I’m a travel writer, this $16 power strip keeps my gadgets juiced up on the go

I love a good power strip, especially in those all too common instances where it seems as if there are never enough outlets in my house. It’s the easiest solution to a problem we’ve all faced at least once, but not many of them are portable enough to take with you on the go. This circular version is small enough to fit in my carry-on and I take it with me on long trips when I know I’ll eventually need a few extra outlets at my disposal. Best of all — it’s on sale right now at Amazon.

Amazon

This portable power strip is good enough to use both at-home and on any trips you take. It has a three-foot cord that wraps around the circumference of the strip to prevent any tangling.

$16 at Amazon

Why is this a good deal? 💰

This power strip hasn’t been on sale all year, so shoppers usually pay full price. Right now, though, when you clip the on-page coupon, you’ll get $4 off, making this one of the best under-$20 purchases you’ll make for both traveling and everyday use.

Why do I need this? 🤔

While this is technically considered a travel power strip, there’s no need to limit your use. If I’m being honest, I’ve used it at home before deciding to take it with me when I’m traveling. I’ve found it comes in handy when trying to get shorter cords to reach an outlet. Its circular shape allows you to twist it so that those limited cables can access the ports with ease. This unique shape also allows for each outlet to have more than enough space for you to plug in your chunkiest adapters without blocking the other two outlets.

It’s worth mentioning that this power strip, unlike most, isn’t an eyesore. I don’t feel like I have to hide it behind a flower vase or my couch since it’s not blocky and unpleasant to look at.

Another plug: It has overcharge, short-circuit and overcurrent protection built-in, so all the devices you plug into it won’t be damaged in the long run. The outlet variety is also pretty impressive for its size. You get three standard AC outlets, two USB-A ports and one USB-C port.

What reviewers say 💬

Over 8,000 Amazon shoppers gave this power strip a perfect rating. Several reviewers say they’ve used it while on cruises, at hotels, in their home offices, or right by their nightstands. The possibilities are endless!

Pros 👍

“This power strip is ideal for any type of travel, but especially has come in handy for us on cruise ships and bus trips,” one impressed reviewer wrote. “Often, cruise ships have one outlet against a wall that a direct flush plug-in power strip won’t fit, but this plugs into any outlet… It also came in handy for my husband’s recent bus trip where there were only two outlets for each seat and his seat.”

One shopper said it also makes the perfect practical holiday gift. But beware — you may have to get one for everyone on your list to keep the peace: “Just the right size for packing light without sacrificing charging space,” the reviewer said. “Got two of these as Christmas gifts. I didn’t think it through, because other family members who did not receive these were jealous!”

“Traveling with my husband and daughter, and we all have cell phones and iPads, etc.,” another shopper explained. “This is a lifesaver for our cruise. One plug allows many things to charge. I love [that] it is circular, so plugs don’t get blocked.”

Cons 👎

There’s one minor feature that this shopper admitted is a bit annoying, but easy to overlook: “The only drawback is there is a light [built] into the device, so it lights up a dark room with a slight glare,” the reviewer wrote. “Solution: I put a piece of cloth over the device and ‘bam’ — no light can be seen.”

One more shopper said that while they have “no complaints,” they do “wish the cord was a little longer.”

Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)