2025 Power Strip Trends: Smart, Compact, and Travel-Friendly

Power strips are no longer just “more outlets.” In 2025, the best ones are smarter, smaller, and easier to carry—while still meeting strict safety rules like CE/UKCA (EU/UK) and UL/ETL (US). Here’s what I’m seeing and what I look for when I buy.

Smart Power Strips: Enhancing Safety and Energy Efficiency

Smart power strips used to mean a single on/off button in an app. Not anymore. The 2025 models focus on safety + energy savings:

• Per-outlet control in the app (great for printers, speakers, chargers).
• Energy monitoring with kWh cost estimates and weekly reports.
• Schedules, timers, and scenes (sleep mode, away mode).
• Auto-shutoff when idle power is detected—kills standby drain.
• Voice support (Alexa/Google; many now support Matter for easier pairing).
• Safety stack: thermal cut-off, overload reset switch, child shutters, and surge protection¹ (check the joule rating).

Quick tip: for PCs/TVs, I aim for ≥1000 J surge rating, low clamping voltage, and a resettable breaker. Always check the strip’s total watt/amp rating.

Compact Designs for Modern Homes and Offices

Desks are cleaner and meeting rooms are smaller. Brands are responding with:

• Slim bars that tuck behind monitors and under edges.
• Angled, flat wall plugs that don’t block nearby sockets.
• Rotated sockets so big adapters sit side-by-side.
• Under-desk/leg mounts and cable channels to control clutter.
• USB-C built-in—often PD 65–140 W shared across ports (GaN modules are common).

If you’re in the EU/UK, look for CE/UKCA, child shutters, and flame-retardant housings (e.g., UL94 V-0 material). In the US, confirm UL/ETL and a 14- or 16-AWG cord suitable for your load.

Travel-Friendly Power Strips: Lightweight and Versatile Solutions

Work trips and digital-nomad life push a different set of needs:

• Universal input 100–240 V (auto-switching) so it works globally.
• Multiple USB-C (PD) + USB-A for phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Short, flexible cord or folding plug to save bag space.
• Country plug options (EU Type C/E/F, UK Type G, US Type A/B).
  Note: a travel adapter changes plug shape, not voltage—make sure your devices support local voltage.
• No high-watt appliances (kettle, heater, hair dryer) on travel strips—hotel breakers will hate you.

My travel setup: a 3-outlet mini strip + 2×USB-C PD² (65–100 W shared), universal voltage, and a fused plug. Light, safe, enough for a laptop + phone + watch.

Key Features Consumers Should Look for in 2025 Power Strips

Safety first

• Certifications: CE/UKCA (EU/UK), UL/ETL (US), RoHS materials.
• Overload protection: reset switch + thermal cut-off.
• Surge protection: suitable joule rating (≥1000 J for electronics-heavy setups).
• Build: flame-retardant shell (UL94 V-0), child-safe shutters, solid strain relief.

Power & charging

• Total rating: match amps/watts to your devices (keep continuous load ≤ 80% of the strip rating).
• USB-C PD² with GaN: 65–140 W shared is common; check per-port limits for laptops.
• Socket spacing: room for big bricks without blocking neighbors.
• Cord: length you actually need; EU cords 1.0–1.5 mm²; US cords 14–16 AWG.

Smart extras (optional but useful)

• Per-outlet control + energy reports.
• Schedules/automation (sleep, work, away).
• Matter/Thread or reliable Wi-Fi; local control preferred for stability.

Quick Matching Guide

Final Thoughts

In 2025, a great power strip should protect, organize, and save energy—without taking over your desk or suitcase. I start with safety certifications³, then pick surge/overload protection⁴, add the USB-C power I need, and only then choose smart features. Keep it simple, safe, and sized to your real load—and your strip will quietly do its job all year.