Best Portable Power Stations
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best portable power station in 2024 is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. Though it’s large, the Yeti 1500X is reliably built, pairs well with solar panels, and has a high wattage output.
- The Fanttik EVO 300 is an excellent light-duty power station, offering a compact design, an easy-to-read display, and several outputs for its size.
- Those who want a quick charge should consider the EF Ecoflow Delta 2, which delivers up to 1,800 watts and can be fully charged in under two hours.
A high-quality portable power station can be an incredibly useful tool for the at-home mechanic or camping enthusiast. In this review, we explain the pros and cons of some of the best power stations, as well as tips for picking the perfect power station for your next road trip or camping excursion. To truly put the top power stations of 2024 to the test, our team ordered and used each product listed in this buying guide over an extended period of time.
Portable Power Station Reviews
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each portable power station based on each item’s utility, durability, ease of use, and display. The scores in each category are compiled into a cumulative rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars and is used to rank the best products.
What Are the Best Portable Power Stations?
Based on these criteria, the best portable power stations are the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X, Fanttik EVO 300, EF Ecoflow Delta 2, Jackery Explorer 240, Bluetti EB70S, and Cobra 200W.
Brand/Model | Overall Rating | Award | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X |
4.8 |
Best Portable Power Station |
$2,000 |
Fanttik EVO 300 |
4.6 |
Best 300W Portable Power Station |
$240 |
EF Ecoflow Delta 2 |
4.6 |
Fastest-Charging Portable Power Station |
$1,000 |
Jackery Explorer 240 |
4.0 |
Best Budget Portable Power Station |
$220 |
Bluetti EB70S |
4.0 |
Best High-Wattage Power Station Under $500 |
$450 |
Cobra 200W |
4.0 |
Most Compact |
$220 |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
Portable Power Stations: Our Testing Process
The portable power stations in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon for top products, looking at factors such as power output, charging options, customer ratings, and prices.
Our product testing team then ordered the portable power stations that best met these standards. A team member tested each product by charging it fully and then using it to power devices such as a phone, laptop, and shop vac (when appropriate). Learn more about how we tested portable power stations here.
1. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X: Best Portable Power Station
2. Fanttik EVO 300: Best 300W Portable Power Station
3. EF Ecoflow Delta 2: Fastest-Charging Portable Power Station
4. Jackery Explorer 240: Best Budget Portable Power Station
5. Bluetti EB70S: Best High-Wattage Power Station Under $500
6. Cobra 200W Portable Power Station: Most Compact
Portable Power Station Buyers Guide
In addition to cost, maximum wattage and weight are important factors to consider when choosing a portable power station. Typically the more wattage, the heavier the battery. Consider what you will need to power and how far you plan to carry your portable power station when making a selection.
Compare Portable Power Stations
Brand/Model | Maximum Wattage | Weight |
---|---|---|
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X |
1,500 W |
45.6 pounds |
Fanttik EVO 300 |
300 W |
8.8 lbs. |
EF Ecoflow Delta 2 |
1,800 W |
27.0 lbs. |
Jackery Explorer 240 |
240 W |
6.6 lbs. |
Bluetti EB70S |
800 W |
21.4 lbs. |
Cobra 200W |
200 W |
10.0 lbs. |
Portable power stations are a great tool for the camping enthusiast or home mechanic. They can help turn your car or RV into a living space or workstation depending on the appliances you need to run. Here are the relevant features to consider when comparing portable power stations:
Capacity
Capacity refers to the wattage a power station can deliver. The higher the wattage, the more (and more powerful) electronics you’ll be able to power.
First, determine exactly what you want to power. If you need to power several high-energy appliances (like a refrigerator or power tools), you’ll need a high-capacity power station that can deliver over 1,000 W.
It’s important to distinguish between output watts and peak power. Peak power is the maximum amount of power a device can achieve for a brief period of time, while output watts refers to the amount of output power it can continuously maintain. Consider output watts when comparing portable power stations.
Watt Hours Vs. Wattage
One aspect customers should be aware of is the approximate watt hours (Wh) of a device. Watt hours impact the runtime of a device in relation to whatever it is powering, whereas wattage refers to the amount of power it can safely produce.
A portable power station rated at 500 Wh would be able to power a 500-W device for one hour. Similarly, a 500-Wh power station could run a 100-W device, like a mini fridge, for approximately five hours.
Charging Options
Next, determine how you plan to charge your portable power station. Most can be charged at home via a 120-V wall outlet. Some can solar charge or plug into a 12-V DC car outlet.
If you only need your portable power station for day trips, one that only charges via a 120-V wall outlet may suit you well. However, if you’re on a camping trip or away from outlets for several days, you may want a device that charges from your car or solar panels.
Output
Power stations can send out power through AC outlets, USB ports, and sometimes other, less common charging ports. The type and number of these outlets differ from device to device. If you want to charge several devices at once, select a power station that has both USB-A and USB-C ports (and of the right variety for your devices).
Sine Waves
Power supplies use sine-wave inverters to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). That is because many electronic devices and appliances run on AC power. There are two types of sine-wave inverters:
- Pure sine-wave converters: Consistent current mimics the type of AC power from a wall outlet
- Modified sine-wave converters: Produces choppier, inconsistent current and is typically found in cheaper power stations
The benefit of using a pure sine-wave converter is that it can charge more powerful devices like vacuums or power tools. The choppier current from modified sine-wave converters can result in poor performance or damage to some electronics. If you plan on doing more than charging devices, make sure your top picks have a pure sine-wave converter built into the unit.
Solar Charging
Many portable generators now come with a solar power station to assist with charging off-grid. While this can improve functionality and is better for the environment versus gas-powered generators, using the sun to power your devices is typically not a quick process.
Some portable battery packs only need a few hours with a wall outlet to reach a full charge. By contrast, it may take upwards of five to eight hours to get a comparable charge via solar charging. That’s not saying you shouldn’t use a solar charger if you have the option, just don’t expect speedy results.
What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?
To determine the right size portable power station for your needs, first consider what you plan to charge. If you only need something to top up your cell phone battery while camping, a 200-W power station is plenty. If you have several appliances in tow, you’ll need something more powerful.
The table below lists items people typically use portable power stations to run, along with approximately how much power those items draw. Check with your specific brand and model to have the most accurate information.
Device | Wattage |
---|---|
Cell phone |
5.0 |
CPAP machine |
30.0 – 60.0 |
Laptop |
70.0 |
Mini fridge |
100.0 |
Refrigerator |
250.0 |
Blender |
800.0 |
Corded drill |
1,200.0 |
Toaster oven |
1,400.0 |
Shop vac |
1,500.0 |
Hot plate |
1,500.0 |
Portable Power Station Price
The cost of a portable power station can vary quite a bit. The cheapest portable power stations with good quality cost around $200. The most expensive power stations with the largest capacity and power can cost $2,000 or more.
There are power stations in all price ranges that can be charged with solar energy. What you tend to get by paying more is a higher wattage output and a larger device with a greater number of output ports.
The table below outlines what you can generally expect in a few price ranges.
$200 – $400 |
Portable power stations in this price range tend to be smaller and offer 200.0 to 400.0 W of power. This price range is good for those who need to power mostly phones and laptops. |
$500 – $800 |
These power stations are larger and more robust, so they may offer power around 800.0 to 1,000.0 W. This may power small appliances and some tools. |
$800+ |
The most expensive power stations have the longest battery life and can power multiple devices at once. If you need something capable of powering appliances, you’ll want something in this range. |
Portable Power Stations: Bottom Line
After testing several options ranging in price, we decided Goal Zero offers the best portable power station. Its Yeti 1500X is easy to use, offers high-powered outputs, and pairs well with a solar generator.
However, there are other reliable options out there that may be more suitable depending on your needs. Specifications that may play a deciding factor for many customers are maximum wattage and weight.
- Best Portable Power Station: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
- Best 300W Portable Power Station: Fanttik EVO 300
- Fastest-Charging Portable Power Station: EF Ecoflow Delta 2
- Best Budget Portable Power Station: Jackery Explorer 240
- Best High-Wattage Power Station Under $500: Bluetti EB70S
- Most Compact: Cobra 200W Portable Power Station
Portable Power Stations: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about portable power stations:
What is the best portable power station?
The best portable power station is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X because it includes high power outputs, is solar generator-friendly, and is easy to use.
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is a high-capacity battery that can be carried by hand. These devices are typically charged via a 120.0-V AC outlet, but many can also be charged with solar panels. Portable power stations are handy for powering electronics on long car rides or camping trips.
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Many portable power stations can run a refrigerator. Most household fridges require about 250.0 W of power to function, and many portable power stations can deliver 300.0 W of power and more.
How do portable power stations work?
A portable power station is a battery capable of storing large amounts of energy. They are typically charged at home via a standard 120.0-V wall outlet. When turned on, a portable power station supplies energy as needed to power whatever devices are connected to its output ports.
How long do portable power stations last?
Every battery will eventually degrade after it powers through enough cycles. How long your portable power station lasts partially depends on how you treat your battery. The best portable power stations should last through at least 500 cycles, but some can last longer.
How do you charge a portable power station?
Nearly all portable power stations can be charged using a 120.0-V wall outlet. Many can also be charged using solar panels. A portable power station is a battery, and it can be charged in a number of ways.
Portable Power Station Testing Methodology
We tested each portable power station by using it according to the included directions. We started by charging each device and then using it to run a number of items, including a phone, laptop, and shop vac.
During testing, we took notes on a variety of factors, including ease of use, material quality, charging speeds, and user interface (display). Each portable power station was scored based on several criteria:
Utility
Our utility score is based on the input and output options for each portable power station. Those that can be charged with solar, 120.0-V AC, and 12.0-V DC power scored highest in this category. Portable power stations that had a variety of output options and multiple USB outputs also scored well in this category.
Durability
While we haven’t spent years with each product (yet), we were able to rate durability based on the product’s overall build quality, as well as the consensus of customer reviews. Products with device safety features like overcharge and over-voltage protection scored best in this category.
In addition to the durability of the battery housing, a portable power station’s battery is important in this rating. Batteries that last the most cycles result in more durable power stations.
Ease of Use
Our ease of use score is based on product size and how easy it is to carry. Integrated handles and carrying bags improve a product’s ease of use. We also considered the utility of the included instructions and whether the buttons and functions are intuitive. In addition, charging speed was a factor in our ease of use score.
Display
A portable power station’s display impacts its utility and its ease of use. This is such an important feature that we rated these criteria separately. The best portable power stations have large displays that tell you your current power draw, the power input, and the remaining battery power. Some even provide estimates as to how long the battery will last at the current output.
How We Score Products
Every portable power station we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a portable power station is among the best in a category. It offers multiple means of charging (including solar charging), is made with rugged materials, is lightweight with integrated handles, or displays a precise estimate of remaining time until the battery depletes.
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means the portable power station performs better than average in a category. It can be charged using AC power and DC power, is durable enough to take outdoors, can be used without difficulty, or offers a display that accurately describes remaining battery life and power draw.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a portable power station, based on our testing experience. It can be charged using at least DC power, is well built, but unlikely to survive accidental drops, is easy to use but very heavy to move, or offers a simple display with an estimate of remaining battery life.
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the portable power station performs poorer than the average. It is fragile, exceptionally slow to charge, or the display only provides the roughest estimate of remaining battery life.
- 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the portable power station performs well below expectations in a category. It is difficult to charge and operate, likely to break out of the bag, contains no display, or is impossible to operate without special training.
Why Trust Motor1.com
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.