For off-the-grid power solutions, the best portable power station is essential. Whether you're using it on a job site, camping, or even charging your drones on-the-go, these are my top picks.
To help you decide, I tested the efficiency, in a variety of scenarios, of the best portable power stations from Jackery, EcoFlow, Anker, Goal Zero, Bluetti, Dakota Lithium, Lion Energy, Vtoman, and Ugreen. What to Know Before Purchasing a Portable Power Station
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is the best piece of technology to have around when the power is out. Whether that means traveling, camping or an unplanned power outage, portable power stations can be the inexpensive back-up solution to emergencies where a generator price tag is out of reach. But not every power station is created equal.
Have power, will travel. It's easy to think that a power station is just a really big portable battery pack, but they offer so much more. Other than simply recharging your devices, a portable power station can power lamps to light a room, or in some cases keep a fridge running during a power outage.
What is the best portable power station for backup?
Anker Solix F1200 (1,229Wh): This unit was previously known as the PowerHouse 757 from Anker, and was also CNET's previous pick for "best portable power station for backup." Its UPS mode was one of the earlier units to boast "less than 20ms" switchover time in the event of a power outage. It's also currently $500 off on Anker's site.
What is the best portable power station for a drone?
Editor's Note: We updated our Portable Power Stations guide on September 11, 2024, to add the Bluetti AC180T — a unique station with hot-swappable batteries — as well as the DJI Power 1000 — a station primed for keeping your drones topped off. Read Review: Portable and Potent, This Power Station Keeps Us Juiced: Anker Solix C1000 Review
Are solar power stations rechargeable?
Many times, solar portable power stations are also rechargeable via AC power, serving as a rechargeable generator of sorts. Electric power stations, also known as portable electric generators, operate like a large battery. Simply plug the portable power station into a wall outlet and it charges quickly.