What should I consider when buying a portable power station?

The most important thing to consider when shopping for a portable power station is the amount of power and battery capacity you need. The price range for portable power stations can range from a fairly inexpensive product to a large-sized investment.

Do portable power stations make camping better?

A good portable power station makes camping better. These devices power lights, phones, and small appliances when you’re outdoors. We spent three months testing power stations to find the best portable power stations for camping. We tested 30 portable power stations over 12 camping trips.

How much power does a portable power station need?

For portable power stations, capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), telling you how much energy the unit stores. Weekend adventures typically need 200-300Wh for smartphone charging and LED lighting. Glamping and campground camping with amenities require 500-700Wh units to power fans, portable coolers, and CPAP machines.

Are portable power stations worth it?

This power station offers a lot of bang for the buck. Sure, it isn't going to power your house through a days-long outage, but it offers a lot of nice features for the price, making it one of the better values out there, especially if you can pick it up on sale. How long do portable power stations last?

How much does a power station cost?

A cheap, super-portable power station. This one has everything you need and comes in at $239. A cheap, portable power station offering a broad array of ports and a decent power output for just $239. A big power station available for a low price. If you want a lot of battery capacity, this is the one for you.

How long does a portable power station last?

A portable power station’s lifespan depends on the type of battery inside. Most new portable power stations, including all the models we recommend here, feature LiFePO4 battery technology, which lasts far longer than older lithium-ion technology. How much more? LiFePo4 power stations will last for more than 3,000 charge cycles, or about 10 years.