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In times of uncertainty, we try to become energy independent so that we don’t have to rely on big utility grids. This is best portable power stations especially important in rural areas and places where power goes out a lot.
During an emergency, you need best portable power stations to keep things like medical equipment, radios, appliances, and smartphones charged and working. Even though it’s easy to think of power stations as nothing more than very large portable battery packs, they do a lot more than just let you charge your electronics.
When the power goes out, best portable power stations can keep a mini-fridge running or light up a room with a lamp. It can be a huge help when going camping or a way to power a projector and speakers for a movie night in the backyard.
Best Portable Power Stations
EcoFlow Delta Pro
Specifications
| Capacity | 3600Wh / 3600W |
| Charge cycles | 3500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Charge time | Full charge in 2.7h |
| Weight and volume | 45kg, 75L |
| Ports | 6 DC, 5 AC sockets |
The Delta Pro is the best portable power stations, and its Kickstarter campaign did very well. Having one is a real treat because it has one of the lowest prices per watt-hour, the fastest charging time, WiFi, and a tonne of accessories.
It is the biggest, though, and weighs almost 50kg. It is not a power station like the Jackery that can be moved around easily. The lightning-fast charging time means that there is a lot of current coming in, which may trip some home circuit breakers.
Pros
- WiFi/BT
- A lot of charging cycles
- UPS mode
Cons
- Heavy
Jackery Explorer 240
Specifications
| Capacity | 240 Wh |
| USB-A ports | x2 |
| Dimensions | 23 x 14 x 20 cm |
| Weight | 2.9 kg |
At £259, this is the best portable power stations we’ve chosen for our roundup. For a fairly low price, you get a small, flexible power station with many of the same features as the Ecoflow Mini, but with a slightly bigger capacity.
We like that there are a lot of ports and that Jackery says it can power a lightbulb for 18 hours or your laptop twice. This one, however, doesn’t have a USB-C port or a bright torch on its body, which is a shame.
Pros
- Small size and shape
- There are many ports
- It has a case and a flashlight built in.
Cons
- Made for short trips, not long-term use
Anker 521
Specifications
| Capacity | 256 Wh |
| AC output | 200 W |
| USB-A ports | x2 |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 14.4 x 21.1 cm |
| Weight | 3.7 kg |
Most people will find that this small Anker power station is all they need for fast charging and extra power. We used the wall outlet to charge our MacBook Pro, and it took the 521 an hour and 36 minutes to get it back to full power.
We like that this model has a good range of ports, including a 60W USB-C port, and a bright light. It also comes at a reasonable price. The best portable power stations that it’s often sold for much less than £329, and sometimes for less than £250.
Pros
- Versatile
- battery life is long
- UPS mode
Cons
- No WiFi
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X
Specifications
| Wattage | 1,500 watts |
| Dimensions | 12.7 inches tall by 18.1 inches wide by 13.1 inches deep |
| Weight | 37 pounds |
| Power storage | 938 watt-hours |
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000X is best portable power stations is a good choice for people who want a flexible power station. This model has a maximum output of 1,500 watts and a power output of 983 watt-hours, so there is enough power for any use.
This model from Goal Zero has two regular 120-volt outlets, two USB-C outlets, two USB outlets, and several 12-volt outlets. It also has solar inputs, so solar panels can be used to charge it.
Pros
- Lots of strength
- Possibilities for growing the whole house
- Digital displays show information in real time
Cons
- It is heavy
Ego Power+ PST3042
Specifications
| Weight | 42 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-F |
| Capacity | 2,000 watts |
| Dimensions | 18.33″L x 13.26″W x 14.51″H |
| Manufacturer | EGO |
The best portable power stations is Ego and its is known for making cordless lawn mowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers that all use 56-volt batteries that can be switched out.
It can use up to four of these batteries in its Nexus Power Station. If you already use their platform, the Nexus could give you a chance to use batteries you already have or add more batteries to your existing tools to make them last longer.
Pros
- Big, bright screen
- There are many ports
- Very effective
Cons
- The solar panel add-on is a mistake.
FAQs
Is a portable power station worth getting?
During an emergency, you need a portable power station to keep things like medical equipment, radios, appliances, and smartphones charged and working. Many power stations have both regular AC outlets and USB ports so that you can charge different kinds of devices at the same time.
How long can a portable power station work for?
Lower-wattage teams can only provide power for about 10 hours, while higher-wattage teams can provide power for several days. Also, many modern battery backup systems can be charged by solar panels. This gives you options for charging even when the power is out for a long time.
How long is the life of a portable power station?
Depending on the model and type of batteries used, a portable power station can last up to a year without being used. Over time, a battery’s power may go down, which means it needs to be replaced.