It's a problem as old as electricity itself: the outlet is way over there, but you need power right here. Thank your lucky stars for S.W. Atherton, who had the same issue and did something about it, inventing the extension cord over a century ago. Since then, there have been innumerable improvements to this simple, indispensable device. We've done the research for you and come up with this list of our favorite extension cords on the market today. GE 45148 6-Foot Extension Cord Lord Of The CordsThis 6-foot extension cord is a perfect all-purpose cable for all kinds of uses.Best OverallFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a safe, dependable, all-purpose extension cord you can rely on for all indoor purposes, look no further than the GE 45148 Extension Cord. UL-listed and approved, the multi-socket head features tamper-guard safety covers to prevent shock when not in use. The two-prong plug is designed with a flexible strain relief that can reduce fraying and be used in either a polarized or grounded outlet. And coming from a manufacturer like General Electric, you know you’re getting a quality product. Pros: Available in sizes from 6 to 15 feet Three colors to choose from Also available in 2-packs and 4-packs Cons: Not outdoor rated Longer models tangle easily AmazonBasics Outdoor Extension Cord Extend Your FunCount on this rugged 16-gauge outdoor extension cord for a reliable connection.Best Outdoor CordFind on Amazon Outdoor extension cords need to be extra tough and well-built, as they typically are used to draw more amperage from a socket for power tools and outdoor appliances. The AmazonBasics Outdoor Extension Cord is a grounded 16-gauge, 3-prong cord that gets the job done. Rated for 13 amps and 1,625 watts, its all-copper wire construction is surrounded by a vinyl covering to protect against abrasion, moisture, and heat. We like the flexibility in the AmazonBasics Extension Cord, making it perfect for lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other heavy-duty machinery. Pros: Available in sizes up to 100 feet Choose from green or red Optional built-in power strip Cons: 100-foot model is more likely to tangle Very stiff Cable Matters 2-Pack Extension Cord Level-Up Your Power-UpFlexible, flat, and with universal capability, this extension cord is designed for all indoor uses.Best Indoor CordFind on Amazon Indoor extension cords require the very highest level of safety and dependability. The Cable Matters 2-Pack Extension Cord features 3 NEMA 1-15R polarized receptacles and a NEMA 1-15P polarized power plug, rated for 13 Amps and 1,625 Watts. Removable tamper guard plugs safely seal the receptacles when not in use. The SPT-2 cord is more reliable and safer at longer distances than the thinner 18 AWG, two-prong extension cord. With UL-certified safety, you know you’ve got the safest extension cord for multiple indoor uses. Pros: Universal two-prong compatibility Available in 6-foot, 10-foot and 15-foot lengths 16 gauge Cons: Not grounded 10-foot model closer to 9-feet Dewenwils Retractable Extension Cord No More DiscordWith automatic slow-retraction technology and an auto-guide rewind mechanism, this cord will keep things neat and tidy.Best RetractableFind on Amazon Nothing is more frustrating than a tangled extension cord, especially if it’s heavy-duty. Dewenwils solves this issue by housing its 50-foot cable in a rugged, polypropylene case with an automatic retraction system to slowly and consistently rewind the cord into the housing. Place the adjustable stopper anywhere on the cable to keep the extension cord at your desired length. It also includes a 180-degree swivel bracket to mount the housing on a wall or ceiling with ease. Pros: Lighted triple socket Integrated breaker reset button Weather-resistant Cons: Small screws in mounting bracket Fits only the proprietary cord GE 10-Foot Extension Cord With Power Strip Safety FirstThis surge protector gives you ten feet of extension for safety and convenience.Best Surge ProtectionFind on Amazon Indoor extension cords are typically used to power small electronics in your home that are susceptible to unpredictable power surges from your outlet. General Electric protects you from this catastrophe with the GE 10-Foot Extension Cord With Power Strip. Featuring six grounded outlets with 800 joules of surge protection and an integrated breaker reset, you can now reach the outlet across your office and still be sure your devices are protected. The cord also features a flat plug for tight spaces behind furniture and twist-to-close safety covers on each outlet. Pros: Available in black or white Comes in sizes from 2 feet to 20 Keyholes for easy wall mounting Cons: Compatible to 1,800 watts in total Flat plug is round, not square, which might make it harder to grip Frequently Asked Questions Is resistance stronger for longer extension cords? Yes. The longer your extension cord, the more resistance it has, which makes a difference depending on the power tool you’re using at the end of the cable. For example, a 15-foot extension cord can easily pull 15 amps from an outlet, but the same brand of cable at 100 feet may only pull 13 amps. The extension cord’s gauge is another important factor since higher-gauge cables are designed to pull more amps from the outlet. What’s the proper way to roll up an extension cord so it’s not a giant, tangled mess? For a sure-fire way to keep your long extension cords in check, connect the female end to the male end, make a simple knot at the end near the plugs, and make a chain of successive slip knots in the cord, one right next to the other. Tie off the end, and you’ve got a neatly-tied cable. To unravel, pull on the end where you made your last knot. Each knot will pull out easily without tangling. How important is the grounding prong in an extension cord? The ground prong is the cylindrical metal bit on the plug that fits in the round hole in your outlet, and it’s designed for your safety. If there is a loose or uninsulated wire in your outlet, the ground prong takes that excess electricity that could escape the circuit and directs it to the ground. This kind of accident rarely happens, but if it does, it can cause injury or even death without a ground prong.