Do you intend to go camping, or visit someone who lives in an area of poor power supply, and you need to power your laptops and other gadgets you have? If yes, then you need a portable power station.
This guide aims to show the best portable power stations money can buy. You should go through this guide to find out for yourself the best portable power stations.
Portable power stations can be placed on artificial grass while picnicking or camping in a garden, but not after the grass has been watered with soaker hoses.
BUYER’S GUIDE
Power Type
The type of power that a unit relies on can determine how easy the operation will be as well as how high the power outage will be. In this review, we have covered devices that are battery-powered, gas-powered or those that rely on a solar panel to provide electrical power, unlike pliers that are manually operated.
Battery-powered devices may be the most popular, as they tend to be less expensive and more compact as they do not need an outer source of power. However, battery-powered devices do have a lifespan, and it can sometimes take a long time for them to charge back up.
For example, the battery may last for 8 hours, but you also need to consider the fact that it takes 5 hours to be charged fully, which is similar to the battery of a pole saw.
It is a good idea to find a product that has multiple ways to recharge. There are several devices in this list that come with various outlets, including two AC output ports, DC power outlet as well as the option to be plugged into the wall.
Finding a power station that can be recharged in various ways, including through your car battery and via solar panels is a great way to have long-lasting and reliable power no matter where you are.
Output & Surge Capacity
As an electric device, portable power stations have dedicated output ratings. There are 2 output ratings that you will find in each portable power station, which are output capacity and surge capacity.
The output capacity represents the general outlet port capacity, and the surge capacity is the maximum power available from the power station.
For example, if a power station has 1500 watts capacity and 3000 watts surge capacity, you can use it to power 1500 watts devices in general, or you can power a high capacity power tool because of the surge capacity. While buying a power station, you should consider higher capacity stations as they are more applicable.
Battery Capacity
This is the most important parameter as the battery plays an important role in the portable power station. Each station houses a battery that has a certain capacity limit. This capacity is indicated in watt-hours.
As the capacity goes higher, you can expect a higher power output from the station. For instance, a 280 watt-hour battery can provide up to 600 watts of power, whereas a 167 watt-hour battery can only give up to 150 watts. Some can power some wood burning tools.
Size
All of the products in this review are meant to be portable, so you will need to consider the size of the device and also the weight.
It is important to consider whether the device you choose can be easily carried or packed away in your camping bags to provide battery power when you are outdoors, otherwise there is no point in investing in the first place.
The lightest weight and size of the pure sine wave model in this review is 11 pounds. This means that you will be keeping this device nearby at all times as it can be easily transported and stored due to its compact size. it can be as compact as a foldable hand truck when folded.
It is important to note that much of the weight of these devices can come from the battery or oil tank, although the battery will be considerably heavier.
Price
Buying one of these battery charging devices will be an investment, but this does not mean that you shouldn’t look for a good deal. As we have mentioned, battery-powered stations will be cheaper, and therefore the best, as a battery is more accessible than other fuel types.
You will also want to consider the warranty that comes with the device you choose, as this can also increase the value to ensure that you are getting a good deal.
Sometimes a warranty may require personal details, like an email address, so you can be covered for the several years that have been provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you do not skip this process, as it can improve the price and value of these devices.
Warranty
Lastly, you should pay attention to the warranty period on the portable power station. As it is an electrical device, there is a high chance that it might get damaged while in operation. If you have a long warranty period, you can rest assured that the manufacturers have your back for a long time.
You can avail of free repairs and even replacements under the warranty period. The warranty period also adds up to the reliability of the station.
BEST PORTABLE POWER STATIONS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| EcoFlow River 370
|
370wh high capacity.
3 hours to fully charged 9 convenient outputs |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Anker Powerhouse 200
|
Capacity: 57600mAh/218.8Wh
Input: AC/Power Delivery USB Output: 5V=3A (15W) Power Delivery Output: 5V=3A, 9V=3A, 15V=2A, 20V=1.5A (30W) DC Output: 12V=5A |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| NEXPOW Portable Power Station
|
Advanced safety options to protect devices and battery life
Built-in lamp for emergency use 2 USB, 1 USB PD, 2 DC, and 1 AC port Can recharge with a wall outlet, carport, PD charger (sold separately), or solar panel (sold separately) |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh
|
It can charge virtually any device.
Very large capacity. Rugged, durable design. Can charge via AC, 12V DC, or solar panel. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Rockpals 250W Portable Generator
|
Capacity: 60000mAh, 3.7V/ 222 Wh
Weight: 6 lbs ( 2.6 KG ) Dimensions: L 10 x W 4 x H 6 inch Battery Type: Lithium Polymer Batteries |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| SUAOKI Portable Power Station 150Wh
|
On-the-Go Power Source: 150Wh (3.7V 40500mAh/11.1V 13500mAh)
Triple Outputs: (2x) AC outlet; (4x) DC ports; (4x) USB ports ) Triple Input Modes: (1)Solar panel; (2) Wall outlet; (3) Car 12V socket Come with bonus cigarette lighter adapter for recharging |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Jackery Explorer 240
|
Lithium power station: 240Wh battery capacity charges and re-charges devices.
Portable, compact, and lightweight. At only 6.6 lbs. it travels well. Provides reliable power for mainstream electronics, small appliances, and more. Made for outdoor recreation, camping, and emergency preparedness. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter
|
Power Type: Gas
Capacity: 2000 Watts Dimensions: 3 x 11.5 x 17.7 Inches |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Goal Zero Yeti 200x
|
1045 watt-hour lithium-ion battery
Can be used for 7 different devices simultaneously 1500 watts regular output 3000 watts surge capacity |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Paxcess Portable Power Station
|
Large-capacity 280W generator
Built-in AC output, 3 DC ports, and 2 USB ports Lightweight, compact generator weighing only 5.6 lbs Chargeable with a wall outlet, carport, or solar panels (sold separately) Built-in cooling fan |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
EcoFlow River 370
RIVER 370 Power Station ends the era of the noisy, heavy, and pungent diesel generator. Unique to its predecessors and competitors, RIVER 370 Power Station is an industrial amount of power yet lightweight, multi-functional and easy to use. Charge up to 9 devices simultaneously wherever you go.
| PROS | CONS |
| Low Price | Battery Degradation |
| Portability | Low Round Trip Efficiency |
| Seriously Fast Charging | |
| High Output |
Anker Powerhouse 200
Portable power stations are a niche type of product though, as they’re large appliances that are meant for more than just charging.
Anker first released their original PowerHouse 120,000 power station that was and still is a big hit. Now, about two years later, they have their next portable power station, the PowerHouse 200.
A smaller, lower-capacity power station that’s meant for lighter use and a definite need if you don’t want to pay up for the decked-out original one.
| PROS | CONS |
| Nice display | Not the most efficient power station |
| USB-C port for input/output | |
| Portable for a power station |
NEXPOW Portable Power Station
NEXPOW’s Solar Portable Power Station is great for emergencies. Equipped with a powerful 178Wh battery, it’s capable of fully charging your smartphones or tablets multiple times over and can run most outdoor appliances for hours.
| PROS | CONS |
| Fast 5-hour recharge speed | Maximum power of 150W |
| Multiple charging options, including PD | Smaller capacity than similar models |
| Inexpensive compared to similar models | |
| Battery management system with advanced safety options | |
| Ultra-lightweight and portable |
MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh
Portable chargers are useful chargers that you’re able to take anywhere that you want. However, when it comes to being able to power appliances and for the power capacity to be able to last for days or weeks, power banks are rather limited. That’s because they don’t use an AC outlet and they don’t have power capacities that are within the 50,000mAh range.
That’s why there are portable power stations such as this MAXOAK 500Wh portable power station. This hulking portable power station is quite amazing as it features tons of power capacity, and it features multiple ports to be able to power your appliances and charge them, too.
One thing that we need to make clear is that this MAXOAK power station is not lacking in power. This portable power station has a 500Wh power capacity.
| PROS | CONS |
| Features plenty of powering and charging options, and even makes use of two 3-prong AC Outlets with 300W of power | Is quite heavy and can be tiresome to hold for a long duration of time |
| Uses a 45W Power Delivery port and also has fast wireless charging at the top; build quality is also solid | |
| Easy to use with the press of a power button |
Rockpals 250W Portable Generator
The 250W Rockpals portable generator is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable solar generator to power small devices and appliances either at home or outdoors.
It produces 250W continuous output, which is enough for charging smartphones, laptops, cameras, drones, and other gadgets.
| PROS | CONS |
| 3 ways to charge | Can not power appliances over 250W |
| Pure sine wave |
SUAOKI Portable Power Station 150Wh
The brand has gained quite a lot of traction these past few years with their specialty being power stations, rather than portable chargers. Although, they do have portable chargers that also double as car jump starters, too.
The power capacity of this Suaoki portable power station differs depending on what output you’re with it.
For example, if you’re using the USB charging ports, the power capacity that you’re able to get is 40,500mAh. While using the DC ports on this portable power station will result in the usage of a 13,500mAh capacity. The reason that the amount of power capacity you’re able to use changes depending on what output you’re using is because the conversion rate of the two options is different.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comes in a compact form factor with a handle that makes portability easier | The main power cord is only 3 feet long |
| Uses Two AC Outlets, with 2-prong and the other is a 3-prong outlet | |
| Has Four USB Ports and DC Ports |
Jackery Explorer 240
The power capacity of this Explorer 240 power station is 67,200mAh, or you can just translate that into 240Wh, as that’s in the name of the power station. So this is a lot of power capacity, and even when it’s converted during usage we still think that there’s going to be a lot to use.
| PROS | CONS |
| Has a very high power capacity that can be used to charge large and small devices plenty of times | Large and heavy, and fare more than a high capacity power bank |
| It’s easy to use with a power button right next to each of its functional components | |
| The AC outlet is quite powerful with its 200W output | |
| Uses a Digital power capacity to tell you what’s going on with the Explorer 240 |
WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter
This is one of the best portable power stations due to the fact it is ultra-lightweight, making it easy for transport. It weighs 39 pounds, which is considerably less than other stations and is easy to store due to the compact size. This power station has a quiet operation that has been tested and approved by the US Department of Health and Human Services, making it safe to use. This inverter can produce up to 2000 surge watts of clean power to provide safe charging of even sensitive devices, including smartphones and tablets.
| PROS | CONS |
| Clean and quiet operation | none |
| Various outlets | |
| Fuel shut-off setting to maximize the lifespan | |
| Ultra-lightweight | |
| Compact size for storage |
Goal Zero Yeti 200x
Goal zero is rather a fresh brand that has many successful products in its lineup. They have made various heavy-duty products like this portable power station.
At the 1st position, we have placed Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium portable power station. It is the most powerful portable power station from our picks. The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium has a massive 1045 watt-hour capacity lithium battery that can power up to 7 different devices simultaneously. You will get the standard 1500 watts output and up to 3000 watts surge power capacity.
You can get the advantage of such high power output via multiple outlets that include 4 2.4 amp USB ports. 2 110 volts AC ports and 1 12 volt DC output. Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium portable power station requires up to 30-volt input power to recharge.
| PROS | CONS |
| Power capacity is very high | The price tag is very high |
| Multiple outlet ports available | The warranty period is quite short |
Paxcess Portable Power Station
Many generators can be loud, unwieldy, or difficult to move. The PAXCESS Portable Power Station offers a compact, lightweight generator option perfect for travel and emergencies.
This 5.9-lb generator comes with a handle, AC output, 3 DC ports, and 2 USB ports built-in. Plus, its smart and silent cooling fan keeps the generator running smoothly and quietly without worrying about excess noise, heat, or vibration.
The PAXCESS Portable Power Station can be charged with an AC wall outlet, a carport, or a solar panel (sold separately). People living the van life will enjoy its 8-10 hour charge time — charge on the road from one destination to the next, and enjoy hours of recharges when you’ve set up camp!
| PROS | CONS |
| Quiet with no vibration | Solar panel sold separately |
| Portable, lightweight design | Not for use with power over 350 watts |
| Multiple charging options | |
| Good for indoor or outdoor use |
CONCLUSION
Getting the best portable power stations has been made easier for you with this guide. If you follow this guide you will not make mistake in selecting the best portable power stations for yourself.