If you enjoy the outdoors, camp, work on construction sites, or want to be prepared for a power outage, you should seriously consider purchasing a portable power station. These lunchbox-sized power banks are very useful and here we’ll go over some pros and cons and explain why you’ll want one.

What is a portable power station?

What is a portable power station and how does it work? It is a device with multiple power sources for all your devices including refrigerator, TV, laptop, camera, speakers, drones, CPAP machines, tablets, phones, electric grill, etc. It’s basically just a giant battery.

Another way to explain them is that they are silent generators that run on rechargeable batteries. Most of them are about the size of a lunch box or small cooler, and are filled with large lithium-ion batteries similar to those in a laptop, only larger. You’ll charge them at home or with solar panels, then take them wherever you need them or save one for later.

We are not talking about a generator or a small portable phone battery that you can keep in a backpack, are completely different. We’re talking larger 500-watt, 1000-watt, or even 3000-watt portable power stations packed with AC outlets, USB ports, 12V ports, and more. These small, quiet boxes deliver on-demand power anywhere, anytime.

Power stations come in different sizes, features and different prices to meet your needs.

Who should use a portable power station?

If you are thinking about purchasing a portable power station, you should probably go ahead and do it. They are excellent electronic components that are useful for all situations. As we said above, they are great for anyone who enjoys getting outdoors or camping, especially if you prefer what I call “glamping” with an air mattress, heaters, lights, or hot coffee on a cold mountain morning.

Some, like the Anker SOLIX SeriesThey come with built-in LED flashlights or can be recharged with solar panels, making them ideal for camping and emergencies. I own a cabin in the beautiful mountains outside of Zion, Utah, and I bring a power station with me every time I go. I can quickly recharge phones, battery-powered flashlights, or my electric bike, and I even use it to power a Keurig coffee maker or a fan on hot summer nights.

Yes, my cabin has a gas-powered generator, but at night no one wants to hear that noisy engine running and ruining the atmosphere around the campfire. I often turn on the kitchen lights with my Anker or Jackery and save the gas generator for later if needed.

Camping is just one of the many reasons why someone would want to purchase a portable power station. They are great for construction workers on the job site, perfect for family vacations in the RV, and great products to have in case of emergencies or power outages.

Depending on the Size of your portable power station.It could keep all your phones, flashlights, or crucial products, like a CPAP machine, running during a power outage. That way you can stay in touch with friends and family, receive weather alerts, or sleep with a respirator.

For example, my Anker C1000 will charge most smartphones more than 75 times or run the refrigerator for more than 15 hours. You will have a phone with cell service for several weeks during an emergency or cold meal until power is restored.

The pros and cons of a portable power station?

Now that you know a little more about portable powerstations, what they offer, and how you can use them, I want to mention some of their advantages and disadvantages. Then it will come down to your wants, needs, and budget.

Advantages

Obviously, the greatest benefit of using a portable power station is that you will have battery power at any time, as long as you keep it fully charged. If the power goes out at home, you can take one out instantly, keep your computer on, recharge a phone, or plug it into the refrigerator, so your food doesn’t spoil. They are equipped with 120V AC outlets, USB-C, and more.

There are countless different situations where one of these would come in handy. For emergencies, work or play. They are also smaller and lighter than a real generator, not to mention they are quiet and do not release generator exhaust. On the other hand, you can get something like the huge EcoFlow Delta 3 Pro 4000W as a whole home backup solution.

Most of them can be recharged using solar panels instead of running on gas, so all you need is a little sunlight. Popular brands offer solar panels, including JackeryAnker and many others. Personally, Solar charging is worth it.. Plus, they’re just great. Being able to lend energy to friends or others on camping trips is always a good feeling.

And did we mention you can charge multiple devices at the same time? I’ve had six different things connected to me. Anker power 757all charging or running simultaneously, and handles it with ease.

Cons

However, it is not all good news. Portable and rechargeable power stations are expensive and can often cost as much as a regular generator or inverter. They range from $299 to easily over $2000 when you start accessing larger capacities.

Some larger options, such as Anker SOLIX (767) 2,400 watts They cost almost $2,000, while larger models can reach more than $4000 and charge an electric vehicle. Then again, I wouldn’t call it “portable.” Instead, it is just an option over a traditional gasoline system.

They are also relatively heavy and depending on the type of camping you are doing, you may not want to carry one. My favorite portable power station is the Anker C800which weighs about 23 pounds. It’s not too big or too small and is easy enough to carry to the tent or sit on the picnic table.

And lastly, they can’t run everything like a generator can. Most portable power stations have a maximum load limitation and only have 120 VAC outlets. Which means it won’t work with larger appliances like a washer, dryer, or even some heaters. Well, unless you buy a larger one with a 240V, 30A or 50A RV outlet, you’re limited to 120V AC outlets.

For example, a refrigerator only needs to be turned on and off to keep things cold and running, while a heater requires a large amount of power to make the heating elements work. A heater requires much more energy (and a larger power plant) to run than something like a refrigerator.

Should you buy a power plant?

Finally, should you buy a portable power station? While I can’t answer that for you, as it depends on your wants and needs, I consistently recommend them to my family members. Plus, we’ve laid out several reasons why you would want one, how they work, and some of the many benefits of having one ready in case you need it. I have several and lend them to friends or family all the time.

You don’t need to go crazy and get a huge 2000w portable power station. Popular brands like Anker, Jackery, Goal Zero, Bluetti, and others have smaller, more affordable versions. And if you have one that’s more than a few years old, there are several reasons why you should probably upgrade to a newer model.

Decide how much power you would comfortably need or want, how much you can afford, and what is best for you. A portable power station has some limitations, but the benefits could far outweigh the disadvantages.

After all, a power plant is a great item to have in your arsenal, and here are some excellent options worth buying in 2024.