The 5 Best Mobile Power Stations You Can Buy in 2024

A mobile power station is a portable, compact battery pack designed to store electricity for on-the-go use. These versatile devices allow you to charge laptops, phones, lighting, small appliances and more whether you‘re camping outdoors, facing a weather-related power outage or simply on the move without regular electric access.

Mobile power stations have surged in popularity in recent years thanks to improved battery technology offering expanded capacity in smaller packages. Whether you need backup power for emergencies or extra juice for a weekend adventure off-grid, today‘s top models balance ample power, smart features and go-anywhere portability.

We‘ve researched the latest options to pick the 5 best mobile power stations you can buy in 2024 based on capacity, battery performance, outlets/ports, special features and overall value:

Best Mobile Power Stations of 2024

Below we detail the standout features and performance of each recommended mobile power station pick for 2024. We‘ll also cover key factors in choosing the right model for your needs and provide tips on usage.

Jackery Explorer 500

The Jackery Explorer 500 is our top overall pick for best portable power station thanks to its balance of ample 518 watt-hour capacity, compact design and smart features.

Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Explorer 500 contains a 24Ah lithium-ion battery pack that can charge a mini fridge for 4.5 hours, laptop over 5 times or smartphone more than 18 times per charge. It‘s durably built with an easy carry handle yet packs well for travel.

An integrated battery management system helps optimize performance and extend the lifespan of the battery over 500 cycles. Seven output ports including USB and 110V AC provide flexibility to power a range of devices.

The Explorer 500 can recharge in as little as 7.5 hours using the included AC adapter. Even faster solar recharging is possible with an optional solar panel kit able to juice up the station in just 5 hours.

With substantial power, 500+ charge cycles and a variety of outlets in a portable package, the Jackery Explorer 500 is a versatile and reliable power station for outdoor adventures or emergency backup.

Jackery Explorer 500 Key Specs

• Capacity: 518 Wh
• Battery type: Lithium-ion
• Battery management system
• 500 cycles to 80% capacity
• Recharge time: 7.5 hrs (AC), 5 hrs (solar)
• Weight: 13.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 7.8 in
• Outputs: 3 x USB-A, 2 x DC, 1 x AC

See Jackery Explorer 500 on Amazon ►

ISSOMI 296Wh Station

Those seeking a highly portable yet budget-friendly power station should check out the ISSOMI 296Wh model. Despite its compact 8 lb design, this unit still packs 296 watt-hours of lithium-ion capacity.

The ISSOMI gets high marks for convenience with a built-in wireless charging pad. It can also rapid charge devices with Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A and 45W Power Delivery USB-C outputs.

Touch-sensitive buttons and an LCD screen offer intuitive operation and charging/output monitoring. Notably the ISSOMI power station employs pure sine wave inverters for safer and more efficient AC power delivery compared to competitors.

With IP63 protection against dust and water spray, the ISSOMI 296Wh station holds up well for outdoor use. The smaller capacity best suits phones, tablets, lights and other personal electronics. But when portability is paramount, it‘s a compelling package.

ISSOMI 296Wh Station Key Specs

• Capacity: 296 Wh
• Battery type: Lithium-ion
• Weight: 8 lbs
• Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.1 x 7.3 in
• Outputs: 1 x AC, 1 x USB-C PD, 1 x Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A, 2 x USB-A, wireless charging pad
• IP63 weather resistance
• Pure sine wave inverters

See ISSOMI 296Wh Station on Amazon ►

Westinghouse iGen300s

The Westinghouse iGen300s demonstrates you don‘t have to sacrifice key features just because you‘re on a budget. Priced low, this 296 watt-hour lithium-ion power station still delivers plenty of outlets and special modes tailored to emergency usage.

Users praise the variety of USB ports, including a 60W USB-C PD compatible with fast charging modern phones. There‘s also a regulated 12V cigarette lighter socket and two full 120V AC outlets for powering small appliances and electronics.

Helpfully a built-in LED flashlight provides illumination when you most need it during storms or grid failures. The LCD screen clearly displays estimated runtimes, wattage info and battery level.

Weighing just 9 pounds, the iGen300s works well for camping and outdoor events too. Westinghouse says it can handle powering a CPAP machine for up to 23 hours on a charge making it a versatile home backup option too.

Westinghouse iGen300s Key Specs

• Capacity: 296 Wh
• Battery type: Lithium-ion
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.1 x 5 x 8.9 in
• Outputs: 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C PD, 1 x DC 12V, 2 x AC 120V
• Built-in LED flashlight
• LCD usage/battery display

See Westinghouse iGen300s on Amazon ►

EcoFlow DELTA mini

For larger capacity and home backup uses, the compact yet mighty EcoFlow DELTA mini power station shines. Designed like a long-lasting laptop brick, the DELTA mini crams a 882 watt-hour LFP battery into a manageable 24 pound envelope.

Despite the size, the DELTA mini starts by offering more AC outlets than most with 5 grounded 1400W ports. These allow powering high-drain devices like refrigerators and some major appliances, albeit with limited runtime. But phones, laptops, TVs, routers and such can go far longer off its capacious charge.

EcoFlow‘s patented X-Stream tech enables 80% battery restoration in as little as 50 minutes when using sufficient wattage. The DELTA mini also works seamlessly with EcoFlow‘s solar panels and smartphone app for monitoring usage.

With fast charging, a beefy capacity and a sleek design, the EcoFlow DELTA mini presents an attractive power solution for RVs, emergency preparedness and off-grid weekends alike.

EcoFlow DELTA mini Key Specs

• Capacity: 882 Wh
• Battery type: Lithium-ion
• Weight: 24 lbs
• Dimensions: 14.9 x 7.2 x 9.4 in
• Outputs: 5 x AC 1400W, 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C PD, 1 x 12V car
• X-Stream 80% recharge in 50 mins (w/ fast charger)
• Compatible phone app

See EcoFlow DELTA mini on Amazon ►

Anker 757 PowerHouse

Those with expansive power needs should consider Anker‘s ultra-capacity 757 PowerHouse. The 1,229 watt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery can sustain high-drain devices longer with pure sine wave AC outlets and 12V DC ports aplenty.

We like the 757 PowerHouse‘s rugged metal casing with IP65 dust/water resistance rating for confident outdoor use. Useful extras like a built-in LED work light and an emergency power off switch promote safe operation too.

The variety of input/output options provides flexibility: 4 USB ports offer 2.4A shared charging, the 6 AC outlets split into 3060W peak / 1800W continuous power, and a car socket connects to optional solar panels or vehicle alternators if more juice is required.

Note the 44 lb heft limits mobility versus smaller picks. But Anker‘s 5 year warranty provides peace of mind while benefiting from the long-lasting LFP battery‘s 3,000+ cycle lifespan.

Anker 757 PowerHouse Key Specs

• Capacity: 1,229 Wh
• Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate
• Weight: 44 lbs
• Dimensions: 18.2 x 9.3 x 11.3 in
• Outputs: 4 x USB-A, 2 x USB-C, 6 x AC, 1 x 12V car
• Rugged metal casing
• LED work light
• 3,000+ battery cycles

See Anker 757 PowerHouse on Amazon ►

How to Choose the Best Mobile Power Station

With portable power stations now available in a range of capacities, outlet configurations and battery chemistries, it‘s important to consider your intended applications before buying.

Larger, heavier duty options make sense for home backup uses where you may need to run high-wattage appliances in an outage. For camping and outdoor events, compact models with just enough ports for phones, lights and small devices probably suffice.

Here are some key factors to help determine the best mobile power station for your needs:

Intended Use

First decide how you plan to use your power station – do you need backup electricity at home to weather multi-day outages? Or a portable charger for keeping devices juiced on weekend trips off-grid?

If using solar panels, remember they can take time recharging batteries compared to wall outlets. And runtimes vary widely: a 500Wh station may power a mini fridge for 8 hours but only charge a phone 12-15 times.

Consider must-power items and typical usage spans to choose adequate capacity. Know rated vs peak wattages when shopping too.

Output Ports

Mobile power stations connect to devices via outputs like USB, USB-C PD, AC sockets and 12V DC ports. Consider which ports your essential items need when shopping.

USB suits smaller electronics like phones and lamps well. USB-C PD enables higher-speed 18-30W charging. AC outlets work for laptops, fans, TVs but drain batteries faster.

Some stations even offer common barrel plugs used by cameras or odd voltages unique to CPAP machines. Having a variety helps avoid needing adaptors.

Physical Size & Weight

Portable power stations range from brick-sized 10 pound units to 50+ pound rolling suitcase models. If you‘ll transport it often, keep size in mind.

Compact lithium-ion battery models sacrifice some runtime compared to heavier stations but stuff easily into vehicles. Durability also varies if knocked around so inspect casing and protection ratings.

Wheeled models hold massive capacities great for backup power but maneuver like airline luggage. Handle weight realistically when purchasing.

Battery Specs

Key battery measures like watt-hours denote charge capacity while battery chemistry clues longevity. Lithium-ion offers familiar balance but lithium iron phosphate tolerates more cycles.

Cycles refer to the supported recharges before dropping below 80% capacity. 500 is common for lithium-ion but goal zero claims LFP endures 3,000 cycles and resists temperature damage.

Advanced batteries also charge faster: EcoFlow claims 80% in 1 hour. Consider input charging time too – solar slows but wall outlets fill fastest.

Budget

With advanced batteries and accompanying technologies, wattages predict prices. Compact ~200Wh stations average under $200 where high-capacity 2000+Wh models push past $2000+.

Determine how much runtime you realistically need. Powering a house versus a campsite presents vastly different costs. Remember batteries degrade so plan long-term if relying as emergency power.

Tips for Using Your Portable Power Station

Once you‘ve purchased your preferred power station, a bit of care and caution helps keep it performing optimally for years:

• Fully recharge every 6 months if unused – leaving batteries depleted strains longevity
• Don‘t expose to temperature extremes – most lithium-ion batteries fare best around 70°F
• Limit dust/dirt/liquid exposure risk – seals protects but debris still threatens
• Consider solar maintainer panel – keeps battery topped off if sitting unused
• Expect 500-3000 lifetime cycles depending on chemistry
• Adhere to rated outputs – peak vs continuous draws affect devices and runtimes
• Update firmware when available – helps address battery software issues

Employing your power station properly ensures it ready to power necessities whenever needed – whether an urgent phone charge while exploring off-grid or emergency power restoring critical comforts when the lights go out at home.

FAQ About Portable Power Stations

What devices can a portable power station run?

Mobile power stations work best with smaller electronics like phones, tablets, laptops, lighting, fans, mini fridges and medical devices up to roughly 300 watts continuous draw.

Larger capacity 2000+Wh models may temporarily operate some major appliances like full refrigerators, pumps or electric cooktops. But runtimes may be limited to minutes or hours.

Always check your device power rating and the station‘s supported output capacity to understand approximate runtimes. Peak vs continuous power also affects suitable applications.

How long does a portable power station battery last?

Many factors affect overall battery lifespan: The chemistry determines durability with lithium-iron phosphate tolerate 3,000+ cycles versus 500 cycles for standard lithium-ion. Usage and recharge pattern impacts longevity too.

But generally at around the 500 cycle mark, even rugged batteries may noticeably deplete faster than when new. Heavy use accelerates wear, while routine maintenance charging preserves capacity longer. Realistically plan 2-5 years of useful service depending on your application.

Do I need a special charger for a portable power station?

Most portable power stations include compatible AC and DC chargers supporting a range of wall, car and solar input sources. So no special charger needed – simply use the included adapter appropriate for your available electrical connection.

Pay attention to required voltage, amperage or outlet standards when recharging. For example overseas stations may need local plug types. And supported solar charger specs typically list required solar panel ratings.

Can a portable power station act as a home UPS?

Power stations can technically connect to electronics and activate backup power during grid outages much like a standby UPS system. However their electrical transfer response lags behind dedicated UPS hardware.

For less sensitive devices like lighting, routers or fans the lag poses little consequence. But unsaved work or medical device disturbances become risks. So we recommend caution substituting uncertified power stations for rated UPS systems.

Conclusion

Advanced portable power stations provide impressive capacities catering to extended off-grid weekends all the way to sizable emergency power needs at home. Carefully considering your intended applications makes choosing the right model easier.

The Jackery Explorer 500‘s versatile 518Wh capacity can refuel gear on nearly any adventure. When only basic charging is needed, the ultra-portable ISSOMI 296Wh station delivers. The Westinghouse iGen300s stretches budget dollars farther than expected with its 296Wh battery and variety of ports.

For capacious home backup power, EcoFlow‘s DELTA mini provides 882 watt-hours in a compact package. And Anker‘s rugged 757 PowerHouse anchors really high-demand usage with its expansive 1229Wh capacity.

Hopefully our power station recommendations and advice assist you in finding the perfect portable power solution to suit your needs while adventuring or simply navigating unreliable electricity. Stay powered!