10 Best Surge Protectors for Home Theaters

When it comes to providing a power source for your home theater system, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way? Multiple basic power strips and an unorganized mess of cords. The right way? A single surge protector that is designed to provide both power and protection to all of your home theater equipment.

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

1. Panamax M8-AV-PRO 8-Outlet
2. Belkin BP112230-08 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug 4320 Joule
3. YoLink Smart Power Strip Surge Protector
4. APC P11VNT3 11-Outlet 3020 Joule
5. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector (2100J)
6. JACKYLED Power Strip Tower Surge Protector
7. Pyle PCO860 19-Outlet 1U Rack-Mounted PSU
8. G5BLK 9-Outlet G-Type 15-Amp Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner
9. CyberPower CPS1215RMS 12-Outlets 1800 Joule 1U Rack-Mounted
10. Furman 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

SALE

• Premium Filtration
• Coax/Sat Protection
• Telephone/LAN Line Protection
• AVM (Automatic Voltage Monitoring)
• Surge Protection
• Protects equipment against prolonged over/under voltages by disconnecting the power and reconnecting it when safe power returns
• Power Cleaning and Filtration eliminate loss of detail, pops, hisses, hums, visual artifacts and other common symptoms of contaminated power

$73.89

BUY ON AMAZON

PROS

The Panamax M8-AV-Pro (on Amazon) is our best choice option when it comes to surge protectors. I've personally been using this Panamax model and the M8-AV for many years now.

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

• 12 AC outlets with surge protection for multiple devices.
• Phone line and coaxial cable protection. 4,320 joules of protection for devices.
• Compact, heavy-duty design with widely spaced outlets.
• 8-point safety system with LED indicators.
• Pivoting outlets for better organization. UL safety certified.
• 2-year warranty with $300,000 equipment protection.

$39.99

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PROS

The Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector (on Amazon) is a great buy at just under $30. It comes with 12 total outlets, featuring eight rotating outlets to efficiently accommodate large cords and power adapters. It includes an in/out coaxial outlet and ethernet hookups to protect your phone, fax, cable box, and satellite.

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. YoLink Smart Power Strip, Surge Protector, Compatible with Alexa

• Powered by LoRa technology, 1/4 mile wireless range.
• Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant for voice control (YoLink Hub required).
• Control devices remotely via YoLink App; set timers, schedules, and automations.
• Safe & reliable with ETL & FCC compliance; supports 100~120V AC, 10A load.
• Includes YoLink Hub for internet and cloud connection; required for full functionality.

$62.99

BUY ON AMAZON

PROS

The YoLink Smart power Strip (on Amazon) is one of the best smart surge protectors out there! It works with Alexa and Google Voice Assistant.

YoLink Smart Power Strip has 8 power outlets, that meet all your need of a charge.

You can control it from anywhere by using YoLink app on your tablet or smartphone.

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, YoLink Smart Power Strip doesn't support 3rd party integration with Googlr Home, Alexa or IFTTT.

4. APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector with Phone, Network Ethernet & Coaxial Protection

PROS

The APC 11-Outlet Surge Protector (on Amazon) is a great buy at just over $30, as it’s currently on sale through Amazon. It comes with 11 outlets, and six are block-spaced for large adapters.

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. Anker Power Strip Surge Protector (2100J)

• Powered by LoRa technology, 1/4 mile wireless range.
• Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant for voice control (YoLink Hub required).
• Control devices remotely via YoLink App; set timers, schedules, and automations.
• Safe & reliable with ETL & FCC compliance; supports 100~120V AC, 10A load.
• Includes YoLink Hub for internet and cloud connection; required for full functionality.

$29.99

BUY ON AMAZON

PROS

The Anker Power Strip Surge Protector is another great buy at just over $30. It comes with 12 outlets, eight of which are widely spaced for large cords and power adapters.

It has two USB-A charging ports with Smart IC Technology (5V/3.1A) and one additional USB-C charging port. It has a 5-foot heavy-duty extension cord and two keyhole mounting slots for easy wall mounting together with mounting screws included in the purchase.

The Anker Power Strip Surge Protector has a 2100-joule energy rating and is safeguarded through an 8-point safety system.

CONS

The USB-A ports seem to only work half the time while the other half you need to wiggle it around a bit to get it to function.

It also has no 220V support in case you want to bring it with you abroad.

6. JACKYLED Power Strip Tower Surge Protector

• 22-in-1 power strip tower: 16 AC outlets and 6 USB ports.
• Smart USB ports: 6 ports (4.8A shared, 2.4A max per port) for fast charging.
• Retractable 6.5ft cord with a durable handle for easy portability.
• Independent switches on each layer to save energy.
• Space-saving vertical design prevents outlet blocking.
• Safe and reliable with multiple protections: surge (1050J), overload, short-circuit, and more.
• RoHS, FCC certified.

$39.99

BUY ON AMAZON

PROS

The JACKYLED Power Strip Tower Surge Protector is a well-designed, well-priced surge protector, coming in at just above $30. The tower is a very nice design that can both stand upright or be mounted through the handle on the top. Its handle also allows for easy carrying.

There are 16 outlets that allow for ideal cord spacing, and it includes six USB ports. It is made of premium, reliable and durable PC flame retardant material and features an 8-point safety system.

It has a 1625W-rated power copper core, as well as a retractable 6.5-foot cable. It also has passed RoHS & FCC certifications.

CONS

As with many similar products, the USB ports don’t last long and often start malfunctioning.

Some users have also reported that a few sockets don’t lock the plug in which makes some models relatively poor quality.

7. Pyle 19-Outlet 1U 19″ Rackmount PDU (PCO860)

PROS

The Pyle 19-Outlet 1U 19” Rackmount PDU (PCO860) (on Amazon) is regularly priced at just under $100, but it is currently on sale at Amazon for just over $75. It features a 1U rack mount height and an impressive 19 outlets. These outlets include 16 flexible rear-facing power outlets, as well as three wide-spaced front panel outlets.

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. G5BLK 9-Outlet G-Type 15-Amp Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner

PROS

The G5BLK 9-Outlet G-Type 15-Amp Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner (on Amazon) is a high-end power conditioner from a trusted home theater equipment brand. It features 9 well-spaced outlets, as well as cable/modem and satellite/antenna protection.

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 G5BLK 9-Outlet G-Type 15-Amp Rack-Mountable Power Conditioner gets great ratings from customers, but it is at a high price.

9. CyberPower CPS1215RMS Surge Protector

PROS

The CyberPower CPS121RMS Surge Protector (on Amazon) is a 120V/15A Rackbar™ surge protector with 12 outlets that sits at a decent price of just under $50. There are six outlets in the front and six outlets in the rear, and there is a great amount of spacing on the back six outlets. It has a 15-foot power cord with a cord retention tray and industrial-grade metal housing.

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

The Furman M-8X2 Merit Series 8-Outlet Power Conditioner and Surge Protector (on Amazon) is a well-priced power conditioner and surge protector combo at just under $60.

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.