If you bought a power strip in the past few years, you more than likely have one that comes equipped with a few USB ports built into it. I typically grab a power strip to plug in bigger things like TVs and game consoles, so I never thought much about what these USB ports were for. In most cases, I don't sit close to a power strip for me to get any type of value, but that's changed recently.
Charge your devices with ease
You don't even need long cables anymore
The biggest upgrade I've seen is that I don't need to buy a long USB-C cable to plug from a wall outlet to my couch anymore. I can use my regular charger that came with my phone and connect it with ease. I also don't need the adapter that plugs into the wall, as using a USB port on the power strip gets the job done. I did eventually buy a longer cable as I don't always sit on the same part of the couch, but the point still stands.
I can also charge my PS5 controller without having to run a cable across my living room, which creates a tripping hazard, so that's a big win too. I don't know how I was living like this before, but now I don't have to worry about it.
Plug more things in closer to you
A fan comes in handy
In the heat of summer, I often find myself wishing I had a fan. I grabbed a small USB-powered fan for my desk, and I powered it through my computer's USB port. Instead of taking up a port on my PC, I switched the fan to my power strip and haven't looked back. I get power all the same, but now it has the bonus functionality of working while my computer isn't on. Of course, I'm rarely at my desk without my computer on, but it's nice to have a fan that works without the computer anyway.
This applies to many USB devices if you don't want to use a fan. You can have your fan, desk lamp, and a charging pad for your phone -- all with USB slots to spare, depending on your power strip. Keep in mind, I don't use all of these devices, but it's very easy to see how they'd be nice for other people.
Be aware of power drawbacks
You can't use everything
These USB ports on your power strips aren't meant for powering large devices. They thrive with things like phone chargers and fans, so don't try to plug in everything you have into one. Smaller electronics are perfect, and I've noticed that charging a Chromebook is even pushing it. When I plug mine in using my regular USB-C charger, I'll get a slow charge, and my laptop warns me about it. It seems like it'll still work, but it'll take a long time, and things might get a bit hotter than I'm used to.
As long as you're aware of what these USB ports can and can't do, then you'll be good to go. If you don't plug in something like a microwave into your power strip's USB port somehow, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Essentially, the same things you don't plug into your TV's USB ports should apply here.