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10 Best Extension Cords 2025 in the United States

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#1

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Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 13 Amps, 125V, 25 Foot, Black

The Amazon Basics Indoor Extension Cord is a practical choice for extending power within your home. With a length of 25 feet, it offers ample reach for various household needs such as powering consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment.

The 13 amp and 125-volt rating makes it suitable for standard indoor applications, ensuring it can handle most of your domestic electrical devices. Its 16 AWG gauge indicates a decent wire thickness, which balances flexibility and durability for typical home use.

This extension cord is equipped with a standard 3-prong plug, making it easy to use with a wide range of devices that have either 2 or 3 prongs. However, it's designed specifically for indoor use, so it wouldn't be suitable for outdoor settings or heavy-duty equipment that may require a higher gauge and more robust construction. The black color helps it blend in with most indoor decors, but it might not be ideal if you're looking for a cord that stands out for safety reasons.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Length
Provides ample length for various setups, with many length options available.
Amperage Rating
It powers devices efficiently and safely with its 13 amp/125V power rating.
#2

Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12 AC Outlets & 8ft Flat Plug, UL-listed Heavy-Duty Extension Cord for Home, Office, Travel, Computer, Laptop, Charger - 3,940 Joules of Protection

The Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip stands out for its ability to power multiple devices simultaneously with its 12 AC outlets. It’s especially useful for home offices, workstations, and areas where numerous devices need to be plugged in. One of its significant strengths is the high level of surge protection it offers, with 3,940 joules, ensuring your electronics are safeguarded from power surges and overloads. The safety indicator light is a helpful feature, providing reassurance that your devices are protected.

The 8ft cord length is practical for most indoor settings, and the flat plug design is ideal for fitting into tight spaces. This product is UL-listed, confirming it meets rigorous safety standards, which is an essential consideration for any extension cord. However, it’s important to note that this extension cord is designed for indoor use only, which limits its versatility. Additionally, with its heavy-duty build and surge protection capabilities, it is slightly bulkier compared to standard extension cords, which might not be suitable for users with minimal space.

The inclusion of a 2-year warranty and a significant connected equipment warranty adds a layer of confidence in its durability and reliability. While the product is compact and made from 72% post-consumer recycled material, making it a more sustainable choice, it may not be the best fit for someone seeking a lightweight, portable extension cord for outdoor use or travel. The Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip is a robust, safe, and environmentally-conscious option for those needing to power multiple devices in an indoor setting.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Length
The 8-foot cord provides flexibility in positioning, making it convenient for home offices, entertainment centers, or workshops.
Safety Features
Safety features like a power filtration system and damage-resistant housing ensure your devices stay protected and perform at their best.
#3

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty 100-Foot 3-Prong Vinyl Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord - 10 Amps, 1250 Watts, 125 VAC - Orange

The Amazon Basics Heavy Duty 100-foot extension cord is a versatile option suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With a 10-amp rating and 1250-watt capacity, it can efficiently power a range of devices, from household appliances to outdoor tools and lighting.

The 16-gauge, all-copper wire construction ensures reliable power delivery, and the vinyl covering protects against moisture, abrasions, and sunlight, enhancing its durability. The bright orange color increases visibility, reducing the risk of tripping hazards. Safety is further enhanced by the grounded 3-prong plug and insulated conductors.

However, the 16-gauge wire, while adequate for most common uses, may not be sufficient for high-power equipment that requires a lower gauge (thicker) wire. At 6.3 pounds, it's relatively heavy, which may be a consideration for some users. This extension cord is ideal for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals who need a reliable, durable power extension for various applications.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Heavy-duty construction and functional design make it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
Plug Type
Plugs in without any hassle and provides reliable power.
Safety Features
Survives rough handling – left outside during a hurricane, parked on, and caught in doors, yet still performs perfectly.

Buying Guide for the Best Extension Cords

Choosing the right extension cord is crucial for safety and efficiency. Extension cords come in various lengths, gauges, and types, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the extension cord you choose is suitable for the intended use, whether it's for indoor or outdoor applications, light or heavy-duty tasks.
LengthThe length of an extension cord determines how far it can reach from the power source to the device you need to power. This is important because using a cord that is too short can be inconvenient, while one that is too long can be cumbersome and may cause voltage drop. Extension cords typically range from a few feet to over 100 feet. For indoor use, a shorter cord (up to 25 feet) is usually sufficient. For outdoor use or larger areas, you might need a longer cord (50 feet or more). Choose a length that provides enough reach without excess slack.
Gauge (AWG)The gauge of an extension cord, measured in American Wire Gauge (AWG), indicates the thickness of the wire inside the cord. This is important because a lower gauge number means a thicker wire, which can handle more electrical current and reduce the risk of overheating. Common gauges for extension cords are 16, 14, and 12 AWG. For light-duty tasks like powering small appliances or lamps, a 16 AWG cord is usually sufficient. For medium-duty tasks like power tools, a 14 AWG cord is better. For heavy-duty tasks like large power tools or multiple devices, a 12 AWG cord is recommended. Choose the gauge based on the power requirements of the devices you plan to use.
Amperage RatingThe amperage rating of an extension cord indicates the maximum amount of electrical current it can safely carry. This is important because using a cord with a lower amperage rating than required can cause overheating and potential fire hazards. Extension cords typically have ratings of 10, 13, 15, or 20 amps. For light-duty use, a 10-amp cord is usually sufficient. For medium-duty use, a 13-amp cord is better. For heavy-duty use, a 15-amp or 20-amp cord is recommended. Check the power requirements of your devices and choose an extension cord with an appropriate amperage rating.
Indoor vs. Outdoor UseExtension cords are designed for either indoor or outdoor use, and it's important to choose the right type for your needs. Indoor extension cords are typically lighter and less durable, while outdoor extension cords are made with tougher materials to withstand weather conditions and rough handling. Outdoor cords are usually marked with a 'W' on the packaging. If you need an extension cord for outdoor use, make sure it is rated for outdoor use to ensure safety and durability. For indoor use, an indoor-rated cord is sufficient.
Plug TypeThe plug type of an extension cord refers to the design of the plug and the number of prongs. This is important because it determines compatibility with your outlets and devices. Most extension cords have a standard two-prong or three-prong plug. Three-prong plugs include a grounding prong, which provides extra safety by reducing the risk of electric shock. If your devices have three-prong plugs, make sure to choose an extension cord with a three-prong plug. For devices with two-prong plugs, a two-prong extension cord is sufficient.
Safety FeaturesSafety features in extension cords can include things like surge protection, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), and built-in circuit breakers. These features are important because they provide additional protection against electrical hazards. Surge protection helps protect your devices from power surges, while GFCI can prevent electric shock in wet or damp conditions. Built-in circuit breakers can prevent overheating by cutting off power if the cord becomes overloaded. Consider the environment and potential risks where you will be using the extension cord and choose one with appropriate safety features.

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