Are portable power stations a good choice?

Portable power stations can deliver power when you need it most, whether during power outages or just for an off-grid adventure. These handy electricity suppliers vary in size, output, and energy source, not to mention durability.

How to choose a portable power station for camping?

Setting one up inside a home or workshop means close quarters, and loud models could literally require hearing protection. A portable power station for camping should also be quiet, or else it may disturb the neighbors. Typically, electric and solar power stations make for the quietest generators available.

Do portable power stations need a wall outlet?

Portable power stations typically come equipped with lithium-ion batteries that hold a significant amount of stored electrical energy. Most power stations plug directly into a standard electrical outlet, but many models don’t require access to a wall outlet.

Are portable power stations expensive?

Updated June 2025: We’ve added a Bluetti model, honorable mentions from EcoFlow and Acer, and a testing and FAQ section. Portable power stations can be very expensive, but discounts, sales, and deals are common. If you can afford to wait, you can likely get your chosen power station for less than the listed MSRP.

What is the power output of a portable power station?

Power output of a portable power station refers to the maximum amount of energy the station delivers to the attached devices. Power output ratings are available in terms of wattage. How many watts a device will deliver explains how much power it can produce. The more watts a device can produce, the larger the electrical component it can run.

What can a portable power station charge?

All portable power stations can charge up small gadgets like phones and laptops or be used to power lighting. Most can handle small appliances like mini-fridges or TVs. If you want to use power tools, an AC unit, or in the UK, a kettle, you need to be able to draw thousands of watts.