Mobile outdoor power supply dual fast charging

What can a portable power station charge?

All portable power stations can charge up small gadgets like phones and laptops or be used to power lighting. Most can handle small appliances like mini-fridges or TVs. If you want to use power tools, an AC unit, or in the UK, a kettle, you need to be able to draw thousands of watts.

What is the best portable power station?

By far the most portable power station in our guide, the EcoFlow River 2 Pro weighs just 17 pounds and has a large handle along the back. The LiFeP04 battery inside is good for 768 watt-hours, and I managed to squeeze a little more out of it in my tests. The ports are great for camping trips, with everything you need to charge small gadgets.

How to choose a portable power station?

While you will find certain ports across the board with portable power stations, from AC outlets to USB-A, it is crucial to check the maximum charging rate and supported charging standards to avoid disappointment. You might find USB-C ports, car ports, barrel ports, and maybe inputs for solar, but assume nothing. Check the specs before you buy.

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.

What battery types are most commonly used in portable power stations?

There are various battery technologies, but the main ones used in portable power stations today are types of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, often lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP).

Do power stations have a surge function?

Power stations all state the maximum output, but they often have a surge function that enables them to go higher for a short period. Sometimes, they give it a silly name. For example, Zendure calls this “AmpUp,” and EcoFlow calls it “X-Boost.” Make sure your chosen power station can handle the wattage you need.