A portable power station is essentially the mini version of a generator.
It lets you keep important appliances and electronics running during a power outage, and can be a lifesaver during camping trips.
And when combined with a solar panel, you have yourself a fully off-grid portable solar generator.
Whether it’s to bring on a long road trip, for camping, or even to keep at home, these stations and generators are amazingly handy, and possibly even life-saving.
And can even replace the need for expensive leisure batteries and a complex camper electrical setup.
From Jackery to Bluetti, we’ll be reviewing in-depth all of the best portable power station brands and the variants that come under these top ranges.
We have personally used and tested all of the units below, many of which we have individual review guides for, so keep an eye out for those below.
Want a quick answer? We recommend Jackery above all others.
There are many ways to compare and review portable power stations, but these are the most essential factors we think you should look at to find the best possible one:
Measured in Watt Hours (Wh), the battery capacity tells you how much power you can get out of your unit in total. Many products would include the capacity in their name, but you can always read the tech specs to be sure. Depending on what you use them for, the Wh will roughly tell you how long portable power stations last.
Power rating (measured in Watts) simply refers to the maximum power output that your portable power station can produce. It does this via its onboard power inverter. A higher number means that your power station is more powerful, so you can use it to run more heavy-duty devices, such as blenders or coffee machines.
It’s always nice to have a portable power station that can charge quickly, especially if you’re on a road trip and don’t have much time to stop and recharge your device. Charging time for a portable power station can vary wildly, from as fast as 1 hour to 8 hours or more, depending on the power supply you use. As well as what method of charging you go for (more on that below).
One key element of any great portable power station is its portability. So, don’t forget to compare the size and weight of various products to find the one that’s most convenient to you.
For example, the larger Anker 767 (featured below) includes a handle and wheels that will make transport even easier. Although in terms of weight, we absolutely love Jackery’s range as all their options are super lightweight for the hefty power they offer.
Lastly, we recommend paying attention to the outlet ports offered by your portable power station. How many AC wall outlets does it have? Do you need a USB-C port for some of your electronics? Or perhaps even a DC outlet. Top ranges have multiple outlets allowing you to charge all kinds of devices at once.
Variants: Explorer 160 / 240 / 300 / 500 / 1000 / 1500
Power: 167Wh - 1534Wh
Charge time: 2 - 12 hours on wall charger
Size: 20 x 13 x 13 cm - 38.9 x 25.7 x 43.2 cm
Weight: 1.8 - 15.5 kg
Price range: $ - $$
If you’re looking for a quick answer and the absolute best portable power station, look no further than Jackery portable power stations.
They offer 6 different sizes, ranging from 167Wh in power up to 1534 Wh, so you can easily pick the perfect size for your needs.
They also offer some ultra compact, lightweight and effective solar panels. So when coupled with the station itself, you have an affordable and powerful solar generator at hand to use.
In fact, some of these models are compatible with multiple solar panels at once, so you can boost the charging efficiency and enjoy full power in less time.
We tested and reviewed the Jackery 500 Explorer extensively and found that it really is an awesome piece of kit; heads and shoulders above most other brands out there, and probably the best value for money you can currently buy.
Another main reason that we’ve picked Jackery as our overall favorite is because of the great range of models on offer, especially the larger Jackery Explorer 1500. Which boasts 7 outlets and incredibly fast charging times.
The smallest option, the Explorer 160, weighs an impressive 1.8 kg (just 4 lbs). This is so light you could even bring it hiking, as it’s compact enough that it won’t weigh you down.
Not only is it one of the most affordable and lightweight portable power stations on the market, it also comes with USB-C, USB-A, and AC outlets. From phones to travel laptops, to GoPros/action cameras, it’s got everything covered.
Additionally, Jackery offers a truly fantastic value for money, as well as the best power-to-weight ratio. Even the Explorer 1500, which offers 1800 wattage and 1534Wh capacity, weighs just 15.5 kg!
And when we say that the Jackery power stations are made for camping and outdoor adventures, we truly mean it.
For example, the Explorer 160 has a built-in flashlight and SOS mode. All of them have a good quality Battery Management System too, which ensures that they’re safe to operate whenever.
In terms of usage, we loved how user friendly it is. You don’t need to understand technical electric terminology to activate, use and recharge your unit.
There is a small display screen which clearly tells you exactly what percentage of power is left, how much power you are drawing at any time, and also how much power you are putting in.
Overall, whether you want a small and compact power station for a short couple’s weekend away or a larger device fit for a family escapade, we can’t recommend Jackery enough.
Learn more in our in-depth Jackery review guide.
Special features:
Variants: 300 / 600 / 700 / 800 / 1800 / 2000 / 2400W
Power: 204 - 2048 Wh
Charge time: 1 - 1.5 hours on wall charger
Size: From 25 ｘ15.65 ｘ17.45 to 42 x 28 x 36.65cm
Weight: 3.6 - 33 kg
Price range: $ - $$$
If you want a reliable brand that offers a huge range of powers and excellent versatility, I can’t recommend BLUETTI enough.
I’ve tried several of their products myself and have seen countless people within the off-grid van and boat life community swear by the brand.
They do have tons of models and you might find it daunting to differentiate between them. In a nutshell, their product range includes:
BLUETTI sells them in different variants and combinations of power station + solar panel + (and sometimes) battery expansions.
The easiest thing is to figure out the power level you need and go from there.
Overall, I’d highly recommend the BLUETTI AC60. It’s a 600W unit that is enough for basic camping necessities, including charging your electronics, drones, and laptops.
And if you want a longer battery life from your AC60, you can easily TRIPLE it by also getting the B80 expansion. Pretty neat, right?
The BLUETTI EB3A power station is a fantastic budget option which also offers 600W of power. However, it doesn’t have the same level of premium materials with IP65 rating as the AC60.
It takes longer to charge the EB3A too, but for less than half the price, it’s still awesome for those on a budget.
Another reason why I love BLUETTI so much is that they sell compatible solar panels.
For instance, I’ve been very impressed by how quickly the 200W PV200 model can charge my EB3A unit.
Their solar panels aren’t really one of a kind or groundbreaking, but they do everything you’d want a power station solar panel to do. They’re compact, pack up nicely, and easy to install.
For an even more powerful power station, I recommend looking into the AC200L. This has a base capacity of 2,048Wh and can be expanded up to 8,192Wh.
It’s extremely fast charging for a 2kWh power station and needs only 45 minutes to replenish to 80% capacity.
So far, I’ve been talking about mainly using the BLUETTI portable power stations for travel and mobile life, but the larger ones actually work as a home backup solution too.
Check out the full EP range if you’re looking specifically for home backups.
P.S. the EP800 model is a great place to start, with its 9920Wh capacity and compatibility with both BLUETTI solar panels or your own existing solar system.
Special features:
Variants: 200 / 500 / 1000 / 1200 / 1500 / 1800 / 2300 / 6000W
Power: 768 - 3840 Wh
Charge time: 1 - 1.5 hours on wall charger
Size: From 21.6 x 21.14 x 14.4 to 70.2 × 38.8 × 39.5 cm
Weight: 4.34 - 60 kg
Price range: $ - $$$
For portable power stations with extreme powers, Anker is among the top brands.
I’ve tested the Anker 767 Portable Power Station and am impressed by how well built and portable it is, despite being incredibly powerful.
From the compact, wheeled design to features like impact-resistance, anti-UV, and flame retardant, it’s meant to withstand tough adventures.
It has a 2048Wh capacity and huge 2300W AC output that can power essentials like microwaves and fridges, as well as high output lights and power drills.
Perfect for off-grid living, backyard recreation, and also for home backup.
We used it as the main power source on our boat for about 2 months while renovating it, and it’s able to boil our kettle (which, surprisingly, I’ve only ever found two power stations that can actually handle a kettle boling!).
You can even get an expansion battery and extend the capacity to 4096Wh.
The best thing is: this Anker battery charges so fast and can go from empty to 80% in just an hour.
I also love how their power stations all have multiple ports, making it easy to connect to all sorts of devices.
And if you’re all about solar charging, I’ve tested out their PS200 on this, which admittedly doesn’t charge the power station as fast as a wall charger, but still works well if you don’t mind waiting.
For even more power, the SOLIX F3800 offers 7,680Wh of capacity, can support up to six expansion batteries, and is the ultimate power house (true to its range name) for heavy duty camping use.
While I’d recommend Anker for larger capacities, they also have smaller models like the 521 PowerHouse. At 256Wh or 200W, it’s ideal to use for basic necessities while camping, including your phone, laptop, mini fridge, or WiFi router.
For all their portable power stations, you can choose to purchase them on their own or with an extra battery expansion and/or solar panel.
There’s also a smart app that lets you monitor and control the battery usage via your phone.
Special features:
Variants: 200 / 300 / 600 / 700 / 800 / 1500 / 1800 / 2000 / 2400 / 2500 / 3500 / 4000W
Power: 154 - 3600 Wh
Charge time: 1.5 hours full charge on wall charger
Size: From 197.6 x 170.2 x 49.8 to 540 x 490 x 300 mm
Weight: 1.36 - 48 kg
Price range: $ - $$$
Allpowers is great if you’re looking for a mid-range portable power station.
I like to think of it as an “up and coming” brand because it doesn’t have as big a recognition as brands like Jackery, but still offers a very solid and excellent range.
The Allpowers R600 is surprisingly rich in features and very reliable for its low price.
Let’s talk about this particular unit first as I’ve personally tested it!
This 600W power station has a capacity of 299Wh, and can power multiple devices simultaneously.
My favorite thing about it is the fast charging ability, and I can confirm that you can charge it from 0 to 100% in just an hour.
A minor feature that I think adds a cool, nice touch is the wireless charging mat, which you can use for your smartphone.
Of course, you can also get the solar panel from Allpowers, which is available in the flexible and foldable version.
The Allpowers mobile app comes in handy too. I don’t normally try power station apps, but had a cool experience with this one!
You can control the power remotely, which means you can turn it on or off (for example, to turn on the lights or finish charging your drone) even while you’re still lying in bed in your tent at night.
It comes with multiple ports so you can charge your devices simultaneously, including two USB C slots, two USB A slots, a car port, and a wireless charging mat.
I also really appreciate the super-quiet fan technology, which does work if you’re not over-extending the usage. But I’ve found that it can get a bit loud after an extended period of time.
That said, for the price point, I do think the R600 is worth considering as your go-to power station!
The power capacity alone is fantastic, but then you get the various outlets, fast charging capabilities, and pretty sleek design.
Their larger model isn’t to dismiss either: the R2500 offers 2016Wh capacity and 2500W AC output.
This is more than enough to power a fridge, appliances, and even medical devices. Thus, perfect for home backup or in an RV.
Special features:
Variants: 600 / 1800 / 2000W
Power: 538 - 1512 Wh
Charge time: 1.6 - 2 hours on wall charger (2.5 hours on solar)
Size: From 12.2 x 8.4 x 7.8in to 16.5 x 9.1 x 11.3in
Weight: 8.16 - 19.2kg
Price range: $ - $$
Now, unlike most other portable power station brands, Growatt has only three options to choose from: the 600W, 1800W, and 2000W.
And in my opinion, this makes it really easy to find the right one to get.
Overall, they have really good solar fast charging for all their units, at just 2.5 hours for full charging, thanks to the MPPT controller that can detect the voltage and current in real-time.
This isn’t something you get with most other power stations.
The brand specializes in solar panels and is all about creating the best solar energy solutions, so it doesn’t really come as a surprise that they’ve nailed the solar charging feature on their power station.
I was able to test the smallest one, the Growatt VITA 550, which provides 1382Wh in capacity and is definitely enough for my personal use.
With 11 ports, you can easily charge multiple devices at once, from USB C and USB A ports, to a wireless charging mat and even a car power output.
The ergonomic handle comes in quite handy for moving it around, while the BMS (battery management system) has proven to be effective and useful for when you’re travelling outdoors or camping.
For a more powerful option, check out the INFINITY 1300. It has 1382Wh in capacity and 1800W of output, and ideal if you want to use heavy-duty devices for off-grid living and camping.
It can charge fully in just 1.8 hours, has 14 outlets, and my favorite, even comes with a 5-year warranty.
Finally, the largest range that Growatt sells is the INFINITY 1500, which can power 95% of outdoor devices & home appliances.
It provides 1512Wh capacity and 2000W output. And despite this massive power, you can charge it from zero to 80% in just an hour.
These power stations are great for both indoor and outdoor use.
I also wanted to give a shoutout to the MyGro APP, which lets you control your power station while accessing real-time energy data no matter where you are.
Special features:
Variants: 2200W
Power: 2500Wh
Charge time: 2.5 hours on wall charger (fast charging mode)
Size: 32.8*24.4 *28.7cm
Weight: 18.3kg
Price range: $ - $$
Next up is the ElecHive by Zero Breeze, which is an interesting one because they’re mainly an AC unit company.
The ElecHive 2500 Portable Power Station is the only unit the brand offers, but this station is actually incredibly good value!
We tested it for a month, and it shockingly has better specs and performance than what most other dedicated power station companies offer.
It is so small for the amount of power inside, and this size-to-power ratio is definitely one of their best features.
My first encounter with Zero Breeze was through the MARK 2 AC, which I LOVE because of its cost and power efficiency.
And as it turned out, the company knows how to create cost-effective tech that actually works.
Enter the ElecHive, which weighs only 40 lbs despite having a 2500Wh capacity. That’s enough for pretty much any heavy-duty equipment or appliance you can think of.
From the Mark 2 AC (duh), your home AC, a home fridge, TV, power tools like electric chainsaw, hammer drills, and simple charging of electronics, you name it.
Though I’d assumed this power station was designed solely for the AC unit, it actually works great as a standalone device, and you don’t have to own any Zero Breeze AC to enjoy the benefits of their power station.
For such a powerful station, it charges relatively quickly in only 2.5 hours.
In terms of build quality, it’s truly designed for adventures. It’s impact resistant, drop-proof, UV protected, and flame retardant.
Even better: you get 2+3 years warranty for that extra peace of mind.
It comes with a few unique interfaces, including the auto-sleep mode for more efficiency and less noise while you sleep.
There’s also maximum charge protection and high-power transmission.
Not to mention that this unit can operate in extreme cold, from 4℉ to 104℉, so this can easily be a go-to for winter camping or year-round backyard generator.
Small details throughout the design make this overall unit feel premium too.
I particularly enjoy how the built-in handles don’t take up extra space and that you can use the top surface as a temporary snack table.
You also have these small waterproof caps on every port, which help protect them from dust and water.
Special features:
Variants: 300W up to 3600W
Power: 256Wh to 21.6kWh
Charge time: From just 1h to full charge (for RIVER series)
Size: From 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 inches
Weight: From 7.7 lbs
Price range: $ - $$$
EcoFlow is another great brand to rely on when you want to browse a whole range of power stations, in terms of their capacity options.
From the ultra compact 300W power station to the powerful 3600W model for a whole home backup system, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need on EcoFlow’s catalogue.
They have two ranges of portable power stations: the DELTA and RIVER series.
The DELTA series offer models that range from 1400W to 3600W outputs, and capacities from 1-21.5kWh.
They’re super reliable to use for off-grid power and home backup. You can even use the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra (their newest and largest unit yet) for heavy duty appliances like central AC and space heaters.
Considering just how massive and powerful this is, the DELTA Pro Ultra is designed solely as a whole-home backup solution.
Other variants like the DELTA 2 or DELTA Max are still highly powerful, but still compact enough for small homes, backyards, and RVs.
Meanwhile, the RIVER series cater more towards off-grid adventures where you might need even smaller, more portable power stations.
These lower capacity power stations are perfect to keep your personal devices and basic essentials fully charged.
While the smaller models like the RIVER 2 (300W) is better suited for simple devices like your camera, phone, or laptop, the RIVER 2 Pro boasts 800W of output and 768Wh capacity, and has an X-Boost mode that can run most high-wattage home appliances.
We’re talking a hair dryer, kettle, and even microwave.
I’d recommend this one for most camping or weekend trips. Not to mention you can fully charge the RIVER 2 Pro in just 70 minutes.
You can charge these portable power stations through four ways: AC, car, solar, and USB-C charging.
Best of all, EcoFlow offers a 5-year warranty on their products, which if you’ve read this far, you know can be considered one of the most extended warranties in the industry.
Special features:
Variants: 60 - 3600W
Power: 187 - 6071Wh
Charge time: 2-4 hours on wall charger
Size: From 20 x 13 x 13 to 54.3 x 35.1 x 37.7 cm
Weight: 2.27 - 48.1 kg
Price range: $ - $$$
As you could’ve guessed from its name, Goal Zero is a company that cares about their social and environmental impact, and consistently takes action.
Which I love!
Since their first day, they have prioritized giving back through disaster relief, community empowerment, and humanitarian missions.
Examples include setting aside profits to fund various community projects every year, offsetting 100% of their production’s carbon emissions, and using only renewable electricity in their headquarters.
On to the products themselves. Their power station range is called the Yeti, which varies from the compact and super portable unit to larger ones for home circuits, RVs, and work sites.
The Yeti 200X is the lightest Goal Zero power station you can get, and I’d recommend this if what you need is simply to keep you gadgets and small devices charged.
At only 2.27kg, it’s ultra-portable, and can easily keep your phones, cameras, laptops, and lamps charged.
You have three options to charge it, with the most eco-friendly one being through solar panel (you can get the Goal Zero foldable Nomads or mountable Boulder solar panels).
Wall charging takes 4 hours (admittedly, not the fastest charging power station I’ve seen), or you can plug it into your vehicle’s 12V outlet.
For a mid-sized power station, try the Yeti 1000 Core, which offers 1200W and 983Wh capacity.
It comes with seven ports and can comfortably power a 42-inch LED TV, a fullsized fridge, microwave, and pellet grill.
Perfect for camping, off-grid weekends, van life, or even to use in your backyard.
And for an even more powerful option, there’s the Yeti Pro 8000. This is actually a combination of two units, the Yeti PRO 4000 and Tank PRO 4000, but they will sync and act as one battery.
Together, it becomes incredibly powerful and can power pretty much anything in your home!
The Goal Zero Yeti App is also worth mentioning, as this is how you can check battery level, power in and out, and even remotely turn ports on and off.
It’s unfortunately not compatible with all models, but does work with most, including the Yeti 6000X, 1500X, 3000X and 1400/ 3000 Lithium.
Overall, Goal Zero power stations are solidly built.
In line with their mission of sustainability and low impact, they use durable metal materials instead of flimsy plastic casings, which ensure that the stations can withstand time and wear.
Special features:
The best portable power station that you can buy will entirely depend on what you're looking for. For the majority of campers and vanlifers, you should go for the Jackery Explorer range. Jackery are best known in the industry for reliability and quality and have a range of sizes to suit 95% of buyers.
A portable power station is a small generator that is easily portable, usually used for providing electricity in various outdoor activities. It’s different from a traditional generator, which is mainly used on construction sites and for commercial purposes instead of for camping and personal power backup.
We’ve talked about this in-depth in the first section. In essence, you should look at factors such as the battery life, power rating, charge time, size and weight, number of outlets, and warranty. Other features like solar panels can also be a huge plus.
What you can run on a specific portable power station depends entirely on its power rating, which is important to look at before you buy them.
They’re generally made to run smaller electronics and appliances, from phones and computers to mini coolers. However, some portable power stations designed for home backup can also run a full refrigerator, like the Anker range.
The lifespan of your portable power station depends on the maintenance and frequency of your usage. Good quality power stations can give you up to 500 cycles.
All in all, all these brands we’ve featured today make excellent portable power stations.
Our favorite pick remains Jackery, but feel free to explore the other options to find specific models that may suit your needs.
Whether you’re an off-grid enthusiast looking for an extra-lightweight power station, or a homeowner who wants the most reliable power backup, we hope our post has helped you find the perfect answer.
So, which of these portable power stations do you think you’re getting?
Did we miss any other good brands?
Let us know in the comments below!
Other product review guides you might be interested in:
Leave a comment
Let us know what you think!