I do use one but everyone should becareful. Buy the best one you can for your money. Those cheap ones can go bad and the light still works so you think it's still protecting but it isn't. That was one of the first valuable lessons that I was taught when going to IT school.

I use a surge protector for all of my machines, iron and computers. It is just not worth the risk not to. We live in a area where we get tremendous thunder and lightening storms. Beautiful to watch, but can be deadly and costly to your electronic stuff.

Our homeowners insurance policy covers damage by electrical surgers, so I don't worry about it. I do unplug my sewing machines when I'm not using them if I think about it. However, we never unplug the computer or any of the TV's. If we need to let the insurance replace anything,then that is why we have the insurance. I unplug my sewing machines because I can unplug them at the machine and they cost many times the price of the computer or TV.
However, you can have an electrican install a household surge protector outside the house that protects the whole house and is cheaper than replacing even a small TV or sewing machine.

I do use a surge protector, but I unplug my machine when it is not being used, since it is computerized.

I use surge proctectors but am a worrie wart so also unplug machines when not in use.

I use the battery backup on the computer and on my computer machines (Viking SE) as it protects against the brown outs, also.

I use what we have around, dh buys what is best so I am safe I hope. Has worked for us all these years. I must say though when we are having a big storm we unplug everything.