I’m sure that by now you are familiar with generators and batteries, so now I would like to introduce the portable power station. Basically, it is a small box that provides power and juice to your electric devices and tools. It can be used on the road, outdoors during camping, indoors, in the backyard, and more importantly during emergencies, when there’s a blackout or a power outage.
A portable power station is a smart investment, and I put it in the category of “better safe than sorry”. It’s a one-time investment, and you ensure to have power and electricity for various devices and tools, both at home and outside.
There are different portable power stations to choose from. Some are suitable for small electronic appliances and therefore great for camping, while others support bigger and more demanding tools, which are the best ones for emergencies.
In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about portable power stations, their uses, how to choose them, and will recommend some of the best on the market today. Let’s begin.
Top 5 Portable Power Stations
| Preview | Title | Features | More Details |
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Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 | • Output of 1000 wattage • 3 outlets • 4 ways to recharge |
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AIMTOM SPS300-Watt Portable Power Station | • Multiple outlets • Safety protection • LED display |
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BALDR Portable Power Station 330W | • Wireless charger • AC power socket • Overload protection |
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EGO Power+ PST3042 3000W Nexus Portable Power Station | • User-friendly • Waterproof • 3000 Watts |
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WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator | • Only 51 decibels • Minimal maintenance • Can run for many hours |
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What Are the Uses of a Portable Power Station?
A portable power station allows you to power different electronic tools, devices and appliances. You can take it with you for camping and enjoy music by providing power to speakers, charge your laptop or cell phone, and more. It can even be used indoors and inside the house, or even for screening a movie in the backyard. However, maybe the main reason to own a portable power station is to have power during emergencies.
When there is no electricity or power outage, the power station is your immediate solution. Thanks to the portable power station, you are always prepared, and you don’t need to sit in the dark and silence while waiting for power to be restored.
A portable power station is basically a large battery inside a protecting box that provides you with backup power when needed, whether for everyday use or during emergencies.
How to Choose a Portable Power Station (Gas vs. Battery Powered)?
Most portable power stations are powered by battery. The ones that are operated by gas are better known as generators, and there are some pros and cons when you compare generators to power stations.
Generators that are operated by gas can provide more energy and for a longer time period than battery powered power stations. They are also cheaper. On the other hand, they are extremely noisy. You can use them only outside and in a safe distance from the house, not indoors. The main reason is that they produce toxic CO2.
With all that being said, you can use gas generators for emergencies, when there’s a power outage, and you need a temporary solution. As for taking it with you on camping, it’s less convenient, especially when you have to carry fuel with you as well.
Now, let’s talk about portable power stations that are powered by battery. Sure, they are somewhat more expensive, but highly beneficial. For starters, these power stations are eco-friendly (some are powered using solar panels) and quiet. Second, you can use them inside the house and indoors without any worries and without suffering from noise. They come in different sizes to choose from, so taking them with you outdoors (on a nice picnic day or to camping) is extremely easy and convenient.
I’ve mentioned that there’s a variety of batteries. Each battery has a different amount of power it generates as well as different time of usage. I will list the most recommended power stations later in this article. Still, you should know that you can charge the batteries of the power stations, but it may take up to 8 hours or more for them to be fully charged, so plan ahead.
How Much Power is Enough?
The amount of power required from your power station is the main factor to consider when choosing which one to purchase. First, decide your uses for the power station. If you want to have power for small devices and tools, like a laptop, cell phone, portable speaker and so forth, then a portable power station that provides 100 watts is more than enough.
If you wish your power station to provide enough power during emergencies, power outage or to power appliances like a small refrigerator, you need it to provide more than 100 watts. Power tools require between 200 to 2,000 watts (depending on the tool) and different kitchen appliances (fridge, hot plate) require between 500 to 800 watts.
So, decide the uses of the power station, and according to the required power and watts of the tools and appliances, purchase the preferred power tool to provide enough power for all of your needs. A portable power station can charge many electronic devices at once, just make sure it has sufficient power.
Most Recommended Portable Power Stations
Now that you know a little bit more about portable power stations, I would like to recommend about some of the best ones you can purchase today. So, let’s have a look and review some great power stations to have both for everyday use and for emergencies. I will review both the battery powered power stations and the gas powered generators, so you’ll be able to pick the one that serves all your needs. All items are linked to their Amazon pages.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
As for the Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, it is powered by a 1002Wh (46.4Ah) lithium battery, and can provide an output of 1000 wattage. This means that you can provide power to various indoor and outdoor devices and appliances, like: refrigerator, mini-fridge, computer, WiFi router, coffee maker, electric grill, blender, ice shaver, home security system and more. Bear in mind that appliances that required more than 1000 watts are not supported by this power station. Therefore, it won’t support devices and appliances like micro-wave oven, hair dryer or induction cooker.
The Power Station Explorer 1000 features:
- 3x standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets (3x110V)
- 2x USB-C
- 1x Quick Charge 3.0 port
- Car port (DC 12V, 10A), 8mm DC
As for recharging it, there are 4 ways to do so: using a 126W input wattage max solar panel, a 163W input wattage max wall outlet, a 80W input wattage max car outlet, or a 163W input wattage max generator. A safety feature ensures that the power station automatically turns off in 12 hours once it’s being drawn under the power of 10W.
- Dimensions: 13.1” x 9.2” x 11.1”
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Wattage: 1000 watts
Click here to compare prices and read more reviews.
AIMTOM SPS300-Watt Portable Power Station
- 300-Watt 110V AC output, Pure Sine Wave,
- 12V car port
- 2x USB ports quick charge 3.0
- 4x USB outputs
- 3x 12V DC outputs
- 1x 24V DC output
This power station is lightweight (only 7.31 pounds), which makes it perfect for your next field trip, fishing day or camping. Of course, it does the job during emergencies, power outback, storms, natural disasters and other scenarios when power is out, and you need a power source to secure yourself and your family.
A great feature of this power station is its advanced safety protection. I am talking about the built-in BMS (battery management system), which protects the power station from over-charging, over-temperature, over-voltage, over-current and from short-circuit. So, you can use it fully and enjoy it without worrying that something may go wrong, as it knows to protect itself and with it the surroundings.
This power station also features a carry handle, so you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you desire and an easy-to-read LED screen, so you’ll know exactly when it’s time to re-charge the battery, but that’s not all. Using the LED screen, you can also know the consumption of the battery as well as the discharge levels. So, all the information you need is displayed right to you on the screen.
This power station can be re-charged in 4 different ways: Using the home wall outlet, the car’s 12V cigarette lighter, using a generator powered by gas or using an 18V 60W~100W solar panels (not included with the power station). Charging the battery full using a DC/solar will take approximately 7-8 hours, while charging it using AC will take approximately 5-7 hours.
- Dimensions: 7.5” x 5.5” x 5.9”
- Weight: 7.31 pounds
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Wattage: 300 watts
Click here to compare prices and read more reviews.
BALDR Portable Power Station 330W
This station also uses the BMS which improves battery work and efficiency, as well as protects the device from overload, overvoltage and overheating.
A cool feature of this power station is that it comes with a wireless charger as well as a built-in multi-mode flashlight. This way you can quickly charge your cell phone in case of an emergency and use the flashlight with its LED SOS mode.
What about outputs?
- 1x pure sine wave AC power socket
- 1x C type
- 2x DC ports
- 3x QC 3.0 USB
- 1x car port
There are 3 ways to charge the station: Using a 100W solar panel, plugging it into the wall power socket, or plugging it into car’s 12V socket. The battery will be fully charged within 5-8 hours, depending the source you choose to charge it from.
- Dimensions: 11.6” x 8.27” x 7.68”
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Wattage: 330 watts
Click here to compare prices and read more reviews.
EGO Power+ PST3042 3000W Nexus Portable Power Station
This power station is very user-friendly. It features a LED display that is very bright to read the station’s run time. It is also waterproof (including the sockets that are covered and protected), weather-resistant and can be used both indoors and outdoors safely and quietly. What I really liked about this station is that you can even control it using your cell phone through the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and that’s pretty cool.
What about the outputs?
- 3x 120V A/C outlets
- 4x USB ports
As you can see, compared to other power stations, this one does not has a lot of outputs, but as for power, it is a clear winner, hands down. If you’re looking to power many and heavy-duty appliances and devices, this is the power station you want to get. Of course, when an emergency or a disaster strikes, your first thought is about survival and power is your first priority. Think of it as a generator replacement, only quieter, cleaner and safer.
Sure, it’s a bit heavy but it’s a serious power station. Never run out of power with this beast.
- Dimensions: 18.33” x 13.26” x 14.51”
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Wattage: 3000 watts
Click here to compare prices and read more reviews.
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56203i generator is actually pretty quiet compared to other generators, as it operates at 51 decibels at quarter load only. You can safely operate electronic devices (phones, laptops, tables, etc.) near it, thanks to its exceptionally low harmonic distortion, as well as stable power output. It is very powerful and can handle multiple appliances at once with no trouble.
This generator features fuel shutoff, which prevents blockage and also limits maintenance of the station. It basically takes the remaining fuel and uses it before it shuts down. On top of that, eco-mode feature allows the generator’s motor to adjust automatically consumption of fuel needed, and thus does not use fuel that is unnecessary.
The generator comes with a choke lever, lights to indicate output, possible overload and when oil is low. There’s also parallel connection, allows you to connect any two generators by WEN in case more power is needed.
Quarter-load runtime of the generator is 9.4 hours, and the size of the fuel tank is 1-gallon. However, half a gallon can be enough and sufficient to run for up to 7 hours straight!
What about outputs?
- 2x 120V 20A three-prong receptacles
- 1x USB port 5V
- 1x DC port 12V 8.3A
With all that being said, it is worth mentioning that this generator is best and more suitable for outdoor use and less for indoor use, so bear that in mind.
- Dimensions: 17.3” x 11.5” x 17.7”
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Wattage: 2000 watts
Click here to compare prices and read more reviews.
Final Words
And there you have it, the most comprehensive guide on the best portable power stations. Whether indoors or outdoors, these stations are extremely helpful and useful.
There are, of course, other portable power devices available. I would like to recommend reading the guide on the best portable solar panels, as well as best power systems.
And in case you were wondering, what other necessary items you need to pack for camping, here is my essential camping checklist.
Happy trails!
