REVIEW – The JouleBAR Power Strip is the kind of everyday accessory that feels deliberately overbuilt in the best possible way. It takes the plain idea of a surge protected power strip and gives it an anodized aluminum shell, illuminated ports, smart power modes, USB charging, and a removable cord. I love when engineers turn a basic object into something that looks like it belongs beside premium tech gear. I also think the $75.00 price puts it in enthusiast territory, even though the design and usefulness are easy to appreciate.
Quick Take
JouleBAR combines three 110V outlets, two 2.1A USB ports, built in surge protection, a detachable power cord, lighted sockets, three power settings, and a storage pouch. It is portable, polished, and genuinely practical, but it costs far more than a typical power strip.
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The packaging keeps things minimal. The plain white box does not try to sell the product with a wall of specs, and the restrained presentation matches the clean look of the JouleBAR itself.
In The Box
- JouleBAR
- 4 ft. Power Cable
- Velcro Cable Tie
- Storage Pouch
Hardware And Layout
Power strips are usually not exciting objects, which is why the JouleBAR stands out. The proportions are tidy, the materials feel deliberate, and the whole thing looks more like a desk accessory than something you would hide behind furniture.
The main enclosure is anodized aluminum, with a matte plastic insert on top for the outlets. A rubber non slip pad on the bottom helps it stay planted, and the Joule logo is etched into the side panels. Those details are small, but they are exactly what make this feel like a designed product instead of a commodity strip.
One end holds the power input and a three position switch. The removable cord uses a standard three prong connector, which is one of my favorite choices here. If the included cable is not the right length for a particular setup, you can swap in another compatible cord rather than replacing the whole strip.
The far end holds the pair of USB power ports, each rated at 2.1A. That gives the JouleBAR a useful travel or desk role because phones, accessories, and small gadgets can charge without taking up the AC outlets.
The three 110V outlets are arranged vertically along the top. The spacing leaves enough room for bulky power bricks, so one oversized adapter should not block the neighboring outlet.
Cable And Carrying Setup
The included four foot power cable has a 90 degree plug. I always like seeing that because it sits cleaner behind furniture, under desks, or in crowded wall outlet areas.
If four feet is not enough, Joule also sells an eight foot cable for $15. That option makes sense because the detachable cord is part of what makes the JouleBAR flexible.
The drawstring storage pouch is a welcome extra for travel. It protects the aluminum body when the JouleBAR is tossed into a bag, and it makes the product feel more portable than a normal strip.
My complaint is that the pouch does not also fit the included cable. That matters because the JouleBAR is useless without its cord, and I would rather keep both pieces together when traveling. My EDC bag is already packed with A LOT of stuff, so separating the cable from the strip is not ideal.
Day To Day Use
The most important thing is simple: the JouleBAR delivers power reliably and adds surge protection for expensive connected gear. That alone covers the practical side of the product.
The lighted ports were a feature I did not expect to care about. After using them, I changed my mind. When a room is dim and you are trying to plug in a device late at night, the illuminated openings are genuinely useful.
The switch has three positions: Off, everything On, and an Eco-Friendly Mode. Eco-Friendly Mode turns off power and lighting to the main outlets while continuing to power the two USB ports.
I was skeptical of that extra mode at first, but it is a sensible way to cut vampire draw from devices that quietly sip electricity while powered down or sitting in standby. In normal use, the JouleBAR does what good tech should do: it solves the problem and then fades into the background.
What Works
- Sturdy and well-designed
- Portable
- Extra features like lighted ports and USB power mode actually useful
What Could Be Better
- Unit and power cord should fit in the included storage pouch
- Expensive
Quick Questions
Q: Does the storage pouch fit both the strip and the power cord?
A: No, only the JouleBAR itself fits in the pouch; the cord has to be carried separately.
Q: What does Eco-Friendly Mode do?
A: It cuts power and lighting to the three main AC outlets while keeping the two USB ports powered, reducing standby vampire draw.
Q: Is the power cord replaceable?
A: Yes, it uses a standard three-prong connector, so a longer or different cord can be swapped in instead of the included 4-foot cable.
Q: What colors are available?
A: Matte Black, Piano White, and Apple Red.
Verdict
I like the JouleBAR power strip a lot, and I can see it going into my bag for trips or coffeehouse work sessions. The design is excellent, the feature set feels fresh, and the useful touches are not gimmicks. Still, $75.00 is a serious price for a power strip, even one built this nicely. The JouleBAR is available in three colors: Matte Black, Piano White, and Apple Red.
Price: $75.00
Product Link: Joule
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Joule.
