8 Best Portable Power Station Options in 2024 

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PORTABLE POWER STATION?

You are in the right place because the 8 best portable power station options are featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have done the research and testing to bring you the 5 best options, and they all have excellent reviews. We have also traveled in our camper since 2010 and test outdoor equipment frequently.

When you’re out in the woods, off-grid, and need a power backup solution, portable power stations are a great option. They operate very smooth and as you use them their uses grow. After you purchase one you will want add to them to expand what they can operate by adding solar panels.

Join us as we look at the best portable power station options. Our reviews are based on user experience, rating, ease of use, and functionality. I’ve also included a handy buying guide to help with the selection.

Quick Guide: Portable Power Stations 

PRO TIP: If you cannot decide between power station sizes go with the larger size. The larger sizes are far more versatile and allow for far more applications. The smaller power stations can be limiting.

8 Portable Power Stations 

1. Goal Zero Yeti 200X

When a storm rolls in and knocks out the power, you’ll be glad to have Goal Zero Yeti 200X. It’s also a great power backup when you’re off-grid and don’t want to keep your RV or van running to charge your phone.

Out of the box, you can feel the quality in fit and finish. But more importantly, it works as it should and is a nice upgrade from the lead-acid options. It is a capable and great solution when you don’t need the more powerful power stations.

Speaking of power, the Goal Zero Yeti 200X is a neat little power source. It has a 200W capacity and will power all your annoying soul-sucking electronics. Ideally, portable solar power stations are designed to power small and medium-sized RV devices and appliances. It works great to charge your smartphones, camera, power lights, run small coffee makers, and more. On top of that, the power station charges faster than most units in the market.

Regarding the dimensions, I love that the Goal Zero Yeti 200X is small enough to keep under my RV seat and charge with your RV’s cigarette lighter as you drive. This is great because it can trickle charge, whether at 98% or down to 40%.

It’s also portable, so easy to throw in the RV and go. Most RVers usually leave on their rig waiting for trips because it doesn’t take up too much space. I also like its ultra-light; even your three-year-old can haul it. It’s great for trips and charging small devices.

Another key strength of this power station is you can use it to break into solar camping. It feels good topping the power station with a solar panel because it allows you to camp indefinitely without the cost and waste of disposable batteries.

The Yeti 200X also has different charging options, including a 12-V port, 120-Watt AC port, etc. This is great when you need to power multiple appliances simultaneously. It also allows you to recharge it through a cigarette lighter or plug it into an AC wall.

Using this power station is also easy, and I like that it has assigned buttons for every input. It also has a fan to keep everything cool.

Overall, I’m happy with this battery with an outlet purchase, and I consider it a good start for those looking for an entry-level and reliable power station. However, you must pay attention to the specs. If you want to run a fridge or other high-consumption appliances, this one isn’t for you. But if you want to use it as intended, it won’t disappoint.

➡️ SHOP Goal Zero Yeti 200X

2. Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station

I have to hand it to Goal Zero again for our second pick. While I didn’t think their products would get any better than they were with the Yeti 200X, they released the 500X.

The first impression of this portable solar power station is that the packaging and design are well thought out. Everything is secure and feels solid. The instructions are also clear and precise, so knowing how the 500X works is not confusing.

And from its name, the 500X, this energy station is a more potent option than our first pick. Get this if you need a portable battery power station with a wider range of power capabilities for extended travel use.

 The specs on this little jewel are amazing, and putting this puppy through the daily paces will leave you stunned. It packs a punch with its 500W capacity and will easily charge all your devices, including your RV fridges. It also has plenty of power to run your camera, computer, dew heater, and more.

On top of that, the Yet 500X holds its charge for so long. But the best is that you can marry it with the Goal Zero solar ecosystem. When you hook it up with a solar panel, you won’t get enough of the MPPT controller, which extracts more power from the panels than the PMW controller in older models. The extra juice is handy in early mornings, late afternoons, and when it’s cloudy.

The sizing is also impressive. Even with the humungous output, the Yeti 500X somehow manages to remain smaller than a lunchbox. It’s perfect when you need a compact power station while on the go.

It’s also easy to use, and I love how each port is nicely placed so things don’t overlap. You’ll also appreciate the digital display, and it helps that it has a backlight option. Finally, it comes full-featured and has a great selection of different adapter inputs and output ports.

➡️ SHOP Goal Zero Yeti 200X

3. Jackery Explorer 880 Portable Power Station

Explorer 880 is a fantastic power station for RVers who need a more powerful unit capable of a continuous 1000 watts. It’s powerful enough to keep your full-size fridge cool overnight. It can even run a pizza oven, a water kettle, heaters, and a whole array of RV electrical equipment and electrical devices.

RVers have also tried the Jackery Explorer 880 with power tools and recharging the cordless tools, and they’ve nothing but praises for it.

Even under heavy load, I love that the Explorer’s internal fan runs continuously to keep the power station cool. It’s fairly quiet, though, and you won’t have any problems watching your TV or even sleeping while it’s running.

Jackery design is also nice and feels okay for what you’d expect for the price. The plastic feels solid, and the handle doesn’t feel like it will break. Meanwhile, the weight distribution is excellent; you’ll appreciate it when camping. It’s also small enough that you don’t have to install it in your travel trailer.

This portable solar power station also has the option to marry it with a solar panel and saves you from the hassle and inconvenience of heavy, loud generators. Apart from the good old sunshine, you can also power it through your van’s cigarette lighter or the AC wall. Talk of versatility.

It also has multiple outputs, which is great for RVers who need to power multiple appliances simultaneously. The separate on/off buttons with an LED indicator and display button are a perk, especially during nighttime. The display shows how much power your devices consume and what power is left.

Overall, I’m pleased with the Jackery Explorer 880. It performs well and will enhance your RV lifestyle.

➡️ SHOP Jackery Explorer 880

4. Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Energy Station for camping is a step-up version of the Jackery Explorer 880 we just reviewed. It’s an alternative to gas generators, and I recommend it to RVers who find gas generators too noisy, heavy to lift, and challenging to maintain.

Jackery 1500 works well and exactly as described. It stores 3600 watts of peak power and will give you more confidence while camping, knowing you can now access far more campsites that aren’t powered. It covers all your power needs, and you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can use it for lights, fans, microwaves, fridges, phones, tablets, etc. It can also manage to power a jig saw, saw sell, chop saw, and other power tools.

While the capacity is nice, I also love that it has multiple outputs, and this is great when you’ve multiple appliances you need to power. It also supports multiple input options, including solar, wall AC, and car cigarette lighter. When paired with solar, it provides an indefinite stream of clean energy.

It’s a little heavy, though, but this is understandable, given that it’s a big battery. However, it has a nice ergonomic handle, which grants an easy grip. Plus, it has an easy-to-read display, which shows the power left and consumption of each appliance.

I also love that this model is certified and meets the UL safety standards. It delivers a sinusoidal waveform, which is great for sensitive appliances. The Jackery 1500 package includes a cable, car charger, and user manual.

➡ SHOP Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Energy Station

5. Westinghouse 300 Peak Watt Portable Power Station

I love how useful the Westinghouse Portable Power Station is while camping. First, it’s an affordable option, and compared to most power stations, it feels like a steal. Plus, it has the added benefit of being Westinghouse.

It’s a versatile option, too, and has multiple battery-powered outlet ports. It can support up to six devices simultaneously, and therefore a great option for family use.

Performance-wise, I see Westinghouse 300 as a great product for small items. This little jewel is rated 300W, which is more than enough for your small to medium-sized RV appliances such as phones, tablets, CPAP machines, desktop fans, etc. The battery also retains a charge for quite some time to keep your appliances running for days.

The power station is also suited for outdoors, thanks to the ultra-light design. It’s smaller than a lunch box and won’t take any real estate in your rig. It also feels ultra-light and, therefore, easy to take with you.

But the biggest draw with the Westinghouse Power station is the Power lock technology. It’s a unique feature that locks the outlets from the power drain. It extends the longevity of the charge on the portable solar power station while ensuring the safety of your sensitive appliances.

➡ SHOP Westinghouse Portable Power Station

6. Tenergy T320 Portable Power Station

If you’re searching for a fairly portable and potent power station that can handle just about any camping scenario and double up for home emergency use, consider the Tenergy T20 power station.

It’s a fantastic power station that will make your off-grid stay much more convenient. For example, this high-energy rechargeable portable battery power station has a continuous power rating of 300 Watts, sufficient to cover most of your bases. It works well for powering your laptops, charging your phone & tablets, and even running small coffee makers during your next camping trip.

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It’s also versatile and comes with sufficient AC and DC power outputs. It has a total of 8 outlets, which allows you to charge multiple devices on a single go. While at it, I love that it has a silent operation, and the cooling fans aren’t distractive. It barely gets hot, either, and it’s long-lasting.

Another big plus is the LIFEP04 battery, which can hold the power charge for hours, a purse sine-wave inverter, and an accessory bag.

➡ SHOP Tenergy T320 Portable Power Station

7. Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station

The Jacker Explorer 290 is amazing, and it ticks all the boxes for the best power station for camping. First, it comes in an ultra-compact and lightweight design, so it makes the ideal option for RVers or campers on the go.

But the greatest strength of the Jackery is the powerful performance. Sure, it’s not rated as much as some options on the list, but the 200W continuous output is enough juice to run different appliances on your RV, such as digital cameras, laptops, drones, mini coolers, and CPAP machines.

Performance aside, the Jackery 290 is an eco-friendly portable solar power station. It doesn’t produce exhaust gases or noise. You can even use it in your bedroom. Plus, I love that it’s super easy to operate; with a button, it supplies you with all your power needs without the harmful gas generator fumes.

It also comes with multiple output and input ports, all of which help to add to the overall versatility of the power station. Meanwhile, the built-in MPPT module works hard to monitor the voltage and current output, which helps with solar recharging efficiency.

➡ SHOP Jacker Explorer 290

8. Anker Portable Power Station

The Anker Portable Battery Power Station is a powerhouse and an energy solution that can provide your RV with more charges and power before it requires recharging.

However, it’s a bit bulkier than most portable power stations on our list, and therefore it craves a little more space in your camper. However, the space needs are overshadowed by functionality and performance. The Anker has a 300 watts capacity, which is enough for small to medium RV appliances.

Performance aside, this little jewel is also versatile and gives you the freedom to charge up to eight devices simultaneously. It also allows users to enjoy fast charging capabilities. For example, according to user portable power station reviews, it can power your 2020 MacBook Air to 50% in less than 40%, faster than the OEM charger.

As an added benefit, this battery generator delivers a stable sinusoidal output, which works great for sensitive electronics such as the TV, laptops, mobile phone signal boosters, and Wi-Fi routers.

➡ SHOP Anker Portable Battery Power Station

Best Portable Power Station For Camping Factors to Consider 

Capacity

The battery capacity is an important consideration when selecting a portable power station. Capacity refers to the wattage your portable battery generator can deliver, and generally, the bigger the capacity, the more electronics you can power and the longer your power station can run.

When determining the ideal battery capacity, you must take a calculated approach rather than choosing the highest-rated solar station.

Determine the wattage of devices you want to power. If you’ve energy-consuming appliances, you’ll require a higher-capacity energy station. Generally, the power capacity of appliances is expressed in watts, and maximum power consumption is indicated in watt-hours.

Now, whether your power station is capable of powering your appliances depends on its battery capacity, which is normally expressed in watts hours, compared to your electrical appliance needs.

For example, if your portable power station for camping is rated 1000Wh, it can power a 1000W appliance for one hour. It can also power multiple appliances with 1000 watts for one hour. Similarly, a 1000W-watt power station can power one 100W appliance for approximately 10 hours.

Charging Options

You must also consider the available options for charging your portable power station. Most power stations are chargeable through the 120. V wall battery-powered outlet, but other options can tap into solar energy or even plug into a 12.0 V DC car outlet.

If you only plan to bring your portable battery power station on a day’s trip, you can work with any charging option. However, if you’re heading out for a multi-day trip, consider a power station with multiple charging inlets.

Output

Regarding portable power stations, you can never have enough charging ports for your appliances. Generally, power stations usually deliver power through AC outlets, USB ports, USB-C ports, and the less common charging ports.

The power outlets depend on the specific portable power station. But if you plan to charge several electronic devices, I suggest you pick a power station with different output options.

Size and Weight

The term portability can be misleading sometimes. You see, batteries are generally bulky, so you shouldn’t expect an ultra-light power station. Plus, bigger batteries tend to be more powerful.

Even then, you must look for a power station that balances performance and size. It should be compact enough to handle but big enough to give you the needed power.

Battery Technology

You must also consider battery technology because it determines the size, weight, charging speed, and longevity of your portable power station.

The most popular battery technologies on portable power stations are:

• Lithium-ion – quick to charge & energy dose
• Lithium-polymer – generally safer and has properties toeing the line between lithium-ion and lead acid batteries
• Lead-acid batteries – inexpensive, slow to charge & least energy density

Benefits of a Portable Power Station

There are several key benefits of a portable power station over other sources of power storage solutions.

Portable

Aptly dubbed as portable power stations, these nifty gadgets are usually more compact, lightweight, and easier to use. Depending on the size and power capability, some are small enough to fit in a suitcase, and this is essential for RVers who need space on space.

They are also ultra-light, so you can tag along with them almost anywhere, which is great for users who are always on the go.

Versatile

Another huge benefit of the portable power station for a camping trip is that it is very versatile. First, the device can draw power from various sources, including solar, a 12.0 V DC car outlet, or standard AC outlets, such as your 120V wall outlet.

On top of that, they also have multiple different outlets, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Cost-Efficient

The other advantage of the battery power station is they generally use less power than other forms of energy. They also have fewer moving parts and don’t require regular maintenance, so they don’t need much attention overall. The main maintenance is keeping your power station at a full charge when not in use. This will extend the battery life of your power station. 

Noiseless

Portable energy stations are designed to run quietly and smoothly, so they won’t disrupt your stay in the wilderness. Regardless of where you take them, you don’t need to worry about noise running your experience.

Backup Power

The biggest benefit of solar generator power stations is they provide an excellent way to keep you supplied with power outdoors, especially when other sources fail. This makes them great for home backup power supply in case of a power outage or even road trips.

We use them on road trips, outings to the beach, or day-long sporting events.

How to Use a Portable Power Station

Using a portable power station is pretty straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Ensure the battery on your power station is charged. A charged battery guarantees that your portable battery power station has enough juice to power your device.

2. Connect your appliances to the power station using the appropriate outlets. You must follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer so that you don’t damage your appliances.

3. Turn on your power station.

Using and Maintaining a Portable Power Station: Tips and Tricks to Maintain 

✔ Charge your Battery Regularly: Always ensure your battery is always ready to use. Charging it even when you’re not using it helps maintain the battery’s health and longevity.

✔ Keep the Battery Cool: It’s important to store your portable power station for camping in a cool, dry place for longevity. Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat or cold to prevent damage or reduce performance.

✔ Use the Correct Charging Equipment: Using the correct charging equipment is necessary for the safety of your power station. Similarly, knowing how to connect your appliances is important. Avoid using third-party equipment that may not be compatible with the power station setup.

✔ Manage the Power Consumption: When charging multiple devices, you must monitor and manage the consumption wisely. Remember that you don’t exceed the total wattage to avoid damaging your appliances.

✔ Follow the Manual: Finally, following the manufacturer’s instructions is always smart. It’s a safety aspect that may also extend the longevity of your power station and ensure that it works properly.

FAQ: Best Portable Power Station For Camping

What Size of Portable Battery Power Station Do I Need?

Generally, the right size of your portable power station depends on your energy requirements. Therefore, you must first size up all your appliances to determine a power station size.

However, if you need a power station to top up your cell phone battery, a 200-watt device is more than enough, but if you’ve some heavy appliances in tow, such as fridges or TVs, you need something more powerful.

How Long Do Power Stations Last?

Every battery eventually degrades after years of use through wear and tear, breakdown, or other causes. Generally, the longevity of a power station depends on the maintenance, type of battery, and general use.

According to most manufacturers, most power stations usually break down after 500 cycles. A cycle means using the battery from fully charged to zero, or at least 80% in some cases. Therefore, if you’re always using your power station several times a week, it’ll last a year or two, but if you use it infrequently, it may last longer.

What Can I Power With a Portable Power Station?

Portable power stations are versatile and can power a range of appliances. However, most portable power stations are designed to power smaller appliances such as laptops, phones, cameras, fans, air compressors, and heavy-duty items such as CPAP machines and work lights.

The number of appliances and the total wattage a portable power station provides depends on the battery size. The bigger and more powerful power stations can run for several hours and power heavier-duty appliances.

How Long Will A Portable Power Station Run?

How long a portable power station runs depends on several factors, including the battery’s size and the appliances’ power consumption. For example, if your power station is rated 1,000 watt-hours, and you use it to power a 100w-rated TV, then it’ll run for 10 hours (1000 w/h divided by 100 w)

However, this is usually a theoretical number; the power station can only achieve 80 to 85% of the total capacity in real life. So, in our example above, your power station is likely to deliver 800 to 850 Wh, and when divided by 100W, it gives a runtime of 8 to 8 and a half hours.

Is It Worth Buying a Power Station?

A portable power station is a handy upgrade to your RV and a great way to charge appliances when off-grid or in an emergency. A power station also provides an affordable backup power source for multiple devices. Plus, they’re portable and great for outdoor uses such as RVing, hiking, and any other outdoor activity.

What Is the Difference Between Generators and Portable Power Stations? 

The difference between a generator and a power station is that a generator converts forms of energy to usable electricity, while power stations are portable power sources. The power stations store power and can be considered rechargeable batteries, which you carry around, and recharge once you deplete their stored energy.

Conclusion: Portable Power Station 

Portable power stations are worth the investment because they’re a fantastic source of consistent and reliable off-grid electricity. Once you purchase the unit, you can use the sun’s renewable energy to use the power station repeatedly.

You don’t have to change the oil or carry fuel like traditional generators. If you couple your power station with solar charging, you will have a fabulous off-grid power source.

Since receiving our power station, we cannot believe the many uses and different types of devices they work with. They provide great value, great run time, and provide a reliable and stable power supply.  

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