In today’s tech-driven homes and offices, finding enough outlets for all our devices is a constant challenge. A standard power strip can solve the problem, but it often creates a new one with its bulky, tangled cord. This is where the compact 1.5-foot power strip shines, offering the perfect blend of outlet expansion and space-saving design, especially for tight spots behind furniture, on crowded desks, or in dorm rooms.
However, not all short power strips are created equal. Surge protection is a critical feature for safeguarding expensive electronics like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles from unpredictable power spikes. Our 2025 roundup focuses on the best 1.5-foot power strips that don’t just add outlets but also provide essential protection for your valuable gear, ensuring both convenience and peace of mind.
Our Top Picks for Compact Surge Protectors
- GE 4-Outlet Power Strip, 1.5 Ft Extension Cord
- TROND 360° Rotating Plug 1.5FT Extension Cord
- GE 6-Outlet Power Strip, 2 Pack, 1.5 Ft Extension Cord
- TROND 360° Rotating Flat Plug Extension Cord Surge Protector
- TROND Leftward Short Extension Cord 1.5ft
- TROND Short Flat Extension Cord 1.5ft
- Woods 41299 Power Strip With Overload Safety Feature
- Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
- Belkin 6-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
GE 4-Outlet Power Strip, 1.5 Ft Extension Cord
This GE power strip offers a straightforward and reliable solution for expanding a single outlet into four grounded ports. Its compact 1.5-foot cord is ideal for creating a tidy electronics hub on a desk, nightstand, or entertainment center without the hassle of excess cable. The unit is UL Listed, ensuring it meets rigorous safety standards.
Safety is a key focus, with built-in features like twist-to-lock safety covers that help prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects, making it a good option for households with children. An integrated circuit breaker provides essential overload protection, automatically cutting power if it detects a potentially dangerous electrical fault. This makes it compatible with a wide range of electronics, from computers and kitchen appliances to phones and tablets.
TROND 360° Rotating Plug 1.5FT Extension Cord
The TROND power strip stands out with its innovative 360-degree rotating flat plug, a patented design that allows it to fit into any wall outlet configuration, even in the tightest of spaces. This feature, combined with its slim, wall-mountable profile, makes it perfect for eliminating cord clutter behind furniture or in cramped dorm rooms. Its compact size also makes it a great travel companion.
Beyond its space-saving design, this unit provides robust 900-joule surge protection to safeguard sensitive equipment like computers, laptops, and modems from voltage spikes and fluctuations. The four widely spaced AC outlets prevent larger power adapters from blocking adjacent ports. It includes a cable tie for neat organization, and its small footprint ensures it stays securely on your desk or workbench.
GE 6-Outlet Power Strip, 2 Pack
This two-pack from GE delivers excellent value, providing two separate 6-outlet power strips for creating multiple centralized electronics hubs around your home, office, or workshop. The 1.5-foot heavy-duty cord is both strong and pliable, housed in durable PVC insulation for long-lasting use. This set is perfect for anyone needing to power several devices in different locations.
Each unit in the pack features six grounded AC outlets, offering expanded power from a short distance. For safety, an ETL-listed integrated circuit breaker is included to cut power in the event of overvoltage or overheating. The power strips are also designed for versatile placement with a wall-mount option, helping you keep your spaces organized and free of cable mess.
TROND 360° Rotating Flat Plug Extension Cord Surge Protector
This TROND model features the same patented 360-degree rotating flat plug as its sibling, with an ultra-slim 0.73-inch profile that easily fits behind furniture. Its unique three-sided cube design sets it apart, offering three grounded outlets positioned to allow simultaneous use without any plugs getting in the way of each other. A green LED light indicates that power and surge protection are active.
It provides reliable protection with a robust 900-joules rating, defending your computer, TV, and other home office electronics against power disturbances like surges and spikes. Rated for a maximum of 1625W (13A), it can handle most household electronics with ease. This sleek power cube is an intelligent solution for anyone needing a compact yet powerful and protected outlet expansion.
TROND Leftward Short Extension Cord 1.5ft
Engineered for ultra-tight spaces, this TROND cord features a patented left-angled flat wall plug that is only 0.33 inches thick. This specific design allows you to plug it in and free up the bottom outlet on a standard wall receptacle, making it ideal for situations where you want to keep furniture flush against the wall, such as behind a TV stand or headboard.
The unit boasts a unique trapezoid shape with three grounded outlets placed on separate sides. This smart layout ensures that even bulky power adapters can be plugged in without blocking the other outlets. A white LED power indicator is included, and the durable SPT 16/3 gauge cable is built to handle daily use, supporting up to 1625W for a variety of household appliances and electronics.
TROND Short Flat Extension Cord 1.5ft
Another excellent option for space-constrained areas, this TROND power strip features a sleek cubic design with three grounded outlets on different sides. This allows you to power multiple devices simultaneously without the common issue of one plug obstructing another. It is rated for a maximum of 1625W (13A), suitable for most common electronics and small appliances.
The key feature is its patented left-angled flat wall plug, which is designed to fit seamlessly behind furniture and free up the adjacent bottom outlet on the wall. Constructed from high-grade, flame-retardant materials and featuring a 16/3 gauge copper wire, this well-made power strip is built for superior durability and electrical safety in any indoor setting.
Woods 41299 Power Strip With Overload Safety Feature
The Woods 41299 provides a simple and effective way to add four grounded outlets where you need them most. Its 1.5-foot cord offers just the right amount of reach for desks, counters, and other surfaces where a longer cord would simply contribute to clutter. It’s a no-fuss solution for basic power expansion needs.
A notable safety feature is the set of rotating outlet safety covers. These covers can be closed when the power strip is not in use, helping to shield the outlets from moisture, dust, and dirt. The unit also includes an overload safety feature to help protect your connected devices from potential electrical issues, adding a layer of security to its straightforward functionality.
Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
As part of the trusted Amazon Basics line, this 6-outlet surge protector offers a reliable and affordable solution for your power expansion needs. The 1.5-foot cord provides a short, manageable connection that is perfect for keeping desk and entertainment center setups neat and organized. It is designed to meet the essential requirements of most users.
This power strip includes surge protection to help guard your connected electronics against sudden voltage spikes that can cause damage. With six outlets, it provides ample space for charging and powering multiple devices at once. The brand’s reputation for value makes this a solid, no-nonsense choice for anyone seeking basic surge protection in a compact form factor.
Belkin 6-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Belkin is a well-respected name in power management and electronics accessories, and this 6-outlet model with a 1.5-foot cord continues that tradition. It is built to offer dependable performance and protection for your home or office electronics. The compact design ensures it fits easily into your setup without occupying excessive space.
This power strip is engineered with surge protection circuitry to help safeguard your valuable devices, such as computers, gaming consoles, and audio/video equipment, from the damaging effects of power surges. The six outlets provide sufficient capacity for a centralized electronics station, all backed by Belkin’s commitment to quality and safety standards.
How to Choose a 1.5Ft Power Strip with Surge Protection
When I’m looking for a new 1.5ft power strip with surge protection, the first thing I check is the joule rating. This number tells me how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. For my basic electronics like lamps and phone chargers, a rating around 500 joules might be okay. But for my expensive gear—my gaming PC, home theater setup, or professional monitor—I don’t even consider anything below 1000 joules. A higher number means better protection for my investment.
Next, I look at the number and type of outlets. A standard six-outlet strip is common, but I always check the physical spacing. I’ve been burned before by bulky “wall-wart” power adapters that block two or three outlets on a poorly designed strip. I look for models with wide, alternating, or sideways-oriented outlets to make sure I can use every single plug. Some of the best 1.5ft power strips with surge protection also include USB ports, which are a game-changer for charging my devices without needing a separate adapter. I check if they are standard USB-A or the newer, faster USB-C, and what the total power output is if I want to charge a tablet or phone quickly.
The build quality and safety certifications are non-negotiable for me. I always look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal or an equivalent from ETL. This means the product has been independently tested to meet specific safety standards. I also check for a built-in circuit breaker, which will cut power if the strip is overloaded, preventing a potential fire hazard. The cord itself should be sturdy and thick, not thin and flimsy.
Finally, I think about the little extras. An illuminated on/off switch is useful in a dark home office or behind my TV stand. Some models offer individual outlet controls, which is great for managing devices separately. I also consider the warranty, as a longer warranty period often reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s surge protection capabilities. For a product designed to protect my other, more expensive purchases, that peace of mind is worth a lot.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?
This is a crucial distinction. A basic power strip is essentially just an extension cord with multiple outlets; it provides extra plug space but offers no protection against voltage spikes from your wall outlet. A surge protector, on the other hand, has built-in components designed to absorb excess electrical energy (measured in joules) and divert it away from your connected devices, safeguarding them from damage. When you’re looking at a 1.5ft power strip with surge protection, you’re getting the convenience of multiple outlets plus that essential safety feature.
Is a higher joule rating always better?
Generally, yes. The joule rating indicates the total amount of surge energy the device can handle over its lifetime. A higher rating means it can withstand more or larger surges before its protective components wear out. For protecting expensive electronics like computers or home theater systems, a higher joule rating (I prefer 1000+) provides a greater safety margin and a longer functional life for the protector itself.
Why would I need a short 1.5-foot cord?
A short cord is perfect for situations where you need outlet expansion right at the wall without a lot of excess cable to manage. I use them behind my media center, mounted on my desk leg, or in a kitchen counter outlet where a long cord would just create a tangled mess. It keeps things neat, tidy, and reduces tripping hazards.
Do surge protectors last forever?
No, they do not. The components inside that absorb surges degrade over time with each surge they stop, big or small. Many models have an indicator light that tells you when the surge protection is no longer active. Even if the light is still on, it’s a good practice to replace your surge protector every few years, or immediately after a known major electrical event like a nearby lightning strike.
Can I plug a surge protector into another surge protector (daisy-chain them)?
I strongly advise against this. Daisy-chaining power strips or surge protectors can easily overload the circuit and create a serious fire hazard. It violates most safety codes and the instructions provided by manufacturers. Always plug a surge protector directly into a wall outlet.
Are the USB ports on a power strip also surge protected?
On a quality surge protector, they should be. However, it’s always best to double-check the product specifications. The product description or manual will explicitly state if the USB charging ports are covered by the surge protection circuitry. If it’s not mentioned, I assume they are not protected.