More powerful than a typical power bank but lighter, quieter, and more eco-friendly than gas generators, portable power stations have evolved into their own category over the years. They have a wide variety of uses, too: from keeping a household running during a blackout to keeping the speakers blasting at an outdoor party to powering a remote research expedition.
Running the gamut from high-capacity models that could run a small campsite to lightweight solar-powered setups fit for backpacking, there is no wonder that so many people are seeking out the best portable power stations for their diverse needs.
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The Best Portable Power Stations - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Portable Power Station: EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station
- Best Portable Power Station for Camping: Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000X Portable Power Station
- Best Budget Portable Power Station: EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station
- Best Solar Portable Power Station: Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station with Solar Panel Kit
- Best Small Portable Power Station: EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station
Best Overall - EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station
SPECS
- Max output: 2,400 to 3,400 watts
- Capacity: 2,016 watt-hours
- Weight: 53 lbs.
The EcoFlow DELTA max puts itself in the running among standby brands as a workhorse generator. With over 2,000 watt-hours, you could easily cook on an electric stove during a power outage and run your refrigerator, TV, and space heater all night.
Its expanding capacity means it can charge certain devices in a fraction of the normal time. Outdoors, this is an excellent use case for base camp between excursions.
What We Like
- High capacity
- Wide array of outlets
- Expanding capacity means super-fast charging
What We Don't Like
- On the heavy side
- Too noisy for some
- A hefty investment
BUY: EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station
Best for Camping - Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000X Portable Power Station
SPECS
- Max output: 1,500 watts
- Capacity: 983 watt-hours
- Weight: 32 lbs.
Powerful enough to run a small fridge or TV yet light and small enough to carry to a campsite, Goal Zero's Yeti packs a punch off the grid. And it works seamlessly with the company's own array of solar panels. This power station could power a small backyard gathering, a days-long research excursion, or a van-life travel blog.
What We Like
- Small and light
- Safe for indoor use
- Compatible with their solar panels
What We Don't Like
- Battery may lack longevity
- Not chainable
BUY: Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000X Portable Power Station
Best on a Budget - EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station
SPECS
- Max output: 1,800 watts
- Capacity: 1,250 watt-hours
- Weight: 31 lbs.
Though it's our budget pick, you'd have a hard time naming one feature the EcoFlow DELTA lacks. Capacity? Enough to power most needs for well over 12 hours. Portability? It's small and light enough to carry without problems. It may not be the prettiest on our list, but it's what you do with it that counts.
What We Like
- Great value for the price
- Recharge the unit from 0-80% within 1 hour
- Can power up to 13 devices at once
What We Don't Like
- No remote functioning or monitoring
BUY: EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station
Best Solar Portable Power Station - Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station with Solar Panel Kit
SPECS
- Max output: 18 watts
- Capacity: 187 watt-hours
- Weight: 7 lbs., combined
Ultralight and self-sufficient, the Goal Zero Yeti is the compact go-to for light electrical use over heavy mileage. The Yeti 200X is the only power station on this list suitable for a backpacking excursion on foot. While it won't power a full backyard party, this quiet companion will run a laptop, research device, cell phone, or sleep apnea device with ease. And the accompanying solar panel makes the sun your only limiting factor.
What We Like
- Ultralight
- Full charge in a day of moderate sun
- Solar panel features a built-in kickstand
What We Don't Like
- Low output
- Low capacity
BUY: Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station with Solar Panel Kit
Best Small Portable Power Station - EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station
SPECS
- Max output: 1,400 Watts, with up to 1,800 Watts in X-Boost mode
- Capacity: 880 Watt-hours
- Weight: 24 lbs.
When there's no wall outlet for miles, grab this from your truck and you could power a beach party for hours into the night. Like their other power stations, the DELTA mini seems to hit all the right boxes for most use cases.
The industry-leading fast recharge really makes a difference when you need to get going in a hurry between jobs, plus you can use it while it recharges.
What We Like
- Light and small for its class
- Power up to 12 devices, with one on fast-charge
- Recharge the unit from 0-80% under an hour
- Supports power while charging
What We Don't Like
- Not powerful enough to support the average household during a blackout
- Not small and light enough for backpacking
BUY: EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station
FAQs About Portable Power Stations
How long do portable power stations run?
This depends on their capacity and how much energy your devices sap while running or charging. You can estimate the combined watt-hours of all the devices you think you'll use and then compare it to the power station's capacity. For example, if all your devices use 100 watts per hour and your station has an 800-watt capacity, then you'll have eight hours of power.
What can a portable power station run?
The devices you can run depend on the power station's max output as well as the port type—whether it uses a typical AC plug or a USB cable. These days, it's not hard to find a power station that has the outlets you need. But when it comes to wattage, check your device's max wattage and make sure it's below the power station's max output. You may want to leave a margin of error, and you also need to factor in simultaneous device usage.
Which is better: a portable power station or a generator?
While gas generators typically produce more power, they are heavier, louder, and generate fumes. This makes them an unsuitable power supply for many scenarios, such as indoors during an emergency. But while gas generators can run almost indefinitely if refueled, power stations themselves need downtime to be plugged in, with the exception of enough solar or wind power.