Did someone say rechargeable AND portable power stations?
These show-stopper devices are the cure to your every power-related need. Unlike expensive generators that emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, even affordable power stations work on batteries alone. This makes them infinitely safer to run as well as easier to maintain in the long run. Another advantage that the best-rated power stations pose is their convenience. For remote office or camping trips, these devices can be a great fallback option so that work and play can find the perfect synergy. Time or deadline-sensitive projects can also benefit from this gadget in case of an unprecedented power outage. The key is to keep it fully charged as often as you can.
However, before we get too ahead of ourselves, here are three of the best portable power stations in 2021 you need to get your hands on ASAP!
Ecoflow Delta Portable Power Station:
If you’re looking to stay powered for hours, there is no device better. Combining a host of different technologies, this station is setting a new standard for all the best portable power stations out there.
Specifications:
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Capacity: 1260 Wh (14.4 V, up to 13 Ah)
- AC outlets: 6
- USB outlets: 4 Type-A and 2 Type-C ports
- Charging time: 1.6 hours (AC house current), 12 hours (DC car outlet), and 4 hours (solar power)
- Life Cycle: 800 Cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6"
- Weight: 30.9 lb
What’s included in the box: a portable power device, an AC cable for wall outlets, a car charging cable, a solar panel charging cable, an EcoFlow Delta bag, and a user manual.
Unique Features
- The Ecoflow Delta power station offers durability since it has a lifespan of 800 charges as well as a 24-month warranty.
- This device can power many home appliances, which include those that have more sensitive requirements. Such as power lights, hairdryers, microwave ovens, electric kettles, frying pans, fridges, and even CPAP machines.
- 13 devices can be charged simultaneously without the need for a power strip.
- This device can expertly charge a mobile device 100 times or power a refrigerator anywhere between 8-20 hours until it runs out of battery.
Pros:
The Ecoflow Delta power station offers incredible charging time and when connected to your AC wall outlet, you can expect this device to charge up to 80% within an hour only.
This makes it the best portable power station for camping. You can charge your phone and camera while enough ports are necessary for food preparations.
Since this portable power station allows you to recharge it through solar power, it offers benefits for the environment.
Cons:
Unfortunately, during charging and running, this device can err on the louder side. If you are looking for a quieter setup, this lithium battery portable power station may not be right for you.
Weighing at 30 lbs, this device isn’t the easiest the haul around from place to place. For those who can easily carry this weight, it shouldn’t be a problem. However, lighter setups are just as easy to find.
For some users, when fully charged (especially with solar), the round trip efficiency is only at 58%. This means that this gadget provides about half the energy it stores if charged outside of AC inputs.
Ecoflow River Max Portable Power Station:
Next up, is another favorite from Ecoflow that packs more than enough features to meet your portable battery needs. Anywhere from tools to household appliances can be easily charged with this portable power station.
Specifications:
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Capacity: 576 Wh (28.8 V)
- AC outlets: 3
- DC outlets: 3
- USB outlets: 4
- Charging time: 1.6 hours (AC house current), 5 hours (DC car outlet), and 6 hours (solar power)
- Life Cycle: 500 Cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 10.0 x 7.3"
- Weight: 17 lb
What’s included in the box: a portable power device, DC5521-DC5525 Cable, 1.5m MC4 to XT60 Solar Charging Cable, 1.5m AC Charging Cable, 1.5m Car Charging Cable, User Manual, and Warranty Card.
Unique Features:
- The Ecoflow River Max power station offers modular designs when it comes to batteries. Depending on your individual needs, you can upscale or downscale your battery size. Options include the R600 Pro or the R600 max.
- Similar to its previously mentioned brother, this device also supports fast charging and can easily reach 80% of its battery life within one hour!
- This model also supports international markets and contains 220-240V 50Hz AC outlet versions that can appeal to European or Indian audiences.
- The EcoFlow River 600 Max can easily push out 600w consistently until it hits 0% through its inbuilt pure sine wave inverter
- One batter back was removed to make it easier to move around.
Pros:
The fact that you can expand your existing battery with a few easy tools makes this device a keeper. People with minimal power needs can easily upgrade their devices when need be.
The Ecoflow River Max power station combines efficiency with affordability to bring you a model that can complete day-to-day tasks without causing a huge dent in your savings account.
Since it only weighs 17 lbs, it errs on the lighter side of portable power stations, making it easier to carry from place to place without much effort.
Cons:
Since the Ecoflow River Max power station device is relatively smaller in both output and size, it does not cater to every household appliance. Although it can be plugged to most, for more heavy-duty appliances the battery life will deplete much faster.
Although this device claims to recharge through solar power, finding the right sun exposure that will meet its solar needs is still very tricky.
Unfortunately when exposed to too much moisture, this device may be subject to limited functionality. So when working in outdoor remote areas or camping, arrangements should be made to keep this device dry.
Ecoflow River Portable Power Station:
Last, but certainly not the least, is yet another powerful device by Ecoflow. This ranks one step below the River Max Pro, but offers many of the same features than its counterpart. For most outdoor situations, this is an ideal and affordable pick.
Specification:
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Capacity: 288 Wh
- AC outlets: 2
- DC outlets: 2
- USB outlets: 5
- Charging time: 1.6 hours (AC house current), 3 hours (DC car outlet), and 2.4-5 hours (solar power)
- Life Cycle: 500 Cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.3 x 7.7”
- Weight: 11 lbs
What’s included in the box: a portable power device, DC5521-DC5525 Cable, 1.5m MC4 to XT60 Solar Charging Cable, 1.5m AC Charging Cable, 1.5m Car Charging Cable, User Manual, and Warranty Card.
Unique Features:
- Ecoflow River Portable Power Station device can power 10 multiple devices at the same time and can charge your phone 21 times or make coffee with your coffee maker upto 12 times.
- A power-high mode allows you to reach 1800W so that you can operate more heavy duty appliances.
- A sturdy handle situated on top of the device makes it on-the-go and one of the best power stations for camping.
- Can give you 25 hours of DC and 8.5 hours of AC output.
Pros:
Out of all the aforementioned options, this model is the absolute best for short road trips or excursions. Even hiking is made easy with this device since it can both fit and moved around in your backpack.
The X-boost technology of this device is a game-changer. You can easily boost your power for as long as you need, so you can keep all your favorite devices charged at all times.
Like any other river option, this one also comes with an expandable battery so it can be tailor made to your needs.
Cons:
Since this model offers the lowest power output, it falls short in terms of capacity. This means it’s not the most suitable for professional needs.
During low battery mode, many users have experienced the LED display becoming a little tricky to work with.
There is little to no warning when the battery is close to dying which causes the Ecoflow River Portable Power Station to shut down abruptly.
So, what is the best portable power station after all?
While you browse through this list of features and specifications, be sure of why you’re looking for a portable power station in the first place. This will help you decide whether the battery life, portability, and other unique features are suitable for your individual project needs. When it comes to a starter choice, we think you cannot go wrong with the Ecoflow river mobile power station. It’s below 500$ and is a steal for all of your outdoor trips with family or friends. It’s also very easy to ramp up in case you’re looking for something on the more professional side. That too, with very little extra costs.
