Anker Surge Protector Power Strip (Pack of 2) review

Are we looking for a compact, powerful surge protector that can handle a crowded home office and our fast-charging phones?

Product Overview

We tested the Anker (Pack of 2) Surge Protector Power Strip (2100J), 12 Outlets with 1 USB C and 2 USB Ports for iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, 5feet Extension Cord, Flat Plug, 20W for Home,Office,TUV Listed to see how it performs as a central power hub. We found that it aims to combine a high outlet count, USB fast-charging, and multi-layer safety features into one convenient package for everyday use.

What’s in the Box

We received two Anker 351 Power Strips in the pack, plus two mounting screws and a welcome guide that explains basic setup and safety information. We also confirmed that Anker backs the product with an 18-month warranty and a connected equipment guarantee (the product literature references a $200,000 lifetime* connected equipment warranty), so we feel supported if something goes wrong.

Key Specifications

We laid out the core specs into a table so we could quickly reference the essentials while testing and writing. The table below breaks down the most important specifications for easy comparison and quick decision-making.

Design and Build Quality

We like that the Anker 351 Power Strip balances a solid build with a compact footprint despite offering 12 outlets. The casing feels robust and the finish resists fingerprints and minor scuffs, which matters when the strip sits under a desk or near a TV stand.

Outlet Spacing and Layout

The twelve AC outlets are thoughtfully spaced so that large adapter blocks and irregularly shaped plugs can be used without blocking neighboring sockets. We appreciated that the layout prioritizes universal usability — even bulky power bricks found in gaming consoles or laptop chargers fit without awkward stacking.

Plug, Cord, and Mounting

The flat plug is designed to reduce profile when plugged into wall outlets behind furniture, letting us push things closer to the wall and avoid blocking other sockets. The 5-foot cord gives us a reasonable placement radius for most desks and entertainment centers, and the included mounting screws make a clean installation on walls or under desks straightforward.

Ports and Charging Performance

We focused specific testing on the USB-C 20W output and how it handles multiple devices simultaneously. The inclusion of 1 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports alongside 12 AC outlets makes this strip a strong contender for setups that mix laptops, monitors, phones, and accessories.

USB-C 20W and iPhone Charging

Anker advertises the 20W USB-C port as capable of fast charging modern iPhones — the marketing states it can charge an iPhone 13 to 53% in 30 minutes, and that specification is consistent with how 20W USB-C PD behaves in practice. We tested charging a few iPhone models and observed fast-charge behavior consistent with that claim: our phones entered the high-charge window quickly and reached similar levels in the timeframe stated.

USB-A Ports and Simultaneous Charging

The two USB-A ports are convenient for older devices and accessories that don’t require USB-C. When we charged multiple devices at once, the strip maintained steady charging rates for each port and the AC outlets, indicating sensible internal power distribution and thermal management.

Safety Features and Surge Protection

Safety was a major focus of our evaluation; after all, protecting expensive devices from surges and faults is why many people buy surge protectors. The Anker 351 packs an 8-point safety system that covers surge protection, overheating prevention, overload detection, and fire-risk reduction to guard devices and the home.

8-Point Safety Setup

Anker’s built-in safety system includes multiple layers of protection, such as surge suppression, thermal cutoff, and overload protection. We felt confident leaving chargers and peripherals plugged in overnight because the strip’s design reduces the risk of overheating and presents clear safeguards against common electrical faults.

Surge Rating: 2100J

The 2100-joule surge rating is robust for a consumer-grade product and offers meaningful protection against power spikes from lightning strikes, utility switching, or other transient events. In practice, this rating makes the strip a good fit for protecting TVs, PCs, routers, gaming consoles, and charging phones in a home or small office environment.

Setup and Installation

We found installation and setup quick and intuitive, thanks to the included guide and mounting hardware. The strip’s user-friendly design and straightforward instructions made it easy to integrate into a variety of setups.

Mounting and Placement Tips

We recommend mounting the strip horizontally under desks or vertically along the side of a media cabinet to take full advantage of the outlet layout. Using the included screws, we secured one strip in an entertainment center and the other under a workstation, and both placements gave us tidy cable routing and easy access.

Using the Flat Plug and Cable Management

The flat plug allowed us to situate furniture close to the wall without blocking the outlet or forcing awkward cable bends. For cable management, we used Velcro straps and adhesive-backed clips to keep the 5-foot cord and connected cables neat and out of sight, which also helped minimize stress on the strip and the wall outlet.

Real-World Testing

We used the power strip in everyday scenarios that included a home office, a living room entertainment setup, and a gaming desk to see how it handled mixed loads. During our testing period the strip reliably powered laptops, monitors, speakers, routers, game consoles, lamps, and phone chargers without any hiccups.

Load Tests and Device Compatibility

We connected multiple power-hungry devices simultaneously (a full-size gaming desktop, two monitors, a NAS, and accessories) to ensure the strip could handle high current draws. While we wouldn’t recommend using a power strip as a long-term replacement for a dedicated circuit or UPS for a full desktop and server rack, the Anker 351 performed admirably for typical consumer and home office loads.

Charging Tests

For charging tests, we measured charging speeds for an iPhone 13, an iPhone 15 Pro, and a mid-range Android phone using the 20W USB-C and the USB-A ports. The iPhones reached fast-charge benchmarks similar to standalone 20W chargers, and the USB-A ports delivered reliable, steady current for secondary devices like headphones and fitness bands.

Performance in Different Environments

We tested the Anker 351 in both cool, climate-controlled rooms and a warmer, poorly ventilated setup to check thermal performance. The strip stayed within safe temperature bounds in both environments, which speaks to effective internal safety cutoffs and thermal design.

Home Office and Entertainment Setup

In a home office, the strip kept our monitor, laptop, external hard drive, lamp, and several accessories powered without interference or outlet crowding. In the living room, the strip handled a TV, streamer, soundbar, console, and ambient lighting while keeping cables organized and devices protected.

Travel and Multi-room Use

Because the product comes in a pack of two, we appreciated the flexibility to use one strip in a home office and the other in a bedroom or travel setup. The flat plug and 5-foot cord made it possible to situate the strip in tight spaces, but for true travel portability we would prefer a shorter cord or a specialized travel strip.

Pros and Cons

We compiled our observations into pros and cons to give a clear summary of where this power strip excels and where it might fall short for certain users.

Pros:

• We appreciate the high outlet count (12) that accommodates many devices without gang-taping adapters together.
• We found the 20W USB-C port provides genuine fast charging for modern iPhones and many Android phones.
• We value the 2100J surge rating and multi-layer safety system, which give us confidence in device protection.
• We like the flat plug and compact design for close-to-wall placement and tidy installations.
• We consider the included mounting hardware and two-strip pack a good value for multi-room setups.

Cons:

• We noticed the strip is somewhat large; for extremely compact desks or tiny travel setups it may still be bulky.
• While the USB-A ports are useful, they don’t offer the higher wattage some newer strips provide when multiple USB ports are used simultaneously.
• The 5-foot cord is sufficient for most placements, but in larger rooms or complex cable runs we needed an additional extension or different positioning.

Comparison to Alternatives

We compared the Anker 351 to several other popular surge strips and multi-outlet solutions to see how it stacks up on value, safety, and functionality. We found that the Anker sits in the sweet spot between simple power strips and higher-end surge-protected smart strips.

Who Should Buy This

We recommend the Anker 351 for people who need a central power hub with lots of AC outlets and a reliable USB-C fast-charge option for phones. If our setup involves multiple devices—laptops, monitors, consoles, and phones—the Anker 351 makes cord management easier while offering credible protection.

Who Might Want Something Else

We think users with extremely power-hungry setups or those requiring advanced surge protections and line conditioning (for sensitive studio equipment or enterprise servers) might prefer a dedicated UPS or a professional-grade surge protector. Travelers who prioritize compactness might opt for a smaller travel adapter instead.

Warranty, Support, and What We Liked

We tested Anker’s support channels to see how responsive they were and looked over the warranty details included with the product. We liked that Anker offers an 18-month warranty plus the connected equipment warranty that can provide extra peace of mind, and their customer service was friendly and responsive when we had a minor question.

Warranty Details

The product documentation includes an 18-month manufacturer warranty, and Anker advertises a connected equipment warranty — the terms and conditions apply, so we recommend reviewing the fine print on Anker’s site before relying on the connected equipment coverage for highly valuable devices. We appreciated having this extra layer of support available if an uncommon surge event were to damage connected devices.

Customer Service and Documentation

When we contacted Anker for a clarification about mounting options, we found their support friendly and reasonably quick to respond. The included guide has clear diagrams for mounting and basic safety instructions, which made setup straightforward even for people less comfortable with electrical products.

Troubleshooting and Tips

We gathered common issues and a set of practical tips during our testing so that we can help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best performance from the strip. These simple practices keep the strip functioning safely and extend the life of both the strip and connected devices.

• Always plug the strip into a grounded outlet and avoid daisy-chaining multiple strips together, which can create an overload risk. We found that the Anker’s overload protection is excellent, but prevention is still the safest route.
• Use the included mounting screws when feasible to prevent the strip from shifting or being accidentally unplugged. We mounted one strip under a desk to keep it accessible but out of the way.
• Avoid tightly bundling high-current cables around the strip; allow some airflow to reduce heat buildup. During heavy use, we monitored surface temperature and found it remained comfortable to the touch.
• If you plan to protect very expensive equipment, verify the connected equipment warranty terms and consider a UPS for battery backup and power conditioning.

Final Verdict

We found the Anker (Pack of 2) Surge Protector Power Strip (2100J), 12 Outlets with 1 USB C and 2 USB Ports for iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, 5feet Extension Cord, Flat Plug, 20W for Home,Office,TUV Listed to be a versatile and trustworthy addition to most homes and offices. Between the high outlet count, the fast 20W USB-C port, comprehensive safety features, and the convenience of a two-pack with mounting hardware, it offers a compelling combination of performance and value.

We would recommend this product if we needed a reliable, multi-outlet power solution that also supports fast phone charging and sensible safety protections. If our needs tilt toward professional power conditioning or extreme portability, we’d consider specialized alternatives, but for everyday setups the Anker 351 hits many of the right notes.

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