The 12 Best Portable Power Stations
A portable power station is a lot like a spare tire. You don’t realize how much you need it until you do, then you really need it. It’s no wonder why it’s such a necessity for people working with radio signals and medical equipment. We’ve got the 12 best portable power stations here, for the next time all of the power goes out in your neighborhood.
Dramatics aside though, they’re just a really cool piece of gear to have in your arsenal. Sure, they’re an excellent contingency plan, but these lithium battery-powered magic boxes can also bring all of the modern comforts to a camping trip or lazy river boat excursion. Even if you want to fully unplug, a little quiet music doesn’t hurt.
EcoFlow RIVER Portable Power Station
One of the most impressive things about the RIVER Portable Power Station from EcoFlow is that you can have it 100 percent charged from zero in just over an hour and a half. In a hurry? Then just get it charged to 80 percent from nil in an hour flat. Have a coffee maker in the back of your van and need a caffeine boost before hitting the road? No problem. You can even get a compressor fridge functioning for 12 hours with just half this power station’s capacity. You can get creative with its solar capacity, which can gradually charge this station up in just a few hours, depending on the sun.
- Watt-Hours: 288
- Dimensions: 11.3” x 7.3” x 7.7”
- Ports: 3 A/C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 2 DC5521 port, 1 USB-C port, 1 car port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 1.6 hours, 12V car outlet: 3 hours, solar panels: 1.6 – 5 hours
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Price: $349
Key Feature: Its ability to fully charge in just over an hour and a half from zero means it’ll always take less time to charge than it will to drain.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station (PowerHouse 256Wh)
If you’re looking for a portable power station to take on those ruggedly adventurous camping trips, I introduce you to the Anker 521. This six-port terminal is built with a drop-proof monobloc construction, as well as industry-standard electric components for even more strength and durability. On top of that, the 521 is powered with fancy LiFePO4 batteries, which boasts a six times longer lifespan compared to regular batteries. The extra USB-C port is useful too, since it eliminates the need for those big unwieldy laptop chargers. Just because this power station is tank strong doesn’t mean carrying it around has to be tank bulky.
- Watt-Hours: 256
- Dimensions: 8.5” x 8.32” x 5.67”
- Ports: 2 A/C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 car port
- Charge Methods: DC, USB-C
- Weight: 9.57 lbs
- Price: $249.99
Key Feature: Combination of a drop-proof unibody structure and industrial strength electric components offer extra protection and durability, perfect for outdoor use.
GOFORT 330W Portable Power Station
If you’ve ever been subjected to the tormenting noise of a gas power generator, the GOFORT 330w Portable Power Station will be a breath of fresh air. This new FlashFish version is mercifully quiet and reliable, partly thanks to the solar generator, rigged with a lithium battery pack. Moreover, the management system for the battery protects from overvoltage, heating, and overcurrent. This not only contributes to the peace and quiet, but keeps everything safe and sound. There’s also a nice little cooling fan built into it. The GOFORT FlashFish features 10 charging outputs so you can power all of your screens and devices, all at the same time. We’re talking your phone, camera, laptop, tablet, and even your drones and your blenders—which I can’t guarantee will be as beautifully silent as this power station.
- Watt-Hours: 299
- Dimensions: 10.04” x 5.12” x 6.1”
- Ports: 4 DC ports, 2 USB-C ports, 2 A/C ports, 1 QC3.0 port, 1 USB port
- Charge Methods: Wall A/C outlet, solar panel, 12V car outlet
- Weight: 9.48 lbs
- Price: $355.99
Key Feature: Ten charging outputs allow you to use multiple devices at once, while the BMS prevents short circuiting and overheating, providing both efficiency and safety.
Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 500X Portable Power Station
Count on Goal Zero to serve up an efficient, and dare I say cute, power station with the Yeti Lithium 500X Portable. It provides 20 percent more power than the previous Yeti power station, but in a 20 percent more compact and lighter body. Plus, it has that delightful little screen and all of those fun lime green accents throughout. Lithium power stations are an exciting development, so I’m glad Goal Zero likes to make their products exciting-looking. Aesthetics aside, the 500X has everything you need in a power unit, from the integrated Maximum Power Point Tracking so you can regulate the charge of your battery bank, to the ability to charge via USB, the wall, or your car.
- Watt-Hours: 505
- Dimensions: 11.2” x 7.5” x 6”
- Ports: 2 USB-A ports, 2 A/C ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 USB-C PD port, 1 Regulated 12V port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 9 hours, USB-C: 8-11 hours
- Weight: 12 lbs 14.4 oz
- Price: $699.95
Key Feature: Pure-Sine Wave Inverter offers smooth and steady power with less heat, which is useful for sensitive electronics.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
Level up your convenience game with the Jackery Explorer 500. This portable power station takes the “portable” part of its description really seriously. For one, it’s one of the lightest lithium generators on the market right now, and is about the size of a basketball. It has a solid grippy handle that won’t put pressure on your palms. The carry-on-focused design makes it perfect for RV camping, especially the kind with hiking involved, and long road trips. It features an AC outlet, three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and a car port that can handle high power appliances. Feel free to bring that minifridge with you everywhere you go.
- Watt-Hours: 518
- Dimensions: 11.8” x 7.6” x 9.2”
- Ports: 3 USB-A ports, 2 DC ports, 1 A/C port, 1 car port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 7.5 Hours, 12V car outlet: 7.5 hours, generator: 7.5 hours, solar panels: 9.5 hours
- Weight: 13.32 lbs
- Price: $499.99
Key Feature: Combination of pass-through charging capability and built-in maximum power point tracker offers convenience, while ensuring energy-use is maximized.
Zendure SuperBase Pro 1500 Portable Power Station
If you didn’t know that a portable power station could boast a whopping 1456 watt-hours, then prepare to be wowed. The Zendure SuperBase Pro 1500 may come with the price tag of such a powerful energy unit, but the substantial Wh is a true investment that will save you money in the long run. It can accomplish more work before requiring a recharge, which also saves you tons of time. And while some say time is money, you can’t make more time when you lose it. In addition to its premium performance, its telescopic handle and industrial-grade wheels make it easy to roll across a variety of terrain.
- Watt-Hours: 1456
- Dimensions: 17.56” × 10.51” × 13.86”
- Ports: 6 A/C ports, 4 USB-C ports, 3 DC5521 ports,1 car port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C: 2 hours
- Weight: 46.5 lbs
- Price: $1999 (Sale Price $1099)
Key Feature: At 1456Wh, this power station allows you to use either higher-watt devices, or more hours of power, and everything in between.
BLUETTI AC50S Portable Power Station
Who says that a high-capacity portable power station can’t also be outrageously stylish? Between its tangerine hue and its little green lights, the AC50S unit from BLUETTI is downright tropical-looking. This station comes with all the fixings, including a regulated 12v DC output and all three juicing methods, meaning solar, wall charging, and car charging. An ever talented multi-hyphenate, the AC50S also comes with an LED lantern function and an assuring SOS operation. Stay on brand and take this colorful guy to a sunny remote beach. It’s built with an intelligent cooling system, after all.
- Watt-Hours: 500
- Dimensions: 11.6” x 7.5” x 7.7”
- Ports: 4 USB-A ports, 2 DC ports, 2 A/C ports, 1 Car port, 1 wireless charging port
- Charge Methods: Solar panel, wall A/C, 12V car outlet
- Weight: 13.6lbs
- Price: $429
Key Feature: Thanks to its productive MPPT controller, this power station is one of the most efficient when it comes to solar charging.
MARBERO Portable Power Station
Whether it’s muffins or M&Ms, sometimes you just need a mini version of something. The MARBERO Portable Power Station, with its 83Wh solar generator, is exceedingly slim and a lightweight champ. It’s not even six inches tall, and weighs in at just over two pounds. This is a great emergency unit to have if you live in a small city apartment. The MARBERO has 83Wh capacity, two USB C ports, and an AC output socket, among several other useful features. On the customer service front, this power station comes with a 24-month warranty.
- Watt-Hours: 83
- Dimensions: 5.7” x 5.6” x 2.7”
- Ports: 2 USB ports, 1 USB-C1 port, 1 USB-C2 port, 1 A/C port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 7 – 8 hours
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Price: $92.98
Key Feature: At only 2.2lbs and less than 6” tall, this power station can be stored anywhere or easily transported to wherever it’s needed.
EcoFlow Delta Mini Portable Power Station
Delta’s Mini Portable Power Station is the smart power station of the future. Thanks to its EcoFlow App integration capabilities, you can control and monitor this guy remotely. This is super practical if you need to get the station going but it’s somewhere in the back of the car. Or, if you’re just too comfortable where you are in your house and the power station is all the way in the other room. It charges in an impressively quick 1.6 hours. The Delta, despite being mini, is powerful enough to keep your table saw running, as well as your surprisingly energy-hungry blow dryer.
- Watt-Hours: 882
- Dimensions: 15” x 7.2” x 9.4”
- Ports: 5 A/C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 USB-A fast charge port, 1 car port
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 1.6 hours, solar panels: 3 – 6 hours
- Weight: 23.6 lb
- Price: $999
Key Feature: EcoFlow App integration provides the ability to control and monitor remotely.
NEXPOW Portable Power Station
The NEXPOW Portable Power Station really punches above its price point. With its multiple charging outputs (AC, PD, DC, USB), you’ve got a veritable buffet of circuit current flows here. In case of an unexpected blackout, you’ll likely be able to use the NEXPOW to power a 35 watt flatscreen for a good six hours, or keep the fish alive in a fish tank for three to four hours. Opt for the latter if you have both. This power station weighs a reasonable seven pounds, and is built with a nice soft handle that won’t callous those nice soft hands of yours.
- Watt-Hours: 296
- Dimensions: 9.69” x 4.84” x 6.46”
- Ports: 2 A/C ports, 2 QC 3.0 Quick Charge USB ports, 2 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 DC port
- Charge Methods: Solar panel, wall A/C, 12V car outlet
- Weight: 7.05 lbs
- Price: $299.99
Key Feature: Easily able to handle a peak surge of 500 watts, and running on 300 watts continuously, this power station is especially useful for emergencies and CPAP machines.
DBPOWER Portable Power Station
Power up to five devices with the DBPower Portable Power Station. With its peak 350 wattage, 250Wh, and 110v, you can charge your laptop twice and your phone up to 25 times. It’s a great backup power source for all sorts of random machines, actually. If you’re a troubled sleeper or have sleep apnea disorder, the DBPOWER can keep a sleep airway pressure machine powered for a strong six hours. Just because the power goes out doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to get some rest. The USB smart port is excellent for quick-charge situations, like cameras, torches, fans, car appliances, and drones.
- Watt-Hours: 250
- Dimensions: 7.16” x 5.39” x 5.04”
- Ports: 2 USB ports, 1 USB Smart port, 1 A/C port, 1 DC port,
- Charge Time: Wall A/C outlet: 5-6 Hours
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Price: $190.00
Key Feature: The respectable 250Wh and lightness in weight, partnered with a reasonable sub-200 price point offer a compelling value proposition.
NinjaBatt 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh Battery Solar Generator
This 300W Portable Power Station from NinjaBatt definitely gets the easy-to-use award. That being the case, this energy unit is an effective choice to complete your emergency kit. Even the most technologically unsavvy person in your family can look at this power station and know what each outlet is for, what the buttons do, and how to read the super clear and legible LED display on the front of the station. It features 300 output watts, a substantial 280Wh backup battery, and an impressively fast Type-C port. And of course, the NinjaBatt comes sensibly equipped with SOS LED lights.
- Watt-Hours: 280
- Dimensions: 8” x 9” x 5”
- Ports: 2 A/C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 DC port
- Charge Methods: Solar panel, wall A/C, 12V car outlet
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
- Price: $319.99
Key Feature: The clear LED display and instinctual controls make this power station exceedingly easy to use for anyone, regardless of tech experience.
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