Having the best portable power station will help you in an emergency and will keep all your electronic gear, including medical devices, at full power while on the road. Most portable batteries are roughly the same size as a microwave, but some are even smaller. They’re easy to carry and will fit in almost every vehicle.
Compared to traditional gas-powered generators, portable power stations are cheap, simple to charge, easy to transport, and produce significantly less noise and exhaust. You can charge your power station using a standard AC outlet, external battery, alternative generator, or solar panels. We reviewed the 10 best portable batteries, so read on to learn which is the best portable power station for 2024.
Ranking the Top Portable Power Stations for 2024
If you’re in a hurry, check out our 10 best portable power stations list and find out what makes them stand out from the crowd.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 – Overall, the best portable power station in 2024. Due to its ten ports, compact design, and large battery capacity of 1,002Wh, the Explorer 1000 is ideal for household and outdoor activities.
- Grecell 300W Solar Generator – This 4.9-pound portable battery unit comes with a 288Wh capacity and supports charging up to six devices simultaneously, making it ideal for short family camping trips.
- Jackery Explorer 300 – One of the most popular and highest-rated units on Amazon and Reddit. Stands out with a small, lightweight lithium-ion battery with 293Wh capacity.
- Allwei 2000W – With a substantial 2,131Wh battery capacity and 2,000W max output, this unit can power up to 12 devices simultaneously.
- EcoFlow Delta 2 – Ideal as a home backup thanks to its 1,024Wh capacity and 15 ports, which allow you to charge multiple appliances whenever needed.
- Allwei 300W – An affordable power station battery with 280Wh capacity, 600W max output, and nine available ports. The best solution you can find for under $500.
- Marbero M88 – The best cheap portable power station, which costs only $99 and weighs 2.4 pounds. Ideal for charging a smartphone on the go.
- VTOMAN Jump 1500X – Due to its large capacity and significant battery power, it can serve as a power station but also works as an emergency jump starter for vehicles.
- Rockpals 1300W – A great solar energy battery generator with a substantial capacity of 1,254.4Wh. It boasts ten different ports and can be charged in under seven hours using solar panels.
- Anker SOLIX F2000 – Stands out with a huge battery capacity, capable of running several power-hungry household appliances for hours in case of a power outage.
- POWEVOLVER 300W – A compact solution for your CPAP machine, whether you need a home backup or an alternative while camping outdoors.
- Shell 500W Portable Power Station – Keep your food fresh and cool with a reliable 500W portable power station. Has a smart thermal control feature to prevent overheating.
How is a Portable Power Station Different from a Traditional Generator?
A portable power station is a battery-based device that can be used as a primary or alternative electric power source. While both energy stations and power generators have the same purpose of providing a source of power, there are a few differences. Here’s a brief portable power station vs. generator comparison.
Design and Portability
Due to their compact design, battery power stations are easy to carry. You can put one in your car or RV or even carry it in your backpack when hiking or camping, and it’ll fit in easily.
Generators, on the other hand, are more robust and significantly heavier. Gas generators with a higher wattage require more space. If you intend to power an entire household, you’ll probably need to make space in the backyard. Because of their size, generators are extremely challenging to carry, which makes them less convenient for outdoor activities.
Usage
The battery power station is a perfect solution for recreational activities like fishing, hunting, rafting, or RV camping. More powerful lithium battery stations can be used as an alternative source of electricity for households. They can power personal electronic devices like desktops, laptops, and smartphones. But you can also use them to power household or medical appliances like CPAP machines.
On the other hand, gas generators can deliver more power than regular battery sources. Consequently, these electricity sources are useful in case of power outages, though they come with a significant price as they require fuel and more space.
Ports
Most gas generators only come with AC and DC ports, which can be a true Highway to Hell if you need to charge a laptop or smartphone.
Portable power banks typically boast several ports, including AC, DC, USB-A, USB-C, and fast charge ports, and a car outlet. As a result, you can run multiple devices that require different outlets and be ready for any scenario.
Emissions
Gas-powered sources are louder and produce more heat and exhaust fumes than any portable electric station. They also require regular maintenance and, often, professional support. What’s more, it is essential that they are used outdoors as carbon monoxide emissions can be fatally dangerous even in only partially enclosed spaces.
On the other hand, portable power stations produce no direct exhaust fumes and minimal heat, and they are much more environmentally friendly. Portable lithium batteries are also quiet, and most of the time, you’ll forget you have one – and your neighbors will too.
What Can You Run on a Portable Power Station?
The best portable power station can run multiple power-hungry devices at once. The number of ports, as well as their type, will determine how many and what kind of devices your power station can run. The capacity of your power bank is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Naturally, with more capacity, your power bank will be able to run more devices simultaneously or power more electricity-consuming devices, depending on the items’ power consumption. You can use a power station to run personal electronic devices, medical equipment, household appliances, and gadgets, such as:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Laptops and desktop computers
- WiFi routers and modems
- USB lamps
- Coffee makers and microwaves
- Fans
- Smart TVs
- CPAP machines
- PS5 and Xbox consoles
Top 10 Best Portable Battery Generators Reviewed
Now that we’ve introduced portable power batteries, let’s dig in and find the best portable power station for you. We tested and reviewed dozens of different lithium-powered generators. Here are our best portable power station reviews.
1. Jackery Explorer 1000 – Overall, the Best Portable Power Station in 2024
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is by far the best portable power station in 2024. It stands out with its impeccable design, long-lasting battery, a vast number of ports, and helpful safety features.
The Explorer 1000 runs on a lithium-ion battery with 1,002Wh capacity. Thanks to its large battery capacity, this power bank is equipped to handle almost any household appliance or pretty much anything you might take on a camping trip.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$999 | 13.1″ x 9.2″ x 11.1″ | 3x AC, 1x Car Port, 2x USB-A, 1x AC, 2X USB-C, 1X DC | 1,000 W | 1,002 Wh | 22 pounds |
But what does a 1,002Wh capacity really mean? Well, for example, you can power a full-size refrigerator, which consumes 100Wh, for up to 10 hours using the Jackery Explorer 1000.
Passionate campers will be especially delighted with this piece of technology. Besides having a powerful and enduring battery, the Explorer 100 boasts ten ports. You’ll find three AC outputs with a 2,000W peak, two USB-A and two USB-C ports, and a car outlet. You can hence charge your smartphone, laptop, gaming earbuds, USB lamp, or any other gadget you need while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The Jackery Explorer boasts overvoltage and short-circuit protection, as well, so you don’t have to worry if you accidentally spill water or any other fluid over your power station. You can recharge your Jackery power station in three different ways. Plugging it to the nearest AC outlet is the best choice as it only takes around 5 hours to recharge completely.
Solar panels are a cheaper and cleaner option, though. It takes 8 to 17 hours to recharge, depending on the weather conditions and the type of panel you use. RV campers can use a car outlet to power the Jakery Explorer, and it takes around 12 hours to recharge.
Pros
- 1,002Wh battery capacity capable of powering whole households
- Supports AC, car outlet, and solar panel recharge
- Ten ports
- Overvoltage and short-circuit protection
- 5 hours battery recharge
- Best portable power station for tailgating and RVs
Cons
- A bit pricey
2. Grecell 300W Solar Generator – Great for Outdoor Activities
The Grecell 300W Solar Generator has a 288Wh battery capacity and 600W peak power. Top functionality, small dimensions, and a weight of 4.9 pounds make the Grecell 300W the best portable power station for camping.
Having 300W and 288Wh capacity is good enough to cover any camper’s basic needs. You’ll find six ports, and, more importantly, you can use them all simultaneously to charge your devices. The four USB ports, including Type-C output for faster charging, will do a fantastic job in powering your laptop, smartphone, mini-fridge, speaker, lights, and fans – or even a CPAP machine.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$219 | 6.7″ x 9.6″ x 6.9″ | 1x DC, 4x USB, 1x AC | 600 W | 288 Wh | 4.9 pounds |
You can charge your laptop six times, your smartphone about 25 times, or keep your mini-fridge cool for up to six hours before recharging your power station.
You don’t have to worry about the battery temperature when powering multiple devices. The generator comes with built-in dual cooling fans that prevent the battery from overheating during intense use.
This is a great entry-level unit and is very simple to use. It has an excellent LCD showing the remaining battery percentage, input and output wattage, and AC and DC output statuses. This allows you to roughly calculate what devices you can hook up to your power station.
There’s also an ON/OFF button for each port. This allows you to manually control which device has top priority when charging and reduces the chance you’ll burn through the battery unintentionally.
Besides charging multiple devices at great speed, the unit boasts a fast-rechargeable battery. Getting from 50% to 100% battery takes around 3 hours or less. You can recharge it via a wall outlet, a carport, or from solar panels – and we rank this as the best portable power station for outdoor recreation.
Pros
- Can charge up to six devices simultaneously
- Small size and weight are ideal for family camping trips
- Fast recharging
- All ports have ON/OFF buttons for greater safety
Cons
- Battery drops quickly when multiple devices are plugged in
3. Jackery Explorer 300 – Great Online Reviews
The Jackery Explorer 300 enjoys a fantastic reputation for being durable and reliable. This unit has an average rating of 4.7 stars across 7,084 ratings on Amazon, and it’s often cited as the best portable power station on Reddit, as well as being praised on other popular forums like Quora.
Jackery uses older-style NMC lithium batteries, while its competitors rely on LiFePO4. Because of this, Jackery units, like the Explorer 300, are significantly lighter and smaller, making them easy to use and carry around. As a result, the Jackery Explorer 300 is great for hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and other outdoor recreational activities.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$279 | 9.1″ x 5.2″ x 7.8″ | 2x AC Output, 1 x Car Port, 3x USB, 1x AC Input, 1x DC Input | 300 W | 293 Wh | 7.1 pounds |
The Jackery Explorer 300 is compact and pretty powerful. You can plug in your smartphone while video conferencing, and the power station won’t burn too much battery – around 3% to 5% for a 2-hour Zoom call.
As the best-rated portable power station on Amazon, the unit offers a wide range of ports. You can charge almost any electronic device, including TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. The charging time depends mainly on the device’s Wh usage.
For instance, the Acer Predator Triton 300, one of the best Windows laptops, uses around 76Wh. This means you can plug in your laptop for just under 4 hours, which is more than enough to recharge the battery from 0% to 100%.
Pros
- Sturdy and easy to use
- Lighter and smaller battery makes it easy to carry
- Great for smaller devices like smartphones, gadgets, and tablets
- Small size ideal for outdoor usage
Cons
- Somewhat fragile plastic case
4. Allwei 2000W – Best Portable Power Station for RV
The Allwei 2000W is a perfect portable battery pack for all RV camping lovers. It boasts 13 outlet ports and six ways to charge, and some handy safe protection systems.
This is a neatly-designed unit. It looks modern and flashy and is super-easy to use. You’ll find everything you need on the face side of the power station, including the display and 13 ports. The display is intuitive and shows the battery capacity, watt usage, and the time left until the next charge.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$1,049 | 14.9″ x 8.6″ x 10.2″ | 4x AC Outlet, 6x USB, 1x DC Input, 1x Car Outlet | 2,000 W | 2,131 Wh | 37 pounds |
Outlets are on the face side, which is convenient. Some power banks feature AC or DC outlets on the side, requiring more RV space to plug in multiple devices. Luckily, you won’t have similar issues with the Allwei 2000W. You’ll notice AC, USB, and DC outlets are all on separate switches, which essentially makes the Allwei 2000W more efficient as you’ll be wasting less power.
Speaking of inputs, you’ll find four AC ports, six USB inputs, and one car outlet. Dual input is another excellent addition to this unit and is one of the main aspects that make the Allwei 2000W the best portable power station for van life. Thanks to this feature, you can combine different charging methods.
For instance, you can charge from the solar and from the AC wall at the same time. Alternatively, you can combine RV solar panels on the roof and use the car socket to charge your portable power station.
Given its high capacity and the vast number of available ports, this Allwei unit can charge multiple devices at once. In addition to laptops, top tablets, coffee makers, and mini-fridges, the Allwei 2000W can power medical equipment too.
For example, if you suffer from sleep apnea, spending time in nature can be challenging
Pros
- Multi-purpose power bank with 13 ports
- 2,000W output and 2,131Wh battery capacity to cover all your needs
- Faster recharge combining two different power sources
- Intuitive design
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
5. EcoFlow Delta 2 – Perfect Home Backup Power Station
The EcoFlow Delta 2 has 1,800W output wattage and a battery capacity 1,024Wh. As a result, it’s powerful enough to operate as a Standby Power Supply for any household during blackouts.
This is the best portable power station for home use you can find on the market. You can charge pretty much any household appliance and connect up to 15 devices at the same time. This unit boasts 15 ports. You can quickly charge your laptop, desktop, or smartphone on any USB-A port. You can choose between two regular and two fast-charge USB-A sockets.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$799 | 15.7″ x 11.1″ x 8.3″ | 2x USB-A, Fast Charge, 2x USB-C, 2x DC, 1x Car Output | 1,800 W | 1,024 Wh | 27 pounds |
The EcoFlow Delta 2 comes with six AC output sockets with 1,800W max power. This is great for powering appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and TVs. If you’re a passionate gamer, you can keep the EcoFlow power station in your game room and use it in case of a power outage.
Due to the high battery capacity, the Delta 2 is capable of powering some of the best gaming PCs for about 1.8 hours. When it comes to other household appliances, you can use the EcoFlow Delta 2 to power a cooling fan for up to 16 hours, a simple light bulb for 31 hours, or supply electricity to your refrigerator between 7 to 14 hours.
On top of all that, you can recharge the Delta 2 from 0% to 80% in 50 minutes using an AC wall outlet. Even if you burn the battery, you’ll be able to get it up and running really fast. And because of that, this is the perfect battery backup for home use, and everyone should consider getting one.
Pros
- Can charge up to 15 devices simultaneously
- Fast recharge, from 0 to 80% in 50 minutes
- Two fast-charge USB-A sockets
- Keeps your refrigerator running for up to 14 hours in case of blackouts
Cons
- Could offer more USB-C ports
6. Allwei 300W – Best Portable Power Station Under $500
The Allwei 300W is great if you’re looking for a great budget solution to quickly charge your personal electronic devices.
With the size of an average toaster and only a 6.5-pound weight, this Allwei unit is the best small portable power station. Despite its small size, this portable battery delivers 280Wh capacity and 300W outage.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$219 | 9″ x 4.7″ x 7.8″ | 2x AC, 3x DC1, 3x USB, 1x DC2 | 600 W | 280 Wh | 6.5 pounds |
This Allwei can’t really do anything with power-hungry machines like refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, or A/C units, though. After all, this isn’t its purpose in the first place.
The Allwei 300W is great if you need to quickly recharge your phone or tablet battery when there’s no AC unit around. You can carry it to the beach, power a small portable refrigerator for about six hours, and keep your beer fresh and breezy.
Keep your hearing aids and smartphones charged while camping, or use your battery bank to power a USB lamp while reading your favorite book. It’s super quiet and has a 1,500 charge cycle.
Pros
- 280Wh battery capacity
- Affordable price
- 1,500 charge cycle
- Fast USB-C charging
Cons
- Solar panels are sold separately
7. Marbero M88 – Suitable for any Budget
The Marbero M88 is great if you’re looking to charge your smartphone or tablet anytime and anywhere dirt cheap. With a price of only $99, this is the best portable power station under $200.
This unit weighs only 2.4 pounds and is super tiny. However, despite its miniature size, this power bank boasts seven ports.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$99 | 6.5″ x 4.6″ x 3.1″ | 2x USB-QC, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x DC, 1x AC | 80 W | 88.8 Wh | 2.4 pounds |
Its maximum capacity goes up to 88.8Wh. As a result, you shouldn’t expect this unit to power kitchen appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or coffee makers. Instead, the Marbero M88 is perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, and electronic gadgets, often simultaneously.
The power station can be charged via a wall outlet or solar panels, which come separately from the main unit. Getting solar panels will not only make this device environmentally friendly but also make it the best budget portable power station, considering it’ll reduce your electricity bills by no small degree.
Pros
- Extremely cheap
- Lightweight
- Supports multiple devices at once
- Supports solar panel charging
Cons
- Limited battery capacity
8. VTOMAN Jump 1500X – Large Capacity and Multiple Ports
The VTOMAN Jump 1500X stands out with a long-lasting battery life of 3,100+ cycles and guarantees 55,000 hours of electronic life.
This VTOMAN unit goes beyond being a conventional power station, though. It can run multiple devices like phones, fridges, microwaves, toasters, and smartphones. However, because of its raw power, it’s also the best portable power station jump starter.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$799.99 | 14.2″ x 10.7″ x 11″ | 3x AC Outlet, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2x DC, 1x Car Port | 1,500 W | 828 Wh | 30 pounds |
It reaches a 2,000A jump-starting peak in about 3 seconds and can charge a vehicle battery in under 30 minutes. Imagine being trapped in snowy weather, and your car won’t start. You would want to have a VTOMAN by your side. Moreover, you can later charge it with a simple DC car outlet once you get it running again, which is very convenient.
If you worry about the potential issues between the power station and car battery, rest assured the VTOMAN Jump 1500X has got you covered. The best portable power station for jump-starting vehicles has several built-in solutions against spark proof, reverse charge, reverse polarity, and short circuit problems.
Pros
- Can jump-start a car
- 3,100+ charge cycle
- 828Wh battery capacity
- Ten built-in protection features
Cons
- Jump-starting cables are sold separately
9. Rockpals 1300W – Premium Solar Energy Station
The Rockpals 1300W is the best portable solar power station with 1,254.4Wh capacity. As such, it’s great for traveling and camping on hot sunny days.
This unit has a LiFePO4 lithium battery that lasts up to 2,000 charging cycles. It has higher energy density and up to 5x longer lifespan than the standard NMC lithium battery.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$999.99 | 17.1″ x 9.7″ x 10.2″ | 3x AC, 2x DC, 1x Car Port, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C Output, 1x DC Input, 1x PV input | 2,000 W | 1,254.4 Wh | 39 pounds |
It supports up to 10 devices at once. The Rockpals 1300W has three AC, two DC, one car charging, one USB-A, one USB-C, and two fast-charge USB ports. As such, it’s great for home use and outdoor activities.
This is the best portable power station with solar panels in 2024. It’s cost-saving, environmentally friendly, and produces zero emissions. On top of that, it works well with solar panels, which you can use to charge your Rockpals power station in under 7 hours.
If you’re a fan of van or RV life, it’s good to know that this unit can power an electric grill for 107 minutes, an air compressor for 66 minutes, and the best business laptop for 21 hours.
Pros
- 1,254.4Wh capacity to run the most power-hungry devices
- Supports up to ten devices
- Zero emissions
- It takes only 7 hours to recharge with solar panels
Cons
- It takes 24 hours to charge via the PD outlet
10. Anker SOLIX F2000 – Excellent Alternative to Power Outage
The Anker SOLIX F2000 is the best portable power station for power outages. It has a 10-year expected lifespan and comes with a 5-year warranty.
The SOLIX F200 has 2,400W output wattage. This enables it to support up to 12 devices simultaneously. Thanks to its 2,048Wh battery capacity, the Anker SOLIX F2000 can power multiple household appliances for hours in case of a power outage.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$2,999 | 20.67″ x 9.84″ x 15.55″ | 1x RV, 4x AC, 3x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 2x Car Outlet | 2,400 W | 4,096 Wh | 112.9 pounds |
For instance, you can run a 360W refrigerator for 21 hours, an 820W air conditioner for 4.6 hours, and even a 1,200W washing machine for 3.2 hours.
If you’re a remote worker, having a stable internet connection is everything. But what happens if you suddenly run out of electricity in the middle of work? If you have the Anker Solix F2000, you have no worries. You can recharge your laptop up to 56 times and power a WiFi router or the best mesh WiFi system for about 123 hours, which is pretty impressive.
Pros
- LiFePO4 lithium battery provides 5x lifespan
- Supports up to 12 devices
- Can run an air conditioner for 4.6 hours
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
11. POWEVOLVER 300W – Power Personal Medical Equipment
The POWEVOLVER 300W is a reliable generator you’ll want to have in case of a medical emergency. Sleep disorder is one of the most prevalent conditions of the modern age. The US is among the top 10 countries with the highest number of individuals with sleep apnea disorder, and CPAP machines are the most common and effective means of controlling sleep disorders.
But what happens if you don’t have power for your CPAP machine? If you suffer from sleep apnea, a good idea is to have a backup solution.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$219.99 | 9.5″ x 7″ x 11″ | 3x DC, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2x AC, 1x car port | 300W | 299Wh | 7.5 pounds |
The POWEVOLVER 300W is the best portable power station for CPAP machines in 2024. A CPAP machine uses an average of 28W, with 50W at peak, while running at 250Wh. The unit delivers 300W watt outage and 299Wh battery capacity, which is enough to cover an individual’s needs for an entire night.
You can charge your portable power station using an AC adapter, a cigarette lighter, a solar panel, or a PD input. It takes around 5 to 5.5 hours to recharge the battery completely.
Pros
- Can power a CPAP machine for a night
- Lightweight
- Takes 5.5 hours to recharge
- Supports solar panel charging
Cons
- Takes 7.5 hours to charge from a wall outlet
12. Shell 500W Portable Power Station – Best 500W Portable Power Station
The Shell 500W Portable Power Station is a high-capacity power station that can support multiple household mid-size devices and appliances. Because of its low charge times and broad spectrum of available ports, it’s the best of choices when it comes to 500W power units.
The unit features four USB ports, one car outlet, two DC outlets, two AC outlets, and one wireless charger. As a result, it can supply power to smaller items like smartphones, smartwatches, or the best tablets with ease.
Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
$399.99 | 12″ x 7″ x 9″ | 2x AC, 3x USB-A, 2x DC, 1x USB-C, 1x car outlet, 1x wireless charger | 500W | 583Wh | 15 pounds |
Due to its capacity, there’s still plenty of room to add some medium size appliances like microwaves, toasters, and dishwashers.
This is a great solution in case of a power outage. Due to its almost unlimited power and 583Wh battery capacity, the Shell 500W unit is the best portable power station for refrigerators. In case you’re out of electricity for a few hours, this power station can come in handy and keep your supplies fresh and healthy.
Pros
- Great battery capacity, capable of running several devices at once
- Multiple ports
- Easy to recharge
- Smart thermal control to prevent battery overheating
Cons
- Long recharge time on 66W input
Comparing the Top Battery-Powered Generators
Here’s a concise comparison of the best battery-powered generators. Check the table below and find the best value portable power station for you.
Power Station | Price | Dimensions | Ports | Max Output | Capacity | Weight |
Jackery Explorer 1000 | $999 | 13.1″ x 9.2″ x 11.1″ | 3x AC, 1x Car Port, 2x USB-A, 1x AC, 2X USB-C, 1X DC | 1,000 W | 1,002 Wh | 22 pounds |
Grecell 300W Solar Generator | $219 | 6.7″ x 9.6″ x 6.9″ | 1x DC, 4x USB, 1x AC | 600 W | 288 Wh | 4.9 pounds |
Jackery Explorer 300 | $279 | 9.1″ x 5.2″ x 7.8″ | 2x AC Output, 1 x Car Port, 3x USB, 1x AC Input, 1x DC Input | 300 W | 293 Wh | 7.1 pounds |
Allwei 2000W | $1,049 | 14.9″ x 8.6″ x 10.2″ | 4x AC Outlet, 6x USB, 1x DC Input, 1x Car Outlet | 2,000 W | 2,131 Wh | 37 pounds |
EcoFlow Delta 2 | $799 | 15.7″ x 11.1″x 8.3″ | 2x USB-A, Fast Charge, 2x USB-C, 2x DC, 1x Car Output | 1,800 W | 1,024 Wh | 27 pounds |
Allwei 300W | $219 | 9″ x 4.7″ x 7.8″ | 2x AC, 3x DC1, 3x USB, 1x DC2 | 600 W | 280 Wh | 6.5 pounds |
Marbero M88 | $99 | 6.5″ x 4.6″ x 3.1″ | 2x USB-QC, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x DC, 1x AC | 80 W | 88.8 Wh | 2.4 pounds |
VTOMAN Jump 1500X | $799.99 | 14.2″ x 10.7″ x 11″ | 3x AC Outlet, 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2x DC, 1x Car Port | 1,500 W | 828 Wh | 30 pounds |
Rockpals 1300W | $999.99 | 17.1″ x 9.7″ x 10.2″ | 3x AC, 2x DC, 1x Car Port, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C Output, 1x DC Input, 1x PV input | 2,000 W | 1,254.4 Wh | 39 pounds |
Anker SOLIX F2000 | $2,999 | 20.67″ x 9.84″ x 15.55″ | 1x RV, 4x AC, 3x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 2x Car Outlet | 2,400 W | 4,096 Wh | 112.9 pounds |
POWEVOLVER 300W | $219.99 | 9.5″ x 7″ x 11″ | 3x DC, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2x AC, 1x car port | 300W | 299Wh | 7.5 pounds |
Shell 500W Portable Power Station | $399.99 | 12″ x 7″ x 9″ | 2x AC, 3x USB-A, 2x DC, 1x USB-C, 1x car outlet, 1x wireless charger | 500W | 583Wh | 15 pounds |
Key Details to Consider When Buying a Portable Electric Generator
Getting the best portable power station isn’t easy, especially if you aren’t tech-savvy. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when looking for the best portable power supply.
Price
The price can vary from $100 to $3,000, which can be confusing. How can you know if you haven’t overpaid your unit? A good rule of thumb is to look at the Wh-to-price ratio. With each watt hour, a unit will be worth one dollar more.
For example, the Marbero M88, the best budget portable power station, has 88.8Wh battery capacity and is worth $99. Jackery Explorer 1000 delivers 1,002Wh capacity and costs $999.
Ports
Portable power stations feature a variety of ports that allow you to charge different devices. A portable electric generator will typically boast a combination of AC, DC, and USB ports. You should choose a power station based on your needs.
If you’re a student who lives in a dorm, you probably have two or three devices you need to power in case of an outage. You’ll probably want to keep your refrigerator or TV running and charge your smartphone or the best college laptop at 100%. To do that, you’ll need a power station with enough wattage and at least one AC and two USB-C ports.
Also, think about how you want to charge your power station. Powering your battery through an AC outlet is the fastest and easiest way. Others prefer to use their car battery to recharge the station. Some people like to use clean energy sources and reduce their electrical bills. If you’re one of them, look for a portable power bank with an extra DC or solar input.
Charging Speed
Charging speed depends on several aspects, including the battery capacity and source power. A wall outlet is the fastest charging option. For example, the Jackery Explorer 1000 power bank takes only 5 hours to recharge. You can charge it using solar panels, but that’ll take 8 to 17 hours, depending on the weather conditions and panel type.
Still, if you’re looking to go green and save a penny along the way, you can look for the best portable solar power station. The Rockpals 1300W takes under 7 hours to charge from 0 to 100% through solar panel energy.
Also, remember that batteries that charge faster typically consume more energy. If the electricity bill is not your concern, then feel free to go for more powerful options. Alternatively, picking a power station that charges between 7 and 10 hours will do the job.
Battery
Depending on the type, a portable power station runs on Lithium NMC or Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 batteries. Lithium NMC-based power stations are lighter and smaller than LiFePO4. But, at the same time, their life service is six times shorter than the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery stations.
What Size Power Station Do You Need?
An appliance requires a specific amount of power to run. This is expressed in W and represents the electricity this device will consume while running. Every power station can support a limited amount of W, which we translate to power station size.
However, you should consider that every device uses up to three times more power to start up (peak power). This typically lasts just a couple of seconds, sometimes maybe less. Many people aren’t aware of the difference between continuous and peak consumption of the device. As a result, they buy a power unit with the highest wattage.
However, if the power station’s peak wattage capacity isn’t enough to support the appliance’s hunger for power, you can find yourself in a real pickle.
For example, let’s say you need a power station to run your CPAP machine. The first aspect you should consider is the machine’s wattage, which can go anywhere between 30 to 60W. Also, you should bear in mind that the wattage will go three times up the moment you turn on the device. Hence, its peak wattage can go up to 180W.
Conclusion – What is the Best Portable Power Station for 2024?
Having evaluated every portable battery on our list, we’re confident that the Jackery Explorer 1000 is the best portable power station you can buy in 2024. With a 1,000W max output and 1,002Wh battery capacity, the Jackery 1000 can run pretty much any device you need. It supports up to ten devices simultaneously.
With a weight of only 22 pounds, the Explorer 1000 is great for indoor or outdoor activities. It’s small, compact, and easy to carry. You can charge it in only 5 hours using a regular wall outlet and in 8 hours via solar panels.
Getting the best portable battery power station is more of an investment than an expense. You can get a great alternative for your home in case of a power outage or use it for your favorite outdoor activities and keep your appliances and devices fully charged for days.