A portable power station provides stable electricity during power outages, camping trips, or just when you need portable power. We examined vital factors such as power output, battery capacity, size, portability, and feature sets in dozens of power stations to determine the best.
What To Look For In Entry-Level Portable Power Stations
When it comes to portable power stations, there are a handful of key features that are absolutely essential, and how I’d prioritize effectiveness. First and foremost, the station must be able to hold a charge for a long period of time. This goes for batteries in general. One of my pet peeves is batteries (expensive AND inexpensive not holding a charge). After all, what’s the point of having a portable power station if it only lasts for a few hours?
Additionally, the power station should be able to deliver a strong charge quickly. I use to not prioritize charging speed, but my tune on this has shifted as we’ve seen battery technology innovate over the past few years. Let’s face it, nobody wants to wait around for hours while their power station slowly trickle-charges their devices.
DISCOVER: How Often Should You Reset Your Phone?
Another feature is based on the solar panel option for the unit. Most people when they initially buy one of these portable power stations don’t even think about adding the solar panel, but just having that option I believe is important for the consumer.
Finally, the power station should be easy to transport. This is one reason why I love these entry-level portable power stations. Most of them aren’t cumbersome and travel really well. What’s the use of having a portable power station if it’s too bulky and awkward to take with you on the go? With these features in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect portable power station for your needs.
Three Entry-Level Portable Power Stations I Like
Jackery Portable Power Station
The perfect balance between performance and value isn’t easy to achieve. This Jackery 240 Power Station is one of them. I’m a huge fan of the Jackery brand and a huge fan of this power station. Portable power stations like this provide outdoor enthusiasts with a solid lithium-ion battery, pure sine wave discharge, high efficiency, and a bright LCD display. Out of the power stations I like, Jackery gets the nod.
The Jackery Explorer 240 solar generator produces 200W of clean, green energy when connected to the Jackery Solar Saga 100W solar panel. You can use Jackery’s MPPT technology to charge the unit from other solar panels as well. You can also charge the Explorer 240 from a 12V car charger or an AC adapter.
Another element worth mentioning with solar panels is the quick recharge. You can expect about 80% battery charge on the power station in about 5 hours.
LEARN MORE: Stop Your Smartphone Apps From Tracking You
With a 240Wh battery and just 3KG weight, the Explorer 240 is both portable and powerful. Plug in and power up or charge your electrical essentials. One AC outlet and two USB-A ports can be powered by up to 200W, with a peak of 400W. The battery management system is by far and large the best out of any portable power station as well. They have over and short current protection. Over-discharge protection. Over-voltage protection and thermal protection. You might be wondering, ‘What does all that mean?’ It means your devices will be protected if you Jackery’s 240 power station to charge your devices.
Specifications
- Brand: Jackery
- Wattage: 200 watts
- Weight: 3.1 Kg
- Color: Black
- Voltage:110 Volts (AC)
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Output Wattage: 200 Watts
I’m usually one that steers away from mentioning price when it comes to technology, but with these power stations and the capacity of utility, it’s definitely worth mentioning. The stand-alone power station will run you about $220 right now on Amazon (the best price on the web). The solar bundle is $399 and I’d highly recommend this bundle if you’re one who likes to get away for longer periods.
Anker 521 portable power station
We just finished a full review of the Anker’s 256Wh 521 Power Station portable power station. Anker is another brand I highly trust and have never had any issues with its products. If you have lost your DC charger or do not have access to your main power, you can quickly charge with Anker’s 256wh batteries via its USB port.
The display includes visible percentage meters, inputs, and outputs, along with just the right amount of information. Additionally, the front has a bright light strip, which at first I didn’t think much of, but after reviewing think this little addition is clever. Despite its small size, it is very bright. The Anker is excellent for outdoor use.
There is an option for a solar panel generator bundle but the price tag of it is pretty pricey at $549. With features that are similar to Jackery’s solar bundle, I’d still lean towards that latter brand for the solar option.
For the stand-alone unit, the Anker 521 is also reasonably priced. Power stations aren’t cheap, but Anker’s power station is less expensive if you shop around. In terms of portable power, Anker has one of the lowest power costs. Not as low as VTONCE and Jackery, but versus the market, it scores really well.
There are many advantages to the 521, but its most important is its portability. With a weight of just over 8 pounds, it is much lighter than most power stations on the market.
Specifications
- Brand: Anker
- Wattage: 200 watts
- Weight: 8.2 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Output Wattage: 200 Watts
Portable Power Station 300W, VTONCE 296Wh
The VTONCE multifunctional portable power station is a compact, all-in-one power station that allows you to prepare for power outages, power failures, disasters, and outdoor activities. This temperature-controlled battery management system protects your devices from overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit damage. VTONCE’s battery management system isn’t as good as Jackery’s, but it’s a solid 2nd. It also detects overloads and short circuits when performed incorrectly. Device protection is vital when it comes to portable power.
TRENDING: Find Out The Best Places To Buy Electronics
Thanks to its 13 output ports (yes..13 ports!), it allows multiple devices to charge simultaneously to meet daily requirements. Out of all the features of VTONCE’s entry-level portable power station, this is its strongest. Another key benefit of VTONCE is its warranty period for this power station which lasts 12 months.
This wouldn’t be my first pick for a portable power station, but it’s definitely one I’d have in my top 3 power stations. As for the foldable solar panel bundle, if I didn’t absolutely love Jackery I’d recommend VTONCE’s as the one to get. The solar bundle is only $325.
Specifications
- Brand: VTONCE
- Connectivity: USB Type C
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Weight: 6.60 lbs
- Battery Capacity: 80000 Milliamp Hours
