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The best portable power strips and surge protectors with USB charging
By Mark Smirniotis This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to portable power strips and surge protectors with USB charging. After researching dozens of models and extensively testing the eight best-specified and -designed, we think the best power strip for travel in North America is sold under two different brands, as either the Accell Home or Away Surge Protector or Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector—they're functionally identical, so just pick the one that's cheaper when it's time to order. Both sell for about $20, have three outlets and two USB-charging ports, and are smaller and lighter than any other travel model we tested, but still fit bulky power adapters without blocking other outlets. This model has been our pick every year since 2015. Although other companies use the same design, we found that the Accell Home or Away Surge Protector and the Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector offer the best capabilities at a price that's usually lower than the competition's. Owners give both versions high ratings, and Wirecutter staffers have used the Accell model since 2015 without issue. If you want surge protection on the go, or prefer a power strip with a cord, the Protect It 3-Outlet Travel-Size Surge Protector is the best choice. It's the only portable model we tested whose ability to clamp down surges is on a par with that of full-size surge protectors—other portable models we tested let more than twice as much surge voltage through, potentially damaging anything plugged into them. The third AC outlet on the back of the unit helps to keep power bricks out of the way, and the right-angle plug easily fits in tight spots, like behind hotel furniture. Our other picks aren't designed for international use. If you're going to be traveling outside of North America, we recommend PowerCube's ReWirable USB. It has two USB ports like our other picks, but provides four AC outlets instead of three. And it has two features that make it ideal for international travel: It's rated for 100 to 250 volts, so it doesn't need an additional voltage converter, and it includes four interchangeable plugs to fit a wide variety of international wall outlets.
The best gear for building your home theater
By Grant Clauser This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. Everyone loves watching a great movie on a big screen with a kickass speaker system, but few would complain about losing the sticky floors, uncomfortable seats, and kids with smartphones (unless they're your own kids). Our A/V team spends thousands of hours each year to find the best-looking and -sounding home theater equipment. Whether you have a dedicated theater room planned or are thinking of upgrading your weeknight living room movie night, we have recommendations covering whatever space and budget you have.
The best gear for your living room home theater
By Grant Clauser This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. Everyone loves watching a great movie on a big screen with a kickass speaker system, but few would complain about losing the sticky floors, uncomfortable seats, and kids with smartphones (unless they're your own kids). We spent thousands of hours on research and testing to find the best-looking and -sounding home theater equipment to upgrade your living-room movie-watching experience from simply functional to highly enjoyable. (We have recommendations for a dedicated theater space as well in our full review).
