The best portable power stations of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET

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Battery capacity

Whether you're considering buying a power station, a flashlight, a rechargeable battery, or another device, you'll want to consider battery life and how much you'll need, and tradeoffs between factors like battery size and weight.

Price

Set a budget for your purchase -- many products in this field range widely in price.

Charging options

Consider if you want a device that runs on AC power from an outlet, or solar, or batteries.

Put those smelly, noisy, and potentially hazardous gasoline generators away and step into the 21st century with a sleek, battery-powered power station. These modern marvels are not only quiet and odor-free but also spring to life with just the press of a button. Whether you need something small and affordable or a powerhouse unit, there's a size and price range for everyone. Plus, they can be recharged using multiple power sources -- from your regular AC mains to eco-friendly solar energy -- and they typically last for years with minimal fuss.

With so many power stations hitting the market lately, picking the perfect one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, especially since prices range from budget-friendly to high-end models that cost thousands. And don't worry -- there are plenty of fantastic options that won't break the bank.

Also: How I used this portable power station to bring electricity to a caveman

Over the past few years, I've tested over 100 different portable power stations to find out which ones truly stand out. My top pick right now is the Jackery Solar Generator Kit 4000. In my testing, I found that this massive powerhouse holds an enormous amount of energy and can power your home for up to two weeks.

Read on to discover the rest of the best portable power stations you can buy today.

Jackery, a familiar name in the power station game for over a decade now, has a new power station called the Explorer 2000 Plus, and this thing is a total game changer. You can scale it up from a single unit that's good for a day or two of camping to an array of batteries and solar panels that can power your home for two weeks.

You read that right: two weeks.

But you might notice that something is sitting atop my Explorer 2000 Plus. That's an add-on PackPlus E2000 Plus battery pack that adds an additional 2042.8 Wh of electrical storage capacity to the system. A single PackPlus E2000 Plus weighs in at 41.9 lbs (19 kg), so the two units combined come in at over 100 lbs (46.9 kg). That's quite a lot of weight, but in my experience everything slots together well and the unit is surprisingly portable.

Review: This portable battery station can power your home for 2 weeks

This is a really big setup, so while it's not for everyone, it without a doubt represents the ultimate in portable power storage.

The reviews of this setup from buyers on Amazon reflect my feelings -- that this is a solid, well-made system that delivers on the marketing claims it makes.

Jackery Solar Generator Kit 4000 tech specs: Capacity: 4085.6Wh | Power: 3000 watts/6000 watts surge | Weight: 61.5 pounds | Connectivity: 10 ports

Outputs

Power stations are all the rage and finding their way into homes, RVs, cars, trucks, and even tents and are the perfect way to transport AC power to places where there isn't a convenient power socket. But until now, transporting them has meant rolling them on built-in wheels or taking the less glamorous approach of lugging them with a built-in handle. This is OK for short distances but rapidly becomes inconvenient if you need to transport the power station more than a short distance.

Bluetti has the answer in the form of the Handsfree 2 -- a power station that fits into its own backpack!

Review: One of the most portable power stations I've tested is $200 off right now

At the core of the Handsfree 2 is a 512Wh power station, but rather than being the usual box shape, this one has been constructed into an ultra-thin form factor. However, that ultra-thin design doesn't mean that you have to compromise.

You're still getting a power station with an LCD panel to show you all the important information, an AC outlet good for 700W of continuous output (1,200W surge), two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and even advanced features such as UPS-level switching and pass-through charging. The charge capacity is enough to recharge a smartphone about 15 to 20 times, a laptop or drone half a dozen times, and an action camera such as the GoPro about 30 times.

Then there's the backpack. This 60-liter backpack (or 3,600 cu in) is designed to carry not only the power station but whatever else you need, up to a maximum of 30kg. If you're not used to backpacking, let me tell you -- that this is a fair load. The power station fits into the back of the backpack, close to the harness, keeping the weight against your body, in the most ergonomic position. There's a side panel that enables the power station to be accessed and used without taking it out of the backpack.

Outputs

Maybe you're the sort of person who needs a whole-home power backup system, perhaps because you live in an area that gets hit by hurricanes or other natural disasters. Or perhaps you're just looking to switch to solar energy, need a reliable backup for emergencies, or want to save some money on your energy bill.

If this is you, then a system like the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra could very well be the perfect fit. This versatile powerhouse is designed to meet all your energy needs with ease and efficiency.

EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra tech specs: Capacity: 6144Wh | Power: 7200 watts | Weight: 70 pounds | Connectivity: 11 ports

Outputs

Within moments of getting the Power 1000 out of the box, one aspect that stood out immediately to me was its solid construction: The outer shell is tough, effectively resisting knocks and bumps without flexing or bowing, which is what a power station like this—something that's been built to take out and about—really needs.

The interface of the Power 1000 is refreshingly simple, featuring just a few buttons and switches along with an LCD display. It avoids the confusion of tiny, difficult-to-identify "mystery meat" buttons or needing an app for essential functions.

Review: DJI made a rugged power station that I can't recommend enough to drone users

The SDC ports on the Power 1000, designed specifically for fast-charging DJI drone batteries, are indeed a thoughtful and useful addition for drone pilots. Each port can be used to charge one battery at a time, which works efficiently if you consistently recharge your batteries immediately after use rather than waiting until you have a pile of them.

However, to charge your drone batteries you will need bespoke cables, which are sold separately, adding to the cost. There are cables for the , , , and drones.

DJI Power 1000 tech specs: Capacity: 1024Wh | Power: 2200 watts | Weight: 28.5 pounds | Connectivity: 8 ports

Outputs

Portable power stations have gotten good. We've gotten to the point where there's not much that sets one apart from another these days. That is, of course, until one manufacturer decides to shake things up. Anker did exactly that with the Solix C800 Plus, the first portable power station with detachable 3-mode camping lights.

The Solix C800 Plus, at its heart, is a power beast, stuffed with durable LiFePO4 batteries that can stash a whopping 768Wh of power. Plus, it's got ten ports ready to charge up all your gadgets. It's like the Goldilocks of power stations; it's just the perfect size, packing plenty of punch without being a hassle to lug around.

Review: This portable power station has a standout feature that makes camping safer than ever

The unit is also incredibly well-built. Anker has housed the Solix C800 Plus' industrial-grade components and advanced circuitry in a tough, drop-proof, unibody construction shell. I can stand and jump on this unit and it doesn't flex or creak or seem like it's going to implode, which is good.

But this is all pretty standard for a good-quality power station. Where the Solix C800 Plus shines are the accessories hidden inside a flip-top compartment on the top of the unit. Inside this compartment are two battery-powered LED lights and a telescopic pole.

Reviewers on Amazon and Reddit agree that this is a perfect portable power station, that it delivers the power that Anker claims, and that it's ideal for camping.

Anker Solix C800 Plus tech specs: Capacity: 768Wh | Power: 1200 watts/1,600 watts surge) | Weight: 24 pounds | Connectivity: 8 outlets

Outputs

While there's a time and a place for massive power stations, sometimes I want something I can grab and go, throw into a car or truck, and take with me camping or on jobs.

The EcoFlow River 2 fits the bill perfectly. It's solid and well made, as I've come to expect from EcoFlow, and it's perfect for those times when you want power but don't want a huge amount of it!

Review: The EcoFlow River 2 is a truly portable power station

This has been my go-to portable power station, as it's great to throw into the footwell of a vehicle to act like a rather big power bank.

Reviewers on Amazon say they love this model for its portability and low price -- it's the perfect entry-level power station available.

EcoFlow River 2 tech specs: Capacity: 256Wh | Power: 300 watts/600 watts surge | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Connectivity: 6 outlets

Outputs

When it comes to power stations, the AC60P -- a follow-up to Bluetti's earlier AC60 -- is as close to perfection as you can get. As I would expect from a prestigious brand like Bluetti, the unit lives up to all the claims made on the spec sheet.

On the front of the unit are most of the ports, gently glowing buttons that turn the unit on and control the AC and DC outputs and a bright, feature-packed, yet easy-to-read display that shows all the important information at a glance.

The wireless charging mat on the top also offers added flexibility. Just pop your phone on the top to get an instant, no-fuss top-up. No cables are required. Oh, and it also has a built-in light for even more accessibility when you're out in the field.

Review: The most durable power station I've tested dares Mother Nature to do her worst

As you might imagine, I was somewhat hesitant to test out this unit's dust and water resistance -- it is, after all, a box filled with electricity -- but that didn't stop me from taking it out in some of the dampest, dirtiest environments that I could find, and I was blown away by how well this unit shrugged off the elements. It's certainly my first choice of portable power stations for use in inclement weather.

Internet reviews suggest that this unit is a popular choice among campers, photographers, and videographers, and others who need power in harsh conditions.

Bluetti AC60P tech specs: Capacity: 504Wh | Power: 600 watts/1200 watts surge | Weight: 20.1 pounds | Connectivity: 7 outlets

Outputs

The AC240 thrives in any environment and joins its predecessor, the AC60P, in being a power station that is just as comfortable braving the rain, snow, and relentless dust as it is in the comfort of your home or office.

When it comes to power stations, the AC240 is as well-made and flawless as it gets, and it lives up to all the claims on the spec sheet. As part of this review, I tested the capacity, power outputs, and charge times -- and everything passed with flying colors.

Most of the ports are located on the front of the unit: three buttons for controlling the AC, DC, and USB outputs and a bright, feature-packed display with important information at a glance.

Review: Need backup power for when the lights go out? Check out the Bluetti AC200MAX

The unit weighs over 70 pounds, so it may not be easy for most people to carry it around for long distances. However, it does have handles on either side -- resembling an ammo crate -- allowing for easier movement by two people if needed.

The user reviews are pretty much what I'd expect to read after using this for a few months. It's a solid unit, a great performer, but heavy and can be noisy when charging at full power.

Bluetti AC240 tech specs: Capacity: 1,536Wh | Power: 2,400 watts/3,600 watts surge | Weight: 72 pounds | Connectivity: 9 outlets

Outputs

If fast charging is your priority, then the Ecoflow Delta Max 2000 has to be on your list as one of the fastest-charging home battery backups on the market. When charged from a standard wall outlet, you'll get it from zero to 80 percent battery in just 65 minutes, and taking it to a full charge can be done in under 2 hours.

I like this a lot because there are plenty of times when I rely on my portable power station and only have access to power -- perhaps from a gasoline generator or a wall outlet -- for a limited period. This feature allows me to top it up quickly whenever the opportunity arises.

Review: Ecoflow Delta Max 2000 can get you through most power outages

One feature I love about this unit is the handles on either end. They remind me of handles on ammo boxes, and they're great when you need to lug close to 50 pounds of weight in this unit. Handles on power stations are often overlooked, but if you rely on them to be portable, they can make or break a portable power station.

And reviewers on Amazon agree. Along with being impressed by the quality and its ability to run large appliances, there are quite a few comments about how portable this device is.

Ecoflow Delta Max 2000 tech specs: Capacity: 2016Wh | Power: 2400 watts/3000 watts surge | Weight: 48 pounds | Connectivity: 13 outlets

Outputs

The best portable power station is the Jackery Solar Generator Kit 4000. It has a 3000-watt output, enough power to charge your mobile devices, run a mini-fridge, or essential medical equipment during a camping trip or power outage. It also features solar panels for continuous power when a wall outlet isn't available.

In my opinion, it is about as close to perfect as a portable power station setup can get.

Any of these portable power stations are great options to provide you with power when you need it -- it ultimately comes down to the wattage you need, how many ports you prefer, and what price you're willing to spend.

Choose this portable power station...

If you want...

Jackery Solar Generator Kit 4000

The best overall option and a huge amount of power. Perfect for use at home in case of emergencies or when you can charge the batteries at a reduced rate, or for camping and RV use.

Bluetti Handsfree 2

The best option for anyone who needs to transport a power station by foot over extended distances. This ultra-thin power station comes with it's own backpack for transporting it!

EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra

The best option for those looking for a whole-home backup system. It's powerful, versatile, and expandable, but also pricey!

DJI Power 1000

The best option for DJI drone pilots as this allows fast charging of drone batteries. Lots of power and highly portable.

Anker SOLIX C800 Plus

A high-power output portable power station that's ideal for camping, RVs, or off-grid use. It also comes with separate rechargeable lights, perfect for illuminating your camp or garden.

EcoFlow River 2

A compact, grab-and-go portable power station. Lightweight enough to move about without breaking a sweat.

Bluetti AC60P

The perfect companion for adventures where the power station might get wet. The IP68 rating gives you confidence when the weather gets bad.

Bluetti AC200MAX

You want one of the biggest "portable" power stations that you can carry and move about. Yes, it's big, but it's still luggable, making it great for moving from a truck or RV to the camp.

EcoFlow Delta Max 2000

A fast-charging portable power station. This is great for emergencies because if the power does come on temporarily, you can top up the power station in under an hour.

Power stations are a big investment in money and the physical space they take up, so you need to be sure you're buying something that works for you. This means juggling several factors.

Over the past few years, I've tested well over 100 different portable power stations to find out which are the best of the best. To do this efficiently -- because it takes days to do properly -- I've developed a comprehensive testing structure. This not only ensures that manufacturers aren't playing fast and loose with their spec sheet data, but also checks whether the units are safe and reliable.

The TL;DR of the testing process is as follows:

For more detailed information on how these tests are carried out, check out this post, where I take a deeper dive into the process.

The main difference is that a portable power station has batteries that are "filled" with electricity before being used, while a gasoline generator is filled with gasoline, and then an engine burns that to generate electricity.

Gasoline generators, because they burn gasoline, cannot be used indoors because of the risk of suffocation from carbon monoxide and fire, not to mention that they are noisy and smelly.

Portable power stations, on the other hand, are quiet, emit no fumes or heat, and need little or no maintenance other than checking their charge levels.

Manufacturers typically offer different runtimes for lamps, refrigerators, CPAP machines, and so on, but if you want to work this out for yourself, you may need two figures.

First, you need the power rating of the device you plan on running, which can usually be found on a label on the device and is measured in Watts (W). You also need to know the capacity of the power station, measured in Watt hours (Wh), which should be printed somewhere on the device.

Let's say you have a device that consumes 200W and a power station that has a capacity of 2048Wh, you can get a ballpark runtime for the device using the following equation:

(2048 x 0.85)/200 = 8.7 hours

Note that the capacity of the power station is multiplied by 0.85 to account for efficiency losses.

Four main things separate portable power stations and power banks:

There are plenty of other portable power station options available on the market. Most are available at stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and others, and I recommend checking out these models.

With a comprehensive array of output ports and a capacity of 1,548Wh, the FlashSpeed 1500 can power up to 11 devices at once, including:

This unit features 1,075Wh of power and can output this through a range of ports: