This Surge Protector Sits Flush Against the Wall, with Less Clutter Than a Power Strip
I’ve never met anyone who feels like their home has enough outlets to plug in all their tech. Power strips were made for this exact purpose, but I’ve honestly grown to resent mine. They create clutter on my dresser and floor, collect dust and never seem to have enough space between the sockets for the inconveniently bulky plugs of my chargers, hair dryer, portable steamer and other devices. If you’re in the same boat, you might be as thrilled as I am to learn about this surge protector that sits flush against the wall, giving you more well-spaced outlets (and a built-in nightlight!) without the clutter.
$13+ at Amazon (regularly $15+)
Powrui’s multi-plug surge protector takes up little more space than your standard duplex outlet itself, sticking out just over 2 inches from the wall. That’s a far cry from a power strip that requires its own cord, leaving you with a strip or block you have to find space for on your desk or the floor. You can secure it to the wall plug by using the included screw in the middle (just check to make sure your wall outlet is a duplex and not GFCI; you may also want to remove the face plate first for a better fit).
Even with that space-saving design, this surge protector gives you nine places to plug in, with a few different combinations of AC outlets, USB-A ports and USB-C ports that you can choose from depending on your needs. And, like a standard outlet extender, it offers surge protection, in this case with a rating of 1,680 Joules. It comes in white, black or gray.
Plus, the surge protector has a built-in nightlight in a ring around the edge. The light uses an automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor, so it operates on its own without you having to waste a precious outlet on a separate nightlight. If you want, you can even adjust the light across three brightness levels using the manual touch sensor. “Way better than a power strip,” one reviewer wrote. “I love how it has a little light around it so [you] can see what you’re doing if [your power sockets are] behind a table like mine.”
Other reviewers are wowed by the ingenuity of this little gadget, and how much easier it is to use than a standard power strip. “Whoever thought of this is genius,” one said, adding, “It works like a charm.” They mentioned using it in their bathroom, one area of the home where a power strip might not be practical but where you’ll likely want some extra room to plug in hair tools, water flossers, charging electric toothbrushes and more.
Wider Space Between Sockets
The wider space between sockets allows for multiple bulkier plugs to fit, unlike a standard power strip. Another claimed, “This has so many outlets it managed to help with my clutter of wires sitting on the floor,” and even with the reduced space it takes up, “everything is plugged in and [I] don’t have to worry about it.”
Each of the main AC outlets on the surge protector is 2.1 inches apart. This makes it especially great for bulky plugs without sacrificing other outlets (I’m immediately thinking of my WiFi router and modem — I can’t plug them in directly next to each other on my power strip because the plugs are so large, meaning one socket gets wasted in the space between).
The handy tool has garnered an impressively high 4.7 stars across more than 15,000 Amazon ratings, earning the title of the “anti-power strip” and inspiring many shoppers to buy multiple. “Who knew a socket surge protector with dusk to dawn light would bring me so much joy,” said one reviewer, who “bought 3 more the day after I received my 1st order.” Another wrote, “This is perfect and I think everyone should have at least a half dozen of them.” Some even bought an extra to use for travel, like if you’re staying somewhere with fewer outlets than you need; just know that without screwing it in, it’ll be less secure.
I can’t lie — the reviews have me pretty influenced. I may need to get one (or several) for myself, especially since people are calling it “perfect for eliminating that annoying power strip.” If you’ve found your power strip leaves a lot to desire, take reviewers’ word for it and make this simple $20 product swap. It can save you from tripping over wires in the dark with the nightlight, or having to unplug one device to be able to make room for another.
$13+ at Amazon (regularly $15+)
Customer Reviews
- “I needed to replace the multiplug extender I already had in our bathroom because I needed one that included USB receptacles for a new electric toothbrush (my old one used a regular 2-prong plugin). I found several that nearly fit my needs but they all had a problem: Because of where the USB receptacles were located on the extender, I wouldn’t be able to access the USB ports if I plugged in a night light. Then I found this extender with a built-in night light, which would mean I no longer would need to use my plug-in night light. Because it solved all my needs ― USB receptacles that could be accessed even with a night light in use ― I bought it and couldn’t be happier. The unit offers 3 levels of night light brightness (I use the brightest and it provides slightly more light than my previous standalone night light did) and turns itself off when there is light from another source. We are very pleased with this extender and are thinking of buying some additional units for other rooms.” — Richard H. Adin
- “Quite impressed with this outlet. It may be a bit bulky but having all that accessibility AND surge protector nice and organized is pretty handy. Just had storms knock the power out twice and it held strong and protected my TV and sound system.” — Chris F.
- “I purchased these for my bathrooms because the nightlight and additional outlets would be helpful. It’s been so useful to have a light sensor and the usb access that I now have more than a dozen around my house. Convenience and safety in one device!” — College Mom
- “I loved this outlet so much I sent one to my daughter and to each of her college age girls. I was staying in a vacation rental with one outlet in the bathroom!!! I had to keep unplugging one thing to use the other. I have an electric toothbrush, hair dryer ,curling iron , night light etc. All the above can stay plugged in and the night light comes on when dark too. Plus there are built in USB plugs for my phone too. I now travel with it . It just plugs into a regular wall plug. LOVE IT.” — pat
- “I use this in kitchen where I have several low amp items needing an outlet in the same vicinity. The side plugs really make a difference. It works well, can also charge phones and the 3 stage night light is ample.” — Karl Hildebrand
$13+ at Amazon (regularly $15+)
More Solutions for Wall Outlet Annoyances
For more solutions to common wall outlet annoyances, check out these game-changers, curated by the HuffPost Shopping team:
- A compact, award-winning surge protector with eight outlets — This highly rated, eight-outlet surge protector with built-in charging ports has become such a staple, quickly earning bestseller status among HuffPost readers and winning a 2026 HuffPost Shopping Award. Not only does this everyday necessity give you more spots to plug in your gizmos and gadgets, but it also has USB-A and USB-C ports built in, eliminating the need for more charging blocks. It’s the type of buy that feels so regular, so mundane, you may overlook it, but after you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Users call it a “game changer” for streamlining the tech and wires around the place, even saying they’re buying one for every room. $10 at Amazon
- A wall outlet extender for outlets stuck in hard-to-reach places — This product is exactly what it sounds like — just plug it into the outlet and you can extend the height anywhere between 22 to 34 inches, and use Command strips to secure it to the wall. That’s it! No tools needed, and now you can reach outlets that are low to the ground or behind furniture much easier. The base can also be rotated, so if you want it to be extended horizontally (or at an angle) instead of vertically, that’s possible, too. The device provides another upgrade to your standard outlet, too. In addition to the regular AC outlets, the EZ Outlet has USB-A and USB-C ports, making it easier to charge all your devices. They also suggest using the product as a built-in phone ledge while you’re charging it, providing even more convenience. Clip the on-page coupon for a discount applied at checkout. $37 at Amazon (regularly $50)
- A 9-in-1 Anker desktop charging station — This Anker desktop charger has a whopping nine ports, fast-charging capabilities and it’s what one reviewer calls “the best space saver.” It’s unquestionably much more attractive than your standard power strip and tangle of cables, and its slim rectangular shape also make it far less obtrusive. Available in black or white and measuring a mere 5 inches tall, it’s actually a pleasure to display. It comes with two USB-A, four USB-C, and three three-pronged A/C outlets on the sides and back. What’s more, this power hub is a pro at preserving the health of your batteries overall. Its intelligent design ensures over-voltage, over-current and short-circuit protection by automatically adjusting its power output according to each device — because your earbuds need less juice than your computer. Its high-conductive aluminum body dissipates heat quickly, monitoring temperature so your internal systems don’t get scorched. It also is a surge protector! $40 at Amazon



