Power stations come in different shapes and sizes. If you're choosing a larger one, make sure it has wheels and, ideally, a retractable handle like carry-on luggage. (Rick Broida/Yahoo)
It doesn't take long without electricity to realize how difficult it is to live without electricity. At minimum: no TV, no internet, no way to recharge your phone. At worst: a fridge full of spoiled food, a bedroom so cold (or hot) you can't sleep at night. But with storms getting worse and power outages more common, what's the solution? A gas generator, perhaps, but they're loud, heavy, inconvenient and not suitable for places like apartments, condos and RVs. Even if you live in a single-family home, it might be time to consider a battery-based portable power station. They're quiet, versatile, safe to use indoors and able to recharge via sunlight if push comes to shove. Below I've rounded up what I consider the best portable power stations you can buy right now.
While there are plenty of factors to consider (as outlined below the reviews), the primary one is size. The largest models have the highest capacity, the most outlets, etc., but they also weigh more and cost more. The smallest ones are far more portable and affordable, but can't power big items like refrigerators. And, of course, there are those in middle, trying to balance capacity and cost.
From each of these three tiers I picked one power station that represents the best combination of price, power, features and performance. But there are others worth considering as well (see "Other power stations we've tested"); in fact, it's kind of hard to make a bad choice.
Update, June 27, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our three top choices remain unchanged. We will continue to test new products as they become available and update our story as needed.
Read more: EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra whole home battery backup review: This is the future
Capacity: 4,096Wh | Output power: 4,000W | Weight: 113 pounds | Standard AC outlets: 4 | USB ports: 4 | Expandable: Yes | Warranty: 5 years
EcoFlow is really pushing the boundaries of "portable" with its Delta Pro 3, which tips the scales at a massive 113 pounds. Although it has wheels and a telescoping handle for leverage, it's not traveling far without help. Ideally this is something you park very near to where it's going to be doing its heavy lifting.
And it can lift a lot. The DP3's 4,096Wh capacity means it could power the average 500-watt refrigerator (assuming 167 watts consumed per hour, which is typical) for a full 24 hours. And that's continuous; you could stretch that out to 2-3 days by running it only during the day.
Of course, with four standard 120V AC outlets and a 240V outlet, the DP3 can handle more than just a fridge. In fact, it could also serve as the hub of a whole-home battery backup — when paired with EcoFlow's Smart Home Panel 2 — as it supports the addition of up to two 3,600Wh external batteries.
As for recharging the DP3 itself, EcoFlow touts an impressive seven different methods (everything from cigarette-lighter to solar panel) and up to 18 "combo" methods (meaning multiple inputs used simultaneously). With just a standard AC outlet alone, EcoFlow claims you can get an 80% charge in just 50 minutes.
The EcoFlow app lets you monitor DP3 operation and modify a wealth of settings, including charging and discharging limits and scheduled tasks. There's a time-of-use mode that lets you control battery charging based on rate fluctuations and a GFCI/RCD option for charging an electric vehicle via one of the AC outputs. (EcoFlow does a commendable job providing explanations for a lot of this stuff within the app, but some of it is still pretty confusing for the layperson.)
It's expensive, no question, but whether you use it on its own or wire it into your home, the Delta Pro 3 offers arguably the best mix of capacity and output power you can get.
Capacity: 2,042Wh | Output power: 3,000W | Weight: 61 pounds | Standard AC outlets: 4 | USB ports: 4 | Expandable: Yes | Warranty: 5 years
At first glance you might mistake the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus for a beverage cooler, what with its distinctive shape, telescoping handle and convenient rear wheels. No beer in here, though, just a sizable battery that can crank out an impressive 3,000 watts.
The Explorer is also uniquely expandable, supporting up to five external batteries for a total of 12,000Wh. You can even link a second Explorer, with five extra batteries of its own, and bring your available power output to 6,000W and capacity to over 24,000Wh — while also adding 240V support for the likes of clothes dryers and well pumps. That's a lot of juice, enough to run an entire house. (That said, the total cost of such a setup — in the neighborhood of $20K — might require you to remortgage it.)
Back to the power station itself: It has ample AC and DC ports, plus a 25-amp circular AC outlet for use with RVs and various appliances. Unfortunately there's no Qi charging pad up top for your phone, despite there being ample room.
The Jackery app is useful for basic monitoring and enabling settings like battery saver and quiet charging, but it proved a bit flaky, often failing to accurately reflect what was happening on the device. When I manually powered on both the AC and DC outlets, for instance, the app showed only the latter as active. Later, after returning to the home screen, the device showed 0% power remaining, even though it was still fully charged. Hopefully Jackery will address these bugs in either a firmware or app update.
But I wouldn't let a few app glitches keep me away from the Explorer 2000 Plus, which is excellent overall. And take note that it routinely goes on sale, often with a coupon code or straight-up discount. It's not uncommon to see it marked down to $1,600 or even $1,300 from its $2,000 starting price.
Capacity: 288Wh | Output power: 300 watts | Weight: 9.1 pounds | Standard AC outlets: 3 | USB ports: 4 | Expandable: No | Warranty: 5 years
While I have to chuckle at marketing photos that show a Solix C300 slung over a hiker's shoulder — it's way too heavy and bulky for that to be comfortable — I can't deny this is one of the most capable portable power stations you can get.
Starting with capacity: 288Wh, one of the highest in its class. It also has ample outputs — four USB ports and three AC outlets — inside its 9.1-pound frame. While I wouldn't want to backpack with it, it's a lightweight compared to the others here — easy to move from one room to another.
I like the C300's integrated bar-shaped flashlight (which has three brightness settings) and high-powered USB-C ports. Two of the latter support up to 140 watts and one is bi-directional, meaning you can recharge the C300 through it. There's a solar-panel charging input as well.
I don't like the too-short power cord, poorly labeled buttons or uncovered 12-volt car socket, into which debris or, worse, someone's finger could easily find a way. Another gripe: Anker's printed "user guide" has exactly zero operating instructions inside. (It's all just safety and storage info.) Instead, you're forced to scan three different QR codes: one for the actual guide, one for "support," the third for the Anker app.
That app is optional but worth getting, as it clearly presents C300 status information and lets you tweak settings such as screen brightness and timeout. It also helps to compensate for the tiny "print" in some areas of the C300's onboard LED display.
If you're looking for a truly portable power station, one that's suitable for keeping your phone and other small electronics running, the Anker Solix C300 is our top pick.
Capacity: 288Wh | Output power: 300W | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Standard AC outlets: 1 | USB ports: 3 | Expandable: No | Warranty: 3 years (+2 additional for registering)
The lunchbox-like Explorer 300 Plus moves easily from one room to another — great for those times when it's inconvenient to stay tethered to a big, heavy power station.
Of course, a small form factor means limited space for ports. The Explorer has just three USB ports (only one of them Type-A), one AC outlet and one 12-volt DC port. You could potentially charge the unit via your car's power port (via USB-C), but Jackery doesn't supply the necessary cable. The good news is that it's very quiet while charging or operating, even when its fan kicks on.
You can get this bundled with Jackery's SolarSaga 40W folding solar panel, which has a magnetic clasp that makes it easy to store and tote. The company estimates 7.5 hours to fully recharge the 300 Plus using sun alone, but of course that's based on having 7.5 hours of unobstructed light and optimal positioning the entire time.
Unfortunately, there's no stand or any other means of propping up the panels. I tried leaning them against the power station itself but couldn't get them to stay fully extended and or angle toward the sun.
Speaking of light, the Explorer 300 Plus has a reasonably bright LED flashlight built in, a nice convenience.
Although you lose some versatility with a smaller power station like this, it's worth considering if you want something that's easy to move from room to room and suitable for powering small devices.
Capacity: 2,048Wh | Output power: 2,400W | Weight: 50 pounds | Standard AC outlets: 6 | USB ports: 6 | Expandable: Yes | Warranty: 5 years
A solid competitor to the Jackery Explorer 3000 Plus, EcoFlow's Delta 2 Max offers similar capacity and expandability, but with even more AC outlets and USB ports: half a dozen of each.
However, they're relegated to opposite ends of the unit, which is a little inconvenient — especially considering that this 50-pounder lacks wheels and is therefore harder to maneuver. It would definitely be preferable to have all the power ports grouped together (a change EcoFlow wisely made in the Delta Pro 3).
Like that model, the Delta 2 Max charges quickly: 80% in just 43 minutes, a full charge in a little over an hour.
For those interested in EcoFlow's 220-watt solar kit, which I tested, it's something of a mixed bag. The panels are double-sided, which could potentially result in more sun absorption and higher input wattage. But the stand (which is also the carrying case) is confusing and hard to use, with little help from the printed instructions.
That wrinkle aside, if you want lots of ports and don't mind some heavy lifting, the Delta 2 Max is definitely worth look — especially when it's on sale, which is often.
Not to be confused with mobile chargers, those little pocket-size batteries many people carry while traveling, power stations employ larger, heavier cells designed to run more and larger devices. Depending on how much capacity it has, we’re talking anything from a laptop or fan to a space heater or refrigerator. Shoot the works and you might be able to power your entire home — or at least most of the major appliances.
This stuff can be confusing, though. You’re going to see a lot of numbers pertaining to things like watts and volts, a lot of terms like "peak power" and "LiFePO4" and prices ranging from around $250 on up into the thousands. For purposes of this roundup, we’re focusing less on the techie aspects of this gear and more on the real-world applications: keeping your devices and appliances powered during a power-outage situation and finding the best bang for the buck in terms of capacity, number of ports and ease of use.
Whenever possible we tested solar panels as well, because the sun might be your only lifeline in an extended-outage situation. Just be prepared for some added expense, because these panels can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your setup. (Good news, though: They may qualify for tax rebates.) They’re also a far cry from a standard AC outlet in terms of power supply; it takes far longer to recharge a power station via solar than it does via a wall plug. (See below regarding the promise of solar versus the reality.)
Battery capacity: This is the big one. More capacity equals more juice for your stuff. (Think of it as the, er, gas tank.) It also equals a higher price, more weight and usually more ports, features, etc. The challenge here is determining how much capacity you need, especially because there are different metrics used to identify it: mAh (milliamp hour), Wh (watt hour), kWh (killowatt hour) and so on. Some power stations are also expandable, meaning you can connect supplemental batteries to expand the overall capacity. Bottom line: Buy the highest-capacity power station you can afford, ideally one that’s expandable, while also keeping in mind the next item:
Size and weight: This should come as no surprise: The larger the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power station will be. So-called lunchbox models — named for their shape and integrated handles — might weigh anywhere from 5 pounds on up to 20, which makes them relatively easy to tote where needed. But a big power station like the Anker Solix F2000 can tip the scales at nearly 70 pounds — not to mention any supplemental batteries you’ve added. If you’re planning on something like that to take up semi-permanent residence, it might behoove you to also purchase a smaller, lighter model that can move around. Also, look for wheels and a luggage-style telescoping handle, which makes relocating the big batteries much easier.
Battery type: More power-station makers are switching to lithium iron phosphate (aka LiFePo4) batteries, which are known to be safer for home use than their lithium-ion counterparts. They also charge faster and have much longer lifespans, by most estimates anywhere from 3 to 5 times longer. That means a better return on your investment, even if you pay a little more up front.
Total output power: Different devices and appliances consume different amounts of power. A mini-fridge, for example, might use around 45 watts, while a full-size one might need more like 500. A simple space heater: 1,500 watts. A laptop: 90 watts. A CPAP machine: 30 to 60 watts. Consider numbers like those when evaluating a power station’s total output power. A 300-watt model has a much more limited scope than one capable of 2,000 watts. (But it’s also cheaper and lighter — so, you know, trade-offs.)
Number and type of ports: What do you need to plug in? Most power stations have at least one AC outlet and multiple USB ports. You might also find things like a 12-volt car socket (which used to be called a cigarette lighter), a DC5521 port, a TT-30 outlet (sometimes known as an RV30) and possibly even a Qi charging pad for phones and other devices. Needless to say, more ports and outlets give you more flexibility. Take note, however, that some power stations do a better job than others at labeling; in a few cases it’s not clear exactly what’s what.
Display size and readability: Most of the power stations here employ an LCD status display, showing remaining battery life, input and output measurements, and so on. Readability is usually quite good indoors, but some are harder to see outside, especially under bright sun. And because they're almost always mounted on one side of the power station, you usually have to tilt the unit up or squat down to see it. That’s why I’m partial to models that have companion apps, which let you monitor everything from your phone and, in some cases, enable or disable ports, tweak settings and so on.
Printed instructions: Even I get confused by tech sometimes, and power stations can be a little intimidating — especially when it comes to things like solar panels. Unfortunately, not all companies bother to supply decent instruction manuals, even with products costing $1,000 or more.
Although some manufacturers use that terminology in their product descriptions, these are not machines that convert mechanical energy into electricity. They’re rechargeable batteries, ones that can themselves be recharged via electricity. Now, if you add solar panels to the mix, you can more accurately describe the setup as a generator, because the sun is indeed generating power. But as you’ll see in the next item, solar doesn’t always pay the rent.
Unfortunately, the promise of solar charging is different from the reality of solar charging. In my testing, the various panels rarely produced anywhere near their rated maximum watts — and that means sun-powered charging may take longer than expected. The panels included with Jackery’s Solar Generator 300 Plus, for example, promise up to 40 watts, but when I placed them under direct sun, I never saw the input number climb above 25. On a slightly hazy day, it typically ran around 16 to 17 watts. Anker’s mammoth 400-watt array, meanwhile, rarely netted above 270.
Yes, there are lots of variables that affect solar charging — and that’s the problem. Even under the most optimal conditions — clear skies all day, perfect panel positioning, unobstructed exposure throughout that day — you’d need a lot of hours to fully recharge a power station on solar alone.
We're getting there. When you add up things like furnaces, refrigerators, stoves and washing machines, to say nothing of lamps, laptops and coffee makers, a typical home consumes a lot of electricity. Even a massive power station like the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 wouldn't last long.
That said, a growing number of products aim to supply whole-home battery backup power, some going so far as to wire into electrical panels for generator-like instant switchover. (You can read about my experience with the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, a whole-home battery backup.) If and when you're looking for a more robust "off the grid" power solution — such as larger solar- or wind-powered electrical generation installations — it's a considerable expense and more of a home renovation.
If you browse Amazon and other stores, you're likely to see power stations from lesser-known brands — possibly with lower prices. Our feeling is that when you're dealing with large batteries designed to live inside your house, it's best to go with a larger, more established company that's more likely to conduct rigorous testing, provide reliable customer service.
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