2024’s Best Portable Power Stations for Electricity Anywhere, Tested
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. That’s why we’ve tested 18 models since 2022; some we’ve kept on this list, while others have been replaced by newer power stations that we like even better. We spent hours testing some of the smaller models and days with some of the larger ones. We even took some road trips to baseball tournaments and other events.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station remains our favorite thanks to its ample power and potential to supply even more backup power by connecting additional Yeti batteries. Not only can it power tablets, phones, and flashlights, but it also powers appliances and power tools.
It’s not the only great option, however. All of the following options make great picks for an emergency power station—in case the power goes out—or portable energy supply. Read our reviews on the top models below, along with important factors to consider before selecting the best portable power station for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOLAR: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CAR CAMPING: DJI Power 1000 With Zignes 100-Watt Solar Panel
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR HOME BACKUP: Anker Solix F3800 Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ROAD TRIPS: EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DURABILITY: Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000 828Wh Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: BougeRV JuiceGo 240Wh Portable Power Station
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 18 |
| Time spent testing | Over 1 year |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $49 to $1,900 |
Our Top Picks
The following products rank among the best portable power stations in terms of quality, dependability, and price. Take a look and see some of the models we liked the most.
Best Overall
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 1,500 watts
- Battery capacity: 983 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 10.23 inches high by 15.25 inches wide by 9.86 inches deep
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, and 4 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, USB-C
What We Like
- Plenty of power
- Expansion possibilities for more backup power
- Digital display provides real-time information
What We Don’t Like
- On the heavier side for portable power
Folks looking for a versatile power station solution will want to consider the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X portable power station. This model provides 983 watt-hours of power and offers a maximum output of 1,500 watts, ensuring there is enough power on tap for any need. It can handle everything from charging devices off-grid to running refrigerators or air conditioners at home.
This model from Goal Zero features two standard 120-volt AC outlets, two USB-C outlets, two USB-A outlets, and several 12-volt DC ports. It also has solar inputs, allowing it to charge with solar panels (not included in our kit). It comes with the base model and an 8-millimeter charging port, and it charges from a standard 120-volt outlet in 9 hours. You can also build upon the Yeti 1000X with home expansion kits and power banks to serve as a home backup.
If we’re being totally up front, we didn’t expect to love the Yeti during our testing. There were other models that we were more excited to test. However, this model’s digital display and power won us over. It had no problem powering our air conditioner, power tools, and devices. We even used it to charge some of our smaller power stations, all the while tracking their draw and the battery level. After all that, we learned about all of the available expansion kits, and we couldn’t help but appreciate this model for its possibilities. The only thing we didn’t appreciate is that it’s one of the heavier models we tested.
Get the Goal Zero portable power station at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Goal Zero.
Best Bang For The Buck
Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter
Our Ratings: Portability 5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 150 watts
- Battery capacity: Depends on the battery
- Dimensions: 3.2 inches high by 3 inches wide by 4.6 inches deep (tool only)
- Weight: 0.7 pounds (tool only)
- Outlets/ports: 1 AC, 1 USB-A, and 1 USB-C
- Charging source: Compatible V20 battery (sold separately)
What We Like
- Compact design fits in a tool box
- Compatible with the lineup of 20-volt Craftsman batteries
- Versatile selection of outlets/ports
What We Don’t Like
- Storage depends on the battery it’s attached to
- Doesn’t come with a battery
Craftsman blends affordability with portability and sprinkles a bit of capability on top with its 150-watt power inverter. This budget-minded model snaps onto any 20-volt battery from Craftsman, turning it into a compact power supply that you can take anywhere or store in a tool box.
This power inverter features three ports: a USB-A, a USB-C, and a standard AC outlet. It also has a built-in work light to illuminate work or a path back to the truck. Runtime will be determined by the size of the battery it’s on, but with a 150-watt output, it can handle lamps, cell phones, and other devices.
In our opinion, this affordable little inverter is ideal for the jobsite. It can quickly turn any 20-volt Craftsman battery into a power station, allowing folks to charge their phones, power drop lights, or even charge a laptop when there isn’t a battery source nearby. Is it full of possibilities? Not quite, as it’s limited to the battery it’s attached to, but we think anyone with Craftsman batteries ought to consider adding it to their tool box for its convenience and affordability.
Get the Craftsman portable power station at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
Our Ratings: Portability 3/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 2,400 watts
- Battery capacity: 2,048 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 9.5 inches high by 12 inches wide by 19.6 inches deep
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 6 AC, 4 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 3 DC
- Charging source: AC, solar, DC
What We Like
- Robust enough to keep a full-size fridge running for 14 hours
- Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery lasts longer than traditional lithium-ion options
- Enough ports to power 15 devices at once
What We Don’t Like
- No 30-amp outlet to run an RV
- The heaviest model we tested
During testing, we were impressed with the performance and huge array of output options on the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max. With a total of 15 outlets/ports and 2,400 running watts of power, we found it to be the most rugged and versatile option in our lineup. While some power stations on our list are better for shorter and less demanding circumstances, this beast from EcoFlow can power a full-size refrigerator for up to 14 hours.
This EcoFlow power station uses an LFP (or LiFePO4) battery, which has nearly twice the expected lifespan of traditional lithium-ion batteries. It charges via wall outlet, 12-volt car outlet, or solar panels. Its large display is easy to read and clearly displays output and expected runtime based on current usage. Though we think this unit provides an excellent value, it is the heaviest power station we tested. It also doesn’t have a 30-amp outlet to power an RV. (If that’s something you’re after, check out our Jackery solar generator review.)
The Delta 2 Max has the highest price tag in our lineup, but if you’re looking for convenience and reliable backup power, it’s worth the money. For even more power and versatility, you can add one or two extra Delta Max smart batteries at 2,016 kilowatt hours each, for a maximum total storage capacity of 6,080 kilowatt hours.
Read our full review: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station
Get the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station at Amazon or EcoFlow.
Best Solar
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Portability 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 1,000 watts
- Battery capacity: 1,002 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 11.1 inches high by 13.1 inches wide by 9.2 inches deep
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 3 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 DC
- Charging source: Included AC adaptor, solar, DC
What We Like
- 2,000 peak watts and 1,002 watt-hours
- Had the best performance in our air conditioner test
- Easy to set up and use
What We Don’t Like
- Solar panels are expensive
Folks who’d prefer to take their power off-grid or simply like the idea of a reusable, portable power source will want to consider the Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station. This power station is compatible with solar panels and will recharge in about 6 hours with two 100-watt panels in full sun.
The Explorer 1000 features 2,000 surge watts with a 1,000-watt continuous output and a 1,002-watt-hour capacity. It has three standard outlets as well as one DC, two USB-A, and two USB-C ports. The digital display keeps you up-to-date on the Explorer’s battery percentage, output, and input. And if the power goes out in the middle of the night, the Explorer 1000 has a built-in flashlight to guide the way.
This solar battery was truly one of our favorite models in the test. We’ve been using this model for over a year now, and our test unit came with two solar panels that are easy to set up and plug into the power station. Also, the Jackery Explorer lasted the longest of all the models in our air conditioner test, and that’s truly saying something considering it’s been drained and recharged a few times in the past. But, beyond the solar panels and capacity, the Jackery is very easy to use, and the digital display is clean and simple to read. Just keep in mind that solar panels can be expensive if purchased separately.
Get the Jackery portable power station at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Jackery.
Best For Car Camping
DJI Power 1000 With Zignes 100-Watt Solar Panel
Our Ratings: Portability 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power output: 2,600 watts
- Battery capacity: 1,024 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 9.1 inches high by 17.6 inches wide by 8.9 inches deep
- Weight: 28.7 pounds
- Outlets/ports: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 2 SDC
- Charging source: Included AC adaptor, included SDC car adaptor, solar
What We Like
- Portable kit includes weatherproof cover/carrier and 100-watt solar panel
- LFP battery maintains 70 percent capacity after 4,000 charge cycles
- Accepts up to 6 solar panels and 800 watts of solar input for charging
- Convenient for car camping, tailgating, and other remote power needs
What We Don’t Like
- Not enough power for an RV
- The solar panel will not provide reliable charging when it rains, or if the site is heavily shaded.
If you’re planning for a camping trip but don’t want to completely rough it, then a portable power station can help. The DJI Power 1000 stores 1,024 watt-hours of electricity and produces 2,600 running watts and up to 4,400 surge watts. That is plenty of energy to keep the lights on at night, charge an array of electronic devices, and power a few small appliances. Not only that, but this kit also includes a weatherproof carry case to protect