Product test
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by Martin Jungfer
Less cable clutter, more style – and a big price tag: the Avolt socket strip
24-7-2025
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Pia Seidel
Multi-socket or design piece? Avolt’s Square 1 aims to be both – and it looks so good you’ll never want to let it out of your sight. But does it actually deliver on its promises?
Socket strips are usually a no-no for interiors. That’s why they’re hidden behind furniture, disappear under desks and become tangled up in all-too-familiar cable chaos.
The Square 1 cube socket from Swedish brand Avolt aims to change that, combining user-friendliness with minimalist design. I ordered it through Galaxus and tested it to see if it’s as practical as it is visually appealing.
Square, practical, pretty
What immediately catches your eye is that the Square 1 isn’t your typical cable clutter candidate. Instead of the usual elongated strip shape, it’s a cube, which saves space. I chose pink, which fits perfectly with my interior design style. It’s also available in white, black, sand, grey, green, and blue – all matt, subtle shades.
The Square 1’s made of 20 per cent recycled plastic. 100 per cent would obviously be better, but it’s a step in the right direction. The packaging, however, is impressive: simple and without any unnecessary frills.
Two USB-C ports
With three standard power sockets and two USB-C ports, the Square 1’s an all-rounder. I can charge my phone and my earbuds at the same time without needing another adapter.
The 1.80-metre cable’s long enough for a lot of rooms, but larger rooms may benefit from a slightly longer one, as you can’t upgrade it with a new cable.
Also keep in mind that there’s no switch, so you have to pull the plug out of the wall to turn it off.
Magnetic power
The cube’s magnetic base is a highlight. It adheres to almost any metal surface – table legs, shelves or other suitable surfaces. For anywhere this doesn’t work, you can use the small, round, metal plate that’s included.
The instructions show you how to attach the plate. I haven’t needed it yet, as my podium’s magnetic. I think it’s a bit impractical that you have to glue the plate on, meaning that you have to decide where you want to put it and you can’t change your mind.
What’s still inevitable with this socket strip, though, is a mess of cables behind the scenes. That said, it’s better than what you get with standard models.
Safety and charging function
Safety first: the Square 1’s intended for indoor use only and comes with features such as overcurrent protection and enhanced touch protection. These are a real plus, especially for sensitive devices including your laptop or Bluetooth speaker.
With two USB-C ports and 30 watts of power, the cube charges smartphones and headphones quickly. However, there isn’t enough power to do the same for laptops. Suitable fast-charging cables can cut charging times for compatible devices somewhat.
In a nutshell
For anyone who likes visual calm – and is prepared to pay for it
The Avolt power strip’s no bargain – at 75 francs, it’s priced well above standard models starting at just five francs. But it’s also purely about looks and smart extras like a magnetic base and USB-C ports. Square 1’s compact eye candy with room for up to five devices. For anyone looking for a simple power distributor, it’s probably too expensive or unnecessary. But design fans who value aesthetics and clever details will enjoy this stylish statement piece.
Pro
- Stylish
- Magnetic base for flexible placement
- Compact
- Three sockets
- Two USB-C ports
Contra
- 1.8-metre cable’s often too short
- Only suitable for indoors
Header image: Pia Seidel
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
