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Our Experts
Most recently, he was Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, spearheading his team’s coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals, and more across a variety of mobile products, including phones, wearables, VR headsets, batteries, and chargers. If you want Ajay’s advice about anything tech, especially solar panels, UPS, batteries, EVs, and charging technology, you can reach him at ajkumar@cnet.com.
He takes a data-driven and creative approach to every project he is involved in, honoring his background in Science and Engineering.
What to Consider
Capacity
This is really the main point of a portable power station. How many times can you recharge that phone? Or how long will that light run?
Charging Outputs
So many to choose from: AC receptacles, USB ports, wireless charging, RV connector. Make sure it has what you need!
Charging Inputs
Other than the main AC charging via receptacle, some people specifically need DC charging on the road or solar panel charging (check the input watts here).
Features
Once all your basic criteria are met, check out the nice-to-haves. Ability to add additional batteries? Modular pieces to spread around your power?
Between spiking energy prices, power outages, wildfires and other natural disasters, portable power stations are an affordable alternative to a backup gas generator and can help keep you powered up when you need it the most. Some models are large and powerful enough to run a refrigerator for days, while others are designed for portability, offering just enough juice to keep your mobile devices charged for a few hours. We lab-tested 140 portable power stations from brands like Bluetti, EcoFlow, Oupes and Jackery to evaluate round-trip efficiency, charging speed, features and overall value.
Our Picks
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Jump to details
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Jump to details
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Jump to details
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
Jump to details
Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Jump to details
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
Jump to details
Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
Jump to details
Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
Jump to details
Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
Jump to details
Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
Best for:
Jump to details
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
Jump to details
Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Jump to details
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Jump to details
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
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Lab Awards, Editors’ Choice Awards and best overall
Based on our extensive lab testing of 38 portable power stations, we’ve identified the top performers for round-trip efficiency, a metric that tracks how much of the energy you draw from the wall is actually available to power your devices.
- Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is CNET’s best overall pick and a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient large-sized unit (81.08% RTE).
- Bluetti’s Elite 100 V2 Bio-based is a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient medium unit (83.44% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award winner.
- The Oupes Mega 1 Lite won the 2026 Lab Award for its fast charging speed, reaching full capacity in just 44 minutes.
- The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus earned a 2026 Lab Award as the most efficient extra-large unit (79.66% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award for its outstanding ability to keep home appliances powered during an outage.
- The UDPower AC0600 wins the Lab Award for the most efficient of smaller power units (72.92% RTE).
- Bluetti Elite 30 V2 earns a 2026 Editors’ Choice Award for its affordability and value.
Best portable power stations
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
/10
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 200 V2 tackled our tests like they were no challenge. In RTE, it scores 81.08%, earning our Lab Award for the most efficient large unit. It has an impressive tested capacity of 1,987.98 watt-hours, which is 95.9% of the listed 2,073.6 watt-hours, meaning you’re getting most of the power you’re paying for.
Because it’s a larger unit, we ran it through our demanding fridge test, and it kept our test fridge running for 26 hours and 19 minutes, meaning you get over a full day of fridge operation during a power outage. In terms of efficiency, it suffered only a 22.37% loss of total capacity, which sounds high on paper but is actually lower than even extra-large units like the Fossibot F3600 Pro (26.11%).
With four AC outlets, two USB-C PD ports and two USB-A ports, it can charge up to nine devices at the same time. It also recharges quite quickly, at 1 hour, 49 minutes, which is very impressive for a device of this size. It can also recharge with solar panels and supports fast car charging with Bluetti’s Charge 1 accessory.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you’re a digital nomad or going on a camping trip, the Elite 200 V2 may be too heavy at 53.4 pounds to tote along easily. For that, we prefer the smaller models on this list, such as the EcoFlow River 3 Plus and Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Why we recommend it:
On paper, the Dabbsson 2000L offers 2,000 watt-hours, and it mostly lives up to that with its 91.3% usable capacity. This also means it’s quite efficient, scoring 79.01% RTE, lower than the Bluetti V20, but still one of the top models in terms of efficiency. It powered our test fridge for 21 hours and 6 minutes, just shy of a full day. The real selling point is that at 41 pounds, it’s substantially lighter than similar capacity models, like the 68-pound Anker Solix C3000, making it a more practical option if you need to put it in the trunk of your car and take it with you.
It’s also loaded with a ton of ports, including 12 output ports that can charge 12 devices simultaneously. These include six AC ports, two USB-C ports (100W and 30W), two USB-A ports, a car port and DC port. It also supports charging from AC and solar simultaneously, with a maximum input of 1,500W.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Surprisingly, the Dabbsson 2000L is quite slow to charge, taking 3 hours and 28 minutes to reach full charge. It’ll take twice as long to get it juiced up compared to the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 and Bluetti Elite 200 V2. That undermines its light weight and makes it a less practical option in a pinch.
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
/10
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Why we recommend it:
The Oscal has more ports than you’ll likely know what to do with, with four AC ports, two USB-C (100W), four USB-A, two DC5521, one car port, one Anderson port and two wireless charging pads for a total of 16 ports. As mentioned, this makes it perfect for handling a large number of demanding devices and appliances at once, making it a good option if you need to take it to a job site or have a large family with demanding charging needs.
It also supports AC, solar and car charging, as well as dual AC and car charging, and has a unique cableless connectivity feature that lets you stack it with other compatible BP2400 units, giving you more power options while saving space.
It also benefits from strong scores in key metrics. It has 90% usable capacity and 77.10% RTE. It also charges fast, topping up in 1 hour, 57 minutes. It offers better charging speed and more options than the Dabbsson 2000L.
Who shouldn’t get it:
What holds the 2400 Max back from true excellence is its very poor fridge test score. It had our lowest fridge running time at just 12 hours and 35 minutes, meaning you won’t even get a full day of use. It also suffered from an inverter overhead loss of 55.41%, meaning the majority of the power wasn’t actually being used by the fridge. This cripples its ability to power large appliances.
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
Why we recommend it:
The C2000 Gen 2 scored quite well across our tests. It has 88.5% usable capacity, so you’re getting most of the juice you pay for. It handled heavy loads and large appliances like fridges, keeping our test fridge running for 27 hours and 24 minutes with just 18.21% overhead. It charged to full in just 1 hour, 28 minutes, very impressive for the size of the unit. The 74.02% RTE score is good, though lower than our best overall, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2.
It has 11 ports, including five AC ports, 1 NEMA TT-30 RV port, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A and 1 car charger. It supports recharging with AC, solar, car and gas generator. It also supports expansion batteries if you need more power.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you don’t own an RV or campervan, you likely won’t get full use out of the Solix C2000 Gen 2, or the include TT-30 RV port, though it’s still an excellent portable power station in its own right.
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
/10
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Why we recommend it:
Earning the spot as our highest-scoring extra-large unit, the Solix F3000 delivered serious endurance in our testing. It put out 2,645.91 Wh of active energy with a solid 74.62% RTE score. When subjected to our demanding fridge test, it kept our test unit running for 28 hours and 58 minutes, guaranteeing you well over a full day of food preservation during an outage.
While the 37.81% overhead loss is higher than that of some top-tier models, the sheer size of the 3,072 Wh battery ensures it can handle heavy loads even with the efficiency loss. It supports standard AC and solar charging, making it a dependable option for emergency prep.
It comes with built-in wheels, a handle, and an emergency light, giving it some extra portability and benefits for camping.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you need a station that tops up incredibly fast, the 2 hour, 20 minute charge time might test your patience. Additionally, anyone looking for a highly portable camping companion will find an extra-large unit like this too unwieldy compared to lighter midsize options.
Pros
- Most efficient medium unit we’ve tested with an 83.44% RTE
- Eco-friendly construction
- Returns a massive percentage of its energy, minimizing waste
- Reasonable $499 price
Cons
- Capacity won’t be sufficient for large appliances
- Smaller 1,024 Wh capacity isn’t ideal for running large appliances
- Takes almost two hours (1 hour, 55 minutes) to fully recharge
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based is an interesting option for buyers who prioritize energy efficiency above all else while also have an eco-friendly build. At $499, it’s a reasonably priced mid-size option that ensures very little of your stored power is wasted. At $499, it’s also more affordable than larger units and competitive with other mid-size options, earning it our Editors’ Choice award and a Lab Award.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 100 V2 excels at energy efficiency. With its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, it delivered 937.25 Wh of usable energy, earning a stellar 83.44% RTE score. That’s the best score in the medium category. It comes equipped with 11 output ports and supports both AC and solar charging. If you want a power station that meticulously retains the energy you put into it, the Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based sets the standard.
Who shouldn’t get it:
With only a 1,024 Wh capacity, it lacks the stamina for demanding home backup. The nearly two-hour recharge time is a bit slow for a battery of this size, meaning it won’t suit people who need a quick top-up between uses.
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
/10
Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
Why we recommend it:
The AC0600 takes the crown for the most efficient small unit in our lineup. It features a 596 Wh LiFePO4 battery and delivers 496.86 Wh of active energy, earning a respectable 72.92% RTE. It offers nine ports with a good mix of AC, USB-C and USB-A, making it perfectly capable of keeping phones, laptops, and headlamps topped off during an off-grid excursion and it can pair with solar panels.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If rapid recovery is a priority, this is absolutely not the unit for you. The AC0600 suffers from an exceptionally slow charge time, taking a grueling 5 hours and 59 minutes to reach a full battery. If you need to quickly top up at a rest stop or coffee shop, you’ll be much better off with a faster-charging alternative like the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 below.
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
/10
Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
Why we recommend it:
You don’t always need a massive battery. The Elite 30 V2 offers 80.4% usable capacity and 231.59 Wh of active energy, which is perfect for keeping your essentials topped off. For an ultra-low price of $239, it supports a speedy 1 hour and 44 minutes full charge, meaning you can easily juice it up before hitting the road. Compared to the UDPower C400, the Bluetti charges almost twice as fast, making it the superior budget pick.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone looking to run appliances or power-hungry tools may not get the juice they need. It’s a better option for phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics.
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
/10
Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
Why we recommend it:
Packing 6 output ports into a tiny 6.9-pound frame delivers fantastic port density. It tested at 86.4% usable capacity with 221.29 Wh of active energy and a solid 72.07% RTE. At just $240, it’s the ideal companion to throw in the back of your car or strap to a motorcycle without weighing you down. It also has some neat features, like the built-in emergency jumpstarter. While it has slightly less capacity than the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, its superior port density makes it more versatile for charging multiple small items at once.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those who need to recharge quickly, as it takes over 3 hours to refill its relatively small capacity. This is something we found on the C600 as well, which is disappointing in otherwise excellent power stations.
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
/10
Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
Why we recommend it:
The Delta 3 Classic is a spectacular medium unit. It delivers an impressive 81.34% RTE and tested at 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy. Best of all, it features 13 output ports and charges from 0 to full in less than an hour (55 minutes). For $599, it’s incredibly convenient. While the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based slightly edged it out in overall efficiency, the EcoFlow’s superior charge speed and port count make it a fierce competitor.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those needing to back up large home appliances for extended periods will want a larger unit.
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
/10
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for:
If you’re constantly on the move and need to recharge instantly, the Oupes Mega 1 Lite is the undisputed winner, earning it our Lab Award. It’s perfect for road-trippers and mobile professionals who only have short windows to plug in before hitting the road again.
Why we recommend it:
The Mega 1 Lite is all about speed, rocketing from empty to full in an unmatched 44 minutes. It doesn’t sacrifice efficiency for that speed, either; it put out 854.94 Wh from its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, earning an impressive 79.93% RTE score. Despite weighing a manageable 26.8 pounds, it can push out 2,000W of output and features two 100W USB-C ports alongside its AC outlets, giving you plenty of versatility to power heavy-duty gear on the go.
At $489, it’s competitively priced with similar mid-size models and a great alternative to the Delta 3 Classic.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you rely on a gas generator for your off-grid setup, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as the Mega 1 Lite explicitly lacks support for it. It also didn’t pick up any extra bonuses in our feature testing, meaning it’s a bit barebones compared to units with expansive app ecosystems.
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
/10
Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
Why we recommend it:
When you’re constantly on the move, weight matters. At a comfortable 10.4 pounds, the River3Plus is incredibly easy to haul. It offers 76.2% usable capacity, 217.90 Wh of active energy, and an RTE of 72.41%. It recharges in just 1 hour and 12 minutes. Compared to the UDPower AC0400, the EcoFlow charges significantly faster, making it perfect for keeping laptops and phones alive while you work from anywhere. It also comes with a handy built-in light for camping or power outages.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone trying to run high-draw devices, such as heaters or microwaves, will want to look elsewhere for something with more surge power.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Why we recommend it:
The Solix C1000 Gen 2 packs 85.0% usable capacity and 870.08 Wh of active energy, giving you enough juice for a solid weekend outdoors. The real star here is the fast charging time. At just 59 minutes, you can easily top it up with a generator or solar panels while at camp. At $600, it’s competitively priced with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic, especially if you can find a good sale, which is pretty common from Anker.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If power efficiency is vital for you, this may be a skip. A 72.15% RTE is fine, but it trails behind class leaders like the Bluetti Elite 100 V2.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
/10
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Why we recommend it:
This behemoth Jackery power station walked away with the Lab Award for the most efficient extra-large unit, posting a 79.66% RTE and an impressive 89.3% usable capacity. With an absolute unit of a battery (3,201.32 Wh of active energy), it powered our test fridge for 38 hours and 35 minutes while wasting only 27.95% of its energy to inverter overhead. If you’re tackling big appliances or running power tools, this is your workhorse. Compared to the Anker Solix F3000, the Jackery offers significantly more runtime, though you pay a premium for it.
It’s naturally compatible with solar panels and expansion batteries for more charge, and also comes with wheels giving it a little bit of maneuverability around your house.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone on a budget or looking for a portable solution. At $2,799, this is very much a home backup power station designed for stationary use.
Recent updates
May 2025: We updated all of the products on the list with pros and cons, new merchant links and additional recommendations for use cases. We replaced the Anker Solix F3800 with the newer Anker Solix F3800 Plus. We removed the Dakota Lithium PS2400 because it’s no longer available and added the Oupes Mega 1. We updated our testing procedures with a graphic that shows our new process to test charging and discharge time and included new comparison tables that show our test results.
November 2025: Updated the best list with new information on the latest deals and price cuts.
March 2026: Added spring buying advice.
July 2026: We’ve done a complete overhaul of our testing procedures and best list with all new winners in our top 14 portable power stations. including new picks for Lab Awards and Editors’ Choice.
Honorable mention
These are units that scored at least a 7 or higher and were strong contenders for earning a spot in the best list. They may have not made the final cut, but they’re still a worthy buy for certain use cases.
Bluetti AC200L
Bluetti AC200L
The Bluetti AC200L nearly made the cut for our main list, but it narrowly dropped out due to the highly competitive large-unit market. Still, there’s a lot to like about it, with a 2,048 Wh capacity, 2,400W output, and a solid 77.67% round-trip efficiency. In our lab testing, it excelled as an absolute powerhouse for running cyclic appliances, keeping our test fridge alive for a massive 29 hours and 16 minutes with a low 22.16% overhead loss. It missed out on the main “Best for RVs” designation only because the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 edged it out on raw charging speed and weight. At 62.4 pounds, it is a bit heavy, but with its native RV port, 10 total outlets, and robust appliance runtime, it remains a fantastic fit for anyone needing serious off-grid power or dependable backup for a home refrigerator.
Bluetti FridgePower
Bluetti FridgePower
Custom-built with a specialized slim form factor, the Bluetti FridgePower is designed specifically to slide directly behind a kitchen refrigerator. It packs a 2,016 Wh capacity into a lightweight 23-pound chassis, yielding an unmatched 70.48 Wh/lb energy density, an impressive 80.32% RTE, and a rapid 1-hour, 56-minute charge time. It didn’t make our primary list because it’s a niche product lacking a standard breakout of diverse output ports and flexible charging options (it only supports AC input). However, if you’re looking for a backup dedicated entirely to keeping your kitchen food cold without taking up too much space, it ran our test fridge for 23 hours and 26 minutes and is perfect for that specific role.
Bluetti Apex 300
Bluetti Apex 300
With a substantial 2,764 Wh battery capacity, the Bluetti Apex 300 delivered long-lasting performance during our appliance test, powering our refrigerator for 30 hours and 26 minutes. Ultimately, it was held back by a mediocre 66.63% round-trip efficiency score and a relatively sparse selection of just seven output ports. It takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to top up via AC and supports solar. It remains a good choice for someone who wants long home backup runtimes for a single appliance and cares more about raw battery size than overall efficiency or versatility.
DJI Power 2000
DJI Power 2000
The DJI Power 2000 is a capable large power station offering a 2,048 Wh capacity and a standard mix of AC and USB ports that recharges in a swift 1 hour and 59 minutes. While its 72.61% RTE score is fairly average, it demonstrated excellent idle efficiency during our appliance evaluations, suffering only a 17.54% heat-and-overhead loss while running our test fridge for 22 hours and 25 minutes. It missed the main list because its midtier scores left it overshadowed by higher-value competitors in the 2kWh class. It’s still a great fit for people who are looking for a steady, fast-charging unit that won’t bleed power while idling between appliance cycles.
Bluetti Elite 10
BLUETTI Elite 10
The Bluetti Elite 10 is the ultimate ultra-portable option, prioritizing a lightweight physical build over raw energy. It weighs just 6 pounds and features a modest 128 Wh capacity, delivering 100.94 Wh of active energy at a 66.76% RTE. It was excluded from our main lists since you’re paying a steep premium per watt-hour for its downsized frame. It also takes 2 hours and 22 minutes to charge from AC. It’s a specialized buy, but it remains a perfect match for minimalists, hikers or commuters who strictly want a lightweight battery to charge phones and tablets on day trips without carrying extra bulk.
Fossibot 3600 Pro
Fossibot 3600 Pro
A previous winner, this is still a good option for heavy-duty emergencies. The Fossibot 3600 Pro boasts a massive 3,840 Wh capacity, a potent 3,600W output, and a solid 77.84% RTE. It is the undisputed champion of emergency appliance endurance, keeping our test fridge running for nearly two full days (44 hours and 39 minutes) with a 26.11% overhead loss. It failed to land a spot on our main recommendations due to its 92.59-pound weight and a sluggish 3-hour, 36-minute charge time. If portability isn’t a concern and you simply want a stationary home backup anchor that can run high-draw power tools or sustain essential medical and kitchen appliances through multiday blackouts, this is a great heavy-duty solution.
Jackery HomePower 3000
Jackery HomePower 3000
The Jackery HomePower 3000 is a robust extra-large station that balances a big 3,072 Wh capacity with an efficient 78.35% round-trip efficiency score. In our labs, it delivered 2,758.98 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge powered for 32 hours and 3 minutes, though it did experience a higher 36.40% overhead loss during cycling. It missed the final cut because Jackery’s own newer “Plus” version vastly outclassed it in efficiency and idle management. It remains a steady, reliable secondary option for home emergency backup if you can find it at a discount.
Cybpulte C601
Cybpulte C601
The Cybpulte C601 is a small budget unit that offers a 299 Wh capacity and outputs 234.31 Wh of active energy at a 67.94% RTE. It missed out on a main list recommendation because of its painfully slow 5-hour, 15-minute recharge time, which severely limits its readiness in a pinch. It is still a decent fit for price-conscious casual campers who can leave it to charge overnight and only need to keep small electronics like phones, cameras or lanterns running over a weekend.
Anker Solix C300
Anker Solix C300
The Anker Solix C300 AC is a small-capacity power station that pairs a 288 Wh battery with a lightweight build, a carrying handle and a built-in LED light. It’s a great camping option and came close to earning a spot on our list, but it’s held back by a 68.71% RTE score that’s somewhat on the lower side and it extracts 238.14 Wh of active energy. On the upside, it features blazing-fast recovery, topping off via AC in just 1 hour and 18 minutes. It’s also super affordable and is often found on sale for less than $200.
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus is a fast-charging medium station that features a 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, a 79.37% RTE, and 10 output ports (including 3 AC outlets and 2 USB-C ports). It is a fast charger, taking just 49 minutes to fully charge. It missed our best affordable spot because its sibling, the Delta 3 Classic, offered a higher port density, better efficiency, and a significantly friendlier price tag. It is still a fantastic solar-friendly choice for off-grid folks who need a reliable midsized power station that can be juiced back up to full in under an hour.
Duracell G800
Duracell G800
The Duracell G800 sits in the small-to-medium class with a 620 Wh Li-NMC battery and an eight-port layout containing 3 AC and 2 USB-C outlets. It extracted 503.05 Wh of active energy in our testing, but it was dragged down by a lower-tier 65.90% RTE and a slower 3-hour, 37-minute charge speed. It was kept off our primary list due to this combination of sluggish charging and low conversion efficiency relative to its price. It remains a viable option for people who prioritize Duracell as a brand or those who like the carrying handle and built-in light and want reliability to run a mix of devices.
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is an extra-large station boasting a 3,840 Wh capacity, a massive 6,000W output, and an array of specialized ports like a 240V NEMA L14-30 and an EV charging port. It missed the main list due to its heavy 136.7-pound weight and a severe 46.63% inverter overhead loss, which wasted nearly half its active energy just keeping the unit turned on (running our test fridge for a relatively low 25 hours and 41 minutes). It is an excellent match for homeowners looking to integrate a stationary unit directly into a transfer switch for high-draw emergency circuits, or EV drivers looking for something that can top up their vehicle while camping.
Grecell H2400
Grecell H2400
The Grecell H2400 is a moderately efficient large option that offers a 1,843 Wh capacity, a solid 79.29% RTE score, and a quick 1-hour, 39-minute AC recharge time. It has nine output ports and kept our test fridge running for 17 hours and 45 minutes with a 26.82% overhead loss. It failed to make the primary cut because its shorter fridge runtime left it outpaced by more well-rounded 2kWh units like the Dabbsson and Bluetti models. It remains a good choice for someone looking for an affordable backup unit that favors quick recharging.
Oupes Mega 5
Oupes Mega 5
Boasting the largest physical battery capacity in our test lab at a massive 5,040 Wh, the Oupes Mega 5 is a heavy-duty LiFePO4 station with 12 output ports. It yielded a massive 4,352.86 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge running for 43 hours and 43 minutes. It missed our main list because its score was penalized by a sluggish 3-hour, 35-minute charge time and a high 39.75% idle overhead loss, both of which indicate poor conversion efficiency. It’s still a worthwhile investment for those who strictly want maximum raw battery capacity to sustain multiple household devices across multiday blackouts.
Other portable power stations we’ve tested
The following portable power stations were tested with our new lab tests, but scored under 7 preventing them from earning a spot on the list of top models. It’s also worth noting that competition for the large portable power station category is cutthroat.
BougeRV Rover 2000: Despite showing excellent low-idle energy management during our fridge test (only 14.72% overhead loss), this 2,008 Wh unit was dragged down by a high $1,900 retail price. If you can get it on sale, it becomes a much better deal.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500: While this 1,505 Wh station is relatively quick to charge (earning an 8.7 charge score), its steep $1,500 retail price delivers limited overall runtime and capacity for your dollar.
ETAKER M2000 (out of stock): This unit delivers solid baseline performance from its 2,008 Wh battery, but it missed the cut due to an uncompetitive $2,199 price tag. It would be more reasonable on a large sale, but it’s currently out of stock.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500
Bluetti Pioneer Na: With specialized sodium battery technology built for extreme cold, this 900 Wh station has unique utility but is hampered by slower real-world charging speeds and stiff competition. Still, it may be a great option for those in temperature extremes.
Schneider OffGrid 730: Packing a 738 Wh capacity, this station was penalized for a painful 9-hour recharge time alongside a low 62.84% round-trip efficiency.
Pecron E3600LFP: Although it showed impressive idle efficiency when running a refrigerator, its 55.57% round-trip efficiency destroys its standing by wasting massive amounts of total energy during power conversion.
Patriot Power Generator 1200: This 1,030 Wh unit is quite efficient and charges quickly, but lost out due to stiff competition. Still, it can be a good option on sale.
Patriot Solar Generator Alpha Case Elite: Similar to its sibling, this fast-charging 736 Wh unit is a unique use case with its rugged briefcase form-factor that makes it very portable for on the go, but the $1,100 price holds it back.
Vtoman Flashspeed 1000: This 828 Wh unit can charge quick at 1 hour, 8 minutes, but it only has 612.30 Wh of usable energy.
CNET’s lab testing for portable power stations
Alphacase Elite Generator
We’ve completely revamped our lab testing to ensure you get the most reliable backup power. You can find a full and detailed explanation of how we test portable power stations in a separate article that dives deep into how we measure each metric.
How we score portable power stations
- Round-trip efficiency (40%): We measure how much usable energy is actually returned during discharge compared to the electricity required to recharge the battery, accounting for energy lost as heat.
- Value (40%): We compare the verified usable battery capacity against the retail price to determine the true value of your investment.
- Charge time (20%): We track the total time required to recharge the battery from 0% to 100% using a standard wall outlet.
- Emergency preparedness: For large and extra-large units, we conduct a “disaster-preparedness stress test” to see how well they handle high-power appliances, like running a full-sized refrigerator until the battery is drained. High performers in this test can earn a bonus of up to 1.0 points.
- Design and features: Products can earn a +0.5 point design bonus for innovative solutions to portability or space challenges, and an additional +0.5 points for unique, class-leading features that offer significant real-world benefits.
Older portable power stations we’ve tested
We’ve previously tested 140 portable power stations at CNET across brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, BioLite, Bluetti, Oupes and others. However, because our testing procedures have changed massively over the course of the years, these products are not comparable with newer models, and many units are now out of stock. Since we no longer maintain it, the list has been removed.
Portable power station FAQs
What battery types are most common in portable power stations?
A significant trend in modern portable power stations (including the Jackery Plus series, Anker Solix models, Bluetti units, EcoFlow River 3, Fossibot F3600 Pro and Oupes Mega 1), is the adoption of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry. This has several advantages over older lithium-ion formulations, most notably a significantly longer lifespan, often rated for 3000 to over 6500 charge cycles before significant capacity degradation.
LiFePO4 batteries are also recognized for their improved safety profile and better thermal stability, performing more reliably across a wider range of temperatures.
Some units, like the Grecell T-1000, may still use older chemistries such as NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese), which offer good energy density but typically have a shorter overall cycle life.
How many years do portable power stations last?
How many years a portable power station will last depends on three key factors: how well the product is maintained, how often it’s used and the battery type.
We have researched and spoken with several manufacturers and most units boast a 500-cycle lifespan. In some cases, such as the Anker 757, a unit may use LifePO4 batteries compared to the more common Li-ion battery, offering up to 3,000 cycles or beyond.
One cycle means using the product from fully charged to zero charge (or at least 80% in some cases). If you use your portable power station several times a week, it might only last a year or two. If you use it less frequently, it could last for much longer.
What can you run on a portable power station?
Portable power stations are generally designed to power smaller electronic devices and appliances, from phones and table fans to heavy-duty work lights and CPAP machines. Pay attention to the estimated watt-hours each brand provides in its specs to determine which model makes the most sense for what you’d like to power.
If a company says its portable power station has 200 watt-hours, it should be able to power a device with a 1-watt output for about 200 hours. I go into more detail on this in the “How we test” section of this article, but consider the wattage of the device or devices you want to power and then the number of watt-hours your portable power station would need to have.
Can a power station run a refrigerator?
Absolutely. Many of our recommendations can run a fridge, but there’s also a new category of portable power stations, with slim models designed to sit on or be mounted behind a fridge. Examples include the new Bluetti FridgePower and the Jackery FridgeGuard, while Anker’s Solix S2000 is a more traditional take on the capability.
How long can you run a portable power station?
You can get close to the answer with some basic math. If you have a power station that is rated at 1,000 watts per hour, and you plug in a device, let’s say a TV, rated at 100 watts, then you can divide that 1,000 by 100 and say that it will run for 10 hours.
This isn’t usually the case. The industry “standard” is to say that you should take 85% of the total capacity for that math. In that case, 850 watts per hour divided by 100 watts for the TV would be 8.5 hours.
The reality is that you should expect somewhere between 8.5 and 10 hours, in this example.
How is a portable power station different from a generator?
A portable power station is essentially a big rechargeable battery that you carry around. Deplete it, and it’s useless until you can recharge.
A generator, by definition, is a device that actually converts some type of energy to usable electricity in whatever circuitry you have it connected to. Examples of these would be gas generators (commonly used as power sources for remote areas or as whole-home backups), electric generators (not very common, but they convert some type of mechanical action to electricity) and solar generators, which can use solar panels to power devices or homes — often using a battery to temporarily store the electricity. These batteries are often portable power stations themselves.
Can you use solar panels with a portable power station?
Yes, many portable power stations can work with solar panels to offer charging options off the grid. These include the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 and most options in Jackery’s lineup, various offerings from EcoFlow including the River 3 series, Bluetti, Oupes and even lesser-known brands like Grecell. Take a look at our list of the best solar generators for a more comprehensive look at CNET’s testing and recommendations.
Can you use a portable power station as a UPS?
Yes, a portable power station can be used as an uninterruptible power supply. Many portable power stations come with UPS features, like automatic switchover when power loss is detected. You’ll find this on the EcoFlow River 3 series, which comes with a 20-millisecond takeover for the River 3 and a 10-millisecond switchover for the River 3 Plus and River 3 Max, not to mention even larger power stations like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro that are capable of home backup.
What is the difference between a power bank and a portable power station?
A power bank is vastly different from a power station. There’s a significant difference in the amount of energy they can store, the cost of owning them and the devices they can charge. A power bank is a small, portable device that’s used to charge electronic products like smartphones, laptops and more. On the other hand, a power station can store huge amounts of energy to power electrical appliances like mini-fridges, microwaves and more.
Can a portable power station be your home backup?
The extra-large power stations on our list, like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro, are both capable of powering large appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and even washers and dryers. They also support battery expansion and can connect to solar panels for recharging. This gives you plenty of juice and the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can even be paired with a smart electric panel so that it can automatically back up circuits in your home, similar to the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra.
Can I leave my portable power station plugged in all the time?
Overcharge protection is built into most power stations and battery-powered devices. However, if you leave your power station plugged in all the time, you will ultimately affect its battery lifespan. We recommend avoiding this and occasionally recharging your power station to prepare against power outages. This is a problem that will hopefully soon be solved as brands add AI assistants and tools to keep power stations ready for bad weather and power cuts that may follow.
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About the Author
Ajay Kumar
Samantha De Leon
Gianmarco Chumbe
Our Experts
Most recently, he was Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, spearheading his team’s coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals, and more across a variety of mobile products, including phones, wearables, VR headsets, batteries, and chargers. If you want Ajay’s advice about anything tech, especially solar panels, UPS, batteries, EVs, and charging technology, you can reach him at ajkumar@cnet.com.
He takes a data-driven and creative approach to every project he is involved in, honoring his background in Science and Engineering.
What to Consider
Capacity
This is really the main point of a portable power station. How many times can you recharge that phone? Or how long will that light run?
Charging Outputs
So many to choose from: AC receptacles, USB ports, wireless charging, RV connector. Make sure it has what you need!
Charging Inputs
Other than the main AC charging via receptacle, some people specifically need DC charging on the road or solar panel charging (check the input watts here).
Features
Once all your basic criteria are met, check out the nice-to-haves. Ability to add additional batteries? Modular pieces to spread around your power?
Between spiking energy prices, power outages, wildfires and other natural disasters, portable power stations are an affordable alternative to a backup gas generator and can help keep you powered up when you need it the most. Some models are large and powerful enough to run a refrigerator for days, while others are designed for portability, offering just enough juice to keep your mobile devices charged for a few hours. We lab-tested 140 portable power stations from brands like Bluetti, EcoFlow, Oupes and Jackery to evaluate round-trip efficiency, charging speed, features and overall value.
Our Picks
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Jump to details
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Jump to details
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Jump to details
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
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Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Jump to details
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
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Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
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Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
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Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
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Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
Best for:
Jump to details
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
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Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Jump to details
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Jump to details
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
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Lab Awards, Editors’ Choice Awards and best overall
Based on our extensive lab testing of 38 portable power stations, we’ve identified the top performers for round-trip efficiency, a metric that tracks how much of the energy you draw from the wall is actually available to power your devices.
- Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is CNET’s best overall pick and a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient large-sized unit (81.08% RTE).
- Bluetti’s Elite 100 V2 Bio-based is a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient medium unit (83.44% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award winner.
- The Oupes Mega 1 Lite won the 2026 Lab Award for its fast charging speed, reaching full capacity in just 44 minutes.
- The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus earned a 2026 Lab Award as the most efficient extra-large unit (79.66% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award for its outstanding ability to keep home appliances powered during an outage.
- The UDPower AC0600 wins the Lab Award for the most efficient of smaller power units (72.92% RTE).
- Bluetti Elite 30 V2 earns a 2026 Editors’ Choice Award for its affordability and value.
Best portable power stations
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
/10
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 200 V2 tackled our tests like they were no challenge. In RTE, it scores 81.08%, earning our Lab Award for the most efficient large unit. It has an impressive tested capacity of 1,987.98 watt-hours, which is 95.9% of the listed 2,073.6 watt-hours, meaning you’re getting most of the power you’re paying for.
Because it’s a larger unit, we ran it through our demanding fridge test, and it kept our test fridge running for 26 hours and 19 minutes, meaning you get over a full day of fridge operation during a power outage. In terms of efficiency, it suffered only a 22.37% loss of total capacity, which sounds high on paper but is actually lower than even extra-large units like the Fossibot F3600 Pro (26.11%).
With four AC outlets, two USB-C PD ports and two USB-A ports, it can charge up to nine devices at the same time. It also recharges quite quickly, at 1 hour, 49 minutes, which is very impressive for a device of this size. It can also recharge with solar panels and supports fast car charging with Bluetti’s Charge 1 accessory.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you’re a digital nomad or going on a camping trip, the Elite 200 V2 may be too heavy at 53.4 pounds to tote along easily. For that, we prefer the smaller models on this list, such as the EcoFlow River 3 Plus and Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Why we recommend it:
On paper, the Dabbsson 2000L offers 2,000 watt-hours, and it mostly lives up to that with its 91.3% usable capacity. This also means it’s quite efficient, scoring 79.01% RTE, lower than the Bluetti V20, but still one of the top models in terms of efficiency. It powered our test fridge for 21 hours and 6 minutes, just shy of a full day. The real selling point is that at 41 pounds, it’s substantially lighter than similar capacity models, like the 68-pound Anker Solix C3000, making it a more practical option if you need to put it in the trunk of your car and take it with you.
It’s also loaded with a ton of ports, including 12 output ports that can charge 12 devices simultaneously. These include six AC ports, two USB-C ports (100W and 30W), two USB-A ports, a car port and DC port. It also supports charging from AC and solar simultaneously, with a maximum input of 1,500W.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Surprisingly, the Dabbsson 2000L is quite slow to charge, taking 3 hours and 28 minutes to reach full charge. It’ll take twice as long to get it juiced up compared to the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 and Bluetti Elite 200 V2. That undermines its light weight and makes it a less practical option in a pinch.
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
/10
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Why we recommend it:
The Oscal has more ports than you’ll likely know what to do with, with four AC ports, two USB-C (100W), four USB-A, two DC5521, one car port, one Anderson port and two wireless charging pads for a total of 16 ports. As mentioned, this makes it perfect for handling a large number of demanding devices and appliances at once, making it a good option if you need to take it to a job site or have a large family with demanding charging needs.
It also supports AC, solar and car charging, as well as dual AC and car charging, and has a unique cableless connectivity feature that lets you stack it with other compatible BP2400 units, giving you more power options while saving space.
It also benefits from strong scores in key metrics. It has 90% usable capacity and 77.10% RTE. It also charges fast, topping up in 1 hour, 57 minutes. It offers better charging speed and more options than the Dabbsson 2000L.
Who shouldn’t get it:
What holds the 2400 Max back from true excellence is its very poor fridge test score. It had our lowest fridge running time at just 12 hours and 35 minutes, meaning you won’t even get a full day of use. It also suffered from an inverter overhead loss of 55.41%, meaning the majority of the power wasn’t actually being used by the fridge. This cripples its ability to power large appliances.
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
Why we recommend it:
The C2000 Gen 2 scored quite well across our tests. It has 88.5% usable capacity, so you’re getting most of the juice you pay for. It handled heavy loads and large appliances like fridges, keeping our test fridge running for 27 hours and 24 minutes with just 18.21% overhead. It charged to full in just 1 hour, 28 minutes, very impressive for the size of the unit. The 74.02% RTE score is good, though lower than our best overall, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2.
It has 11 ports, including five AC ports, 1 NEMA TT-30 RV port, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A and 1 car charger. It supports recharging with AC, solar, car and gas generator. It also supports expansion batteries if you need more power.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you don’t own an RV or campervan, you likely won’t get full use out of the Solix C2000 Gen 2, or the include TT-30 RV port, though it’s still an excellent portable power station in its own right.
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
/10
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Why we recommend it:
Earning the spot as our highest-scoring extra-large unit, the Solix F3000 delivered serious endurance in our testing. It put out 2,645.91 Wh of active energy with a solid 74.62% RTE score. When subjected to our demanding fridge test, it kept our test unit running for 28 hours and 58 minutes, guaranteeing you well over a full day of food preservation during an outage.
While the 37.81% overhead loss is higher than that of some top-tier models, the sheer size of the 3,072 Wh battery ensures it can handle heavy loads even with the efficiency loss. It supports standard AC and solar charging, making it a dependable option for emergency prep.
It comes with built-in wheels, a handle, and an emergency light, giving it some extra portability and benefits for camping.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you need a station that tops up incredibly fast, the 2 hour, 20 minute charge time might test your patience. Additionally, anyone looking for a highly portable camping companion will find an extra-large unit like this too unwieldy compared to lighter midsize options.
Pros
- Most efficient medium unit we’ve tested with an 83.44% RTE
- Eco-friendly construction
- Returns a massive percentage of its energy, minimizing waste
- Reasonable $499 price
Cons
- Capacity won’t be sufficient for large appliances
- Smaller 1,024 Wh capacity isn’t ideal for running large appliances
- Takes almost two hours (1 hour, 55 minutes) to fully recharge
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based is an interesting option for buyers who prioritize energy efficiency above all else while also have an eco-friendly build. At $499, it’s a reasonably priced mid-size option that ensures very little of your stored power is wasted. At $499, it’s also more affordable than larger units and competitive with other mid-size options, earning it our Editors’ Choice award and a Lab Award.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 100 V2 excels at energy efficiency. With its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, it delivered 937.25 Wh of usable energy, earning a stellar 83.44% RTE score. That’s the best score in the medium category. It comes equipped with 11 output ports and supports both AC and solar charging. If you want a power station that meticulously retains the energy you put into it, the Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based sets the standard.
Who shouldn’t get it:
With only a 1,024 Wh capacity, it lacks the stamina for demanding home backup. The nearly two-hour recharge time is a bit slow for a battery of this size, meaning it won’t suit people who need a quick top-up between uses.
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
/10
Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
Why we recommend it:
The AC0600 takes the crown for the most efficient small unit in our lineup. It features a 596 Wh LiFePO4 battery and delivers 496.86 Wh of active energy, earning a respectable 72.92% RTE. It offers nine ports with a good mix of AC, USB-C and USB-A, making it perfectly capable of keeping phones, laptops, and headlamps topped off during an off-grid excursion and it can pair with solar panels.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If rapid recovery is a priority, this is absolutely not the unit for you. The AC0600 suffers from an exceptionally slow charge time, taking a grueling 5 hours and 59 minutes to reach a full battery. If you need to quickly top up at a rest stop or coffee shop, you’ll be much better off with a faster-charging alternative like the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 below.
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
/10
Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
Why we recommend it:
You don’t always need a massive battery. The Elite 30 V2 offers 80.4% usable capacity and 231.59 Wh of active energy, which is perfect for keeping your essentials topped off. For an ultra-low price of $239, it supports a speedy 1 hour and 44 minutes full charge, meaning you can easily juice it up before hitting the road. Compared to the UDPower C400, the Bluetti charges almost twice as fast, making it the superior budget pick.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone looking to run appliances or power-hungry tools may not get the juice they need. It’s a better option for phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics.
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
/10
Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
Why we recommend it:
Packing 6 output ports into a tiny 6.9-pound frame delivers fantastic port density. It tested at 86.4% usable capacity with 221.29 Wh of active energy and a solid 72.07% RTE. At just $240, it’s the ideal companion to throw in the back of your car or strap to a motorcycle without weighing you down. It also has some neat features, like the built-in emergency jumpstarter. While it has slightly less capacity than the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, its superior port density makes it more versatile for charging multiple small items at once.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those who need to recharge quickly, as it takes over 3 hours to refill its relatively small capacity. This is something we found on the C600 as well, which is disappointing in otherwise excellent power stations.
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
/10
Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
Why we recommend it:
The Delta 3 Classic is a spectacular medium unit. It delivers an impressive 81.34% RTE and tested at 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy. Best of all, it features 13 output ports and charges from 0 to full in less than an hour (55 minutes). For $599, it’s incredibly convenient. While the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based slightly edged it out in overall efficiency, the EcoFlow’s superior charge speed and port count make it a fierce competitor.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those needing to back up large home appliances for extended periods will want a larger unit.
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
/10
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for:
If you’re constantly on the move and need to recharge instantly, the Oupes Mega 1 Lite is the undisputed winner, earning it our Lab Award. It’s perfect for road-trippers and mobile professionals who only have short windows to plug in before hitting the road again.
Why we recommend it:
The Mega 1 Lite is all about speed, rocketing from empty to full in an unmatched 44 minutes. It doesn’t sacrifice efficiency for that speed, either; it put out 854.94 Wh from its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, earning an impressive 79.93% RTE score. Despite weighing a manageable 26.8 pounds, it can push out 2,000W of output and features two 100W USB-C ports alongside its AC outlets, giving you plenty of versatility to power heavy-duty gear on the go.
At $489, it’s competitively priced with similar mid-size models and a great alternative to the Delta 3 Classic.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you rely on a gas generator for your off-grid setup, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as the Mega 1 Lite explicitly lacks support for it. It also didn’t pick up any extra bonuses in our feature testing, meaning it’s a bit barebones compared to units with expansive app ecosystems.
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
/10
Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
Why we recommend it:
When you’re constantly on the move, weight matters. At a comfortable 10.4 pounds, the River3Plus is incredibly easy to haul. It offers 76.2% usable capacity, 217.90 Wh of active energy, and an RTE of 72.41%. It recharges in just 1 hour and 12 minutes. Compared to the UDPower AC0400, the EcoFlow charges significantly faster, making it perfect for keeping laptops and phones alive while you work from anywhere. It also comes with a handy built-in light for camping or power outages.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone trying to run high-draw devices, such as heaters or microwaves, will want to look elsewhere for something with more surge power.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Why we recommend it:
The Solix C1000 Gen 2 packs 85.0% usable capacity and 870.08 Wh of active energy, giving you enough juice for a solid weekend outdoors. The real star here is the fast charging time. At just 59 minutes, you can easily top it up with a generator or solar panels while at camp. At $600, it’s competitively priced with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic, especially if you can find a good sale, which is pretty common from Anker.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If power efficiency is vital for you, this may be a skip. A 72.15% RTE is fine, but it trails behind class leaders like the Bluetti Elite 100 V2.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
/10
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Why we recommend it:
This behemoth Jackery power station walked away with the Lab Award for the most efficient extra-large unit, posting a 79.66% RTE and an impressive 89.3% usable capacity. With an absolute unit of a battery (3,201.32 Wh of active energy), it powered our test fridge for 38 hours and 35 minutes while wasting only 27.95% of its energy to inverter overhead. If you’re tackling big appliances or running power tools, this is your workhorse. Compared to the Anker Solix F3000, the Jackery offers significantly more runtime, though you pay a premium for it.
It’s naturally compatible with solar panels and expansion batteries for more charge, and also comes with wheels giving it a little bit of maneuverability around your house.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone on a budget or looking for a portable solution. At $2,799, this is very much a home backup power station designed for stationary use.
Recent updates
May 2025: We updated all of the products on the list with pros and cons, new merchant links and additional recommendations for use cases. We replaced the Anker Solix F3800 with the newer Anker Solix F3800 Plus. We removed the Dakota Lithium PS2400 because it’s no longer available and added the Oupes Mega 1. We updated our testing procedures with a graphic that shows our new process to test charging and discharge time and included new comparison tables that show our test results.
November 2025: Updated the best list with new information on the latest deals and price cuts.
March 2026: Added spring buying advice.
July 2026: We’ve done a complete overhaul of our testing procedures and best list with all new winners in our top 14 portable power stations. including new picks for Lab Awards and Editors’ Choice.
Honorable mention
These are units that scored at least a 7 or higher and were strong contenders for earning a spot in the best list. They may have not made the final cut, but they’re still a worthy buy for certain use cases.
Bluetti AC200L
Bluetti AC200L
The Bluetti AC200L nearly made the cut for our main list, but it narrowly dropped out due to the highly competitive large-unit market. Still, there’s a lot to like about it, with a 2,048 Wh capacity, 2,400W output, and a solid 77.67% round-trip efficiency. In our lab testing, it excelled as an absolute powerhouse for running cyclic appliances, keeping our test fridge alive for a massive 29 hours and 16 minutes with a low 22.16% overhead loss. It missed out on the main “Best for RVs” designation only because the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 edged it out on raw charging speed and weight. At 62.4 pounds, it is a bit heavy, but with its native RV port, 10 total outlets, and robust appliance runtime, it remains a fantastic fit for anyone needing serious off-grid power or dependable backup for a home refrigerator.
Bluetti FridgePower
Bluetti FridgePower
Custom-built with a specialized slim form factor, the Bluetti FridgePower is designed specifically to slide directly behind a kitchen refrigerator. It packs a 2,016 Wh capacity into a lightweight 23-pound chassis, yielding an unmatched 70.48 Wh/lb energy density, an impressive 80.32% RTE, and a rapid 1-hour, 56-minute charge time. It didn’t make our primary list because it’s a niche product lacking a standard breakout of diverse output ports and flexible charging options (it only supports AC input). However, if you’re looking for a backup dedicated entirely to keeping your kitchen food cold without taking up too much space, it ran our test fridge for 23 hours and 26 minutes and is perfect for that specific role.
Bluetti Apex 300
Bluetti Apex 300
With a substantial 2,764 Wh battery capacity, the Bluetti Apex 300 delivered long-lasting performance during our appliance test, powering our refrigerator for 30 hours and 26 minutes. Ultimately, it was held back by a mediocre 66.63% round-trip efficiency score and a relatively sparse selection of just seven output ports. It takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to top up via AC and supports solar. It remains a good choice for someone who wants long home backup runtimes for a single appliance and cares more about raw battery size than overall efficiency or versatility.
DJI Power 2000
DJI Power 2000
The DJI Power 2000 is a capable large power station offering a 2,048 Wh capacity and a standard mix of AC and USB ports that recharges in a swift 1 hour and 59 minutes. While its 72.61% RTE score is fairly average, it demonstrated excellent idle efficiency during our appliance evaluations, suffering only a 17.54% heat-and-overhead loss while running our test fridge for 22 hours and 25 minutes. It missed the main list because its midtier scores left it overshadowed by higher-value competitors in the 2kWh class. It’s still a great fit for people who are looking for a steady, fast-charging unit that won’t bleed power while idling between appliance cycles.
Bluetti Elite 10
BLUETTI Elite 10
The Bluetti Elite 10 is the ultimate ultra-portable option, prioritizing a lightweight physical build over raw energy. It weighs just 6 pounds and features a modest 128 Wh capacity, delivering 100.94 Wh of active energy at a 66.76% RTE. It was excluded from our main lists since you’re paying a steep premium per watt-hour for its downsized frame. It also takes 2 hours and 22 minutes to charge from AC. It’s a specialized buy, but it remains a perfect match for minimalists, hikers or commuters who strictly want a lightweight battery to charge phones and tablets on day trips without carrying extra bulk.
Fossibot 3600 Pro
Fossibot 3600 Pro
A previous winner, this is still a good option for heavy-duty emergencies. The Fossibot 3600 Pro boasts a massive 3,840 Wh capacity, a potent 3,600W output, and a solid 77.84% RTE. It is the undisputed champion of emergency appliance endurance, keeping our test fridge running for nearly two full days (44 hours and 39 minutes) with a 26.11% overhead loss. It failed to land a spot on our main recommendations due to its 92.59-pound weight and a sluggish 3-hour, 36-minute charge time. If portability isn’t a concern and you simply want a stationary home backup anchor that can run high-draw power tools or sustain essential medical and kitchen appliances through multiday blackouts, this is a great heavy-duty solution.
Jackery HomePower 3000
Jackery HomePower 3000
The Jackery HomePower 3000 is a robust extra-large station that balances a big 3,072 Wh capacity with an efficient 78.35% round-trip efficiency score. In our labs, it delivered 2,758.98 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge powered for 32 hours and 3 minutes, though it did experience a higher 36.40% overhead loss during cycling. It missed the final cut because Jackery’s own newer “Plus” version vastly outclassed it in efficiency and idle management. It remains a steady, reliable secondary option for home emergency backup if you can find it at a discount.
Cybpulte C601
Cybpulte C601
The Cybpulte C601 is a small budget unit that offers a 299 Wh capacity and outputs 234.31 Wh of active energy at a 67.94% RTE. It missed out on a main list recommendation because of its painfully slow 5-hour, 15-minute recharge time, which severely limits its readiness in a pinch. It is still a decent fit for price-conscious casual campers who can leave it to charge overnight and only need to keep small electronics like phones, cameras or lanterns running over a weekend.
Anker Solix C300
Anker Solix C300
The Anker Solix C300 AC is a small-capacity power station that pairs a 288 Wh battery with a lightweight build, a carrying handle and a built-in LED light. It’s a great camping option and came close to earning a spot on our list, but it’s held back by a 68.71% RTE score that’s somewhat on the lower side and it extracts 238.14 Wh of active energy. On the upside, it features blazing-fast recovery, topping off via AC in just 1 hour and 18 minutes. It’s also super affordable and is often found on sale for less than $200.
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus is a fast-charging medium station that features a 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, a 79.37% RTE, and 10 output ports (including 3 AC outlets and 2 USB-C ports). It is a fast charger, taking just 49 minutes to fully charge. It missed our best affordable spot because its sibling, the Delta 3 Classic, offered a higher port density, better efficiency, and a significantly friendlier price tag. It is still a fantastic solar-friendly choice for off-grid folks who need a reliable midsized power station that can be juiced back up to full in under an hour.
Duracell G800
Duracell G800
The Duracell G800 sits in the small-to-medium class with a 620 Wh Li-NMC battery and an eight-port layout containing 3 AC and 2 USB-C outlets. It extracted 503.05 Wh of active energy in our testing, but it was dragged down by a lower-tier 65.90% RTE and a slower 3-hour, 37-minute charge speed. It was kept off our primary list due to this combination of sluggish charging and low conversion efficiency relative to its price. It remains a viable option for people who prioritize Duracell as a brand or those who like the carrying handle and built-in light and want reliability to run a mix of devices.
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is an extra-large station boasting a 3,840 Wh capacity, a massive 6,000W output, and an array of specialized ports like a 240V NEMA L14-30 and an EV charging port. It missed the main list due to its heavy 136.7-pound weight and a severe 46.63% inverter overhead loss, which wasted nearly half its active energy just keeping the unit turned on (running our test fridge for a relatively low 25 hours and 41 minutes). It is an excellent match for homeowners looking to integrate a stationary unit directly into a transfer switch for high-draw emergency circuits, or EV drivers looking for something that can top up their vehicle while camping.
Grecell H2400
Grecell H2400
The Grecell H2400 is a moderately efficient large option that offers a 1,843 Wh capacity, a solid 79.29% RTE score, and a quick 1-hour, 39-minute AC recharge time. It has nine output ports and kept our test fridge running for 17 hours and 45 minutes with a 26.82% overhead loss. It failed to make the primary cut because its shorter fridge runtime left it outpaced by more well-rounded 2kWh units like the Dabbsson and Bluetti models. It remains a good choice for someone looking for an affordable backup unit that favors quick recharging.
Oupes Mega 5
Oupes Mega 5
Boasting the largest physical battery capacity in our test lab at a massive 5,040 Wh, the Oupes Mega 5 is a heavy-duty LiFePO4 station with 12 output ports. It yielded a massive 4,352.86 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge running for 43 hours and 43 minutes. It missed our main list because its score was penalized by a sluggish 3-hour, 35-minute charge time and a high 39.75% idle overhead loss, both of which indicate poor conversion efficiency. It’s still a worthwhile investment for those who strictly want maximum raw battery capacity to sustain multiple household devices across multiday blackouts.
Other portable power stations we’ve tested
The following portable power stations were tested with our new lab tests, but scored under 7 preventing them from earning a spot on the list of top models. It’s also worth noting that competition for the large portable power station category is cutthroat.
BougeRV Rover 2000: Despite showing excellent low-idle energy management during our fridge test (only 14.72% overhead loss), this 2,008 Wh unit was dragged down by a high $1,900 retail price. If you can get it on sale, it becomes a much better deal.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500: While this 1,505 Wh station is relatively quick to charge (earning an 8.7 charge score), its steep $1,500 retail price delivers limited overall runtime and capacity for your dollar.
ETAKER M2000 (out of stock): This unit delivers solid baseline performance from its 2,008 Wh battery, but it missed the cut due to an uncompetitive $2,199 price tag. It would be more reasonable on a large sale, but it’s currently out of stock.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500
Bluetti Pioneer Na: With specialized sodium battery technology built for extreme cold, this 900 Wh station has unique utility but is hampered by slower real-world charging speeds and stiff competition. Still, it may be a great option for those in temperature extremes.
Schneider OffGrid 730: Packing a 738 Wh capacity, this station was penalized for a painful 9-hour recharge time alongside a low 62.84% round-trip efficiency.
Pecron E3600LFP: Although it showed impressive idle efficiency when running a refrigerator, its 55.57% round-trip efficiency destroys its standing by wasting massive amounts of total energy during power conversion.
Patriot Power Generator 1200: This 1,030 Wh unit is quite efficient and charges quickly, but lost out due to stiff competition. Still, it can be a good option on sale.
Patriot Solar Generator Alpha Case Elite: Similar to its sibling, this fast-charging 736 Wh unit is a unique use case with its rugged briefcase form-factor that makes it very portable for on the go, but the $1,100 price holds it back.
Vtoman Flashspeed 1000: This 828 Wh unit can charge quick at 1 hour, 8 minutes, but it only has 612.30 Wh of usable energy.
CNET’s lab testing for portable power stations
Alphacase Elite Generator
We’ve completely revamped our lab testing to ensure you get the most reliable backup power. You can find a full and detailed explanation of how we test portable power stations in a separate article that dives deep into how we measure each metric.
How we score portable power stations
- Round-trip efficiency (40%): We measure how much usable energy is actually returned during discharge compared to the electricity required to recharge the battery, accounting for energy lost as heat.
- Value (40%): We compare the verified usable battery capacity against the retail price to determine the true value of your investment.
- Charge time (20%): We track the total time required to recharge the battery from 0% to 100% using a standard wall outlet.
- Emergency preparedness: For large and extra-large units, we conduct a “disaster-preparedness stress test” to see how well they handle high-power appliances, like running a full-sized refrigerator until the battery is drained. High performers in this test can earn a bonus of up to 1.0 points.
- Design and features: Products can earn a +0.5 point design bonus for innovative solutions to portability or space challenges, and an additional +0.5 points for unique, class-leading features that offer significant real-world benefits.
Older portable power stations we’ve tested
We’ve previously tested 140 portable power stations at CNET across brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, BioLite, Bluetti, Oupes and others. However, because our testing procedures have changed massively over the course of the years, these products are not comparable with newer models, and many units are now out of stock. Since we no longer maintain it, the list has been removed.
Portable power station FAQs
What battery types are most common in portable power stations?
A significant trend in modern portable power stations (including the Jackery Plus series, Anker Solix models, Bluetti units, EcoFlow River 3, Fossibot F3600 Pro and Oupes Mega 1), is the adoption of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry. This has several advantages over older lithium-ion formulations, most notably a significantly longer lifespan, often rated for 3000 to over 6500 charge cycles before significant capacity degradation.
LiFePO4 batteries are also recognized for their improved safety profile and better thermal stability, performing more reliably across a wider range of temperatures.
Some units, like the Grecell T-1000, may still use older chemistries such as NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese), which offer good energy density but typically have a shorter overall cycle life.
How many years do portable power stations last?
How many years a portable power station will last depends on three key factors: how well the product is maintained, how often it’s used and the battery type.
We have researched and spoken with several manufacturers and most units boast a 500-cycle lifespan. In some cases, such as the Anker 757, a unit may use LifePO4 batteries compared to the more common Li-ion battery, offering up to 3,000 cycles or beyond.
One cycle means using the product from fully charged to zero charge (or at least 80% in some cases). If you use your portable power station several times a week, it might only last a year or two. If you use it less frequently, it could last for much longer.
What can you run on a portable power station?
Portable power stations are generally designed to power smaller electronic devices and appliances, from phones and table fans to heavy-duty work lights and CPAP machines. Pay attention to the estimated watt-hours each brand provides in its specs to determine which model makes the most sense for what you’d like to power.
If a company says its portable power station has 200 watt-hours, it should be able to power a device with a 1-watt output for about 200 hours. I go into more detail on this in the “How we test” section of this article, but consider the wattage of the device or devices you want to power and then the number of watt-hours your portable power station would need to have.
Can a power station run a refrigerator?
Absolutely. Many of our recommendations can run a fridge, but there’s also a new category of portable power stations, with slim models designed to sit on or be mounted behind a fridge. Examples include the new Bluetti FridgePower and the Jackery FridgeGuard, while Anker’s Solix S2000 is a more traditional take on the capability.
How long can you run a portable power station?
You can get close to the answer with some basic math. If you have a power station that is rated at 1,000 watts per hour, and you plug in a device, let’s say a TV, rated at 100 watts, then you can divide that 1,000 by 100 and say that it will run for 10 hours.
This isn’t usually the case. The industry “standard” is to say that you should take 85% of the total capacity for that math. In that case, 850 watts per hour divided by 100 watts for the TV would be 8.5 hours.
The reality is that you should expect somewhere between 8.5 and 10 hours, in this example.
How is a portable power station different from a generator?
A portable power station is essentially a big rechargeable battery that you carry around. Deplete it, and it’s useless until you can recharge.
A generator, by definition, is a device that actually converts some type of energy to usable electricity in whatever circuitry you have it connected to. Examples of these would be gas generators (commonly used as power sources for remote areas or as whole-home backups), electric generators (not very common, but they convert some type of mechanical action to electricity) and solar generators, which can use solar panels to power devices or homes — often using a battery to temporarily store the electricity. These batteries are often portable power stations themselves.
Can you use solar panels with a portable power station?
Yes, many portable power stations can work with solar panels to offer charging options off the grid. These include the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 and most options in Jackery’s lineup, various offerings from EcoFlow including the River 3 series, Bluetti, Oupes and even lesser-known brands like Grecell. Take a look at our list of the best solar generators for a more comprehensive look at CNET’s testing and recommendations.
Can you use a portable power station as a UPS?
Yes, a portable power station can be used as an uninterruptible power supply. Many portable power stations come with UPS features, like automatic switchover when power loss is detected. You’ll find this on the EcoFlow River 3 series, which comes with a 20-millisecond takeover for the River 3 and a 10-millisecond switchover for the River 3 Plus and River 3 Max, not to mention even larger power stations like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro that are capable of home backup.
What is the difference between a power bank and a portable power station?
A power bank is vastly different from a power station. There’s a significant difference in the amount of energy they can store, the cost of owning them and the devices they can charge. A power bank is a small, portable device that’s used to charge electronic products like smartphones, laptops and more. On the other hand, a power station can store huge amounts of energy to power electrical appliances like mini-fridges, microwaves and more.
Can a portable power station be your home backup?
The extra-large power stations on our list, like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro, are both capable of powering large appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and even washers and dryers. They also support battery expansion and can connect to solar panels for recharging. This gives you plenty of juice and the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can even be paired with a smart electric panel so that it can automatically back up circuits in your home, similar to the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra.
Can I leave my portable power station plugged in all the time?
Overcharge protection is built into most power stations and battery-powered devices. However, if you leave your power station plugged in all the time, you will ultimately affect its battery lifespan. We recommend avoiding this and occasionally recharging your power station to prepare against power outages. This is a problem that will hopefully soon be solved as brands add AI assistants and tools to keep power stations ready for bad weather and power cuts that may follow.
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Between spiking energy prices, power outages, wildfires and other natural disasters, portable power stations are an affordable alternative to a backup gas generator and can help keep you powered up when you need it the most. Some models are large and powerful enough to run a refrigerator for days, while others are designed for portability, offering just enough juice to keep your mobile devices charged for a few hours. We lab-tested 140 portable power stations from brands like Bluetti, EcoFlow, Oupes and Jackery to evaluate round-trip efficiency, charging speed, features and overall value.
Our Picks
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Jump to details
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Jump to details
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Jump to details
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
Jump to details
Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Jump to details
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
Jump to details
Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
Jump to details
Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
Jump to details
Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
Jump to details
Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
Best for:
Jump to details
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
Jump to details
Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Jump to details
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Jump to details
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
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Lab Awards, Editors’ Choice Awards and best overall
Based on our extensive lab testing of 38 portable power stations, we’ve identified the top performers for round-trip efficiency, a metric that tracks how much of the energy you draw from the wall is actually available to power your devices.
- Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is CNET’s best overall pick and a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient large-sized unit (81.08% RTE).
- Bluetti’s Elite 100 V2 Bio-based is a 2026 Lab Award winner for most efficient medium unit (83.44% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award winner.
- The Oupes Mega 1 Lite won the 2026 Lab Award for its fast charging speed, reaching full capacity in just 44 minutes.
- The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus earned a 2026 Lab Award as the most efficient extra-large unit (79.66% RTE) and a 2026 Editors’ Choice award for its outstanding ability to keep home appliances powered during an outage.
- The UDPower AC0600 wins the Lab Award for the most efficient of smaller power units (72.92% RTE).
- Bluetti Elite 30 V2 earns a 2026 Editors’ Choice Award for its affordability and value.
Best portable power stations
Best overall and best large unit
Bluetti Elite 200 V2
/10
Pros
- Highest overall score we’ve ever awarded and great price for the performance
- Most efficient large unit with 81.08% RTE
- Loses little power to efficiency loss for demanding appliances (22.37%)
- Recharges in less than 2 hours
Cons
- Not very portable at 53.4 pounds
- Can get more port options with similarly sized units
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is the best choice for anyone who needs a powerful, capable home backup system that can run multiple devices simultaneously, including demanding appliances like a fridge, off-grid. It’s our top scorer across all the size capacities, and at $899, it offers excellent value for the performance, making it our Editors’ Choice pick and also earning our Lab Award for the large category.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 200 V2 tackled our tests like they were no challenge. In RTE, it scores 81.08%, earning our Lab Award for the most efficient large unit. It has an impressive tested capacity of 1,987.98 watt-hours, which is 95.9% of the listed 2,073.6 watt-hours, meaning you’re getting most of the power you’re paying for.
Because it’s a larger unit, we ran it through our demanding fridge test, and it kept our test fridge running for 26 hours and 19 minutes, meaning you get over a full day of fridge operation during a power outage. In terms of efficiency, it suffered only a 22.37% loss of total capacity, which sounds high on paper but is actually lower than even extra-large units like the Fossibot F3600 Pro (26.11%).
With four AC outlets, two USB-C PD ports and two USB-A ports, it can charge up to nine devices at the same time. It also recharges quite quickly, at 1 hour, 49 minutes, which is very impressive for a device of this size. It can also recharge with solar panels and supports fast car charging with Bluetti’s Charge 1 accessory.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you’re a digital nomad or going on a camping trip, the Elite 200 V2 may be too heavy at 53.4 pounds to tote along easily. For that, we prefer the smaller models on this list, such as the EcoFlow River 3 Plus and Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.
Best lightweight high capacity
Dabbsson 2000L
Pros
- At 41 pounds, it’s one of the lighter high-capacity options that can power large appliances
- Strong RTE efficiency score at 79.01%
- 12 ports for up to 12 devices at the same time
- Supports dual AC an solar recharging at 1,500W input
Cons
- Slow to charge compared with other models
- Fridge running time is shorter than similar models at 21 hours
Best for:
If you need the power of a home backup and the ability to run your fridge and other appliances, the Dabbason 2000L offers that capability in a lighter package. It has more port options than the Bluetti Elite V200 and a similarly reasonable $849 price ($649 on Amazon), giving it great value for its capacity.
Why we recommend it:
On paper, the Dabbsson 2000L offers 2,000 watt-hours, and it mostly lives up to that with its 91.3% usable capacity. This also means it’s quite efficient, scoring 79.01% RTE, lower than the Bluetti V20, but still one of the top models in terms of efficiency. It powered our test fridge for 21 hours and 6 minutes, just shy of a full day. The real selling point is that at 41 pounds, it’s substantially lighter than similar capacity models, like the 68-pound Anker Solix C3000, making it a more practical option if you need to put it in the trunk of your car and take it with you.
It’s also loaded with a ton of ports, including 12 output ports that can charge 12 devices simultaneously. These include six AC ports, two USB-C ports (100W and 30W), two USB-A ports, a car port and DC port. It also supports charging from AC and solar simultaneously, with a maximum input of 1,500W.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Surprisingly, the Dabbsson 2000L is quite slow to charge, taking 3 hours and 28 minutes to reach full charge. It’ll take twice as long to get it juiced up compared to the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 and Bluetti Elite 200 V2. That undermines its light weight and makes it a less practical option in a pinch.
Best for multiple devices
Oscal PowerMax 2400
/10
Pros
- With 16 ports, it’s the most devices you can charge at one time
- 90% usable capacity and stackable with other compatible units
- Most affordable large unit we’ve tested
- Charges to full in under 2 hours
Cons
- Heavy 55.41% efficiency loss during our fridge test, making it unsuitable for large appliances
- Retailer availability varies and is often limited, resulting in a large price spread
Best for:
The Oscal PowerMax 2400 is one of the more affordable large units you can buy at $719. For the price, you can also have a high usable capacity, 16 ports and fast charging. It’s a great option for multidevice use, letting you charge phones, cameras, laptops, and batteries at a job site or while camping.
Why we recommend it:
The Oscal has more ports than you’ll likely know what to do with, with four AC ports, two USB-C (100W), four USB-A, two DC5521, one car port, one Anderson port and two wireless charging pads for a total of 16 ports. As mentioned, this makes it perfect for handling a large number of demanding devices and appliances at once, making it a good option if you need to take it to a job site or have a large family with demanding charging needs.
It also supports AC, solar and car charging, as well as dual AC and car charging, and has a unique cableless connectivity feature that lets you stack it with other compatible BP2400 units, giving you more power options while saving space.
It also benefits from strong scores in key metrics. It has 90% usable capacity and 77.10% RTE. It also charges fast, topping up in 1 hour, 57 minutes. It offers better charging speed and more options than the Dabbsson 2000L.
Who shouldn’t get it:
What holds the 2400 Max back from true excellence is its very poor fridge test score. It had our lowest fridge running time at just 12 hours and 35 minutes, meaning you won’t even get a full day of use. It also suffered from an inverter overhead loss of 55.41%, meaning the majority of the power wasn’t actually being used by the fridge. This cripples its ability to power large appliances.
Best for Vanlife/RVs
Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- 88.5% usable capacity with 11 port options
- Charges to full quickly in just 1 hour, 28 minutes
- Ran fridge for 27 hours and 24 minutes with minimal overhead loss
Cons
- RTE score is slightly lower than similar-sized units
Best for:
Anker’s Solix C2000 Gen 2 is an excellent choice for van life enthusiasts and RV drivers. It works great for long road trips, where it’s important to maximize power efficiency and the running time of large appliances. It can also top up quickly during rest stops. At $900, it’s a good value for the size, capacity and performance.
Why we recommend it:
The C2000 Gen 2 scored quite well across our tests. It has 88.5% usable capacity, so you’re getting most of the juice you pay for. It handled heavy loads and large appliances like fridges, keeping our test fridge running for 27 hours and 24 minutes with just 18.21% overhead. It charged to full in just 1 hour, 28 minutes, very impressive for the size of the unit. The 74.02% RTE score is good, though lower than our best overall, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2.
It has 11 ports, including five AC ports, 1 NEMA TT-30 RV port, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A and 1 car charger. It supports recharging with AC, solar, car and gas generator. It also supports expansion batteries if you need more power.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you don’t own an RV or campervan, you likely won’t get full use out of the Solix C2000 Gen 2, or the include TT-30 RV port, though it’s still an excellent portable power station in its own right.
Best whole home backup
Anker Solix F3000
/10
Pros
- 86.1% usable capacity
- Comes with wheels and built-in light for portability
- Ran fridge for 29 hours and 58 minutes
- Solid RTE score (74.62%)
Cons
- Overhead loss on the higher side at 37.81%
- 2 hour, 20 minute charge time could be better
Best for:
The Anker Solix F3000 is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a heavy-duty, extra-large power station for reliable home backup. With a $1,400 price, it provides massive capacity to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Why we recommend it:
Earning the spot as our highest-scoring extra-large unit, the Solix F3000 delivered serious endurance in our testing. It put out 2,645.91 Wh of active energy with a solid 74.62% RTE score. When subjected to our demanding fridge test, it kept our test unit running for 28 hours and 58 minutes, guaranteeing you well over a full day of food preservation during an outage.
While the 37.81% overhead loss is higher than that of some top-tier models, the sheer size of the 3,072 Wh battery ensures it can handle heavy loads even with the efficiency loss. It supports standard AC and solar charging, making it a dependable option for emergency prep.
It comes with built-in wheels, a handle, and an emergency light, giving it some extra portability and benefits for camping.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you need a station that tops up incredibly fast, the 2 hour, 20 minute charge time might test your patience. Additionally, anyone looking for a highly portable camping companion will find an extra-large unit like this too unwieldy compared to lighter midsize options.
Pros
- Most efficient medium unit we’ve tested with an 83.44% RTE
- Eco-friendly construction
- Returns a massive percentage of its energy, minimizing waste
- Reasonable $499 price
Cons
- Capacity won’t be sufficient for large appliances
- Smaller 1,024 Wh capacity isn’t ideal for running large appliances
- Takes almost two hours (1 hour, 55 minutes) to fully recharge
Best for:
The Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based is an interesting option for buyers who prioritize energy efficiency above all else while also have an eco-friendly build. At $499, it’s a reasonably priced mid-size option that ensures very little of your stored power is wasted. At $499, it’s also more affordable than larger units and competitive with other mid-size options, earning it our Editors’ Choice award and a Lab Award.
Why we recommend it:
The Elite 100 V2 excels at energy efficiency. With its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, it delivered 937.25 Wh of usable energy, earning a stellar 83.44% RTE score. That’s the best score in the medium category. It comes equipped with 11 output ports and supports both AC and solar charging. If you want a power station that meticulously retains the energy you put into it, the Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based sets the standard.
Who shouldn’t get it:
With only a 1,024 Wh capacity, it lacks the stamina for demanding home backup. The nearly two-hour recharge time is a bit slow for a battery of this size, meaning it won’t suit people who need a quick top-up between uses.
Best small portable power station
UDPower C600
/10
Pros
- Most efficient small unit we’ve tested with 72.92% RTE
- Highly affordable at $359 for nearly 600 Wh of capacity
- Great active energy output (496.86 Wh) for its compact footprint
Cons
- Sluggish recharge time of nearly 6 hours
Best for:
The UDPower C600 is ideal for those who need a highly efficient, compact power station for lighter electronics and don’t mind waiting for it to recharge. At $359, it’s a solid, budget-conscious pick for keeping small devices alive during weekend trips, as long as you have the time to let it top up. The strong performance earns it our Lab Award for small units.
Why we recommend it:
The AC0600 takes the crown for the most efficient small unit in our lineup. It features a 596 Wh LiFePO4 battery and delivers 496.86 Wh of active energy, earning a respectable 72.92% RTE. It offers nine ports with a good mix of AC, USB-C and USB-A, making it perfectly capable of keeping phones, laptops, and headlamps topped off during an off-grid excursion and it can pair with solar panels.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If rapid recovery is a priority, this is absolutely not the unit for you. The AC0600 suffers from an exceptionally slow charge time, taking a grueling 5 hours and 59 minutes to reach a full battery. If you need to quickly top up at a rest stop or coffee shop, you’ll be much better off with a faster-charging alternative like the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 below.
Most affordable
Bluetti Elite 30 V2
/10
Pros
- Fast 1 hour and 44 minutes charge time
- Extremely budget-friendly at $239
- Highly compact and charges quickly
Cons
- 68.97% RTE isn’t very impressive compared with rivals
Best for:
Shoppers on a strict budget who need reliable, basic power. At just $239, you won’t find many high-quality power stations cheaper, earning it an Editors’ Choice award.
Why we recommend it:
You don’t always need a massive battery. The Elite 30 V2 offers 80.4% usable capacity and 231.59 Wh of active energy, which is perfect for keeping your essentials topped off. For an ultra-low price of $239, it supports a speedy 1 hour and 44 minutes full charge, meaning you can easily juice it up before hitting the road. Compared to the UDPower C400, the Bluetti charges almost twice as fast, making it the superior budget pick.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone looking to run appliances or power-hungry tools may not get the juice they need. It’s a better option for phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics.
Best ultraportable and best for motorcycles and cars
UDPower C400
/10
Pros
- Comes with a car jump starter
- Excellent port density with 6 output ports packed into a 7-pound frame
- Incredibly easy to transport and store.
- Very affordable $240 price tag.
Cons
- 3 hours and 5 minutes charge time is slow for a small unit, a problem we’ve seen with the brand
Best for:
The tiny and compact UDPower C400 packs an incredible amount of power into its small body. It’s a great option for travel, road trips, and camping since it can also be paired with solar panels and comes with a jump starter for 12V batteries.
Why we recommend it:
Packing 6 output ports into a tiny 6.9-pound frame delivers fantastic port density. It tested at 86.4% usable capacity with 221.29 Wh of active energy and a solid 72.07% RTE. At just $240, it’s the ideal companion to throw in the back of your car or strap to a motorcycle without weighing you down. It also has some neat features, like the built-in emergency jumpstarter. While it has slightly less capacity than the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, its superior port density makes it more versatile for charging multiple small items at once.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those who need to recharge quickly, as it takes over 3 hours to refill its relatively small capacity. This is something we found on the C600 as well, which is disappointing in otherwise excellent power stations.
Best mid-priced
EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic
/10
Pros
- Tested a stellar 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy
- Excellent 81.34% RTE
- Blazing fast charge time of 55 minutes
- Tons of connectivity with 13 ports
Cons
- Won’t work for larger home appliances for extended periods
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers who want fast charging and plenty of outlets.
Why we recommend it:
The Delta 3 Classic is a spectacular medium unit. It delivers an impressive 81.34% RTE and tested at 92.5% usable capacity with 947.47 Wh of active energy. Best of all, it features 13 output ports and charges from 0 to full in less than an hour (55 minutes). For $599, it’s incredibly convenient. While the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based slightly edged it out in overall efficiency, the EcoFlow’s superior charge speed and port count make it a fierce competitor.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Those needing to back up large home appliances for extended periods will want a larger unit.
Fastest charging
Oupes Mega 1 Lite
/10
Pros
- Super fast charge time of just 44 minutes
- Strong 79.93% RTE efficiency score
- Highly portable at 26.8 pounds for a 1kWh unit
- Potent 2,000W output for demanding devices
Cons
- Does not support gas generator charging
Best for:
If you’re constantly on the move and need to recharge instantly, the Oupes Mega 1 Lite is the undisputed winner, earning it our Lab Award. It’s perfect for road-trippers and mobile professionals who only have short windows to plug in before hitting the road again.
Why we recommend it:
The Mega 1 Lite is all about speed, rocketing from empty to full in an unmatched 44 minutes. It doesn’t sacrifice efficiency for that speed, either; it put out 854.94 Wh from its 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, earning an impressive 79.93% RTE score. Despite weighing a manageable 26.8 pounds, it can push out 2,000W of output and features two 100W USB-C ports alongside its AC outlets, giving you plenty of versatility to power heavy-duty gear on the go.
At $489, it’s competitively priced with similar mid-size models and a great alternative to the Delta 3 Classic.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If you rely on a gas generator for your off-grid setup, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as the Mega 1 Lite explicitly lacks support for it. It also didn’t pick up any extra bonuses in our feature testing, meaning it’s a bit barebones compared to units with expansive app ecosystems.
Best for digital nomads and travel
EcoFlow River 3 Plus
/10
Pros
- Extremely portable at just 10.4 lbs
- Quick 1 hour and 12 minutes charge time
- Lightweight design is perfect for travel
- Comes with a handy LED light for camping
Cons
- Low 72.41% RTE compared to class leaders.
Best for:
The River 3 Plus is a great option for working remotely from a coffee shop, park, or campsite. At just $279, it’s also quite affordable, making it competitive with the Bluetti Elite 30 V2, especially if you can find it on sale.
Why we recommend it:
When you’re constantly on the move, weight matters. At a comfortable 10.4 pounds, the River3Plus is incredibly easy to haul. It offers 76.2% usable capacity, 217.90 Wh of active energy, and an RTE of 72.41%. It recharges in just 1 hour and 12 minutes. Compared to the UDPower AC0400, the EcoFlow charges significantly faster, making it perfect for keeping laptops and phones alive while you work from anywhere. It also comes with a handy built-in light for camping or power outages.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone trying to run high-draw devices, such as heaters or microwaves, will want to look elsewhere for something with more surge power.
Best for camping and outdoors
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2
/10
Pros
- Tested 85.0% usable capacity with 870.08 Wh of active energy
- Very fast 59 minute charge time
- Fair price at $600
Cons
- Lower efficiency (72.15% RTE) than other medium units.
Best for:
Weekend camping trips where you need dependable, fast-charging power that won’t weigh you down too much.
Why we recommend it:
The Solix C1000 Gen 2 packs 85.0% usable capacity and 870.08 Wh of active energy, giving you enough juice for a solid weekend outdoors. The real star here is the fast charging time. At just 59 minutes, you can easily top it up with a generator or solar panels while at camp. At $600, it’s competitively priced with the EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic, especially if you can find a good sale, which is pretty common from Anker.
Who shouldn’t get it:
If power efficiency is vital for you, this may be a skip. A 72.15% RTE is fine, but it trails behind class leaders like the Bluetti Elite 100 V2.
Best for powering large appliances
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus
/10
Pros
- Incredible runtime for major appliances
- Highly efficient for its size
- Kept our test fridge running for over 38 hours
Cons
- Hefty $2,799 price tag
- Large and unwieldy even with wheels
Best for:
This power station is meant for running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps during prolonged blackouts. The huge capacity and top performance earn it our Editors’ Choice award as well as a Lab Award for the XL size class.
Why we recommend it:
This behemoth Jackery power station walked away with the Lab Award for the most efficient extra-large unit, posting a 79.66% RTE and an impressive 89.3% usable capacity. With an absolute unit of a battery (3,201.32 Wh of active energy), it powered our test fridge for 38 hours and 35 minutes while wasting only 27.95% of its energy to inverter overhead. If you’re tackling big appliances or running power tools, this is your workhorse. Compared to the Anker Solix F3000, the Jackery offers significantly more runtime, though you pay a premium for it.
It’s naturally compatible with solar panels and expansion batteries for more charge, and also comes with wheels giving it a little bit of maneuverability around your house.
Who shouldn’t get it:
Anyone on a budget or looking for a portable solution. At $2,799, this is very much a home backup power station designed for stationary use.
Recent updates
May 2025: We updated all of the products on the list with pros and cons, new merchant links and additional recommendations for use cases. We replaced the Anker Solix F3800 with the newer Anker Solix F3800 Plus. We removed the Dakota Lithium PS2400 because it’s no longer available and added the Oupes Mega 1. We updated our testing procedures with a graphic that shows our new process to test charging and discharge time and included new comparison tables that show our test results.
November 2025: Updated the best list with new information on the latest deals and price cuts.
March 2026: Added spring buying advice.
July 2026: We’ve done a complete overhaul of our testing procedures and best list with all new winners in our top 14 portable power stations. including new picks for Lab Awards and Editors’ Choice.
Honorable mention
These are units that scored at least a 7 or higher and were strong contenders for earning a spot in the best list. They may have not made the final cut, but they’re still a worthy buy for certain use cases.
Bluetti AC200L
Bluetti AC200L
The Bluetti AC200L nearly made the cut for our main list, but it narrowly dropped out due to the highly competitive large-unit market. Still, there’s a lot to like about it, with a 2,048 Wh capacity, 2,400W output, and a solid 77.67% round-trip efficiency. In our lab testing, it excelled as an absolute powerhouse for running cyclic appliances, keeping our test fridge alive for a massive 29 hours and 16 minutes with a low 22.16% overhead loss. It missed out on the main “Best for RVs” designation only because the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 edged it out on raw charging speed and weight. At 62.4 pounds, it is a bit heavy, but with its native RV port, 10 total outlets, and robust appliance runtime, it remains a fantastic fit for anyone needing serious off-grid power or dependable backup for a home refrigerator.
Bluetti FridgePower
Bluetti FridgePower
Custom-built with a specialized slim form factor, the Bluetti FridgePower is designed specifically to slide directly behind a kitchen refrigerator. It packs a 2,016 Wh capacity into a lightweight 23-pound chassis, yielding an unmatched 70.48 Wh/lb energy density, an impressive 80.32% RTE, and a rapid 1-hour, 56-minute charge time. It didn’t make our primary list because it’s a niche product lacking a standard breakout of diverse output ports and flexible charging options (it only supports AC input). However, if you’re looking for a backup dedicated entirely to keeping your kitchen food cold without taking up too much space, it ran our test fridge for 23 hours and 26 minutes and is perfect for that specific role.
Bluetti Apex 300
Bluetti Apex 300
With a substantial 2,764 Wh battery capacity, the Bluetti Apex 300 delivered long-lasting performance during our appliance test, powering our refrigerator for 30 hours and 26 minutes. Ultimately, it was held back by a mediocre 66.63% round-trip efficiency score and a relatively sparse selection of just seven output ports. It takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to top up via AC and supports solar. It remains a good choice for someone who wants long home backup runtimes for a single appliance and cares more about raw battery size than overall efficiency or versatility.
DJI Power 2000
DJI Power 2000
The DJI Power 2000 is a capable large power station offering a 2,048 Wh capacity and a standard mix of AC and USB ports that recharges in a swift 1 hour and 59 minutes. While its 72.61% RTE score is fairly average, it demonstrated excellent idle efficiency during our appliance evaluations, suffering only a 17.54% heat-and-overhead loss while running our test fridge for 22 hours and 25 minutes. It missed the main list because its midtier scores left it overshadowed by higher-value competitors in the 2kWh class. It’s still a great fit for people who are looking for a steady, fast-charging unit that won’t bleed power while idling between appliance cycles.
Bluetti Elite 10
BLUETTI Elite 10
The Bluetti Elite 10 is the ultimate ultra-portable option, prioritizing a lightweight physical build over raw energy. It weighs just 6 pounds and features a modest 128 Wh capacity, delivering 100.94 Wh of active energy at a 66.76% RTE. It was excluded from our main lists since you’re paying a steep premium per watt-hour for its downsized frame. It also takes 2 hours and 22 minutes to charge from AC. It’s a specialized buy, but it remains a perfect match for minimalists, hikers or commuters who strictly want a lightweight battery to charge phones and tablets on day trips without carrying extra bulk.
Fossibot 3600 Pro
Fossibot 3600 Pro
A previous winner, this is still a good option for heavy-duty emergencies. The Fossibot 3600 Pro boasts a massive 3,840 Wh capacity, a potent 3,600W output, and a solid 77.84% RTE. It is the undisputed champion of emergency appliance endurance, keeping our test fridge running for nearly two full days (44 hours and 39 minutes) with a 26.11% overhead loss. It failed to land a spot on our main recommendations due to its 92.59-pound weight and a sluggish 3-hour, 36-minute charge time. If portability isn’t a concern and you simply want a stationary home backup anchor that can run high-draw power tools or sustain essential medical and kitchen appliances through multiday blackouts, this is a great heavy-duty solution.
Jackery HomePower 3000
Jackery HomePower 3000
The Jackery HomePower 3000 is a robust extra-large station that balances a big 3,072 Wh capacity with an efficient 78.35% round-trip efficiency score. In our labs, it delivered 2,758.98 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge powered for 32 hours and 3 minutes, though it did experience a higher 36.40% overhead loss during cycling. It missed the final cut because Jackery’s own newer “Plus” version vastly outclassed it in efficiency and idle management. It remains a steady, reliable secondary option for home emergency backup if you can find it at a discount.
Cybpulte C601
Cybpulte C601
The Cybpulte C601 is a small budget unit that offers a 299 Wh capacity and outputs 234.31 Wh of active energy at a 67.94% RTE. It missed out on a main list recommendation because of its painfully slow 5-hour, 15-minute recharge time, which severely limits its readiness in a pinch. It is still a decent fit for price-conscious casual campers who can leave it to charge overnight and only need to keep small electronics like phones, cameras or lanterns running over a weekend.
Anker Solix C300
Anker Solix C300
The Anker Solix C300 AC is a small-capacity power station that pairs a 288 Wh battery with a lightweight build, a carrying handle and a built-in LED light. It’s a great camping option and came close to earning a spot on our list, but it’s held back by a 68.71% RTE score that’s somewhat on the lower side and it extracts 238.14 Wh of active energy. On the upside, it features blazing-fast recovery, topping off via AC in just 1 hour and 18 minutes. It’s also super affordable and is often found on sale for less than $200.
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus
The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus is a fast-charging medium station that features a 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery, a 79.37% RTE, and 10 output ports (including 3 AC outlets and 2 USB-C ports). It is a fast charger, taking just 49 minutes to fully charge. It missed our best affordable spot because its sibling, the Delta 3 Classic, offered a higher port density, better efficiency, and a significantly friendlier price tag. It is still a fantastic solar-friendly choice for off-grid folks who need a reliable midsized power station that can be juiced back up to full in under an hour.
Duracell G800
Duracell G800
The Duracell G800 sits in the small-to-medium class with a 620 Wh Li-NMC battery and an eight-port layout containing 3 AC and 2 USB-C outlets. It extracted 503.05 Wh of active energy in our testing, but it was dragged down by a lower-tier 65.90% RTE and a slower 3-hour, 37-minute charge speed. It was kept off our primary list due to this combination of sluggish charging and low conversion efficiency relative to its price. It remains a viable option for people who prioritize Duracell as a brand or those who like the carrying handle and built-in light and want reliability to run a mix of devices.
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
Anker Solix F3800 Plus
The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is an extra-large station boasting a 3,840 Wh capacity, a massive 6,000W output, and an array of specialized ports like a 240V NEMA L14-30 and an EV charging port. It missed the main list due to its heavy 136.7-pound weight and a severe 46.63% inverter overhead loss, which wasted nearly half its active energy just keeping the unit turned on (running our test fridge for a relatively low 25 hours and 41 minutes). It is an excellent match for homeowners looking to integrate a stationary unit directly into a transfer switch for high-draw emergency circuits, or EV drivers looking for something that can top up their vehicle while camping.
Grecell H2400
Grecell H2400
The Grecell H2400 is a moderately efficient large option that offers a 1,843 Wh capacity, a solid 79.29% RTE score, and a quick 1-hour, 39-minute AC recharge time. It has nine output ports and kept our test fridge running for 17 hours and 45 minutes with a 26.82% overhead loss. It failed to make the primary cut because its shorter fridge runtime left it outpaced by more well-rounded 2kWh units like the Dabbsson and Bluetti models. It remains a good choice for someone looking for an affordable backup unit that favors quick recharging.
Oupes Mega 5
Oupes Mega 5
Boasting the largest physical battery capacity in our test lab at a massive 5,040 Wh, the Oupes Mega 5 is a heavy-duty LiFePO4 station with 12 output ports. It yielded a massive 4,352.86 Wh of active energy and kept our test fridge running for 43 hours and 43 minutes. It missed our main list because its score was penalized by a sluggish 3-hour, 35-minute charge time and a high 39.75% idle overhead loss, both of which indicate poor conversion efficiency. It’s still a worthwhile investment for those who strictly want maximum raw battery capacity to sustain multiple household devices across multiday blackouts.
Other portable power stations we’ve tested
The following portable power stations were tested with our new lab tests, but scored under 7 preventing them from earning a spot on the list of top models. It’s also worth noting that competition for the large portable power station category is cutthroat.
BougeRV Rover 2000: Despite showing excellent low-idle energy management during our fridge test (only 14.72% overhead loss), this 2,008 Wh unit was dragged down by a high $1,900 retail price. If you can get it on sale, it becomes a much better deal.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500: While this 1,505 Wh station is relatively quick to charge (earning an 8.7 charge score), its steep $1,500 retail price delivers limited overall runtime and capacity for your dollar.
ETAKER M2000 (out of stock): This unit delivers solid baseline performance from its 2,008 Wh battery, but it missed the cut due to an uncompetitive $2,199 price tag. It would be more reasonable on a large sale, but it’s currently out of stock.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500
Bluetti Pioneer Na: With specialized sodium battery technology built for extreme cold, this 900 Wh station has unique utility but is hampered by slower real-world charging speeds and stiff competition. Still, it may be a great option for those in temperature extremes.
Schneider OffGrid 730: Packing a 738 Wh capacity, this station was penalized for a painful 9-hour recharge time alongside a low 62.84% round-trip efficiency.
Pecron E3600LFP: Although it showed impressive idle efficiency when running a refrigerator, its 55.57% round-trip efficiency destroys its standing by wasting massive amounts of total energy during power conversion.
Patriot Power Generator 1200: This 1,030 Wh unit is quite efficient and charges quickly, but lost out due to stiff competition. Still, it can be a good option on sale.
Patriot Solar Generator Alpha Case Elite: Similar to its sibling, this fast-charging 736 Wh unit is a unique use case with its rugged briefcase form-factor that makes it very portable for on the go, but the $1,100 price holds it back.
Vtoman Flashspeed 1000: This 828 Wh unit can charge quick at 1 hour, 8 minutes, but it only has 612.30 Wh of usable energy.
CNET’s lab testing for portable power stations
Alphacase Elite Generator
We’ve completely revamped our lab testing to ensure you get the most reliable backup power. You can find a full and detailed explanation of how we test portable power stations in a separate article that dives deep into how we measure each metric.
How we score portable power stations
- Round-trip efficiency (40%): We measure how much usable energy is actually returned during discharge compared to the electricity required to recharge the battery, accounting for energy lost as heat.
- Value (40%): We compare the verified usable battery capacity against the retail price to determine the true value of your investment.
- Charge time (20%): We track the total time required to recharge the battery from 0% to 100% using a standard wall outlet.
- Emergency preparedness: For large and extra-large units, we conduct a “disaster-preparedness stress test” to see how well they handle high-power appliances, like running a full-sized refrigerator until the battery is drained. High performers in this test can earn a bonus of up to 1.0 points.
- Design and features: Products can earn a +0.5 point design bonus for innovative solutions to portability or space challenges, and an additional +0.5 points for unique, class-leading features that offer significant real-world benefits.
Older portable power stations we’ve tested
We’ve previously tested 140 portable power stations at CNET across brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, BioLite, Bluetti, Oupes and others. However, because our testing procedures have changed massively over the course of the years, these products are not comparable with newer models, and many units are now out of stock. Since we no longer maintain it, the list has been removed.
Portable power station FAQs
What battery types are most common in portable power stations?
A significant trend in modern portable power stations (including the Jackery Plus series, Anker Solix models, Bluetti units, EcoFlow River 3, Fossibot F3600 Pro and Oupes Mega 1), is the adoption of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry. This has several advantages over older lithium-ion formulations, most notably a significantly longer lifespan, often rated for 3000 to over 6500 charge cycles before significant capacity degradation.
LiFePO4 batteries are also recognized for their improved safety profile and better thermal stability, performing more reliably across a wider range of temperatures.
Some units, like the Grecell T-1000, may still use older chemistries such as NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese), which offer good energy density but typically have a shorter overall cycle life.
How many years do portable power stations last?
How many years a portable power station will last depends on three key factors: how well the product is maintained, how often it’s used and the battery type.
We have researched and spoken with several manufacturers and most units boast a 500-cycle lifespan. In some cases, such as the Anker 757, a unit may use LifePO4 batteries compared to the more common Li-ion battery, offering up to 3,000 cycles or beyond.
One cycle means using the product from fully charged to zero charge (or at least 80% in some cases). If you use your portable power station several times a week, it might only last a year or two. If you use it less frequently, it could last for much longer.
What can you run on a portable power station?
Portable power stations are generally designed to power smaller electronic devices and appliances, from phones and table fans to heavy-duty work lights and CPAP machines. Pay attention to the estimated watt-hours each brand provides in its specs to determine which model makes the most sense for what you’d like to power.
If a company says its portable power station has 200 watt-hours, it should be able to power a device with a 1-watt output for about 200 hours. I go into more detail on this in the “How we test” section of this article, but consider the wattage of the device or devices you want to power and then the number of watt-hours your portable power station would need to have.
Can a power station run a refrigerator?
Absolutely. Many of our recommendations can run a fridge, but there’s also a new category of portable power stations, with slim models designed to sit on or be mounted behind a fridge. Examples include the new Bluetti FridgePower and the Jackery FridgeGuard, while Anker’s Solix S2000 is a more traditional take on the capability.
How long can you run a portable power station?
You can get close to the answer with some basic math. If you have a power station that is rated at 1,000 watts per hour, and you plug in a device, let’s say a TV, rated at 100 watts, then you can divide that 1,000 by 100 and say that it will run for 10 hours.
This isn’t usually the case. The industry “standard” is to say that you should take 85% of the total capacity for that math. In that case, 850 watts per hour divided by 100 watts for the TV would be 8.5 hours.
The reality is that you should expect somewhere between 8.5 and 10 hours, in this example.
How is a portable power station different from a generator?
A portable power station is essentially a big rechargeable battery that you carry around. Deplete it, and it’s useless until you can recharge.
A generator, by definition, is a device that actually converts some type of energy to usable electricity in whatever circuitry you have it connected to. Examples of these would be gas generators (commonly used as power sources for remote areas or as whole-home backups), electric generators (not very common, but they convert some type of mechanical action to electricity) and solar generators, which can use solar panels to power devices or homes — often using a battery to temporarily store the electricity. These batteries are often portable power stations themselves.
Can you use solar panels with a portable power station?
Yes, many portable power stations can work with solar panels to offer charging options off the grid. These include the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 and most options in Jackery’s lineup, various offerings from EcoFlow including the River 3 series, Bluetti, Oupes and even lesser-known brands like Grecell. Take a look at our list of the best solar generators for a more comprehensive look at CNET’s testing and recommendations.
Can you use a portable power station as a UPS?
Yes, a portable power station can be used as an uninterruptible power supply. Many portable power stations come with UPS features, like automatic switchover when power loss is detected. You’ll find this on the EcoFlow River 3 series, which comes with a 20-millisecond takeover for the River 3 and a 10-millisecond switchover for the River 3 Plus and River 3 Max, not to mention even larger power stations like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro that are capable of home backup.
What is the difference between a power bank and a portable power station?
A power bank is vastly different from a power station. There’s a significant difference in the amount of energy they can store, the cost of owning them and the devices they can charge. A power bank is a small, portable device that’s used to charge electronic products like smartphones, laptops and more. On the other hand, a power station can store huge amounts of energy to power electrical appliances like mini-fridges, microwaves and more.
Can a portable power station be your home backup?
The extra-large power stations on our list, like the Anker Solix F3800 and Fossibot F3600 Pro, are both capable of powering large appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and even washers and dryers. They also support battery expansion and can connect to solar panels for recharging. This gives you plenty of juice and the Anker Solix F3800 Plus can even be paired with a smart electric panel so that it can automatically back up circuits in your home, similar to the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra.
Can I leave my portable power station plugged in all the time?
Overcharge protection is built into most power stations and battery-powered devices. However, if you leave your power station plugged in all the time, you will ultimately affect its battery lifespan. We recommend avoiding this and occasionally recharging your power station to prepare against power outages. This is a problem that will hopefully soon be solved as brands add AI assistants and tools to keep power stations ready for bad weather and power cuts that may follow.
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