The 9 Best Portable Power Stations for Outages and Outings
The 9 Best Portable Power Stations for Outages and Outings
Whether you’re an avid camper (who still enjoys some creature comfort), or you feel better knowing you have an emergency power source backup at home for unexpected outages, a portable power station can come in handy. While most generators are gas powered and can be used only outside, most of these power stations provide electricity through large batteries that are safe to use inside. Plus, they’re a bit more portable, so you can actually take them with you on off-the-grid excursions. Here are the best power stations on the market, ready to rev up your power tools, charge your electronics, or even keep appliances running when the power’s out at home.
1) Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
amazon.com
At 46 pounds, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is easy to carry wherever you need power. If you are worried about running out of battery, you can even use it while charging. Able to charge multiple devices at a time, it also makes the cut for most larger appliances and features a parallel capable design allowing you to connect multiple generators for more power. But if you plan to use it for a small appliance or two, it’s hard to beat the Westinghouse's portability and price.
2) Wen 2250-Watt
WEN
amazon.com
If you are trying to run a bunch of power-hungry tools, gas is the way to go. Besides being able to handle more wattage (in this case, 2,250), this Wen inverter generator is also cheaper than a high-powered battery model. The one-gallon tank can run for up to 12 hours on a single fill, and despite what you may think, it is relatively quiet. Not only is this a great option for power tools, but it is also great for tailgates and can even power some of your house during a blackout. Since this is a gas apparatus, it is strictly for outdoor use. Keep in mind that while it may be more portable than the typical gas generator, it still weighs 48 pounds when filled with gas.
3) EcoFlow 1800W Portable Power Station
EF ECOFLOW
amazon.com
With a staggering capacity to store 1260Wh of energy, this portable battery can actually do the work of a home generator, keeping everything from your laptop to your refrigerator up and running. It weighs only 30 pounds, accepts solar input for charging, and can be charged from zero to 80% in just one hour.
4) Jackery Explorer 500
Jackery
amazon.com
At only 13.3 pounds, the Jackery 500 is easy to carry wherever you need power. If you are worried about running out of battery, you can even use it while charging—either by solar panels (which must be purchased separately) or by plugging it into your car. While it can charge multiple devices at a time, it also makes the cut for most larger appliances. But if you plan to use it for a small appliance or two, it’s hard to beat the Jackery’s portability and price.
5) Jackery Explorer 160
Jackery
amazon.com
Don’t want to break the bank, but need something to charge your devices on your summer camping trip? This smaller Jackery pick is the outdoor buddy you need. Weighing in at just under 4 pounds, it is easily portable and has a number of different receptacles for all of your electronics’ needs.
6) BALDR Portable Power Station 330W
BALDR
amazon.com
While this certainly is not as powerful as a premium 3,000-watt machine, it is capable of charging or powering multiple devices at once—such as laptops, phones, and even a mini fridge! Note that since this is quite a small device, it is only capable of functioning for around 1 to 3 hours, depending on what it’s powering. It can easily be charged by plugging into a wall or car socket, but also takes up to 5-8 hours to fully charge.
7) Duracell Portable Power and Solar Generator
EF ECOFLOW
Need lots of power that you can use indoors and out? TheDuracell Portable Power and Solar Generator has got you covered. Using a battery means that it is both smaller and more eco-friendly than its gas counterparts, and it can be safely used indoors. This pack is capable of running several heavy-duty appliances at once, and even running a full-sized fridge for several hours. It does weigh nearly 57 pounds, which is somewhat heavy, but it makes up for it in sheer power and durable waterproofing.
8) Rainier R150i Portable Power Station
Rainier Outdoor Power Equipment
amazon.com
One of the most trusted names in the power station game is Rainier, and for good reason. Dependable and lightweight, this gas-powered power station makes keeping the energy going in the car, at the campsite or at home a breeze. You will be able to tell when they need a recharge by looking at the easy-to-read control panel, which illustrates current charge levels and the rate at which the generator is being depleted or recharged.
9) Goal Zero Yeti 400
Goal Zero
amazon.com
Goal Zero is one of the oldest companies in the power station game, and the Yeti 400 is a great addition to your outdoor entertainment system. Past Goal Zeros have weighed up to 100 pounds, but they have dropped the weight in recent years, and this one is only 29 pounds—heavy, but manageable. The batteries can be charged by solar or by plugging into your car or at home. You will be able to tell when they need a recharge by looking at the easy-to-read LCD screen, which illustrates current charge levels and the rate at which the generator is being depleted or recharged.
Be prepared for unexpected power failures and off-the-grid camping trips.