If you live in an area prone to thunderstorms or your home experiences frequent power outages, it’s best to plug any big-ticket electronics into a surge protector. Similar to power strips in appearance but capable of much more, surge protectors prevent devices from overheating or short-circuiting due to unexpected electrical surges. Not only can a surge protector absorb and divert the extra electricity caused by spikes in voltage, but it can also help reduce the risk of damage to expensive devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances. Our top picks:Best overall: ​​ Best value: ​​ Best for audiovisual equipment: ​​ Best power strip: ​The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab test all kinds of home electronics, and we evaluated the best surge protectors for outlet count, cord length, price, and surge protection. These are our top picks to help keep your devices safe.