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The Best Cable Box

Last updated on April 21, 2023
Best Cable Box

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Power strips are convenient, allowing you to plug multiple electronic devices into one outlet. Some even build in surge protection, which safeguards your sensitive devices. But there’s a downside to these gadgets. They tend to be bulky and awkward, taking up space and possibly even posing a tripping hazard.

A cable box is designed to solve that issue. The build is large enough to hold at least one power strip, with the cord coming out a hole on either side. It has a lid to keep everything tucked away, out of sight, and the design typically blends with your office or home décor.

But these boxes can also help keep your power strips and devices safe. This is especially true if you have pets or small children. Little fingers can gravitate toward power outlets, and cables can attract dogs who like to chew on things. You may find pets and kids also push the buttons during play, shutting your devices off without powering them down correctly. A box keeps those buttons and outlets safely tucked away.

But the cables themselves can become a hazard for pets and kids who like to chew. A cable zipper that bundles those cords together and keeps them concealed can add a layer of safety to your environment. Zippers also conceal your cables, keeping mess at a minimum.

Another way cable boxes help with safety is that they help prevent a tripping hazard. Power strips and surge protectors often stay on the floor, where they can easily be stepped on. Cable boxes can put everything in one place and rest against the baseboard or behind your furniture. They also typically have rubber feet on the bottom to ensure that even if someone accidentally steps on or kicks them, they will hold firm.

Our Picks For The Top Cable Boxes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Chouky Clutter-Free Ventilated Cable Boxes, 2-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Chouky

Clutter-Free Ventilated Cable Boxes, 2-Pack

Keep your children and pets protected from loose cords with this cable box set. The set includes two organizers, each of which is constructed from a durable ABS material. You'll find the boxes are quite stylish and even come with cord ties and clips to help you manage your cables.

Overall Take

Two Color OptionsSince this cable box is available in a choice of white or black, you're sure to find one that matches your existing decor.

 Runner Up

CABALEY Tabletop Insulated Cable Boxes, 2-Pack

CABALEY

Tabletop Insulated Cable Boxes, 2-Pack

With this cable box set, you'll receive one large and one medium organizer. The sleek black design looks good in any space and the included ties, clips and sleeves insure your cables are kept neat and tidy. Since the boxes are constructed from a fire retardant material, you can feel safe using them.

Overall Take

Stays PutThanks to the anti-skid bottoms on these cable boxes, you won't have to worry about the organizers sliding around.

 We Also Like

DMoose Self-Adhesive Cord Management Cable Box

DMoose

Self-Adhesive Cord Management Cable Box

This cable box measures 16 by 5 by 6 inches, making it perfect for tucking away power strips and surge protectors, as well as other cables. Nonslip rubber feet on the bottom help anchor it in place, keeping it stable if it's bumped or kicked. The material is ABS fireproof, adding an additional layer of safety.

Overall Take

Wooden Print LidThe lid on this box has a wooden print that makes it stand out from others.

 Strong Contender

Bluelounge Flame-Retardant Cable Box Cord Management System

Bluelounge

Flame-Retardant Cable Box Cord Management System

This cable box comes in either one or two-pack sets and four color options: black, white, moonlight blue and light sage. The dimensions are 6.25 by 16 by 5.25 inches to fit long and wide power strips and surge protectors with plenty of room to spare. It's made from high-density, flame-retardant plastic for extra safety.

Overall Take

Flame-Retardant DesignThe plastic in this box is flame-retardant to help you reduce fire risk in your home or office.

What to Look For

  • Cable boxes come in multiple sizes — usually small, medium and large. Pay attention to the dimensions and measure your power strips to make sure they’ll fit.
  • Color also varies with cable boxes. Look for something neutral enough to match your furniture unless you want your cable box to stand out.
  • Note where the exit and entry holes are on the cable box you’re buying. Make sure you’ll be able to set your cables up the way that works best for you.
  • Even with a cable box, cords will still be poking out on either side. A cable zipper can help if you need to bundle multiple cables together.
  • Some cable boxes advertise that they’re built using plastic that is fire retardant. An ABS rating on plastic means it has been tested and is resistant to heat up to a certain temperature. These plastics can help slow down a fire in progress, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely fireproof.
  • If you’re using your box for charging your phone, having a lid that lets you set your phone on top can be a big convenience. Some even have a slot designed specifically for resting your phone in an upright position.
  • One side benefit of cable boxes is that they keep everything out of the way. That means when it’s time to clean your furniture or floors, you have less to work around.
  • If you’re using power strips or surge protectors, it’s important to note some safety recommendations. You should never use a strip or surge protector for high-capacity appliances like space heaters or dehumidifiers. Those items should be plugged directly into the wall. You should also avoid daisy-chaining your strips. That means you should never plug a strip into another strip. Each power strip or surge protector should be plugged directly into the wall.

More to Explore

Each appliance and device in your house is delivered a fairly steady stream of voltage throughout the day. But sometimes your home can experience a sudden increase in power, known as a surge. This can be caused when you turn items on or off in your house or when your power goes out and suddenly comes back on again. One of the most common causes of surges, though, is a lightning strike. Unfortunately, a surge can damage sensitive electronic equipment, which is why surge protectors can help. When purchasing a surge protector, look for one that includes 3-line protection and a fuse or circuit breaker.

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