Portable Power Station FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Still stuck? Email us.
What size portable power station do I need?
Add up the watts of the devices you want to run, estimate the hours, multiply watts by hours to get watt-hours, divide by 0.85 for losses, then add a 20 to 30 percent margin. A phone-and-laptop weekend fits in 300 to 500 Wh, a camping fridge with lights wants about 1,000 Wh, and keeping a full-size refrigerator alive through a blackout calls for 2,000 Wh or more.
What is the difference between Wh and W?
Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy the battery stores, like the size of a fuel tank. Watts (W) measure how much power the unit can deliver at one moment, like how fast fuel can flow. A 1,000 Wh unit with 1,800 W output can run an 1,800 W appliance for a bit over 30 minutes at best.
Are LiFePO4 power stations worth it?
For most people who plan to keep the unit for years, yes. LiFePO4 (LFP) cells are widely rated for many more charge cycles than older lithium-ion (NMC) cells and handle heat better. The trade-off is slightly more weight for the same capacity.
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Yes. A modern full-size refrigerator averages roughly 100 to 200 W over a day, with a higher start-up surge, so a 1,000 Wh unit can carry one for several hours and a 2,000 Wh unit for most of a day. Check that the rated output and surge rating cover the fridge compressor start.
Can I charge a power station with solar panels?
Most models accept solar input, but each has a limit on watts and voltage. Match your panels to the input range on the listing. Real charging time is roughly battery capacity divided by the solar watts you actually get, which is usually 60 to 80 percent of the panels' label rating.
How long does a portable power station last?
Runtime depends on what you plug in. Use usable energy (capacity times 0.85) divided by the device's watts. Battery life is a different question: it is measured in charge cycles, and LiFePO4 models are generally the longest lasting. Every model page has a runtime table.
Is a power station safer than a gas generator indoors?
A power station produces no exhaust, so there is no carbon monoxide risk from the unit itself. Gas generators must never run indoors, in a garage or near windows. Follow the manufacturer's ventilation and placement instructions for any power station as well.
Can I take a power station on a plane?
Airlines limit lithium batteries, and most portable power stations are far above the limit for carry-on or checked bags. Check your airline and TSA rules before you travel; do not assume a unit is allowed.
Why don't you show prices?
Amazon prices change constantly, sometimes several times a day, and sales and coupons come and go. Any number we printed would soon be wrong. Instead we rate every model's value for its size, and each button opens the live price on Amazon.
Do you test the power stations yourselves?
Our comparisons are built from manufacturer specifications, the listing details and the ratings of thousands of Amazon buyers, combined with standard battery math. The method is described step by step on our How We Rank page.
How do you make money?
When you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our rankings. See the affiliate disclosure for details.
Will this work if I live outside the United States?
The site is written for shoppers in the US, UK and Canada. Our Amazon links send you to your local Amazon store where available, and a few models are not sold in every country, so confirm availability and the plug and voltage specifications on the product page.