With the rise of modern vehicle devices, there is a need to switch from the use of Direct Current (DC) to the more reliable Alternating Current (AC). However, this can only be possible with the use of a power inverter. Power inverters are small gadgets that are plugged into cars, boats, trucks and any other vehicle to provide a continuous flow of current for use in multiple devices. From plugging in a cigarette lighter to handy lifesaving gadgets, power inverters are more useful than ever.
In this comprehensive buying guide, we will go through list some of the best car power inverters that are worth going for and the important things one should look at when choosing the best one.
BESTEK 300W Power Inverter
Multi-protection safety system for safe use
The BESTEK 300W Power Inverter has a multi-protection system that safeguards the inverter and the connected devices. It has a compact design and as such, it doesn’t consume too much space.
Best Power Inverters For Car In 2021
Here are some of the best car power inverters that will give you excellent performance and long service.
9. AIMS Pure Sine Power Inverter
Price: Highly priced.
Watts: power ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 watts.
Special features: circuit protection, low battery alarm.
AIMs is a well-known brand in the electronic space and their pure sine power inverter ranks high among dozens in the market. Users can choose to get between a 1,000 watt, 2,000 watts or a 3,000-watt power inverter option. It is designed to power gadgets and electronics of up to 8.3 amperes through its dual outlets. With its USB outlet port, charging smartphones and other devices like iPods is easy. One can also choose to get a separate wired remote to boost their usability with the power inverter.
This power inverter also features a surge and overload circuit protection system that ensures that connected electronic gadgets are safe. It is an excellent choice of inverter for anyone looking to use it on a vehicle trip, boating and any outdoor event.
Pros and Cons
- It is among the safest and most reliable power inverter for any appliance and electronics.
- The inverter boasts a high customer satisfaction rating.
- The power inverter is much pricier than most in the market.
8. Cobra Portable Power Inverter
Price: High price tag
Watts: 1500 watts
Special features: Grounded AC outlet, automatic thermal protection, low battery alarm, reverse polarity protection, USB port, powerful.
The Cobra Portable Power Inverter is an amazing power inverter that will make it easy for you to safely use electronic devices in your car. It provides 1500 watts of continuous power that you will use to charge your phone or tablet through the USB port provided. The inverter comes with an LED display that accurately showcases the voltage of the car battery and the consumption of the connected device in watts. This power inverter is quite versatile as well since it can be used elsewhere and not just in a car.
It comes with superior protection as well that guarantees the safety of the electronics connected to the power inverter. It features automatic thermal protection whereby the inverter shuts down completely when it notices the connected device getting hot as a result of excess input voltage. It protects against reverse polarity as well and this will prevent electrical system failure occasioned by the same. It has a low battery alarm as well to notify you when the inverter’s battery is low or in poor condition. With all these features, the Cobra Portable Power Inverter stands out as one of the best power inverter for car and we highly urge you to get one if you are looking for a reliable unit.
Pros and Cons
- Automatic thermal protection feature protects devices from overheating
- Has an alarm for low battery and poor wiring
- Comes with a convenient USB port for easy connection
- The inverter struggles with high capacity appliances.
7. POTEK 750W Power Inverter/ Car Adapter
Price: Fairly priced.
Watts: 750 Watts.
Special features: Overload/surge & short circuit protection, cigarette lighter.
POTEK car power inverter is built with a compact design and features dual AC outlets and USB charging ports. The 750-watt inverter can run almost any capacitive and inductive load devices. It comes with a built-in power surge/overload protection system to increase the safety of plugged devices. Other features that make this power inverter worth investing in includes a cigarette lighter, a cooling fan and the quality battery clamps that come with it.
This is a power inverter that suits anyone looking for portability and flexibility as it is very compact and handy with its functionalities. It is good for charging anything from a laptop, camera, phones and similar gadgets.
Pros and Cons
- It has excellent performance and quality service.
- There are plenty of handy features yet it comes at a fairly low price.
- It is not very durable.
6. Duracell DRINVPS175 Power Inverter
Price: Low price tag.
Watts: Choice range from 150 to 800 watts.
Special features: 2.1 amp USB port, AC input overload/surge protector.
The Duracell DRINVPS175 is a simple, but high-quality car power inverter that has a slim design. It is lightweight and very portable allowing users to get the most of its flexibility anytime. It has2 AC outlets and 2 USB charging ports that have a circuit and temperature protection system.
Depending on the wattage you choose when buying the Duracell car inverter, the usage is limitless and can be used to charge almost any electronic device. Whether you are going camping or for regular use, this inverter has all you need. If you need a simple but convenient power inverter that comes at an affordable price, then you will hardly find a better one that this Duracell car power inverter.
Pros and Cons
- It comes at a very affordable price.
- The power inverter is very cost efficient and has good performance.
- Some users have reported issues with the fuse blowing up even on a low energy input.
5. BMK 200W Car Power Inverter
Price: Low price tag.
Watts: 200 Watts.
Special features: switch and currency display screen, 4 USB ports.
BMK’s 200 Watt inverter is one of the best in the market, which is evident in the customer satisfaction ratings. It has demonstrated high performance and is a living proof that good car power inverters don’t have to be expensive. The inverter has dual AC outlets, 4 USB ports and a display screen to keep the user informed on the power usage. Despite being a low wattage inverter, it has demonstrated high performance.
Although this power adapter comes with a simple design and basic features, everything is done to perfection. Its dual AC output and 4 USB charging ports have won the hearts of many users. And that’s not all. This power inverter is among the most affordable ones that you will find in the market today.
Pros and Cons
- The car power inverter has a high customer satisfaction rating.
- It is very energy efficient.
- It is small and might not power heavy load devices.
4. Tripp Lite Car Power Inverter – 375W
Price: Affordable.
Watts: 375 watts.
Special features: Rugged metal housing, 2 AC outlets, portable and compact design, safe to use, 1 year warranty
This is another power inverter you can get if you want to safely use electrical appliances in your car. This hard charging road monster provides clean power that you will use to charge your smartphone, laptop, and other electronic devices. This inverter taps power from the battery of your car and provides it in a clean and safe manner for all your uses. It has a compact and portable design that will make it easy for you to connect all your electronic devices to it. This best car power inverter provides 375 watts of continuous power which is enough for most equipment people use in a car such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
This inverter is safe for use and this is another reason we highly recommend it to car owners. The inverter shuts down automatically in the case of an overload and this helps to prevent damage to the power inverter. It has a low battery shutdown feature as well that shuts down the inverter when the battery gets low. The inverter is convenient to use with its plug and play operation making it easy to connect and power your electronic devices. The surface of the inverter is made of rugged metal material that protects it from damage. Users also benefit from a one year warranty for manufacturing and product defects.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged design protects the unit from damage
- Automatic overload protection protects the inverter in case of an overload
- Low battery shutdown ensures you don’t operate the inverter when the battery is low
- The position of the switch should be changed as it interferes when connecting certain devices.
3. KRIËGER Power Inverter
Price: Modestly priced.
Watts: Choice ranges from 1,100 to 4,000 watts.
Special features: ANL fuse kit, LCD Display, 3-ft cable.
The KRIËGER KR100 is a sine wave power inverter that seamlessly converts 12 DC voltage to 120 AC volts. Depending on how you intend to use the power inverter, one can choose from varying wattage power that ranges from 1100 Watts to 4,000 watts. Getting an all-inclusive kit of this power inverter gets you all the handy features that include an ANL fuse and a 3-foot cable. This is a standout choice for anyone looking for good performance and a time-tested car power inverter.
The power inverter has got the approval of METLAB for its performance and safety. This power inverter doesn’t disappoint, and with its 3-year warranty on parts, you can count on it to deliver.
Pros and Cons
- It has lots of power output and can be used on almost any electronic device.
- It is a high performance power inverter.
- It is not very durable.
2. Foval 150W Power Inverter
Price: Very affordable.
Watts: 150 Watts.
Special features: Mufti-Protection, 2 USB ports.
This Foval power inverter is a small wattage inverter that can be used for simple electronic usage like charging laptops, phones among other uses. The inverter outputs 110 volts and features 2 USB ports and a single AC outlet. It is lightweight and has a hardened casing to boost its durability and preventing it from drops.
Many users laud it for good performance in spite of being one of the cheapest in the market. The power inverter works as advertised and would be ideal for anyone looking for a portable and affordable inverter for light usage.
Pros and Cons
- The metallic housing makes it very durable.
- It is very affordable.
- The wiring is a bit loose and could be improved to make this a much better power inverter.
1. BESTEK 300W Power Inverter
Price: Low price tag.
Watts: 300 Watts.
Special features: 2 AC outlets, Multi-protect safety system, 2 USB ports.
BESTEK is the best selling car power inverter in the market. It comes in a super compact design and features tons of handy features that make vacations, outdoor activities, camping and work trip more fun and exciting. It has 2 fast charging AC outlets and 2 USB ports. Its multi-protect safety system ensures that all plugged devices are safe and protected against overload, overheating and short-circuiting.
By following the instructions on the manual, you can enjoy long services and performance with this inverter. This power inverter over-delivers when it comes to performance and you surely can’t go wrong with it.
Pros and Cons
- It has a hardened casing that makes it last long.
- The power inverter has a high customer satisfaction rating.
- It is among the best performing int he market.
- The fuses needs some improvement to make it even better.
Choose The Best Car Power Inverters
When looking for a good car power inverter, here are some of the crucial things that you need to keep in mind.
Flexibility and Portability
Perhaps the first crucial thing that one needs to consider is how easy the power inverter is to carry and use. They come in different sizes which makes them different when it comes to ease of carrying them. Also, you need to ask yourself if you need a power inverter that will be installed permanently or one that you can plug off when needed. Whichever option you opt for, you should always consider the fact that anything that is upwards of 150 watts will need a direct connection to the DC source.
Wattage and Power
The wattage is also something that you need to be concerned about and your choice will depend on what you would like to use the power inverter for. The industry is packed with power inverters that range from as small as 100 watts to as high as 3,000 watts. The rule of the thumb is that more wattage means more power but also demands one to chuck in more money.
Performance
Performance is everything and you shouldn’t settle for anything that compromises on the quality of service that you get. Although there is no surefire way of knowing the performance of a power inverter by looking at it, there are a few ways that one can use to know if what they are getting is good or not. One of them is by keenly skimming through previous customer’s experiences on leading outlets. Luckily, we’ve gone through dozens and listed some of the best below, saving your precious time.
Features and Capabilities
Yet another thing that everyone must be keen on is the number of features and capabilities from the power inverter. Some inverters come with 1 outlet while others have up to 3 outlets. It is, therefore, crucial to know why you need the power inverter and if you need a specific number of features and functionalities before getting one. Although some that have tons of handy features tend to be pricier, there are some affordable ones that have basic features and yet still perform.
Final Verdict
If you are going on a vacation, camping or spending some time outdoors, then a power inverter will come in handy. Listed above, are some of the best car power inverters that you can find in the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I connect an extension cord to the car power inverter?
A: It is technically possible to do this but it is not recommended. This is because it is not advisable to connect many devices to the inverter and an extension cord may encourage you to add more devices as long as there are empty slots. This can damage the inverter and that is why we don’t encourage you to connect an extension cord to the inverter.
Q: What capacity do I need for my power inverter?
A: The desired capacity will depend on the electronic devices you plan to connect to the power inverter in your car. If you have a lot of devices to connect, then you need a power inverter with a large capacity. Otherwise, an average capacity inverter will do if you only plan to use the inverter to power your phone and other small devices.
Q: What is the ideal surface for mounting the power inverter?
A: Any surface is ideal as long as it does not hold too much moisture. This will ensure the inverter and the electronic devices connected to it don’t get damaged as a result of water damage.
Q: Can the fuses be replaced?
A: Yes, they can. Most companies make their inverters with easy to replace fuses and as such, you can get one from your local electronic store should it get burned.
