Is 900 joules enough surge protection?

For a desk with a laptop, monitor and peripherals, 900 joules is adequate. Homes with frequent storms or expensive AV gear may want a higher rating.

Does it have USB ports?

No. The 521 is an 8-outlet AC strip only, so plan a separate charger for phones and tablets.

Can I mount it on a wall or under a desk?

Anker designs this strip for flat placement; check the listing for keyhole slots or mounting hardware before relying on it.

How is it different from a basic hardware-store strip?

You pay more for Anker's build and support. The outlet count and 900-joule rating are the same class as many cheaper strips.

When is the best time to buy?

Power strips rarely see deep discounts. Watch the price history and buy when it dips below its recent range rather than waiting for a holiday.

Anker 521 Power Strip (PowerCore 6)

Last price we saw

$29.99last seen Nov 4

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Anker 521 Power Strip (PowerCore 6)

The Anker 521 Power Strip is an 8-outlet surge protector rated at 900 joules, aimed at desks and home offices that need to plug in a lot at once. Anker's build quality and a flat, low-profile plug are the selling points over generic strips. It is a straightforward protection and distribution product, not a smart strip, so there is no app control or USB charging. No current store price was provided, so check the live comparison before buying.

Best forDesk and home-office setups with many devicesProtecting computers and AV gear from surgesRenters who want a simple, no-app strip

Pros

8 outlets handle a full desk of gear
900-joule surge rating covers typical home electronics
Anker build quality and support reputation
Compact strip format fits behind furniture

Cons

No USB ports, so phone charging needs its own adapter
No smart features or individual outlet switches

Anker 521 Power Strip (PowerCore 6) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $29.99 on Nov 4. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 4.

Specifications

Style: Power Strip
Surge Rating: 900 joules
Number Of Outlets: 8 outlet

Questions and answers

Is 900 joules enough surge protection?: For a desk with a laptop, monitor and peripherals, 900 joules is adequate. Homes with frequent storms or expensive AV gear may want a higher rating.
Does it have USB ports?: No. The 521 is an 8-outlet AC strip only, so plan a separate charger for phones and tablets.
Can I mount it on a wall or under a desk?: Anker designs this strip for flat placement; check the listing for keyhole slots or mounting hardware before relying on it.
How is it different from a basic hardware-store strip?: You pay more for Anker's build and support. The outlet count and 900-joule rating are the same class as many cheaper strips.
When is the best time to buy?: Power strips rarely see deep discounts. Watch the price history and buy when it dips below its recent range rather than waiting for a holiday.