Skip to main content
An array of a dozen or so yellow, orange, and red extension cables laid in two rows on the lawn Credit: Reviewed / Jessa Rose Photography

The Best Outdoor Extension Cords of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

An array of a dozen or so yellow, orange, and red extension cables laid in two rows on the lawn Credit: Reviewed / Jessa Rose Photography

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
Editor's Choice Product image of Voltec 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension Cord with E-Zee Lock and Lighted End, 50-Foot
Best Overall

Voltec 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension Cord with E-Zee Lock and Lighted End, 50-Foot

Check Price at Amazon

In testing in through a myriad of elements and situations, it repeatedly impressed. With a high-power rating, durable design, and lockable lighted outlet, it's simply the best on the market. Read More

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Good value
  • High power capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find
Editor's Choice Product image of US Wire & Cable 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 50 Foot
Best Value

US Wire & Cable 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 50 Foot

Check Price at Amazon

Well-made, though a bit less durable and seems less weather-resistant than our top pick. A bit bulkier to manage throughout testing. Aside from these minor issues, performed just as well as the best. Read More

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Handles a lot of power
  • Well-constructed

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Iron Forge Cables 12/3 SJTW Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord, 25 Foot

Iron Forge Cables 12/3 SJTW Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord, 25 Foot

Check Price at Amazon

After all our tests, we found this cord to be a top-notch blend of power capacity and flexibility, making it ideal for high-powered indoor needs. Read More

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Great flexibility
  • Good power capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Otimo 50 Ft 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cord

Otimo 50 Ft 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cord

Check Price at Amazon

During our testing, the Otimo cord quickly established its versatility. It's the most familiar gauge and most comfortable to access. Read More

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Versatile
  • Practical

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Southwire Polar Solar 1638SW0061

Southwire Polar Solar 1638SW0061

Check Price at Amazon

The Southwire cord has a durable construction, is resistant to chemicals and oil, and has lighted connections. Read More

Pros

  • Heavy duty
  • Flexible
  • Lighted plugs

Cons

  • None that we could find
  • Best Overall Voltec Pro Outdoor Extension Cord (50 Feet, 12 Gauge, 15 A)
  • Best Value US Wire & Cable 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 50 Foot
  • Iron Forge Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord (25 Feet, 12 Gauge, 15 A)
  • Otimo 50 Ft 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cord
  • Southwire Polar Solar 1638SW0061
  • US Wire & Cable 14/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 100-Feet
  • UltraPro 50 Ft Outdoor 3-Outlet Power Strip
  • TerraBloom Heavy Duty Extension Cord (25 Feet, 14 Gauge, 15 A)
  • Clear Power 50 ft 12/3 Heavy Duty Extension Cord
  • Woods Lawn and Garden Extension Cord (25 Feet, 16 Gauge, 13 A)
  • AmazonBasics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord (50 Feet, 16 Gauge, 13 A)
  • What Is Power Transmission for Outdoor Extension Cords?
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

Whether you’re hanging outdoor lights or running power to an unreachable corner of your yard, a durable outdoor extension cord is a vital component of home life.

Be careful not to move your indoor cords outside, for using power tools or enjoying your deck. If not just to prevent electrical shocks, or worse. A quality outdoor cord should effectively transmit power and safely withstand daily wear and tear—rain, snow, tall grass, creeping critters, and just about any other annoyance.

After hours of exploring different options, we’ve determined that the Voltec Pro 12-gauge outdoor extension cord (available at Amazon) is the best extension cord money can buy. It combines an impressive power capacity, a useful length of 50 feet, a fortified wall outlet locking component, and overall value that makes it a clear front-runner. However, there are many other great extension cords of varying lengths and power capacities that are certainly worth looking into.

Editor's Note:

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Voltec, best outdoor extension cord
Credit: Reviewed / Jessa Rose Photography
Best Overall
Voltec Pro Outdoor Extension Cord (50 Feet, 12 Gauge, 15 A)

With the perfect balance of durable design, value, and power capacity, the Voltec Pro outdoor extension cord takes the top spot in our list.

This powerhouse of an extension cord combined the practicality of a long extension cord with the power capacity (15 A) to safely keep any piece of machinery drawing current from a standard household outlet.

Specifically, the Voltec was designed to be a strong, dependable, no-nonsense extension cord that gets the job done. This extension cord is heavy, with a thick cord wrapped in a yellow and blue jacket that feels both durable and dependable. The downside to its heaviness is that it was a little difficult to manage right out of the packaging. However, once the cord was stretched out and used once or twice, it became much easier to manage.

Both before and after running this cord over with a Jeep, there was no voltage drop measured. It performed as well as any cord could in our objective tests and stood up to the scrutiny of multiple uses over a long period of time.

The Voltec includes a small locking mechanism that helps the cord stay firmly attached to the power cable of whatever piece of equipment it is that you're using. If you unknowingly start to move outside the cord's 50-foot radius, this locking clip could prove to be quite the headache saver.

In testing this cord out in a myriad of elements and situations, this cord repeatedly impressed. With its high-power rating, durable design, and lockable lighted outlet, the Voltec Pro 50-foot outdoor extension cord is simply the best extension cord on the market.

Pros

  • Durable design

  • Good value

  • High power capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

$71.99 from Walmart
U.S. Wire and Cable, 50-foot outdoor extension cord.
Credit: Reviewed / Jessa Rose Photography
Best Value
US Wire & Cable 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 50 Foot

In our research, we found that with most affordable outdoor extension cords, the customer was forced to choose between length or top-notch power capacity. The U.S. Wire & Cable outdoor lighted extension cord provided a compromise that offered the best of both at a great value.

This extension cord features most of the best aspects of our top pick, minus the locking clip attached to the connector, and performed similarly in all the testing. Like the Voltec, this 50-foot extension cord is rated for 15 A and can handle a serious amount of power. That power never observably dropped in our testing phase.

This cord is well-constructed, although slightly less durable and seemingly less weather-resistant than the Voltec. It also was a bit bulkier to manage throughout the testing phase, both coiled and uncoiled. Aside from those minor issues however, this cord performed every bit as well as our top pick. If you’re interested in the Voltec but want something more affordable, there’s no better value than the U.S. Wire & Cable 50-foot outdoor lighted extension cord.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Handles a lot of power

  • Well-constructed

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon

$39.90 from Home Depot

$39.90 from Walmart
Product image of Iron Forge Cables 12/3 SJTW Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord, 25 Foot
Iron Forge Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord (25 Feet, 12 Gauge, 15 A)

The Iron Forge outdoor lighted extension cord was one of the best cords we tested, offering a strong and durable design, lighted outlet, and great flexibility. Its length and limitations on outdoor use kept it from being a contender for our best overall spot but makes it easy enough to manage as an indoor extension cord.

Although it’s rated for heavy duty use, the Iron Forge is light enough for both indoor and outdoor use without causing any fuss. The cord was portable, both coiled and uncoiled, and could easily be placed anywhere you need it.

Like our top pick, the Iron Forge performed well in both our objective and subjective testing, holding its own against everything we threw against it—within consideration of its length, of course. The lighted outlet option made the cord easier and safer to use in the evening, which is an important detail that’s easy to overlook.

After all our tests, we found this cord to be a top-notch blend of power capacity and flexibility, making it ideal for high-powered indoor needs.

Pros

  • Durable design

  • Great flexibility

  • Good power capacity

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Otimo 50 Ft 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cord
Otimo 50 Ft 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cord

During our testing, the Otimo cord quickly established its versatility. It's the most familiar gauge and most comfortable to access. This lightweight cord is rated for medium duty to carry current safely to small appliances and household tools.

Its flexibility, ease of use and ease of storage make it a must have for any homeowner. The current remained unaffected by driving over it with a Chevrolet Impala, and its bright orange casing makes it easy to see in many medium duty applications.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Versatile

  • Practical

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Southwire Polar Solar 1638SW0061
Southwire Polar Solar 1638SW0061

The Southwire Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord is built for larger power transfers than the more common 16-gauge power cords. It has a durable construction, is resistant to chemicals and oil, and has lighted connections.

The Southwire had a more flexible feel and would handle the extreme cold conditions better than most cords. The cord was easy to move and manipulate through the tasks and is durable enough to deliver great results.

Pros

  • Heavy duty

  • Flexible

  • Lighted plugs

Cons

  • None that we could find

$79.99 from Amazon

$79.99 from Walmart
Product image of US Wire & Cable 14/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 100-Feet
US Wire & Cable 14/3 SJTW Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord, 100-Feet

U.S. Wire & Cable, whose 12-gauge cable was our top value pick, also makes a 100-foot extension cord that performed very well during our tests. Although it’s rated for a lower power capacity, the value of an extension cord of 100 feet at an affordable price cannot be overstated.

This cord boasts all of the features of our top value pick, minus the 12-gauge rating, and is surprisingly compact for a 100-foot cable. While it won’t hold up to the heaviest electrical jobs, this is the best 100-foot extension cord we reviewed and a very useful cord to have on hand in the garage.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Lengthy

  • Useful to have on hand

Cons

  • Lower power capacity

$41.48 from Home Depot

$57.12 from Walmart
Product image of UltraPro 50 Ft Outdoor 3-Outlet Power Strip
UltraPro 50 Ft Outdoor 3-Outlet Power Strip

UltraPro is one of the best extension cord and surge protection brands on the market., Their extension cord is an entry level extension cord for powering small appliances and other household electrical applications. While its three-outlet power strip is convenient, it can be easily overloaded by overzealous homeowners.

Its small gauge and 13 amp capacity means that its best place is powering multiple household items such as lights, TVs, and home entertainment systems. It can be used as an indoor extension cord, and it's quite handy during blackouts when used with a portable generator. When electrical outlets are limited, its multiple outlet strip makes powering numerous lights that much easier.

Pros

  • Durable

  • Convenient

  • Practical

Cons

  • Can be overloaded

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of TerraBloom 14/3 SJEOW Triple Outlet Outdoor Extension Cord, 25 Foot
TerraBloom Heavy Duty Extension Cord (25 Feet, 14 Gauge, 15 A)

The 25-foot TerraBloom Heavy Duty Cord is one of the strongest short extension cords that we tested, offering a strong feel, all-weather rating, portability, and a lighted triple socket. This cord performed well in our voltage tests and subjective usage, making it easily one of the best short cords we tested. The TerraBloom is rated for 15 A, making it ideal for heavy machinery, but its length holds it back from holding a higher spot in our rankings.

If you’re in need of a 25-foot extension cord that performs well and offers three power outlets at once, the TerraBloom Heavy Duty gets our recommendation.

Pros

  • Strong build

  • Portable

  • Lighted triple socket

Cons

  • Too short

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Clear Power 50 ft 12/3 Heavy Duty Extension Cord
Clear Power 50 ft 12/3 Heavy Duty Extension Cord

The Clear Power Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord is a very capable product that can power larger home tools such as table saws and electric chain saws. While not as easy to tote around as small extension cords, this outdoor extension cord means business.

This water-resistant cord boasts a heavy duty casing that’s weather, flame, and oil resistant with lighted connections and a plug locking system. With the advent of more corded snow blowers, lawn mowers, and chainsaws, this cord is up to the task. The lighted plugs allow quick identification when the power goes out and it is plugged into the generator. The lighted plugs are also helpful at night when operating an electric snowblower.

Pros

  • Lighted plugs

  • Locking plugs

Cons

  • Heavy

Buy now at Amazon

$53.99 from Walmart
Product image of Woods 16/3 SJTW Lawn & Garden Extension Cord, 25 Foot
Woods Lawn and Garden Extension Cord (25 Feet, 16 Gauge, 13 A)

This 13 A medium-duty extension cord is nothing particularly special, but it is a solid option for lower-power needs at an excellent price. In our testing, this cord experienced no voltage drop and performed well in our subjective testing. This is a dependable drop cord for low power needs, such as basic lawn equipment and holiday lighting.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • No voltage drop

  • Dependable

Cons

  • Low power capacity

$11.47 from Amazon

$11.47 from Walmart
Product image of AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Foot
AmazonBasics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord (50 Feet, 16 Gauge, 13 A)

While the AmazonBasics Vinyl Outdoor extension cord is one of the most affordable cords on our list, its 16-gauge rating means it can safely carry less power than the other 50-foot options. It also felt cheaper and thinner than the rest, bringing its long-term durability into question after our month of subjective testing.

If you’re planning to use the AmazonBasics cord for a lower-power use like seasonal decor, this cord is a great value. For all other uses, we recommend avoiding this cord and opting for either a 12-gauge or 14-gauge cord that won’t be as much of a potential fire hazard.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Safe to use

Cons

  • Not very durable

  • Low power capacity

Buy now at Amazon

What Is Power Transmission for Outdoor Extension Cords?

In the simplest terms, the amount of power a cord can hold is related to the size of the wiring inside of the cord and the length of the cord. The longer the distance that power needs to travel, the thicker the internal conductive copper wiring needs to be. Cable thickness is measured in AWG, or American Wire Gauge, in which lower numbers signify thicker cables. For example, a 12-gauge cable has thicker conductive wiring than a 16-gauge cable.

Because of the increased thickness of the conductive wires, lower gauge cords are rated to carry a higher amperage. Typically, short extension cords offer lower gauges and higher power ratings, while longer extension cords have thinner high gauge wiring that makes the cord easier to manage.

Most of the top cords on our list are rated for 15 amps (15 A) and can hold and safely transmit power for just about any application. Some cords are rated for lower amperage but are still useful in lower-power applications.

Testing the best outdoor extension cords
Credit: Reviewed / Jessa Rose Photography

It’s important to note that each cord is rated for a certain number of amps. Constantly over-powering a low-rated extension cord is not only less effective but can also be dangerous. Running too much power through a low-power rated extension cord, such as a 100-foot 16-gauge cord, can actually cause damage from voltage drop and even fire from the overload.

While we still considered some 16-gauge extension cords because of their useful length and affordability, these cords don’t have any safety features for heavy machinery or other high-power applications.

Meet the testers

Kevin Oliver

Kevin Oliver

Contributor

@kevintheoliver

Kevin Oliver is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

See all of Kevin Oliver's reviews
Kevin Kavanaugh

Kevin Kavanaugh

Contributor

Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.

See all of Kevin Kavanaugh's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email

Up next