A surge protector is a vital component of any home theater. It is the number one way to protect your home theater equipment. From the TV to the cable box to the Wi-Fi router, speakers, and everything in between, there’s a lot of equipment in home theaters that need to be powered and protected. Even your home theater lighting can use protection. Below are the choices for our 10 best surge protectors! Read more to learn more about each surge protector and why we recommend it.
List of 10 Best Surge Protectors
Panamax M8-AV-PRO 8-OutletBelkin BP112230-08 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug 4320 JouleAPC PH6U4X32W Smart 6-Outlet 2160 JouleAPC P11VNT3 11-Outlet 3020 JouleHolsem X12 12-Outlet 4000 JouleCostech 14-Outlet 2500 WattPyle PCO860 19-Outlet 1U Rack-Mounted PSUAPC H15BLK 12-Outlet H-Type Rack-MountableCyberPower CPS1215RMS 12-Outlets 1800 Joule 1U Rack-MountedFurman M-8X2 8-Outlet with Power Conditioning
Your standard power strip that identifies itself as a surge protector will not properly withstand a real threat to your equipment. Real surge protectors are multi-outlet power distribution devices that protect connected devices from voltage spikes or surges, such as lightning. The best surge protectors detect, stop and re-route a large voltage spike (surge), directing it to the grounding line, and protecting your equipment from harm. If you’re still stuck using your basic power strips and surge protectors, you’re in luck, because there are some amazing surge protectors on the market that are built for home theaters. These days, home theater surge protectors are intuitively designed and provide a plethora of outlets and outlet types to fit your every need, while withstanding insane amounts of voltage. Say goodbye to your old power strips, because once you see these top home theater surge protectors, you’ll be on your way to a newly organized and highly protected home theater system.
1. Panamax M8-AV-PRO 8-Outlet Home Theater Power Management System
PROS
We have never had any issues with them and they have protected our equipment for many years. This unit contains 8-outlets, 2 COAX, and a telephone/LAN. All of these have premium filtration and surge protection. The Panamax M8-AV-Pro includes standard surge protection, EMI/RFI and high-current noise filtration, and a lifetime limited warranty! The lifetime warranty includes a “Panamax Surge Protector Limited Connected Equipment Protection Policy” which will cover up to $5,000,000 in damages for any equipment that is damaged by AC power, cable, telephone, or lightning surge. This is by far one of the best warranties out there when it comes to surge protection!
CONS
This unit is the most expensive unit out of the 4 different models meant for home theater and home office applications, however, it is still a very reasonable price. There are no USB ports on this surge protector. Other than the higher price and the lack of USB ports, there aren’t many cons with this unit. It will last for many many years and work as intended.
2. Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector
PROS
The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector can be trusted to protect your equipment with a 4320-joule energy rating and an input voltage of 125V. It also reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) to block unwanted line noise. It comes with an 8-foot, 14-gauge heavy-duty power cord and wall mounting is available. In addition, it has a Belkin Lifetime Warranty and a $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.
CONS
While the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector is a great value for a home theater surge protector, it has a few setbacks. It does not provide any USB outlets to accommodate phone charging. Also, some users have reported trouble with storm protection and trouble with Belkin honoring its lifetime warranty.
3. APC PH6U4X32W 6-Outlet Smart Surge Protector (3 Smart Outlets)
PROS
All outlets and USB ports are surge protected with a 2160-Joule energy rating. There is no hub required to use the smart functionality of this device because it connects to an existing Wi-Fi connection. The maximum current support by this unit is 15 amps. There are 4.8 amps of shared power for all USB ports. This APC surge protector also comes with a lifetime warranty and a $150,000 connected-equipment protection policy. Although, it’s recommended that you replace them every two years anyway as we explained in our surge protector guide. The 6-foot long power cord also has a 90-degree angle wall plug to save additional space.
CONS
Unfortunately, not all 6 of the outlets are smart-enabled. The smart functionality currently does not work with Google Home or IFTTT, however, they do plan to add this functionality in the future.
4. APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector with Phone, Network Ethernet & Coaxial Protection
PROS
It also includes coaxial and ethernet hook-ups for phone, fax and network protection. The APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector features an 8-foot cord with 180-degree rotation and a right-angle plug. APC is a trusted home theater equipment brand, and this APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector provides a 3020-joule equipment protection. It also comes with a $100,000 Equipment Protection Policy.
CONS
While the APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector is a great value, it comes with no USB outlets and has no power conditioning capabilities. In addition, users have reported bad network connections, when plugging their internet into the ethernet outlets of the APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector. One user reports that it only has a 10/100 passthrough, cutting down 10% of its potential, while another user reported that no connection was available upon plugin.
5. HOLSEM 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 3 Smart USB Charging Ports
PROS
It has two USB charging ports with Smart IC Technology (5V/3.1A) and one additional standard USB charging port. It has a 6-foot heavy-duty extension cord and four keyhole mounting slots for easy wall mounting. The HOLSEM 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip has a 4000-joule energy rating and is made of flame-retardant material that is able to withstand 1,380℉. Its technical parameters are 15A/60Hz with a power rating of 1875W. It also comes with overload protection, which includes a double-break overload switch. This HOLSEM 12-outlet surge protector has a 24-month warranty, and lifetime technical support is available.
CONS
The activation light is reported to be small and not able to be seen across the room. Some users report that the on/off switch is loose, but HOLSEM says it was designed that way. The HOLSEM 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip also provides no power conditioning capabilities. Lastly, the outlets appear to be well-spaced, but the power strip itself is fairly narrow, which may hinder your ability to utilize all of its outlets.
6. Costech 14-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip Tower with 4 Port USB Charging Ports
PROS
There are 14 outlets that allow for ideal cord spacing, and it includes four USB ports. It is made of premium, reliable and durable flame-resistant ABS and PVC and features a built-in smart control overload protector. It has a 2500W-rated power copper core, as well as a retractable 6-foot cable. It also has passed CE & FCC certifications.
CONS
The Costech 14-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip Tower with 4 Port USB Charging Ports may be stylish and roomy for all of your plug-ins, but it provides no power conditioning capabilities. There are also no coaxial or ethernet hookups.
7. Pyle 19-Outlet 1U 19″ Rackmount PDU (PCO860)
PROS
The Pyle 19-Outlet 1U 19” Rackmount PDU (PCO860) also includes one USB charge port and a built-in 15-amp circuit breaker, preventing dangerous circuit overloads. It has a 15-foot power cable and an operating voltage of 110/240V, which allows for an optimized and reliable distribution of AC power.
CONS
While the Pyle 19-Outlet 1U 19” Rackmount PDU (PCO860) is a very impressive surge protector/power conditioner, it has a few downfalls. It has no ethernet hookups or coaxial hookups. It is also more than double the cost of other reliable surge protectors.
8. APC H15BLK 12-Outlet H-Type Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner
PROS
As a power conditioner, it protects from electrical noise interference and damage from power transients. It also features a built-in circuit breaker and is mountable.
CONS
The APC H15BLK 12-Outlet H-Type Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner gets great ratings from customers, but it is at a high price. It also does not feature any USB outlets.
9. CyberPower CPS1215RMS Surge Protector
PROS
The CyberPower CPS121RMS Surge Protector includes an EMI/RFI noise filter, as well as versatile rack mounting options at a 1U rack mount height. It provides 1800 joules of protection, and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
CONS
While the CyberPower CPS121RMS Surge Protector sits at a decent price for its capabilities, it does not include any coaxial hookups or ethernet outlets. It also has a much lower joule rating than most other surge protectors on the market.
10. Furman M-8X2 Merit Series 8-Outlet Power Conditioner and Surge Protector
PROS
It features nine total outlets. It has eight rear panel outlets, and three of which have a large amount of spacing between them. It also has one front panel convenience outlet. The Furman M-8X2 Merit Series 8-Outlet Power Conditioner and Surge Protector comes with a filtration rating greater than 23 dB, 200Khz to 10 Mhz, filtering out RFI/EMI interference for a cleaner sound without pops and crackles. It also has a 15-amp rating with a circuit breaker.
CONS
The Furman M-8X2 Merit Series 8-Outlet Power Conditioner and Surge Protector is a great power conditioner/surge protector duo from a trusted home theater brand, but it has fewer outlets than many home theaters may need. It is built for only a small home theater, and those with larger home theater systems would be forced to buy another surge protector for the rest of the equipment. It also does not feature any USB outlets, ethernet outlets or coaxial cable hookups.
Get Started – Buy Your Home Theater Surge Protector
When you’re ready to purchase a powerful surge protector for your home theater, be sure that it meets all of your current needs, as well as any needs you think you might have in the future. There are so many options available, so it’s important to make sure that you find the one that will last a long time.
Start by listing all of your equipment needs, and you’ll be on your way to a more organized, well-protected home theater power supply system. For example, you’ll want to review the number of outlets you’ll need, and be sure to consider the different plug types you have.
If you have lots of adapters and bulky cords, you’ll want to make sure that your surge protector has either rotating outlets or plenty of space between plug-ins.
Make sure that the surge protector is compatible with all of your devices as far as energy use and power needs, and if you need to, consult an expert to ensure that you are purchasing the right one for your home theater.
Related Questions
Is it worth it to purchase an all-in-one power conditioner and surge protector? While the all-in-one surge protector/power conditioner devices are typically priced higher than regular home theater surge protectors, it is definitely worth the splurge if you have high-valued equipment in your home theater system. A power conditioner filters out the “dirty” power and keeps your expensive equipment safe, functioning efficiently, and lasting for a long time. Is there any reason to not buy a surge protector for my home theater? No. A high-quality surge protector is the number one way to protect any and all home theater equipment from harm (like blowing out a subwoofer) during a severe storm. From video gaming equipment to cable boxes, stereo equipment and everything in between, the wrong storm could completely blow out all of your hardware. It’s best to make sure everything is protected via a surge protector, or you could be spending a lot of money replacing your equipment after a storm.
