Published By: Marc Edwards | Last updated on June 2, 2024 and reviewed by Editorial Team
My son was recently given (a birthday gift from his buddy) a surge protection device to help safeguard his newly purchased gaming laptop and hence the review of this Bestek 10 outlet surge protector. His laptop is white, which coincidentally matches the white version of this 4000 Joules surge protector that he received.
The box was not in the best condition when it got delivered to our doorstep, mainly due to the wet weather. Fortunately, the surge suppressor came in bubble-wrapped protection.
First Impression – Look and Feel
Undeniably aesthetic, the white color of this Bestek surge protector adds a touch of sophistication to any environment it is placed in, especially when we place it on a wooden table near the gaming laptop. Its sleek white design makes it easy to incorporate into any space, be it a home office, work desk, or even within a rack of gaming consoles and electronic gadgets. 🎮🕹️💻
One of the first things I noticed was its solid construction which offered a good grip when I held it up singlehandedly. The touch and feel of the device were surprisingly robust without that “cheap’ plastic feel that comes with certain brands – which sort of boosted my confidence in its durability.
The power strip’s body is made of high-quality PC material, boasting excellent flame retardancy at 1382℉ (750℃). This feature enhances safety and offers peace of mind, knowing that this Bestek power strip is designed to withstand potential hazards.
- All 10 sockets and USB ports work well for the most part although there were a couple of outlets that required some amount of effort (initially) to push the plugs in. The charging speed of the USB ports is mediocre at best but it gets the job done. My son plugged his laptop and most of his gaming devices in and still has a couple of outlets to spare.
- The coaxial cable surge protection ports were pretty useful for my son as he has a cable box, phone line and fax machine inside his room.
- There are only 2 widely spaced-out sockets for big transformer plugs so if you need more sockets for such big plugs, you may have to ‘sacrifice’ an outlet or two.
Features We Like
Widely Spaced Sockets
My son loves the inclusion of ten power outlets, allowing him ample space to plug in most of his gaming gadgets and devices simultaneously. Two of the outlets are conveniently spaced to accommodate larger power adapters or chargers, eliminating the frustration of having adjacent outlets obstructed. My son used one of them for a big-sized charging brick.
4000 Joules
The BESTEK surge protection power strip excels in its surge protection capabilities, featuring a remarkable 4000-joule energy rating. This level of joules rating can easily guard against sudden power surges and voltage spikes, shielding valuable electronic devices such as TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, and more. The surge protector’s ability to withstand up to 4000 joules is a testament to its dedication to premium power protection.
Wall-mountable
If you are running out of space on your desk or floor space, the inclusion of mounting holes can be a godsend – allowing for easy installation on walls, baseboards, or furniture, enabling efficient organization of cords and eliminating clutter. I especially like the power switch that is located on the plug-cable end which helps prevent accidental power-offs, safeguarding against disruptions and potential data loss.
Coaxial Surge Protection
While this is not a common feature to have in most surge protection devices, having coaxial cable protection ensures the safety of cable boxes and satellite connections. Additionally, the 1-in, 2-out RJ11 telephone/fax protection guarantees continuous phone line connections, making it a comprehensive solution for your home office and entertainment needs.
Pro Tips
The often neglected technical information that can be useful in times of need can be found at the back of the surge protector.
Such information can be extremely useful when you need to check on the electrical input and output voltages as well as safety certifications. Especially so if you are planning to get a UPS battery backup unit to further safeguard your valuable home appliance during unplanned power outages.
Minor Flaws – What to Expect
Despite the numerous positive aspects of the BESTEK power strip, there are a few minor flaws that you might need to know of before making a purchase decision. This is a pretty common one which is the absence of individual power switches for each outlet. While the power strip does offer surge protection and a circuit breaker, having the ability to turn off specific outlets individually would have added an extra level of convenience and energy-saving capabilities.
The clamping voltage of this model is 500V, bear that in mind before you purchase your unit. The ideal clamping voltage should be between 300 to 400 volts. That being said, it was good to know there is a built-in circuit breaker that will trip if a power surge gets through, somehow.
Worth Mentioning
One of the standard features of the BESTEK power strip is the emphasis on safety. The power strip incorporates grounded and protected LED indicator lights, clearly displaying the grounding and surge protection status. These indicators provide valuable information at a glance, offering peace of mind regarding the safety of your connected devices. Furthermore, the power strip includes a safety shutter to prevent electric shock, providing an added layer of protection, especially for households with children.
Although the charging speed is mediocre at best, the convenience of the dual USB charging ports which came equipped with smart IC technology cannot be dismissed. These ports intelligently identify connected devices and deliver the fastest charging speed of up to 2.4A (5V/2.4A max per port). This feature saves you the hassle of having to waste an additional socket for a dedicated USB charger, saving you valuable time and effort.
Specification Table
Bestek Surge Protector | Specification Table |
Dimensions | 11.1 x 3.98 x 1.42 inches |
Net Weight | 1.97 pounds (0.89 kg) |
No. AC Outlets | 10 |
Power Cord Length | 6 ft |
Joule Ratings | 4000J |
USB Ports | 2 [up to 2.4A. 5V/2.4A max each port] |
Warranty | 18 months |
Who Should Buy It?
This surge protector is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to protect their valuable electronic devices, such as TVs, speakers, computers, and home theater systems. The 10 outlets and 4000 joules surge protection energy rating ensure comprehensive coverage for multiple appliances throughout the house.
For individuals working in offices or professional workstations, this surge protector offers reliable protection for PCs, printers, phones/fax/modems, and other electronic equipment. The 10 outlets provide ample connectivity options, while the 6-foot cord and mounting holes allow for easy installation and organization of cords.
Gaming fanatics looking for surge protection for their multitude of gaming electronic devices, such as gaming consoles, sound systems, and chargers, will appreciate the 10 outlets and two widely spaced AC outlets designed to accommodate large power adapters or chargers. The two built-in USB ports with fast-charging technology provide convenient charging options for smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
Who Should NOT Buy It?
If you frequently travel or require a surge protector for portable use, this model’s heavyweight and form factor may not be practical. Travel-friendly surge protectors with compact designs and built-in USB ports are often more suitable for on-the-go use.
If you have minimal electronic devices and don’t require many outlets or surge protection, a simpler power strip or single-outlet surge protector may be more cost effective and efficient for your needs.
While the BESTEK surge protector offers essential surge protection and USB charging capabilities, it does not include advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, or smart home integration. If you specifically require these advanced features, do check out our review for smart surge protection devices or surge protectors with timers.
Is The Price Reasonable?
Yes, based on the features, build quality, and surge protection capabilities offered, the current price point appears reasonable when we consider the factors that contribute to its value. E.g. The quality construction, 4000 joules ratings, coaxial surge protection, wall mounting capability, etc.
Check PriceWhat Else to Know About This 10 Outlet Bestek Surge Protector?
In addition to whatever has been mentioned above, you may want to know that this FCC-certified surge protector also comes with EMI/RFI filters, overload protection and has been in the market since 2018 (current model).
Final Thoughts
If you are not too picky, I honestly think this Tier 3 surge protector from Bestek is an excellent addition to any home or office environment, not to mention gaming setups. Its sleek design, durable construction, and versatile features make it a reliable and efficient solution for powering and protecting multiple electronic devices simultaneously.
The high surge protection rating of 4000 joules, combined with the smart IC technology in the USB ports, ensures that your devices are not only powered but also safeguarded against unexpected voltage fluctuations.
I particularly appreciate the inclusion of coaxial surge protection ports for TV, phone lines and network cables. These thoughtful additions contribute to a tidy and organized workspace while maximizing the available power options.
Furthermore, the incorporation of safety measures like the grounded indicator, safety shutter, and flame-retardant materials demonstrates BESTEK’s commitment to user safety.
If you are in need of a reliable power strip that not only provides ample outlets but also offers surge protection and USB charging capabilities, the BESTEK power strip is a worthy investment at its current price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have surge protection indicator lights?
Yes, the power strip features protected and grounded LED indicator lights, clearly displaying the status of surge protection and grounding for easy visual confirmation.
Is the power strip flame-retardant?
What is the maximum current it can withstand?
Can I use it with 220-240V voltage?
Can I connect this surge protector to another one?
Is the power strip suitable for outdoor use?
Can I plug in a power strip into one of its outlets?
Is it compatible with international plug types?