Compare prices on portable power stations, batteries, solar panels and generators

Start with your use case, then compare four things: usable capacity in watt-hours (Wh), continuous and surge output in watts (W), weight, and cost per watt-hour. Match the capacity to how long you need to run your devices and the output to whether the station can start them at all. For camping and light use, 300-500Wh is usually enough, while home backup generally needs 1,500Wh or more.

Add up the wattage of the devices you plan to run, multiply by the hours you need them, then add about 20% for efficiency losses. For example, a 100W device for 8 hours needs roughly 800Wh plus buffer, so a 1,000Wh station is a sensible choice. Rough guide: 300-500Wh for phones, lights, and laptops; 500-1,500Wh for camping, CPAP, and small appliances; 1,500-3,000Wh for essential home backup.

Cost per watt-hour ($/Wh) is the price of a power station divided by its battery capacity. It measures how much you pay for each unit of stored energy, so a lower number means better value. For example, a $500 station with 1,000Wh costs $0.50/Wh, while a $300 station with 500Wh costs $0.60/Wh. WhichWatts calculates this for every product so you can compare different sizes on equal footing.

Divide the station's usable capacity by the wattage of the device you want to run. A 1,000Wh station running a 100W device lasts roughly 9-10 hours in real-world conditions after the usual efficiency losses. Note that many stations reveal only 80-90% of their rated capacity as usable, so leave a small margin when you plan runtime.

LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries typically last 3,000 or more charge cycles, compared with roughly 500-800 for standard lithium-ion, and they have a stronger safety and thermal profile. The trade-offs are higher upfront cost and more weight. For daily use or long-term backup, LiFePO4 usually delivers better lifetime value; for occasional use, standard lithium-ion can be enough.

Many can, but the compressor matters. A full-size refrigerator can draw 150-400W at startup and 50-100W while running, so it needs a station with enough surge output and typically 2,000Wh or more for a meaningful runtime. A mini fridge (50-100W) is easier and usually works with a 1,000Wh station. Always check the continuous and surge output against the appliance's startup requirement.

Solar panels are useful for longer off-grid trips, emergency backup, and locations without reliable mains power, but they are not essential for every setup. Every power station can be charged from a wall outlet, and most modern units reach full charge in 1-3 hours. If you do go solar, match the panel wattage to the station's maximum solar input for faster charging.

Most modern power stations charge in about 1-3 hours from an AC wall outlet, depending on the input wattage and capacity. Solar charging typically takes 3-8 hours in good sunlight, and higher solar input wattage charges faster. Fast-charging technologies from brands such as EcoFlow and Bluetti can shorten AC charging to roughly 1-2 hours on supported models.

Yes. Unlike petrol or gas generators, portable power stations produce zero emissions at the point of use, so they are safe indoors in homes, apartments, RVs, and tents. Some models also support pass-through charging or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode, which keeps devices running while the station recharges and is designed for long-term indoor backup.

A quality power station can last 5-10 years or more with proper care, as battery capacity gradually declines with each charge cycle. LiFePO4 batteries retain most of their capacity after 3,000+ cycles, while standard lithium-ion typically manages 500-800 cycles before dropping to about 80%. For the longest life, store the unit at 50-80% charge in a cool, dry place and top it up every few months.

The biggest discounts generally fall during Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday or Cyber Monday in November, along with brand-specific sales throughout the year. EcoFlow, Bluetti, Jackery, and Anker regularly run seasonal promotions in that window. WhichWatts tracks prices daily and lists current discount codes so you can time a purchase.

We refresh prices daily from manufacturer and retailer sources, and the price shown is the most recent figure we have for your selected region. Prices, stock, and bundle contents can change between our update and your visit. Always confirm the final price and availability on the retailer's page before buying.