Buying Guide
The Best Power Strips Under $40: Our Picks
We looked at 4 power strips under $40 side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
7 min read4 products evaluated
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Under $40, power strips split into two distinct directions: WiFi-connected smart strips that let you control outlets remotely through a phone app or voice assistant, and heavy-duty metal-cased strips built for garages and workshops rather than home offices.
We compared this lineup on smart home compatibility, construction material, and per-outlet control granularity, since these are the features that separate a smart or rugged strip from the plastic, non-connected designs found at lower price tiers.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets
Alexa users who want hub-free smart control over 6 independent outlets
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets (opens in a new tab)
Best Heavy-Duty Metal
CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches
Buyers who need genuine metal construction for a workshop or garage
Our take Check price for CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches (opens in a new tab)
Best Multi-Ecosystem Smart
BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Outlets, Alexa & Google Home
Buyers who want smart control across both Alexa and Google Home ecosystems
Our take Check price for BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Outlets, Alexa & Google Home (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Heavy-Duty
CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip, 15FT Cord
Buyers who want the longest cord and most outlets in a heavy-duty strip at the lowest price
Our take Check price for CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip, 15FT Cord (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 4
Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This strip connects directly to WiFi and the Alexa app with no separate smart home hub required, letting you control all 6 outlets independently or group them for unified operation from anywhere with an internet connection.
Best for
- Alexa users who want hub-free smart control over 6 independent outlets
Why we like it
Its 3 USB ports, 2 USB-An and 1 USB-C, add wired charging alongside the smart-controlled AC outlets.
Setup takes just minutes by plugging in the strip and connecting through the Alexa app, where you can schedule appliances to turn on or off automatically to match your daily routine, a genuine convenience for lights or seasonal decorations that don't need constant manual switching.
Best for buyers already invested in the Alexa ecosystem who want hub-free smart control over 6 independent outlets.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 individually controlled smart outlets, WiFi, Alexa only
- 3 USB ports (2 USB-A, 1 USB-C)
- No hub required, app scheduling
Pros
- No separate smart hub required, works directly over WiFi
- 6 outlets can be controlled independently or grouped together
- App scheduling automates on/off timing for daily routines
Cons
- Works with Alexa only, not Google Home or other ecosystems
- No stated joule surge protection rating
Best Heavy-Duty Metal2 of 4
CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5mm extra-thick aluminum alloy housing is impact-resistant and fireproof, engineered specifically for garages, workshops, laboratories, and industrial settings rather than a typical home office desk.
Best for
- Buyers who need genuine metal construction for a workshop or garage
Why we like it
Its 8 individual switches plus one master control let you manage each connected device separately, cutting power to unused equipment with a simple flick.
77 inch center-to-center outlet spacing eliminates plug overcrowding, comfortably fitting bulky transformer bricks side by side, and the 1200 joule surge protection paired with a 15 amp circuit breaker offers instant response to overloads. The 10-foot ETL-listed cord includes hook-and-loop cable management fasteners for an organized workspace.
Best for buyers who need genuine metal construction and individual switches for a workshop or garage setup.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 outlets with individual switches, 1200J surge protection
- 1.5mm aluminum alloy housing, 1.77 in outlet spacing
- 10 ft ETL-listed cord, 15A circuit breaker
Pros
- Genuine aluminum alloy housing resists impact and fire
- 1.77 in outlet spacing fits bulky transformer bricks easily
- 8 individual switches let you manage devices separately
Cons
- No USB ports, unlike the smart plug picks in this comparison
- Heavier, more industrial design than a typical home office strip
Best Multi-Ecosystem Smart3 of 4
BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Outlets, Alexa & Google Home on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Unlike the Amazon Basics smart strip, which works with Alexa only, this pick is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a broader smart home ecosystem match if your household uses Google Home devices.
Best for
- Buyers who want smart control across both Alexa and Google Home ecosystems
Why we like it
Its 6 individually controlled outlets pair with a 20W max USB-C fast charging port and 3 additional USB ports for a total of 4 USB connections.
Its 1200 joule surge protection matches the CRST metal strip's rating, and the BN-LINK Smart app lets you schedule and remotely manage up to 6 devices, from air conditioners to holiday lights, with indicator lights confirming safety, grounding, and WiFi status at a glance.
Best for buyers who want smart control compatible with both Alexa and Google Home ecosystems.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6 individually controlled smart outlets, 1200J surge protection
- 20W USB-C plus 3 additional USB ports
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, 2.4G WiFi
Pros
- Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, broader than Amazon Basics
- 1200J surge protection matches the heavy-duty CRST pick
- 20W USB-C port offers meaningfully fast charging
Cons
- Requires 2.4G WiFi specifically, not compatible with 5G networks
- App has had reported compatibility issues on some Android updates
Best Value Heavy-Duty4 of 4
CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip, 15FT Cord on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This strip's sturdy extruded aluminum housing is specifically built for construction sites, labs, and other harsh environments, offering 10 outlets, more than the 8-outlet CRST pick above, at a lower price.
Best for
- Buyers who want the longest cord and most outlets in a heavy-duty strip at the lowest price
Why we like it
Its 2800 joule surge protection rating and 15 amp, 1875W electrical rating handle commercial, industrial, home, and office devices alike.
Its 15-foot heavy-duty grounded power cord reaches significantly farther than most strips in this comparison, and a built-in cord holder design lets you wrap the cord neatly around the strip for storage, with a hanging hole for wall installation.
Best for buyers who want the longest cord and most outlets among the heavy-duty picks at the lowest price in this comparison.
Key dimensions & specs
- 10 outlets, 2800J surge protection, 15A/1875W
- Extruded aluminum housing
- 15 ft heavy-duty cord, built-in cord holder
Pros
- Lowest price among the heavy-duty metal picks in this comparison
- Higher 2800J surge rating than the pricier 8-outlet CRST pick
- 15 ft cord is the longest in this comparison
Cons
- No individual switches, unlike the pricier CRST 8-outlet pick
- No USB ports
How We Chose These Power Strips Under $40
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Compared which picks work with Alexa only versus both Alexa and Google Home, and whether a hub is required.
- Compared aluminum alloy and extruded metal housings against standard plastic construction for durability.
- Compared individual switch or app-based control over each outlet versus master on/off control only.
- Compared stated joule ratings across both smart and heavy-duty picks.
- Cord Length and Outlet Count
- Compared cord length and total outlet count across the heavy-duty and smart strip categories.
What to Look for in a Power Strip Under $40
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility Should Match Your Existing Devices, Not Just Offer the Most Features
The Amazon Basics smart strip works with Alexa only, while the BN LINK pick supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, a broader compatibility range that matters specifically if your household already uses a mix of both ecosystems or Google Home devices exclusively. Buying an Alexa-only strip when your home is built around Google Home means you won't get voice control functionality at all, regardless of how many other smart features the strip offers. Check your existing smart home device ecosystem before choosing a strip, since ecosystem mismatch renders the smart features effectively unusable.
Genuine Aluminum Alloy Construction Provides Real Durability Advantages Over Standard Plastic Housing in Demanding Environments
5mm extra-thick aluminum alloy housing is specifically engineered to be impact-resistant and fireproof, a meaningful durability upgrade over standard plastic power strip housing when used in a garage, workshop, or industrial setting where dropped tools, dust, or temperature extremes are common risks. A plastic-housed smart strip like the Amazon Basics or BN LINK picks isn't necessarily fragile, but it's not built to withstand the same physical abuse a workshop environment can subject equipment to. Match the housing material to your actual use environment rather than assuming any power strip handles a garage or workshop setting equally well.
Individual Switches on a Heavy-Duty Strip Serve a Different Purpose Than Smart App Control
The smart strips in this comparison offer similar per-outlet control but require your phone and a working WiFi connection to access, which can be less convenient in a workshop setting where you might have dirty or gloved hands. Consider whether physical switches or app-based control better suits your actual working environment and habits.
Wide Outlet Spacing on a Metal Power Strip Solves the Same Problem It Does on a Standard Strip, But at a Higher Stakes Level
5-inch spacing found on typical consumer power strips. In a workshop context, being unable to plug in all your equipment simultaneously due to outlet blocking is a more disruptive problem than it might be for home office use, since workshop tools often have larger, bulkier power connectors. Check the specific outlet spacing dimension for any heavy-duty strip you're considering for workshop use, not just the total outlet count.
4GHz-Only WiFi Requirement Is a Real Compatibility Constraint Worth Checking Before Purchase
4GHz WiFi network and explicitly does not support 5GHz networks, a common limitation among budget smart home devices that can cause setup frustration if your home router broadcasts primarily on 5GHz or uses a combined network name without separating the two bands. This isn't a flaw unique to this product, but it's a genuine technical requirement that can block successful setup if not addressed beforehand. 4GHz network exists before purchasing any smart home device with this stated requirement.
How to Choose a Power Strip Under $40
| Hub-free Alexa smart control over 6 outlets | Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip |
|---|---|
| Genuine metal construction for a workshop | CRST 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with Individual Switches |
| Smart control across Alexa and Google Home | BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip |
| The longest cord and most outlets at a lower price | CRST 10-Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip |
Smart WiFi Control vs Heavy-Duty Metal Construction
- Smart WiFi (Amazon Basics, BN LINK)
- Lets you control outlets remotely through an app or voice assistant, ideal for home automation and scheduling.
- Prioritizes physical durability and individual switches over smart connectivity, built for workshops and garages.
If home automation and remote control matter most, choose a smart pick. If physical durability in a harsh environment matters most, the CRST metal picks are purpose-built for that.
| Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip | |
| Mixed Alexa and Google Home devices | BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip |
| No smart home ecosystem, just outlets |
For a Garage or Workshop Setup Specifically
- A metal housing rated for impact and fire resistance, plus wide outlet spacing that accommodates bulky power tool chargers.
- 77 inch outlet spacing are specifically built for this kind of demanding environment.
- You want individual switches on a genuine metal housing, where the CRST 8-Outlet pick offers real physical durability the cheaper 10-outlet CRST pick lacks.
- You want a heavy-duty strip with the most outlets and longest cord without individual switches, where the CRST 10-Outlet pick covers that for about $9 less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Amazon Basics smart strip work with Google Home instead of Alexa?
No, it's specifically designed to work with Alexa only, so if your smart home setup is built around Google Home, the BN LINK pick, which supports both ecosystems, would be the better choice.
What's the most common mistake buyers make when choosing a power strip for a workshop or garage?
Choosing a standard plastic-housed strip, even a smart one, over a metal-housed pick like the CRST options, when a workshop environment's dust, impact, and temperature risks call for the more durable aluminum alloy construction.
Is the CRST 8-Outlet Metal pick worth it over the cheaper 10-Outlet CRST pick?
If you specifically want individual switches for each outlet, yes, but if you just need more total outlets and a longer cord without per-outlet switching, the 10-Outlet pick's higher 2800J surge rating and 15-foot cord offer strong value at a lower price.
Do I need a smart home hub to use the Amazon Basics or BN LINK smart strips?
No, both are specifically designed to work without a separate hub, connecting directly to your home WiFi network and the respective Alexa or Google Home app for control.
4GHz WiFi and not 5GHz?
4GHz network is available and discoverable before setup.
Can I use the heavy-duty CRST strips for regular home office equipment, or are they overkill?
They work fine for home office equipment, though their industrial-grade metal housing and wide outlet spacing are built for garage, workshop, or lab environments, so a standard plastic strip may be a more cost-effective choice if you don't need that level of physical durability.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip, 6 Individually Controlled Outlets — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all power strips under $40 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.