Quick verdict: Buy the Anker 351 if you want USB-C and USB-A charging built into your power strip and a flat plug that tucks neatly behind a desk. Buy the Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector if you run lots of bulky power bricks, want the higher surge-protection rating, or need a longer cord to reach a distant outlet. Both offer 12 AC outlets and a connected-equipment warranty; they solve different problems.
- Outlets
- 12 AC
- 12 (8 rotating)
- USB
- 1 USB-C (20W) + 2 USB-A
- —
- Surge
- 2100J
- 4,320J
- Plug
- Flat
- —
- Cert
- TÜV Listed
- —
- Cord
- —
- 8ft flat pivot
- Warranty
- —
- $300K equipment
- 12 AC outlets plus 20W USB-C and 2 USB-A
- Flat plug and 5ft cord tuck behind furniture
- 2100J protection with $200K equipment warranty
- USB-C drops wattage when USB-A ports are in use
- Not the cheapest option
- 8 rotating outlets fit large adapters without blocking
- High 4,320J surge protection
- 8ft pivot-plug cord, $300K warranty
- No USB ports on this model
- Bulkier than flat strips
The Core Difference: Built-In USB Charging vs Rotating Outlets#
The Anker 351 adds charging ports to its 12 AC outlets: one USB-C port rated at 20W plus two USB-A ports. That lets you charge a phone, earbuds, or a tablet straight from the strip without spending an outlet on a wall adapter. One caveat from Anker's own specifications: the USB-C port drops its wattage when the USB-A ports are in use, so it's best for topping up small devices rather than charging a laptop.
The Belkin has no USB ports at all. Instead, 8 of its 12 outlets rotate and pivot, so large adapters and transformer-style plugs can turn sideways instead of blocking the neighboring outlets. On a desk crowded with monitor bricks, laptop chargers, and speaker power supplies, that means you can actually use all 12 outlets at once.
Surge Protection#
Belkin rates its strip at 4,320 joules, roughly double the Anker 351's 2,100 joules. A joule rating describes how much surge energy the protector can absorb before its protective components wear out, so a higher figure generally means more headroom and a longer protective life. Both carry a connected-equipment warranty, and Belkin's coverage limit is the higher of the two. The Anker 351 is TÜV listed. If protecting an expensive computer and monitor is the priority, the Belkin's higher rating gives it the edge.
Cord, Plug, and Footprint#
The Anker 351 uses a flat plug on a 5-foot cord. The flat plug sits close to the wall, which helps when the outlet is behind a desk, dresser, or bookshelf pushed tight against the wall. The strip itself is the slimmer of the two.
The Belkin has a longer 8-foot cord with a flat pivoting plug, which also keeps it close to the wall while giving you three more feet of reach. That extra length matters if your nearest outlet is across the room or you want the strip mounted on the underside of a standing desk. The trade-off is bulk: the rotating outlets make the Belkin larger than flat strips.
Counting the Outlets You Can Actually Use#
On paper both strips have 12 AC outlets, but the usable number depends on what you plug in. A typical desk mixes slim plugs, like lamps and monitor cables, with wide bricks from laptops, speakers, and routers. On the Anker 351, wide adapters can cover a neighboring outlet, though its USB ports free up outlets you would otherwise spend on phone chargers. On the Belkin, the rotating outlets keep bulky plugs from overlapping. Count your bricks before you buy: mostly small devices favors the Anker, mostly big adapters favors the Belkin.
Who Should Buy Which#
Choose the Anker 351 if you:
- Want USB-C and USB-A charging without extra wall adapters
- Need a slim strip and flat plug for tight spaces
- Have an outlet within 5 feet of your desk
Choose the Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector if you:
- Plug in several bulky power bricks and adapters
- Want the higher 4,320-joule surge rating for expensive gear
- Need an 8-foot cord to reach a distant outlet
Frequently Asked Questions#
Does the Belkin 12-outlet surge protector have USB ports?#
No. This Belkin model has 12 AC outlets and no USB ports. If you want to charge phones and accessories directly from the strip, the Anker 351 includes one USB-C and two USB-A ports.
Can the Anker 351 charge a laptop over USB-C?#
Its USB-C port is rated at 20W, which suits phones, earbuds, and some tablets but is too low for most laptops. Plug your laptop's own charger into one of the AC outlets instead.
How many joules do I need in a surge protector for a computer?#
More is better for a desk with a computer and monitors. The Belkin is rated at 4,320 joules and the Anker 351 at 2,100 joules. Both provide meaningful protection, but the Belkin offers more headroom for expensive equipment.
Which power strip works better with large adapters?#
The Belkin. Eight of its outlets rotate, so wide power bricks can turn sideways instead of covering neighboring outlets.
The Verdict#
The Anker 351 is the better everyday desk strip if you want built-in USB-C charging and a slim, flat design that stays out of sight. The Belkin is the better choice for a gear-heavy setup, with rotating outlets for bulky adapters, more than double the surge rating, and a longer 8-foot cord. Pick based on whether you need charging ports or protection headroom, and see our full power strip reviews for more options.
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