12 best network filters

Technical progress has radically changed our lives. Literally a hundred years ago, not every house had electricity, and today we cannot imagine our home without several dozen outlets wherever possible. Household appliances, televisions, computer chargers and more need not only to connect, but also to protect against all sorts of "disasters."

It is difficult to protect oneself from a power outage, but from its surges, voltage surges, short circuits, etc. - can. This will require network filters. Some mistakenly consider them to be an ordinary “button” extender. In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated. This device protects the electronics connected through it from high-frequency, low-frequency, impulse noise, current overloads, as well as from a short circuit. In quality devices used several lines of protection. It can be varistors, inductors, capacitors. A fuse can also be used, which serves as an insurance in expensive models, and the only protection element in cheap ones.

The surge protector is also useful if you simply do not have enough sockets, or they are located far from the connected electronics. In this case, you should pay attention to the length of the cord and the number of sockets. Also may be relevant surge protectors with USB-ports, because a large number of electronics - smartphones, tablets, pavers, etc. - Charges from USB. Finally, in this rating we consider several filters with interesting design features.

But first, let's remember the best network filter manufacturers:

• APC (American Power Conversion). The American company, established in 1981, is best known for its uninterruptible power supplies. Now absorbed by the French Schneider Electric and produces mainly UPS, voltage regulators and surge protectors.
• Sven. The company was founded in 1991 in Russia. Currently headquartered in Finland. The company produces not only network filters, but also acoustics, gaming peripherals, accessories for mobile devices. The quality of materials is low, they do not indulge in additional chips, but the quality at low cost is at a decent level.
• Pilot. Under this name, products manufactured by ZIS, established in 1992, are manufactured. The company specializes in the production of extension cords, surge protectors, UPS and stabilizers. The name of the company has become a household name for some - many people call the network filter just a “pilot”
• Xiaomi. It seems that the Chinese from Xiaomi are doing everything that we see around us. There are several very good quality network filters in their assortment with their own unique chips and excellent design.

You will find even more manufacturers and interesting network filters in our ranking.

Top Traditional Surge Filters

We start with the most familiar network filters, in which there are no additional elements other than outlets and the power button. Of course, protection of various degrees of complexity is hidden inside, but the user, if all is well, will not have to contact her.In the ranking you will find both ultrabudgetary and high-quality expensive models.

4 SVEN Optima Base 5

A very cheap network filter from SVEN opens the rating. Externally - a simple black (or gray) bar of high impact refractory plastic. Next to the logo is the power button and five outlets. Cord length can be 1.8, 3 or 5 meters. On the rear surface there are slots with which the power filter can be mounted on any vertical surface.

Despite the cheapness, not only a simple thermal fuse was housed inside, but also a varistor protection from high-voltage discharges. The maximum permissible load is standard for this class of devices - 2200 W. Protection can absorb up to 4500 A pulse interference.

3 ZIS Pilot-S

Pilot-S outwardly differs little from the previous participant - the rectangular block is only slightly diluted with curved lines. Plastic body can only be white. As it should be, it is difficult to burn and holds the punch well. The power button without light indication that does not allow to assess the status from a distance. However, some users will be glad that there is no annoying glow. Outlets 6, one of which is devoid of grounding pins for connecting the old-style plugs. There are five wire length options: 1.8, 3, 5, 7 or 10 meters.

The insides are very similar to Sven. There is a varistor limiter, thermal fuse, triggered when the temperature inside the case rises, a fuse for protection against short circuit and bimetallic protection against overloads. Of the minuses, we note the absence of suppression of high-frequency noise.

2 SVEN SF-05PL

We will give the second place to another budget model SVEN. The case of the model is made in a rather interesting form factor with several rounded corners. Plastic matte, but its texture on the top and side faces are different. The wire is 1.8 meters long, quite thick and durable.

A distinctive feature of the SF-05PL are individual switches on each of the five sockets. This is convenient if you periodically do not use one or another device - the switch allows you to turn off or turn on the power faster, more conveniently and safely, without touching the plug itself and without loosening the contacts. The only drawback that users say in the reviews is a large percentage of defective models and not very high quality. We advise you to carefully check the device before purchasing and, if possible, additionally solder the contacts inside it.

1 APC SurgeArrest PM8-RS

The virtual gold medal receives a very high quality network filter from APC. The body is made in the form of a trapezoid. Plastic durable, practical, but quite nice enough. The button fits well into the overall design. Next to it there are three light indicators with inscriptions in Russian: protection is working, power overload, there is grounding. The cable is only two meters. But they did not regret the sockets - 4 were located on the upper surface, 4 more on the side. The distance between them is quite large, which allows you to connect even bulk power supplies.

The insides deserve respect. Available: filtering of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency noise, automatic reusable fuse. Of course, there are varistors and fuses. All this allows you to protect the connected electronics from power surges, noise and other troubles. The manufacturer is so confident in the reliability of the device that it is ready to repair or replace a broken SurgeArrest for 5 years for free. If, for example, after a power surge, your computer is “covered”, the manufacturer undertakes to repair it for free.

Top USB Surge Protectors

Modern electronics is becoming less gluttonous.A huge amount of consumer electronics is charged via ordinary USB. Let me give you a personal example: I use a smartphone, wireless headphones, a power bank and a fitness bracelet. With all the devices in the kit was a USB cable, but the power supply is only one. Charging in turn or from a computer? Inconvenient. In such a situation, it is the surge protector with USB connectors that saves. It takes up less space, allowing you to connect more devices. Yes, and extra elements - power supplies - are missing.

4 ERA USF-5es-USB-W

Opens the rating of the most affordable network filter with USB connectors. Appearance practically does not differ from comrades from the previous category. It seems that the case is just slightly extended to install a pair of USB ports. White colour. The length of the wire is only 1.5 meters. The plug is equipped with a ring, for which it is very convenient to pull it out of the socket.

Baseline protection. The filter will save from impulse noise, overload and short circuit. USB ports provide 2.1 A / 5V, which is enough to charge smartphones and more energy-demanding tablets.

3 ORICO ODC-2A5U-WH

Three leaders opens unusual model from the notorious Orico. The bronze medalist draws attention right away - instead of the usual series of traditional sockets, the user expects only a pair capable of withstanding a total load of 2500 W, and 5 USB connectors for all kinds of equipment. The solution is practical, considering how many modern gadgets are charged via regular USB. Among other things, the shape of the network filter allows you to use it as a docking station for the phone.

Filter dimensions are only 130x130x73 mm. The body is made in the usual for Orico design of white glossy plastic - it looks great, but it also collects dust well. The workmanship is excellent - there is no doubt about reliability. The manufacturer claims protection against power surges, short circuits, overheating, overload, and even excessive charging. In general, an excellent model for people who have much more compact gadgets than traditional technology.

2 ORICO OSJ-4A5U-WH

Orico is a manufacturer of very high-quality network filters, and therefore, without a second thought, we recommend another model of the company. The design is typical for the company - minimalistic, but stylish, not boring. White colour. Combines glossy and matte plastic. The only complaint - unnecessarily large dimensions. The model bears on itself only 4 classic sockets and 5 USB-connectors, but the length is almost 367 mm.

Characteristics of the device do not cause complaints: the filter is able to "digest" 4000 W of energy and current up to 16A. For each outlet - a separate beautiful switch. The advantages of this solution, we have already considered above. In addition to the protection set already familiar from the previous participant, it is worth noting support for fast charging. Perhaps this function will be appreciated by all users of modern smartphones - you can throw your native charging into a distant box and use only the surge protector that has taken the second place in our rating.

1 Xiaomi Mi Power Strip

Xiaomi is one of the leading companies in many areas of our lives. That and the network filter they turned out extremely successful. Externally, the model is very similar to the previous participant. The main differences lie in the number of sockets - here are 3 sockets and 3 USB ports - and their type. From the good - the inputs are universal. You can connect both European and old Russian, and Chinese or American plugs without any adapters. If you like to order a variety of equipment abroad, you will definitely like this chip. There is also a protective curtain on the holes. Of the minuses - no grounding.

USB connectors provide a maximum of 5V / 2.1A. The maximum total current is 3.1 A, i.e. 5V / 1A per output, which is a standard indicator.We also note a high level of maximum load - 2500 W, while most competitors have a maximum of 2200 W.

Top Surge Filters with Unusual Features

What if you need to not only power the electronics through ordinary sockets or USB ports, but also to perform some specific tasks. Useful models from this category. It is almost impossible to systematize these devices, and therefore we ask you not to pay attention to the distribution of places - each device is unique in its own way and perfectly performs its task.

4 PS Audio Dectet Power Center

There are music lovers - people who love high-quality sound and good music. And there are audiophiles that are difficult for ordinary people to understand. They are ready to pay an indecent amount for a regular power filter. But is PS Audio Dectet Power Center so common? Not at all. In a relatively compact package located 10 outlets, divided into 3 groups. 2 sockets are allocated for connecting powerful equipment, like power amplifiers. The other two groups of 4 sockets each are designed for connecting analog and digital equipment. For each type has its own group.

The insides are even more interesting. Connection type - star - each socket is directly soldered to the input cable, which reduces crosstalk. To eliminate external interference filter is used on the inductors. In general, the level of protection against voltage surges and interference (external and internal) at the highest level. Users of the device claim that the sound has become much cleaner and more detailed.

3 Power Cube SISN-BLACK-10

The model from the Power Cube and the following models belong to a much more familiar price range. A massive enough case carries 6 outlets, one of which is somewhat distant from the main unit, so that even massive power supplies and non-standard plugs can be connected. The body can hardly be called beautiful, but there are no questions to the practicality. Two through holes for mounting on the wall is much more convenient than the hidden grooves at the bottom of most other models.

The main distinctive feature is the protection of the telephone line. The filter is an intermediary that cuts off the transfer of current to the receiving device during a voltage surge in the supply part. This will save the phone, fax or modem and reduce interference with everyday use. Separate phase, zero and ground protection is provided. There is interference filtering. The manufacturer is confident in its products, and therefore provides a guarantee on the connected equipment.

2 Pilot t

The virtual silver medal is given to a fairly affordable model of a domestic manufacturer - Pilot T. The name is excellent for the device, because we have a T-shaped power filter. But much more interesting is the absence of a wire in it - the device is inserted directly into the outlet. This solution is suitable if the length of the wires of the connected devices is enough, but there are no sockets in the right quantity. In order not to break the socket with a large mass of the mains filter, adjustable legs are provided that abut the wall and reduce the load on the socket.

The filter bears on itself 4 classical sockets and a pair of USB ports. The total power can reach 3.3 kW, the current - 15 A. In total, USB connectors give 2A, which is enough to charge tablets, but not enough for devices that support fast charging. The power button is conveniently located on the front surface. Build quality and reliability do not cause complaints.

1 SVEN Special Base

Finally, our rating is completed by a very simple but unique model of its kind - a surge protector for an uninterruptible power supply. In fact, we have a conventional extension cord with a cable length of 0.5 or 1.8 meters, which provides five additional outlets of the usual standard. You can insert a computer wire, monitor, etc. into them. The model is able to pass through itself up to 2200 W of energy. No means of protection or filtering are provided, as it is assumed that the UPS takes over these tasks. Special Base is connected to it through the input plug of the IEC-320 standard.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of network filters
We vote!

PS Audio

Power cube

Uniel

Sven

ERA

Orico

Xiaomi

Zis pilot

APC

MOST

Total voted: 182

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