Having some power at your fingertips can make getting through a blackout or spending time in the woods easier. A portable power station can be a good choice because they are easy to use and carry around with you. These devices can work for a variety of small items from cell phones to mini coolers.
The best portable power station is able to handle the item that you want to supply power to. You can have to consider what you need power for and then explore the specifications to ensure that the power station that you choose is up to the task.
In A Hurry? Our Top 5 Picks Compared
Last update on 2022-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 5 Best Portable Power Station Options
1. Jackery Portable Power Station
The Jackery Power Station uses a durable lithium battery so that you can charge it quickly and get more time out of every charge. When you get the battery to a full charge, you can charge your cell phone up to 18 times before you will need to recharge the battery on this power station.
Take advantage of the fact that you can get a solar panel kit to take with you. Use this to charge your device any place where you can get access to direct sunlight. This can help to ensure that you get a full battery charge when you do not have access to a wall outlet or a vehicle.
You can use this station for multiple items from medium-sized televisions to cell phones. When it is operating, it does not vibrate or produce any noise so that it is not disruptive.
This unit has USB ports and other outlet types, allowing you to plug in several things at a time to charge. Use the built-in handle to make it easy to pick up the unit and carry it.
- Volts: 110 volts
- Charging options: Solar, car or wall outlet
- Battery type: Lithium
- Size: Five by eight inches
- Recharging time: Eight to 10 hours
What We Liked
- It is very lightweight
- The power will not harm electronics
- You can charge it in several ways
What We Didn’t Like
- Over time, it may lose its charge faster
Our Overall Impression
This power station is free from noise and easy to carry. You can use it to provide power to numerous small items. It is a good choice as an emergency power device and for activities like camping.
2. ROCKPALS
The ROCKPALS Power Station provides reliable power as an emergency backup source or for recreational activities. There are two USB ports so that you can plug in your mobile devices fast and easy. It also has a DC port and AC outlets for other small items that you want to bring some power to.
This station can charge your cell phone up to 25 times before you have to worry about charging the main battery on the unit. When it is time to give this more power, use your vehicle, a wall outlet or portable solar panels, giving you a variety of choices.
You will get all of the cables and adapters that you need to plug in all of your items. The user’s manual is simple and provides all of the pertinent information in language that is easy to understand so that you can use the unit as soon as you get it.
Since this device does not use gas, there are no fumes or ventilation requirements to worry about. It has a cooling fan that keeps the unit cool without causing an excess noise. Thanks to the sine wave inverter, your electronics are protected when you plug them in.
- Volts: 110 volts
- Charging options: Solar, car or wall outlet
- Battery type: Lithium
- Size: 10.5 by 5.3 by 8.5 inches
- Recharging time: Six to seven hours
What We Liked
- It has several outlets
- You can use it for a mini fridge
- The device charges in less than eight hours
What We Didn’t Like
- The plastic had an odd smell that took a while to fade
Our Overall Impression
You can charge several small electronics multiple times before you need to worry about recharging this device. It has several ports, charges fast and the battery is durable so that it will last a long time.
3. PAXCESS
The PAXCESS Power Station has six different outlets so that you can bring power to multiple devices at the same time. For example, you can operate a small fan and charge your smartphone simultaneously to save time. Use this unit for some power in recreational environments or for a source of emergency power at home.
When it is operating, there is no vibration or noise, so there is never any disruption to the people who are around it. It also does not have emissions or fumes since you will not be using any gasoline or other fuel to power the station.
This device has a handle and weighs under six pounds. Because of this, you can easily carry it with you so that you have a source of backup power no matter where you are. You can charge the unit’s main battery in about six hours in a vehicle, ensuring that you can quickly start using this power station.
The station has a battery management system that ensures that you are getting the most efficiency possible from the battery. Other safety features include voltage control, short circuit protection and temperature control to ensure that your power station and plugged in electronics are safe during use.
- Volts: 110 volts
- Charging options: Solar, car and wall outlet
- Battery type: Lithium
- Size: 10.6 by 7.1 by 6.5 inches
- Recharging time: Five to 10 hours
What We Liked
- This unit works for many small electronics
- Using a wall outlet or car, it charges fast
- The battery is very durable
What We Didn’t Like
- It can take a long time to charge using solar panels
Our Overall Impression
It uses pure sine waves to ensure effective charging while keeping your items safe from power surges and instability. You can use this for multiple items, including CPAP machines so that your equipment is available on-the-go.
4. Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is an eco-friendly device. Its battery stores up to 500 watt-hours of energy. This unit is highly efficient, and the battery life is long. It operates silently to ensure no disruption of the people around you.
Due to its design, you can carry it with you wherever you go. It is a small device that weighs under seven pounds. Use the handle built into the top of the unit it to grab it and go.
You do not use gas to power it, so there is no risk of carbon monoxide or other potentially harmful fumes. Just use one of the three recharging options to ensure the battery is full and it will be ready to use. On a full battery, you can run and charge multiple devices. For example, get 17 charges for your mobile phone or about 3.4 hours of power for a mini refrigerator.
This unit has one AC port, two USB ports and one 12-volt vehicle port. This makes it easy to connect your items and ensure that it is easy to charge. You get the car adapter and AC chargers with it so that you can ensure compatibility.
- Volts: 110 volts
- Charging options: Car, wall outlet and solar
- Battery type: Lithium
- Size: 11.84 by 7.59 by 9.20 inches
- Recharging time: Eight to 10 hours
What We Liked
- This unit provides long-lasting power
- You can carry it easily
- The adapters are easy to use
What We Didn’t Like
- The buttons may dysfunction prematurely
Our Overall Impression
Use this power station on-the-go or for emergency power at home. It is an ideal choice for small items, such as cell phones, mini refrigerators or a medium television. Since it provides clean power, all of your items are protected when you connect them to this device.
5. FLASHFISH Power Station
The FLASHFISH Power Station is a viable choice for home and recreational use. It has a flashlight built into it on the side, so you can get light when you need it to see what you are plugging in. this unit’s flashlight has three modes to choose from.
There is an LCD screen that is easy to read and see. It provides important information about voltage and currents, temperature, battery, modes and status and a warning indicator. You can use this information to ensure that your device is working as it should, and to determine if there are any issues that you need to correct.
There are six different ports and outlets that allow you to plug in a wide array of items. This makes it possible to bring power to items, such as lighting and mobile devices.
It functions very quietly so that you do not disturb people when you are using it in a recreational environment, such as for tailgating or camping. You will not use any gasoline to operate this device, so there is never any need to ensure ventilation or protect yourself against fumes and emissions when it is operating.
- Volts: 110 volts
- Charging options: Solar, car and wall outlet
- Battery type: Lithium
- Size: 9.76 by 3.38 by 5.94 inches
- Recharging time: Eight to nine hours
What We Liked
- There are multiple outlets
- It has an LCD screen
- This unit has a flashlight
What We Didn’t Like
- It can take a little time to learn all of the features
Our Overall Impression
You can recharge this unit in multiple ways. It has a built-in handle, making it easy for you to carry it with you. Since it only weighs about seven pounds, it is ideal for hiking and camping.
Best Portable Power Station Buying Guide
A portable power station makes it easy to have some power on the go. Before you start shopping, it is a good idea to know the details about these devices. This information will help to ensure that you pick the best portable power station for your needs.
- Why Should You Consider a Portable Power Station?
- How Many People Will Use the Power Station?
- How Will You Power Your Power Station?
- What is the Ideal Charge Capacity of a Portable Power Station?
- Is the Portable Power Station Durable Enough?
- What is the Ideal Size for a Portable Power Station?
- Is a Portable Power Station Comparable to a Generator?
- How Long Does It Take to Charge a Power Station?
- Are Solar Panels Ideal for a Portable Power Station?
- How Do You Determine Power Output for a Power Station?
- Where Will You Use a Portable Power Station?
- Is the Portable Power Station Compatible?
- How Much Power Can a Portable Power Station Provide?
Why Should You Consider a Portable Power Station?
These devices can help you to keep a radio and cell phone charged during emergency situations so that you can get help if you need it. They are also a good choice for those who camp or hike often because it lets you recharge your mobile devices out in nature.
How Many People Will Use the Power Station?
If you are going to be sharing the device, it is important that it can accommodate the power needs of all people who will use it. For example, if two people will use it, there should be at least two outlets so that you can both power your items simultaneously.
How Will You Power Your Station?
There are several options for portable power stations regarding how you will charge the battery. Common options include solar, wind, gasoline and rechargeable electric.
What is the Ideal Charge Capacity of the Best Portable Power Station?
How many charges can your station provide before you need to recharge its battery? This is the charging capacity. If you will be gone for several days on a camping trip, you want to ensure that the unit can provide as many charges as you need for the electronic items that you are bringing along.
Is the Portable Power Station Durable Enough?
You will likely be taking this type of device camping or in a similar environment. This means that there is a risk of dropping it or it getting knocked around when you are going from place to place. Because of this, you must ensure durability.
Most of these devices have a hard-plastic shell that is relatively strong. If you plan to use your station for hiking or camping, you should consider those that are designed for harsher environments.
What is the Ideal Size for these Devices?
The best size depends on what you need to power. You can get away with a relatively small unit if you are only using it for things like a cell phone or a tablet. However, if you are going to power a television or mini cooler, consider one with a larger charging capacity.
Is a Power Station Comparable to a Generator?
If you only need to power a few small items and you need portability, these devices are a solid choice. However, for something like supplying power to your RV when you travel or a full room or more in your home during a blackout, you will need to get a generator.
How Long Does It Take to Charge the Best Portable Power Station?
This is a major consideration because you do not want to wait several days to get a full charge for your power station. On average, you can fully recharge a power station in approximately eight hours. However, some will charge faster or slower. You can find the average charging time in the unit’s specifications.
Are Solar Panels Ideal for these Devices?
Some of these devices can be recharged using solar power. This can be convenient when you are going to be off the grid for a while, but you need to maintain a charge for a few key items.
Keep in mind that when you are using solar panels, you need to be able to get a direct view of the sun with little to no obstructions. This could be difficult in a heavily wooded area, for example.
As long as you can access the sun without issue, you can increase the run-time of your power station. For a larger item, you could get an extra hour or two, but for smaller items, it could significantly extend their operating time.
How Do You Determine Power Output for a Portable Power Station?
Charge capacity is a major deciding factor when you are exploring power stations. The unit should be able to charge your items fully without needing to be recharged itself during the process. You will need to look at the milliamp hours (mAh) to get this information.
Where Will You Use this Power Station?
Is your power station going to be used as an emergency backup, or will you be using it more frequently? You need to determine where and how often you plan to use it to choose the right one. A power station you are using more frequently or in a place where you will not be able to recharge the battery should have a long battery life so that you get the power you need without the battery draining midway through.
Is the Portable Power Station Compatible?
Before you start shopping for one of these devices, make a note of the items that you want to connect to them. You want to ensure that they item is compatible with the power station that you choose. For example, if you need to power your laptop and cell phone, ensure that they are compatible and that there is sufficient power to run both of these simultaneously.
How Much Power Can the Best Portable Power Station Provide?
These devices are relatively small and meant to provide a little power when you need it. Depending on the size of the station, you can power up to a small cooler or medium-sized television. In most cases, these are ideal for things like tablets, cell phones and cameras.
Some of them allow you to charge or power more than one item at a time. You have to ensure that you do not exceed the capacity with the items that you plug into them. For example, if you were to try and power something too big, this could result in damage to the station.
