Belkin is recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technology accessories. The company develops products that enhance connectivity, charging, productivity and device protection across smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, gaming devices and smart home systems.

Its product portfolio includes:

• Wireless chargers
• USB-C chargers and power adapters
• Charging cables
• Power banks
• Docking stations and USB hubs
• Surge protectors
• Screen protectors
• Phone and tablet mounts
• Audio accessories
• Networking products
• Secure KVM switches for enterprise use
• Smart home devices (formerly under the Wemo brand)

Belkin products are sold in over 100 countries through retailers, online stores, mobile network operators and enterprise distributors.1

Foundation (1983)

Belkin was founded on 18 April 1983 by Chet Pipkin, who identified growing demand for cables connecting personal computers to newly available printers during the early personal computer revolution. Initially operating from his parents’ garage in Hawthorne, California, Pipkin began manufacturing and selling computer cables to local computer stores. As demand increased, Belkin expanded production and moved into a professional facility later that year whilst maintaining rapid manufacturing turnaround times. By 1985, Belkin had supplemented its US manufacturing with overseas production to support growing international demand.1

Growth

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Belkin expanded beyond computer cables into broader consumer electronics accessories, including networking equipment, surge protectors, laptop accessories, smartphone accessories, USB peripherals and wireless networking products. As smartphones became mainstream, Belkin shifted significant focus towards mobile accessories, becoming one of Apple’s most recognised third-party accessory partners.

Acquisition of Linksys (2013)

In 2013, Belkin acquired the home networking business and Linksys brand from Cisco. This acquisition significantly strengthened Belkin’s position in Wi-Fi routers, home networking and small business networking. Linksys continues to operate as a separate brand under Belkin ownership.1

Foxconn Acquisition (2018)

In March 2018, Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) acquired Belkin for approximately US$866 million.2 The acquisition included the Belkin, Linksys and Wemo brands. Despite the change in ownership, Belkin retained its headquarters, leadership team and brand identity whilst benefiting from Foxconn’s manufacturing capabilities.2

Belkin states that its mission is “to design products that empower people to get more life out of every single day”.3 The company’s design philosophy emphasises performance, reliability, safety, user-centred design and sustainability. Products are designed at Belkin’s California headquarters and undergo extensive testing before release.3

Charging Solutions

Belkin is among the leading manufacturers of charging products, including USB-C chargers, GaN wall chargers, wireless chargers, Qi2 chargers, MagSafe-compatible chargers, car chargers, multi-device charging stations and power banks. The company’s BoostCharge and BoostCharge Pro series are among its flagship charging lines.

Connectivity

Belkin manufactures numerous connectivity accessories, including USB hubs, Thunderbolt docks, docking stations, HDMI adapters, Ethernet adapters, USB-C cables, display cables and audio adapters. These products are widely used in home offices, enterprise environments and educational institutions.

Device Protection

Belkin produces tempered glass screen protectors, privacy screen protectors, phone cases and camera lens protectors. Its ScreenForce product line is sold through major electronics retailers and Apple Stores.

Networking

Through Linksys, Belkin offers Wi-Fi routers, mesh Wi-Fi systems, business networking equipment and home networking devices.

Audio

Belkin also manufactures wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, wired headphones and speakers. These products are marketed under the SoundForm series.

Belkin has maintained a close relationship with Apple for many years. Many Belkin products are Apple-certified, MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certified, MagSafe-compatible or Qi2-certified. Belkin accessories are frequently sold through Apple retail stores worldwide and are designed specifically for Apple devices.1

Belkin has increased its focus on environmentally responsible manufacturing, including reduced plastic packaging, increased use of recycled materials, lower carbon emissions and sustainable product design. The company has also invested in renewable energy initiatives and environmentally conscious packaging.4

Belkin’s headquarters houses engineering and testing facilities where products undergo drop testing, cable durability testing, thermal testing, electromagnetic interference testing, environmental stress testing and user experience testing. This integrated development process allows products to move from concept through design, prototyping and validation in a single location.4

Belkin owns or manages several technology brands:

• Belkin – Mobile accessories and connectivity products
• Linksys – Networking equipment
• Wemo – Smart home products (legacy line)

Belkin products are available through consumer electronics retailers, Apple Stores, mobile network operators, online marketplaces and enterprise IT distributors. The company operates globally with products sold across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.1

Belkin has built a reputation for producing reliable, premium-quality accessories with strong compatibility across Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft and other major technology ecosystems. The company is particularly well known for its charging products, docking stations and connectivity accessories, and it remains a prominent brand in the global consumer electronics accessories market.1

1. Belkin
2. Taiwan’s Foxconn to acquire accessory maker Belkin for $866 million
3. About Us | Belkin US
4. “From concept, to designing an idea, to prototyping, to testing to see if it’ll work, it’s all done here:” an exclusive insight into how Belkin builds its products