The Best Portable Solar Generators/Power Stations


Good at Many Things, Great at None
Often referred to by various names — portable solar generators, portable power stations, portable generators, or even high-capacity power banks — these devices offer impressive versatility. They function as super-sized, multi-functional power banks capable of powering or charging various devices. In addition to a standard AC power outlet, most can be recharged through solar panels (hence the term “solar generator”) and car cigarette lighter sockets. Many also support pass-through charging (simultaneously charging the power station while supplying power to connected devices), feature USB ports, and include extras like built-in flashlight lamps or cables for jump-starting car batteries.
While ideal for camping trips, power outages, or other off-grid needs, these devices cannot fully replace gas generators due to their reliance on recharging.
However, it’s worth noting that these are not true “generators” in the traditional sense — they don’t produce electricity but simply store it for later use, recharged through solar panels, vehicle outlets, or standard wall sockets. For this reason, we prefer the term “portable power stations”, which more accurately reflects their role as larger, more versatile versions of conventional power banks typically designed for mobile devices.

Our Picks
Best for Most:
• 300W rated (330W peak) power output
• 222Wh power capacity
• Features: 3 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, 2 AC outlets, built-in LED light
•Ideal for powering most everyday electronics

Pros
  • High power capacity and output for its weight
  • Includes a built-in LED light
Cons
  • Cannot run high-power devices above 300W (330W peak)
Upgrade Pick:
• Rated for 1600W maximum power, capable of running high-power devices
• 768Wh power capacity
• Features: 3 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, 4 AC outlets, quick charging (70 minutes)

Pros
  • Exceptionally high 1600W output supports virtually all devices
  • Quick charge function (70 min to full)
  • Four AC outlets for versatility
Cons
  • Requires the EcoFlow app for firmware updates
For Low-power Needs:
• 150W rated (300W peak) power output
• 194Wh power capacity
• Features: 2 two-prong outlets, 2 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, built-in LED light
• Best for low-power devices (up to 150W)

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight, making it highly portable
  • Built-in LED light for added utility
Cons
  • Limited to two-prong outlets — you can’t plug in your three-prong devices
  • Cannot run devices requiring more than 150W (300W peak)
Selecting the Best Portable Power Station
Estimate Power Needs
Start by determining how many watt-hours (Wh) you’ll need based on your intended use and budget. Refer to the section below for a detailed explanation of how to calculate this.
Calculate Device Wattage
Make a list of the devices you plan to power and their total estimated wattage. Ensure the power station you select can handle this maximum output (measured in watts, or W).
Consider Size, Weight, and Features
Evaluate factors like portability (size and weight) and additional features such as USB ports, built-in flashlights, solar panel compatibility, or voltage input range.

Contenders
While it didn’t make our top picks, Jackery, the market leader in portable power stations, offers a full lineup of reliable and highly-rated options. In our view, our recommended products deliver better cost performance, but if you’re looking for more choices, Jackery’s lineup is definitely worth exploring:
Dengawa is another brand making waves in this space. Although it’s a newcomer, Dengawa’s power station is a solid option, especially if you can grab it during a sale:

How Long Will My Devices Run? Understanding Wh and Usage
Portable power stations express their capacity in watt-hours (Wh), where 1 Wh means that 1 watt can power a device for 1 hour.
Because 10% to 15% of power is typically lost during conversion, use this formula to estimate how long a power station will run your device:
(Power capacity of power station (Wh)) x 0.85 / (Device wattage (W))
For example, if your device averages 60W, a 250Wh power station would last approximately:
250 Wh x 0.85 ÷ 60 W = 3.54 hours
Laptops: Vary widely between 25W (basic models) to 230W (high-performance gaming machines).
Tablets/Phones: Typically use 3W to 6W.

Refer to this page for the wattage of typical household appliances, or you can use the Kill a Watt electricity usage monitor to measure actual usage and better plan for outages.
Avoid High-Power Devices: Don’t use power-hungry devices like space heaters or electric blankets. A 200W electric blanket, for instance, would deplete a 300Wh generator in just 1.275 hours (300 x 0.85 ÷ 200). While most power stations have pass-through charging, they’ll still need several hours to fully recharge.

Not a Replacement for Gasoline Generators
Don’t throw out your gas generator just yet! While portable power stations are great for convenience, they cannot fully replace a gasoline generator. Here’s why:
Runtime: A gas generator can run 2-3 times longer than even the highest-capacity power station.
Recharge Time: Gas generators can be “recharged” in minutes by refueling, while power stations typically take 7-8 hours to recharge.
Example Comparison: The Honda EU1000i (model with inverter for providing safe power to your electronics) can vastly outperform high-end power stations like the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 v2.

Gas Generator vs. Portable Power Station
Honda EU1000i gas generator
Maximum Power Output
1000W
1500 W (continuous),
3000 W (peak)
Run Time
2490 Wh based on:
5 hrs at 1/2 load (4.15A) on 0.5 gallons of gas
1070 Wh
Advantages
  • Provides nearly continuous operation for high-load appliances like refrigerators (up to 8.3A), with only brief refueling breaks.
  • If gasoline is readily available, quick and easy to “recharge” (=refill with gas) compared to the 7 hours required to recharge the portable power station.
  • Inverter ensures stable power for sensitive electronics.
  • Extremely low noise (sometimes slight buzzing or fan sound)
  • Lightweight: Only 23.8 lbs compared to the 46.5 lbs (dry weight) of the gas generator.
  • No concerns about gasoline spoilage, oil changes, or maintenance.
  • Can be safely used indoors, unlike the Honda gas generator, which MUST be used outdoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Portable Power Stations vs. Gas Generators: Key Insights
The Honda EU1000i is ideal for high-load appliances that require extended run times, as long as gasoline is available. It’s also highly portable and reliable for outdoor or emergency use.
The Jackery 1000 v2, while limited by its battery capacity, offers indoor-safe operation and is more convenient for occasional or low-power needs.

With just a half-gallon of gas, the Honda EU1000i Gas Generator supplies a total of 2,490 Wh (at half load), which is over twice the capacity of a fully charged Jackery Portable Power Station 1000 v2. Both devices share the same maximum power output, making them capable of running appliances like refrigerators (typically rated at 540W) or heating devices (100W or more) with room to spare.

However, while the Jackery 1000 v2 requires 7–8 hours to recharge fully, the Honda generator can be refueled in just a few minutes and resume operation immediately.

From my experience, portable power stations are great for short power outages or camping trips, but for extended power outages, a gas generator remains essential. The best strategy? Combine both options: Use multiple portable power stations indoors and periodically recharge them using a gas generator. (If this is appealing, consider installing a natural gas generator, with typical starting costs around $5,000.)

Important Safety Note:
Portable power stations can be used indoors, but gas generators MUST be used outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charging from Solar Panels or a Car Cigarette Outlet
Although charging from solar panels or a car isn’t the fastest option, it’s a useful backup for camping trips or emergencies. Most portable power stations accept a specific range of input voltages for solar panels. Ensure your solar panel matches this range and has the necessary connector. For hassle-free compatibility, it’s best to purchase solar panels from the same manufacturer as your portable power station (e.g., Egretech or Jackery).

Pass-Through Functionality — A Word of Caution
While many portable power stations offer a pass-through function (allowing simultaneous charging and usage), it’s not advisable to use them as full-time UPS devices. For example, the Jackery Portable Power Station and similar models provide 167 Wh of pass-through capability, but for a similar price, you can purchase a dedicated UPS like the Tripp Lite 1500VA UPS Battery Pack , which has UPS-specific features such as power monitoring, surge protection, and easily replaceable batteries ($20–$25).
Portable power station batteries cannot be replaced, making them better suited for occasional use rather than the daily cycles of a UPS.
Instead, the pass-through function is most effective for scenarios like camping or power outages where you have a single power source (e.g., solar panels or a car) and need to charge the station while simultaneously powering devices.

For Greater Portability
If portability is your main priority, check out our guide to portable external batteries for gaming (high-performance) laptops, which are smaller and more travel-friendly.

TSA Regulations and Air Travel
Under current TSA regulations, NONE of the featured power stations are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage due to their high battery capacity. Be sure to verify the latest TSA and airline regulations before your trip.

Endnote: Specifications of Products Features Here
Compact Pick
Best for Most
Upgrade Pick
Honorable Mention
Maximum Power Output
 150W rated,
300W peak
300 W rated,
330W peak
1600W (X-Boost Feature)
1500W rated,
3000W peak
Power Capacity
 194 Wh
222 Wh
768 Wh
1070 Wh
Size (inches)
 8.0 x 3.6 x 7.36
8.25 x 4.7 x 5.8
10.5 x 10.1 x 8.5
12.87 x 8.82 x 9.72
Weight (lb)
 4.03
5.5
17.2
23.8
Charge Time (outlet)
 Less than 4 hr
5 hr
70 min
1.7 hr
Solar Panel Input
Up to 22V
DC 18V-24V
DC
12V-60V/400W Max.
5 Comments
  1. I popped over here from your other article, “The Best External Power Banks for Gaming Laptops.” I have started streaming bowling matches for my son’s high school bowling team. My setup is a Canon t8i connected to my HP Pavilion Gaming 16a0032dx. I got about an hour out of the internal battery and needed something external to power the laptop for 2-3 hours. I was wondering if the external power bank or a portable power station would give me the best bang for my buck. If so, which power station would you possibly recommend.

  2. Japandude!
    I am not sure if my previous reply posted, but I have an pavilion gaming laptop 16-a0032dx and am using it in combination with a Canon T8I to stream bowling matches for my son’s high school. I ran out of battery approximately an hour into the match and had to search frantically for an outlet. Bowling alleys are notorious for not having great places to plug in, so I have decided I need either a power bank or a power station. I feel I would get better use out of a power station. I would really like it to last about 3-4 hours to power my laptop. The power supply lists the wattage at 200. What do you think or would recommend? Thank you!

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