The real fork is specialized function versus under-desk surge protectors
Desktop power centers win when they can bring mains and charging ports to a reachable desk edge without loose extension clutter and that function removes a known recurring problem. under-desk surge protectors win when they reach the same outcome with fewer dependencies, less maintenance, a more understandable failure mode, or a cleaner return path.
Normalize clamp or cutout fit and total AC rating and surge protection
Compare both paths across the same desk, body position, computer, operating system, cable reach, workday, and shared-device routine, with every required dependency included. A complete desktop power centers package should not be compared with an incomplete alternative, and a retailer headline should not replace product-level compatibility evidence.
Use USB-C power-delivery allocation and cord length, grounding, and spacing from liquids as tie-breakers
In a desktop power centers comparison, USB-C power-delivery allocation and cord length, grounding, and spacing from liquids reveal the friction that appears after an attractive demo. Choose the path that can be installed, used, cleaned, updated, and recovered by the people who will actually own it. Prefer the simpler failure mode when performance is otherwise close.
Compare ownership, not only purchase price
Desktop power centers bring an ownership path of surge-protection life, USB standards, cable wear, clamp marks, outlet crowding, and replacing the unit when embedded electronics fail. Price that against the maintenance and replacement work of under-desk surge protectors over one normal year. Include the value of time and the cost of losing the service while a proprietary part, account, or repair is unavailable.
Make the choice reversible
Use this test path before the return window closes: measure the edge, mount without crushing the surface, route the mains cord safely, connect known loads, and verify shared USB power behavior. Preserve the old setup and packaging until the product survives normal use. Choose the alternative immediately when the desk edge is incompatible, liquids are likely, high-draw equipment exceeds rating, or an under-desk certified power strip is safer.