Portable power stations are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of uses, from camping and tailgating to emergency preparedness and off-grid living. These battery-powered devices allow you to take AC power on the go by storing electricity to be used whenever and wherever you need it.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the top picks across various wattage categories, from 500 watts on the low end to over 3,600 watts for the most heavy-duty models. Power output is one of the key factors that determines the capabilities of a portable power station and the kinds of devices and appliances it can handle. The higher the wattage, the more high-drain electronics and appliances it can support.
I’ve researched and tested dozens of the top-rated portable power stations on the market to select the very best options. For each wattage category, I’ll share my top pick based on power capabilities, features, portability, and overall value. Whether you need a small power station for weekend trips or a larger model for your home or business, you’ll find the perfect pick for your needs among these top-rated options.
500 Watts – Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is my top pick for a portable power station in the 500 watt range. It packs 518 Wh (watt hours) of energy, which is enough to charge and power several small devices like phones, tablets, and laptops as well as some lights, fans, and other small electronics.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a tried and true design that many people have relied on for years. My brother actually used this model when he was living in his truck, and it held up very well over many miles of use.
One of the nice features of the Explorer 500 is that it offers three different charging options – you can charge via solar panel, from your car using the 12V outlet, or from an AC wall outlet. This flexibility makes it easy to recharge no matter where you are.
However, the Explorer 500 does have some downsides to consider. First, it is a bit more expensive than some comparable models, usually selling for around $350. It also lacks any USB-C ports, which means you’ll be limited to slower charging speeds and won’t be able to directly power a laptop without using the AC outlet.
Overall though, the tried and true Jackery Explorer 500 remains a solid choice in the 500 watt portable power station category, especially for powering small devices off-grid or in a pinch. Just be aware that there are some more affordable options out there, and you may want USB-C connectivity.
700 Watts – Bluetti PS70
My choice for a more powerful yet affordable option is the Bluetti PS70. This 700W portable power station provides 882Wh of energy, enough to power small appliances like mini fridges, lights, and laptops.
Despite being more budget-friendly at just $269, the PS70 has some premium features. The handle folds up to make it easier to stack and transport. When folded down, it reveals a built-in 15W wireless charger on top.
Compared to the $350 Jackery 500, you’re getting 200 extra watts of power for less money. This opens up possibilities like using a toaster oven or small electric grill.
I’ve been using the Bluetti PS70 for camping and boating over the last 4 months. The abundant ports make it easy to charge or run multiple devices. There’s 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-C PD ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a 12V car port.
However, it does have a very loud internal fan. The fan kicks on whenever you’re charging the PS70 or drawing a lot of power. This can be annoying if you’re trying to sleep in a tent nearby.
Overall though, I think the Bluetti PS70 hits the sweet spot of price versus performance. It’s my top pick for budget-friendly portable power ideal for outdoor adventures. The increased capacity over cheaper options like the Jackery 500 provides more versatility.
1400 Watts – EcoFlow Delta Mini
My choice for this category is the EcoFlow Delta Mini. This compact and powerful portable power station packs 882 Wh of energy, meaning it can run smaller kitchen appliances like an air fryer or food dehydrator.
Despite its power, the Delta Mini remains highly portable thanks to its compact size. It features a flat top design so you can easily stack it. The integrated handles on the sides also make it easy to carry.
One of the Delta Mini’s standout features is its incredibly fast charging capabilities. You can charge it from 0-80% in just one hour when plugged into a wall outlet. It also supports up to 300W of solar input for fast solar charging.
You can control and monitor the Delta Mini remotely via the EcoFlow app. It connects to your smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth. The app lets you turn ports on/off, set up schedules, and view real-time metrics on your power usage.
In summary, the EcoFlow Delta Mini hits the sweet spot of portability, fast charging speeds, and advanced features like app connectivity. Its power output can handle small kitchen appliances, making it a versatile choice for RV travelers, tailgaters, and more.
EcoFlow Glacier
The EcoFlow Glacier is a really interesting option if you’re looking for portable refrigeration and don’t necessarily need a full power station. This is a battery powered refrigerator freezer that can produce ice cubes in as fast as 15 minutes.
The glacier has a separate refrigerator and freezer compartment that get extremely cold thanks to the advanced compressor technology. You’re able to precisely control the temperature of both the fridge and freezer.
In addition to refrigeration, the Glacier can also power your devices like phones, laptops, drones, cameras etc. You’re able to recharge it via solar panels, 12V car outlet or AC power.
One odd thing is that the battery is sold separately. You don’t technically need the battery if you have access to wall outlet or car charger, but having that onboard battery storage makes it truly portable and useful for things like camping trips, tailgates etc.
So in summary, the EcoFlow Glacier is a really versatile product that provides portable refrigeration and power in one package. The fast ice maker and ability to precisely control temps makes it super useful for camping, fishing, road trips and outdoor activities. Just be aware you have to buy the battery separately.
2200 Watts – Joverse Home 2 Pro
The Joverse Home 2 Pro portable power station provides 2200 watts of power with 2419 watt hours of energy storage. This model I tested came with two 200 watt solar panels included, making it easy to recharge through solar.
With 2200 watts of power output, the Joverse Home 2 Pro can handle powering most standard home appliances like refrigerators, coffee makers, and microwave ovens. The 2419 watt hours of capacity gives you decent runtime to keep appliances powered for a while between charges.
One downside of the Joverse Home 2 Pro is that it weighs about 60 lbs without any mobility features like wheels or a long extendable handle. So while it provides ample power, the heaviness makes it less than ideal for portable use cases like camping or tailgating where you need to move it around frequently.
Overall, the high power output allows the Joverse Home 2 Pro to handle most home appliances but the lack of portability does limit the use cases where it really makes sense to use this model over something with integrated wheels or handles for easier transport. Still, as a home backup power supply or for powering a camper/RV it’s a compelling option to consider.
2400 Watts – Anker 757 PowerHouse
The Anker PowerHouse 757 portable power station packs a serious punch in a convenient package that’s hard to beat for the price. With 2400 watts of power, you can run most large appliances and tools that need up to 2000 watts. For home essentials, it can keep a fridge or chest freezer running for over 10 hours.
Despite its robust power, the Anker 757 is very affordable at just $1400. That’s nearly 1/3 less than comparable models. You get great value without compromising on premium features.
Mobility is excellent thanks to two wheels and an extendable handle. Just tilt back and roll it wherever you need power. At 61 pounds it’s heavy, but easy to move around.
The Anker 757 doesn’t skimp on outlets either. You get two 12V car ports, four 110V AC outlets, and a TT-30 RV outlet. There are also three 60W USB-C Power Delivery ports and two 18W USB-A ports. With so many options, you can run multiple devices at once.
Monitoring power levels is easy with the Anker PowerHouse app. Connect to the 757 via Bluetooth to check remaining battery life, track usage over time, and turn ports on or off remotely. It’s a handy way to optimize your power consumption.
For a mid-range power station under $1500, the Anker 757 PowerHouse hits a sweet spot. With robust power, great portability, and smart features, it’s an ideal portable power source for RVs, emergency backup, and off-grid living.
3600+ Watts – EcoFlow Delta Pro
Finally, number 7 on this list is a device that I’m personally so impressed with. This thing is absolutely massive but it can do so much and is so capable, starting off at 3,600 Watts but scaling up to 7,200 W of power output. It also gives you as little as 3,600 Wh of energy storage and up to a massive 25,000 Wh of capacity.
With power like this, people literally run their entire home off the grid with the Delta Pro. The numbers here are way more than everything else on this list, giving you 50% more power output than even the Anker PowerHouse mentioned earlier.
But why does the Delta Pro take the top spot? Here are some standout features:
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Massive power output up to 7.2kW: With the ability to deliver so much power, you can run high-draw appliances with ease.
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Huge capacity up to 25kWh: Store enough energy to keep appliances running for days. The scale from 3.6kWh up to 25kWh means you can customize capacity to your needs.
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Wheels and handles for portability: Despite the large size, wheels and handles make it easy to move the Delta Pro around. Lift handles on the top allow you to pick it up into a vehicle.
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Home integration capabilities: With the proper setup, you can backfeed power from the Delta Pro into your home’s electrical system. This allows you to leverage the battery and even get a 30% tax credit when used for home backup power.
The Delta Pro starts at $3,700 but my link provides a $1,200 discount, bringing it down to $2,500. Still expensive but more reasonable for the incredible power and capacity you’re getting. If you need to run high-demand appliances off-grid or want whole home backup power, the EcoFlow Delta Pro is in a class of its own.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great portable power station options available in 2024 depending on your needs and budget. The Jackery Explorer 500 is a solid budget-friendly choice under 500 watts, while the Bluetti PS70 offers great value with more power at 700 watts.
For most people, the 1,400 watt EcoFlow Delta Mini likely offers the best combination of power, features and portability. It charges quickly, has an app to monitor power usage, and works for most camping and emergency backup needs. The EcoFlow Glacier is also a unique all-in-one refrigeration and power solution.
In the mid-range, the Anker 757 PowerHouse stands out for its 2,400 watts of power, wheels for portability and thoughtful design at a competitive $1400 price point. Finally, the EcoFlow Delta Pro is in a class of its own with up to 7,200 watts and huge 25,000 watt-hour capacity for off-grid and whole home backup applications.
Overall, EcoFlow seems to be at the leading edge of portable power technology, while Jackery and Bluetti also offer reliable products. Consider your power needs and budget, but the EcoFlow Delta Mini, Anker 757 PowerHouse and EcoFlow Delta Pro emerge as the best options for most buyers in 2024.