 900 joules of surge protection in a 3.94 in body
- Wall-mountable with a cable tie included for cord control
Cons
- 10A/1250W rating is the lowest stated here
- No lighted on/off switch is stated
- White finish only
- No USB cable is stated in the box
Detailed Review
TROND lists this as a 4-outlet strip with 4 USB ports, two of them USB-C, on a 5-foot cord with 900 joules of surge protection. The 360-degree rotating flat plug adapts to any outlet orientation, and the wall-mountable slim body measures 3.94 by 1.89 by 1.38 in. The USB-C ports deliver 5V/3.0A and the USB-A ports 5V/2.4A, so eight devices can charge at once. The listing uses UL94 V-0 flame-retardant materials and states an 18-month product warranty.
Who it's for: someone who charges phones, watches and laptops from one small strip at a desk or nightstand. Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than 10A or 1250W for heavy equipment.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 4 AC + 4 USB |
|---|---|
| Cord | 5 ft |
| Surge protection | 900 joules |
| Item weight | 5.28 oz |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 24 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. UL94 V-0 flame-retardant materials and 900-joule surge protection are stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 18-month product warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Surge protector limits. Look for a UL 1449 listing, never plug one strip into another, keep the total load under the stated rating, and replace the unit after a major surge or when its indicator says protection has ended.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

GE 3-Outlet Mini Power Strip
A 3-outlet mini strip with a 5-inch braided cord, a flat plug and ETL and UL listings.
Pros
- 5-inch braided cord resists tangles in a small package
- ETL-listed and UL-listed for safety
- Flat angled plug fits behind furniture
- Limited-lifetime warranty is the longest term here
Cons
- Only 3 outlets, the fewest here
- No surge protection rating is stated
- No USB ports for charging
- Indoor use only, per the listing
Detailed Review
GE lists this as a 3-outlet mini strip with a 5-inch braided cord and a flat angled plug, rated 13A at 125V for 1625W. The listing states both ETL and UL listings and a limited-lifetime warranty. One contradiction: the spec table describes a 6-inch braided cord while the title and bullets say 5 inches; we follow the title and bullets. The cord carries a black-and-gray chevron pattern and the body measures 1.7 by 3.2 in.
Who it's for: someone who needs three extra outlets behind a nightstand or desk with a cord that will not tangle. Who should skip it: anyone who needs surge protection or USB charging.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 19/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 77 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 3 |
|---|---|
| Cord | 5 in |
| Rating | 13A/125V/1625W |
| Warranty | Limited-Lifetime |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 24 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ETL-listed and UL Listed are stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. Limited-Lifetime. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Surge protector limits. Look for a UL 1449 listing, never plug one strip into another, keep the total load under the stated rating, and replace the unit after a major surge or when its indicator says protection has ended.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

J.VOLT 4-Outlet Power Strip
A compact 4-outlet surge protector with a 20-inch cord, a 60-degree flat plug and a lighted on/off switch.
Pros
- 20-inch cord is the shortest here for clutter-free counters
- 250 joules of surge protection with a built-in circuit breaker
- Lighted on/off switch cuts power to all 4 outlets at once
- ETL-listed and rated 15A/125V/1875W, the highest wattage here
Cons
- 250 joules is the lowest surge rating here
- No warranty term is stated
- No USB ports
- White finish only
Detailed Review
J.VOLT lists this as a 4-outlet surge protector with 250 joules of protection, a 20-inch cord and a 60-degree flat plug that sits flush against the wall. The lighted on/off switch shows power status and cuts all four outlets at once, and a built-in circuit breaker backs the 15A/125V/1875W rating. The listing states ETL listing and a compact, portable build for kitchens, offices and travel. No warranty term is stated, so warranty scores zero.
Who it's for: someone who wants a short-cord strip for a countertop, nightstand or pedal board with a visible power switch. Who should skip it: anyone who needs USB charging or a stated warranty.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 19/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 72 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 4 |
|---|---|
| Cord | 20 in |
| Surge protection | 250 joules |
| Rating | 15A/125V/1875W |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 24 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ETL Listed; 250-joule surge protection and built-in circuit breaker are stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Surge protector limits. Look for a UL 1449 listing, never plug one strip into another, keep the total load under the stated rating, and replace the unit after a major surge or when its indicator says protection has ended.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare the picks
| Power Strip | Office Score | Outlets | Cord | Surge Protection | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mifaso 12-Outlet Power Strip | 9.7/10 | 12 | 5 ft | 900 joules | 1 year | View on Amazon |
| TROND 4-Outlet USB Power Strip | 9.6/10 | 4 AC + 4 USB | 5 ft | 900 joules | 18 months | View on Amazon |
| GE 3-Outlet Mini Power Strip | 9.6/10 | 3 | 5 in | Not stated | Limited-Lifetime | View on Amazon |
| J.VOLT 4-Outlet Power Strip | 9.5/10 | 4 | 20 in | 250 joules | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| GE 3-Outlet Mini Strip | 9.6/10 | 3 | 5 in | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 24 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance (outlet count, USB charging and cord length), build (plug design, housing and stated materials), value for the stated specs, safety and warranty. For a power strip, safety means a stated joule rating, an ETL or UL listing, or stated overload and short-circuit protection; all five picks state at least one of these. Three listings state a warranty term: the Mifaso at 1 year, the TROND at 18 months and the GE mini at limited-lifetime. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mifaso 12-Outlet Power Strip | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 8 | 3 |
| TROND 4-Outlet USB Power Strip | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 3 |
| GE 3-Outlet Mini Power Strip | 9.6 | 27 | 19 | 20 | 7 | 4 |
| J.VOLT 4-Outlet Power Strip | 9.5 | 28 | 19 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best small power strip
Start with outlet count and USB charging
Count what you plug in on a normal day. The GE 3-outlet mini covers 3 outlets and the J.VOLT covers 4, while the Mifaso gives 12 for a full desk or workbench. If chargers eat your outlets, the TROND is the only pick here with USB ports: 4 of them, two USB-C at 5V/3.0A. For more on charging from a strip, see our best power strip with USB.
Match the cord to the distance
Cords here run 5 inches, 20 inches and 5 feet, so measure from the outlet to the desk first. The GE minis suit an outlet right behind the nightstand, the J.VOLT suits a countertop with an outlet nearby, and the 5-foot cords on the Mifaso and TROND reach across a room. If the nearest outlet is still too far, a short strip pairs well with our best wall outlet extender picks.
Read the surge and safety listings
Joules tell you how much surge energy a strip can absorb: the Mifaso and TROND state 900 joules, the J.VOLT states 250 joules, and the GE listings state no joule rating. Look for ETL or UL listings too: the GE mini states both, the Mifaso and J.VOLT state ETL, and the TROND uses UL94 V-0 flame-retardant materials. For gear that must survive a storm, also see our best surge protector for sensitive electronics.
Check the plug and mounting
Four of the five picks state a flat plug that sits close to the wall, which matters when the outlet hides behind furniture. The J.VOLT angles 60 degrees, the Mifaso angles 45 degrees, and the TROND rotates a full 360 degrees to fit any outlet orientation. For a permanent setup, the Mifaso has two mounting holes and the TROND is wall-mountable.
Setup Notes
- Measure the outlet-to-desk distance first: cords here are 5 inches, 20 inches and 5 feet.
- Check the strip rating against the load: ratings here run 10A/1250W to 15A/1875W.
- Count the plugs, including chargers: the strips offer 3 to 12 AC outlets, and the TROND adds 4 USB ports.
- For wall mounting, the Mifaso lists two mounting holes; confirm a stud or solid surface first.
- Leave the lighted switch visible on the J.VOLT so you can cut power at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many outlets do I need on a small power strip?
Count the devices first. The GE mini gives 3 and the J.VOLT gives 4, while the Mifaso gives 12 for a full desk or workbench. Chargers count too, so the TROND with 4 USB ports can free up AC outlets.
Do I need USB ports on a power strip?
Not always, but they cut charger clutter. The TROND is the only pick here with USB ports: two USB-C at 5V/3.0A and two USB-A at 5V/2.4A, so eight devices can charge at once.
What does the joule rating mean?
Joules measure how much surge energy the protector can absorb. The Mifaso and TROND state 900 joules, the J.VOLT states 250 joules, and neither GE listing states a joule rating.
Can I mount these power strips on the wall?
The Mifaso has two mounting holes for wall or desk mounting, and the TROND is wall-mountable with a slim profile. The other three listings do not state mounting.
Is a flat plug worth it?
A flat plug sits close to the wall so furniture can sit closer to the outlet. The Mifaso, GE mini, J.VOLT and TROND all state flat plugs, and the TROND plug rotates 360 degrees for tight orientations.
Related guides
See every surge protector and cable management guide and all audio, power and connectivity guides. Also see our best travel power strip. Also see our best power strip for gaming desk.
More picks: power strip with USB, wall outlet extender, surge protector for home network.




