BLACK+DECKER PD USB Wall Charger Review & Verdict
Starting with a surprising consistency across platforms, the BLACK+DECKER PD USB Wall Charger Surge Protector, 5 Outlet Extender holds a strong 4.6/5 average rating, and user sentiment suggests it delivers on both power capacity and safety claims. Based on aggregated feedback, the overall verdict lands at 8.9/10, with widespread praise for versatility and build quality, tempered by occasional complaints about outlet spacing and bulkiness.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Ideal for home offices and mixed-device setups, but check fit for your wall space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple device charging (5 AC + 3 USB) | Bulky design may block adjacent outlets |
| Strong surge protection (1050 joules) | No individual outlet power switches |
| Fast USB-C PD and USB-A charging | Limited spacing for large adapters |
| Comprehensive safety features | Fixed wall mount limits placement |
| Dust & debris protection shutters | Price higher than similar capacity models |
| ETL listed for safety | USB-C ports share total wattage output |
Claims vs Reality
One of the most prominent marketing claims is the “comprehensive 6-point safety system” including short-circuit, over-temperature, and over-voltage protection. Digging into user reports, Amazon buyers consistently confirm these protections feel substantial. A verified buyer noted: “The outlet shutters are a nice touch, I feel safer with kids around it.” However, while the brand touts its fire-resistant casing, no real-world fire safety incidents were reported or tested by users, leaving that claim mostly unverified in practice.
Another big promise is “32W type C & USB-A charging ports” for fast device charging. While technically correct, multiple users mention that the ports share total wattage. A Reddit user commented: “It charges my phone quick, but if I plug in my tablet too, the speed drops.” This aligns with electrical design limitations and suggests heavy multi-device charging may not meet “fast charge” expectations for all connected gadgets.
Finally, the manufacturer highlights “dust & foreign object protection” via internal shutters. Parents and pet owners seem to value this feature — one Trustpilot reviewer said: “My toddler tried sticking something in, and nothing happened — that peace of mind alone made it worth it.” While the function works, some adult users find the shutters stiff when inserting plugs, especially for older devices.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, the combination of 5 AC outlets and 3 USB ports is the standout feature. For remote workers, this means fewer adapters and cleaner desks. A verified buyer on Amazon explained: “I can run my laptop, monitor, and charge two phones without hunting for extra sockets.” The three-sided design also helps in tight spaces, as reported by Reddit user u/Tech***: “I like that I can plug things in from the sides — keeps cables from tangling.”
Safety certifications (ETL listing) and the 1050-joule surge protection earn consistent trust. A Twitter user emphasized: “Lost a router to a surge last year — this is my insurance policy now.” The fire-resistant housing and ground protection features reassure users in older homes with inconsistent wiring.
Fast charging on the USB-C PD ports, while not perfect under full load, gets strong marks from single-device users. A Trustpilot buyer wrote: “It topped up my Pixel from 20% to 80% in about 40 minutes — faster than my old adapter.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent criticism is bulk. The unit’s size and depth can obstruct neighboring wall sockets, particularly in duplex outlet setups. One Amazon reviewer said: “It’s great, but forget about using the other wall plug unless you’ve got a huge gap.” This impacts kitchen users who rely on tight counter space.
Outlet spacing is another sore point. Large power bricks can block adjacent ports, undermining the five-outlet promise. A Reddit user noted: “If you’ve got chunky chargers, you’re really using three outlets, not five.”
Some users wish for individual outlet switches to control devices without unplugging. This is particularly relevant for energy-conscious buyers who want to cut phantom loads. A Trustpilot comment read: “Would be perfect if I could turn off each socket.”
Divisive Features
The dust-protection shutters split opinion. Parents appreciate them, but others find them inconvenient. A Reddit member wrote: “You have to really push to get some plugs in — annoying when swapping devices often.”
Wall-only mounting is also polarizing. While it keeps cables off floors, it limits placement flexibility. One buyer on Amazon commented: “I wanted to use it on my workbench, but it only works directly in-wall.”
Price perception varies — some view the $34.99 MSRP as fair for safety and build quality, while others compare it unfavorably to cheaper Bell+Howell models with more joules.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows no scam-related complaints, and buyers report consistent performance over months. Reddit posts mention the unit “still works like day one” after six months of daily use. The ETL safety listing and solid casing add credibility. While surge protectors degrade over time, no cases of premature failure emerged in the dataset.
Long-term durability praise often comes from home office setups where the extender is rarely unplugged. A verified Amazon buyer shared: “It’s been in the same spot for a year, and the USB ports haven’t loosened.”
Alternatives
Bell+Howell offers a 5-outlet extender with 4 USB ports and 1680 joules of protection for $17.99. While cheaper and with higher joule rating, it lacks USB-C PD and the three-sided design. For users prioritizing surge capacity over fast charging, Bell+Howell might be a better fit. However, Black+Decker’s dust shutters and safety system are viewed as superior for child safety.
Price & Value
Current retail price hovers around $34.99, with Amazon listings sometimes dropping to $25. Resale value appears moderate — eBay listings show new units selling for $27–$31 plus shipping, while local sales on OfferUp dip to $20. Community buying tips suggest waiting for sales, especially during back-to-school or Black Friday events, when prices often undercut MSRP.
FAQ
Q: Does the USB-C PD charging work for laptops?
A: Yes, but only for lower-power laptops or Chromebooks. Multiple users report it charges MacBook Air models, but not at full speed compared to dedicated 60W chargers.
Q: Will it protect devices during a power surge?
A: Users confirm it handles typical household surges well, thanks to its 1050-joule rating. One owner noted it saved their modem during a lightning storm.
Q: Can it be mounted anywhere other than a wall outlet?
A: No, it’s designed strictly for wall mounting. There’s no cord for table or floor use, which limits flexibility.
Q: Is this safe for homes with children?
A: Yes, the built-in outlet shutters prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects. Parents frequently praise this safety measure.
Q: How many devices can be fast-charged at once?
A: One USB-C device can get true PD speeds; adding more devices splits the total 32W output, reducing speed.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home office user or parent needing safe, multi-device charging in one spot. Avoid if you require portable or corded power strips. Pro tip from community: use slim adapters to maximize outlet count and keep USB charging speeds high.
