Portable power stations are handy to have in emergencies, but they are also useful when camping, traveling, or for use with an RV or when outdoors. Many of these units can recharge with a solar panel when in a sunny area, but they can also recharge from an AC outlet.
Different portable power stations come with varying capacities and outlet combinations, so finding the unit with the best blend of power storage and outlet type for your needs is vital, there is also one vital component when finding the right power station/supply, which is the certification, you can learn more about that here in Bravo Electro. We’ll also take a look at differently shaped units and the best portable power stations for different uses.
1. Best Budget Option: OMORC Mpow Portable Power Station
The Omorc Mpow portable power station uses a lithium battery to store power and provides two AC outlets, which makes it one of the best portable power stations at a budget price. This portable power station offers enough power to charge a smartphone up to 20 times, or a laptop 4-5 times. LED lights can run for 40+ hours off of a fully charged station.
This device can also serve as a backup source of power for devices like CPAP machines, different kinds of lighting, and other appliances that don’t require much energy. The Omorc portable power station is rechargeable using a solar panel and features a small digital display that tells you the level of power it contains.
The machine has two AC outlets on the front, and two USB ports on the back along with three DC ports and an AC and 12V outlet for recharging. There’s also a cooling fan on the side, and the plastic housing is black and blue and includes a fold-away handle.
Pros:
- Relatively compact and easy to fit in smaller spaces
- Several different outlet types
- Recharges using a standard outlet or a solar panel
- Handle folds away for secure storage
Cons:
- Plastic housing
- Plugs are close together and on two sides
- Limited information on the display
2. Smartest Controls: Enginstar Portable Power Station
The Enginstar portable power station features black and orange housing that makes it easy to see, and several different kinds of outlets to power all manner of devices. There are two AC outlets, a 12V outlet, two USB ports, multiple DC plugs, and a USB-C outlet, which makes it one of the best portable power stations for people with many devices.
The digital display shows AC, DC, and USB power levels, and there are two buttons for switching the power and turning the unit on and off. This device also has a built-in handle and is rather compact, which makes it easy to bring when traveling. This power station can serve as a source of back up power for items such as a drone, laptop, or lights and is rugged enough to be used outside.
This device can charge a laptop at least five times, or run a single 5W LED bulb for over 50 hours. It has a total capacity of 298 watt-hours and measures 9 x 5.5 x 7.5 inches. The package also includes an AC power adapter, user manual, and this device comes with a 24-month warranty.
Pros:
- More detailed information on the display
- Black and orange for excellent visibility
- Outlets are all on one side
- Higher capacity than other models
- Rechargeable using solar panels
Cons:
- Handle does not fold away
- Portions of the user’s manual include poor translations
3. Most Compact: Zeepin Portable Power Station
The Zeepin portable power station is a more compact option for those who travel frequently or want to use this device as a flashlight at times. This power station has an LED flashlight on one end, and an AC outlet on the other so you can recharge it using a solar panel or a conventional power outlet.
The Zeepin portable power station is one of the best portable power stations at this size because it contains some unique features and novel shapes. This device has a Built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that makes it safer to use, charge, and bring traveling. This device is also very quiet, which makes it ideal for camping and RV use, and is also emissions-free.
Pros:
- Ultra-compact size
- Includes a flashlight on one end
- 24-month warranty
- Extra safety protections
Cons:
- No digital display
- Limited outlets
- Cannot support devices over 100W
4. Luxury Pick: WEN 56200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
WEN is known for its high-quality tools, and its 56200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is both powerful and fully featured. This device uses a motor instead of a battery like most of the devices on our list, but this is one of the best portable power stations for heavy-duty use with higher power needs.
This device uses gasoline and oil mixed as it’s fuel, and a four-stroke OHV engine provides power while creating noise that is under 51 decibels. This device can also connect to another WEN generator or power station using the parallel connection cable to develop hours of consistent and clean power.
This device has a carrying handle, one 5V USB port, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 120V outlets. You can also set this device on Eco Mode, which helps extend the fuel and create longer-lasting power. This WEN power generator also has a low-oil shutdown feature for safety, and overload protection to protect the devices you connect to it.
Pros:
- 2000 watts of power
- Free from voltage fluctuations
- The noise created is under 51 decibels
- Holds one gallon of fuel
- Run time of 6 hours when half loaded
Cons:
- Large and weighs 48 pounds without fuel
- Noisier than battery-powered devices
- Requires fuel (oil and gas mix) to operate
5. Best Outdoor Option: Jackery Portable Power Station
The Jackery portable power station has a maximum capacity of 240Wh and uses a lithium-ion battery for storing power. This device includes several receptacles, including one AC output, a DC plug, DC 12V carport, and two USB ports. This power station weighs just 6.6 pounds, which makes it ideal for camping, hiking, and outdoor use, and it measures 9 x 5.24 x 7.87 inches.
The Jackery offers the best portable power station and it has a small display on the front that shows the total watts of input and output to the device and also provides a visual to show how full the fuel cell is at that time. The LCD also shows battery life status and provides accurate power readings, so you know when it needs charging or how many devices you can power.
This power station cannot support devices over 200W, which means it won’t be able to power certain small appliances like hairdryers, electric kettles, induction cookers, or microwaves. This device also has a Battery Management System (BMS) that protects your devices and this unit from short circuits, voltage fluctuations, and unsafe temperatures.
Pros:
- Multiple outlet types
- Built-in carrying handle and rugging housing
- Can recharge using a solar panel
- AC outlet can power devices up to 200W
Cons:
- It takes 7-8 hours to recharge fully
- Limited ports for its size
- The display shows limited information
6. Best Value: Vitcoco Portable Power Station
The Vitcoco portable power station is our best value pick as it’s one of the best portable power stations when you need an essential device at a reasonable price but don’t want to sacrifice features. This device has the same Battery Management System (BMS) that other pricier machines have, but it offers several ports in a discreet housing as well.
Unlike other units, this portable power station offers three USB ports and one USB-C port, so it is compatible with a range of smartphones and other sophisticated electronics. This power station uses a lithium-ion battery to store power, and the LCD is small but conveys vital information about the power input and output along with the overall power level available.
Pros:
- Includes a flashlight and several types of receptacles
- Small LCD for power monitoring
- A capacity of 167Wh, 45,000mAh
- Lightweight and durable
Cons:
- Small display with limited information
- Lackluster exterior that’s all black
7. Best Basic Pick: Nexpow Portable Power Station
The Nexpow portable power station can recharge from a variety of power sources such as a wall socket in just 4-5 hours. This device can also recharge from a car or generator in about the same amount of time but needs 8-10 hours to recharge when collecting power from a solar panel.
This portable power station offers two USB ports, one USB-C port, and a conventional AC and DC outlet. There is also a single LED light, and the package includes an AC adapter for charging, a cigarette lighter adapter, DC car charging cable, a USB-C cable, and a user manual.
This device also features the Battery Management System (BMS) for added protection from extreme temperatures, voltage fluctuations, and short-circuiting, so you and your devices are safe. This power station can charge an iPhone about fourteen times, a laptop at least twice, and a drone at least twice, each on a single charge.
Pros:
- Compact size and very portable shape
- Built-in carrying handle and flashlight
- CE, FCC, and ROHS certified
- 24-month warranty
Cons:
- Tiny display with limited information
- Maximum wattage of 120W
