Power that stays on when the grid doesn't.
We test portable power stations, solar generators, and home backup batteries against the spec sheets, then against each other. No sponsored reviews.
Editorial standard
14 units
Tested across this catalog
6 brands
Anker, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Jackery, Goal Zero, DJI
Bench data
Stated vs actual capacity
$0
For sponsored coverage
Featured reviews
Comparison EcoFlow Delta Pro vs Anker SOLIX F3800
Two flagship LFP power stations, $2,799 vs $3,799. We compared every spec, warranty term, and use case to help you pick.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus: The Value Pick
2,042 Wh LFP at $1,499, expandable to 24 kWh, the lightest 2 kWh-class unit on the market.
What are you
powering?
Power needs vary. Start where you'll actually use the gear: backup, off-grid, or in a truck bed.
Home Backup
Whole-home and partial setups for blackouts
Solar Generators
Battery + panel combos for off-grid
Camping & RV
Off-grid power that fits in a truck
Under $500
Budget picks that don't cut corners
We don't recommend gear we wouldn't put in our own basements.
Every unit we cover gets at least 30 days of real-world use. Fridges during outages. Solar charging in actual sunlight. Cold-weather discharge cycles in unheated garages.
We measure stated vs actual capacity. We time recharges against manufacturer claims. We log fan noise under load. Then we tell you what we found, even when it disappoints.
GridReady is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We never accept payment for reviews or favorable placement.
What is a portable power station, and how do we test one?
A portable power station is a self-contained battery pack with built-in AC outlets, USB ports, and (usually) DC outputs that lets you run home appliances, tools, and electronics without the grid. Capacities range from 300 Wh (run a laptop for hours) to 6,000+ Wh (run a fridge for two days). Every unit we cover at GridReady goes through the same five-step protocol:
- Bench capacity. We measure stated vs actual Wh under a 500 W constant load.
- Recharge timing. We verify wall, solar, and car-port recharge against the manufacturer's claim.
- Real-load runtime. Fridge, microwave, power tools, and a CPAP machine for 30 days minimum.
- Cold-weather discharge. Capacity loss at 0°C / 32°F, where many lithium packs fail.
- Noise and UX. Fan dB under load, app reliability, error states, warranty handling.
We never accept payment for reviews. We do not pre-share drafts with brands. Every recommendation reflects what we'd buy with our own money.
Common questions
The questions buyers ask first. Direct answers.
How big a portable power station do I need for home backup?
For partial home backup (fridge, lights, internet, phone charging), 1,500–2,500 Wh covers 12–24 hours. For whole-home, including a well pump or window AC, plan on 5,000–10,000 Wh. Multiply your appliances' watt-hour daily draw by your target outage length to size correctly.
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Yes. Most modern fridges draw 100–250 W in steady state and 600–1,200 W on compressor startup. A 1,500 Wh unit with a 1,800 W pure sine wave inverter will run a typical fridge for 8–14 hours. Always check the inverter's peak surge wattage, not just continuous output.
What's the difference between a portable power station and a solar generator?
A portable power station is the battery + inverter unit alone. A solar generator is the same hardware bundled with one or more solar panels. The hardware is identical. "Solar generator" is a marketing term that includes panels in the box.
How long does a portable power station last (battery lifespan)?
LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) units, used by EcoFlow Delta Pro, Anker SOLIX, Bluetti AC200MAX, and Jackery Plus models, deliver 3,000–6,500 charge cycles before dropping to 80% capacity. That's 8–10 years of weekly use. NMC battery units (older Jackery, Goal Zero Yeti) typically last 500–1,000 cycles.
Power station vs gas generator: which one should I buy?
Power stations win on noise (silent), indoor safety (no carbon monoxide), and zero fuel storage. Gas generators win on unlimited runtime (refuel) and higher peak wattage per dollar. For outages under 24 hours and indoor use, choose a power station. For multi-day off-grid or whole-home AC loads, a dual-fuel generator is still the value pick.
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