The answer to 'which is better surge protector or' is that surge protectors are generally better than power strips for protecting your electronic devices from power surges and spikes. Surge protectors have built-in circuitry that can divert excess voltage away from your devices, while power strips do not offer the same level of protection.
Surge protectors are designed to safeguard your expensive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances from damage caused by sudden increases in voltage. They have a higher joule rating, which measures their ability to absorb and dissipate excess energy. Power strips, on the other hand, are primarily for providing multiple outlets and do not offer surge protection.