One drawback of the Jackery Plus is its less-than-stellar handle and wheel design. While it does help provide better mobility, the wheels feel flimsy and uninspiring on uneven terrain. Similarly, the handle is quite flimsy and has a lot of play when wheeling the station around. I also have my gripes with Jackery explicitly recommending only using their solar panels and providing proprietary solar connectors. For those with existing non-Jackery-branded panels, buying a separate adapter is required. Despite these drawbacks, the Jackery Plus is one of the best options available when looking for a highly capable, large-form portable power station. For those that are looking for even more power, the EcoFlow Delta Pro has a whopping W capacity.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Read more: Jackery Plus review
The Anker Solix C isn't without its faults. One of the biggest is its noisy fan. In certain scenarios, such as using your power station overnight for heaters or CPAP machines, a loud fan can ruin a good night's rest. Additionally, DC barrel plugs are missing on the C. This can inconvenience folks who are using barrel plugs for camera equipment, lights, and monitors. Despite these minor nuances, the Solix C is our recommendation if you are in the market for a mid-sized portable power station. If you need even more power but still want a midsized power station, consider looking at the Goal Zero Yeti x. While it doesn't offer nearly the same level of charging speeds, the x has a larger inverter, surge rating, and battery capacity for those power-hungry appliances. However, as out lab tester notes, “It's worth mentioning that I did experience some overheating faults while stress testing the Goal Zero .”
Read more: Anker Solix C review
Despite the beefy wheels and handle, the glaring downside to the EcoFlow Delta Pro is its large size. At 97.24 lbs, the Delta Pro is better suited in your home's garage than it is out on a camping trip. Even with a telescoping handle and wheels, this power station takes up considerable space and is difficult to haul around. This unit is also quite pricey. While you get what you pay for, the sticker shock associated with the Delta Pro is real. If you're looking for a large, capable power station that's a little easier to move around, the Jackery Plus offers slightly lower power capabilities and a weight of just 62 lbs.
Read more: EcoFlow Delta Pro review
While I have no major complaints with the Jackery 300, there are a few small issues. The first is the absence of a built-in LED light, similar to the Anker 521. While not a deal breaker, having a light on a smaller power station is handy during power outages or for the inside of your tent while camping. Secondly, having a built-in function to estimate discharge time would prove useful in understanding how much battery remains when a device is plugged in and drawing power. If you're willing to sacrifice a few performance points for a lower price, the Anker 521 is sufficient for charging a dozens of times, power tools a few times, and can even charge a camera or laptop once or twice on one charge.
Read more: Jackery Explorer 300 review
One area where I would have liked to have seen better results from the 521 is a higher usable capacity rating. Our testing resulted in a usable capacity of just 75%. This means the remaining 25% of power is unattainable when charged from 100%. A higher usability score is especially important in small-form power stations to maximize the available watt-hours. Still, the Anker 521 is a well-designed, durable power station for those on a budget venturing into portable power stations.
Read more: Anker 521 review
Our Senior Research Analyst, Sentry Kelly, used GearLab's 10,000 square foot test facility to create apples-to-apples power output tests. He isolated each unit with identical power consumption and measured the actual usable capacity of each unit. He ran each station at its maximum output rating to test the inverter and surge protector limits.
He then handed them off to me, Kenji Mowery, to analyze the practicality of each power station by creating tests for the portability and user-friendliness of each model. I then used every station in real-world applications, including during power outages, off-grid camping trips, and job site tasks. For more on our testing process, take a look at our full How We Test article.This review was led by me, Kenji Mowrey. Growing up, I tagged along with my dad to outdoor trade shows and dealer events, sparking a lifelong curiosity for outdoor gear. With a bachelor's degree in Product Design from Oregon State, I blend analytical, science-based testing with my passion for electronics and outdoor equipment to evaluate power stations thoroughly.
Backing me up with in-house measurements is our Research Analyst, Sentry Kelly. With a formal education in Applied Manufacturing Engineering, Sentry has the knowledge and training to analyze just about any mechanical or electrical product out there. In his free time, Sentry travels far and wide to snowboard, mountain bike, rock climb, and take photos all by way of his custom-built van that is outfitted with solar panels and a power station as the primary power source when the engine is turned off.
We conducted extended research and tested each model head-to-head to find the best portable power stations.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a portable power station is the amount of power and battery capacity you need. The price range for portable power stations can range from a fairly inexpensive product to a large-sized investment. If all you need a power station for is to charge up devices and run small appliances such as lights and fans, a smaller form power station will offer plenty of power and provide a great starting point for trying out a portable power station. Alternatively, if you are in the market for a power station capable of running large appliances, including heaters, refrigerators, and power tools, and need extended battery life for days on end, a larger investment will be worth the higher upfront cost.
If you're looking for a power station with more features and a dialed display, the Goal Zero Yeti x has a great app and displays all the important functions, such as remaining discharge time and custom charge settings. The Anker 521 is a great compact option with enough juice to keep devices charged for multiple days.
Our first testing portion focuses on assessing each unit's power output capabilities. This involves testing each unit against its stated manufacturer's claim for total power output and battery capacity. First, we tested each unit's battery capacity to find the true usability of each model. To gather this data, we ran each power station at its standard rating using our in-house light bar setup and drained each station to 0%.
One informative test was determining how many times each power station was able to recharge commonly used devices.
How Many Times Can I Recharge a Device?Our next test involved running each power station at run time with different types of commonly used devices and appliances.
Estimated Run TimeThe EcoFlow Delta Pro came alive during our max output test. Its runtime of 51 minutes placed it near the top of our entire test group.
Once again, the Biolite BaseCharge performed fantastically in our max output run time test, running for 54 minutes before running out of battery.
The Jackery 300 topped our small-size power station category. It had well-rounded scores across the board, including our best overall usability score and a respectable max output run time.
Given its power capabilities, the large and powerful EcoFlow Delta Pro was a tester's favorite. While it wasn't our top performer in usable capacity testing, it scored exceptionally well in max output testing and received extra points for its abundance of AC and DC ports, placing it near the top of our overall power output rankings.
Next, a max output time test was done to run the inverter at its highest output capacity and record how long it ran. We also determined the power density of each model and accounted for each model's number of DC and AC output ports.
Based on this combination of tests, we determined an overall Power Output assessment of each model's true battery capacity across a range of real-world tests.
The Jackery 300 was by far the most impressive unit in our power efficiency test. Its 98% usability score blew away the rest of the competition. This means 287 watt-hours out of the 293 advertised watt-hours are usable when running this power station.
The best-performing larger power stations were the Anker Solix C and the Biolite BaseCharge . Both units had a usable capacity of 85%. A score in the mid-80s is more typical for power stations and is generally the benchmark number to shoot for.
Our next metric focuses on the required time to charge your power station with AC input from 0% to 100%. We also accounted for any special charging features associated with each model, such as quick charge features and custom charge speeds. To fairly score each unit, we also accounted for the differences in battery size. This meant looking at the watt-hours and charge time of each unit and finding its rate of charge.
The variance in charge times between each model and brand can vary significantly. Some of our best-performing power stations could achieve a full charge in under an hour, while others took upwards of fourteen hours. This is largely due to battery chemistry and the included charging input cables provided by different companies.
Recharge TimesStarting off, the Anker Solix C was one of our more impressive units in terms of charging speeds. With a charge time of 83 minutes, it was, without a doubt, the fastest station tested. On top of that, the C also has an ultra-fast charge option that can be toggled through their app. This reduced charge time even more, taking only 65 minutes to achieve a full charge.
The Jackery Plus also scored well in our charge tests. A charge time of 95 minutes with the included AC input cord to recharge a Wh capacity battery is excellent. Another bonus is Jackery's switch to LiFePO4, which vastly improves lifespan and battery safety.
Also, using AC input, the EcoFlow Delta Pro had a recharge time of 153 minutes. When factoring in its battery size, it was the most impressive power station in terms of charging capabilities. What separates the EcoFlow apart is the plethora of different ways to recharge. With a separate EV plug adapter, you can recharge the Delta Pro at level 2 EV charging stations in under 2 hours. You can also buy an alternator charger kit from EcoFlow to recharge your power station in the car at 800W, meaning a much quicker recharge than traditional carport charging and the ability to use the energy produced by your vehicle.
Our Mobility metric looks at the effort required to lift and carry, the ability to roll over different surfaces, and the different dimensions and weights necessary to stack and store your portable power station. Most higher capacity models will use wheels and handles to account for their larger form. Others are inherently more portable due to the nature of their battery size. To separate the good from the great, I analyzed the difference in handle comfort/material, assessed the weight distribution while carrying, and even considered each model's ability to fit within common spaces.
The Jackery 300 and Anker 521 ran away with the best mobility scores, thanks to their small form and small battery size. However, for larger power stations, it was hard to ignore the impressive weight-to-power output ratio of the Anker Solix C. With power output that rivals other units with almost double the weight, the Anker was a favorite for off-grid camping and travel-friendly adventures. The ability to stash the Anker C in the backseat and be lifted comfortably with only one person is a huge plus.
The Biolite BaseCharge is worth mentioning for its uniform shape and packability. Built-in handles and a flat top help the Biolite maintain a square shape, which is ideal for packing and stashing in tight spaces, such as in a van build or in the closet of your home.
Link to Inventronics
For larger wheeled models, the Jackery Plus held up in our surface roll test. Its wide and stout form helps it maintain a degree of stability when compared to taller, narrower options like the Ecoflow Delta Pro.
Although we were bigger fans of the Eco Flow Delta Pro's handle design and more robust telescoping pull handle, the Jackery Plus weighs in at 62.30 lbs compared to EcoFlow's 97.24 lbs.
Our ease of use metric covers important features, design characteristics, and the overall user-friendliness of each power station. While all power stations are intended to provide a power source, each model differs in their overall design and included features.
Some models have an intuitive mobile app to fully control your power station wirelessly. Others may offer expandable battery capacity, and some are advertised as being used as an uninterruptible power supply.
Speciality FeaturesAlong with identifying important features, we also spent plenty of time interacting with and scoring each model's display and screen functions. A good display goes a long way during times of need, such as during a power outage or out in a remote destination where a functional display becomes critical.
The EcoFlow Delta Pro landed at the top of our usability metric. A user-friendly and feature-rich app allowed for custom charging speeds, increased power output for high-rated appliances, and on/off control for all ports. The EcoFlow also functions as an uninterrupted power supply and provides one of the largest battery expansion capabilities on the market.
When it comes to usability, we considered factors like the display of power and charge functions, like remaining charge, recharge estimate, and power in/out. The Anker Solix C impressed us not only with its large, easy-to-read screen, but it also displays all the important functions discussed above.
The Goal Zero Yeti x was another unit we appreciated for its clean and functional app. It offers plenty of customization options, including custom charging speeds, an energy history display, and the ability to toggle ports on and off wirelessly. The x also offers an expandable battery option and a home expansion kit to link directly to your home's circuits.
Our breakdown of portable power stations aims to simplify the confusing and continually evolving information involved in purchasing one. After months of extensive testing and research, we hope our portable power station review provides the necessary knowledge and guidance to help you make the right decision for your power needs.
Top 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Power Station
In today's world, staying connected and powered up is essential, whether you're camping in the great outdoors or working from a remote location. That's where portable power stations come in handy.
At Totalcool.co.uk, we understand the importance of reliable power, and we're here to guide you through the process of choosing the perfect portable power station for your needs.
1. Assess Your Power Needs
Before diving into the world of portable power stations, take a moment to consider the devices you want to power. Are you looking to charge your smartphone and laptop during camping trips, or do you need to run power tools at a remote worksite?
Identifying your power requirements will help you select a station with the appropriate capacity. To determine the capacity of the portable power station you require, start by listing all the devices you plan to power. Each device has a specific power consumption, typically measured in watts (W), which can usually be found on the device's label.
For example, a laptop might consume 60W, while a small refrigerator could use 100W. Add up the wattage of all devices you intend to use simultaneously to find your total power requirement. It's wise to add a 20% buffer to this total to account for devices that may have higher starting wattages or occasional surges.
2. Understand Battery Capacity and Type
Battery capacity is a crucial factor in determining how long your power station can keep your devices running. Capacity is typically measured in watt-hours (Wh), and understanding this metric helps you gauge performance.
For instance, a battery rated at 500Wh can theoretically power a 50-watt device for 10 hours (500Wh ÷ 50W = 10 hours). This metric helps users understand how long a battery can operate a particular device before needing a recharge. It's important to note that actual performance may vary based on factors like device efficiency and operating conditions.
Additionally, the type of battery used affects both lifespan and performance. Lithium-ion batteries are common but may have a shorter lifespan compared to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, found in the Totalpower 600 and Totalpower which offer longer life and better thermal stability.
3. Understand Inverter Capacity and Output Ports
The inverter in a portable power station converts stored DC power into AC power suitable for your devices. For instance, if you plan to power a 60W laptop and a 100W refrigerator simultaneously, you'll need an inverter that can handle at least 160W.
However, since some devices, especially those with motors or compressors, may have a higher starting wattage, it's recommended to add a 20% buffer to your total wattage calculation to ensure the inverter can handle these surges without issue.
Most portable power stations will have a built-in allowance to allow for the starting wattage which will be stated in the product specifications. For instance, the Totalpower 600 has a short time peak of W and the Totalpower has a short-term peak of W.
4. Consider Charging Options and Speed
The charging speed of a portable power station depends on several factors, including its battery capacity and the power output of the charger used. Manufacturers typically provide the time it takes to fully charge the unit using standard AC outlets.
For example, if a power station has a capacity of Wh and the charger delivers 200W, the estimated charging time would be approximately 5 hours.
However, charging times can vary based on the charger's specifications and the power station's battery technology. Additionally, using solar panels or car chargers may result in longer charging times due to lower power outputs.
It's advisable to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific charging times and recommendations.
5. Look for Additional Features
Modern portable power stations come with a host of additional features that can enhance your experience. Features like display screens provide real-time information on battery status and usage. Portability features, such as handles or wheels, make transportation easier.
Some stations even offer wireless charging or the ability to link multiple units for increased power. At Totalcool.co.uk, we pride ourselves on offering products with up to a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the right portable power station involves understanding your specific needs and selecting a unit that aligns with them. You can make an informed decision by considering factors like power requirements, battery type, inverter capacity, charging options, and additional features.
For more information, please visit w Portable Charger.