QUESTIONS
Which makes of 13A sockets are best?
Updated 07/26
By: Kim Staples
Reviewed: Content Team
There's no single "best" brand, since it depends on your budget, the finish you want, and how much visible wear-and-tear the socket needs to survive. But there is a genuine quality hierarchy UK electricians consistently agree on, and a few practical details that matter more than the brand name printed on the plate.
The main UK socket brands and how they compare
What actually makes one socket better than another
The practical detail that trips people up when buying flat plate sockets
Whether USB sockets are worth it
Roughly what it costs to have sockets fitted
When to bring in an electrician rather than DIY
Find experienced electricians near you
Best makes of 13A sockets in the UK
All genuine UK sockets must meet the BS 1363 standard, so safety isn't really what separates brands; build quality, finish, and durability are. Roughly in order of premium to budget:
Hamilton - a British manufacturer known for high-end decorative metal accessories. Excellent quality, but priced at the top of the market.
MK (Electric, by Honeywell) - one of the most established names in the UK, with over a century in the industry. Consistently well-regarded for durability, at a premium price to match.
Crabtree - another long-standing UK brand, known for robust, chunky faceplates at a more moderate price than Hamilton or MK.
Schneider Electric (formerly GET) - widely recommended by electricians as a strong quality-to-price balance, with the Ultimate and Lisse ranges commonly specified.
Click Scolmore - a good mid-range option for decorative plates, often mentioned alongside Schneider as solid value.
Varilight - specialises in dimmer switches and decorative accessories, worth considering if that's your priority.
British General (BG) - a solid, affordable choice for general use, though some ranges are more basic than the brands above.
There are other budget ranges stocked by DIY chains (often own-brand or entry-level lines) that are considerably cheaper, but electricians commonly flag these as the first thing to fail, particularly under regular use like kitchen sockets or anywhere accessories get plugged and unplugged often.
Save premium brands for rooms where the finish is genuinely visible and used daily, like a kitchen or living room, and use a reliable mid-range brand like Schneider or Crabtree in utility rooms, lofts, or garages where nobody's looking closely.
What actually makes a socket "better"?
Brand name is a reasonable shorthand, but a few practical factors matter just as much:
Back box depth
Flat plate (screwless) sockets sit closer to the wall than traditional raised plates, which means they generally need a deeper back box, often 25mm for switches and up to 35mm for sockets, especially where multiple cables or a spur connection need to fit behind the plate. This is one of the most common fitting problems, and it's a spec issue, not a brand one.
USB-integrated sockets
Handy for keeping wires off worktops, but worth knowing that USB circuitry adds cost and complexity to a socket, and some ranges use less robust switch components in their USB versions to keep the price competitive. If reliability matters more than convenience, a standard socket plus a separate USB adapter can be the sturdier option.
Finish and plate style
Beyond flat plate vs traditional raised plate, most ranges offer multiple finishes (white moulded, brushed steel, chrome, black nickel), and pricing can vary significantly by finish within the same brand, not just between brands.
If you're adding sockets rather than just replacing existing ones, check our guide on wiring a plug socket or spurring a twin socket from an existing one to understand what the job actually involves.
How much does it cost to fit new sockets?
Brand choice affects the parts cost, but labour is usually the bigger factor. For a general steer:
Our adding a plug socket cost guide covers indoor socket installation pricing.
Our outdoor socket installation cost guide is the better reference for exterior sockets, which need weatherproof-rated fittings.
Our electrician hourly rate guide gives a general sense of labour costs if you're supplying your own sockets.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Find the best local electricians near you
If you need help with any electrical work, including fitting or replacing plug sockets, a good local electrician can also advise on the right back box depth and finish for your specific wall and wiring setup, rather than you having to guess.
How to find a good local electrician
In this guide we’ll give you tips to find a good electrician in your area, so that you can be confident you’ll hire someone you can rely on.
Before you buy sockets
Frequently asked questions
Both are well-regarded. MK tends to carry a higher price for similarly excellent build quality, while Schneider is widely seen as offering the best quality-to-price balance among electricians.
Budget own-brand ranges are generally functional, but electricians frequently report them failing sooner than established brands, especially with everyday use. For anything you'll use daily, a mid-range branded socket tends to be better value over time.
Often yes. Flat plate (screwless) designs typically need deeper back boxes than traditional raised plates, especially where multiple cables need to fit behind the faceplate.
They're convenient, but some ranges use simpler internal components in their USB versions. If you want maximum reliability, a standard socket plus a plug-in USB adapter is a reasonable alternative.
Yes, there's no functional issue with this, though many people prefer a consistent finish room to room for a tidier look.
For a straightforward like-for-like swap, some confident DIYers do this themselves. Anything involving new circuits, spurs, or wiring changes should go to a qualified electrician.
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