Best APC Surge Protectors – 8 Models Reviewed
Most of us know that APC is well-known for its award-winning PowerChute® software in the power management industry.
In 1990, they became the industry spotlight with the launch of their Smart-UPS® line, recognized as the industry’s best power protection solution.
Since you are here, I reckon you are aware that APC surge protectors are also one of the top brands in the power protection market.
Without much ado, please take the time to check out our reviews of the top surge protection models from APC.
If you are in a hurry, you may want to check out the comparison chart below.
Top 8 Best Picks | Model Name | No. of Outlets | Joules Rating | Power Cord Length | Response Time | No. of USB Ports | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | APC PH6U4X32 | 11 | 2160 | 6 ft | 1 ns | 2 | Read Review |
 | APC P11VNT3 | 12 | 3020 | 8 ft | 1 ns | 0 | Read Review |
 | APC P12U2 | 10 | 4320 | 6 ft | < 1 ns | 2 | Read Review |
 | APC P8GT | 8 | 2160 | 6 ft | < 1 ns | 0 | Read Review |
 | APC P11U2 | 8 | 2880 | 6 ft | < 1 ns | 2 | Read Review |
 | APC PH8 | 6 | 2160 | 6 ft | 1 ns | 0 | Read Review |
 | APC PE6U21 | 6 | 1080 | 6 ft | <<1 ns | 3 | Read Review |
 | APC PE4WRU3 | 4 | 1080 | N.A | < 1 ns | 2 | Read Review |
[1] APC Smart Plug Wifi Power Strip [APC PH6U4X32]
Probably a first of its kind across all APC surge protectors, I was immediately impressed with the WiFi feature of APC PH6U4X32.
If you own an Alexa device home, you will be happy to know that you are able to independently control all the 3 smart surge protection outlets as well as the 2 smart USB charging ports. In another word, you will be able to power on and off devices connected to those outlets via your voice. How cool is that?
Looking to trim down your electrical bill? If so, APC PH6U4X32 is definitely for you. Via the APC Home app, electrical devices that are connected to the Wifi outlets can be scheduled to turn on and off automatically. This feature alone is worth more than the asking price. 🙂
If you are a heavy user of USB devices, you will want to know that PH6U4X32 comes with 4 USB charging ports, though only 2 of them can be controlled via Wifi.
This 6 outlet APC smart surge protector comes with a 2160 joules rating and a lifetime warranty. If you are a fan of white color, you will want to check out the white color version of APC PH6U4X32.
APC PH6U4X32 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 10.43 x 3.94 x 1.44 inches |
| Net Weight | 2.09 pounds (0.95 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 6 |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.83 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | 4 |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 2160 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $150,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
The built-in Wifi functions that facilitate voice control (via Alexa) and App scheduling are definitely the main highlights of APC PH6U4X32.
What We Don’t Like
Depending on the strength of your Wifi connection at home, you may experience frequent disconnection if your Wifi router is located too far away.
[2] APC Phone, DSL and Coaxial Surge Protector [APC P11VT3]
If you want a surge protector from a reliable brand that is capable of safeguarding all your prized electrical possessions at home from powerful power spikes and transients and more, APC P11VT3 may be the right choice for you.
This 11 outlet APC surge protector comes equipped with 3020 joules of energy ratings and it comes with child safety shutters for all its outlets. This is especially useful if you have young ones running around at home.
The most useful function of P11VT3 is none other than its fail-safe mode feature. When APC P11VT3 is no longer capable of providing surge protection, it will block out incoming AC across all of its 11 outlets so as to prevent unexpected power surges from damaging connected devices.
I have written a comprehensive review of APC P11VT3 recently, you may want to check it out if you are looking for a more thorough review.
APC P11VT3 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 13.7 x 7.5 x 2.4 inches |
| Net Weight | 2.33 pounds (1.06 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 11 |
| Cord Length | 8 ft (2.43 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | None |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 3020 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $100,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
Besides the fail-safe feature, I like the fact that P11VT3 offers surge protection capability for telephone, DSL (Internet routers) and coaxial (modem) connections.
What We Don’t Like
Lack of a USB charging port will be inconvenient for people with USB devices waiting to be charged if you do not own USB plugs which can be purchased for cheap at electrical stores.
[3] APC USB Surge Protector Power Strip [APC P12U2]
Do you stay in lightning-prone areas? If so, APC P12U2 could be a life-saver for all of your electrical devices and appliances at home.
This 4320 joules-rated surge protector from APC offers maximum protection against the strongest power surges, especially distant lightning that may cause untold damage to all your electronics.
P12U2 comes with 2 fast-charging USB ports that offer 2.4Amps of charging power which means your USB devices will be charged up at a faster rate.
At 870 grams, P12U2 is really lightweight and could potentially be your travel companion should you need portable surge protection for your electrical devices.
APC P12U2 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 5 x 1.3 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.92 pounds (0.87 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 12 |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.83 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | 2 |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 4320 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $300,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
 If I have to be picky, I would say having a longer power cord would be perfect for A/C outlets located at far-flung locations.
[4] APC Surge Protector with Master Controlled Power Outlets [APC P8GT]
In addition to having a milky-white clean exterior, this surge protector from APC comes loaded with a 2160 joules rating and is definitely able to protect against strong power surges in both home and office environments.
What impressed me the most has to be the energy-saving feature that comes with APC P8GT. It has a “Master outlet” and 4 other “switchable” outlets controllable by the Master outlet.
When a computer that is plugged into the “Master Outlet” is powered down, all computer peripherals which are plugged into the 4 x “Controlled By Master” outlets will be powered down as well. This feature helps safeguard against phantom loads which mean lower electrical bill for you. 🙂
Being an Eco-friendly device and depending on the control settings of the power-saving outlets, P8GT will automatically cut off power to all idle/unused connected devices to help converse electricity.
APC P8GT | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9.5 x 1.9 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.76 pounds (0.8 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 8 |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.83 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | None |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 2160 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $150,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
Being a huge fan of Eco-friendly devices, I really like energy-saving features that cut off power to connected devices that are idle.
What We Don’t Like
Although P8GT comes without any USB charging ports, this minor flaw can be easily overlooked by its power-saving capability and being able to shrink your electrical bills for a long time to come. 🙂
[5] APC 11 Outlet Surge Protector [APC P11U2]
If you are looking for a surge protector that can be used for both home and office, you are at the right spot.
APC P11U2 has plenty of power outlets. Out of the 11 outlets, 6 of them are blocked-spaced outlets which means you will be able to plug in old transformer-type plugs (old computer peripherals) that are commonplace in most offices.
If you often run out of A/C outlets in your office meeting room, P11U2 has more than enough outlets to cater to a big meeting group.
At home, if you have little ones running around, you will have peace of mind that the safety shutters will prevent them from playfully wiggling their little fingers into the power outlets.
Equipped with a lifetime warranty, this 2880 joules surge protector from APC will definitely provide a “safe haven” for your connected devices. 🙂
Do check out our full review of APC P11U2 if you are keen to further explore its capabilities.
APC P11U2 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 11.89 x 4.7 x 1.57 inches |
| Net Weight | 2.23 pounds (1.01 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 11 |
| Cord Length | 8 ft (2.4 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | 2 |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 2880 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $250,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
The fail-safe mode (blocks power to all outlets) feature is a must-have if you live in an old building (faulty wiring) or near an unstable power grid.
It protects (due to damaged surge components or joules depletion) all connected devices out of harm’s way should a powerful transient or spike come through the power line.
What We Don’t Like
Some of the power sockets may be a little tight upon initial use.
[6] APC 2160 Joules Surge Protector [APC PH8]
At first glance, you may be wondering why APC PH8 comes with a power switch. Well, this power switch is a master switch that controls A/C power going in and out of its 8 outlets.
It will conveniently power off all connected devices if you no longer have used it for all of them. E.g. After shutting down your laptop or computer, with just one flip of the switch, you will be able to power down the rest of the computer peripherals like printers and speakers, etc.
It also doubles as a circuit breaker when overload conditions occur.
Do not be fooled by the sheer simplicity of its exterior. This APC surge protector comes packed with 2160 joules which are capable to protect connected devices from many damaging power surges and line disturbances.
Weighing only 600g, it is the perfect companion to help protect your laptop and other electronics if you are a road warrior or frequent traveler.
APC PH8 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 9.7 x 3 x 1.2 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.32 pounds (0.6 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 8 |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.83 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | None |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 2160 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $150,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
I like the Master switch which helps power down all connected devices once the essential ones (home computer) are properly shut down. By powering down all unused devices, it prevents phantom loads from sucking away unnecessary electricity – the lower electrical bills for you.
What We Don’t Like
It would have been perfect if the PH8 comes with a pair of USB charging ports but at its current price point, it is already a bargain in my opinion.
[7] APC Desk Mount U-Shaped Power Station [APC PE6U21]
Have you been struggling with desktop real estate on your office desk? If so, this uniquely designed surge protector from APC maybe your life-saver.
If your office desk comes surrounded by a half-height cubicle partition (like the one somewhere below), APC PE6U21 can be mounted on top of the partition. It is without a doubt the perfect solution to get you more desktop real estate.
Besides saving your precious desk space, PE6U21 comes loaded with 1 USB Type C in addition to two other Type A USB charging ports which should be more than sufficient for most gadget users.
This 6 outlets desk mount surge protector from APC, too, comes with a Master Switch to help power on and power off all connected devices in one single flip of the switch. Especially helpful for people with a monitor, printer, speaker and desk lamp and so on their office desk as all of them can be powered off in a single go.
APC PE6U21 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 5.31 x 2.72 x 5.2 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.52 pounds (0.69 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 6 |
| Cord Length | 6 ft (1.83 meters) |
| No of USB Ports | 3 |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 1080 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | N.A. |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
What We Like
PE6U21’s sleek looking exterior will look asethetic however and wherever you place it. Besides looking good, this desk mount surge protector will help trim down your electrical bill if you care to utilize the Master Switch.
What We Don’t Like
Comparing it’s currently price point and it’s whole lots of useful features, there is really nothing to dislike about APC PE6U21. 🙂
[8] APC Wall Outlet Surge Protector [APC PE4WRU3]
If you have been sourcing for a surge protector that is light-weighted yet possesses rotating power sockets, your prayer has been answered. 🙂
This 4 outlet surge protector from APC also comes equipped with 2 USB charging ports and can be easily mounted onto a wall space via the screw located at the center of its housing.
Do you have an A/C outlet located at a tight and awkward corner of the house? If so, APC PE4WRU3’s rotating plugs will be able to reach those tight spaced behind the cupboard or under the bed or sofa.
Since PE4WRU3 is extremely light, it offers high portability and is most suitable for people who commute a lot between places and offices.
APC PE4WRU3 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 2.56 x 3.74 x 5.51 inches |
| Net Weight | 0.71 pounds (0.32 kg) |
| No. of Outlets | 4 |
| Cord Length | N.A. |
| No of USB Ports | 2 |
| Response Time | 1 ns |
| Energy Rating | 1080 Joules |
| Equipment Protection Policy | Lifetime $50,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What We Like
PE4WRU3’s lightweight and rotating sockets are big pluses for me since I commute a lot between home and client sites.
What We Don’t Like
The joule rating may be on the low side if you are intending to connect power-hungry equipment and electrical devices.
