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Best Extension Cables

Updated August 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
360 Electrical Braided Extension Cord with Dual USB
360 Electrical
Braided Extension Cord with Dual USB
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Bottom Line

Available in many colors, this cable stands out for its tough braided casing and two useful USB ports, allowing it to meet multiple types of charging needs at once.

Pros

Available in four lengths and an impressive 12 different colors. Provides power to any device with a standard grounded cord, and offers two high-speed USB ports to directly charge smartphones and other devices. Braided cord casing is tough enough to stand up to heavy use without wear.

Cons

The head of the cord is bulky, and may not fit well into outlets tucked away behind furniture or other objects.

Best Bang for the Buck
GE Designer Extension Cord with Surge Protection
GE
Designer Extension Cord with Surge Protection
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Bottom Line

This durable braided cable offers a longer reach than other surge protectors, combining security and convenience in an attractive-looking model.

Pros

This GE cord is available in black and white. Braided nylon cord casing is durable enough to avoid tangles and wear. Doubles as a surge protector, so users can plug in high-power devices like computers and televisions. Longer and more durable than most surge protectors.

Cons

Outlets are spaced more closely than on some surge protectors, which may cause a space issue for users with multiple power cords with large heads.

Maximm Cable Flat Rotating Plug Extension Cord
Maximm Cable
Flat Rotating Plug Extension Cord
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Bottom Line

Designed to go where other cables cannot fit, the flat cable and rotating plug allows this cable to fit into very tight spaces and to be plugged in from either direction. A good option for users with space issues or hard-to-reach outlets.

Pros

Has many space-saving features, like the rotating plug that allows users to thread the cord from another direction if one path to the outlet is blocked. Three available outlets for standard grounded power cords. Flat cord design can go under or around obstacles where other extension cables do not fit.

Cons

Designed to be as compact as possible, this 1-foot cord is shorter than many extension cables, and may not meet the length needs of some users.

Cable Matters 2-Prong 3-Outlet Extension Cords, Set of 2
Cable Matters
2-Prong 3-Outlet Extension Cords, Set of 2
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Bottom Line

Handy for users who want to plug in small appliances without reducing available outlets on surge protectors, this cord gets high marks for convenience as well as its availability in lengths up to 25 feet.

Pros

Folds easily for easy transport. Works with any appliance with a standard two-pronged ungrounded power cord, freeing up surge protectors for use with more high-powered devices. Cord is available in multiple lengths, including up to an impressive 25 feet, allowing users who need to power an appliance across an entire room to meet their needs.

Cons

Users who primarily need outlets for three-pronged grounded cords may not find this cord useful.

Master Electrician White Outdoor Extension Cord
Master Electrician
White Outdoor Extension Cord
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Bottom Line

Designed to stand up to an outdoors environment, this 20-foot cord is a good option for corded outdoor power tools or other devices intended for outdoor use.

Pros

The vinyl casing offers protection from outdoor elements including rain, wind, dirt, and debris. Since outdoor extension cables are often used with corded power tools and exterior lights, the 20 feet provided by this cord can meet those needs. Reinforced casing to prevent accidental bending or breaking.

Cons

Like many outdoor extension cables, the casing on this product contains lead, and indoor use should be avoided.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
180
Consumers
Consulted
14
Hours
Researched
Category cover

There are times where a good extension cable is necessary, especially with power tools in outdoor settings. Extension cords come in many different lengths and styles, mostly designed for particular uses or environments. To help customers choose, many manufacturers use certain letters to designate the cord's intended use. For example, S represents a standard cord with a flexible design. W is a common designation intended for outdoor use. You will also have to decide between a two- or three-prong plug. While both will supply ample power to most devices and tools, the three-prong design has a ground wire, offering better protection against electrical shock and fires.

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