Portable power stations are compact battery-powered or solar-powered generators that can charge small items like smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, and fans and can serve as a backup power source at home or a primary portable charger on the go.
To help you find a model that’s right for you, I researched the best portable power stations. Here are my top picks.
Top 4 Portable Power Stations
- Jackery Portable Power Station: Most Powerful
- AIMTOM Power Station: Most Lightweight
- GOLABS Portable Power Station: Most Ports
- FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station: Fasted Recharge
Compare Top Portable Power Stations
| Product | Wattage | Weight | Number of Ports | Recharging Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jackery Portable Power StationCheck Price | 1,000 watts | 22 pounds | 8 | 6.5 hours with a solar panel, 5.5 hours with a wall outlet, 11.5 hours with a cigarette lighter |
AIMTOM Power StationCheck Price | 100 watts | 3.48 pounds | 6 | 7-9 hours with a solar panel, 7-8 hours with a wall outlet, 7-8 hours with a cigarette lighter |
GOLABS Portable Power StationCheck Price | 299 watts | 10.48 pounds | 9 | Not listed |
FF FLASHFISH Portable Power StationCheck Price | 200 watts | 10.33 pounds | 7 | 6-10 hours with a solar panel, 5 hours with a wall outlet, 6 hours with a cigarette lighter |
Most Powerful
Jackery Portable Power Station
I was impressed that this Jackery Explorer portable power station comes with a variety of fast charging ports. With 1,000 watts of power, this high-capacity station can keep up to eight devices running for hours. It even has the ability to provide power while it’s being recharged, so you can keep things running.
Pros and Cons of Jackery Portable Power Station
- Has a specially designed motor to limit noise when it’s in use
- Can provide power to devices while it’s being recharged
- Can power up to eight devices at once
- Has a higher price point than some other, similar products
- Weighs 22 pounds, making it less portable than other options in this review
What People Are Saying About The Jackery Portable Power Station
I found that most happy customers complimented how powerful and well-designed this unit was. They praised how quickly it was able to recharge, with one user reporting that it only took three hours. However, some users claimed that some of the USB ports were inefficient.
Most Lightweight
AIMTOM Power Station
This portable power station comes with a unique battery management system that protects it from damage caused by overcurrent or overvoltage. I like that it utilizes a built-in inverter and also contains an internal cooling fan, which prevents the device from overheating. All of these safety features are packed into this small 3.5-pound unit.
Pros and Cons of AIMTOM Power Station
- Has a built-in cooling fan to keep it from overheating
- Includes an SOS mode that allows you to call for help in the event of an emergency
- Allows you to adjust its voltage levels
- Has less power than most comparable models at 100 watts
- Takes seven to nine hours to recharge regardless of charging source
What People Are Saying About The AIMTOM Power Station
While reading customer reviews, I noted that customers who loved this power station praised its portability, specifically mentioning using it for outdoor activities, such as camping trips and road trips. However, some customers claimed that the product they received was defective, as it stopped charging after a few uses.
Most Ports
GOLABS Portable Power Station
This portable power station comes with a total of nine ports, including USB ports, cigarette lighters, and wall outlets. With its 299-watt output, it can power several small gadgets. Its battery can withstand thousands of charge cycles to last for up to 10 years.
Pros and Cons of GOLABS Portable Power Station
- Has a fireproof enclosure
- Can charge a laptop up to 80%
- Battery can last for up to 10 years
- Does not tell you how long it takes to recharge
- Is heavier than several other similar models
What People Are Saying About The GOLABS Portable Power Station
Reviewers I found said that the device’s display was easy to read even in bright light, which made it ideal for outdoor use. However, some customers reported issues with recharging, though the manufacturer offered replacements to many of the customers who mentioned this problem.
Fasted Recharge
FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station
I found that this relatively lightweight power station is easy to transport. Once the digital display on this backup battery pack indicates that it needs to be recharged, you can plug it into a solar panel, cigarette lighter, or wall outlet. It recharges quickly, taking five hours with a wall socket.
Pros and Cons of FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station
- Weighs only four pounds for easy transportation
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Has three possible charging methods: solar panel, cigarette lighter, and wall socket
- Can’t charge and provide power at the same time
- Not sold with the corresponding solar panel
What People Are Saying About The FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station
I found that most customers raved about the power output of this small portable station, which could power one device for over 10 hours or several devices for a few hours. However, I did see some customers claimed that the portable power station wasn’t powerful enough to keep a CPAP machine running for an entire night.
Buyer’s Guide
Before buying a portable power station, consider how each model’s design and specifications impact its performance and user experience. Here are three factors to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Weight
While all portable power stations are compact and can be carried from place to place, they don’t weigh the same. For example, the FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station weighs just 4.08 pounds, making it a convenient and easy-to-handle power source. While still portable, the 22-pound Jackery Portable Power Station is heavier and more difficult to carry.
Charging Time
Portable power stations can only run for a certain amount of charge time before needing a recharge. Most models, including the Jackery Portable Power Station and AIMTOM Power Station, recharge in around eight hours. However, some models, such as the FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station, can recharge in five or fewer hours when plugged into a wall socket. Most portable power stations have multiple charging options, and the total time it will take to reach a full charge may vary depending on the method.
Wattage
A portable power station’s wattage determines the type of devices it can support. For example, the 200-watt FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station can power small devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, models with a larger power supply, such as the 1,000-watt Jackery Portable Power Station, can power larger appliances, such as mini-fridges, coffee makers, and microwaves.
Extra Portable Power Station Features
Once you’ve determined how much power you need and what size power station works best for your needs, you can turn your attention to extra features that help power stations stand out. Here are some features that may make the difference in determining which portable power station is best for you.
Safety Features
Many portable power stations come with safety features that help keep you protected, such as automatic shutoff or over-current protection. Some, like the AIMTOM Power Station, also have internal cooling fans that prevent overheating.
Number of Outlets
Some portable power stations have only one or two AC outlets or minimal 120v outlets. Others can have more than half a dozen or more, giving you more flexibility over how many items you can charge at once. The number of USB-a or USB-c ports will also vary depending on the model, so consider how many of each you need before choosing a product.
Flashlight
Some portable power stations come with built-in flashlights, particularly useful for bringing a power station out while camping or going off-grid. Built-in flashlights sometimes have strobe or SOS functions which also makes them useful to have in case of emergencies.
Solar Charging
Many portable power stations can be charged with solar panels. While most outlets can also be charged with a wall outlet or cigarette lighter, solar power stations are an energy-efficient way to keep your device charged. However, portable power stations must have a solar charging port to charge with solar panels.
Power Station FAQs
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is a convenient power source that can charge small items, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Some high-powered models can supply power to small appliances, such as fans and mini-fridges, although they have less power than a solar generator or a gas-powered generator.
How long does a portable power station last?
The battery life of a portable power station depends on various factors, including the model and its usage. For example, the Jackery Portable Power Station offers 100 phone charges and 12.5 laptop charges on a full battery.
How long does it take to charge a portable power station?
Most portable power stations take around eight hours to charge fully.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.