Is This Viral TikTok Extendable Outlet The Future Of Clean, Home Cable Management?
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There are tons of gadgets out there designed to keep cords neat, from plastic channel systems that guide wires from your desk to the wall to the good ol' extension cord that brings power right to where you need it. But even with those options, there's still the issue of cords dragging on the floor, which can be a safety hazard, especially if you have small kids or pets, not to mention the limitations. Cord channels aren't exactly flexible. Once your cords are threaded through and you've cut the channels to a specific length or used tape or glue to hold them in place, moving them becomes a whole new project. Not exactly the most convenient setup.
That's where a clever product making the rounds on TikTok comes in — the extendable wall outlet. Instead of dragging your electronics to the outlet, this brings the outlet to you. Available on Amazon and Walmart through third-party sellers for anywhere between $30 and $50, the device plugs directly into your wall and features a flexible arm with two standard outlets, plus two built-in USB ports for charging phones, tablets, and other small devices.
The arm stretches between 22 and 34 inches, depending on the model, and rotates 180 degrees, so you can position it vertically or horizontally. No more squeezing behind a bed or awkwardly reaching behind a desk just to plug something in. Simply plug the extendable outlet into the wall, stretch it to where you need it, and secure it with the included adhesive backing. It's that easy.
What makes the viral extendable outlet better than an extension cord
The viral extendable outlet changes your standard wall outlet from its usual position to anywhere between about 1 and 3 feet. That makes it easier to plug in electronics, lamps, or other gadgets, especially when a low outlet is blocked by a dresser, mirror, or any other bulky furniture. If the vertical setup doesn't work, you can shift it left or right up to almost 3 feet while keeping the same height. Compared to a traditional extension cord, the setup also looks much cleaner. Extension cords usually come with a bulky outlet block that either sits on the floor or, worse, hangs awkwardly from the wall if the cord is too short.
Another perk worth pointing out is the charging access. Traditional extension cords might give you more outlets, but the extendable version usually includes two outlets plus a USB-A and USB-C port, which is perfect for charging a phone, tablet, or both at once. Sure, an extension cord still has its place, especially if you need to stretch power across the room or plug in something that a 120-volt outlet can't handle, but the extendable outlet is a more aesthetically pleasing and convenient option for everyday use.
Is this extendable outlet the future of home cable management?
Whether the viral extendable wall outlet is the future of home tech is still up for debate. It definitely makes access more convenient, but it doesn't eliminate cords entirely — they'll still dangle below where they're plugged in and you'll need a fix for the awkward hanging cords. If all the charging ports are in use at once, that's a lot of cables to manage. One upside, though, is that you can adhere the cords along the outlet arm to keep them from hanging loosely. Another plus is that it helps you avoid the eyesore of a bulky power strip or extension cord cluttering the floor or your desk.
But is it really the future of cord management? These days, companies are developing smart plugs and building outlets directly into furniture, letting devices sit neatly on desks or dressers while avoiding the tangled mess altogether. Rechargeable table lamps and wireless charging pads are also gaining traction, signaling a shift toward a more cordless future. Still, until everything is rechargeable and doesn't need to stay plugged in 24/7, the extendable outlet remains a more convenient option than dragging out an extension cord.