The advent of portable equipment has made it easy for outdoor enthusiasts and off-grid dwellers to enjoy more convenience. Among one of the challenges that an off-grid dweller or outdoor fan would face is getting access to power. But that is no longer an issue, thanks to the introduction of portable power stations. These generator-like power storage equipment can be charged to store power and be used at a later time. They are compact, easy to carry anywhere and are Eco-friendly. To help you handpick the best portable power station, we have done rigorous research and below we have reviewed some of the best according to industry experts.
Best Pick – Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
Massive Capacity & Easy Setup
The Jackery Portable Power Station comes with a large capacity to power all your appliances. It delivers clean energy to power your phone, camera, and laptop, as well as heavy-duty appliances like a mini-fridge and television. It is easy to set up, and you can use various means to recharge it, such as solar power, wall outlet, and car outlet.
Best Portable Power Stations 2022 Review
With able assistance from industry experts and outdoor enthusiasts, here are 9 of the best portable power stations that one can get.
9. SereneLife Portable Generator
Price: Low priced.
Special features: Quiet Gas Free Power Inverter, CPAP Battery Pack, Solar chargeable.
Capacity: 155Wh.
Dimensions: 3.55 x 6.74 x 7.68 inches & 3.49.
SereneLife is an industry leader in making backup systems, and with this power station, charging phones, cameras, laptops and other devices is easy, even if you are away where there is no power. The ergonomic travel design it comes with makes it easy to hold and carry.
It is well equipped some of the latest convenient ports and plug outlets which allows users to connect almost any device o small appliance with ease. Among some of the handy features that it comes with includes an LED flashlight, 3 USB charging ports, Battery level indicator, a 3 prong wall plug outlet and solar connectivity outlet.
Pros and Cons
- It is ultra-light and easy to carry.
- The power station is very easy to use.
- It lacks consistency over long time of usage.
8. Webetop Portable Generator
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Circuit protection system, compact & ergonomic design.
Capacity: 155Wh.
Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.5 x 7.7 inches & weighs 3.5 pounds.
Yet another ultra-lightweight and dependable power station that one can get is the Webetop portable generator. Packing and carrying this portable generator for outdoor usage is very easy, thanks to the sleek and compact design it comes in. The power station comes with a well equipped power protection system that protects against surges and unstable temperatures.
To ensure ample temperature, the power station has a smart cooling fan that operates quietly and efficiently. It is capable of charging and powering almost every small device and appliance one might need outdoors.
Pros and Cons
- It is lauded for its faster charging capability.
- Very lightweight and portable.
- It is a small capacity power station and not the best option for long usage.
7. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator
Price: Low priced.
Special features: Surge current protection, Pure Sine Wave.
Capacity: 250Wh.
Dimensions: 8.86 x 3.94 x 6.3 inches & weighs 6 pounds.
This 250-Watt power station has been designed with a heavy duty structure that is meant to withstand abuse and rough usage. The power station has been made with capabilities of powering anything from drones to smartphones and small devices that one might need to use off the grind where there is limited power connectivity.
If you are looking to charge any device that is less than 250 Watts or DC devices of less than 60 Watts, then this is a great power station that you should consider getting. Whether it is for emergency home usage or outdoor usage, it is a good power station that delivers on its advertised purpose.
Pros and Cons
- It is very reliable and dependable.
- Very lightweight and easy to carry.
- It has limited outlets and does not support pass through charging.
6. AIMTOM 155Wh Power Station
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Sufficient capacity, portable, quiet, built-in battery management system, reliable unit, durable.
Capacity: 155Wh.
Dimensions: 7.48 x 6.69 x 3.54 inches & weighs 1.65 kgs.
If you’re looking for a reliable portable power station for your outdoor adventures, consider buying the AIMTOM 155Wh Power Station. This amazing portable unit has sufficient capacity to power all your devices at the campsite. Ports are built on the side of the power station to allow you to charge all your devices at once. There are 3 USB ports for charging your phone, iPad, and action cameras, An AC output for charging your laptop and stereo, and 3 DC outputs for charging your refrigerator and fan.
The power station is very portable, with the handle making it easy for you to take the power supply anywhere. It runs quietly to ensure it doesn’t become a bother to anyone at the campsite. Charging it is easy as well since you can use a solar panel, car port, or AC wall panel to recharge it when it runs out of power. The built-in battery management system offers protection against overvoltage, overcurrent, and high temperature to keep your devices safe.
Pros and Cons
- It utilizes an in-built stabilizer that makes it run quietly and efficiently
- Portable to allow you to take your power supply anywhere
- Charges multiple devices at the same time.
- It takes longer to charge fully.
5. WEN 56203i Portable Power Station
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Clean energy, limited maintenance, quiet operation, fuel shutoff.
Capacity: 1700Wh.
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches & weighs 39 pounds.
Power your electronic devices effectively when outdoors with the WEN 56203i Portable Power Station. Designed to deliver 1700 watts of power, this monster of a power station produces clean power for charging your electronics. You can use it to power your phone, tablet, laptop, and even TV set to ensure you’re connected to the rest of the world when out there. It is light in weight for easy storage and transportation.
It runs quietly when powered up to ensure it doesn’t become a bother to you and others enjoying the great outdoors. It comes with a fuel cutoff feature that shuts the station when there’s some fuel in the carburetor to protect the machine. The power station comes with sufficient ports and power outlets for your charging needs. There are 2 three-pronged 120V outlets, one DC outlet, and 2 USB ports that you can use as desired.
Pros and Cons
- The lightweight body makes it easy to transport and store the power station
- It runs quietly to ensure it doesn’t become a bother
- The fuel shutoff feature improves the lifespan of the generator
- The oil change is messy for some people.
4. Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Pure-sine wave inverter, Interactive LED display.
Capacity: 428Wh.
Dimensions: 11.26 x 6.97 x 7.48 inches & weighs 16 lbs.
Equipped with a nice display interface that helps users easily monitor the power levels, the Goal Zero Yeti is another great power station that you can count on to deliver. The power station has a capacity to store 428Wh and is capable of charging and powering different devices, thanks to the multiple outlet options it has.
It is a good option if you are looking for a power backup system that can be used for charging phones and using on small devices and appliances. The power station is very easy to use and with all the options it offers, users can count on its convenience.
Pros and Cons
- It is convenient and easy to use.
- The power station has multiple power outlets hence can be used on many devices.
- It is a bit bulkier than most in the market.
3. BALDR Portable Power Station
Price: Affordable.
Special features: Large capacity, 3 charging modes, safe, reliable, multi-function output port, quick charging, quiet operation.
Capacity: 297Wh.
Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.27 x 7.68 inches & weighs 7.1 pounds.
The BALDR Portable Power Station is the best portable power station you can get if you need a reliable source of power when outdoors. It has a large power capacity to allow you to charge your electronics and other devices when out there effectively. Besides outdoor use, you can use this versatile power station at home to charge phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and holiday lights.
The power station supports 3 charging modes to make it easy for you to recharge it before use. It’s compatible with any solar panel of 100W to allow you to charge it with solar energy easily. You can also plug it into a wall socket or plug it in your car for effective charging. It takes a relatively short time to be fully charged using any of these methods. The power station is light in weight and comes with a carry handle to make it easy for you to carry it when traveling. It is safe to use thanks to the battery management system that offers protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuiting.
Pros and Cons
- It supports 3 charging modes for easy power up
- There are sufficient ports for charging all your devices
- The battery management system makes the power station safe to use.
- Not suitable for charging heavy-duty appliances and devices.
2. EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
Price: High priced.
Special features: Efficient protection, multiple charging points, 3 rechargeable modes, quick charge, high performance.
Capacity: 1260 watts.
Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches & weighs 30.9 lbs.
The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station is one of the best portable power stations you can get for your outdoor adventures. It packs enough charge to power all your electrical appliances when you’re outdoor enjoying yourself in nature or during a power outage. The unit has multiple charging options that make it easy to charge your devices. You get to use the various fast charge USB ports and standard DC port to power your phone, laptop, camera, blender, and refrigerator without any worry.
Recharging the devices is easy since there are 3 modes for doing it. You can charge the station through a solar panel, a car charger, or an AC wall adapter. It charges very quickly as well and only takes 1 hour to get charged to 80 percent. The patented ECOFLOW technology allows the power station to charge 10X faster than other similar devices. It offers protection to your devices with its high/low temperature protection ensuring the power station works at the best temperature. It is compatible with most solar inputs to allow you to charge the station when there’s no mains electricity.
Pros and Cons
- It charges in a relatively short time
- Compatible with most solar inputs up to 400W
- You can use it to power up to 13 devices simultaneously.
- The fan consumes a lot of power. It should be minimized to conserve charge.
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
Price: Modest priced.
Special features: Solar ready charging, Built-in LED flashlight, MPPT built-in controller.
Capacity: 518Wh.
Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.2 x 7.6 inches & weighs 13.3 pounds.
Among some of the top names in the power backup systems is Jackery. This power station adds to its name and really packs a punch. It is a good power station that is both Eco-friendly and operates quietly. The power station can be seamlessly paired with a solar system to offer more convenience.
Anyone looking to break free from wall AC outlet or get a good quality power station that they can use outdoors for camping, hiking or as a backup plan should consider getting this unit. It is one of the best rated in the market and is lauded by many users for its superior performance and dependability.
Pros and Cons
- Reliable, portable, and easy to carry.
- It charges up fast and is energy efficient.
- It is only perfect to be used in light duties like charging.
Choosing The Best Portable Power Stations
To choose the best portable power station to buy, here are some of the best things that one should keep under consideration.
Capacity
Perhaps the first thing that one needs to ensure they are keen on is the capacity of the power station that they are getting. Like any other power backup system, you should know how much Watt-hours you get when the power station is fully charged. This will help you know how much power you have when before needing to recharge.
Portabilty & Weight
The structural design of the power station you get determines how easy it is to carry. It is therefore important to make sure that the ergonomics and design is easy to hold, pack and carry with you. Weight is also something that one shouldn’t forget. The heavier the power station, the harder it is to carry. Luckily, the technology and use of lighter cells has enabled modern power stations to be lighter.
Temperature Control
Knowing that the portable power station transmits a lot of power simply means that it can also generate significant heat on its own. If the power station overheats, it can easily get damaged or even become a danger. Having a good temperature control system on the power station is really crucial to ensure that the temperature is maintained at safe and required levels.
Ports & Outlets
The capability of the power station you choose and the ability to use it to the maximum depends on how many ports and outlets it comes with. A good portable power station should come with multiple ports that enables you to plug in different devices to access power. USB, AC, DC and even solar outlet are some of the ports you should expect from a standard portable power station.
Additional Features & Capabilities
Lastly, you may want to check out what more features the power station has to offer. There are lots of handy features like flashlights, compass and LED lighting which comes with some portable power stations. Although they are not a must, they can come in handy in some situations.
Final Verdict
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to go camping, hiking or spend time in an off-grid area, then you must already know the hassles that come with darkness and lack of power. However, with the use of portable power stations, you can have enough to power up your devices where there is limited access to the power grid. Above, are some of the best portable power stations worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a portable power station?
A: A portable power station is a device that is meant to be charged and used as a power backup. They are mostly useful when there is a power outage, in off-grid areas and for camping and outdoor usage.
Q: Do portable power stations overheat?
A: Unlike the past, where power stations and back ups would overheat and cause too much damage, modern ones have improved systems and temperature regulators that prevent them from overheating.
Q: Can the on-board rechargeable battery be replaced?
A: The on-board rechargeable battery is built-in and cannot be easily removed. Removing it would mean voiding your warranty and also easily damaging the battery. If the batteries are dead, you may have an expert look at it incase the warranty time is over.
Q: How do you determine the capacity of power station to get?
A: The choice of a power station to get should be based on the devices and appliances that will be connected on and also considering the period that they will be operating. For instance, a 400Wh power station means that it can support a device that uses 40 Watts for 10 hours (40Watts X 10 hours). Doing a little match on the devices wattage and how long you expect to run them determines how big a power station you are going to need.
