Cable Matters 6-Outlet Surge Protector with USB Ports - 12ft cord

In this review the Cable Matters 6-outlet surge protector with USB ports is evaluated for home and office use; it stands out for delivering reliable surge protection and useful USB charging in a practical 2-pack. The biggest reason to consider it is the combination of ETL listed surge suppression and a long 12ft extension cord, which together protect and place devices without needing extra adapters. For users who want a simple, durable power strip that supports higher-draw devices and offers convenient end-mounted USB charging, this product delivers solid value.

Key Features

• ETL Listed for safety: The unit provides 490 Joules of surge suppression and an internal 15 Amp circuit breaker to protect connected electronics from spikes and overloads.
• High power rating: With a 15 Amp, 125VAC, 1875W rating the strip supports computers, printers and TVs without risking overload in normal home or office setups.
• USB charging ports: Dual USB-A ports (5V 2.1A) at the end of the strip let phones and tablets charge without occupying an AC outlet or requiring separate adapters.
• Long extension cord: The included 12ft cord provides flexibility to reach distant wall outlets, which is useful under desks or behind entertainment centers.
• Durable construction: Built with 14 AWG wire and molded strain relief, the power strip is designed for lasting use and to withstand repeated plugging and mounting.
• Mounting and power control: The included mounting template and an ON/OFF power-saving switch make installation and whole-strip power control straightforward.

Who It's For

The Cable Matters surge protector is a good fit for home office users, small office setups, and living rooms where a mix of high-power devices and mobile charging is needed. It works well for people who want ETL listed protection and a long cord to position the strip where outlets are inconvenient.

Those who need advanced surge warranties, professional-grade protection for very high-value equipment, or more USB charging ports at higher output may want to compare models with higher joule ratings or additional fast-charge USB-C outputs. For most consumer and office needs, this unit balances protection, cord length and charging convenience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ETL listed with 490 Joules and a 15 Amp circuit breaker for reliable basic surge protection.
• Two USB-A ports provide easy charging for phones and tablets without extra adapters.
• Long 12ft cord and mounting template make placement flexible and tidy under desks or behind furniture.
• Sturdy build with 14 AWG wire and molded strain relief for longevity.

Cons

• USB ports are 5V 2.1A USB-A only, so they do not provide modern higher-power USB-C fast charging.
• 490 Joules is solid for typical use but not the highest available for protecting very expensive or sensitive equipment.

Specifications

Certification	ETL Listed
Surge suppression	490 Joules
Circuit breaker	Built-in 15 Amp
Power rating	15 Amp, 125VAC, 1875W
USB ports	2 x USB-A (5V 2.1A)
Cord length	12ft
Wire gauge	14 AWG with molded strain relief

Our Verdict

The Cable Matters 6-outlet surge protector with USB ports is a practical, well-built choice for most homes and small offices that need basic surge protection plus convenient device charging. Its ETL listing, long 12ft cord and durable construction make it good value for everyday use, though buyers seeking the fastest USB charging or the highest joule ratings should compare other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this power strip provide certified surge protection?
Yes, it is ETL listed and provides 490 Joules of surge suppression plus a 15 Amp circuit breaker for overload protection.

Can I charge tablets and phones from the USB ports?
Yes, the two USB-A ports supply 5V 2.1A each, which is suitable for charging smartphones and many tablets at standard speeds.

Is the cord long enough to reach distant outlets?
Yes, the included 12ft cord gives flexibility to place the strip under desks or farther from the wall outlet.