Essential Gadgets For Neat & Tidy Cords Around The House
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Technology is such an integral part of our daily lives. We use computers for work and fun, have a TV (and often various gaming consoles) in the living room, and use our smartphones and tablets for practically everything else. We also have several small appliances on kitchen countertops, as well as a virtual assistant at the ready to answer questions and play our favorite tunes. While all these electronic devices can help simplify our lives, provide entertainment, and much more, they also come with a downside: a surplus of cords and cables. In some cases, you may have several devices plugged into the same outlet or power strip, which leads to a jumbled mess of cables taking over your desk, TV stand, or other areas of the home. Not only are those cords unsightly, but they can also be a tripping hazard, steal useful space that could be used to organize other materials, or just create a headache when they get all tangled.
Fortunately, there are several clever gadgets that have been designed to help corral all of this cord and cable chaos. We've rounded up a list of some of the most essential products you might want to add to your office, living room, bedroom, or kitchen to help you get things back under control. When putting together these recommendations, we included a mix of product types that would address varying needs. Then, we used customer reviews to help us narrow down our selections, only choosing products that had a minimum rating of 4.3 stars with at least 300 reviews. You can find a more detailed explanation of our methodology at the end of this article, but for now, read on to discover the solution you've been searching for to control the cord madness.
Best magnetic cord holder: Anker Multipurpose Cord Keeper
If you're searching for a solution to keep your smartphone, tablet, and other cables from sliding off a desk or nightstand, then you might want to take a look at the Anker Multipurpose Cord Keeper. This little cord holder features an adhesive backing that allows you to position it precisely where you want it on any smooth surface, such as metal, glass, or wood. Once in place, you can use the included magnetic clips to keep up to five charging cables in place. When you're ready to plug in your device, they'll be right there waiting; you won't have to dig the cord out from behind the desk or pick it up off the floor.
The majority of customers are very satisfied with their decision to try this cord keeper — it has a 4.3-star rating, which is based on more than 6,800 reviews. Beyond the high average rating, 62% of reviewers gave it a 5-star rating, and an additional 20% gave it a 4-star rating. One reviewer shared, "Very easy to use and set up! We love being able to organize our cords and it makes everything look put together and tidy! Very light weight and wonderful stability. Quality product that will last a long time!" However, while most customers are satisfied overall, a few reviewers say that they wish that the magnets were stronger to do a better job of keeping the cords in place.
Best for under a desk: Cinati Under Desk Cable Management Tray
As you're thinking about the best ways to tidy up your office desk, one of the most impactful things you can do is remove all of those jumbled and unsightly cords — and the Cinati Under Desk Cable Management Tray makes it possible to do precisely that. This cable management tool clamps to the back of the desk and is designed to hold a surge protector or power strip. Once in place, you can route all those cords for your computer, monitor, printer, and more through one of the side holes, keeping the surface of the desk free and clear. It also removes the need to have your surge protector or power strip on the ground, allowing your space to be more tidy.
With a 4.6-star rating based on more than 2,000 reviews, this under-desk cable management tray is a customer favorite. Moreover, 77% of reviewers were satisfied enough to give this a 5-star rating. In their write-ups, users share that the tray is easy to install, works well to keep their cables organized, and helps promote a neat and tidy look. "I hate a mess of cords and this thing is perfection. Easy to use and keeps all my cords contained so under my desk doesn't look like a giant rats nest," wrote one reviewer.
Best power strip holder: Yecaye Cable Management Box
Let the Yecaye Cable Management Box help you get rid of all of those annoying wires. It will hide power strips and the cords coming out of them that surround your television, desk, and other areas of the home. Available in black or white, this box offers a much more streamlined and sophisticated look that keeps the cord clutter from ruining the aesthetics of your space — its certainly one of the desk accessories that every home office needs. Plus, since the power strip and cords are concealed in the box, keeping your home clean will be easier, since you'll only have to quickly dust the smooth, flat top, rather than the individual items. Each purchase comes with two cable management boxes — one size medium and one size large — so you have options, depending on where you intend to use them.
This set of two cable management boxes from Yecaye comes highly recommended by most reviewers. It has more than 4,000 reviews with a rating of 4.6 stars. Additionally, 76% of reviewers thought highly enough of the set that they gave it 5-stars. Overall, users are pleased with the appearance of the boxes, how they keep their power strips hidden away, and the value for the money. One customer who gave this set a 5-star rating shared, "This is a great product and has organized a couple areas of my home already. I am impressed with the number of slots to thread the cords through the back of the box. It is exactly what I was looking for to hide cords that are needed for every day and to keep that area looking neat and tidy." While most reviews are positive, a few customers noted they wished the lids snapped on more securely.
Best for hiding wires on the wall: Delamu Wire Covers for Cords on Wall
Mounting electronic devices on the wall can offer various benefits — from speakers that are positioned perfectly for sound distribution to a bedside or living room lamp that is at the ideal height to offer illumination. However, since most outlets are along the floor, those cords running up the wall to lamps, computer monitors, and other electronics can put a damper on the aesthetics of your space. Keep them hidden from sight with the Delamu Wire Covers for Cords on Wall. The mini channels are designed to cover one small cable, allowing you to integrate speakers into your home seamlessly. The covers are available in white and beige, but they can also be painted to ensure a perfect match to the color on your walls.
By and large, customers are pleased they gave these wall cord covers a try. They have a 4.5-star rating, which is based on feedback from more than 4,600 individuals. 75% of reviewers also gave the covers 5 stars. The ease of installation, ability to conceal cords, and overall appearance were a few of the features that customers highlighted in their reviews. Here's what one reviewer had to say, "Just had our house painted & had to re-run all speaker wires. These covers are a nice quality, easy to use, durable, fit well over wires & look clean & neat."
Best cord holders: Costop Cord Organizer Holders
Keeping the cords for electronics that you regularly plug in organized can be especially challenging. You don't want to have to fish these cords off the floor every time you need to charge a device, but you also don't want them cluttering up the surface of your desk or table. The Costop Cord Organizer Holders offer a solution for this problem. These holders have a strong adhesive, so you can mount them along the back of a desk or table. They'll remain out of sight, but they'll keep your cords easily accessible when you need them — the holders use a secure magnetic grip to keep cords in place. Even better, they don't leave an adhesive residue when removed and are available in six color options to coordinate with the look of your space.
The Costop Cord Organizer Holders have a 4.6-star rating and more than 3,400 reviews. Beyond this high average rating, the vast majority of customers (78%) were happy enough that they gave the set 5-stars. Overall, reviewers were impressed with how easy the holders were to install, the strength of the adhesive, and their ability to keep cords from getting all tangled and jumbled. "These organizers keep everything neat and off the floor. No more tangling or hunting for cords, and it just looks cleaner overall. The set comes with seven organizers, which is more than enough to tackle all my cables. Each one has a magnetic lock that's super easy to use. Just snap the cable in, and it stays put without budging," wrote one customer. Note that while the reviewer said the set comes with seven pieces, it actually comes with eight!
Best for cords on the floor: D-Line Floor Cord Cover
The placement of outlets in homes does not always match the ideal layout of a room or the location of electronic devices. This can sometimes make it necessary to run a cord across the room, which is not only an eyesore, but also a potential tripping hazard. Try the D-Line Floor Cord Cover to hide the cables and minimize the risk of tripping. These PVC covers are designed to lay flat over cords. They are available in five colors to coordinate with the flooring in the space and have a non-slip base to keep them from sliding around.
Nearly 18,000 customers have reviewed this floor cord cover. And, with all of those reviews, it has held onto a high, 4.6-star average rating, with 76% giving it 5 stars. Some of the features that are highlighted across several reviews include the overall quality and the functionality of keeping the cords covered while, also reducing tripping hazards. One pleased user shared, "Easy to install. Tidy look. Big safety perk to prevent tripping risks." It doesn't get any more straightforward and functional than that!
Best cable ties: Vitever Reusable Cable Ties
While it may seem like such a simple thing, securing wires tightly together can have a significant impact on how neat and tidy your desk, TV console, and other areas in the home look. Some people might recommend using zip ties for this, but, while there is a trick to reuse zip ties, it doesn't always work and isn't a reliable solution. Instead, try the Vitever Reusable Cable Ties. Each tie is adjustable and can be used over and over again. The 150-piece set includes ties of four different sizes, so you'll be able to organize everything from a few cords to a much larger bundle. The ties are color-coded by length to help you more easily find precisely what you're looking for.
These reusable cable ties come highly recommended by most customers who have given them a try. They have a 4.6-star rating and more than 800 reviews. Over 75% of reviewers (78%) decided that these cable ties were worthy of a 5-star review. Customers praise the different size options, the strength and quality of the hook and loop fastening, and the overall performance. "Love these for organizing my cords and keeping them shored up and out of the way.," wrote one satisfied reviewer.
Best for small appliance cords: SisBroo Cord Organizer for Appliances
You might have found the perfect solution to hide your small appliances, but have you discovered a solution for their pesky cords? Whether you keep your small appliances out on the countertop for regular use or store them in a cabinet, their cords can present a real hassle. They always seem to be in the most inconvenient spot — whether it's hanging out of the cabinet door or in your way when you're trying to prep food on the countertop. Use the SisBroo Cord Organizer for Appliances to help you keep the cords for all of your appliances neat and tidy. The bow-shaped cable organizer has a strong adhesive backing, which enables it to stay securely in place on the back or side of your appliances. Once in place, you can wrap the cord around the silicone and latch it into place with the integrated clip.
Overall, reviewers are pleased with the performance of the cord wraps. They have more than 2,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars. Additionally, 74% or reviewers gave them 5 stars and 13% more gave them 4 stars. Reviewers share that they work as advertised to keep their cords from getting tangled, while also keeping them out of the way. One happy user said, "These cord wraps are amazing! Unbelievable versatility with great adhesive! I have 3 sets & now all of my appliances are neat & tidy!"
Best for tightly running cords under a desk or shelving: LX IntMfs. Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop Cable Straps
Take a look at the LX IntMfs. Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop Cable Straps if you need to run cords and wires under a desk or shelf in your office or living room. It can help you keep all of those cords off of the floor, ensuring they don't become an eyesore. The set of hooks is easy to apply with the adhesive backing. You can also easily customize the layout based on where you are trying to route the cords. Once in place, use the hook and loop closures to secure the strap in place around the cord(s).
Most customers are happy with this product. The straps have a 4.5-star rating with more than 350 reviews. Additionally, 71% of reviewers gave them a 5-star rating. The overall functionality, design, and ability to keep cables hidden were a few of the features that came up across several reviews. "Cables and cords everywhere look awful and get in the way. This system actually works to fix that issue! I love how easy it is to stick the ties under your desk and wrap a few cords up to hold them in place," one customer shared.
Best for grouping cords behind a monitor: Agptek Cable Sleeve Cover
If you're tired of a jumbled mess of cords peaking out from behind your computer monitor, it might be time to invest in the Agptek Cable Sleeve Covers. This set of two cable sleeves is designed to wrap around several cords, hiding them away and providing a much sleeker and neater appearance. It is made of a flame-retardant material to minimize the chances of an electrical fire, and the sleeves come in various diameter and length size options.
These cable sleeve covers have a 4.6-star rating, which is based on more than 14,500 reviews — 74% of which are 5 stars. In their write-ups, customers share that the sleeve is functional, accommodates multiple cords, and is a good value for the money. "I bought this to tidy up the mess of cords behind my desk, and it worked perfectly," wrote one reviewer.
Best for aesthetics: Nature Supplies Natural Wood Cable Management Box
If you want to hide a bulky power strip in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, a plain white or black box might stand out like a sore thumb. The Nature Supplies Natural Wood Cable Management Box offers an attractive solution to avoid that problem. It is made from real wood and available with four different finishes — natural wood, black, dark brown, and white — to provide a more aesthetically-pleasing finished product. The box features three openings (on the sides and back) to make it easy to route the cords from all of your electronics into one place. Each order comes with both a medium and large box.
With a 4.4 star rating and over 1,500 reviews, the Nature Supplies Natural Wood Cable Management Box is a top-rated pick to consider. 69% of reviewers gave the organizer boxes a 5-star rating. The beautiful appearance, overall functionality with keeping cords hidden, and the quality are three features that several praised. One customer shared, "Really pleased about this purchase. It cancels the various cords from our TV on the mantle in a pretty and unified way."
Methodology
As we curated this list of the most essential gadgets for neat and tidy cords around the house, we considered various features. First, we looked for a range of product types to address the different needs of each reader. For example, we wanted to find options that would help with charging smart devices, ones that would keep unsightly power strips out of sight, and ideas that would make it possible to plug things into an outlet behind a piece of furniture.
Then, we evaluated the customer reviews for the various products to help narrow down the list. We looked for highly-rated products that were backed by feedback from numerous reviewers. All of our selections have a rating of at least 4.3 stars and have been reviewed by 300 or more customers. Additionally, we looked at the breakdown of reviews, focusing our picks on products that had a high percentage of 5-star reviews. At least 62% of customers gave each of these recommendations a 5-star rating, showing their overall satisfaction with its performance and quality.