Outdoor power box self-operated

A portable power station is like a big, rechargeable battery that you can take anywhere. It's handy for camping, outdoor events, or as a backup power source at home. You can plug in various devices like phones, laptops, and even small appliances to keep them running when there's no traditional power source available.

A portable power station's lifespan depends on the type of battery inside. Most new portable power stations, including all the models we recommend here, feature LiFePO4 battery technology, which lasts far longer than older lithium-ion technology. How much more? LiFePo4 power stations will last for more than 3,000 charge cycles, or about 10 years.

Bring big backup power with you with these expert-recommended portable power stations, which can store enough power to charge electronics, appliances, and more.

Yes, a portable power station can be used as an uninterruptible power supply. Many portable power stations come with UPS features, like automatic switchover when power loss is detected.

Portable power stations have control panels with LED displays and buttons that turn off and on inputs and display usage and remaining power. Most portable power stations are also compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to monitor and control them remotely from a smartphone app.

While a particular power station might claim to hold 1,000 watt hours, the actual amount of usable power you can get out of it is a different story. The best portable power stations also have an onboard computer that shows you how much energy is left in your unit, as well as how much power it's currently using.