- 1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
- 2. SereneLife SLSPGN20 Portable Power Generator
- 3. Lipower 300W Portable Power Station
- 4. Midnight Brewery 50,000mAh Portable Charger
- 5. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Supply
- 6. Westinghouse iGen300s Portable Power Station and Outdoor Solar Generator
- 7. Milin Portable Power Station
- 8. Leonard Portable Power Station
- 9. Ecoflow River Pro Portable Power Station
- 10. NinjaBatt Portable Power Station
Gone are the days when going camping or suffering a power outage meant you had to live without electricity until your trip was over or the power was restored. These days, portable power supplies make a much more luxurious “glamping” experience possible.
Modern portable power supplies have built-in inverters that make them capable of charging AC devices, and they can be recharged using solar or your car’s battery – making it possible to live entirely off the grid. Whether it’s your smartphone, microwave, television, or heater, you no longer have to sacrifice your creature comforts in return for an adventure in the great outdoors.
Sold on the benefits of a portable power supply and looking for some direction on which one to buy? Read our buying guide to the best portable power supplies based on factors such as capacity, amount of outlets, recharge time, and value for the money. You’ll be fully charged and ready to go in no time!
The Best Portable Power Supplies
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 scores our top pick for the best portable power supplies. It’s the ideal combination of performance, reliability, and price. This unit features two AC outlets, one USB-C outlet, one fast-charge port, one USB-A port, and one DC car port, giving you plenty of versatile charging options. You can charge up to six devices simultaneously. You can recharge the power station via your AC wall outlet or through your car’s 12-volt DC power outlet.
We also like that this power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel, giving you even more recharging options. A handy LCD display shows you the charging status and remaining power supply. Weighing less than 10 pounds, it’s a great option for camping, tailgating, hunting, unplanned power outages, and more. The addition of a working light would be a nice added touch that would make using it in the dark easier.
- 293Wh capacity lithium-ion battery pack
- Six separate charging outlets
- Compact design
- Multiple ways to recharge the power supply
- Brand Jackery
- Model NOVASAT-0316-1117-1
- Weight 7.1 pounds
Can fully charge multiple devices simultaneously
Can be recharged in multiple ways, including with a separate solar panel
Portable and lightweight
LCD display shows remaining battery power
No working light for nighttime use
Pricier than some models
The SereneLife SLSPGN20 Portable Power Generator is a great little power supply that’s offered at an easy-to-stomach price point. It provides up to 155Wh of power. It features three 12-volt DC ports, three 5-volt USB ports, and one 110-volt dual AC outlet to allow you to easily and simultaneously charge multiple devices. No more arguing about whose turn it is to use the charger. This handy little power supply can be recharged in about eight hours via an AC wall outlet, a 12-volt DC car outlet, or a separate solar panel.
It’s great for unplanned power outages, long car trips, camping, picnics, and more. We also like that this little unit features a bright working light for nighttime conditions, and it’s backed by a one-year warranty to guard against manufacturer’s defects. It’s also super lightweight and easy to carry. It doesn’t offer as large of a power capacity or as long of a charging function as some others on the market, but for the price, it’s tough to beat. There is also some concern over continued reliability over time.
- 155Wh capacity 42,000mAh lithium-ion battery
- Handy working light
- 3 x USB, 3 x DC, 1 AC outlets for multiple charging options
- Can be recharged via AC, DC, or solar panel
- One-year warranty
- Brand Rockpals
- Model SLSPGN20
- Weight 3.49 pounds
Can charge multiple devices simultaneously
Super lightweight for easy transporting
Included worklight makes nighttime use easy
Holds a charge for a long time
Only features 1 AC outlet
Offers less overall charging capacity than some other models
Charging capability may randomly cut out sometimes
If you like options, you’ll love the Lipower 300W Portable Power Station. This compact device allows you to charge up to eight devices at a time, giving plenty of charging capacity for your whole family. Unlike many other portable power supplies in this size and price range, this model offers not one, but two pure sine wave AC outlets. It also features two DC ports, two USB ports, one QC3.0 quick-charge port, and one USB-C port. This allows you to charge just about anything you can imagine, from small electronics and laptops, to your C-pap machine.
Its bright yellow case is durable and easy to find in low light conditions. It can be fully recharged in as little as six to seven hours via AC power, or in about eight to 10 hours using DC or solar power. This unit is also equipped with a convenient SOS flashlight function, making this a great addition to your vehicle’s emergency roadside assistance kit. It also comes backed by an impressive two-year manufacturer’s warranty. This model is a little bulkier than some, making it a less appealing option for long-distance hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- 296Wh, 80,000mAh capacity lithium-ion battery
- 300W pure sine wave inverter with 500W surge capacity
- 2 x AC, 2 x DC, 2 x USB, 1 x 3.0 quick charge, 1 x USB-C ports
- Recharge from AC, DC, solar, or generator
- 24-month warranty
- Brand Lipower
- Model PA300
- Weight 6.4 pounds
Includes handy storage bag for protection when not in use
Built-in surge protection, overheat protection, and short-circuit protection to safeguard your devices
Can charge multiple AC devices simultaneously
Built-in flashlight with SOS function
Impressive manufacturer’s warranty
Not as compact or lightweight as some other options
Recharging can take a long time depending on your chosen method
If you’re looking for a super compact, lightweight portable power supply that’s great for day hikes, backpacking, heading to the beach, or a quick overnight trip, the Midnight Brewery 50,000mAh Portable Charger is an economical and straightforward solution. This ultra slim portable power supply measures only 6.5 x 3.2 inches and weighs a mere 0.53 pounds, making it a great option for keeping in your duffel bag, backpack, or purse for emergencies.
This tiny device features an impressive 50,000mAh capacity, which is enough to fully charge your smartphone from three to five times. It’s equipped with a USB-C port, two USB ports, and an Apple port to quickly and efficiently charge your iOS or Android devices. It has a convenient dual flashlight function and a handy LED clock display. The aluminum alloy shell is durable and corrosion-resistant. This is a tiny option that’s suitable for short-term power needs, but with no AC or DC outlets, it’s not able to charge or run much more than a phone or tablet.
- 50,000mAh lithium-ion battery bank
- Equipped with a bright flashlight for low-light environments
- 2 x USB, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Apple ports
- Includes an easy-to-read digital clock display
- Compact enough to fit in a purse or backpack
- Brand Midnight Brewery
- Model LHUJEE91820902
- Weight 0.53 pounds
Great for charging smartphones and tablets on the go
Super compact and lightweight
Can charge multiple devices at once
Built-in flashlight
Very affordable
No AC or DC charging options
Takes a long time to recharge
Not waterproof
Next up is this Yeti 400 Portable Power Station by Goal Zero. This one has a 396Wh capacity, and can charge devices up to 300W using the pure sine wave inverter and multiple outlets. It’s a lead-acid battery, so it’s significantly heavier than the previous lithium options, and much less portable. The 33Ah storage is low for the price, but you can chain it with other lead-acid batteries to increase it.
The battery can be recharged using AC, or a car-port or solar panel (neither of which are included). Be aware that if you’re using Goal Zero’s compatible Nomad 20 solar panels, you’ll be looking at a pretty extensive 2-day recharge time. Some users have also experienced issues with the battery no longer holding its charge after a year or so of use, and as the warranty is only for 6 months, this could be an issue.
- 396Wh capacity lead-acid battery
- 300W pure sine wave inverter
- 2 x AC, 2 x USB, 3 x 12V outlets
- Recharge from AC-outlet (5 hours), 12V car charger (not included) or solar panel (not included)
- 6-month warranty
- Brand Goal Zero
- Model 23000
- Weight 29 pounds
Good capacity: 30 x phone charges / 3-5 x laptop charges
Charge 2 AC devices at once
Chainable with other lead-acid 33Ah batteries
Silent operation
Heavier and shorter lifespan than lithium batteries
Low storage of 33Ah
Takes 2 days+ to charge via solar
Battery may not last more than a year
Westinghouse is well-known for providing durable and high-performance power solutions, and the Westinghouse iGen300s Portable Power Station and Outdoor Solar Generator is an excellent example of why. It provides 300 continuous watts of power and up to 600 peak watts of pure sine wave power that’s ideal for running or charging your sensitive electronics, like smartphones, laptops, or tablets. This rugged unit is suitable for either indoor or outdoor use and even comes equipped with solar panel charging capability for environmentally-friendly charging.
This model has two 120-volt AC outlets, one 5-volt DC USB port, one quick-charge 3.0 port, one USB-C port, one 12-volt car outlet, and one 6mm DC port, giving you the ability to charge up to nine devices at once. It’s one of the most versatile portable power supplies on our list. It’s a great option for RV or camping back-up power, unplanned power outages, long beach days, and more. It also features a tri-mode flashlight and plenty of built-in safety features. This unit can easily power a mini fridge, tv, and other small appliances, but it’s not strong enough to run power tools or for more industrial applications.
- 296Wh capacity lithium-ion battery
- 300W pure sine wave inverter
- 2 x AC, 1 x 12-volt DCoutlet, 1 x 12-volt DC input, 3 x USB outlets
- Can be fully recharged in as little as 5-7 hours
- Brand Westinghouse
- Model iGen300s
- Weight 6.35 pounds
Super lightweight
Recharges faster than some other models
Can charge many devices at once
Handy LCD display lets you quickly see how much power capacity is going in and out
You need to purchase a solar panel charger separately, adding to the unit’s overall cost
Flashlight is not as bright as some other options
If you want major power in a tiny package, check out the Milin Portable Power Station. This compact and sleek device offers a whopping 622Wh of power, giving you 600 watts, which is enough to charge and run some serious equipment and devices. Run your television, laptop, smartphone, camera, car fridge, blender, and more. This is the ideal power supply for camping or hunting weekend excursions. The pure sine wave power is clean enough to reliably and safely charge your most sensitive electronics.
This unit can be charged from 0 to 80 percent within 2.5 hours. It can be fully recharged in as little as four hours. You can recharge it via a wall AC outlet and USB-C simultaneously. It features two 110-volt AC outlets, two DC ports, one 100W quick-charge USB-C port, three USB-A ports, and a car socket that gives you a plethora of charging options. This portable power supply also comes backed by an impressive three-year warranty. Because of its large power capacity, this unit is one of the most pricey on our list. It’s also one of the biggest and heaviest power units on our list.
- 622Wh capacity lithium-ion battery
- 600W pure sine wave inverter
- Multiple AC, DC, and USB outlets
- Recharge from 0-100 percent in as little as four hours
- 3-year warranty
- Brand Milin
- Model N/A
- Weight 14.99 pounds
Huge power capacity
Bright LED flashlight
Charges 9 devices simultaneously
Fast recharging rate
Bulkier and heavier than other models
Expensive
The Leonard Portable Power Station is an ergonomic and slim option that’s built for easy transportation. It’s slim design and foldable handles make it a great space-saving option. Able to power a car vacuum, tire inflator, wheel jack, and more, this model is perfect for keeping in your vehicle for roadside emergencies. It’s also great for long car trips, camping, and picnics when you need to charge important electronic devices. This model is equipped with a 110 AC output, four DC outputs, two quick-charge 3.0 USB ports, and two regular USB ports, giving you plenty of charging options.
This portable power supply offers 222Wh and 60,000mAh of power that can run or recharge your devices for hours. It can be fully recharged from zero in eight to nine hours via the DC adaptor. Unfortunately, this unit doesn’t come equipped with an AC power cord. It has a working temperature range of 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for cold and harsh climates. The dual LED flashlight is also super bright and great for nighttime use.
- 222Wh, 60,000mAh lithium-ion battery
- 200W pure sine wave inverter
- 1 x AC, 4 x DC, 4 x USB outlets
- Recharge from DC outlet in 8-9 hours
- Foldable handles
- Brand Leonard
- Model LEIVHCP4619626
- Weight 4.85 pounds
Super slim and compact design
Automatic shut-down
Affordable
Quiet and clean operation
Great as a roadside assistance device
No AC recharging option
Only 1 AC outlet
For those who need serious power, the Ecoflow River Pro Portable Power Station delivers up to 720Wh of juice. You can also run two power stations in tandem to bump up your power capacity to 1,440Wh. It has an ultra modern and sleek design with a super bright and easy-to-read digital display that lets you monitor battery life and power output. This unit is also one of the only ones on our list that offers three pure sine wave AC outlets with a maximum 600W capacity each. You also get two DC outputs, one DC car outlet, a 100W USB-C fast-charge port, two USB-A ports, and one USB-A fast-charge port to charge all your electronics.
This power station is capable of running a blender, television, coffee maker, mini fridge, and more, making it a great option for camping. It’s capable of powering up to 1,800 watts. Unlike other units, this high-tech model can be fully recharged in 1.6 hours thanks to its patented EcoFlow X-Stream charging technology. Because of its large power capabilities, this unit is pricey. It’s also heavier than most others, weighing 16.8 pounds. However, it comes backed by a two-year warranty and is even compatible with a smartphone app that lets you monitor and control the unit.
- 720Wh Lithium-ion battery pack
- Can power tools and appliances up to 1,800 watts
- 3 x AC outlets, 4 x USB ports, 3 x DC outlets
- Fully recharges in 1.6 hours
- Can connect two power supplies to run in tandem
- Brand EcoFlow
- Model River Pro
- Weight 16.8 pounds
Plenty of power to support a wide range of devices
Super fast recharging time
Can be controlled and monitored through an app on your smartphone
Can double your power capacity by running two units together
Expensive
Heavy
The NinjaBatt Portable Power Station gets high marks for being a well-designed and straightforward functioning portable power supply. It features 300 watts of power output that’s ideal for charging smaller electronic devices. Measuring just 9 x 7 x 5.5 inches, this little unit can go pretty much anywhere you want. Take it in your car, camper, hiking, picnicking, or to the beach. It has two 110V AC outlets, three different USB ports, and five different DC ports, giving you tons of charging options.
This unit is solar-ready, but you can also recharge it through AC or DC power outlets. The big and bright LED display lets you easily monitor and track the power station’s status. A large and ultra-bright LED flashlight is perfect for nighttime use. This unit does have some concerns over long-term durability and reliability of the various power outlets, but it comes backed by a decent one-year warranty to protect you against any manufacturer’s defects.
- 280Wh capacity lithium-ion battery
- 300W pure sine wave inverter
- 2 x AC, 5 x DC, 3 x USB outlets
- Recharge from AC-outlet, DC car charger, or solar panel (not included)
- One-year warranty
- Brand NinjaBatt
- Model SR-PPS300-5
- Weight 7.26 pounds
Good capacity: Run lights for 20-30 hours or a mini fridge for 3-6 hours
Charge up to 9 devices at once
Super bright flashlight makes nighttime use easy
Automatic shut-off
Not as powerful as some other models
Some issues with long-term reliability
Best Portable Power Supply Buying Guide & FAQ
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of awesome portable power supplies available? Allow our buying guide and FAQ to help you decide which one is best for you.
Benefits of Portable Power Supplies
Live Off-Grid
A portable power supply allows you to make (if using a solar panel), store, and use your own power, independent of the power grid. This means you can have power in remote places and is particularly beneficial for van-lifers, campers, and travelers who like to get off the beaten track, but don’t want to sacrifice their home comforts.
Health Benefits
The benefits of using a portable power supply are not only related to comfort, but a necessity – from sleep apnea sufferers using CPAP machines, to diabetics using mini-fridges to store insulin, there are numerous ways in which portable power supplies support our health needs, and open up the camping experience to more people.
Work Remotely
A portable power supply offers remote workers the ability to recharge and power their laptops, phones, and other devices from anywhere, without having to rely on coffee shops or co-working spaces — work in the park, or at the beach!
Emergency Power
Finally, portable power supplies are not exclusive to those who want to transport their power — sometimes, the power is also needed at home. In areas prone to storms and/or power outages, a portable power supply can be a lifesaver, allowing you to power communications devices, lighting, and essentials, until mains power is restored.
Features to Consider When Buying a Portable Power Supply
Devices and Wattage
This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a portable power supply, as it affects the power capacity and number of outlets your battery will need. Consider how many devices you want to be able to charge and whether you want to charge them simultaneously. If so, work out how much power they each draw, and choose a power supply with enough outlets, that’s capable of supporting their combined wattage (try to find one with more power than you need, as many batteries struggle when close to their maximum).
How it’s Recharged
Consider also how the battery is recharged. Is it only via an AC-outlet, or can you use a car-port or solar panel? For example, if you’re going wild camping for an extended period of time, you’ll likely want a battery that can be recharged using solar, which will allow you to go completely off-grid. Make sure your solar panel is the correct wattage and voltage for the battery.
Automatic Shut-Off
This is an important factor to consider if you’re using devices that draw a low wattage (less than 10W) – for example, some CPAP machines. Many portable power supplies shut-off when the wattage gets too low, which is obviously a problem if you’re relying on it to run your machine whilst you sleep.
Portability
If you’re going to be using your portable power supply for camping or traveling, you’re going to want something that’s lightweight and not too bulky or difficult to move around. In this case, a lithium-ion battery will definitely be the better choice, as they are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries, as well as more long-lasting.
Types of Portable Power Supplies
Gas generators offer a higher power output than AC power supplies of a similar budget – you’ll be able to run power-hungry appliances such as hairdryers and electric kettles, which are impossible with most AC power units. However, there are a few key differences that will influence which type of power supply you choose.
AC Powered
AC-powered portable sources require little maintenance and run quietly, making them a welcome choice at campgrounds and similar locations where supplies and noise are minimal. These units include a pure sine wave inverter to translate battery-derived DC power into readily-usable AC power. Thanks to their minimal weight and size, most portable solutions will rely on a lithium-based battery to store and share power, although a few units may feature heavier, more traditional lead-acid batteries instead.
Solar-Powered
Solar-powered portable power supplies tend to be relatively small and are mainly intended for charging cell phones and other small devices. Often, the power generators are lightweight and packable (often foldable) so they can fit better into backpacks and other spaces where space is limited. This combination of features limits them to emergency backcountry uses rather than providing campsite power to CPAPs or other items with larger power draws.
Gas Generator
Gas generators require the regular purchasing of gasoline to power them. Another downside of gas generators is that they emit fumes and are very noisy to run, whereas portable batteries are cleaner and usually silent. For this reason, the use of gas generators is banned or restricted at some campsites. Certainly, if you wish to make friends with your neighbors, a portable AC power supply is the way to go.
Best Portable Power Supply for Camping
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
- SereneLife SLSPGN20 Portable Power Generator
- Lipower 300W Portable Power Station
- Westinghouse iGen300s Portable Power Station and Outdoor Solar Generator
- Milin Portable Power Station
- Leonard Portable Power Station
- Ecoflow River Pro Portable Power Station
- NinjaBatt Portable Power Station
Best Portable Power Supply for Electronics
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
- SereneLife SLSPGN20 Portable Power Generator
- Lipower 300W Portable Power Station
- Midnight Brewery 50,000mAh Portable Charger
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Supply
- Westinghouse iGen300s Portable Power Station and Outdoor Solar Generator
- Milin Portable Power Station
- Leonard Portable Power Station
- Ecoflow River Pro Portable Power Station
- NinjaBatt Portable Power Station
Best Small Portable Power Supply
Best Portable Power Supply FAQ:
A portable power supply is exactly what it sounds like: a portable battery that you can take with you wherever you go, with outlets that you can use to charge and power your devices, without depending on a mains power supply. Unlike gas generators, the power comes from a rechargeable battery, which, depending on the model, can be recharged using an AC-outlet, car-port or solar panel. The battery then stores this power, ready to transfer into your devices when required.
Policies on portable power suppliers vary between airlines, so make sure to check your chosen carrier’s guidelines. As a general rule, you are allowed to take lithium batteries up to 100Wh on most planes. Batteries up to 160Wh will need special airline clearance, and above that is a no-go. The ChargeTech Portable AC Power Supply at number 9 is the only battery on this list suitable for airplane travel. Lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage, not stored in the hold. <iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/SVnFcJKCXqY” width=”754″ height=”374″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”></iframe>
Battery life will vary depending on the model you purchase, and how you use/recharge your portable power supply, but all batteries will deplete over time (usually after 2 – 3 years). In order to prolong battery life, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding discharging and charging the battery on its first use and continue to recharge the battery regularly (at least every 3 months).
Yes, but with limitations. Portable power stations use a pure sine wave inverter with an output capacity between 100 and 500 watts. The average 30-inch LED TV uses roughly 50 watts of power while a 30-inch plasma TV consumes 150 watts. (50-inch TVs use roughly twice these amounts.) Many portable power sources max out at 200 to 300 watts/hour which means the average 30-inch LCD TV could run for roughly four hours while a 50-inch plasma TV would last less than one hour. As such, TVs are best paired with a dedicated power bank rather than a shared one.
Charging a portable power station will vary from unit to unit. Most units rely on a traditional AC power outlet to recharge, although they frequently will support charging via other sources as well. Common alternative charging sources include 12-volt DC car charging ports and solar panels. Often, the 12-volt car charger will be included with the power pack, but usually, a compatible solar panel will only be available as a separate purchase, often from a third-party manufacturer.
Our Top Pick
While our list of the best portable power supplies is extensive, our top pick has got to be the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300. This compact unit is the ideal combination of performance, reliability, and price. This unit features plenty of charging outlets that allows you to charge up to six devices simultaneously.
For a great budget-friendly option that won’t let you down, check out the SereneLife SLSPGN20 Portable Power Generator. It has plenty of power and a low price point to make it even more attractive.
Sources:
- How DC/AC Power Inverters Work – How Stuff Works
- How Much Electricity Does A TV Use? – Payless Power