Portable power stations and solar generators: sizing, run times, and honest comparisons.
A power station with 1,800W+ output can run a 1,500W space heater, but a 1,000Wh battery only lasts about 30–40 minutes on high. Here’s the math, smarter ways to use battery power for heat, and how to stay warm and safe in a winter outage.
Our picks for the best portable power stations for home backup, from 1kWh units for the fridge and Wi-Fi to 120/240V systems that can back up home circuits through a transfer switch, plus how to choose and how to connect safely.
EcoFlow, Jackery and Bluetti (plus Anker SOLIX) all make solid LFP power stations, but they’re good at different things. Here’s how the brands compare on charging speed, ease of use, expandability, apps and home backup, plus which to pick for your situation.
Figure out the right power station size in three steps: add up running watts, check the biggest startup surge, then multiply by the hours you need. Includes appliance wattage tables, real sizing examples and the features worth paying for.