The desk fills up fast, and the search for the best metal power strip usually starts the same way: one wall outlet and more gear than it can hold. A metal strip adds outlets in a housing that stands up to workshop and office use, and the listing details decide which one fits: outlet count, joule rating, cord length, mounting and warranty. Five metal power strips were compared here by stated outlets, joule rating, cord, mounting, certifications and warranty, using only what each listing publishes. Outlet count, joule rating and cord length separate the five strips below, and the listing details make the differences clear.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Belkin 10-Outlet Strip: 10 outlets, 885 joules, lifetime warranty Check price on Amazon
Best 8-Outlet CRST 8-Outlet Strip: 2100 joules, ETL, 18-month warranty Check price on Amazon
Best 6-Outlet CRST 6-Outlet Strip: 2100 joules, ETL, 18-month warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Certified HHSOET 6-Outlet Strip: 1200 joules, UL and CSA, 1 year warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Basic Amazon Basics 9-Outlet: 9 outlets, 600 joules, aluminum housing Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belkin 10-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | CRST 8-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | CRST 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | HHSOET 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Amazon Basics 9-Outlet | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Belkin 10-Outlet Strip
A 10-outlet metal power strip with 885 joules of surge protection and a limited lifetime warranty for home office and entertainment use.
Pros
- 10 outlets, the most here.
- 885 joules of surge protection stated.
- Durable metal housing stated.
- Limited lifetime warranty stated.
Cons
- No certification is stated.
- No mounting is stated.
- Cord length is not stated, only long-reach.
- 3.2 pounds listed weight.
Detailed Review
The listing states a 10-outlet heavy-duty strip with a durable metal housing, 885 joules of surge protection, a 15 amp rating and a long-reach cord. The listing states a limited lifetime warranty. No certification and no mounting are stated.
Who it's for: a desk or entertainment center that needs the most outlets here. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a stated certification or wall mounting.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 5/5: 87 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 10 |
|---|---|
| Joules | 885 |
| Current | 15 A |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 885-joule surge protection, metal housing, so safety scores 8 of 10. Limited lifetime warranty, so warranty scores 5 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.
CRST 8-Outlet Strip
An 8-outlet metal power strip with 2100 joules of surge protection and an 18-month warranty for garage, workshop and office use.
Pros
- 2100 joules, the highest rating here.
- ETL certification stated.
- Overload protector stated.
- 1.5 mm aluminum alloy housing stated.
Cons
- 8 outlets, fewer than the Belkin.
- 1.7 pounds, heavier than the CRST 6-outlet.
- No USB charging is described.
- 18-month warranty is shorter than lifetime.
Detailed Review
The listing states an 8-outlet strip with a 1.5 mm aluminum alloy housing, 2100 joules of surge protection, an overload protector, a 6 foot cord and 15 amp, 1875 watt support. The listing states an 18-month warranty and ETL certification.
Who it's for: a garage or workshop that wants the highest joule rating here. Who should skip it: anyone who needs 10 outlets or a lifetime warranty.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 9/10 and warranty 4/5: 87 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 8 |
|---|---|
| Joules | 2100 |
| Cord | 6 ft |
| Housing | 1.5 mm aluminum alloy |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 2100-joule surge protection, ETL certification, overload protector, so safety scores 9 of 10. 18-month 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.
CRST 6-Outlet Strip
A 6-outlet metal power strip with 2100 joules of surge protection and an 18-month warranty for garage, workshop and home use.
Pros
- 2100 joules, the highest rating here.
- ETL certification stated.
- Overload protector stated.
- Aluminum alloy housing stated.
Cons
- 6 outlets, fewer than the 8-outlet CRST.
- No USB charging is described.
- 18-month warranty is shorter than lifetime.
- Near-duplicate of the 8-outlet CRST in features.
Detailed Review
The listing states a 6-outlet strip with an aluminum alloy housing, 2100 joules of surge protection, an overload protector, a 6 foot cord and 15 amp, 1875 watt support. The listing states an 18-month warranty and ETL certification.
Who it's for: a smaller workshop setup that still wants the highest joule rating. Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than 6 outlets.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 9/10 and warranty 4/5: 85 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 6 |
|---|---|
| Joules | 2100 |
| Cord | 6 ft |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 2100-joule surge protection, ETL certification, overload protector, so safety scores 9 of 10. 18-month 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.
HHSOET 6-Outlet Strip
A 6-outlet wall mountable metal power strip with 1200 joules of surge protection and a 1 year warranty for office and under-desk use.
Pros
- 1200 joules of surge protection stated.
- UL STD 1363 and CSA C22.2 certification stated.
- 15 amp circuit breaker with switch stated.
- Wall mountable with a 6 foot 14AWG cord.
Cons
- 6 outlets, fewer than the Belkin and Amazon Basics.
- 1 year warranty is shorter than lifetime and 18 months.
- No USB charging is described.
- 14.5 inches long, a narrow strip shape.
Detailed Review
The listing states a 6-outlet strip with an aluminum and metal enclosure, 1200 joules of surge protection, a 15 amp circuit breaker with switch, wide spaced outlets and a 6 foot 14AWG cord. The listing states a 1 year warranty and conformance to UL STD 1363 and CSA STD C22.2.
Who it's for: an office or under-desk setup that wants certified protection. Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than 6 outlets or a longer warranty.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 9/10 and warranty 3/5: 84 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 6 |
|---|---|
| Joules | 1200 |
| Cord | 6 ft 14AWG |
| Certification | UL 1363, CSA C22.2 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 1200-joule surge protection, UL and CSA certification, 15 amp breaker, so safety scores 9 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.
Amazon Basics 9-Outlet
A 9-outlet metal surge protector strip with 600 joules of protection and mounting holes for workshops, offices and garages.
Pros
- 9 outlets, second most here.
- Aluminum housing with mounting holes.
- LED protector indicator stated.
- Wide spaced 2.5 inch center-to-center outlets.
Cons
- No warranty term is stated.
- 600 joules, the lowest rating here.
- No certification is stated.
- LED indicator only; no switch is stated.
Detailed Review
The listing states a 9-outlet strip with a durable aluminum housing, 600 joules of surge protection, mounting holes, a protector LED indicator and a 6 foot extension cord. No warranty term and no certification are stated.
Who it's for: a workshop or office that wants 9 outlets at a basic protection level. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a higher joule rating or a warranty term.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Outlets | 9 |
|---|---|
| Joules | 600 |
| Cord | 6 ft |
| Spacing | 2.5 inch center-to-center |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. 600-joule surge protection, aluminum housing, so safety scores 7 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.
More picks to compare
Amazon Basics 16-Outlet16 outlets, 600 joules, aluminum housing, 6 ft cord.Check on Amazon
TRIPP LITE 4-Outlet4 outlets, metal housing, lifetime warranty, 6 ft cord.Check on Amazon
OKCHILD 6-Outlet6 outlets, 2700 joules, 15A breaker, 2 year warranty.Check on Amazon
Monoprice 4-Outlet4 outlets, 180 joules, metal housing, UL certified.Check on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Strip | Office Score | Outlets | Joules | Cord | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belkin 10-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | 10 | 885 | Long-reach | Lifetime | View on Amazon |
| CRST 8-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | 8 | 2100 | 6 ft | 18 months | View on Amazon |
| CRST 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | 6 | 2100 | 6 ft | 18 months | View on Amazon |
| HHSOET 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7/10 | 6 | 1200 | 6 ft | 1 year | View on Amazon |
| Amazon Basics 9-Outlet | 9.6/10 | 9 | 600 | 6 ft | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026. Four of the five state a warranty term; all five state surge protection.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a power strip, safety means stated surge protection in joules, certifications and overload protection; all five listings state a joule rating. Four listings state a warranty term: Belkin lifetime, HHSOET 1 year, and both CRST strips 18 months. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belkin 10-Outlet Strip | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 5 |
| CRST 8-Outlet Strip | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 21 | 9 | 4 |
| CRST 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 9 | 4 |
| HHSOET 6-Outlet Strip | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 9 | 3 |
| Amazon Basics 9-Outlet | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 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 metal power strip
Outlets and spacing
Outlet counts here run from 6 to 10: the Belkin offers 10, the Amazon Basics 9, the CRST 8-outlet 8, and the HHSOET and CRST 6-outlet 6 each. Wide spacing matters for bulky plugs: the Amazon Basics lists 2.5 inch center-to-center outlets, and the HHSOET lists about 1.57 inches between centers. The Belkin 15 by 8 inch footprint is the largest stated size here, while the HHSOET 14.5 by 1.6 inch strip is a narrow bar shape for under-desk mounting. A reader with large adapters should check spacing before outlet count. For a strip shaped around a desk, a power strip for desk shows the desk-sized options.
Joules and certifications
Joule ratings here run from 600 on the Amazon Basics to 2100 on both CRST strips, with 885 on the Belkin and 1200 on the HHSOET. A higher joule rating states more surge energy absorbed, so workshop gear should lean toward the CRST ratings. Certifications also differ: the HHSOET conforms to UL STD 1363 and CSA STD C22.2, and both CRST strips state ETL certification, while the Belkin and Amazon Basics state no certification. For more on protected strips, a power strip with surge protector covers the protected range.
Cord length and mounting
Cords here run 6 feet on the HHSOET, both CRST strips and the Amazon Basics, while the Belkin states a long-reach cord with no length given. Mounting differs too: the HHSOET, both CRST strips and the Amazon Basics state mountable designs or mounting holes, while the Belkin listing states no mounting. A reader who wants the strip under a desk should start with a mountable pick and measure the cord run first.
USB charging and what is missing
None of these listings describes a USB charging port in its title or bullets, so a reader who charges phones from the strip should check the listing for USB ports before buying. The strips here are AC outlet strips: the Belkin offers 10 AC outlets, the Amazon Basics 9, and the rest 8 or 6. A reader who needs USB charging alongside AC outlets should look for a strip that states USB ports in its listing.
Read the warranty line, not the headline
Warranty terms here run from a limited lifetime term on the Belkin to 18 months on both CRST strips and 1 year on the HHSOET, while the Amazon Basics states no warranty term. A lifetime term is worth more than a vague promise, so check the warranty description field on the listing before buying.
Setup Notes
- Count the gear first: strips here offer 6, 8, 9 or 10 outlets, so match the count to the desk before buying.
- Check the joule rating: 600 on the Amazon Basics, 885 on the Belkin, 1200 on the HHSOET, and 2100 on both CRST strips.
- Measure the cord run: 6 feet on the HHSOET, both CRST strips and the Amazon Basics, and a long-reach cord with no length given on the Belkin.
- Check mounting and warranty: mountable designs on four of the five, and warranty terms from 1 year to lifetime, except the Amazon Basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a surge protector power strip work?
A surge protector diverts excess voltage away from connected gear, and the joule rating states how much surge energy it can absorb, from 600 joules on the Amazon Basics to 2100 joules on the CRST strips.
How many outlets do I need?
Count the gear: the strips here offer 6, 8, 9 or 10 outlets. The Belkin offers 10, the Amazon Basics 9, the CRST 8-outlet 8, and the HHSOET and CRST 6-outlet 6 each.
Can I mount these strips?
The HHSOET, both CRST strips and the Amazon Basics state mountable designs or mounting holes. The Belkin listing states no mounting.
Which strip has the longest warranty?
The Belkin states a limited lifetime warranty, the longest term here, against 18 months on both CRST strips and 1 year on the HHSOET. The Amazon Basics states no warranty term.
Do these strips have USB ports?
These listings describe AC outlets; none describes a USB charging port in its title or bullets. Check the listing for USB ports before buying if charging matters.
What is the difference between the two CRST strips?
The CRST 8-outlet and 6-outlet strips share 2100 joules, ETL certification, an 18-month warranty and a 6 foot cord, and differ in outlet count and length: 8 outlets at 14.48 inches against 6 outlets at 17.7 inches.
Related guides
See every Surge Protectors and Cable Management guide and all Audio, Power and Connectivity guides.
More picks: power strip for desk, small power strip and surge protectors and cable management.
