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10 Best Short Extension Cords 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Basics Power Extension Cord, 6 Feet 13 Amps, 125V, Black

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,430
Length
Gauge (AWG)
Amperage Rating

Most important from
56590 reviews

Length
Great length options provide ample reach for different setups.
Gauge (AWG)
The cord's thickness might make it slightly less maneuverable for some users.
Amperage Rating
Excellent performance with a 13 amp/125V power rating, powering devices efficiently and safely.

The Amazon Basics Indoor Extension Cord is a 6-foot long, black extension cord suitable for a variety of indoor uses. It is designed to handle up to 13 amps and 125 volts, making it compatible with most consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment. The cord uses a 16 AWG gauge, which is standard for light to medium-duty applications, ensuring it can handle the power requirements of most household devices safely.

It includes a 3-prong plug and accepts both 2- and 3-prong device plugs, which enhances its versatility. However, it only has one outlet, so it may not be ideal for situations where multiple devices need to be plugged in simultaneously. The cord is also lightweight at 4.8 ounces and compact, making it easy to handle and store.

While it lacks any advanced safety features, it is a basic, reliable option for general indoor use and is best suited for users needing a simple, dependable extension cord for occasional use around the house.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,430
Length
Gauge (AWG)
Amperage Rating

Most important from
56590 reviews

Length
Great length options provide ample reach for different setups.
Gauge (AWG)
The cord's thickness might make it slightly less maneuverable for some users.
Amperage Rating
Excellent performance with a 13 amp/125V power rating, powering devices efficiently and safely.
#2

SlimLine 2235 Indoor Flat Plug Extension Cord, 3 Foot Cord, Right Angled Plug, 16 gauge, 3 Polarized Outlets, 125 Volts, Space Saving Design, Neutral White Color, UL and CUL Listed…

Rating
9.4
Length
Safety Features
Plug Type

Most important from
24314 reviews

Length
The 7-foot length is ideal for most household needs, providing enough reach without being cumbersome.
Safety Features
The flush face design ensures safety and convenience when placing behind furniture.
Plug Type
The slim, flat design allows for easy placement behind furniture and along walls without blocking other plugs.

The SlimLine 2235 Indoor Flat Plug Extension Cord is designed for indoor use, offering a convenient solution for connecting multiple devices within a short distance. With a length of 3 feet, this cord is ideal for areas where space is limited, such as offices or homes, where you might need to power clocks, lamps, and other small appliances. The right-angled plug is a thoughtful feature, allowing furniture to be pushed closely against the wall without obstructing other outlets. This can be a significant advantage in tight spaces, reducing clutter and potential tripping hazards.

The cord includes three polarized outlets, enabling you to connect multiple devices, although it is only suited for low-power applications due to its 16-gauge rating and 125-volt capacity. This makes it less suitable for high-power appliances that require more robust cords. Safety is addressed with UL and CUL listings, ensuring it meets safety standards. The neutral white color helps it blend seamlessly with most interiors, adding a subtle touch without drawing attention.

It's important to note that the extension cord is lightweight, which might be a concern regarding durability over time. Users have positively reviewed the product, indicating satisfaction with its performance in terms of reliability and ease of use. However, if you require a cord for more demanding electrical needs or outdoor use, this might not be the best fit. The SlimLine 2235 excels in its category for indoor short-extension cords, balancing functionality with a space-saving design.

Rating
9.4
Length
Safety Features
Plug Type

Most important from
24314 reviews

Length
The 7-foot length is ideal for most household needs, providing enough reach without being cumbersome.
Safety Features
The flush face design ensures safety and convenience when placing behind furniture.
Plug Type
The slim, flat design allows for easy placement behind furniture and along walls without blocking other plugs.
#3

GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 6 Ft Extension Cord Power Strip 2 Pack 16 Gauge Twist-to-Close Safety Outlet Covers Outdoor Extension Cord Outlet Extender UL Listed White 50355

Rating
9.1
Length
Number of Outlets
Safety Features

Most important from
16570 reviews

Length
The perfect length and high-quality material make it ideal for charging blocks for devices like iPhone and iPad.
Number of Outlets
An essential accessory for powering up multiple devices efficiently and securely.
Safety Features
Sturdy construction and reliable connection points offer a secure electrical pathway, reducing the risk of power fluctuations or electrical hazards.

The GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord 6 Ft Power Strip offers a practical solution for those needing a short extension with additional outlets. With a length of 6 feet, it provides a decent reach for most home and office environments without creating too much clutter. The 16-gauge wire is suitable for standard household use, and the cord supports up to 13 amps and 1625 watts, making it capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously.

The three outlets are polarized, ensuring compatibility with a range of devices, and the twist-to-close safety covers enhance protection by preventing accidental shocks, especially useful in homes with children. The cord is UL Listed, adding an extra layer of safety and reliability, and it comes with a limited-lifetime warranty, which underscores the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability.

While the extension cord includes surge protection as a special feature, it is primarily designed for indoor use, which is an important consideration for those needing an outdoor solution. The pack includes two cords, adding value for money, especially for those needing multiple extension points. However, it might not be ideal for heavy-duty appliances due to the 16-gauge wire. This product is well-suited for general household use, offering a good balance of safety, convenience, and reliability.

Rating
9.1
Length
Number of Outlets
Safety Features

Most important from
16570 reviews

Length
The perfect length and high-quality material make it ideal for charging blocks for devices like iPhone and iPad.
Number of Outlets
An essential accessory for powering up multiple devices efficiently and securely.
Safety Features
Sturdy construction and reliable connection points offer a secure electrical pathway, reducing the risk of power fluctuations or electrical hazards.

Buying Guide for the Best Short Extension Cords

When choosing a short extension cord, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Short extension cords are useful for connecting devices that are close to an outlet, but you need to make sure they can handle the power requirements of your devices and are safe to use. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
LengthThe length of the extension cord is crucial because it determines how far you can place your device from the power outlet. Short extension cords typically range from 1 to 6 feet. If you need to connect a device that is very close to the outlet, a 1 to 3-foot cord should suffice. For slightly more distance, a 4 to 6-foot cord might be better. Choose the length based on the distance between your device and the outlet to avoid unnecessary slack or tension.
Gauge (AWG)The gauge of an extension cord refers to the thickness of the wire inside it, which affects how much electrical current it can safely carry. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker wires and higher capacity. For short extension cords, a 16-gauge wire is usually sufficient for light-duty tasks like powering lamps or small electronics. For medium-duty tasks, such as powering a computer or a small appliance, a 14-gauge wire is better. If you need to power heavy-duty equipment, consider a 12-gauge wire. Choose the gauge based on the power requirements of the devices you plan to connect.
Amperage RatingThe amperage rating indicates the maximum amount of electrical current the extension cord can handle. This is important to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Common ratings for short extension cords are 10, 13, and 15 amps. For light-duty use, such as charging phones or powering small lamps, a 10-amp cord is usually sufficient. For medium-duty use, like running a computer or a small kitchen appliance, a 13-amp cord is better. For heavy-duty use, such as powering a space heater or a power tool, a 15-amp cord is recommended. Match the amperage rating to the power needs of your devices.
Number of OutletsSome short extension cords come with multiple outlets, allowing you to connect more than one device at a time. This can be convenient if you have several devices that need power in the same area. However, be mindful of the total power draw to avoid overloading the cord. If you only need to power one device, a single-outlet cord is sufficient. If you need to power multiple devices, look for a cord with two or three outlets, but ensure the combined power usage does not exceed the cord's capacity.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are important to consider to prevent electrical hazards. Look for extension cords with built-in surge protection to protect your devices from power spikes. Grounded cords (with three prongs) provide an extra layer of safety by reducing the risk of electric shock. Some cords also come with a reset button or circuit breaker to prevent overloads. Choose a cord with the necessary safety features based on the environment in which you will be using it and the types of devices you will be connecting.
Plug TypeThe plug type of an extension cord can affect its compatibility with your outlets and devices. Most extension cords have a standard two-prong or three-prong plug. If you need to connect devices with a grounding plug, make sure to choose a cord with a three-prong plug. Additionally, some cords have flat or angled plugs, which can be useful for fitting into tight spaces or behind furniture. Consider the plug type based on the configuration of your outlets and the space where you will be using the cord.

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