Cable Matters 6-Outlet Surge Protector with USB Ports - Reliable Home

In this review of the Cable Matters 6-outlet surge protector, the bottom line is simple: it is a practical, no-frills solution for people who need reliable surge protection and convenient USB charging at home or in the office. The reviewer found the 490 Joules of surge suppression and the built-in 15 Amp circuit breaker provide sensible protection for everyday electronics, while the two USB-A ports eliminate the need for separate chargers for phones and tablets. For those who want an inexpensive way to expand a grounded outlet and add charging ports, this power strip delivers.

Key Features

• ETL listed with 490 Joules: Provides measurable surge suppression to help protect computers and entertainment gear from common spikes.
• 15 Amp, 125VAC rating: Supports high-power devices such as printers and TVs without overloading the strip under normal use.
• Dual USB-A ports (5V 2.1A): Conveniently charge smartphones and tablets directly from the strip without needing extra adapters.
• 8 ft long extension cord: The lengthy cord gives flexibility to reach distant outlets, making placement under desks and end tables straightforward.
• Built-in circuit breaker and on/off switch: The 15 Amp breaker and power-saving switch add simple overload protection and an easy way to cut power to all devices.
• Durable construction: 14 AWG wire with molded strain relief improves longevity for regular home or office use.

Who It's For

The Cable Matters surge protector is aimed at homeowners, renters, and small office users who need to expand a single grounded outlet into multiple protected outlets and add USB charging without extra plugs. It is well suited for entertainment centers, desktop workstations, and under-table placement where the 8 ft cord and included mounting template help with convenient installation.

Those who need professional-grade protection for critical servers or high-end audio/video systems should look into higher-joule, hospital-grade surge protectors. Also, users requiring USB-C PD fast charging or more than two USB ports will need a different product.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good balance of surge protection and outlet count for typical home electronics.
• Two USB-A ports make charging phones and tablets easy without extra adapters.
• 8 ft cord and mounting template provide flexible placement options.
• Sturdy build with 14 AWG wiring and a clear on/off switch for energy savings.

Cons

• 490 Joules is adequate for everyday use but not as heavy-duty as professional surge suppressors.
• USB ports are USB-A 5V 2.1A only, so they do not provide USB-C PD fast charging.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Cable Matters 6-outlet surge protector is a practical, affordable choice for everyday home and small office needs, offering enough surge suppression and outlet capacity for computers, TVs, and peripherals plus convenient USB charging. It represents good value for users who want dependable protection and flexible placement without paying extra for higher-joule or USB-C PD features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this strip protect against power surges?
Yes. It is ETL listed and offers 490 Joules of surge suppression to protect connected electronics from common surges.

Can I charge my phone from the USB ports?
Yes. The two USB-A ports provide 5V 2.1A charging suitable for smartphones and tablets, but they are not USB-C PD fast chargers.

Is the cord long enough for under-desk placement?
Yes. The 8 ft extension cord provides good reach for end tables, desks, and entertainment furniture and includes a mounting template for installation.