From setting up home office equipment to powering power equipment and exterior lights, having a reliable, safety-rated extension cord can make all the difference in convenience and functionality.
We’ve thoroughly researched numerous extension cords to help you find the safest and best extension cord for your specific needs. Our team of experts evaluated each option based on safety features, durability, and practical applications to bring you these top recommendations.
Top 5 Extension Cords
- Amazon Basics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord: Best Length
- Cable Matters Heavy-Duty Extension Cord: Best Multi-Pack
- Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord: Best for Outdoor Use
- Anker Power Strip Surge Protector: Best for Multiple Devices
- GE Three-Outlet Power Strip: Best Outlet Protection
Best Length
Amazon Basics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
This Amazon Basics extension cord is available in a variety of sizes, including a 100-foot length. Additionally, customers have the option of buying a four-pack of 50-foot cords or a two-pack of 100-foot cords for 200 feet of reach.
Key Features
- Available in orange or green
- Available in 15-, 20-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 10 amps
What People Are Saying About The Amazon Basics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
Customers liked the flexibility of this cord, as it allowed them to bend the cord without it kinking or breaking, and they also liked the cord’s reach. However, some customers expressed concerns about how hot the cord got, saying that it might have caught fire if they continued using it.
Best Multi-Pack
Cable Matters Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
This extension cord pack comes with two cords that have two three-prong outlets, allowing customers to power a variety of small appliances and electronics within their home.
Key Features
- Available in black or white
- Available in three-, six-, 10-, and 15-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 13 amps
What People Are Saying About The Cable Matters Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
Customers praised the heavy-duty cord and said that its thick coating allowed them to run powerful appliances and tools outdoors without worrying about the cord breaking or wearing out. However, many customers said the cord was stiff and difficult to maneuver.
Best for Outdoor Use
Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord
This extension cord has a flexible vinyl jacket that protects it against moisture, abrasion, and sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. It also has reinforced blades that prevent the prongs from bending and breaking.
Key Features
- Available in yellow
- Available in 50- or 100-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 15 amps
What People Are Saying About The Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord
Customers praised the cord’s 15-amp power rating and were able to power large equipment. For example, several customers used the cord to power their RVs. Some complaints centered on the manufacturer shipping a cord made in China instead of a cord made in the United States, but customers were able to remedy the problem by contacting Amazon for a new cord.
Best for Multiple Devices
Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
This long power strip has 12 three-prong outlets, three USB ports, and a power switch, allowing you to charge and power all of your electronic devices with just one product. It delivers an optimized charge to USB devices using PowerIQ technology and is covered in a flame-retardant casing.
Key Features
- Available in white
- Available in six-, eight-, or 10-foot lengths
- Has 12 three-prong outlets and three USB ports
- Supports 3.1 amps
What People Are Saying About The Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
Customers liked using the cord in areas where several devices needed to be plugged in. For example, one customer used the cord to power a television, DVD player, gaming console, and other TV-related devices. However, a few customers said that the power switch was flimsy and the USB ports were faulty.
Best Outlet Protection
GE Three-Outlet Power Strip
This GE indoor extension cord has two two-prong outlets on the front and one two-prong outlet on the back, all of which have coverings that you can slide over them when they’re not in use to prevent electrocution. This cord is rated for indoor use and should only be used in dry areas, such as your office or living room.
Key Features
- Available in black, white, brown, and green
- Available in six-, nine-, 12-, and 15-foot lengths
- Has three two-prong outlets
- Supports 13 amps
What People Are Saying About The GE Three-Outlet Power Strip
Customers used this cord for tasks like charging electronic devices or plugging in a lamp and liked that the cord comes in several colors. However, some customers complained that their cord stopped working after a few months.
Extension Cord Buying Guide
From cord length to amperage rating, here are a few factors to consider before purchasing an extension cord.
Number of Outlets
Most extension cords come with just one outlet that supports a single device. If you want to plug in more than one device, select an extension cord with multiple outlets like the Anker Power Strip Surge Protector.
Amperage Rating
Every power cord should have an amperage rating that signals how much power it can handle, with a higher amperage rating denoting a more powerful cord. Most extension cords are rated to support around 13 amps, though some models, such as the Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord, can handle up to 15 amps.
Cord Length
Power cords can be as short as 6 feet and as long as 100 feet. If you need an extension cord to power indoor electronics, a cord under 20 feet should suffice. If you need to power corded tools like electric chainsaws, a cord that’s 50 feet or longer may be a better choice.
Number of Prongs
The majority of extension cords are equipped with three-prong outlets, though some indoor models like the GE Three-Outlet Power Strip have two-prong outlets. If you need to power a few device chargers, a two-prong extension cord should work. If you need to power small appliances or tools like electric drills, use a three-prong model, as this type of cord tends to have an extra prong.
Extension Cord FAQs
What does the gauge of an extension cord refer to?
The gauge of an extension cord refers to the diameter of the metal conductors it holds. Smaller wire gauges denote thick extension cords that can carry large amounts of electricity. For example, 12-gauge cords can handle tool loads between 10 and 15 amps. Many outdoor extension cords have small gauge numbers to support heavy-duty machinery.
Can I use an extension cord to power my refrigerator?
If your refrigerator is too far away from a wall outlet, a heavy-duty extension cord can be used to power the appliance. To prevent a fire, ensure that you purchase an extension cord with an amp rating equal to your refrigerator’s amperage.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is a device found in many power strips that protects devices from voltage spikes caused by events like lightning strikes. We strongly advise investing in a surge-protected extension cord when powering sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, monitors, and entertainment systems.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why Trust Us?
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.