If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that anything can happen. Another calamity is always just around the corner. We don’t say this incite fear, but rather to emphasize the importance of being prepared for anything. That’s exactly why we’ve been eagerly reviewing the best portable power stations for SPY readers. For years, campers and RV enthusiasts have used power stations to keep their devices charged, but they’re also gaining popularity in places that experience extreme weather and power blackouts.
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These electrical appliances are one of our favorite new product categories, and the SPY team has been closely watching this space. We recently covered the launch of the new Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro and the Anker 757 Powerhouse, both of which broke ground in different ways. In addition, we’ve been testing the top products in this space since back in 2022.
Why Invest in a Portable Power Station?
We believe that power stations are one of the smartest items you can keep in the car, camper, or garage. On a camping adventure, they make it easy to keep mobile devices and small appliances charged even when out in the wilderness. And in an emergency situation, while everyone else on the block is without power, these power stations provide the ability to stay connected. Combined with the best emergency kits, power stations could be a lifesaver. On top of that, the best portable power stations also come with optional solar panels, which instantly transform power stations into outright generators.
So no matter the case — enjoying modern conveniences like kitchen gadgets while camping or powering cell phones during a hurricane-related blackout — portable power stations are the eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling, portable generators.
Below, we’ve got the best power stations tested by the SPY team, with picks for every budget and situation.
The Best Power Stations At a Glance
1. Best Overall: Jackery Explorer Power Stations — $279 at Amazon
2. Runner Up: Anker 521 Portable Generator — $220 at Amazon
3. Contender: Bluetti EB55 537 Wh Portable Power Station — $399 at Amazon
4. Best for Van Camping: Bluetti AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station — $299 at Amazon
5. Longest Lasting: Anker 757 Powerhouse Power Station — $1,399 at Amazon
6. Budget Buy: Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Power Station — $189 at Amazon
7. Best App: EF EcoFlow River Pro — $529 at Amazon
8. Best Value: ISSOME Portable Power Station — $166 at Amazon
9. Most Durable: GoalZero YETI 200x Power Station — $300 at Amazon
10. Home Power Backup: Bluetti AC500 and B300S – Check Prices at IndieGoGo
11. Best Splurge: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro – Check Prices at Amazon
12. Honorable Mention: GoLabs R300 Portable Power Station
1. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations
Why It’s the Best: The Jackery Explorer line of power stations is highly portable and super user-friendly. It comes in configurations for all needs and budgets and has been extensively tested by SPY editors.
Full Review: We Put the Jackery Explorer and Solar Panels to the Test.
SPY has had the chance to test and review a number of Jackery Explorer portable power stations, which come in a wide range of sizes and capacities. We even featured this power station in our end-of-year product awards, The 2021 Man. To get the most out of your Jackery Explorer, we definitely recommend investing in Jackery solar panels. So which model should you choose? For RV campers or people who want to power multiple appliacnes, we recommend the Jackery Explorer 1000. For the averge user, the smaller Jackery Explorer 300 will suffice.
The combination of power, portability and utility make the Jackery Explorer 1000 our top pick for the best portable power station. It only weighs 22 pounds yet has three AC ports, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, which is plenty for you and your camping buddies to keep your devices charged all day long. Even for its tiny size, it boasts a large battery capacity (1000W/1002Wh), making it ideal for powering even your more power-guzzling appliances. If you’re looking to build an outdoor safety kit, this should most certainly be one of the top options to consider.
If the Explorer 1000 is a bit out of your price range, or, you just don’t need that many ports or that much battery capacity, the Explorer 300 is a great alternative. For starters, it’s about $700 cheaper than the 1000 and weighs about 15 pounds less — we’re talking ultra-portable. Even though it’s smaller, you still get two AC wall outlets, a USB-C port, USB-3.0 port and USB-A port. Plus, it only takes two hours to get the power station recharged to 80%. For weekend camping trips and music festivals, this handy device will provide more than enough power for your needs.
2. Anker 521 Portable Power Station
Why We Chose It: In our testing, this power station proved to be reliable, portable and easy to use. It’s not Anker’s most advanced power station (see the 757 below), but it is the best option for most people.
The Anker 521 Portable Generator isn’t the newest power station from Anker (more on that option below), but it is a fantastic option for most people. The 521 Portable Power Generator is extremely portable, weighing in at just 8.2 pounds. It provides only 256Wh of power, but again, that’s more than enough power for a weekend camping trip. On the plus side, it’s got an easy-to-read and user-friendly display, tons of ports (2 A/C ports, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet). This power station is also easy to find on sale, making it an affordable yet reliable option.
3. BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB55
Why We Chose It: This mid-size power station is great for people who want to run multiple devices at once.
If you can’t live without a lot of appliances when you hit the road, consider the Bluetti EB55. Even though it’s compact and lightweight at only 16.5 pounds, it packs 700W of power and has a lot of outlets for your devices. In fact, it boasts four AC outlets (two with grounding, two without), so you can plug in a TV, blender or CPAP, or all of them at the same time (although the blender would probably keep you up while you’re trying to sleep with your CPAP). There are also four USB ports as well as one USB-C for your mobile devices. A mere two hours of charging refuels the battery back to full power, and a display makes it easy to keep an eye on power levels.
4. BLUETTI AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station (With Solar Panels)
Why We Chose It: With the included solar panels, this power station turns instantly into a generator.
Full Review: The Bluetti AC50S Power Station Is Perfect for Car Camping
For people who travel the country in converted vans or plan long camping trips, we recommend the Bluetti AC50S 500WH Portable Power Station. One of our writers recently converted an SUV for camping, and she’s relied on this power station for all of her travels. Like the Jackery, we recommend purchasing this power station with solar panels, but it can also be charged with a vehicle. Simply plug in the Bluetti while traveling from one destination to the next, and upon arrival there will be power for all the laptops, smartphones, and more.
This is definitely a mid-range power station in terms of power capacity, price, and size, so it’s a great option for people who are serious about camping, as opposed to those who plan occasional weekend camping trips.
5. Anker 757 Portable Power Station
Why We Chose It: This is a beast of a power station, but it’s built for longevity (in every possible way). For large RVs or off-the-grid households, this is our top recommendation.
Read More: Anker Introduces an Impressive New Power Station
This is an absolute unit of a power station. Anker first announced the 757 Powerhouse in early 2022, and at the time of its release, it was the world’s longest-lasting power station. Seriously, this is one impressive machine, and for people with high power needs, it’s the best portable station out there. We’re still in the process of fully testing and reviewing this device, but we’ve been very impressed so far by the Powerhouse’s design and capabilities. In terms of longevity, Anker promises that it can handle more than 3,000 complete charge cycles without any degradation, and it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
This heavy-duty power station boasts an incredible 1229Wh of power, and you can charge your devices via six A/C outlets, one USB-C 100W port, one USB-C 60W port, four USB-A ports, and one car port. However, we should note that all that power comes at the cost of portability, as this is one heavy battery. If lifting 43 pounds alone isn’t feasible, then this won’t be the right option.
6. ROCKPALS 250-Watt Portable Generator
Why We Chose It: A $50 off coupon makes this an extremely attractive choice for people who will only rarely use their power station.
This no-frills portable power station is super lightweight and likewise affordable. This power station is available for under $200 which, compared to others that are upwards of $500 to $1,000, is quite the steal. Like we said, no-frills here — there’s no display and with the orange and black bordering colors, it looks more like an auto mechanics car battery charger than a power station. But looking past the aesthetics, it has two USB ports, four DC ports as well as dual AC ports, and enough power to charge a smartphone up to 25 times.
7. EF Ecoflow River Pro
Why We Chose It: While it lacks the name recognition of some competitors, this power station has smart features and ports galore.
If the Rockpals is the no-frills option, this one sits at the other end of the spectrum. This has a sleek, modern look, easy-to-read display, and can even be monitored from a smartphone from the EcoFlow app. Aside from the extras, it’s also lightweight at just under 17 pounds, yet still has 600W of power and three AC ports, three USB (including one fast-charging port), USB-C, and DC ports. The AC ports are located on the side as well to efficiently manage the space.
8. ISSOME Portable Power Station
Why We Chose It: The ISSOME has one cool feature that’s hard to find in the best portable power station on our list — wireless charging. As of this writing, Amazon has a coupon deal that lets shoppers save 30% on this power station, making this the best power station under $200.
Now that power stations are becoming more popular, a lot of smaller overseas brands are selling these products on Amazon, and not all of them are worth the money. So is the ISSOME Portable Power Station worth it? In our testing, we found it to be a reliable if unremarkable power station. If using it in cramped quarters, the vertical design is a perfect feature. In addition, it’s a durable option with an exterior that’s rated to be waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Users will be able to charge up to 7 devices at once, although because of its smaller capacity, it can’t compete with larger power stations from brands like Jackery or Anker.
9. Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station
Why We Chose It: YETI products have a reputation for extreme durability and superb craftsmanship, and this Goal Zero power station delivers both.
Goal Zero is a YETI brand, so fans of YETI’s coolers will find this mini power station to be a great companion for their next camping trip. This is one of the more compact portable power stations around. It is only 5.1 inches tall, 7.9 inches long, and 5.1 inches wide. Even the handle area is concave to save on space. As for power, it has a 200-watt capacity, one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V car port. If there’s minimal gadgets and not a lot of space in a car or camper, this Goal Zero is a smart and compact choice.
10. Bluetti AC500 & B300S System
Why We Chose It: Bluetti’s newest product is a home power backup system that lets users create a customized DIY emergency power backup for the home. Despite the price, it’s an impressive new system.
Read More: SPY-Tested Power Stations from Anker & Bluetti Are On Sale
Bluetti is a small business that makes electrical products, and their small portable power stations are among the best. Last year, the brand released a new modular system that can be used as an emergency backup system for the home or business. The system includes two products, a portable power station and a 500W inverter. Thanks to the modular design, users can connect multiple AC500 and C300S systems together to achieve an incredible 18,432Wh, enough to power an entire home during an emergency. Currently, there’s no other system quite like it, and it’s an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered emergency backup generators.
Of course, at nearly $5,000, it’s not a cheap system, and it’s more of a niche product. Ideal buyers are homeowners or business owners who deal with frequent blackouts, those who need to replace their gas-powered backup system, or those preparing to go fully off the grid. (It would also be an excellent choice for a bunker, so if buyers are looking for the best power station for their doomsday bunker, consider this system.)
11. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
Why We Chose It: This device was released in Spring of 2022, and it’s a powerful device for RV campers and people with more intense energy needs. With the solar panels, this generator will set buyers back over $3,000, which is why we haven’t rated it more highly in this guide.
Read More: About the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
After extensive testing, we believe that Jackery makes the best portable power stations for most people. However, the company just released a brand new power station with some impressive new features. Designed for people committed to green energy and solar power, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro can be recharged to full power with just 2.5 hours of solar charging. Like the Anker 757 Powerhouse, this device boasts a ridiculously high capacity of 2160Wh. As a result, it also weighs in at 43 pounds (and that doesn’t include the solar panels), so this isn’t a particularly portable power station, unfortunately.
Even so, this is a mighty impressive product and one that we’re excited to test. For people willing to make an investment in portable green energy, this is well worth the splurge.
12. GOLABS R300 Portable Power Station
Why We Chose It: There aren’t any bells and whistles on this portable power station, but it does feature all the ports one would need, plus a cigarette lighter port. Plus, it’s super-affordable.
Weighing only 8.27 pounds and with a convenient handle and design, this is one of the more portable power stations. Although it is compact, there are still plenty of power ports including two AC outlets that are smartly stacked side by side, two USB-C, two USB-A, and two DC ports, as well as a 12V cigarette lighter output. Coming right around $200, it’s also as affordable as it is portable.
How We Chose the Best Portable Power Stations
We’re keeping a close eye on this product category here at SPY. As parts of the United States grapple with regular power outages, these appliances aren’t just nice-to-have camping tools; they can also be a genuine life-saver in an emergency. As a result, we’ve called in some of the top power stations from brands like Anker, Jackery, and Bluetti to make sure we’re recommending only the very best portable power station for any particular need.
So how do we test power stations? We’ve shared some insight into our review criteria below. Be sure to keep checking this page, as we’ll update our guide as we conduct additional tests and evaluate new products.
Total Capacity
When choosing the best portable power station, total capacity should be a top priority. Expensive models like the Jackery Explorer 1000 or the Anker 757 Powerhouse offer up to 1229Wh. For the average car camper, this is overkill. As a result, we selected power stations ranging from 293Wh up to 2160Wh.
If there’s only a need to charge a few devices like smartphones, coffee makers, or tablets, then 250-500W power stations will suit any need. However, if the need arises to charge devices for more than two people over several days, or if small appliances and kitchen gadgets require power, then we recommend a power station of 500W or higher.
Portability, Size, and Weight
Some of the best portable power stations are under 20 pounds, are compact enough to carry with one hand, and can power multiple devices. In short, they’re extremely portable. For this reason, when we first started writing about portable power stations, we looked for options that were under 30 pounds. We found that anything above this weight was difficult to move, posing accessibility problems and stretching the meaning of the term “portable”. However, as brands like Anker have released newer, larger power stations, we’ve expanded our guidelines to include power stations that weigh up to 45 pounds. These high-capacity power stations may be difficult to move (remember: lift with the legs, not the back!), but they’re an excellent option for RV campers and disaster prep.
Outlets & Charging Ports
We looked for portable power stations that provided at least one AC outlet, two USBs, and a USB-C outlet. Some older models lack USB-C outlets, which will require users to buy a USB-C adapter in order to charge many modern mobile devices. For this reason, to keep an iPhone or tablet charged while camping, the best power station comes with at least one USB-C outlet. In addition to offering a wide range of electrical ports, the best power stations also offer multiple charging options, giving users the option to charge their power station via solar panels, vehicles, or traditional wall outlets.
Charge Time
How quickly can these devices charge other devices? Just as importantly, how long does it take to charge these devices to full power? After all, if the power station isn’t charged, it’s not going to be any use in a blackout or emergency situation, making it a rather useless addition to an emergency kit. When reviewing power stations, we consider how long it takes to charge and how much power it can provide in total.
Solar Panels & Power Generation
One of the reasons we love these devices? With the right accessories, they can instantly become proper generators. True, buyers need to invest in additional solar panels, which can be expensive depending on the manufacturer. However, we think this is a great addition, as they ensure users will never be without power for long.
When testing power stations like the Jackery Explorer or Bluetti, we also tested out the optional solar panels. We wanted to determine how user-friendly these optional accessories are to use, how effectively they charge the power station, and how long it takes to reach a full charge.
Accessories
Finally, we considered how many accessories were provided with these portable power stations. The best options will come with all of the cables and charging cords anyone could need, while cheaper models will require buyers to provide their own A/C and vehicle charging cables. Ultimately, this is less important than criteria such as total capacity and ease of use, but we did consider this in our overall rankings.
Portable Power Stations vs. Power Generators
Portable power stations are becoming a popular option versus traditional power generators, although there is some overlap between these two categories. Power generators generally take fuel like gasoline or propane, and convert that fuel into electrical power. The upside is power generators can generate a ton of power. The downsides are they are noisy, heavy, and the amount of power they generate isn’t suitable for small electronics like your mobile phone. With gas prices skyrocketing, do you really want to fill up another gas tank in your household?
After you make the initial purchase, portable power stations are essentially free to operate, and not noisy at all. Many can be fully recharged by being plugged in for just a couple of hours. They’re great for electronics, compact, and light enough to move around with one arm. These are ideal for camping trips to ensure all electronics stay charged and to keep small appliances operational. In addition, many portable power stations can also be charged with solar panels, making them true solar-powered generators.
If gearing up for a trip, power stations are a great resource to have available. SPY.com has tested and reviewed many popular power stations from brands such as Bluetti, Anker, and Jackery, and we’ve selected the best power stations for every purpose.
