Storms can be just as disruptive as hurricanes, knocking out power for days or even weeks. With polar vortex activity expected to bring more extreme weather this year, it is a good idea to start preparing early. A portable power station during such situations is a must-have. It can keep everything from your essential devices to small appliances running during an outage. You can stay connected and comfortable when the grid goes down. These power stations aren't powerful enough to entirely replace your heating system, but they can make those cold, powerless nights a lot more manageable.
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We've tested scores of power stations here at CNET, including examining how some can handle the appliance demands of our own homes, so we have an idea of the best ones you'll be able to use. Here's what a power station can do for you when the electricity is out.
These are no AA batteries. A portable power station is a large battery block, usually 20 pounds and up, that allows you to power regular appliances with a 120-volt AC outlet (the three-prong thing that runs most of your appliances). These batteries tend to pack 200 watt-hours and up of electricity -- some with 5,000 watt-hours or more. What does that mean? A 700-watt-hour power station once kept my fridge on for 14.5 hours in a simulated blackout (when it wasn't running anything else).
These batteries come in a range of sizes and power ratings. The smaller ones might be able to keep your or laptop running for days so you can still make emergency calls or texts during an outage. A larger one could potentially power your entire home for a bit. Granted, the prices and sizes of these batteries go up as they get more powerful and have more capacity.
Our testing has examined, among other factors, how much usable capacity a power station actually has, because you likely won't be able to tap all of the capacity of a battery. Here's a look at how they've held up:
Blackouts are more common in some parts of the country. Depending on your weather, you may be able to anticipate when the power goes out and better prepare. We took a look at data from the Energy Information Administration to see which states had the most power outages and the longest total time without power per year from to .
Some power stations are big enough and equipped with the right outlets to power your home (if you have the right equipment wired into your electrical panel) but most won't be able to keep the AC on during a power outage. Here are some things they can do.
Blackouts can be dangerous situations, especially if you or a family member have health issues or are sensitive to the heat. Keeping a operating is vital for safety, allowing you to get help in case of an emergency. Having a working can also allow you to keep track of your electric company's efforts in restoring power or book a hotel somewhere the power is on.
Refrigerators don't use quite as much power as you might think. An energy-efficient fridge, like one that's Energy Star-rated, will use somewhere in the ballpark of a kilowatt-hour of electricity per day. So if you have a power station with a capacity of 2,000 watt-hours (like CNET's favorite portable power station, the Jackery Explorer Plus), that could keep your fridge going for a couple of days.
In addition to saving you money on having to buy mayonnaise and milk again when the blackout is over, keeping the fridge cool can be essential if you have medications that have to be kept cold, like insulin. Plus: Cold beverages can help try to stay kind of cool during a heat wave.
Just because you probably can't run your central air off of a portable battery doesn't mean you can't keep a window unit or a portable air conditioner operating to keep some parts of your home cool. You can also run a fan, which will help a little bit when the temperature is high.
A portable power station can keep some of your larger lights on, in addition to giving you a way to keep rechargeable flashlights going longer. One way we test the usable capacity of power stations at the CNET Testing Lab, for example, is by connecting them to 110-watt work lights -- and those things are bright. A power station with just one powerful light can keep you from living in the dark during a blackout. You can also just hook a power station up to your living room lamp.
We've reviewed over 40 of the best portable power stations for camping, home back-up, life on the road, and emergency power supplies - and I've selected the 10 best units you can get right now.
For those who want plenty of battery capacity in a pretty compact form, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus stands out as the pick of the bunch. We found this unit delivered fast charging, has a fair Wh capacity, and even boasts UPS with a 10ms switchover. So, for general needs, it ticks all the boxes.
Alternatives in this round-up include the incredible Anker Solix F, which is perfect for van life or home back-up systems, the Bluetti Handsfree 2 - with its dedicated ruck-sack, it's ideal for camping - and the budget Anker 521.
Every model here has been reviewed by me and my team, where we test capacity and output, and explore core features from port selection to Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), for seamless and continuous power during unexpected outages.
EcoFlow power supplies have long been a favorite of ours, and after extensive tests, the Delta 3 Plus proved an insight into the next generation of off-the-grid power.
Specs-wise, you’re looking at Wh battery capacity, W output, and a great port selection. For charging the device itself, you have the option of using AC, solar, car, or smart generator, making it a versatile device. .
So, what was our experience using it? Well, we tested this device in the home office, garden, in a Jeep, and out on the road, and it proved to be a lot of fun. Operation was quiet, and we liked the rapid charging features and overall robust build quality. But what particularly impressed us is the UPS with a 10ms switchover, which means your core devices shouldn’t lose connection. During review, we simulated several power outages and our router, laptop, even lights stayed on for as long as the portable power station held charge.
Price is admittedly high, and accessories are limited. However, for the cost, we found this unit delivered a solid balance of power, portability, and features, and an ideal solution for most uses.
Read our full EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus review
I don’t like including models in this round-up without a full review, but I’ll make an exception for the Anker 521, which is one of the cheapest portable power stations you can get.
I’m a big fan of Anker products in general and you’ll find them across my house, from wireless charging pads and power banks to headphones and earbuds. My team and I have also tested and reviewed a host of Anker power stations, and they’ve all proved good for a range of uses and budgets.
The Anker 521 is a compact unit with an LED display and a built-in LED light, which I like especially if you’re using it for camping or during a power outage. You’ll find five ports here - a single AC socket, two USB-A and one USB-C ports, and a car outlet. The trade-off for getting a budget portable power station comes from the lower battery capacity, which sits at just 256Wh. So, you won’t be able to power most household appliances or anything like that, but it’s more than enough to keep smaller devices like your and laptop on charge.
For slightly more power capacity for the price, the Jackery Explorer 300 is an option, although it doesn’t have the longer-lasting LiFePO4 battery. If your budget stretches a little further, I recommend checking out my Bluetti AC70 review. But for a decently specced portable power station under $200 typically, the Anker 521 should prove a great option.
Almost all compact portable power stations will be suitable for camping, but I rather like the Bluetti Handsfree 2 for this role - mostly because many of them are big, boxy, unwieldy units that take up a fair amount of space. The Bluetti Handsfree 2, on the other hand, has a unique tower design that fits snugly inside its own fairly well-made backpack, with room for accessories and essentials you’ll need for camping, hiking, drone operation, photography. It’s pretty versatile (although the bag can feel pretty chunky once full).
In use, we had no issues carrying and charging a range of devices thanks to the 512Wh capacity battery with a 700W output. There are five ports here, so you get one AC socket and two USB-A and two USB-C ports. In other words, we felt it ideal for anyone who needs a relatively simple solution for charging everyday devices like phones and laptops.
It’s not the most powerful portable power station we’ve ever tested, although it’s on par with other units of this size and price. A good alternative we’ve tried is the excellent Deeno GT X (check out our Deeno GTX review). But, at least, the unit is now more readily available across the US, UK, and Australia. If you want a truly portable device and possibly the slimmest model we’ve ever laid out hands on, there’s a lot to like about this one.
Read our full Bluetti Handsfree 2 review
US company Jackery is a core player in the portable power supply game, and one of those brands you typically can’t go wrong choosing. For on-site and field work, though, I like what’s on offer with the Jackery Explorer V2, an update on the V1 unit that increases the power output and improves both port selection and overall portability.
The capacity here is Wh with a W output and W surge protection, capable of powering most household devices and appliances. In our own tests, we found it easily kept up charging three computers, a camera, drone, and lighting for the day. When we hooked up a MacBook Pro, it stayed fully charged with almost a continuous 100W power draw for six hours. We were delighted with the number of ports on offer - three AC sockets, one USB-A and two USB-C ports, and a car outlet - letting you power up a full suite of devices and appliances at once. Usefully, for those using this for work (or even at home), there’s also UPS, and when simulating an outage with a 3D printer, we experienced seamless switchover with no downtime when the power was cut.
At 10kg, it might be slightly too heavy for some, and the W output won’t power every household appliance, like irons, but in short, there wasn’t much we didn’t like about the Jackery Explorer V2 when used for off-site work.
Read our full Jackery Explorer V2 review
There’s no denying that the Anker Solix F is a big beast - but then, with a Wh battery capacity and W output, it needs to be. You can even expand power supply up to 26.9kWh with additional battery packs. We’re just thankful this 132lb monster comes on wheels for portability.
It’s been one of our favorite portable power stations for some time, and I can’t see that change anytime soon. If you need a lot of power for, say, your RV or van life, this is one of the best out there - according to Anker, the unit will capably handle running an air conditioner, or even directly charge an electric vehicle.
And after extensive testing, we can believe that. We ran a router, space heaters, and lights, charged laptops and iPads, and it handled everything we threw at it without issue. Port selection is excellent, boasting three UPS AC sockets and three standard AC sockets, a NEMA 14-50 AC port, L14-30R AC port, a DC port, three USB-C and two USB-A ports, home panel and dual solar panel ports, a car input port, and room for battery expansion.
Beyond the sheer size, weight, and cost, the only real downside here is that we couldn’t charge up another portable power station using this device (and we tried - and the unit warned us of potential damage).
Read our full Anker Solix F review
Depending on connector type, almost all the best portable power stations here will charge a drone - but for my money, the DJI Power 500 would be my pick, since it includes a SDC Lite port specifically designed to power up DJI drones.
Alongside the SDC Lite port, you’ll find two AC output sockets, two USB-C and two USB-A ports, so even if you’re not charging a drone, the unit is still a good power station for general use and back-up power supply for smaller devices. I had a lot of fun reviewing this unit, which weighs just 16lb and is nicely compact. It has a carry handle to the rear which also doubles as a stand, tilting the unit upward and letting you keep an eye on the display while controlling your drone. During testing, I had no issues charging a laptop, , and a Nintendo Switch, and the device stayed quiet throughout operation.
With its 512Wh capacity, it’s not an ultra-powerful unit, and it’s not the best if you’re not a drone operator, as you’re losing an extra port to make space for the SDC Lite connection. However, for anyone looking for neat on-the-go and off-the-grid power for a range of devices, I recommend giving it a try.
Read our full DJI Power 500 review
Considering its size, the Bluetti AC240P delivers a good output of W, which can go up to W with the Power Lifting Mode. Battery capacity is a fair Wh, and there are plenty of ports here for general use, including the option of adding solar panels.
But what really caught my eye with this unit is the fact that it has an IP65 rating, which keeps it protected against dust and water ingress. Ok, it's not a fully rugged device, and it's water-resistant rather than waterproof (in other words, you can't fully submerge this - not that you'd want to). And while I would've liked to see it have a higher durability rating, for those who need to use this outdoors in inclement weather, this is perfect.
We tested this unit with a host of backyard tools, like a mower, trimmer, and leaf blower, and it never struggled once. It's also pretty quiet during use, which will be welcomed by those using it in the yard.
Overall, we found it a robust and durable power station that's very easy to use, and suitable for most users with general needs. The water resistance is really just the icing on the cake.
Read our full Bluetti AC240P review
If you're looking for an all-rounder when it comes to power supply, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is one of those that ticks all the right boxes. During testing, we found this one well-suited to powering devices and small appliances at home, camping, working on job sites, and road trips.
In our review, we called this "a tremendous all-around Swiss army-knife power station that is great at many things." It boasts a battery capacity of Wh coupled with a W output, and it's absolutely packed with all the ports you'll need to keep your devices charged. It's one of the features that really stood out, as it happens, and would be suitable for those looking for an emergency power back-up device, capable of powering smaller household appliances, a router, a server, phones, computers, and even medical or security equipment.
Link to Inventronics
Admittedly, it's pretty heavy, and some form of waterproofing or general ruggedness would've been a huge benefit - but considering what's on offer here, I wouldn't necessarily consider that a deal-breaker.
Read our full Bluetti Elite 200 V2 review
The Jackery Explorer V2 with its SolarSaga panels - a bundle known as the Jackery Solar Generator V2 - isn't the only portable power station that supports solar charging. However, we found this one is a great place to start for anyone who wants to harness the power of Earth's yellow sun.
Well-placed for job sites and home use, as well as those who need a unit for emergency or off-peak charging, we were particular fans of the built-in handle, which made it very easy to transport.
We tested this out on a variety of home appliances, including an air fryer and iron. At no point did the power station struggle to deliver what it promised. In operation, it's near-silent, and we especially like the fact that the solar panels include a sun angle indicator to make sure it gets as much light as possible
With the solar panels, we were disappointed to see they use a proprietary cable, but otherwise, we had no complaints. Jackery claims they hit 200W output, but during prolonged testing, we got around 185W - which is about standard, since solar panels rarely reach their full, stated potential. But besides that and an app that's not especially fast, we liked the high output and high storage here.
Read our full Jackery Solar Generator V2 review
The EcoFlow River 3 is a genuinely portable power station, tipping the scales at 7.8 lb and measuring 10 x 8.3 x 4.4 in.
In other words, this compact unit is perfect for camping, road trips, or emergency back-up if you know power's coming back shortly. We wanted to see just how portable the power station was, so we slipped it on the back tray of a Jeep Cherokee, a standard backpack, a storage cabinet, in a carrier on a four-wheeler, and even in a portable tech cart. And yes, it fitted in nicely, giving this one some real versatility.
Given the size, you can't expect it to have a massive battery capacity - it hits 245Wh - but we tested it out and found it could recharge a dead MacBook Pro three times before needing a recharge, while powering a separate monitor at the same time.
Beyond the small-form design, we were also fans of the fast charging capabilities and UPS support. So, overall, ideal for travel or home use, especially where space is at a premium.
Read our full EcoFlow River 3 review
We've reviewed more than 30 units, and while not all of them can make our round-up, these are some of the best portable power stations if our featured round-up of top-rated devices don't tick all the right boxes.
The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is an outstanding portable power station that boasts a Wh battery capacity in a delightfully small form factor. That it's even on wheels makes this model particularly good for true portability, despite its weight. After testing, we came away feeling this is a great pick for home back-up and use in your RV - especially with the ports available here, which can easily power household appliances. It's notably expensive, but there's plenty on offer to justify the price if you need a relatively compact power station that will ably support most electricals when you need off-grid power. Bonus points for seamless smart home integration, too.
Read our full EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 review
The Anker Solix C is compact, portable, reasonably priced, but still full of power - and really shines as a back-up power station for home offices, where our reviewer found it capably powered a host of laptops, monitors, light strips, and more. The device certainly got a workout during our testing, where we also used it to run a pressure washer, charge large-capacity batteries, and living room lamps during a power outage. As expected from an Anker unit, we had no issues here. The only downside, really, was the price - but since our review, we're seeing it a lot cheaper now.
Read our full Anker Solix C review
Anker's PowerHouse 767 Portable Power Station is an impressive power station, to say the least. It thrives in the outdoors, though, in our mind. Yes, it could be used just around the house, but with the built-in wheels, RV outlet, and built-in light bar, this feels like a portable power station designed to be taken on fun adventures and put to the test. noticed that everything worked as promoted while reviewing the Anker PowerHouse 767 Portable Power Station. We could dial in every aspect of how this power station operated, including details like how quickly (balanced with how loudly) the unit recharged, we could trigger a light SOS mode in an emergency, toggle power save mode, and more. The PowerHouse 767 is Anker's (Anker Solix) flagship portable power station, and it shows. It has a wide range of ports, great capacity, easy maneuverability, and a built-in light bar. What more could you ask for?
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station is impressive. Not only is it a demanding power station due to its stature, but also because of just how well it works. It has the ability to charge nearly all appliances in a home in case of a power outage, it can run solely from W Max solar power input if desired, it can be expanded up to 6kWh with additional batteries, and it even has an attachment to be a plug and play solution to take over as smart-controlled redundant backup in case of a power outage at your house. During our time testing the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max, it performed wonderfully without any issues. We could easily connect to the smart features and perform some firmware updates, and we were up and running in no time. Even while this thing is running a heavy load, it's still whisper quiet compared to what we would expect, especially compared to an equivalent gas generator. The solar panels are easy to unfold and set up if you harness the sun's power for your electricity. Beyond that, we were also shocked by how fast the battery fully charged.
Earning an Editor's Choice badge after review, the Deeno GT X is a great all-rounder for portable power supply with wireless charging and a good port selection for most standard use-cases. Better still, for those who want a well-built unit for camping or field work, this one also boasts a built-in LED light. And a camping trip is exactly how we tested this device, where we found it easily powered several lights, charged a , smartwatch, and flashlights. In the home, we also tested out how well it could handle running carpet cleaners and shop vacs, charge up drills, and space heaters. It handled all this very well. However, we did note that the unit was slow to charge up using an oversized power brick, not especially quiet in operation, and we would've really liked to see some sort of grip on the wireless charging pad. Greater availability would've likely seen this model make the list.
Read our full Deeno GT X review
I'd characterize the Bluetti AC70 as a solid all-round device for the home - and that's where I spent most of my time when reviewing this model. I found it easily charged a range of smaller devices, including a laptop, , and the Nintendo Switch - and had no problems here at all. But note, it simply doesn't have the output to handle larger devices or household appliances. Design-wise, it's pleasant enough, small and boxy with curves edges and a decent amount of weight. I also liked the clarity of the LED display that kept me up to date on the status of the unit and connected devices. Port selection is fair, too, but won't be ideal for those looking to hook up a multitude of devices.
Read our full Bluetti AC70 review
If you're a big-time drone operator, then DJI's Power is going to be the one to opt for over the lower capacity Power 500 and Power units. As with previous models from the company, this power station features a port specifically for charging DJI drones, but it does a lot more than that, too. We tested this across a range of high-draw household devices, as well as using it as part of a home office set-up. It all worked perfectly - and pretty much completely silent in use, too. Specs-wise, it's well-equipped for power back-up, with a W continuous power output, and also includes a Uninterruptable Power Supply features, which is essential for units of this size. There are improvements we'd make here and there, including a not particularly good app and AC port placement to the front. But for operators of drones, it's ideal.
Read our full DJI Power review
The FossiBot F promises a simple power station that has all the core features you need and none you don't - and that largely held up during review. Port selection is great, including three AC outlets and an RV outlet for those living the van life, while the built-in flashlight and W output also impressed us. But what we especially enjoyed was the inclusion of a discreet cable compartment atop the unit, letting us storage all the important leads we need within the device itself. Overall, we enjoyed our time with this device, and experienced no issues when it came to charging up a range of devices. On the other hand, we were disappointed by the lack of battery expansion capabilities, the screen can be difficult to see, and navigating to find the right buttons for the job is also tricky. Otherwise, there's a lot to like about this device.
Read our full FossiBot F review
It might be small, but the Jackery Explorer 300 offers a surprisingly impressive battery capacity inside its tough plastic shell. In our own tests, we found this one relatively lightweight, highly portable, and very easy to use. In many ways, it's the ideal portable power station for basic use - not too heavy, not overly complicated. Just throw it on the back-seat for keeping devices alive when you're working on the road (or just embarking on your next road trip). We especially liked the ability to charge through the USB socket, which we don't often see and proved to be very practical. If you're familiar with portable power stations, this is effectively a Jackery Explorer that's been shrunk by about two-thirds. It includes a 300W pure-sine inverter and a 293Wh lithium-ion NMC battery, which will be enough for smaller devices like laptops and phones. However, you'll struggle with anything that demands more power. And we were disappointed not to see a built-in flashlight, which would've made this near-perfect for its size. Still, the Jackery Explorer 300 is great at what it does, boasting a high battery capacity in a portable chassis with an excellent build quality.
Read our full Jackery Explorer 300 review
Yes, but it depends on how often you use it and how many devices you're charging. There are a lot of models on the market, and the best portable power stations can handle everything from charging mobile devices and laptops to powering appliances and even EVs. If your needs are simple, you can pick up a good portable power station for around $150-200.
Generally speaking, a portable power station is charged and outputs electricity. Generators tend to refer to units that use fuel like gasoline to generate energy and power.
Both can be used for back-up purposes, and both have different pros and cons.
Power stations are quieter, cleaner and more eco-friendly, and . However, their battery capacity can be low, and if it runs out of charge during a power-cut, you'd best hope it has built-in solar panels to re-charge.
Power generators are ideal for running heavy appliances, as they have a higher capacity, and isn't reliant on electricity, making it perfect for a back-up solution.
It depends on how often you use your power station and the type of battery inside. Like any battery, for example one in a or laptop, this will wear down over time until the power station no longer holds charge. General estimates put the lifespan of a portable power station at around ten years. Expect it to last approximately five years minimum with standard use.
So long as your portable power station has the right ports and enough capacity, it can run a massive range of devices, including phones, laptops, and desktops. Higher capacity units will also let you power appliances and charge electric vehicles.
Check which ports your preferred model has, including USB Type-A and Type-C, AC and mains sockets.
It all depends on the power station and the device or devices you're charging. As a general rule of thumb, to figure out how long your portable power station can run, divide battery capacity (Wh) by power drawn by the device (W).
UPS stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply, and it’s a really important feature if you’re powering devices like routers and household appliances like fridges, or working on-site and need reliability. If you experience a power outage, the portable power station will automatically and seamlessly continue charge your devices without dropping the supply.
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When selecting a portable power station, it's essential to identify your primary needs and priorities for owning one. Most portable power stations have main common features (such as a battery and ports to pull power from that battery). However, port options, battery sizes, UPS ability, and recharging ability are some features that could vary from product to product.
For example, suppose you need a portable power station at the office to back up a vital computer or other technology. In that case, you will need a different portable power station than if you plan on running a campsite or your kitchen fridge in a power outage. In the office, a main focus point would be the UPS ability so that the battery backup would kick in if there is a power outage, yet you can safely keep it plugged in at all times so that when it can, the power station with UPS can pull from the outlet's power. For camping, having that UPS feature may not be nearly as vital, but what would be more important is a balance of size and capacity while also featuring all the ports you need, the proper output, and perhaps even multiple ways to recharge the battery. Maybe you'll need several USB-C outlets to charge camera gear, perhaps you'll need a high-output AC outlet to plug in an air mattress for inflation, and maybe you'll want the ability to recharge via solar or DC power from your truck so you can be completely off the grid.
It's important to consider whether weight is a factor in your situation. Will you need to move it to a campsite or will it stay put once it's set up? Will you keep it in your vehicle for emergencies or use it in remote locations? Your answer to these questions will determine whether weight is a deciding factor in your choice. Some power stations come with handles or wheels, while others are designed to be portable but will mostly be used in one spot. Whatever your scenario, make sure to choose the power station that fits your needs.
If you aren't quite sure which one to get, guides like this can help. We've done the hard work of testing these power stations, and our expert team of reviewers is here to help you decide which portable power station you may want to buy for whatever adventures lie ahead.
Our team of expert reviewers have hand-tested a range of outdoor-ready equipment, including the best rugged smartphones, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged tablets for working out in the field. We've even tested out the best rugged hard drives. So, we know what to look for when it comes to technology for rural locations and hostile environments.
We test the best portable power stations on volume, weight, battery chemistry, and additional feature sets. Before writing any review, we try to fully understand the unit to describe each device's pros and cons best and accurately compare them. Part of this process is through benchmark tests, part is through daily use, and part is through simulated or real scenarios.
As the main function of these devices is to be batteries, we test charge and discharge cycles on every unit. First and foremost, this is the most important feature of the portable power stations we test. If they cannot meet our standard here or do not come near what the other portable power stations in this guide are capable of, we will most likely not include them.
Next, we push the power stations to their limits and beyond. We intentionally exceed the maximum power allowed on each generator, then observe and note the recovery from the over-power protection. This helps us promote safe power stations for you and your family.
To ensure reliability, these tests are designed to learn the features, the downfalls, and the limits of the power stations tested by our subject matter experts.
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