10 Best Portable Power Stations Of 2023 [For All Budgets!]

16 May.,2023

 

With an impressive range of 6 different stations, ranging from 160-1500Wh, Jackery is without a doubt our top pick. They are one of the oldest and probably the most trusted name in the business for reliable and long lasting units. There are other brands that sell larger stations, but Jackery offer the best value-for money on the market, that perfectly suit 90% of customers. When you also consider their fantastic customer service team and 24 month warrantee on all products, they are a solid choice for most buyers.

Want a quick answer? We recommend Jackery above all others.

From Jackery to Bluetti, we’ll be reviewing in-depth all of the best portable power station brands and the variants that come under these top ranges.

And can even replace the need for expensive leisure batteries and a complex camper electrical setup.

Whether it’s to bring on a long road trip, for camping, or even to keep at home, these stations and generators are amazingly handy, and possibly even life-saving.

And when combined with a solar panel, you have yourself a fully off-grid portable solar generator.

It lets you keep important appliances and electronics running during a power outage, and can be a lifesaver during camping trips.

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What to look for in a good portable power station

There are many ways to compare and review portable power stations, but these are the most essential factors we think you should look at to find the best possible one:

Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)

Measured in Watt Hours (Wh), the battery capacity tells you how much power you can get out of your unit in total. Many products would include the capacity in their name, but you can always read the tech specs to be sure. Depending on what you use them for, the Wh will roughly tell you how long portable power stations last.

Power Rating (Watt)

Power rating (measured in Watts) simply refers to the maximum power output that your portable power station can produce. It does this via its onboard power inverter. A higher number means that your power station is more powerful, so you can use it to run more heavy-duty devices, such as blenders or coffee machines.

Charge Time

It’s always nice to have a portable power station that can charge quickly, especially if you’re on a road trip and don’t have much time to stop and recharge your device. Charging time for a portable power station can vary wildly, from as fast as 1 hour to 8 hours or more, depending on the power supply you use. As well as what method of charging you go for (more on that below).

Portability

One key element of any great portable power station is its portability. So, don’t forget to compare the size and weight of various products to find the one that’s most convenient to you. 

For example, the larger Zendure SuperBase Pro features a handle and wheels that will make transport even easier. Although in terms of weight, we absolutely love Jackery’s range as all their options are super lightweight for the hefty power they offer.

Outlet Ports

Lastly, we recommend paying attention to the outlet ports offered by your portable power station. How many AC wall outlets does it have? Do you need a USB-C port for some of your electronics? Or perhaps even a DC outlet. Top ranges have multiple outlets allowing you to charge all kinds of devices at once.

Quick rundown: Our top picks

10 best portable power stations

1. Jackery - Overall best portable power station

Variants: Explorer 160 / 240 / 300 / 500 / 1000 / 1500

Power: 167Wh - 1534Wh 

Charge time: 2 - 12 hours on wall charger

Size: 20 x 13 x 13 cm - 38.9 x 25.7 x 43.2 cm

Weight: 1.8 - 15.5 kg

Price range: $ - $$

If you’re looking for a quick answer and the absolute best portable power station, look no further than Jackery portable power stations.

They offer 6 different sizes, ranging from 167Wh in power up to 1534 Wh, so you can easily pick the perfect size for your needs.

They also offer some ultra compact, lightweight and effective solar panels. So when coupled with the station itself, you have an affordable and powerful solar generator at hand to use.

In fact, some of these models are compatible with multiple solar panels at once, so you can boost the charging efficiency and enjoy full power in less time.

We tested and reviewed the Jackery 500 Explorer extensively and found that it really is an awesome piece of kit; heads and shoulders above most other brands out there, and probably the best value for money you can currently buy.

Another main reason that we’ve picked Jackery as our overall favorite is because of the great range of models on offer, especially the larger Jackery Explorer 1500. Which boasts 7 outlets and incredibly fast charging times.

The smallest option, the Explorer 160, weighs an impressive 1.8 kg (just 4 lbs). This is so light you could even bring it hiking, as it’s compact enough that it won’t weigh you down.

Not only is it one of the most affordable and lightweight portable power stations on the market, it also comes with USB-C, USB-A, and AC outlets. From phones to travel laptops, to GoPros/action cameras, it’s got everything covered.

Additionally, Jackery offers a truly fantastic value for money, as well as the best power-to-weight ratio. Even the Explorer 1500, which offers 1800 wattage and 1534Wh capacity, weighs just 15.5 kg!

And when we say that the Jackery power stations are made for camping and outdoor adventures, we truly mean it.

For example, the Explorer 160 has a built-in flashlight and SOS mode. All of them have a good quality Battery Management System too, which ensures that they’re safe to operate whenever.

In terms of usage, we loved how user friendly it is. You don’t need to understand technical electric terminology to activate, use and recharge your unit. 

There is a small display screen which clearly tells you exactly what percentage of power is left, how much power you are drawing at any time, and also how much power you are putting in.

Overall, whether you want a small and compact power station for a short couple’s weekend away or a larger device fit for a family escapade, we can’t recommend Jackery enough.

Learn more in our in-depth Jackery review guide.

Special features:

  • Awesome solar panel integration
  • Best power to-size/weight ratio
  • Best after-sales support

2. Goal Zero Yeti - Best premium portable power station

Variants: 200 / 500 / 1000 / 1500 / 3000 / 6000W

Power: 187 - 6071 Wh 

Charge time: 2 - 12 hours on wall charger

Size: 20 x 13 x 13 cm - 38.9 x 25.7 x 43.2 cm

Weight: 2.27 - 48.1 kg

Price range: $ - $$$

If you’re interested in a premium range with larger capacities of power, we have to recommend Goal Zero Yeti. They offer a total of six products in this range.

The most lightweight, the Zero Yeti 200X, can supply the perfect amount of power to keep your electronics fully charged for a weekend or whole week away. Its ultra-compact and portable design weighs only 5 lbs (2.27 kg) and features solar panels.

Whereas the most powerful yet is the Yeti 6000x that can give you over 6000 Watt hours, and can run demanding appliances even for days.

This one is a great power station to bring on any camping adventure, but you can also use it to power vans and RVs, off-the-grid events, and even for home battery backup.

All six of these options either come with built-in solar panels, or compatible with a solar kit.

Another thing we love about Goal Zero Yeti is that most of their products support the comprehensive Yeti App 3.0.

This innovative mobile app means you can monitor and control your portable solar power station with a simple taps on your screen. From checking real-time power consumption to tracking charging status, this app has got it all!

Plus, these power stations can hold a full charge for up to 6 months when unused. Although it’s still best to charge the battery every 3 months so you can prolong its lifespan.

Special features:

  • Six varying sizes and options
  • Innovative Yeti App 3.0 for mobile control 
  • Unused full charge can last 6 months

3. Zendure SuperBase Pro - Useful Jackery alternative

Variants: 1500 / 2000W

Power: 1456 / 2096 Wh

Charge time: 2 hours (80% in 1 hour)

Size: 44.6 x 27.6 x 35.2 cm

Weight: 21.2 kg

Price range: $$

Zendure is a famous brand for their power banks, but their portable power station range is pretty impressive too. 

With a limited range of higher power stations, they are a viable power source for a campervan conversion or even as a backup home power solution in case of power outages.

It’s perfect for camping because the design is made for moving in rough terrains. These power stations feature industrial-grade wheels and an aluminum handle, so you can easily roll them across the ground. 

Not to mention that you can stack other objects on top, thanks to its sturdy build!

The SuperBase Pro 1500 has a slightly lower power rating and is a tad more affordable, but is equal in all other aspects to the SuperBase Pro 2000.

With the AmpUp feature, they can power appliances up to 3000W, including heavy-duty tools like vacuums, chainsaws, and even induction cookers.

Moreover, both the Pro 1500 and Pro 2000 use the patented GridFlow technology. This allows you to charge the station to up to 80% in just one hour, and full in two hours!

While they don’t come with a solar panel, you can buy them separately as part of a package. 

The SuperBase Pro also features a patented PVMax technology, so you can charge just as fast even with a solar source.

Special features:

  • Has wheels and handles for easy transport on rough terrains
  • Patented PVMax tech for fast solar charging
  • Can power devices up to 3000W

4. FlashFish - Best budget portable power station

Variants: 120 / 200 / 320 / 560W 

Power: 98 - 520 Wh 

Charge time: 4 - 7 hours on wall charger

Size: 6.2 x 6.2 x 3.5 in - 11.7 x 7.4 x 6.6 in

Weight: 3 - 12.3 lbs.

Price range: $

On a budget and want something inexpensive to power your electronics anywhere, anytime?

FlashFish might have the right range for you. They’re known for providing the best power station under $200.

They offer portable power stations of 4 varying sizes, from 120 all the way up to 560W.

Our personal top pick would actually be the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station E200.

It’s supper affordable and the perfect size for any outdoor voyage, including camping or other emergencies, while offering a great capacity of 150 Wh.

One of its unique features is the multifunction LCD display, which will show the power output, battery left, and other essential information.

Best of all, this brightly lit screen is visible even when it’s late night and you have no other light source!

We also love the extensive safety features of their products. This includes protection against short-circuit, overcurrent, overcharging, and over-temperature.

In terms of charging options, FlashFish’s power stations can be charged with a solar panel, conventional AC wall adapter, or car charger.

And no, there won’t be any memory affect so that your battery capacity won’t “fade” or decrease.

Special features:

  • Inexpensive but high-quality
  • Advanced safety features
  • Chargeable with a car charger

5. EcoFlow Delta - Powerful portable power station provider

Variants: 1400 / 1800 / 3400 / 3600W 

Power: 882 Wh - 25 kWh

Charge time: 1.6 - 1.8 hours

Size: 37.8 ×18.4 × 24 - 63.5 x 28.4 x 42 cm

Weight: 10.7 - 45 kg

Price range: $$ - $$$

The DELTA range includes four different sizes you can choose from, including the Delta Mini (1400W), Delta (1800W), Delta Max (3400W), and Delta Pro (3600W).

You’ll notice that even the Mini offers a pretty high power rating and can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously.

These portable power stations are designed for advanced and heavy-duty use, so it may not be the best for a quick camping trip. We’d recommend them for powering entire cabins in an off-grid location or as home backup.

With that said, we wanted to put the EcoFlow DELTA Pro under the spotlight a little, as its powerful specs are truly amazing.

We also love the fact that you can charge them at an EV charging station.

EcoFlow also claims that their Delta products are among the fastest-charging portable power stations in the world.

The unique MultiCharge feature gives you extraordinary speeds at 6500W by using an outlet, smart home panel, and EV charger at the same time.

This can be very useful if you ever need to fully charge your power station in the shortest amount of time.

Don’t worry, this X-Stream charging technology is also safe, thanks to its efficient battery management system.

Special features:

  • Recommended for home backup and off-grid cabins
  • Unique MultiCharge technology for super fast charging
  • Can be charge in an EV station

Power: 434 Wh 

Size:  20 x 14.5 x 16.5 cm

Weight: 4.2 kg

Price range: $$

Anker is no newcomer in the mobile charging industry, but did you know that they make pretty great power stations too?

Weighing at only 4.2 kg, the PowerHouse is a sleek and small portable power station that can give you a 400 Watt Hour supply, wherever you need.

One of our favorite things about Anker’s product is its design. We know that portable power stations can look quite clunky and old-fashioned, but the PowerHouse manages to maintain a stylish and minimalist exterior.

Plus, it comes with a convenient handle that makes carrying it around much easier.

In terms of its power capacity, you can easily run a mini fridge for 7 hours, charge an iPhone up to 24 times and a laptop 6.5 times. Not bad, right?

Other than the PowerHouse, you can also explore the rest of Anker’s Portable Power Station range.

The Series 5 is an especially popular one with the smaller 200W Anker 521 and Anker 545 for a larger 500W capacity.

Special features:

  • Great for camping
  • Aesthetically pleasing design
  • Protective Battery Management System

7. Geneverse HomePower One - Best portable power station for home backup

Variants: 1000W each unit, available as Single or Duo

Power: 1002 Wh 

Charge time: 7 hours

Size: 33.2 x 23.23 x 24.3 cm

Weight: 10.6 kg

Price range: $$

The EcoFlow Delta may be an impressive and super powerful portable power station, but if you want the best choice for home backup, look no further than the Geneverse HomePower One.

Its 1002 Wh power rating can give you up to 7 days of power with a single charge. Ideal for providing backup, you can choose between the Single or Duo package, depending on how much power you might need.

Better yet, you can recharge it from your car port, a standard wall outlet, or using a SolarPower ONE portable solar panel.

The HomePower One has 8 total outputs that let you charge multiple devices simultaneously, which includes 3 AC outputs, 1 car outlet, 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A, and 1 QC 3.0 USB-A.

And once you’ve charged the power station fully, it’s possible to keep the electricity for an entire year, making it a true winner for emergency backup power.

Finally, the safety is impeccable too. The battery management system comprises of 6 built-in modules, while each unit goes through 52 individual tests.

Special features:

  • Unused full charge available for 1 whole year
  • Excellent quality check (52 safety tests)
  • 5-year limited warranty

8. Bluetti AC - Best expandable portable power station

Variants: 2000 / 2200 / 2400W

Power: 2000 / 2048 / (up to) 12,288 Wh 

Charge time: Varies, as fast as 3 hours with Bluetti solar panel

Size: 16.5 x 11 x 15.2 in

Weight: around 60.6 lbs

Price range: $$$

One of the best things about a portable power station is that some of them are expendable, meaning you can put together several modular units to supply the most possible power.

For example is Bluetti’s AC range, which includes the AC200MAX, AC200P, and AC300.

Both the AC200MAX and AC300 are expandable with battery modules; the former can support two while the latter can support up to four battery modules!

When you buy the AC300, you will get one B300 battery module, but can purchase up to three more so that your portable power station totals up to 12,288Wh in capacity.

That’s enough to power electricity needs for your entire family for multiple days! Impressive, right?

It could also be suitable as a power source for an off-grid camper electrical system.

The BLUETTI AC200P is the smallest of the range, but it can supply up to 2000 Wh, making it ideal for home backup, work sites, and most importantly, road trips.

All three are equipped with numerous output ports, with the AC200MAX offering 16 outlets, including a 30A NEMA TT-30 outlet and a 12V 30A DC outlet, which are useful to use for RVs.

This particular model even has its own smart mobile app, so you can control and monitor your power supply from the palm of your hand.

Special features:

  • Expandable power stations
  • Great to supply power for RVs
  • Smart App control & monitor

9. Duracell PowerSource - Compact portable power station

Power: 660 Wh

Charge time: 4 - 5.5 hours

Size: 20 x 9 x 13 inches

Weight: 58 lbs.

Price range: $$

The Duracell PowerSource is a true powerhouse indeed. Supplying clean, safe, and quiet power, this can be your best friend during a power outage or a fun outdoor adventure.

The 660 Wh power capacity with four 1800W AC outlets mean you can power heavy-duty tools and appliances, as well as a full-sized refrigerator for up to five hours.

For a mini fridge, you can run it for 14 hours and an LCD TV for 15 hours, and charge your phone 35 times!

This device also features uninterrupted power supply. In other words, it can immediately switch from AC to internal battery, which makes this ideal for home backup to keep essential appliances running when the power is suddenly out.

Moreover, you can charge this power station by solar (it’s compatible with most solar panels) or carport using a daisy chain.

Another feature we wanted to highlight about the Duracell PowerSource is that you can use daisy-chaining to multiply the storage capacity by two or three times.

There’s no need to worry if you have tons of devices to run at once. With this portable power station, you will have 4 AC outlets, 2 USB ports, and a DC port.

Overall, it’s an affordable and useful campervan accessory due to its decent power size and affordable price tag.

Special features:

  • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
  • Charge by AC, solar, and car
  • Expand battery by daisy-chaining

10. Rockpals - Compact power station alternative

Variants: 200 / 300 / 5000W

Power: 224 / 280 / 505 Wh

Charge time: 4 - 5.5 hours

Size: 9.8 x 4.7 x 7.9 - 12.0 x 9.0 x 6.1 inches

Weight: 6.3 - 12.3 lb

Price range: $

Rockpals’ three portable power stations may not be as affordable as FlashFish, but they are still pretty cheap while offering excellent quality.

They excel in making smaller portable power stations for camping or weekends away.

Our personal pick is the middle range, the Rockpals 300W, as it’s the right size and capacity for any off-grid activity. It’s powerful enough to charge electronics like your camera, laptop, and even travel drones.

The Rockpals 300W also offers faster charging and can fully charge a MacBook Pro in just 3 hours.

Meanwhile, charging won’t get any easier via a wall outlet, USB-C, and carport - whatever you have at hand.

For a larger power capacity, you may want to check out the slightly more powerful Rockpals 500W. It’s ideal for charging multiple devices in one go as it includes 2x AC outlets, 2x DC outlets, a car port, and multiple USB ports.

All Rockpals portable power stations can be paired with a solar panel, which Rockpals sells separately, and will need around 4 hours to reach 80% capacity.

In addition to the reliable Battery management system (BMS) that protects your power station from short circuit, low voltage, and over-temperature, you can also enjoy 24-month warranty.

Special features:

  • Excellent small portable station for camping
  • Fast and efficient charging
  • 24-month warranty

Portable power station FAQ

Which portable power station is best?

The best portable power station that you can buy will entirely depend on what you're looking for. For the majority of campers and vanlifers, you should go for the Jackery Explorer range. Jackery are best known in the industry for reliability and quality and have a range of sizes to suit 95% of buyers.

What is a portable power station?

A portable power station is a small generator that is easily portable, usually used for providing electricity in various outdoor activities. It’s different from a traditional generator, which is mainly used on construction sites and for commercial purposes instead of for camping and personal power backup.

What should I look for when buying a portable power station?

We’ve talked about this in-depth in the first section. In essence, you should look at factors such as the battery life, power rating, charge time, size and weight, number of outlets, and warranty. Other features like solar panels can also be a huge plus.

What can I run on a portable power station?

What you can run on a specific portable power station depends entirely on its power rating, which is important to look at before you buy them.

They’re generally made to run smaller electronics and appliances, from phones and computers to mini coolers. However, some portable power stations designed for home backup can also run a full refrigerator, like the Duracell PowerSource.

How long does a portable power station last?

The lifespan of your portable power station depends on the maintenance and frequency of your usage. Good quality power stations can give you up to 500 cycles. Jackery makes especially durable and long-lasting products, as does Rockpals.

Final thoughts

All in all, all these brands we’ve featured today make excellent portable power stations.

Our favorite pick remains Jackery, but feel free to explore the other options to find specific models that may suit your needs.

Whether you’re an off-grid enthusiast looking for an extra-lightweight power station, or a homeowner who wants the most reliable power backup, we hope our post has helped you find the perfect answer.

So, which of these portable power stations do you think you’re getting?

Did we miss any other good brands?

Let us know in the comments below!

Other product review guides you might be interested in:

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