The Best Portable Power Stations
When adventure leads us away from the familiar infrastructure of towns and cities, we might need to take our electrical needs into our own hands. Whether you're journeying with the bare minimum or setting up an entire home away from home, a portable power station is an essential companion. Plus, keeping one tucked away can also offer peace of mind during a power outage. We've searched the market to bring you this list of our favorites.
What to Look For
While on the surface modern portable power stations can seem to offer a seamless plug-and-play solution, it’s important to consider your power requirements before launching into a purchase. There’s a natural trade-off between portability and watt-hour capacity to take into account, which could be informed by your travel goals and the number of devices you hope to power. For example, simultaneous charging can speed up the procedure when handling multiple devices for a group. For a dependable all-rounder, check out the Jackery Explorer 240. Its multiple ports and compact design will have you set for most small-scale adventures. However, the 240Wh capacity might feel sparse for those looking for max power. Our favorite large-capacity power station is the option from EF EcoFlow. We’ve investigated models suiting a range of scenarios, so read on to find the perfect pick for you.
Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station
Goldilocks zone
Keep the juice flowing in any off-the-grid adventure with this compact and dependable power station from Jackery. Equipped with a pure sine-wave AC outlet, dual USB-A outlets, and a 12v DC car port, this beauty offers a wide range of charging options through its 240Wh battery. Weighing just 6.6 pounds, this slender battery can be transported easily using the ergonomic carry handle above.
Pros:
- With its simultaneous charging and recharging capability, you don’t have to wait around to refill portable devices when you reach a wall socket.
- Jackery includes a technology called Battery Management Systems, which guards the integrity of this circuit board for maximum safety on the field.
- If you’re looking for a sustainable power source, this unit can be combined with the Solarsaga 60 Solar Panel.
Cons:
- If you’re choosing an option to provide dependable power for multiple devices or a group, the 240Wh might not last you very long.
DBPower PW0001 Portable Power Station
Let there be light
Some of us might be wary of connecting valuable personal electronics to a portable power station, especially if there’s a risk that they’ll be delivered excessive or inconsistent power. That’s why we love this option from DBPower. The USB smart port detects the status of your device to provide the optimal voltage output. With quick-charge support, this option can cut wait times in half.
Pros:
- The two additional USB 5V outlets and the 110V AC outlet provide a range of options for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
- The bright onboard LED light offers invaluable functionality during camping trips, with three modes including an SOS signal for emergency use.
- Three different charging inputs offer a range of options for refilling this power station on the road.
Cons:
- Each lighting mode requires a combination of button presses to activate, and these can be tricky to remember if used infrequently.
Marbero Camping Lithium Battery
The wilderness wanderer
Whether you’re pitching up at a commercial campsite with all the amenities included or building your basecamp in the wilderness, this mobile power station from Marbero will let you take the power status of personal devices into your own hands. Six easily accessible ports offer simultaneous charging via USB, USB-C, AC, and DC connections. Better yet, the rear side panel houses an array of 99 LED lamp beads, which combine to provide a super bright 562 lumens of portable lighting.
Pros:
- Two included adapters allow you to recharge the battery via a wall socket or car adapter, so you can refill for the evening while you hit the road.
- These high-wattage USB ports are well suited for charging tablets and handheld consoles.
- The ergonomic carry strap and lightweight design make this a great choice for outdoor excursions. It only weighs about 2.2 pounds, so it’s even light enough for multi-day backpacking trips.
Cons:
- The power station itself recharges via an AC adapter, so you can’t charge it using a USB port.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station
Waste not, want not
Anker has been a top name in the game for years, but you might not know that their hardware extends beyond the remit of pocket-sized battery packs. This brawny 256Wh model comes equipped with dual AC ports, making it a reliable recharger for groups of friends and families away from home. Better yet, Anker’s patented iQ USB ports detect the optimal voltage for your device, delivering a safe and speedy charge that will bring your devices to their full charges in no time.
Pros:
- With an additional USB-C charging output onboard, this option helps reduce the need for bulky adapters.
- The sturdy drop-proof unibody casing has you covered against accidental impacts on the road.
- A smart power-saving mode will turn off this station once devices are full, sparing you precious power during overnight charging.
Cons:
- The two AC plugs are snugly positioned on the casing, so you might have issues connecting multiple large sockets.
EF EcoFlow Portable Power Station Delta
Off the grid
If you’re responsible for keeping the juice flowing for a small platoon of adventurers, you might be willing to compromise on portability to maximize charging time. This leviathan from EF EcoFlow boasts a generous 1260Wh of power, which is enough to provide continuous charge to a standard laptop for almost 24 hours. Plus, the six high-watt AC outlets can even power larger appliances, like toasters and hotplates. Though bulkier than most, this station is sure to deliver when you’re looking for ultimate battery life.
Pros:
- The two wheels at the rear and an ergonomic front handle make transporting this hefty power station much easier.
- You can connect up to four universal solar panels to recharge it to full capacity in as little as four hours of direct sunlight.
- The numerous onboard outlets let you charge up to 13 devices, making this a dependable one-stop solution.
Cons:
- The onboard fan can get noisy when the power station is running at the maximum capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the working time for my devices from the capacity of my power station?
To calculate the working time of a device using a specific power source, you’ll need to know the working power of your devices in watts. Multiply the watt-hours capacity of the power station by 0.9. Then, divide this number by the working power of your device. The result will be an estimate of the duration, in hours, that you can power your device using the power station in question. When calculating a total for simultaneous charging, simply sum the working power of each device that you plan to connect.
Are solar panels included with my portable solar power station?
If you’re looking to keep your energy clean and renewable, solar can be a great bet. Most of the power stations on the market are compatible with solar charging, though few come with a solar panel built-in. If you’re trying to go solar, you may want to consider the additional cost of an external solar-charging panel.
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