The UK's bestExtension Leads2022 Review

If you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ll fall in love with the Hulker Universal Extension Lead – it’s the ultimate solution to the problem of having different plugs from the UK, the EU and the US on your gadgets.

The incredibly clever design of the plug sockets is what makes this one of the best extension leads for going on holiday. You could have different plugs from up to three regions plugged in at once if you want, without worrying about power surges or overcharging either.

And no matter where you are, you can make use of the six smart charging USB ports to keep everything running safely. And with a dedicated power button, switching everything on or off at once takes just a single press.

The TISDLIP 4 Way Extension Cable is one of the best power strips you can get, because it’s got useful features you won’t find on most other extension cables. TISDLIP are a company that specialises in modern, streamlined extension plugs of all shapes, colours and sizes.

The one I chose to review is the 4-gang variant- it’s clean and simple with nicely shaped individual switches for each socket and a 1.8 metre cable that’s ultra-flexible but still rated up to 3250 W.

Mounting the power strip on the wall is easy- instead of those fiddly keyhole shapes on the back, you can screw directly through the body of the extension lead and cover the holes with little caps. It’s a safer and more permanent way to mount what I think is the best power strip.

What makes this the best extension lead is the shape of the unit though- it’s not a flat box, the strip has a bevel which makes handling the plugs a bit easier, but the main benefit is you can fit any shape plug without getting in the way of the individual power switches. It’s the little features like that which make all the difference.

If you want a smart-looking and lightweight extension lead, you can’t go wrong with the JSVER three-gang power strip. Ideal for throwing in your bag and taking away with you, it’s the best extension lead for keeping your gadgets charged when you’re on the road.

With only three sockets, it’s not the biggest capacity extension lead on the list, but it makes the overall size much smaller. If you only have limited space on your desk or you want to slip it into your bag, it’s an ideal option.

Rated to deal with power surges and made from fire-retardant plastic, the JSVER extension lead is a safe way to power devices with three-pin plugs as well as up to four USB cables at once.

The Addtam extension lead I tested out is a great way to upgrade your desktop charging system. Technology is moving on from standard USB-A ports, and more modern gadgets like the latest mobile phones are charged with high-speed USB-C cables. You get three USB-A’s to choose from, and one high-speed USB-C as well as two standard three-pin sockets.

The thoroughly good-looking answer to your modern home office setup is right here in the shape of Addtam’s desktop charging station. It feels like a quality bit of kit- the braided power cord is a nice touch that sets it apart as a well-engineered gadget.

Fire-proof and packed with safety features, it’s a small extension cable that you could tuck neatly into a corner or even stick to the wall with double sided tape. A more permanent way to fix this power strip would have been a nice feature.

The good people at Auopro have designed a stylish vertical extension tower that takes up much less floor space than a traditional extension lead but still gives you a massive 12-gang power strip with five USB sockets.

On top of being space-friendly, the tower extension lead comes with surge and overload protection. This ensures your appliances and devices are protected in the event of a short circuit or power surge.

The black ABS plastic tower is designed to go either on the floor or on a desktop and comes with two isolation switches that can turn on and off either side of the tower for extra safety and convenience.

The shape of the tower means that you can plug in almost any size and shape of plug without worrying about them getting tangled up or not fitting in, and with 17 different sockets you’ll always have room for more gadgets.

There aren’t many electronics accessories brands with 75 years continuous service providing some of the best power surge protectors available, but Masterplug have been doing just that.

I tried out their heavy-duty six-way surge protection extension, and trust it to stop any power surges caused by spikes in electricity supply. With six sockets and two USB connections, it’s got more than enough flexibility for any modern office or entertainment centre.

Our favourite feature is the smart USB charging feature that will detect your device and even shut off when it’s fully charged. Plus, it’s available in two colours.

Lipwel is a premium looking range of surge protectors that look good as well as protect your devices from sudden changes in electrical power. I tested out their brushed metal 3-way surge protector plug socket, and think it’s one of the best clean power surge protectors for the money.

The brushed metal surface looks great, it makes a change from the white plastic extension cables you see everywhere else and blends in with a modern home office much better. The intelligent USB sockets automatically shut off when your device is fully charged as well, which is a handy feature.