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.

What is the best portable power station?

If power and battery capacity are what you are after, the Delta Pro is the ultimate large-form power station. If you are searching for a compact portable power station for on-the-go activities, the Jackery Explorer 300 is our recommendation. This unit is ideal for charging phones and laptops or running small appliances like lights and fans.

Do all power stations provide a power source?

While all power stations are intended to provide a power source, each model differs in their overall design and included features. Some models have an intuitive mobile app to fully control your power station wirelessly. Others may offer expandable battery capacity, and some are advertised as being used as an uninterruptible power supply.

How important is a good display when buying a power station?

While maybe not the first consideration when shopping for a power station, a good display becomes an important factor when the power goes out. The EcoFlow Delta Pro landed at the top of our usability metric.

What is the difference between a power bank and a portable power station?

Size is the main difference between the best power banks and the best portable power stations. Power banks are typically compact with small capacities designed to charge smartphones and other small gadgets. Power stations have far larger capacities and can potentially run small appliances and larger gadgets.

Are portable power stations expensive?

Updated June 2025: We’ve added a Bluetti model, honorable mentions from EcoFlow and Acer, and a testing and FAQ section. Portable power stations can be very expensive, but discounts, sales, and deals are common. If you can afford to wait, you can likely get your chosen power station for less than the listed MSRP.