Finding the right extension cord can be surprisingly complex. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to end up with a tangled mess of underpowered cords that don’t suit your needs. Whether you’re setting up a home office, decorating for the holidays, or just need to power a device in an awkward corner, the correct 15-foot cord provides the perfect blend of reach and convenience without creating excessive clutter.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best 15-foot extension cords available. We’ve evaluated options for indoor use, outdoor tasks, and everything in between, focusing on features like outlet count, build quality, safety certifications, and space-saving designs. Our goal is to help you find the ideal power solution for your everyday requirements.
Our Top Picks for 15-Foot Extension Cords
- GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 15 Ft
- UltraPro 15 Ft Indoor Extension Cord 3 Outlet
- Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Ft Cord
- Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 15 Foot, Black – Pack of 2
- Olcorife Flat Plug Power Strip with 6 Outlets
- Philips Indoor Extension Cord Power Strip 15 ft
- GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 15 Ft
- BELLLIGHTS 2-Pack 15ft Extension Cord
- HONDERSON Indoor Outdoor Extension Cord Weatherproof
- Southwire 15-Foot 12/3 Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
GE 3-Outlet Flat Extension Cord 15 Ft
This GE extension cord is a fantastic solution for tight spaces. Its defining feature is the right-angle flat plug, which allows you to push furniture flush against the wall without creating a bulge. This design also ensures that the adjacent wall outlet remains accessible, a small but significant convenience.
The cord itself is designed to be tangle-free, making setup and storage simple. With three grounded outlets, it effectively turns a single socket into a multi-device charging station. The 16-gauge wiring is suitable for common household electronics, making it a reliable choice for home offices and entertainment centers where space is at a premium.
UltraPro 15 Ft Indoor Extension Cord 3 Outlet
The UltraPro power strip offers a robust build for more demanding applications. It features a double-insulated cord and a one-piece molded plug, which contribute to its overall durability and longevity. This construction makes it a dependable option for both indoor and occasional outdoor use.
Rated for 13 amps and 1625 watts, this 16-gauge cord can handle power tools like drills and jigsaws, as well as seasonal decorations. The vinyl jacket provides protection against moisture, dust, and dirt, giving you the flexibility to use it in the garage, workshop, or on the patio without worry.
Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Ft Cord
For users with numerous devices to charge, this power strip is a powerhouse. Its unique 3-side design provides eight widely spaced AC outlets and four USB ports, including two modern USB-C ports. This layout prevents larger power adapters from blocking adjacent outlets, a common frustration with standard power strips.
The 15-foot braided cord is both long and durable, while the ultra-thin flat plug allows it to sit nearly flush against the wall. With smart charging technology that automatically detects connected devices, the USB ports deliver efficient power to phones, tablets, and other gadgets, making it an excellent central hub for a desk or media console.
Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 15 Foot, Black – Pack of 2
Simplicity and value are the hallmarks of this Amazon Basics offering. This pack includes two straightforward 15-foot extension cords, providing excellent utility for general household needs. They are perfect for situations where you just need extra reach without additional outlets.
Rated at 13 amps and 125 volts with 16-gauge wiring, these cords are compatible with a wide range of consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment. Having a two-pack on hand means you’re always prepared for any task around the house, from setting up a lamp in a dark corner to powering a tool in the yard.
Olcorife Flat Plug Power Strip with 6 Outlets
The Olcorife power strip stands out with its incredibly slim profile. The plug is only 0.27 inches thick, allowing it to fit seamlessly behind furniture and sit completely flush with the wall outlet. This space-saving design is ideal for modern homes where a clean aesthetic is important.
It functions as a 9-in-1 charging station with six AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. The cord is also ultra-thin, making it easy to run under carpets or through tight spaces. This combination of a high outlet count and a discreet design makes it perfect for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and living areas.
Philips Indoor Extension Cord Power Strip 15 ft
Philips brings its reputation for reliability to this simple and effective power strip. It features three polarized outlets and a 15-foot cord, providing essential extension capabilities for everyday indoor use. Its straightforward design gets the job done without any fuss.
A notable safety feature is the inclusion of slide locks that close off unused outlets. This can be particularly beneficial in households with young children. Being ETL listed, it meets recognized safety standards, giving you peace of mind when powering your lamps, chargers, and other household devices.
GE 3-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector 15 Ft
This GE model combines the convenience of an extension cord with the essential protection of a surge suppressor. With a 250-joule protection rating, it helps safeguard sensitive electronics like computers, gaming consoles, and televisions from voltage spikes.
The cord features an attractive braided fabric cover in a black and gray chevron pattern, adding a touch of style to your room décor that most basic cords lack. The flat plug design ensures it doesn’t obstruct other outlets, making it a practical and good-looking solution for home offices and entertainment centers.
BELLLIGHTS 2-Pack 15ft Extension Cord
Value and utility are the focus of this two-pack from BELLLIGHTS. These are simple, grounded, 3-prong extension cords that are perfect for a multitude of basic tasks. The thin plug design is an advantage, as it saves space on crowded power strips or wall outlets.
Rated for 13 amps and 1625 watts, these 16-gauge cords are suitable for computers, monitors, printers, and various home decorations. Having two cords in the package ensures you have a spare for when you need it, making this an economical choice for both home and office environments.
HONDERSON Indoor Outdoor Extension Cord Weatherproof
For serious outdoor or workshop use, the HONDERSON cord is a robust option. It features a heavier 14-gauge wire, which allows it to safely deliver more power to demanding equipment like lawn mowers, chainsaws, and electric heaters. The bright yellow color enhances visibility to prevent trips and falls.
This cord is UL listed and built with a thick, durable vinyl sheath that is resistant to moisture, abrasion, and weather conditions. A very useful safety feature is the lighted end, which provides a clear visual indicator that the cord is powered on. Its performance in a wide temperature range makes it exceptionally versatile.
Southwire 15-Foot 12/3 Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
When your project requires maximum power delivery, the Southwire heavy-duty cord is an excellent choice. It features a 12-gauge wire, which is thicker than most on this list, resulting in less voltage drop over distance and the ability to handle higher-amperage tools and appliances without overheating.
This cord is engineered for demanding outdoor and job site use. Its robust construction is built to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to sunlight, moisture, and physical wear. For powering high-wattage workshop tools, large outdoor equipment, or providing reliable power for extended periods, this heavy-duty cord is a professional-grade solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right 15Ft Extension Cord
Picking a 15ft extension cord seems simple, right? You just grab the first one you see on the shelf. But I’ve learned the hard way that not all cords are created equal. The wrong choice can be inefficient, a safety hazard, or just plain annoying. To help you avoid my mistakes, here’s my straightforward guide on what to really look for when you need a new 15ft extension cord for everyday use.
First and most importantly, you need to think about the wire gauge. This is the thickness of the wire inside the cord, and it’s marked with a number like 16, 14, or 12. Remember this simple rule: the smaller the number, the thicker the wire and the more electrical current it can safely handle. For most light-duty tasks like charging phones, running a lamp, or powering a TV, a 16-gauge cord is perfectly fine. But if you’re planning to run a space heater, a power tool, or any other high-wattage appliance, you absolutely need a heavier-duty 14-gauge or even a 12-gauge cord. Using a thin cord for a heavy job can cause it to overheat, which is a major fire risk.
Next, consider the environment. Where are you going to use this cord? If it’s strictly for indoors, a basic indoor-rated model will work. However, if there’s any chance it will be used in a garage, on a patio, or in a damp basement, you must get an outdoor-rated cord. These are designed with a tougher, weather-resistant jacket (often bright orange or yellow) to withstand moisture, temperature changes, and UV rays from the sun. Look for the letters “W” for weather-resistant or “WA” for weather-resistant and sunlight-resistant on the jacket.
Don’t overlook the plug and connector design. A bulky, oversized plug can block the second outlet on a wall socket, which is just poor design. I always look for a “low-profile” or “flat” plug that sits flush against the wall. Also, check the build quality. The point where the cord meets the plug (the strain relief) is a common failure point. A good, thick rubber boot at this junction will make the cord last much longer by preventing the wires from bending and breaking internally.
Finally, think about the little conveniences. How many outlets do you need? A simple two-outlet model is standard, but if you’re powering an entertainment center or a workbench, a cord with three or more outlets, or even one with spaced-out outlets to accommodate large power adapters, can be a game-changer. For outdoor use, a cord with a built-in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a fantastic safety feature that can prevent severe electrical shocks. Taking a few minutes to consider these factors will ensure you get a safe, durable, and convenient 15ft extension cord that perfectly fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an indoor extension cord outside?
I strongly advise against this. Indoor extension cords are not built to handle the elements. Their jackets are thinner and can crack in cold weather or degrade in sunlight. More importantly, they lack the necessary weatherproofing to be safe in damp or wet conditions, which significantly increases the risk of electric shock or a short circuit. Always use an outdoor-rated cord for any exterior use, even if it’s just for a short time.
What is the difference between a 16/2 and a 14/3 extension cord?
These numbers tell you two key things. The first number (16 or 14) is the wire gauge, which I mentioned in the buying guide. The second number (2 or 3) refers to the number of conductors, or wires, inside the cord. A 16/2 cord has two wires (a “hot” and a “neutral”) and is typically ungrounded, meaning it has a two-prong plug. A 14/3 cord has three wires (“hot,” “neutral,” and “ground”) and is grounded, with a three-prong plug. The grounded 14/3 is safer and required for most powerful tools and appliances.
How many devices can I plug into one extension cord?
There isn’t a simple “device count” answer because it all depends on the total power (wattage) those devices are using. The safest approach is to check the amp rating of your cord (usually printed on the jacket) and add up the amps of everything you plug into it. The total should not exceed the cord’s rating. As a general rule, don’t overload it. If the cord feels warm to the touch, that’s a clear sign you have too much plugged in and need to redistribute your devices.
Why does my extension cord feel warm when in use?
A warm extension cord is a warning sign. It usually means one of two things: either you are drawing more power (amps) through the cord than its gauge is rated for, or there is a poor connection somewhere, often at the plug. This heat is wasted energy and, more critically, a potential fire hazard. You should immediately unplug the cord and reassess what you have connected. You likely need a heavier-gauge cord for that specific application.
Are all 15ft extension cords safe for use with power tools?
Not all of them, no. Many power tools, especially those with motors like circular saws or air compressors, require a lot of startup power. A flimsy, 16-gauge cord might not be able to handle this surge and could cause the tool to underperform or the cord to overheat. For power tools, I always use a 14-gauge or 12-gauge outdoor-rated cord. The thicker wire ensures the tool gets the power it needs safely, and the rugged outdoor jacket can handle the wear and tear of a job site or garage.