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Portable power stations can deliver power when you need it most, whether during power outages or just for an off-grid adventure. These handy electricity suppliers vary in size, output, and energy source, not to mention durability. That’s why we’ve tested 18 models since 2022; some we’ve kept on this list, while others have been replaced by newer power stations that we like even better. We spent hours testing some of the smaller models and days with some of the larger ones. We even took some road trips to baseball tournaments and other events.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station remains our favorite thanks to its ample power and potential to supply even more backup power by connecting additional Yeti batteries. Not only can it power tablets, phones, and flashlights, but it also powers appliances and power tools.
It’s not the only great option, however. All of the following options make great picks for an emergency power station—in case the power goes out—or portable energy supply. Read our reviews on the top models below, along with important factors to consider before selecting the best portable power station for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOLAR: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CAR CAMPING: DJI Power 1000 With Zignes 100-Watt Solar Panel
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR HOME BACKUP: Anker Solix F3800 Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ROAD TRIPS: EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DURABILITY: Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000 828Wh Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: BougeRV JuiceGo 240Wh Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 18 |
| Time spent testing | Over 1 year |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $49 to $1,900 |
Our Top Picks
The following products rank among the best portable power stations in terms of quality, dependability, and price. Take a look and see some of the models we liked the most.
Best Overall
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 1,500 watts
- Battery capacity: 983 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 10.23 inches high by 15.25 inches wide by 9.86 inches deep
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, and 4 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, USB-C
What We Like
- Plenty of power
- Expansion possibilities for more backup power
- Digital display provides real-time information
What We Don’t Like
- On the heavier side for portable power
Folks looking for a versatile power station solution will want to consider the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X portable power station. This model provides 983 watt-hours of power and offers a maximum output of 1,500 watts, ensuring there is enough power on tap for any need. It can handle everything from charging devices off-grid to running refrigerators or air conditioners at home.
This model from Goal Zero features two standard 120-volt AC outlets, two USB-C outlets, two USB-A outlets, and several 12-volt DC ports. It also has solar inputs, allowing it to charge with solar panels (not included in our kit). It comes with the base model and an 8-millimeter charging port, and it charges from a standard 120-volt outlet in 9 hours. You can also build upon the Yeti 1000X with home expansion kits and power banks to serve as a home backup.
If we’re being totally up front, we didn’t expect to love the Yeti during our testing. There were other models that we were more excited to test. However, this model’s digital display and power won us over. It had no problem powering our air conditioner, power tools, and devices. We even used it to charge some of our smaller power stations, all the while tracking their draw and the battery level. After all that, we learned about all of the available expansion kits, and we couldn’t help but appreciate this model for its possibilities. The only thing we didn’t appreciate is that it’s one of the heavier models we tested.
Get the Goal Zero portable power station at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Goal Zero.
Best Bang For The Buck
Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter
Our Ratings: Portability 5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 150 watts
- Battery capacity: Depends on the battery
- Dimensions: 3.2 inches high by 3 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep (tool only)
- Weight: 0.7 pounds (tool only)
- Outlets/ports: 1 AC, 1 USB-A, and 1 USB-C
- Charging source: Compatible V20 battery (sold separately)
What We Like
- Compact design fits in a tool box
- Compatible with the lineup of 20-volt Craftsman batteries
- Versatile selection of outlets/ports
What We Don’t Like
- Storage depends on the battery it’s attached to
- Doesn’t come with a battery
Craftsman blends affordability with portability and sprinkles a bit of capability on top with its 150-watt power inverter. This budget-minded model snaps onto any 20-volt battery from Craftsman, turning it into a compact power supply that you can take anywhere or store in a tool box.
This power inverter features three ports: a USB-A, a USB-C, and a standard AC outlet. It also has a built-in work light to illuminate work or a path back to the truck. Runtime will be determined by the size of the battery it’s on, but with a 150-watt output, it can handle lamps, cell phones, and other devices.
In our opinion, this affordable little inverter is ideal for the jobsite. It can quickly turn any 20-volt Craftsman battery into a power station, allowing folks to charge their phones, power drop lights, or even charge a laptop when there isn’t a battery source nearby. Is it full of possibilities? Not quite, as it’s limited to the battery it’s attached to, but we think anyone with Craftsman batteries ought to consider adding it to their tool box for its convenience and affordability.
Get the Craftsman portable power station at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 2,400 watts
- Battery capacity: 2,048 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 9.5 inches high by 12 inches wide by 19.6 inches deep
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 6 AC, 4 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 3 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, DC
What We Like
- Robust enough to keep a full-size fridge running for 14 hours
- Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery lasts longer than traditional lithium-ion options
- Enough ports to power 15 devices at once
What We Don’t Like
- No 30-amp outlet to run an RV
- The heaviest model we tested
During testing, we were impressed with the performance and huge array of output options on the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max. With a total of 15 outlets/ports and 2,400 running watts of power, we found it to be the most rugged and versatile option in our lineup. While some power stations on our list are better for shorter and less demanding circumstances, this beast from EcoFlow can power a full-size refrigerator for up to 14 hours.
This EcoFlow power station uses an LFP (or LiFePO4) battery, which has nearly twice the expected lifespan of traditional lithium-ion batteries. It charges via wall outlet, 12-volt car outlet, or solar panels. Its large display is easy to read and clearly displays output and expected runtime based on current usage. Though we think this unit provides an excellent value, it is the heaviest power station we tested. It also doesn’t have a 30-amp outlet to power an RV. (If that’s something you’re after, check out our Jackery solar generator review.)
The Delta 2 Max has the highest price tag in our lineup, but if you’re looking for convenience and reliable backup power, it’s worth the money. For even more power and versatility, you can add one or two extra Delta Max smart batteries at 2,016 kilowatt hours each, for a maximum total storage capacity of 6,080 kilowatt hours.
Read our full review: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
Get the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station at Amazon or EcoFlow.
Best Solar
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Portability 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 1,000 watts
- Battery capacity: 1,002 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 11.1 inches high by 13.1 inches wide by 9.2 inches deep
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 3 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 DC
- Charging source: Included AC adaptor, solar, DC
What We Like
- 2,000 peak watts and 1,002 watt-hours
- Had the best performance in our air conditioner test
- Easy to set up and use
What We Don’t Like
- Solar panels are expensive
Folks who’d prefer to take their power off-grid or simply like the idea of a reusable, portable power source will want to consider the Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station. This power station is compatible with solar panels and will recharge in about 6 hours with two 100-watt panels in full sun.
The Explorer 1000 features 2,000 surge watts with a 1,000-watt continuous output and a 1,002-watt-hour capacity. It has three standard outlets as well as one DC, two USB-A, and two USB-C ports. The digital display keeps you up-to-date on the Explorer’s battery percentage, output, and input. And if the power goes out in the middle of the night, the Explorer 1000 has a built-in flashlight to guide the way.
This solar battery was truly one of our favorite models in the test. We’ve been using this model for over a year now, and our test unit came with two solar panels that are easy to set up and plug into the power station. Also, the Jackery Explorer lasted the longest of all the models in our air conditioner test, and that’s truly saying something considering it’s been drained and recharged a few times in the past. But, beyond the solar panels and capacity, the Jackery is very easy to use, and the digital display is clean and simple to read. Just keep in mind that solar panels can be expensive if purchased separately.
Get the Jackery portable power station at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Jackery.
Best For Car Camping
DJI Power 1000 With Zignes 100-Watt Solar Panel
Our Ratings: Portability 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 2,600 watts
- Battery capacity: 1,024 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 9.1 inches high by 17.6 inches wide by 8.9 inches deep
- Weight: 28.7 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 2 SDC
- Charging source: Included AC adaptor, included SDC car adaptor, solar
What We Like
- Portable kit includes weatherproof cover/carrier and 100-watt solar panel
- LFP battery maintains 70 percent capacity after 4,000 charge cycles
- Accepts up to 6 solar panels and 800 watts of solar input for charging
- Convenient for car camping, tailgating, and other remote power needs
What We Don’t Like
- Not enough power for an RV
- The solar panel will not provide reliable charging when it rains, or if the site is heavily shaded.
If you’re planning for a camping trip but don’t want to completely rough it, then a portable power station can help. The DJI Power 1000 stores 1,024 watt-hours of electricity and produces 2,600 running watts and up to 4,400 surge watts. That is plenty of energy to keep the lights on at night, charge an array of electronic devices, and power a few small appliances. Not only that, but this kit also includes a weatherproof carry case to protect the unit from rain and a 100-watt solar panel to take advantage of nature’s free energy.
We loved the easy versatility of the DJI Power 1000 for on-the-go electrical needs. It charged fast when plugged into a wall outlet—just over an hour to go from under 10 percent to full charge. With one 100-watt solar panel, it took about 8 to 10 hours to recharge. It’s important to note that we lucked out with clear sunny weather and made sure to redirect the panel every couple of hours for maximum sun exposure. In low light conditions, we would expect a much slower charge.
This unit was small enough to fit in with the rest of our gear, and it held more than enough electricity to run our LED string lights for 6 hours, brew four pots of coffee, and recharge two phones and a weather radio on a weekend camping trip. The large LCD display provided an uncluttered real-time status report while charging or using power.
Get the DJI portable power station at Amazon or DJI.
Best For Home Backup
Anker Solix F3800 Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 6,000 watts
- Battery capacity: 3,840 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 27.6 inches high by 15.3 inches wide by 15.6 inches deep
- Weight: 132 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 6 AC, 2 USB-A, 3 USB-C, 1 DC, 1 NEMA 14-50, 1 NEMA L14-30
- Charging source: Included AC adaptor, solar, DC
What We Like
- Supplies up to 9,000 surge watts
- Capable of directly powering the whole house or an RV
- 4 locking casters for easy transport
- Expandable storage capacity up to 26,880 watt-hours
- Fully charges in about 2 hours
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky and heavy, limited portability
- May not handle HVAC surge watts
Whole-home backup power is an area where portable power stations have lagged, but the Anker Solix F3800 bridges the gap. This powerful and portable unit boasts a whopping 6,000 running watts; 9,000 surge watts; and 3,840 watt-hours in its base configuration, with options for expandability up to 26,880 watt-hours. That’s enough to keep the refrigerator, deep freezer, and key household outlets operational through an extended power outage.
The F3800 is unique, not only in size of its battery reserves but also in that it is equipped with a 120/240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet that can be directly connected to an electrical subpanel. It also features a NEMA L14-30 outlet that can directly power an RV for a weekend getaway. Make no mistake: This amount of battery storage is larger and heavier than the other models we tested, but an extendable handle, two 4-inch rollers, and two 2-inch locking casters make it easier to transport.
For our test, the F3800 powered a window air conditioner, a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, three table lamps, a Wi-Fi router, and a television. When the refrigerator or air conditioner entered the active cooling cycle, the surge did not affect the other devices. We ran everything this way for 2 hours, and it worked perfectly. Plugged into a wall outlet, the unit fully recharged from 15 percent in less than 2.5 hours.
Our limited test showcased the remarkable ability of the base setup, but it barely scratched the surface of what an expanded Anker Solix system could accomplish. As with some other portable power stations, two F3800s can be paired to deliver 12,000 watts of power. Adding up to 6 expansion batteries per power station boosts storage capacity to as much as 53,800 kWh in a dual F3800 system. Each power station is capable of accepting up to 2,400 input watts from solar panels to recharge and further extend runtime.
Get the Anker portable power station at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Anker.
Best For Road Trips
EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 800 watts
- Battery capacity: 768 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 10.2 inches high by 10.6 inches wide by 8.9 inches deep
- Weight: 17.2 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 4 AC, 3 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 2 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, DC, USB-C
What We Like
- Meets stringent TÜV Rheinland safety certifications
- Powerful enough for devices drawing up to 1,600 starting watts
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
What We Don’t Like
- Our output seemed slightly out of calibration
Adventurers, vacationers, and over-the-road workers might find the EcoFlow River 2 Pro to be the answer to their highway power supply woes. This power station has been approved and certified by TÜV Rheinland, which is the stringent vehicle inspection agency of Germany, ensuring this device is safe enough for vehicle use. You can place it in your automobile, plug it into your car’s charging port, and have relatively unlimited power while traveling.
This power station has an 800-watt capacity but also features an X-Boost mode that temporarily increases power output to 1,600 watts. This allows the unit to power larger devices that might draw more power upon startup. It features 10 output ports, including four standard plugs, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and two DC-5521 ports. It also supports standard wall charging, solar charging, DC vehicle charging, and USB-C charging. You can connect to the River 2 Pro via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and control the settings for customized use.
Bringing essentially a box of electricity anywhere always has its risks, but knowing that the River 2 Pro is certified by one of the most stringent vehicle agencies in the world offers a big boost in confidence. We liked that this device fits in the back of a quad-cab pickup and provides plenty of power for all of the devices a family can run on a road trip, such as a laptop and several personal devices. We did think that the display might be slightly off of calibration on our unit. It didn’t register any output while using our test heater’s low and medium fan settings. However, we don’t see any other mentions of this type of thing in online reviews, and it wouldn’t be an issue when plugged into a vehicle on a road trip.
Get the EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or EcoFlow.
Best Durability
Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000 828Wh Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 1,000 watts
- Battery capacity: 828 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 10.6 inches high by 15.5 inches wide by 11 inches deep
- Weight: 37.4 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 3 AC, 4 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 2 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, DC
What We Like
- Sturdy build quality withstands 60-pound load
- Fully charges in about 70 minutes
- 3 ways to charge: standard outlet, solar, car
- Integrated handles, LED light, and cord storage
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy weight makes it difficult to carry
For a portable power station that can withstand the outdoors, emergencies, and likely more, the Vtoman power station is a great option. At a hefty 37.4 pounds, it’s designed to be stackable, either to add an extra battery or when you have a lot to fit in the back of your car or truck. Its marketing materials claim that it can hold up to 60 pounds stacked on top. We tested that claim—and it held true. We stacked 60 pounds of hand weights while we charged devices, and kept them there for more than 2 hours. When we pulled the weights off, we didn’t see any dents, cracks, or even bowing.
The Vtoman also lived up to its charging claim—that it charges from 0 to 100 percent in 70 minutes. Our experience was nearly spot on to this claim (about 72 minutes). Overall, its power seemed to be on par for its capacity, and we were impressed. We ran a vacuum that pulled an average of about 620 watts on a 94 percent charge for nearly 71 minutes. We also used the power station to charge phones, laptops, and run a pedestal fan for more than 6 hours. Plus, we appreciated the extra features like cord storage and an LED light with five settings. Those make an already great product even better.
Get the Vtoman portable power station at Amazon or Vtoman.
Best Compact
BougeRV JuiceGo 240Wh Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 5/5; Performance 4.3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 410 watts
- Battery capacity: 240 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 2.6 inches high by 6.69 inches wide by 10.24 inches deep
- Weight: 6.28 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 1 AC, 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, DC, USB-C
What We Like
- Weighs less than 7 pounds; easy to carry
- Charges via standard outlet, DC car adapter, or solar panels
- Ample power for charging mobile devices and small appliances
What We Don’t Like
- Not powerful enough for large appliances or extended periods
- Only 1 AC outlet
- Solar panels not included
The JuiceGo is a handy little portable power station that’s just right for taking along on day trips or family outings to keep laptops and mobile devices charged. We considered buying a power station in the past to take along on our kids’ frequent sports events, but many of the models in our hands-on tests are heavy and bulky, and when you have a car packed with sports equipment, there simply isn’t enough room.
Plus, the JuiceGo weighs less than 7 pounds and is about the size of a notebook so that anyone can carry it—even our children carried it—without complaint. For its size, this little power station packs a punch. It has 410 watts and 240 Wh capacity. It comes with 1 AC, 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C, and 1 DC outlet, making it a good pick for powering devices and keeping small appliances running.
We really liked the built-in flashlight that was bright enough to illuminate a small area—it would be good for camping or lighting up a room in a power outage so you could see where you were going. We also liked the digital display that shows Input, Output, and how much charge remains in the battery. We charged it via a standard electrical outlet, but it can also be charged with a DC car adapter or connected to solar panels. At about $200, it’s perfect for a family on the go!
Get the BougeRV portable power station at Amazon or BougeRV.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Portable Power Stations
We wanted to ensure that we were only suggesting the best power station for each award. We developed a series of tests and trials to put these power stations through, taking note of their performance at each step.
We used the smaller power stations to charge devices like our phones and laptops, paying close attention to how quickly they drained relative to the speed at which the devices filled. We also ran a desk fan and a lamp off of each model (separately, as they each only had one standard outlet). We compared these models based on size and portability, ranking them by weight and size.
The tests were quite different for the larger models. The timing of this test was good, since the transformer at the end of the street blew five times within 2 weeks after receiving the models. They all saw work as an emergency power station, keeping refrigerators, TVs, routers, lights, and household devices up and running.
We also tested the larger models with the most power-hungry appliances we could think of: an air conditioner and a space heater. We waited for a 90 degree Fahrenheit day and cranked our window air conditioner to its coldest temperature setting and highest fan setting. We then did the same for the space heater (talk about energy consumption). We noted how quickly each model drained and which models (there was just one, but we mentioned it below) weren’t able to handle the compressor kicking on.
The results of all these tests gave us the background we needed. We could assemble a list of the best power stations, giving each model that passed an award based on its strengths.
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Power Station
Keep these important factors and product features in mind when shopping for the best portable power station to keep devices charged or run appliances when the power goes out (or when you’re off-grid). Note that while power stations and generators are different types of power sources, the terms are often used interchangeably. See the FAQ below for key differences.
Types of Portable Power Stations
The top portable power stations, also often called portable power generators, fall into two broad categories based on the method they use to collect and store energy: electric and solar. Many times, solar portable power stations are also rechargeable via AC power, serving as a rechargeable generator of sorts.
Electric
Electric power stations, also known as portable electric generators, operate like a large battery. Simply plug the portable power station into a wall outlet and it charges quickly. Some power stations may also charge in a car power outlet, provided they have the correct adapter, but this takes longer than it does in a standard outlet.
These models work best for indoor purposes and devices with low power requirements, such as cell phones or flashlights. Some products pair with a compatible solar panel to charge using the sun, making them a home solar generator of sorts.
Solar
If camping is the primary intended use for a portable power station, then look for a portable solar-powered generator that can charge during the day in the sun. Come nighttime, the generator will be ready to provide hours of power.
In the past, solar power stations only had the capability to charge using sunlight, which greatly limited their reliability. However, manufacturers have begun combining solar and electric portable power stations to give users the option to charge using a traditional electric outlet; a vehicle power outlet; or detachable, portable solar panels. Steadily, this hybrid idea has become one of the best outdoor power station designs. It combines all the advantages of solar energy and the convenience of electrical outlets. Today, very few power stations offer only solar or only electric power.
Power Output
Power output of a portable power station refers to the maximum amount of energy the station delivers to the attached devices.
Power output ratings are available in terms of wattage. How many watts a device will deliver explains how much power it can produce. The more watts a device can produce, the larger the electrical component it can run. For instance, a 100-watt power supply can power two 50-watt bulbs. However, it can’t run an air conditioner, which requires around 450 watts to run its compressor.
Power capacity is a different story, and it’s measured in milliamp-hours or watt-hours. Both terms explain how long the power station can power a device of a specific size. A power station with a 2,000-milliamp-hour battery can charge or power a device that draws 200 millilamp-hours for 10 hours. A station with 1,000 watt-hours can power a 1-watt device for 1,000 hours, or a 400-watt device for 2.5 hours. Generally speaking, smaller power supplies use milliamp-hours while the most powerful portable power station supply units use watt-hours.
Weight
Electric and solar-powered generator units generally come in smaller and lighter than gas-powered generators, which makes them the ideal power station for camping and road trips. Folks looking for the best portable power supply will want to look for a manageable size and weight as well as features that facilitate transport, such as wheels and a carrying handle.
Noise
Consider how much noise a power station will make. Setting one up inside a home or workshop means close quarters, and loud models could literally require hearing protection. A portable power station for camping should also be quiet, or else it may disturb the neighbors.
Typically, electric and solar power stations make for the quietest generators available. These products don’t make much noise at all because they only transfer stored energy. They hum no louder than a mini fridge. (For those who may require more electricity than a power station can supply, but still need a quieter source of power, inverter generators are a good option.)
Safety Features
Anyone operating a device that uses electricity will want to be aware of the potential risks, like overheating. Look for portable power stations that have built-in safety features like an automatic shutdown function, overload protection, and an internal high/low-temperature gauge.
- An automatic shutdown function helps prevent premature degradation of the power station by turning the device off before it overheats or protecting the battery from discharging too deeply.
- Overload protection disengages the portable power station from the input current if it detects the current is exceeding a safe charge capacity.
- An internal high/low-temperature gauge measures the temperature of the battery and stops all input and output functions if the battery temperature falls outside of a safe range, as determined by the manufacturer.
Durability
Whether using a portable power station at home, camping, or on the jobsite, invest in a product that will withstand any method of transportation and any possible impact damage that could occur. If you’re using the power station within the home or workshop exclusively as a backup power device, then a lightweight product will be fine.
If you’re using a power station for camping, consider products that offer water and ultraviolet resistance. On a jobsite, look for a heavy-duty product that won’t break down if a wrench or hammer falls on top of it.
Battery and Charging Method
Portable power stations typically come equipped with lithium-ion batteries that hold a significant amount of stored electrical energy. Most power stations plug directly into a standard electrical outlet, but many models don’t require access to a wall outlet.
Some portable power stations charge in cars with the proper adapter—a great method for camping and road trips. With the right conditions, solar charging works well. These models need a compatible solar panel, the appropriate weather for efficient solar charging, and a suitable place to leave the portable power station where it will absorb solar energy. Power stations with multiple charging methods make an excellent resource for long camping trips because they help to ensure power in almost any situation.
FAQs
Read below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about portable power power sources.
The number of devices you can charge simultaneously depends on the type of devices being charged, the power output of the battery, and the number of outlets available on the portable power station. Average portable power stations typically charge two to three devices at one time like a portable charging station. However, if the plugged-in devices draw more power than the portable power station puts out, then the power station won’t power all of the devices simultaneously.
A generator uses gasoline or another fuel to create electrical energy instead of simply storing electrical energy. Home generators in particular are much larger tools that are designed for supporting a significantly higher number of electronics. Many generators supply power for an entire home, while lightweight portable power stations work best with small appliances and electronic devices, almost like they’re cheap home generators.
You can use an online wattage calculator to determine the electrical load of the appliances in your home. As long as the wattage of the appliances you’d like to power does not exceed the running wattage of the portable power station, then the power station can run your appliances.
It’s best to leave a portable power station inside, or at least under some cover, as these units are not typically waterproof. However, as long as you protect the portable power station from water, you can leave it outside. In fact, it must stay outside to charge on a solar panel, preferably in a sunny location.
Some key safety tips about portable power stations include:
– Use the correct cables with the correct outlets.
– Place cables off the ground to avoid a tripping hazard.
– Do not use devices that exceed the running wattage of the power station.
– Avoid exposing portable power stations to water.
Charge time depends on the individual product and the charging method. For instance, a portable power station may be able to charge fully in just 2 hours when it’s plugged into a power outlet, but it may take over 8 hours to charge a portable power station fully with a solar panel.
Don’t add to growing e-waste problems by throwing an old portable power station in the trash. Instead, take it to a local electronics recycling location. Usually a municipality or town will have a program for recycling electronics, and some retailers, such as Best Buy, also offer e-waste recycling programs.
Meet the Testers
Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes.
Beth Cranston is an editor, writer, and product tester who’s lived through too many tornado warnings and prefers electricity to candles when the power goes out. She looks for reliable, easy-to-use products that she can count on in a pinch.
As the executive editor of Commerce/Product Reviews, Stephanie Cronk has spent years researching and testing products. She also brings over 12 years of commerce experience to the BobVila.com team, where her focus is on reviewing and testing products in a variety of categories including DIY, home improvement, home appliances, outdoor living, and more.
Mark Wolfe is a DIY writer and product tester with a curiosity about emerging battery technology. He enjoys pushing cordless shop tools and outdoor power equipment to their limit, and finding the best new ways to keep his equipment up and running on the go.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
