Most power stations are battery operated (with some even able to recharge using solar energy), while gas power sources are generally known as generators. Consumer Score: 82% gave it 4 stars or more Control with your phone to run your heavy hitting power tools. Though gas generators are typically less expensive and provide more energy for a longer period of time, they tend to be noisy and can be used only outside, a safe distance from your home, to keep carbon monoxide exhaust from getting inside. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator is one of the reliable … Since this is a gas apparatus, it is strictly for outdoor use. Gas generators are a great solution for temporarily restoring power during an outage, but they—plus the fuel you need to run them—can be cumbersome to take on camping trips. Consumer Score: 82% gave it 4 stars or more. While it can charge multiple devices at a time, it won’t quite cut it for most larger appliances. While it may look futuristic, it is actually user friendly and can even be controlled with your phone. | Weight: 44 lb. But if you want emergency backup power for tools or small appliances, like a mini-fridge, you need something with more kick. Battery-operated power stations are often more expensive, but they also come with a slew of benefits. Best Product Reviews, According to Experts and Consumers, This Portable Power Station Delivers 120V Power, The Best Portable Stoves That Bring the BTUs. While these batteries are rechargeable, be prepared to wait up to or more than 8 hours for them to charge. At only 6.6 pounds, the Jackery 240 is easy to carry wherever you need power. The Anker PowerCore II 10,000 power bank is perhaps the most portable option on this list and allows you to have at least two full charges for your phone in your back pocket ready to go. Past Goal Zeros have weighed up to 100 pounds, but they have dropped the weight in recent years, and this one is only 46 pounds—heavy, but manageable. This will determine how much wattage you need. ROCKPALS SP002 Foldable 60W Solar Panel Charger for Suaoki/Jackery Explorer 240 / Webetop/Goal Zero Yeti/Paxcess Portable Power Station Generator and USB Devices, QC3.0 USB Ports, INIU Portable Charger, USB C Slimmest & Lightest Triple 3A High-Speed 10000mAh Power Bank, Flashlight Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 12 11 X 8 Plus Samsung S20 Google LG iPad etc. Portable chargers are available with built-in Lightning ports for newer Apple devices, or you can find some iPhone cases that can accommodate a slim, lightweight power pack that snaps right onto your phone. Our Consumer Score represents the percentage of customers who rated the product at least four out of five stars on retail and review sites like Amazon, Home Depot, and manufacturers’ websites. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Best for Large Vehicles: STANLEY Jump Starter (J5C09) While it’s not as portable as the other jump … Generally speaking, the bigger the battery, the higher the capacity and quantity of … These streamlined portable charger options make it easy to use your phone as you normally would, even with accessories like a selfie-stick. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. They typically come in a variety of sizes, so you can get a smaller, more portable pack for short camping trips or a day by the lake. | Weight: 46 lb. Get the power and low price of a gas generator with greater portability. Goal Zero is one of the oldest companies in the power station game, and while the Yeti 1400 may be painfully expensive, it is also a great addition to your outdoor entertainment system. | Weight: 7 lb. Best portable jump starter for your car in 2020. Should the batteries die, no worries, all four can be replaced, which significantly elongates the life of the pack. The Yeti is powerful enough to run fridges, power tools, and other appliances and devices in and out of the house. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Here are the five best power stations on the market, ready to rev up your power tools, charge your electronics, or even keep appliances running when the power’s out at home. Consumer Score: 78% gave it 4 stars or more. Consumer Score: 93% gave it 4 stars or more. Consumer Score: 84% gave it 4 stars or more A great, affordable option for newbies or technology lightweights. Before you invest in a portable power pack, have an idea of what you’ll be using it for. It can easily be charged by plugging into a wall or car socket, but also takes up to 8 hours to fully charge. You’re seeing this ad based on the product’s relevance to your search query. There's a problem loading this menu right now. The Best Generators To Keep Your Home Running, Upgrade Your WFH Setup With Goal Zero’s Yeti 500X, Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, Wen 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. How we test gear. Wattage: 3,000 | Size: 15 x 19 x 13 in. However, there are some gas-powered models that are more portable like their battery brethren, such as the Wen inverter generator that we’ve included on this list. It does weigh 44 pounds, which is somewhat heavy, but it makes up for it in sheer power and durable waterproofing. Don’t want to break the bank, but need something to charge your devices on your summer camping trip? Not only is this a great option for power tools, but it is also great for tailgates and can even power some of your house during a blackout. Power your outdoors adventures with a pack that’s smaller than your cooler. The Nexus 3000-Watt 56V has got you covered—for a price. This pack is capable of running several heavy-duty appliances at once, and even running a full-sized fridge for several hours. | Weight: 39 lb. Plus, they’re a bit more portable, so you can actually take them with you on off-the-grid excursions. Having a reliable portable car … Keep in mind that while it may be more portable than the typical gas generator, it still weighs 39 pounds when filled with gas. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. A great, affordable option for newbies or technology lightweights.