Can This $20 Power Strip Actually Fix Your Messy Desk?

Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 19, 2025

Hey everyone, David Miller here.

Let me paint you a picture. When I first transitioned to a permanent home office, I had this romantic vision of a minimalist, zen-like workspace. The reality? A desk crammed into a corner, with a power outlet inconveniently located directly behind it. Every power strip I owned had a plug that stuck out like a sore thumb, forcing my desk three inches away from the wall. Beneath the desk, it was even worse: a rat's nest of cables and bulky power bricks playing a frustrating game of Tetris, where every piece was the wrong shape and blocked the outlet next to it. It was a daily, low-grade annoyance that completely killed my minimalist dream. That's what sent me down the rabbit hole of finding a smarter power solution, and it’s how I landed on this unassuming grey power strip.

Can This $20 Power Strip Actually Fix Your Messy Desk?

My in-depth review of the 3-sided surge protector power strip. See how this flat plug extension cord transformed my chaotic home office setup.

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The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

For anyone wrestling with a tight space like a home office, dorm room, or kitchen counter, this power strip is a brilliantly designed problem-solver. It’s an immediate upgrade that cleans up clutter and reclaims lost space for a very fair price.

Our Rating Breakdown

• Design & Space-Saving: 9.5/10 (The flat plug and 3-sided outlet combo is a game-changer for tight spaces.)
• Build Quality & Safety: 8/10 (Feels solid for its price, and the 900 Joules rating is adequate for standard electronics.)
• Charging Performance: 8/10 (The inclusion of USB-A and USB-C is fantastic, though it's not a high-speed GaN charger.)
• Value for Money: 9/10 (The number of features and thoughtful design choices you get for around $20 is exceptional.)

Overall Score: 8.6/10✨✨✨✨✨✨

Key Specifications at a Glance

• AC Outlets: 8 (3-Sided)
• USB Ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C
• Cord Length: 5 Feet (Braided)
• Plug Type: Right-Angle Flat Plug
• Surge Protection: 900 Joules
• Mountable: Yes (2 keyhole slots on the back)

Unboxing and First Impressions

It arrives in a simple, no-frills cardboard box. No frustrating plastic clamshells, which I appreciate. The first thing I noticed was the cord itself. It’s a pleasant, grey braided fabric, not the sticky, cheap vinyl you often find on budget extension cords. It feels durable and is far more flexible.

The main unit has a decent weight to it—it doesn't feel hollow or cheap. But the "aha!" moment came when I looked at the plug. It’s incredibly low-profile and angled at 45 degrees, designed specifically not to block the second outlet on a standard wall plate. It's a small detail, but it's the kind of thoughtful engineering that separates a great product from a merely functional one.

Putting It to the Test: Real-World Performance

My test lab was my own chaotic home office. The mission: to eliminate the mess and push my desk flush against the wall.

I started by plugging it in. The flat plug slid in effortlessly, sitting nearly flush with the wall. For the first time, I was able to push my desk all the way back, instantly gaining back those precious few inches of floor space. It sounds minor, but it made the whole room feel cleaner.

Next, the outlet test. My setup includes a 27" monitor, my laptop's power brick, a desk lamp, and a speaker system. On a normal power strip, the bulky power brick for my monitor would block at least one adjacent outlet. Here, thanks to the 3-sided design, it was a non-issue. I plugged the monitor brick into one side, the laptop into the other, and the lamp into the front. Everything fit with room to spare.

Finally, the USB ports. I plugged my iPhone into the USB-C port and my wireless headphone case into a USB-A port. Both started charging immediately. It's not the fastest charging I've ever seen—it's not going to replace a dedicated high-wattage GaN charger—but for overnight charging or topping up devices at my desk, it's perfect. It meant I could finally get rid of two extra USB charging bricks, freeing up even more outlet space.

What Real Users Love (The Pros)

• The Genius Flat Plug: Seriously, it's the star of the show.
  • Why this matters to you: It allows you to place furniture (desks, nightstands, couches) right up against the wall without damaging the cord or plug. It's a space-saver, plain and simple.
• 3-Sided Outlet Access: No more blocked outlets. I could plug in my giant MacBook power brick without sacrificing the neighboring slot.
  • Why this matters to you: You get to use all 8 outlets, regardless of how bulky your plugs are. It maximizes the utility of the device.
• Integrated USB-C Port: A modern and essential addition that many budget strips lack.
  • Why this matters to you: It’s future-proof and convenient, letting you charge modern phones and devices without needing a separate power adapter.
• Durable Braided Cord: It just feels more premium and is less likely to get tangled or kinked over time.
  • Why this matters to you: It adds to the long-term durability and makes cable management behind your desk a little bit easier.

Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)

• Modest 900 Joules Protection: This is perfectly fine for laptops, lamps, and phones. However, I wouldn't trust it with my high-end home theater system or a power-hungry gaming PC.
  • Why this matters to you: If you need to protect very expensive or sensitive high-wattage equipment, you should invest in a surge protector with a 2000+ joule rating.
• Shared USB Power Output: When you plug in multiple devices to the USB ports, they share the total power output.
  • Why this matters to you: Don't expect blazing-fast charging speeds if you're charging a phone, headphones, and a tablet all at once. It’s a convenience charger, not a speed demon.

Is It Built to Last? Durability and Long-Term Value

This is where you separate the good from the junk on Amazon. For its price, this power strip is built surprisingly well. The housing is made from a fire-resistant ABS plastic that feels dense and sturdy. The braided cable is a clear indicator of durability, as it will withstand being bent and moved far better than a standard PVC cord.

The key long-term value, however, is in its design. The flat plug reduces stress on the cord's connection point, a common point of failure. The fact that it's also a surge protector (albeit a basic one) gives you peace of mind that a minor power fluctuation won't fry your gear. This isn't a buy-it-for-life, pass-it-down-to-your-grandkids item, but for its intended purpose, I fully expect it to last for years of daily use.

Best Alternatives (The Competition)

This power strip is a specialist. If your needs are different, here are a couple of excellent alternatives:

1. For Power Users: The Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV. This thing is a tank. It offers a much higher joule rating, more outlets, and coax/phone line protection. It's bigger and more expensive, but it's what you want for a home theater or gaming rig.
2. For The Minimalist: The Anker 521 Power Strip. It’s smaller, with fewer AC outlets, but it's incredibly compact and has a more powerful USB-C port. It’s a better fit for a small nightstand or for tossing in a travel bag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is 900 joules of surge protection enough?
  For everyday electronics like laptops, chargers, and lamps, yes, it's sufficient to protect against minor power spikes. For expensive A/V equipment, I'd recommend a unit with 2000+ joules.
• Can I mount this on a wall or under a desk?
  Yes. There are two keyhole slots on the back for easy mounting. You'll just need two screws.
• Will the USB-C port fast-charge my iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
  It will charge it, but likely not at its maximum possible speed. It doesn't have the high-wattage Power Delivery (PD) protocol needed for true fast charging.
• What is the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?
  A basic power strip is just an extension cord with multiple outlets. A surge protector, like this one, includes internal components (MOVs) that absorb and divert excess voltage to protect your devices.
• Is the flat plug angled?
  Yes, it's a right-angle plug. This clever design ensures it doesn't obstruct the other outlet on your wall plate.
• Can I plug a space heater into this?
  Absolutely not. You should never plug high-draw appliances like space heaters, hair dryers, or coffee makers into any power strip or extension cord. Plug those directly into the wall.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

Remember my messy desk corner? That problem is gone. My desk is now flush against the wall, the cable clutter is managed, and I have a dedicated port for every single device I use daily.

This isn't the most powerful surge protector on the market, nor is it the fanciest. But it is a masterclass in thoughtful, user-centric design. It solves a series of common, frustrating problems for an incredibly reasonable price.

If you're a student setting up a dorm room, a remote worker creating a home office, or just someone tired of playing outlet Tetris behind the couch, this is one of the smartest and most satisfying sub-$25 upgrades you can make. It's a definite recommendation from me.

You can check the latest price on Amazon here.

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"We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:"

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"Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one."