No home, office, or job site is complete without an extension cord. This ultra-portable power cable gives you total flexibility to tap into an unlimited electricity supply anywhere, anytime.
Ultimate Extension Cord Power Hubs
An extension cord is the ultimate power solution for all your indoor or outdoor electricity needs. Just plug it into a wall socket and power up appliances, tools, or gadgets in a medium or large-sized room.
You can use an extension cord for a handheld vacuum, trim your garden into a masterpiece with a hedge trimmer, charge up tech gadgetry in your office, or complete renovations in a garage with a miter saw. An ideal traveling companion, an extension cord can also be used in your RV or on a cruise ship.
The 10 Best Extension Cords
- Iron Forge Cable 25-foot Extension Cord
- HITRENDS 5-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
- Kensington K38215NA 15-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
- Tripp Lite TLP825 25-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
- US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord (Our Top Pick)
- Southwire 50-foot Extension Cord
- Masterplug 80-foot Extension Cord Reel
- Flexzilla Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Woods 2451 AgriPro Extension Cord
- NTONPOWER Extension Cord Power Strip
Our Top Pick for the Best Extension Cord
Our top pick for the best extension cord is the US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord.
We highly recommend this premium extension cord for any outdoor or indoor electrical requirements. If you are a DIY home renovator or a builder on a construction site, you will know how important it is to have quality tools that are durable, functional, reliable, and most importantly, 100% safe to use.
The US Wire and Cable extension cord is a perfect match for high-powered tools or appliances and will ensure that any project runs smoothly or everyday residential electrical needs are met. The 65050 is solid, sturdy, flexible, and safe to use, and its extra-long 50-foot length gives you the freedom to extend a power supply just about anywhere.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose an Extension Cord
To help you find the right extension cord for your electricity needs, consider these very important features.
Indoor Extension Cord
Indoor extension cords are designed to power small and medium appliances and electronic devices.
Although an indoor cord may also be designed for limited outdoor use, it may not be suitable for long-term exposure to sunlight or use in wet conditions.
It is not recommended that you attach two extension cords unless the plug on the other end of the cord has a safely grounded 3-pronged plug. To be safe, buy a longer cord.
Indoor Extension Cord Power Strip
Indoor extension cords that come with a power strip, such as the Tripp Lite TLP825 25-foot Extension Cord Power Strip, have multiple sockets for a variety of appliances or digital devices. One of the best features of a power strip is its surge protection against power spikes.
It may also have a light that illuminates when the strip overloads. Surge protection is especially crucial if you are using the extension cord for sensitive devices such as laptops or desktop computers that can be damaged in the event of a power surge.
Outdoor Extension Cord
Outdoor extension cords, such as the US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord, are specifically designed for outdoor use. So you can use this cord for home renovations or on an industrial construction site. These types of extension cords usually come in bright colors, such as yellow, lime green, orange or red, which increases the cord’s visibility.
Always make sure that you read the cord’s specifications before use, especially with heavy-duty power tools. Also, take note of its water resistance or waterproofing ability.
Extension Cord Splitter
An extension cord that has a splitter, such as the Woods 2451 AgriPro Extension Cord, is convenient for renovation enthusiasts or farmers who need to power up more than one power tool or appliance. Also, make sure that you take note of the total wattage of the cord before you attach heavy-duty power tools.
Extension Cord with a Lighted Plug
Every home or construction site needs an outdoor extension cord with a lighted plug outlet such as the Flezilla FZ8140503 Retractable Extension Cord Reel. This incredibly useful power cord has a protective sleeve that fits over the plug and illuminates when the power is on. This way, you can use your power tools or appliances without fear of being electrocuted.
Extension Cord Reels
If you want to use an extension cord but do not want it left lying around on the ground, consider a retractable cord reel. Just like a garden hose reel, an outdoor extension cord reel provides great maneuverability and storage versatility. The reel may even have additional outlets on the outside of the reel’s housing, such as the Flexzilla Extension Cord Reel, which gives you total tool functionality.
Extension Cord Safety
Safety is paramount with an extension cord.
- Always make sure that you use the extension cord for the right purpose.
- The cord needs to be placed in a safe area where people will not trip over it.
- Heavy furniture items should not crush the cord.
- If you are using a power strip, do not overload it with large transformer plugs.
- Look for cords that are UL listed or have some similar type of safety rating.
Plugs with Three Prongs or Two Prongs
An extension cord’s safety is increased when it has a 3-pronged plug as opposed to a 2-pronged plug. If you have a look at appliances around your home, you will notice that most appliances have power cords with 3-pronged plugs.
Smaller items such as a cordless phone or a stereo will usually only have a cord with a 2-pronged plug. The third prong is an additional safety feature for appliances that have a metal casing, which protects you from electrocution that can be caused by wear and tear or a lightning strike.
Understanding Extension Cord Specifications
Most extension cord manufacturers use a series of letters to specify what the cord is made from, the type of electrical components it contains, where the cord can be used, and other important safety information.
- E: Cord jacket is made of thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE).
- J: Cord has standard 300-voltage insulation.
- O: Cord jacket is impervious to oil.
- P: Household cord with parallel wire construction.
- S: Cord is designed for general use.
- T: Cord jacket is made of vinyl thermoplastic.
- UL: Cord is certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
- W: Cord is approved for outdoor use.
Extension Cord Gauge
The extension cord’s gauge tells you what the cord can be for light, medium, or heavy-duty applications. Typical American Wire Gauge (AWG) numbers that are used are 10, 12, or 16. Lower gauge numbers of 10 or 12 mean that the cord is designed for power tools while a 16-gauge cord is ideal for general purpose use.
Length
One of the great features of an extension cord is that there are many different lengths available. Everyday extension cords for the home or office usually range from an ultra-short 15-inch cord, 5-foot cords, or 25-foot cords. Heavy-duty cords for outdoor use or industrial applications are 50, 80, or 100-foot long.
10 Best Extension Cords – Reviews
1. Iron Forge Cable 25-foot Extension Cord
Whether you need to power digital devices, small household appliances, or install Christmas lights on your patio, the Iron Forge Cable 25-foot Extension Cord is a very good choice for your home.
The black 16-gauge extension has a generous 25-foot length and its powerboard has 3 outlets for convenient power distribution. Its durable, insulated thermoplastic jacket resists moisture, abrasion, and will not crack in harsh sunlight or harsh temperatures. You can use it safely as it is UL listed and has a grounded 3-pronged plug.
Its flat head design allows you to place furniture flush against the wall safely. A convenient accessory loop can be used to hang or wall mount the cord. Iron Forge Cable offers the extension cord in 5 other lengths and the cord is covered by a lifetime replacement warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Great price
- Ideal for light to medium-duty indoor use
- Can be used for outdoor areas such as a patio
- Long 25-foot size
- Durable insulated thermoplastic covering
- Moisture and abrasion-resistant
- Will not crack or deteriorate in sunlight or extreme temperatures
- Safe to use grounded 3-pronged plug
- UL listed
- Smart black design
- Provides up to 3 additional outlets for power distribution
- Accessory loop for hanging or wall mounting
- Flat power strip allows for flush furniture placement
- Five sizes
Cons
- Power board has no surge protection
- Limited outdoor use
- Not fully waterproof
2. HITRENDS 5-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
The HITRENDS 5-foot Extension Cord Power Strip is an excellent choice for extending the power of small appliances and devices in your home or office.
Safe to use, the FCC and RoHS certified cord contains 100% copper wire, has a fire-resistant shell, a grounded 3-pronged plug, an on/off switch, and a red indicator light.
You can power digital devices and small appliances all at the same time with this highly functional 1250-watt power strip. It has 3 US standard grounded outlets and 3 USB 5-volt charging ports. So it can be used for most phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Featuring upgraded USB ports and a 6-grade energy-efficient board, the power strip supports a higher current and a fast charging speed. Designed with an intelligent surge, overload, and short-circuit protection, all your devices will be safe and secure.
Compact and portable, the 5-foot extension cord power strip is perfect for traveling and takes up minimal space on a desk.
The extension power strip comes in black or white.
HITRENDS offers a free replacement guarantee on the extension cord.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- High functionality
- Convenient 6-in-1 design
- Three standard outlets and 3 USB charging ports
- Powers small appliances and digital devices
- Suitable for most phones, tablets and other electronic devices
- Upgraded intelligent USB ports have surge protection, overload protection, and short-circuit protection
- Six-grade energy efficiency board
- Delivers the fastest possible charging speed
- Compact and portable
- FCC and RoHS certified
- Fire-resistance PC shell
- 100% copper wire
- On/Off switch has a red indicator light
- Available in black or white
- Free replacement guarantee
Cons
- Not designed for large appliances or for outdoor use
- Short cord
3. Kensington K38215NA 15-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
Trust Kensington to provide reliable surge protection for your valuable electronics. Perfect for home or office use, the Kensington K38215NA 15-foot Extension Cord Power Strip will safeguard your electrical equipment. The 1500 Joule strip can accommodate up to 6 adapter-style plugs, so it is ideal for laptops, computers, or printers.
With smart surge protection, plus an indicator light and an on/off switch, the UL-listed/CSA-certified power strip stop dangerous power spikes from damaging valuable electronics.
The generous 15-foot extension cord allows you to place the power strip where you need it the most. Its slimline design and right-angle plug minimize clutter on a desk or behind a podium at a conference.
Hosting a business meeting? Consider Kensington’s unique circular tabletop SmartSocket, which has 6 color-coded adapter outlets and a long 16-foot extension cord.
To save even more space, all of Kensington’s extension cord power strips can be mounted to the wall.
You can also choose from 6, 7, or 8 outlet power strips that have a 6-foot or a 15-foot extension cord. Standard power strips are also available with color-coded outlets.
Kensington offers a limited lifetime warranty on all its extension cord power strips.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Perfect for the office or home
- Safeguards computer and equipment
- Indicator light and on/off button
- Fits 6 AC adapters
- Color-coded rings with matching cord labels provide easy cord management
- Long 16-foot power cord
- Surge protection indicator light
- Eliminate power cord clutter in meetings and conferences
- Plenty of room for up to 6 AC adapters
- Available in a unique circular tabletop design with color-coded adapter outlets
- UL-listed and CSA-certified
- Can be wall mounted
- Color-coded standard power strips available
- Available with 6, 7, or 8 outlets
- Available with 6-foot or 15-foot extension cords
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- May not suit large, bulky adapters
- No mounting hardware included
4. Tripp Lite TLP825 25-foot Extension Cord Power Strip
Protect your devices and appliances in your home or office with the Tripp Lite TLP825 25-foot Extension Cord Power Strip.
The Tripp Lite can be used for any gadget you have. Computers, monitors, printers, wireless routers, televisions, video game consoles, streaming media players, sound systems, device chargers, desk lamps, and other small appliances such as a coffee machine or grinder.
Safety comes first with Tripp Lite. The UL-listed power strip is surge protected to provide maximum safety with its advanced internal surge/noise protection design.
Built strong, the durable and fire-resistant power strip has high-impact housing. Sliding outlet safety covers prevent contact with unused outlets.
The extension cord has an automatic shutoff system that cuts power to all outlets when the protection circuit has been compromised. Diagnostic LEDs also confirm grounding and protection at a glance.
Highly versatile, the power strip has 8 protected AC outlets, which include 5 standard outlets and 3 larger outlets that are perfect for bulky transformers.
The extra-long 25-foot extension gives you an extended reach. A right-angle plug allows furniture and equipment to be placed flush against the wall.
You can either wall or desk mount the power strip using the keyhole slots on the bottom panel.
The extension cord power strip comes in light gray or black.
Tripp Lite offers a limited lifetime warranty on the extension.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Eight outlets
- Three large plugs are perfect for bulky transformers
- High 1440 Joule rating
- Surge and maximum overload protection
- Automatic shutoff system
- UL-listed
- Diagnostic LEDs confirm grounding and protection status at a glance
- Extra-long 25-foot AC extension power cord
- Space-saving right-angle design
- Wall mount or desk mounting ability
- Comes in light gray or black
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- Plastic covers are a bit flimsy
- Not designed for outdoor use
5. US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord
If you are a DIY renovation enthusiast, mechanic, or avid gardener, the US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord is a must-have item for your home or industrial job site.
Tested in some of the harshest weather conditions in Alaska, the all-weather extension cord is designed to last a lifetime! This 12-gauge 15 amp/1875-watt extension has a solid and sturdy molded plug.
The thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) insulated SJTW jacket is abrasion-resistant, will not deteriorate from moisture or sunlight or mar floors or walls. Its durable jacket will not crack or break even in temperatures as low as -35°F.
Experience great freedom of movement around your workspace as the 50-foot extension cord has a medium flexibility tangle-free design. You will be able to work safely with power tools, electric motors, and appliances. The UL-listed/OSHA-approved extension has a socket with a power-on red glow that illuminates when the cord is ready to work.
The extension cord is available in a 1 or 2-pack and in orange or yellow.
US Wire and Cable offers a limited lifetime warranty on the extension.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for home and industrial use
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Heavy-duty 12-gauge cord
- Can be used with power tools, electric motors, and appliances
- Extreme all-weather design
- Tested in Alaska
- 100% TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) double insulated jacket
- Solid 3-pronged grounded molded plug
- Specially formulated jacket is abrasion-resistant
- Will not deteriorate from moisture or sunlight
- Non-marring design for floors or walls
- Will not crack or break, even at temperatures as low as -35°F
- Medium flexibility tangle-free design
- Extra-long 50-foot cord
- Available in a 1 or 2-pack
- Comes in orange or yellow
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Plug’s socket can degrade easily if it is handled roughly
- A bit bulky
6. Southwire 50-foot Extension Cord
Having an on-demand electricity supply for garden maintenance or home repairs is made possible with the Southwire 50-foot Extension Cord.
Designed for outdoor and indoor use, the all-purpose medium-duty 14-gauge/15 amp extension is ideal for just about any type of electric-powered tool. You can use the cord for a line trimmer, leaf blower, electric mower, cleaning appliances such as a shop vac, and even power tools.
Its waterproof vinyl SJTW jacket provides excellent flexibility in most weather conditions and ensures maximum resistance against moisture, abrasion, and sunlight. The cord has a heavy-duty connector and a molded plug with 3 reinforced prongs that are highly resistant to bending or breaking.
Whether you want to power tools outdoors or indoors, it is very safe to use as the UL-listed cord has a bright red color.
The extension cord comes in 3 lengths: 25-foot, 50-foot, and 100-foot.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor use
- Medium-duty 14-gauge cord
- UL-listed
- Perfect for landscaping, powering gardening and cleaning appliances, and power tools
- Durable waterproof and weather-resistant jacket provides maximum protection against moisture, abrasion, and sunlight
- Very good flexibility in most weather conditions
- Sturdy reinforced 3-pronged plug
- Highly visible red color provides extra safety
- Available in 25-foo, 50-foot, and 100-foot
Cons
- Cord can become very stiff in winter conditions
- Heavy
7. Masterplug 80-foot Extension Cord Reel
The Masterplug 80-foot Extension Cord Reel provides excellent functionality for the home or light commercial use.
Whether you work with a miter saw or need to clean up your yard, the 14-gauge extension can be used with a line trimmer, leaf blower, or other power tools. Its 4-in-1 design means you can attach 4 power tools to the reel.
The lightweight, sturdy open-style cord reel has a robust stand and an easy-grip handle which offers you lots of portability around your garage, garden, or property.
For on-demand power indoors and outdoors, the extra-long 80-foot power cord will reach almost anywhere. The reel has an/off button, so you do not have to go back to the main electrical outlet to power your tools on and off. You will experience easy cord management and storage as the reel’s integrated cord guide allows for easy winding and unwinding.
The extension cord reel will help you to work safely as the cord is a bright lime green color and the reel has built-in overload protection, a red reset button, and childproof sliding outlet covers.
Masterplug offers a 3-year warranty on the extension.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Great functionality
- Perfect for outdoor and indoor use
- 14-gauge design can be used with most gardening or power tools
- Ideal for home, workshop, yard, and light industrial applications
- Robust durable design
- Heavy-duty steel base
- Easy-grip handle
- Integrated cord guide for easy winding and unwinding
- Built-in overload, reset button and childproof sliding outlet covers
- Extra-long 80-foot extension cord
- Four outlets
- On/off button
- Built-in surge overload protection to prevent overheating
- Red reset button
- Bright lime green color
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Handle is awkwardly placed near the spool and hits the base of the frame
- Not ideal for large power tools
- Crank handle feels a bit cheap
8. Flexzilla Retractable Extension Cord Reel
Perfect for home and professional use, the Flexzilla Retractable Extension Cord Reel will help you complete any electrical-based project super fast!
The heavy-duty 14-gauge/13 amp, extra-long 50-foot extension cord is highly resistant to oil, water, and sunlight, while still maintaining its flexibility in low temperatures. Made from impact-resistant black polypropylene, the reel’s housing is extremely durable but lightweight.
The retractable cord has a kink-free design to eliminate any tangles. Its adjustable cord stopper allows you to increase and decrease the length of the cord. Plus, the cord locks out in 1-foot increments for improved control.
A lighted triple-tap outlet provides plenty of power capacity and has a grounded 5-foot lead-in cord. For superior visibility in low-light workspaces, the bright ZillaGreen color is easily seen in the dark. Its built-in circuit breaker has a reset button, which protects against tripping and blowing fuses.
For smarter work efficiency, the extension cord reel can be mounted to the wall or ceiling, and the swivel bracket pivots in the direction of your work.
You can also purchase a 25-foot or a 60-foot extension cord.
Flexzilla offers a 1-year warranty on the extension cord reel.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Perfect for home or professional use
- Ideal for indoor use and dry locations
- Heavy-duty 14-gauge extension cord
- Resistant to the effects of oil, water, and sunlight
- Maintains flexibility in low temperatures
- Lightweight and compact
- Impact-resistant black polypropylene
- Extra-long 50-foot retractable cord
- Kink-free design to eliminate tangles
- Adjustable cord stopper
- 1-foot cord lock increments
- Lighted triple tap outlet
- Grounded plug has a 5-foot lead-in cord
- Bright ZillaGreen color is easily seen in the dark
- Surge protected circuit breaker has a reset button
- Can be wall or ceiling mounted
- Swivel mounting bracket pivots in the direction of your work
- Available with a 25-foot or a 60-foot extension cord
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No mounting hardware included
- Not ideal for heavy-gauge 15 amp tools
- Not to be used in wet conditions
9. Woods 2451 AgriPro Extension Cord
Designed for rough outdoor conditions, the Woods 2451 AgriPro Extension Cord is an excellent choice for farms, ranches, and other agricultural purposes.
Featuring a heavy-duty design, the SJTOW 14-gauge/1875 black extension can be used for most power tools or appliances. Its thick durable vinyl jacket is chemical, oil, and moisture resistant. The plug has 3 reinforced blades that prevent accidental bending or breaking.
Easy to use, the UL-listed cord is tangle-free and maintains its flexibility in most weather conditions.
The extension cord has a generous 25-foot length but a 50-foot cord is also available.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Designed for farms, ranches, and other agricultural purposes
- Heavy-duty powerful design
- Can be used for outdoor and indoor use
- Ideal for most power tools and appliances
- Thick vinyl jacket is chemical, oil, and moisture resistant
- Maintains its flexibility in all weather conditions
- Three-pronged plug has reinforced blades to prevent accidental bending or breaking
- Three grounded outlets can power multiple appliances at once
- UL-listed
- Available in a 25 or 50-foot length
Cons
- Cord can be a bit stiff in extreme cold temperatures
- Contains lead so you need to wash your hands after use
10. NTONPOWER Extension Cord Power Strip
Love taking all your tech with you on holidays? The NTONPOWER Extension Cord Power Strip is the ultimate traveler’s companion.
With this power strip extension docking station, you have the absolute convenience of charging your devices while you are at home, in the RV, or on a cruise ship.
The compact and portable donut-shaped power strip fits into your hand or you can utilize the non-slip rubber stand to set it up on a nightstand or desk.
As the power strip has 3 outlets and three 150-volt intelligent USB ports, you and your travel buddies can charge all your devices. A Bluetooth speaker, laptop, smartphone, iPad, and digital camera battery can be charged superfast. The power strip also has a power button and an LED light.
Traveling with all your tech is so easy. The 15-inch cord can be wrapped around the power strip and packed in a suitcase or backpack.
You can use this extension power strip safely as it is FCC and RoHS approved and has a 3-pronged plug. The high-temperature fire shield outer shell and multi-protection design protect you against electrical short-circuit, overheating, overcharging, and voltage overloads.
The extension cord power strip docking station comes in 2 colors: black and white.
NTONPOWER offers an 18 months warranty on the extension power strip.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ultimate traveler’s companion
- Compact and portable donut-shaped power strip
- Easy to pack extension
- Fits in your hand
- Non-slip rubber stand is ideal for a nightstand or desk
- Three outlets and 3 USB ports
- Great for a Bluetooth speaker, laptops, smartphone, iPads, or camera batteries
- Three-pronged plug can be attached to a longer extension
- FCC & RoHS approved
- High-temperature fire shield outer shell
- Complete protection against electrical short-circuit, overheating, overcharging, and voltage overload
- Available in black or white
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Not suited for larger, bulky plugs
- Might be a bit bulky for small backpacks
- May require another extension cord for nightstands that are located further away from a power outlet
Our Top Pick for the Best Extension Cord
Our top pick for the best extension cord is the US Wire and Cable 50-foot Extension Cord.
We highly recommend this premium extension cord for any outdoor or indoor electrical requirements. If you are a DIY home renovator or a builder on a construction site, you will know how important it is to have quality tools that are durable, functional, reliable, and most importantly, 100% safe to use.
The US Wire and Cable extension cord is a perfect match for high powered tools or appliances and will ensure that any project runs smoothly or everyday residential electrical needs are met. The 65050 is solid, sturdy, flexible, and safe to use, and its extra-long 50-foot length gives you the freedom to extend a power supply just about anywhere.
Check the price on Amazon
