5 Best extension leads

The Sun

2 days ago

EXTENSION leads are the unsung heroes of the tech world, and a good one goes a long way.
Today's models do more than just add sockets, and I've tested the best extension leads that truly earn their place in your setup.
5
They might not be glamorous, but a good extension lead is one of the most useful bits of kit you can have around the house.
And while they might seem low-tech, the best extension lead options these days come with smarter features that make them surprisingly handy.
Having tested everything from smart home devices to the best video doorbells on the market, I've seen just how much difference the right set-up can make.
Many extension leads now come with USB-A and USB-C ports, surge protection, timers, and even voice control.
Whether you're building a home office, powering smart devices, or just fed up with juggling chargers, the right lead can make your setup run a whole lot smoother.
Read on for my top picks.
How I tested
I've plugged in and put these extension leads to work over the past couple of weeks, testing how they hold up in a busy household.
From simple desk setups to outdoor use, and juggling multiple devices charging at once, I've seen how they perform in real life.
I focused on build quality, the variety and usefulness of ports, how well any smart features work, and overall day-to-day reliability.
After plenty of hands-on time and careful comparison, these are the extension leads that really stood out.
Best extension leads - tried and tested
Tapo P304M
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Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip, £29.99 from Amazon
I didn't quite realise how clever extension leads had become until I got hands-on with the Tapo P304M.
This one lets you control each of the four mains sockets individually through the Tapo app, which means you can turn off things like a lamp or printer without having to get up.
It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and basic automations, and you can even set timers or schedules.
There's some neat energy monitoring baked in too, though I didn't find myself using it much day to day.
Same goes for voice control, it's clever, but most things I plug in are there to stay, so I rarely found myself actually talking to it.
The big miss for me is the lack of USB ports; there are none here. In 2025, that feels like a bit of a slip, especially when so many of our gadgets charge via USB-C.
That said, for under £30, it's a great value way to make a standard setup a bit smarter.
The 2-metre cord gives you enough reach for most rooms, and you can mount it if you want a cleaner finish.
Sockets: 4 mains sockets, USB ports: None, Smart features: Voice control (via Alexa/Google), app timers, energy monitoring, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mountable, Power switch: Master on/off switches in app
Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead
5
Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead, £16.99 £12.34 on Amazon
BUY HERE
This Addtam lead has quietly become one of my most-used tech bits around the house over the past few years, and it's held up really well.
It's compact and surprisingly travel-friendly, with a tough braided cord that feels much more durable than the usual plastic kind.
I've used it by the bed and when working on the dining room; and it's the one I'd reach for to pack for trips abroad.
Despite the small size, it gives you two mains sockets, plus three Type-A and one Type-C port, which is a brilliant mix for charging everything from laptops to earbuds.
The Type-C port is the star here; more devices use it now, and it means you don't need to lug around extra plugs. I would've liked another one, but having at least one is a win at this price.
I went with the shortest 1.6m model just to make the sockets behind the bed more accessible, but you can go up to 5 metres if needed.
Now that I know how well this works, I'd have no hesitation branching out to Addtam's larger extension leads.
VonHaus Tower Extension Lead
5
If your desk or media setup is crying out for more sockets, the VonHaus Tower Extension Lead is a no-brainer.
It gives you a whopping eight mains sockets and four USB ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C) in a compact, upright design that takes up way less space than a flat bar.
I swapped this in from a chunky old lead and immediately doubled my socket count without any clutter.
I've got it powering a lamp, smart speaker, and our phone chargers, and it looks tidier than most, with a clean, matte finish.
You get surge and overload protection built-in too, which adds peace of mind if you're plugging in expensive gear.
My only gripe is it's so lightweight that it can wobble or tip if only a couple of plugs are in play.
Still, that's a minor issue; overall, it's a smart, space-saving pick that can easily handle a busy setup without looking like a jumble of cables.
Sockets: 8 mains sockets, USB ports: 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C, Smart features: None, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding, Power switch: Master on/off switches on tower
VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead
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VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead, £44.99 from VonHaus
For outdoor jobs where a standard lead just won't stretch, this VonHaus 25m splash-proof reel is a proper workhorse.
I use it mainly for things like jet washing the patio and running power tools at the far end of a long driveway.
With 25 metres of cable, I've never once felt restricted. It's got more than enough reach.
The reel design keeps things tidy when you're not using it, and it feels really solid.
The sockets come with hinged, IP54-rated covers to keep out water, which gives me peace of mind when I'm sprucing up the driveway. No panic if the jet wash gets a bit wild with a stray blast.
This one's not trying to be smart or techy, it's just a well-built, no-fuss lead that does exactly what it promises.
It's a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.47kg, but if you're doing garden work, running a shed, or sorting outdoor lighting, it's a brilliant bit of kit.
Best extension leads FAQs
What should I look for in an extension lead?
Start with what you need: number of sockets, USB ports, and whether a strip or tower suits your space.
Prioritise solid build quality, a decent cable length, and surge protection, especially for high-traffic or visible areas.
Where can I buy extension cords?
You'll find them at most major retailers, Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Screwfix, and Currys, all stock a wide range.
Basic leads are everywhere, but if you're after smart features or USB-C ports, Amazon and Currys usually have the best selection.
Here's where to look:
What are surges?
A surge is a sudden spike in voltage, usually caused by power cuts, lightning strikes, or large appliances switching on.
They can damage your electronics or even start fires, so surge protection is something to look for in any good extension lead.
What are surge protectors?
It's an extension lead with built-in tech that blocks power spikes from reaching your devices.
If you're plugging in pricey gear like a laptop, TV, or sound system, it's definitely worth having. No one wants their setup fried during a storm.
Do extension leads use more electricity?
Not by themselves. They only draw power when something is plugged in and switched on.
Some smart models, like the Tapo P304M, even show you how much energy your devices are using, which is handy if you're trying to cut down on bills.
Can you plug an extension lead into another?
That's a no-no, and it has a name: 'daisy chaining.' But it's not as fun as it sounds.
It can overload the circuit and pose a fire risk, so stick to one quality lead that can handle your needs safely.
What can I not plug into an extension lead?
Avoid high-powered appliances like heaters, fridges, microwaves, and washing machines; they should always go straight into a wall socket.
Plugging them into an extension lead can overload the circuit and risk damage or pose fire hazards.
Are 6-plug extension leads safe?
Yes, as long as they're used properly.
A single lead designed for six (or even more) sockets is safe to use, provided you don't go over the total wattage limit (usually around 3,000W in the UK).