Portable power stations are rechargeable battery units with mains sockets and USB ports, for powering laptops, routers, lights and small appliances away from a wall socket. They suit campers, caravan owners, remote workers and anyone who wants backup during load shedding. Our range includes models from ECOFLOW, ANKER, FIXED and SANDBERG.
How to choose a portable power station
Battery capacity. Capacity in watt-hours (Wh) tells you how much energy is stored, so it is the figure to compare. Some listings use mAh instead; multiply mAh by about 3.7 V and divide by 1000 to estimate Wh. Our range includes a 296 Wh model and a model listed at 80000 mAh.
Output power. The rated output in watts limits what you can plug in. A phone, laptop or router needs very little, while a kettle, heater or power tool can need well over 1000 W. Add up the wattage of everything you plan to run at the same time and choose a unit that comfortably covers it.
Ports and outputs. Check for the sockets you actually use: a mains outlet, USB-C with fast charging, USB-A and a car-style DC port. A mains socket is what separates a power station from most power banks. Without one, you cannot run a laptop charger or a small appliance directly.
Recharging options. Most units charge from a wall socket, and many also accept a car charger or solar panels. If you expect long spells without electricity, solar input and fast mains charging matter as much as capacity. Check the maximum input wattage before buying panels.
Weight and portability. Batteries are heavy, and capacity and weight rise together. A small unit under a few kilograms is easy to carry to a campsite. A large home backup model is better kept in one place and moved on wheels or by two people.
Brands in our range
- ECOFLOW: a specialist in portable power stations, known for its River and Delta series and for fast recharging from a wall socket. It has the most models here.
- ANKER: best known for chargers and power banks, and it also makes portable power stations under the Solix name.
Also in our range: FIXED and SANDBERG.
Portable power stations: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a power station and a power bank?
A power station has a much larger battery and normally includes one or more mains sockets. A power bank mainly recharges phones and tablets over USB. If you need to run a laptop charger, a mini fridge or a router for hours, a power station is the better fit.
How long will a portable power station run my devices?
Divide the battery capacity in Wh by the power your devices draw in watts. A 296 Wh unit powering a 60 W laptop charger would last roughly four hours. Real runtime is somewhat shorter because some energy is lost in conversion.
Can I charge a portable power station with solar panels?
Many portable power stations can be charged from solar panels, but not all of them. Check that the model has a solar or DC input, and that the panel voltage and wattage fall within its stated limits. Charging time depends on sunlight and panel size.
Can a portable power station run during load shedding?
Yes, it can keep a router, lights, a laptop and phones running while the grid is off. Add up the wattage of those devices, then choose a capacity that covers your usual outage length. Heavy appliances such as stoves and geysers need far more than most portable models provide.
