When you’re on a long trip or on holiday, portable power stations in your car or campervan can be a fabulous accessory. Simply put, they provide enough power to charge up multiple devices for a much longer period of time than a standard power bank.
Depending on which one you choose, they can keep your phones, speakers, or even bigger appliances running. In peak camping season, having something more powerful than your standard power bank isn’t just handy; it’s brilliant. Some models offer such lasting performance that you won’t need to worry about running dry.
Depending on the power output and capacity, you could keep camping lanterns, phones, tablets and laptops topped up for days. Now, let’s dig deeper into what these devices really are and what to look for when buying one.
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is essentially a compact portable power source for charging and powering your portable appliances – a bit like a super-charged version of the power bank you probably already use to charge your mobile phone when you are away from a mains power source. Unlike power banks, which are designed mainly for charging phones and other small gadgets, portable power stations offer much higher capacity and power output. That means you can run not just phones and tablets, but also bigger bits of kit like mini-fridges, lamps, laptops and even some low-wattage appliances.
Typical capacities range from around 200 Wh (watt-hours) on the small end, up to over 2,000 Wh for more capable models. The higher the capacity, the better it will be at keeping more power-hungry devices going for longer. The downside is that these will be heavier and more expensive.
What to look for when purchasing a portable power station
Picking the right one for you comes down to considering a few key things:
- Capacity (Wh): The bigger the number, the longer it can run your devices.
- Power output (W): Make sure it can handle what you want to plug in. Mobile phones need very little, fridges or laptops need more.
- Connections: Look for the right mix of USB, mains plugs, and car sockets for your gear.
- Charging options: Some recharge from the wall, car, or even solar panels.
- Portability: Higher capacity usually means more weight, so balance your power needs with how easy it is to carry.
- Battery life: LiFePO₄ batteries usually last longer than standard lithium-ion.
The best portable power stations 2025 at a glance:
They’re as useful and as nice to have as portable camping showers. However, there’s a lot to choose from in the world of portable power stations, so we’ve done some digging and found our favourites. They range in price, breadth of capabilities, and even power source.
The best portable power stations 2025
Best wireless charging portable power station
The warranty only lasts for two years as opposed to five, but the unit has a battery capacity of 1,521Wh and weighs comparably lighter than the others at just 12.9kg.
Pros
- Has a wireless charging platform on the top
- Ten power outlets in addition is useful
- Isn't too heavy to carry at 12.9kg
Cons
- Only has two year warranty, which is less than some others
| Power | 1200W |
| Dimensions | 37 x 31 x 21cm |
| Weight | 12.9kg |
| N.O outlets | 12 |
Editor's pick
It also has a five-year warranty, which is incredibly reassuring to buyers, as well as weighing just 7.8kg, which undercuts the other, more premium power stations. This makes it easier to move around on the campsite, while still being mightily capable at providing power to you and your friends' devices.
Pros
- Sits in a sweet spot of power capability and value for money
- Has a comprehensive total of ten power outlets
- Comes with a five-year warranty, which is a bonus
Cons
- Isn't quite as powerful or comprehensive as premium products
| Power | 1600W |
| Dimensions | 26 x 22.6 x 27cm |
| Weight | 7.8kg |
| N.O outlets | 10 |
The best equipped portable power station
It's capable of powering a 1300W lawn mower for 1.3 hours, so it should have no trouble charging up multiple phones at once. It has an AC output of 2,200W and a total capacity of 2,048Wh - making this an immensely powerful unit.
Pros
- Very powerful unit capable of powering many devices
- Has 15 ports of varying cable types
- Comes with a 24-month warranty, which is handy
Cons
- Solar panels are extras, which adds to the total cost
| Power | 600W |
| Dimensions | 25 x 25 x 18cm |
| Weight | 28.1kg |
| N.O outlets | 15 |
Best budget portable power station
It has a single 3-point socket, two USB ports and one USB-C port as well as a car socket. So, it isn't as comprehensively-equipped as the others, and can only charge up a few devices at a time, but this is reflected in the price point.
Pros
- Represents good value for money at under £200
- Has enough ports for a few essential devices
- The screen is reassuringly easy to read
Cons
- 200W output is very small compared to the rest
- Only has five total ports, which isn't as much as the others
| Power | 200W |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 14.4 x 21.2cm |
| Weight | 3.7kg |
| N.O outlets | 5 |
Best mid-range portable power station
It also generates 2400W, and claims to have a ten-year battery life. It's clear that for value alone, this is an incredible portable power station to consider.
Pros
- Better value for money than the Bluetti station
- Has 13 ports to power devices, which is comprehensive
- Long warranty which adds reassurance to buyers
Cons
- Slightly short on outlets compared to the top-end models
| Power | 2400W |
| Dimensions | 39.8 x 28 x 31.5cm |
| Weight | 22kg |
| N.O outlets | 13 |
Battery safety and maintenance tips
To get the best out of your portable power station, and to keep it safe, follow these simple tips:
- Avoid full discharge: Try not to let the battery run completely flat, as this can shorten its life.
- Recharge regularly: Even if you’re not using it, top it up every few months to keep the battery healthy.
- Keep it cool and dry: Don’t leave it in direct sunlight, near heaters, or anywhere damp.
- Use the correct charger: Stick to the official charger or a compatible one recommended by the manufacturer.
- Store safely: If you won’t be using it for a while, charge it to around 50% and store it in a cool place.
- Check for damage: If the casing is cracked, swollen or leaking, stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
FAQs and things to remember with portable power stations
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Why should I upgrade to one over a more compact power bank?
Simply put, portable power stations are very expensive. A lot of camping gear including compact tents is expensive. but they can provide power to a plethora of items at a level that a small power bank couldn't ever dream of. Keeping things like laptops, multiple people's phones, and much more on the go while camping is a huge service to your circle of friends or family.
But even away from the standard phones or laptops, they provide power for a lot of remote entertainment. Need to keep a speaker on charge while simultaneously charging people's phones? A portable power station is your answer. Need to hook up a projector and media player to watch something as the light fades? If you're very thorough, you might even want to plug in an air conditioning unit. Again, a portable power station is useful for it. -
How long do they last on a charge?
It all depends on how you use it, but on average, a powerful one should be several days, and a smaller one more-or-less a weekend. The Bluetti AC200MAX, with an AC output of 2,200W, has a claimed capability of charging your phone up 170 times (if you were to use it for only that or perhaps a small kettle), which gives you an idea of how powerful these things can be.
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Is it safe to leave it plugged in overnight?
Yes, most modern portable power stations have built-in safety features like overcharge protection and auto-shutoff, so leaving them plugged in overnight is generally safe. That said, it’s always best to use the official charger and avoid leaving them on soft surfaces or in very hot places.
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How long will a 200W power station last?
A 200 Wh unit will usually power a phone for 15–20 full charges, or run a laptop for 3–4 hours. It’s fine for light use like camping weekends or topping up smaller gadgets, but not enough for appliances that require more power.
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How long will a 500W power station last?
A 500 Wh model can typically run a laptop for 10–12 hours, a portable fridge for around a full day, or recharge a smartphone more than 40 times. It’s a good balance between portability and useful capacity for longer trips.
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Can I run a kettle or portable fridge on it when camping?
For Kettles: This is where it gets tricky. Most electric kettles are power-hungry appliances:
Standard household kettles: 1500-3000W
"Low power" travel kettles: 600-1200W
12V camping kettles: 120-200W
The problem is that most camping power banks have limited inverter capacity (often 300-500W for AC output) and even high-end units rarely exceed 1000-2000W. A 1500W kettle would drain a 1000Wh power bank in about 40 minutes of actual boiling time.
Portable fridge: Yes, in most cases. A 12V camping fridge typically uses 40–70W, so even a mid-sized power station can keep one running for many hours or even days, depending on the capacity.
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