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After a new round of testing, we ranked Jackery Explorer 1000 as our top choice, Anker PowerHouse II 800 was our runner-up, and Jackery Explorer 300 was our budget choice.
After a new round of testing, we ranked Jackery Explorer 1000 as our top choice, Anker PowerHouse II 800 was our runner-up, and Jackery Explorer 300 was our budget choice.
We also updated the competition and added some new parts: what to expect, maintenance and maintenance, and other excellent portable power stations.
If you want to leave the grid or prepare for an emergency, Jackery Explorer 1000 can keep your electronic devices running for hours or even days at a time. It is roughly the same size and weight as a small microwave oven, and it provides a steady stream of electricity without the noise or exhaust gas of a gas-powered portable generator. After 73 hours of testing on 16 portable power stations, we found that Explorer 1000’s impressive maximum output, wide range of ports, easy-to-use interface and sturdy appearance helped it stand out from the competition.
The device packs a large number of power supplies in a portable, durable, and easy-to-use package. In addition, it has more AC, USB-A and USB-C ports than most portable power stations we have tested.
*At the time of publication, the price was $1,000.
Jackery Explorer 1000 is heavy enough for ordinary adults to lift and carry safely, but in our tests, it can even run the most power-hungry appliances. It also has one of the highest battery capacities among the models we tested and is suitable for running most devices (such as laptops or CPAP machines) all day (or overnight). We like its easy-to-read screen, which displays input/output power and remaining battery power. In addition, it has more output ports (three AC, two USB-A, and two USB-C) than almost all portable power stations that we have tested, allowing you to control everything from laptops to cameras to GPS devices. Various gadgets are charged.
Rated maximum output power: 1,000 W Rated capacity: 1,000 Wh Weight: 22 pounds Body size: 12.5 x 8 x 8.5 inches
This model has large capacity, good output and a large number of port options. In addition, it weighs less than 20 pounds and costs less than other top competitors.
May be out of stock
*At the time of publication, the price was $700.
The maximum output power of Anker PowerHouse II 800 is lower than our first choice, so it may not be able to power your highest power equipment, such as vacuum or window air conditioners. But its capacity is almost as good, and its weight is a few pounds lighter. Like Explorer 1000, it has a rugged appearance, highly portable design, informative display and output ports (two AC, four USB-A and two USB-C), which can provide sufficient Charging options. And, at the time of writing, it is about $150 cheaper.
Rated maximum output power: 500 W Rated capacity: 777 Wh Weight: 18 pounds Body size: 12 x 8 x 7 inches
If you don’t mind sacrificing a little power, Explorer 300 offers a wide range of port options and has the same robust construction as our first choice. In addition, it is light enough to allow small children to carry it with them.
Jackery Explorer 300 is almost the same as its larger and more powerful counterpart, weighing only 7 pounds, and has two AC power outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port—better than most we have tried There are many other lightweight options. We like to take it to the beach, park or campsite to inflate an air mattress, run a fan, or charge a cell phone, camera, portable speaker, lantern or headlamp. You will lose some of the power and capacity gained from using our larger options-don't expect to run an air conditioner or charge multiple laptops-but you can save space (and money).
Rated maximum output power: 300 W Rated capacity: 293 Wh Weight: 7 pounds Body size: 9 x 5 x 8 inches
The device packs a large number of power supplies in a portable, durable, and easy-to-use package. In addition, it has more AC, USB-A and USB-C ports than most portable power stations we have tested.
*At the time of publication, the price was $1,000.
This model has large capacity, good output and a large number of port options. In addition, it weighs less than 20 pounds and costs less than other top competitors.
May be out of stock
*At the time of publication, the price was $700.
If you don’t mind sacrificing a little power, Explorer 300 offers a wide range of port options and has the same robust construction as our first choice. In addition, it is light enough to allow small children to carry it with them.
I have been a science reporter for more than seven years, covering topics ranging from particle physics to satellite remote sensing. Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, I have reported on rechargeable batteries, mobile power banks for mobile phones and tablets, portable laptop chargers, solar chargers, etc. I have spent 73 hours testing portable power stations in this guide alone.
If you need to charge ordinary personal electronic products and small appliances while staying away from home AC power sockets for a long time, or if you want to prepare a backup power source in an emergency, then a portable power station is the best choice.
These devices are basically large batteries in a protective box, with built-in AC power sockets and other ports. They are larger, heavier, more powerful, and generally stronger than our recommended power banks and portable laptop chargers. This provides them with more versatility for activities, such as camping with a lot of electronic equipment, working in a remote corner of the home, showing movies in the backyard, or taking landscape photos.
In emergency situations, although they are not as powerful as gas-powered portable generators, they have some major advantages. Portable power stations are silent and emission-free, which means you can use them safely in your house during power outages. And because there is no engine, you don’t have to keep gasoline on hand or perform oil changes or other minor maintenance required for the internal combustion engine. For projects that require heavy power tools, battery-powered generators are a good choice, but they tend to be larger and heavier (and have much lower capacity) than the main competitors in this guide.
One of them is about the size of a standard plastic milk carton and weighs 50 pounds. You might not carry it with you in a backpack or briefcase. But you can charge your portable power station overnight on the wall socket (most of which takes 12 to 24 hours to charge from empty to full), put it in your suitcase along with other equipment, and take it with you-keep you Mobile phones, laptops, cameras, projectors, GPS devices, breast pumps, drones or other electronic devices that provide power for several hours at a time. Portable power stations usually also provide more output options than just AC and USB, such as 6 mm DC ports and car power sockets, to support a wider range of devices.
Although high-power portable power stations can be a good backup in emergency situations, compared to gas generators, even the best-in-class power stations have limitations. These devices cannot power refrigerators or other large appliances, and any device that generates heat may overload them or drain their batteries too quickly to be unusable. High-quality generators can safely power space heaters and hair dryers, but other than that, you can only plug them into indoor wall sockets.
Some people use portable power stations to run CPAP machines (the treatment of sleep apnea) and other electronic medical equipment while camping. If this is your case, we recommend that you purchase one of our high-capacity options to keep your equipment running smoothly for as long as possible.
If you plan to travel, remember that in most cases, portable power stations must travel by land. The FAA does not allow passengers to carry batteries with a rating of more than 160 Wh in their carry-on or checked baggage, so you cannot take any of our selected products on board.
To find the most popular portable power stations, we scanned popular search results on the websites of major retailers such as Amazon, Google Shopping and Home Depot, REI, and Wal-Mart. We also considered models recommended by editorial agencies such as Business Insider and Popular Mechanics.
We checked the functions and specifications of each model we found, and then narrowed the search scope based on the following requirements:
Taking all of the above factors into consideration, we ended up with a short list of 16 models tested in 2021:
We spent 73 hours testing all 16 portable power stations in the dirty basement of the co-working space and (slightly less dirty) home office. We tested the performance of each model in several key areas, including:
In the early test rounds, we used BitScope digital oscilloscopes to visualize the electrical waveforms of each portable power station. This process helped us eliminate the model that produced choppy waveforms, which led to inefficient equipment operation. However, we decided to abandon this test in the latest round of testing because all our top competitors are produced by brands that performed well in previous tests.
The device packs a large number of power supplies in a portable, durable, and easy-to-use package. In addition, it has more AC, USB-A and USB-C ports than most portable power stations we have tested.
*At the time of publication, the price was $1,000.
Jackery Explorer 1000 is the best portable power station for emergency backup power or outdoor activities such as camping and trailing. It is one of the most powerful devices we have tested, it offers a variety of port options, and it is heavy enough for most people to carry around without hernias (this is definitely not possible for heavier models) Said). We also like its user-friendly interface and rugged build quality.
In our tests, the Explorer 1000 was able to power our desktop fans for up to 14 hours-longer than all but the largest and heaviest devices we tested (Goal Zero Yeti 1500X and Jackery Explorer 2000). In our peak power test, the maximum output power we measured was 1,370 W, which is powerful enough for most devices.
The Explorer 1000 has a compact, streamlined design and can be easily stored in a closet or car trunk. It weighs 22 pounds, which is about the same weight as a large watermelon. Although the dual-handle device we tested is usually easier to carry with both hands (or other people), we like the robust structure, ergonomic shape, and comfortable grip of the single-handle on the top of the Explorer 1000. The exterior of the device is covered with hard, durable plastic, and there are four rubber feet to prevent wear on the bottom. Like other portable power stations, it should not be exposed to too much dust or moisture (especially its charging port and screen), but it is still strong enough to be charged by a campfire.
The unit is equipped with an AC/DC wall charger and a car charger, as well as a neoprene suitcase for all charging cables. Unlike some models we tested, the Explorer 1000 wall charger has a grounded three-phase plug to ensure a safer and more stable connection. The device also comes with an adapter to connect its Anderson Powerpole jack to one or two solar panels. (Jackery sells 100 W solar panels individually or in bundles, while Generark produces the same model-both are equally effective in our tests.) Jackery sells a separate padded suitcase for the Explorer 1000, most people probably There is no need but may be found to help protect its screen and uncovered ports from elements in particularly stormy or dusty environments.
Like our other choices, the Explorer 1000’s display is informative and easy to understand, showing remaining battery life and input/output power. The device has three AC power outlets, two USB-A ports (one of which supports fast charging) and two USB-C ports (both support Power Delivery or PD charging). It also has a car power socket with a protective hard plastic cover. All ports are well-spaced on the front of the device and should be able to accommodate most plugs, even the plug on the larger side. It also includes a built-in flashlight, which most models do not have. Although it is not very bright, it may be handy for fast night missions.
Explorer 1000 has a pure sine wave inverter, so it can power sensitive electronic equipment, such as CPAP machines or equipment with powerful motors. Jackery provides a two-year warranty-as long as all other models we have tested, except Generark-this should give you enough time to decide whether your device is a dud. Moreover, based on our experience, Jackery’s customer support team is knowledgeable and fast, and usually responds immediately by phone and via email within a few working days.
The Explorer 1000 is not the most powerful model we have tested — there are a few that beat it in terms of capacity, maximum output, or both — but it still offers an impressive price. In addition, it is much lighter than those models, so it can be put in a suitcase or taken to the backyard more practical.
Finally, the screen of this unit is not as big or bright as our runner-up choice. If you tend to squint in front of a small screen, it might be better to use Anker.
This model has large capacity, good output and a large number of port options. In addition, it weighs less than 20 pounds and costs less than other top competitors.
May be out of stock
*At the time of publication, the price was $700.
If our first choice is not available, Anker PowerHouse II 800 is another good choice. Although not as powerful as the Explorer 1000, it is equally rugged, has similar charging and charging options, and is a few pounds lighter. Also, at the time of writing, it was about $150 cheaper.
In our tests, this model was able to run our desktop fan for 11.5 hours, which is only a few hours less than our preferred 14-hour run time. The Anker’s maximum output is very disappointing-we measured 462 W in our test, which is lower than its claimed 500 W output rating, which is about one-third of what we measured from the Jackery Explorer 1000-but it is very It is still powerful enough for most devices. For example, most laptop computers only need 100 W to charge at the highest speed, portable movie projectors use about 150 W, and portable washing machines require about 350 W. Just don't plan to use Anker for power-consuming equipment, such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, or upright vacuum cleaners, all of which usually require at least 500 W.
The Anker weighs only 18 pounds, so like our 22-pound first choice, most adults can carry it with one hand. Its shape is not as sleek and streamlined as the Jackery model, the handle is flatter, and it is not comfortable to hold, but the design is still quite elegant. It is also relatively strong, with a hard plastic shell that is wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, and has two thin rubber buffers at the bottom to prevent dust and moisture. In addition, it is our only product that has protective covers on its AC power sockets and car power sockets.
Like Explorer 1000, Anker is equipped with an AC/DC wall charger (with a grounded three-pin plug) and a car charger. It also comes with two charging cables (one USB-C-to-USB-C and one USB-A-to-USB-C). Unlike the Jackery model, it does not come with an accessory box, and Anker does not sell the box for the device itself, but neither is necessary. Like our other options, to charge the device via solar energy, you must purchase a panel (or multiple panels to capture more light) separately.
Of all the models we tested, this device has the largest screen and one of the brightest. It is easy to read and informative, showing input/output wattage and charging percentage (just like our other selected screens), as well as estimated remaining charging hours. Its two AC power sockets and car power sockets have protective covers to help prevent moisture, dust, and other debris that may damage internal components. It has two USB-C ports, both of which support PD charging, powering mobile phones and other devices at the fastest speed, and four USB-A ports for fast charging (more than all models we tested, Except EcoFlow Delta). Like the Jackery Explorer 1000, Anker can be charged through the DC input port, the Anderson Powerpole jack and one (or two) USB-C ports, and a small flashlight is built into the side. In addition to the two brightness settings, the flashlight also has a flashing mode that you can use in emergency situations (or as a temporary strobe light).
Like our other options, Anker Powerhouse II 800 has a pure sine wave inverter that produces a smooth power flow similar to the output of a wall outlet, which means it can safely run sensitive electronic equipment (such as CPAP machines). It has an 18-month warranty, which should give you enough time to try all its features and make sure you don’t have any problems. (If you do encounter any problems, please note that we only have good interaction with Anker's customer support team.)
If you don’t mind sacrificing a little power, Explorer 300 offers a wide range of port options and has the same robust construction as our first choice. In addition, it is light enough to allow small children to carry it with them.
If your top priority is portability-followed by powerful power and port options-there is no better choice than Jackery Explorer 300. It is light enough that ordinary people (even children) can carry it with them without sweating. It has a large capacity and maximum output power, and there are almost as many input/output ports as our larger options. Moreover, since it is essentially a miniature version of Explorer 1000, it has the same robust and streamlined design.
In our tests, the Explorer 300 was able to run our desktop fan for 6 hours, which is as long as any other lightweight (under 10 pounds) competitor. The running time of the Anker PowerHouse II 400 is the same, the Aukey PowerTitan 300 lasts for 5 hours, and the Jackery Explorer 160 uses the same fan for 2 hours. In our maximum output test, the Explorer 300 produced an impressive 384 W peak-well above its 300 W output rating and slightly higher than what we measured from other lightweight options we considered .
Like its larger sibling, the Explorer 300 has a hard plastic shell with four rubber feet on the bottom and a sturdy handle on the top. At the same time, it weighs only 7 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a newborn baby—our number one and runner-up weigh 22 pounds and 18 pounds, respectively, or the same weight as a 1-year-old child—so it is very heavy to carry around. So laborious. In addition, it takes up less space in the trunk or closet of the car.
Like our other options, the device can be charged from a wall outlet or car power outlet using the included charger, or it can be charged from a separate USB wall charger or solar panel. The wall charger is the same as the one that comes with the Explorer 1000, except that its plug has only two pins-we want it to have a third ground pin to ensure a more stable connection, but we did not consider a deal breaker. Unlike the larger Jackery models, the Explorer 300 does not come with an accessory box, but for added protection, you can purchase a box for the device itself.
Explorer 300 has the same informative backlit screen and easy-to-use interface as other Jackery models we have tested, and its ports are well spaced at the front of the device. However, it contains fewer ports than our other options: two AC power sockets, two USB-A ports, a USB-C PD port, a car power socket with a protective cover, and a DC input port. It also lacks our other choice of built-in flashlights, which can be very convenient in a pinch, but we usually prefer separate flashlights or headlights anyway.
Like Explorer 1000, this model is supported by Jackery's two-year warranty and responsive customer support team. And, like our other options, it has a pure sine wave inverter that allows you to safely use it with sensitive equipment.
In June 2021, Goal Zero launched Amazon's exclusive Yeti 1000 Core. At the time of writing, it costs $900, weighs 32 pounds, is equipped with a pure sine wave inverter, has a rated capacity of 1,000 Wh and a rated output power of 1,200 W. In the same month, BigBlue announced the Cellpowa500 ($400 at the time of writing), a portable power station available for reservation. It weighs 17 pounds and contains a pure sine wave inverter with a rated capacity of 538 Wh and a rated output power of 500 W. Both models have two AC power outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports. We will test them according to our choices and update this guide as soon as possible according to our ideas.
We also want to test Goal Zero’s Boulder and Nomad 100 W solar chargers and our favorite Jackery and Generark chargers, as well as our favorite portable solar chargers in 63 W, 80 W, 100 W and 120 W versions Big Blue color.
In order to maximize the service life of the portable power station, please store it in a cool and dry place. Most rated operating temperatures range from 10 °F to 100 °F, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures (below freezing or above 86 °F) can cause permanent damage to the battery.
To ensure that your portable power station is fully charged and ready to use when you need it, you can plug it into a wall outlet. If there is no outlet nearby, you can also store it unplugged-all batteries will lose power over time, but a healthy lithium-ion battery will only lose a small part of its power every month.
Do not use portable power stations to run high-power equipment for a long time, or any equipment that exceeds its output rating. Large power tools (such as circular saws or jackhammers) or devices that generate heat (such as space heaters, curling irons, or electric frying pans) may damage internal components and void the warranty.
When your portable power station reaches the end of its useful life, you should recycle it. Although most Americans recycle plastic, metal, paper, and cardboard on a regular basis, less than half of them recycle used batteries and other electronic waste (also called e-waste). This is unfortunate because the batteries that end up in the landfill can leach heavy metals and other harmful chemicals into the local soil and water system. This also means that more raw materials must be mined to make new electronic products, rather than reclaiming usable components from old components. Here are some options for recycling portable power stations and other e-waste:
If your budget is tight, Aukey PowerTitan 300 is a good alternative to Explorer 300 (especially when it goes on sale). It has approximately the same capacity and output (rated power of 288 Wh and 300 W) and similar port options (two AC power outlets, one USB-C port, and three USB-A ports) as Explorer 300, but it It is two pounds heavier, the structure is not so strong, and it is not very comfortable to carry.
If you want a product that is lighter and cheaper than the Explorer 1000 and PowerHouse II 800 models, but more powerful than the Explorer 300, Aukey PowerZeus 500 and EcoFlow River Pro are both good choices. Both performed well in our tests, and they are relatively stylish, streamlined, and intuitive to use. PowerZeus 500 has a rated capacity of 518 Wh, a rated output of 250 W, two AC power outlets, one USB-C port and three USB-A ports, and weighs 13 pounds. EcoFlow River Pro has a rated capacity of 720 Wh, a rated output of 600 W, three AC power outlets, one USB-C port and three USB-A ports, and weighs 17 pounds.
Jackery Explorer 160 is the previous choice, comparable to some of our favorite portable laptop chargers-especially Anker PowerHouse 100 or RavPower RP-PB055-but some people may prefer its upright, handle, and rubber feet Designed for camping. The Anker and RavPower models have similar output, capacity, and port options to the Explorer 160, they cost roughly the same, and they are rugged and durable. In addition, both are smaller, lighter, and have a pure sine wave inverter (Explorer 160's inverter uses an improved sine wave). However, if you do not plan to carry it in a backpack and you can tolerate a slightly fluctuating sine wave, then Explorer 160 is a good choice.
EcoFlow Delta used to be our first choice. If you want more port options than Explorer 1000, or you plan to use it to power high-power devices for a shorter period of time, it is still a good choice. Delta has six AC power outlets (three more than Explorer 1000), two USB-C ports and four USB-A ports (two more than Explorer 1000). We measured the maximum output power of 2,040 W (and Explorer compared to 1,370 watts of 1000). However, in our runtime tests, it performed worse than our preferred product. Despite having a higher capacity rating, it kept our desktop fans running for 11 hours compared to Explorer 1000's 14 hours. At the time of writing, its cost is also higher ($1,200).
Jackery Explorer 1500 is a good alternative to our top or runner-up if they are out of stock, or if the price drops significantly. Compared with Explorer 1000, it has higher output (rated power of 1,800 W) and capacity (rated power of 1,488 Wh), but it is not our first choice because it is heavier (33 pounds) and the USB-C port is more Few (only one), and at the time of writing, the cost is much higher ($1,600).
Jackery Explorer 2000 performed well in our tests, offering the absolute highest capacity (rated power of 2,060 Wh) and output (rated power of 2,200 W) of any model we tested. If power is your only priority, this is a good choice, but for tailgate parties or camping trips, it might be a bit too much. In addition, it is relatively heavy (43.5 pounds) and expensive ($2,100 at the time of writing).
The Anker PowerHouse II 400 is the heaviest (10 pounds) and the most expensive ($400 at the time of writing) among our budget competitors, and it has only one AC power outlet.
ChargeTech 125K performed quite well in past tests, with a maximum output power of 432 W and a running time of 5 hours. But its construction quality (especially its metal handle, we are worried that it will rust or break) is not very strong, and its one-year warranty is shorter than our choice.
EcoFlow River 370 (discontinued) used to be our budget choice, but it failed to match the newer competitors in terms of running time and maximum output.
When we tried the Goal Zero Yeti 200X in the past round of testing, its maximum output power was the lowest among our lightweight competitors (128 W), and it was one of the shortest warranty periods (one year). In addition, compared with other products we tested, its angular body and handle design make it less comfortable to pick up and carry.
We previously rejected the Goal Zero Yeti 400, which is larger and heavier than similar models, without a USB-C port, and the overall design is more clumsy.
At the time of writing, the target Zero Snowman 500X is priced at $700, which is too expensive to be a contender for budget options, and its capacity, output and port options are much less than any of our main options (its capacity The rating is 505 Wh, 300 W rated output power, two AC power outlets, one USB-C port and two USB-A ports).
Jackery Explorer 500 used to be our budget choice, but we rejected it in the latest round of testing because it only has an AC power outlet and no USB-C port.
We rejected Suaoki G500 (discontinued) in the last round of testing because it looked like a cheap imitation of Yeti 400. The material feels thinner, the handle is more fragile, and the screen does not display the battery level; on the contrary, the light on the charging block turns green, and when it is fully charged, the battery symbol on the screen stops flashing. The G500's output, capacity, and running time are all good, but it's not enough to justify ignoring its flaws. In addition, it was difficult for us to get in touch with the company, and when we tried to send an email to customer support anonymously (the phone number is not listed on the website), we did not receive any response.
In the past round of testing, Suaoki S200 (discontinued) has the highest maximum output power (170 W) and the longest running time (3 hours) among our lightweight competitors. However, it also has one of the shortest warranty periods (one year), and a slightly less sturdy design.
Duracell PowerSource 1440W has a solid structure and high output power, manufactured by one of the well-known companies in the battery field. But it is much heavier than the other models we tested (58 pounds), and its capacity is puzzlingly low-despite its large size, its rated power is only 660 Wh. In addition, it has an improved sine wave inverter (limiting the devices it can safely supply power), and it does not have any USB-C ports.
On paper, Generark HomePower One is almost the same as our first choice: it weighs 23 pounds, has a power rating of 1,000 Wh (capacity) and 1,000 W (output), and has three AC power outlets, two USB-C ports, and Two USB-A ports. But at the time of writing, it was $100 more expensive than the Explorer 1000 and it performed significantly worse in our runtime tests. Compared to Jackery's 14, our desktop fan only ran for 5 hours. Its overall design is also more clumsy.
Goal Zero Yeti 1000 and Goal Zero Yeti 1400 WiFi used to be our first and upgrade options, respectively, but they have been discontinued.
Except for Jackery Explorer 2000, Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is the most powerful model we have tried; it has a rated capacity of 1,516 Wh and a rated output of 2,000 W, which performed well in our tests. However, it weighs 46 pounds, is also the heaviest (except for Duracell PowerSource 1440W) and has only two AC power outlets, which is less than any other competitor selected by our best or runner-up.
Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, Sarah Witman has researched, tested and reviewed various products-from massage chairs and mousetraps to pencils and power banks. Prior to this, she served as a science writer and fact checker for numerous publications, and studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. In her free time, she eats as much cheese as her body can bear.
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