The best portable power stations of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

In my experience with power stations, I can see three groups of people buying these devices.

First, you have those who want backup power in case the lights go out, the sort of system that will last a few hours or days (depending on how common power outages are). This could be something small that slides under the bed or lives in a cupboard or something big that takes up some serious space.

Then there are those who want to save money and gain a degree of off-grid capability by harvesting the power of the sun using one or more solar panels and then using that power to power the home or EV. I’ve seen increasing numbers of people putting systems like this in place, and while the cash savings are far from immediate, buying a good system ensures a long life for the system.

Finally, there are those who want to take power with them when out and about, either camping or working, or in an RV. The flexibility of being able to charge the unit from solar panels, a car’s electrical system, and from any free AC outlet is a significant advantage. These can be used to power home appliances, laptops, drones, cameras, and also medical devices such as CPAP systems.

Power stations are the modern, updated version of the gasoline generator, and they have a lot of benefits. They are smaller and quieter, don’t stink of gasoline or fumes, and can be run in confined spaces. However, there are downsides, and one of the biggest is that unless you have access to ample sunlight to recharge the power stations, off-grid life becomes trickier. Because it’s a lot easier to stockpile gasoline than it is to stockpile sunlight, there are times when, despite the smelly fumes, need for regular maintenance, and risk of dying in a gasoline fireball or carbon monoxide suffocation, the good old gasoline generator is king.