Best Power Stations

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Power stations are invaluable for keeping electronics and appliances running during outages or off-grid situations, offering portable, stored electricity through various outlets—perfect for camping, emergencies, or remote work. These devices come in a range of sizes and capacities, from charging phones to powering refrigerators. Unlike gas generators, portable power stations are cleaner and quieter, with charging options that include solar panels, wall outlets, or car chargers. Many models offer multiple ports like AC outlets, USB ports, and 12V car outlets, enabling simultaneous charging of several devices. When selecting a power station, consider capacity, output wattage, and portability. After testing various models, we’ve found the best power stations for different needs and budgets.

  • Jackery Explorer 300

    10

    We think the Jackery Explorer 300 is a solid choice for most people seeking a compact and versatile power station for outdoor adventures or emergency backup.

    Pros

    • Fast charging with multiple input options
    • Lightweight and portable design
    • Quiet and fume-free operation

    Cons

    • Limited power output for larger appliances
    • Solar panel sold separately
    • May require frequent recharging for heavy use

    We took the Jackery Explorer 300 on a weekend camping trip and were impressed by its performance. At just 7.1 pounds, it was easy to carry around our campsite. We plugged in our phones, laptop, and a small fan without any issues.

    The pure sine wave AC outlets provided clean power for our sensitive electronics. We liked that we could charge up to 6 devices at once using the various ports. The LED display was clear and helped us keep track of the remaining battery life.

    We found the 293Wh capacity sufficient for our short trip, but it might not be enough for longer outings or powering energy-hungry devices. The option to recharge via solar panel is great, though we wish it was included. Still, the Explorer 300 charged quickly using the wall outlet and car charger.

    Sale
    Jackery Explorer 300
    • SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
  • BLUETTI AC180 Power Station

    9.7

    We recommend the BLUETTI AC180 for its fast charging, high output, and versatile power options.

    Pros

    • Charges to full in just 1 hour
    • Powerful 1800W output with 2700W surge
    • Multiple charging methods including solar

    Cons

    • Relatively heavy at 37.4 pounds
    • Display turns off automatically
    • Built-in fan can be noisy at times

    When we tested the BLUETTI AC180, we were impressed by how quickly it charged. Plugging it in for just an hour got us to 100% battery. This came in handy during a recent camping trip when we needed to recharge between uses.

    The 1800W output handled our coffee maker, mini fridge, and laptops with ease. We even cranked it up to 2700W through the app to power our electric grill. Having 11 outlets gave us plenty of options to plug in all our gear.

    We loved the solar charging capability. On sunny days, we fully charged the AC180 in about 3 hours using BLUETTI’s solar panels. The backup power feature also gave us peace of mind at home during storm season.

    While the AC180 isn’t the lightest option, we found the built-in handles made it manageable to move around our campsite. The fan noise was noticeable when pushing it to full power, but not a dealbreaker for us. We just wish the display would stay on longer.

    Sale
    BLUETTI AC180 Power Station
    • [Charged in 1 Hour] - The AC180 packs a 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery, which can be fully charged in just 1 hour at 1440W AC input - always ready to go when you need it.
  • Anker 521 PowerHouse

    9.5

    We think the Anker 521 PowerHouse is a solid choice for weekend trips and power outages, offering a good mix of portability and power.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting LiFePO4 battery
    • Built-in USB-C port for laptops
    • Six ports for versatile charging

    Cons

    • Limited 256Wh capacity
    • Only two AC outlets
    • Pricey for its size

    We tested the Anker 521 PowerHouse on a recent camping trip and came away impressed. Its compact size made it easy to pack in our car, yet it still packed enough punch to keep our devices charged all weekend.

    The USB-C port was a standout feature. We plugged in our laptop and it charged quickly, no bulky adapters needed. The other ports came in handy too – we charged phones, a portable fan, and even ran a small coffee maker.

    We like that Anker used LiFePO4 batteries in this model. They should last longer than typical lithium-ion batteries. The 600W output (with surge up to 600W) handled our small appliances without issues.

    The 256Wh capacity is enough for weekend trips, but you might want more power for longer outings. We wish it had more than two AC outlets, but for most uses, six total ports should suffice. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the build quality feels solid.

    Sale
    Anker 521 PowerHouse
    • 10 Years of Long-Lasting Power: Anker 521 Portable Power Station is built to last over a decade, even with everyday use with our InfiniPower technology. InfiniPower combines LiFePO4 batteries with ultra-durable electronics, a control system that monitors temperature up to 100 times per second, and an impact-resistant build.
  • EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra

    9.4

    We think the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra is a top choice for those seeking a powerful and flexible home backup solution.

    Pros

    • Huge 7200W output powers almost any appliance
    • Expandable capacity up to 90kWh
    • Smart app for customized power management

    Cons

    • Very heavy at nearly 300 pounds
    • High price point
    • Requires separate shipments

    The Delta Pro Ultra packs a serious punch. We were blown away by its 7200W output, which easily ran our central air conditioner and other power-hungry appliances. This beast can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

    We love how flexible this system is. Starting with 6kWh, we could add more batteries to reach up to 90kWh – enough to keep our whole house running for weeks. The ability to prioritize circuits through the app is super handy for stretching backup power even further.

    Setting up the Delta Pro Ultra took some muscle – it’s not light! But once in place, it’s a breeze to use. We paired it with solar panels to offset our energy bills. The dual voltage support is great too, letting us power both 120V and 240V devices without hassle.

    EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra
    • One Powers All. The unit of DELTA Pro Ultra whole house generator includes an inverter and a battery. One inverter supports 120V & 240V and has an exceptional 7200W output, allowing you to run almost any heavy household appliance, even a 3-ton central air conditioner. Triple the inverters for an incredible 21.6kW AC output, allowing you to live life to the fullest even during an outage. The electric generator achieves a total 7200W output even during charging.
  • EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Power Station

    9.3

    We think the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is a top-notch power station for those needing reliable backup power at home or on the go.

    Pros

    • Huge 4000Wh capacity, expandable to 48kWh
    • Versatile 120V/240V output up to 4000W
    • Multiple charging options including solar

    Cons

    • Very heavy at 260 pounds
    • Expensive initial investment
    • Requires app for some features

    The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 packs a punch. We were blown away by its 4000W output, which easily powered our fridge, TV, and lights during a recent outage. The option to expand capacity with extra batteries is great for longer blackouts.

    We love how quiet this unit runs. Even when powering big appliances, we could barely hear it. The fast 10ms switchover kept our Wi-Fi and computers running smoothly when the power flickered.

    Charging is a breeze with so many options. We topped it up quickly from a wall outlet, but the solar charging ability is perfect for off-grid use. The sturdy build quality gives us confidence it’ll last, backed by a solid 5-year warranty.

    EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Power Station
    • [Energize Almost Everything] The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 supports 120V/240V voltage and has a 4000W output (6000W with X-Boost, scalable up to 12000W), powering nearly all essential home appliances, such as a 3-ton* central AC or a 1 HP water pump.
  • EcoFlow DELTA Pro Power Station

    9.1

    We recommend the EcoFlow DELTA Pro for those needing a high-capacity, versatile power station for home backup or outdoor use.

    Pros

    • Massive 3600Wh capacity
    • Fast charging options
    • Expandable with extra batteries

    Cons

    • Heavy at 99 pounds
    • Expensive initial investment
    • Requires 240V for fastest charging

    The DELTA Pro impressed us with its huge 3600Wh capacity. We found it could power most of our home appliances during a recent outage. The five AC outlets came in handy for running multiple devices at once.

    Charging speed stood out to us. Using a 240V outlet, we got the battery from empty to full in under 2 hours. That’s much faster than other power stations we’ve tested. Solar charging was also quick with the right panels.

    We liked the smart features. The EcoFlow app let us monitor power usage and adjust settings remotely. It was neat to check battery levels from our phones. The expandable capacity is great too. We didn’t try it, but you can add extra batteries to reach up to 25kWh.

    This unit is heavy, so it’s not ideal for frequent moving. But the built-in wheels made it manageable to roll around our house. For camping, we’d pick something smaller. But for home backup or job sites, the DELTA Pro’s power and features are hard to beat.

    Sale
    EcoFlow DELTA Pro Power Station
    • 【30% Tax Credit Could be Applied】You could apply for the Residential Clean Energy Credit for qualified solar electric property costs. Please check with your utility to verify eligibility & requirements for Residential Clean Energy Credit programs.
  • EcoFlow Delta Pro Home Battery System

    9

    We think this powerful battery backup system is a top choice for homeowners wanting reliable emergency power.

    Pros

    • Huge 7200W output powers most home appliances
    • Fast charging from multiple sources
    • Expandable capacity up to 25kWh

    Cons

    • Very heavy at over 200 pounds
    • Expensive initial investment
    • App can be finicky to set up

    The EcoFlow Delta Pro system packs a serious punch. We were blown away by its 7200W output when using two units together. This let us run our fridge, freezer, and even the clothes dryer during a recent outage.

    Charging is quick and flexible. We topped up from 30% to full in about 2 hours using a 240V outlet. The solar charging also works great – we added three 400W panels and it filled up in a sunny afternoon.

    One downside is the weight. At over 100 pounds per unit, it’s not easy to move around. We keep ours on a rolling cart. The app works well for monitoring, but took some fiddling to connect at first.

    The modular design is smart. We started with one unit and added a second later. You can expand up to 25kWh, which is enough for days of backup power. While pricey upfront, we think it’s worth it for the peace of mind during blackouts.

    EcoFlow Delta Pro Home Battery System
    • 【Whole House Generator】The Double Voltage Hub doubles the AC output to 7200W and 240V. Battery backup has never offered this kind of output, so you can run 99% of all home appliances, including high-wattage ones like a clothes dryer or electric heater. Easily chain together two DELTA Pros using the Double Voltage Hub and plug in to your breaker panel via an transfer switch or power inlet box.
  • EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

    8.7

    We think the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a top choice for those needing a powerful, versatile power station for home backup or off-grid use.

    Pros

    • Huge 4000Wh capacity, expandable to 48kWh
    • Powers almost any appliance with 4000W output
    • Very quiet operation at just 30 dB

    Cons

    • Heavy at 115 pounds
    • Expensive initial investment
    • Requires multiple units for whole-home backup

    The Delta Pro 3 packs a punch. We were amazed by its 4000W output, which let us run power-hungry appliances like air conditioners with ease. The 4000Wh capacity lasted for days powering our fridge, lights, and devices during a recent outage.

    We love how quiet this unit is. At just 30 dB, it’s barely noticeable even when running at full power. The app control is handy too – we could check battery levels and tweak settings right from our phones.

    While pricey, we think the Delta Pro 3 is worth it for its power and features. The LFP battery should last for years, and the 5-year warranty adds peace of mind. Just keep in mind it’s heavy, so you’ll want to set it up where it won’t need to move much.

    EcoFlow Delta Pro 3
    • 【Energize Almost Everything】 The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 supports 120V/240V voltage and has a 4000W output (6000W with X-Boost, scalable up to 12000W), powering nearly all essential home appliances, such as a 3-ton* central AC or a 1 HP water pump.
  • Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

    8.7

    We think the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a top choice for portable power, offering fast charging and high output in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Super fast 1-hour charging
    • Powerful 1500W output
    • Compact and portable design

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some competitors
    • Can be noisy at full power
    • App required for some features

    We tested the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 on a recent camping trip and were impressed by its performance. The fast charging lived up to the hype – we plugged it in at the campsite and it reached full charge in just about an hour. This quick turnaround time meant we always had power when we needed it.

    The 1500W output easily handled our coffee maker, portable fridge, and even an electric grill. We liked having multiple ports to charge phones and laptops at the same time. The unit felt solid but wasn’t too heavy to carry around camp.

    We found the app useful for monitoring power levels and tweaking settings. The night mode kept noise down while we slept. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the Explorer 1000 v2’s mix of power and portability make it worth the cost for frequent campers or those wanting backup power at home.

    Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
    • Next-gen Sustainable Power: Built with industry-leading features, including 7.5 times faster charging than its previous Explorer 1000 model, a 50% increase in power output and robust 1,500W AC output, the Explorer 1000 v2 is the pinnacle of portable power, ensuring power wherever adventures take you. With 4 times longer lifespan, and impressive 4,000 cycle battery-life, remaining at 70% original capacity, next-gen sustainable power is here.
  • Jackery Explorer 240 v2

    8.6

    We think the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is a solid choice for those needing portable power, thanks to its fast charging and versatile outputs.

    Pros

    • Fast 1-hour charging option
    • Lightweight at 7.7 pounds
    • Multiple charging ports including 100W USB-C

    Cons

    • May not power high-wattage devices
    • Solar panels sold separately
    • App required for some features

    We took the Explorer 240 v2 on a weekend camping trip to test it out. The first thing we noticed was how light it felt to carry. At just 7.7 pounds, it was easy to pack and move around our campsite.

    Setting up was a breeze. We plugged in our phones, laptop, and portable speaker right away. The 100W USB-C port charged our devices quickly. We liked that we could charge multiple things at once without any issues.

    The built-in light came in handy when we needed to find something in our tent at night. We also appreciated the app control, which let us check the battery level without having to go outside. While it worked great for our camping needs, it might not be powerful enough for bigger appliances or tools.

    Jackery Explorer 240 v2
    • Long-lasting Performance: Engineered with durable LiFePO4 battery, boasting 10 years of battery life, the Explorer 240 v2 ensures reliable performance even after 3,000 charge cycles. Packing 256Wh of energy in just 7.7 Lbs, this compact powerhouse keeps you powered up on the move. Featuring powerful 300W AC output, charging essential devices is now a breeze.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a power station, there are several key factors to consider. We recommend focusing on these important features:

Capacity

Look at the watt-hour (Wh) rating. Higher capacity means longer run times, but also increases size and weight.

Output Wattage

Check the maximum continuous and peak output wattage. This determines what devices you can power.

Ports and Outlets

Consider the number and types of ports:

  • AC outlets
  • USB-A and USB-C
  • 12V DC outputs

More variety allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Charging Options

Fast charging saves time. Look for:

  • Wall outlet charging
  • Solar panel compatibility
  • Car charger option

Portability

Weight and size matter if you plan to move the power station often. Handles and wheels improve mobility.

Display

A clear LCD screen helps monitor:

  • Battery level
  • Input/output wattage
  • Estimated runtime

Safety Features

Key safety elements include:

  • Overcharge protection
  • Short circuit prevention
  • Temperature control

We suggest prioritizing these features based on your specific needs. A camping trip requires different capabilities than home backup power.

Remember to check user reviews and expert opinions for real-world performance insights. This can reveal pros and cons not obvious from specs alone.