A portable battery generator is a handy solution for emergency situations where you cannot reach fuel like gas or propane. It’s a convenient energy source to power up your devices like a PC, fan, laptops, and other personal devices. You can even use small vacuum cleaners, a mini-fridge, or a pump for inflating a boat or mattress during blackouts.
However, with too many technical aspects to consider, getting the best portable battery generator is a daunting job. No worries, our technical team has a solution for you after in-depth researches on the best options in the current market. Stick to the article to get the best compact and portable generator that money can buy today.
Are Portable Power Stations Worth It?
When it comes to constant power supply, using a generator is the most useful tool to have. However, when you’re going out for camping, tailgating, hiking, etc., it’s not possible to take a bulky generator with you. That’s where the portable power stations do the best job at running your phone, mini – fridge, especially sensitive devices.
A portable generator can help you power up all your devices, lights, computers, eclectic grills, and more. You should go for only top rated portable battery generators for less noise, higher reliability, and longer backup times at power outages. So, are portable power stations worth it? Yes, if you can get the right machine, it’s worth every penny.
How Long Does A Battery Powered Generator Last?
Generally, a battery-powered generator lasts for a lifetime if it is taken care of properly. However, the battery inside a generator has a certain lifespan. Almost all battery-powered generators use lithium batteries. The average battery life of a lithium-ion battery in a generator is around 4 years. So, replace the battery every 3 or 4 years after to prolong its service.
Quick Suggestions: Best Portable Battery Generator
- Editor’s choice: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- Best for camping: Rockpals 300w Lithium Portable Power Station
- Best value for money: Progeny 280w Generator Portable Power Station
- Best lightweight: Webetop 155Wh 42000mAh Portable Generator
- Best for RV: BLUETTI AC50S 500Wh Solar Generator
- Best for whole house: EF ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator
- Best for portability: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160
- Best for CPAP: Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station
- Best for power tools: EGO Power+ PST3042 Nexus Power Station
Table of Content:
If you don’t have enough time, you can take a look at the following table of content to grasp every topic we covered in the article:
Comparison Chart:To know all about our selected portable battery generators at a glance, have a look at the comparison chart to know their respective characteristics:
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Editor’s choice
 |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for camping
 |
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best value for money
 |
PROGENY 280W Generator Portable Power Station |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best lightweight
 |
MARBERO 167Wh Portable Power Station |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for RV
 |
BLUETTI AC50S Power Station 500Wh Solar Generator |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for whole house
 |
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for portability
 |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160 |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for CPAP
 |
Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for power tools
 |
EGO Power+ PST3042 3000W Nexus Portable Power Station |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Top 9 Best Portable Battery Generator Reviews 2022
There are various types of portable battery generators in the market. Here, we have reviewed some of the best portable battery generators after doing researches and tests. Let’s dive right in!
1. Editor’s Choice: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station comes with a 518Wh battery with a rated power of 500W and peak power of 1000W. The battery produces 110V AC voltage to power up a variety of devices. It has an LCD screen which indicates the input, output levels, and battery percentages. Besides, it turns off when the power level goes under 10W for an added security. You can use an off-grid solar panel to charge it without electricity. Jackery SolarSaga 100W is the recommended solar panel, which takes 14 hours to charge the power supply generator fully.
It’s perfect for outdoor use. You can take it on travel, excursions, trips, and more to explore. Besides, you can use it for car travel, camping, lighting, and hunting when needed. It can also be useful in those areas where no electric cable is connected. The power station allows making your party more enjoyable by powering speakers, pellet smokers, and more.
You can charge essential items like mobiles, laptops, portable fans, etc with it. But, it cannot support devices rated over 500 watts such as drill machine, electric kettle, microwave, air conditioner, etc. The generator takes 8 hours to fully charge from AC outlets. It has a pure sine wave inverter that provides power to sensitive devices without damages. Also, its BMS system protects electronic devices from over-voltage, overheat, and overload issues.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 8 x 7.6 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Battery capacity: Lithium 518Wh (24Ah, 21.6V) Pure sine
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 110 Volts (500 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet (7.5 hrs) Car port (16 hrs), Solar panel (9.5 hrs)
Jackery Portable Features:
- This generator has a 518Wh battery with a peak power of 1000 watt and rated power 500 watts with 110V voltage.
- You need needs 8 hours to fully charge it from AC outlets and 14 hours from a 100W solar panel.
- There is a BMS System which protects your device from overload, over-voltage, and overheats.
- The LCD shows the input and output power levels and the life of the battery.
- It is light so that you can carry it anywhere such as camping, travel, excursion and more.
2. Best for Camping: Rockpals 300w Portable Generator Lithium Portable Power Station
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator comes with a squared box design, which is ideal for taking away for outdoor tasks. It has a 75000mAh lithium battery of 75A at 3.7 volts. You can recharge a mobile about 25 times with it, a drone 10 times, a laptop 5 times, run a light for 70 hours, and a mini-fridge for 4-5 hours. The 300 watts pure sine wave power could peak at 600 watts. You can recharge the portable power generator in 3 ways: wall outlet, car socket, or a solar panel.
This power station needs 6-7 hours to full charge from a car charger and wall outlet. Also, it can be charged with 60 watts or 100 watts solar panels, which are sold separately. It is perfect for carrying on RV, emergencies, construction sites, etc. Also, it has a large display where you can see all the data from input, output, and operation voltages. With its small footprint of only 6.5 x 3.1 x 6.9 inches, 7.5 lbs with a handle, it’s easy to take anywhere.
In the output options, the power station comes with an AC socket, 5 DC outlets, 2 USB 2.1A, and 2 USB 3.0 quick charge ports. You can connect multiple devices simultaneously with it. It has two ways to power the CPAP therapy machine: 110V AC socket and 12/24V DC socket. With the DC socket, the CPAP machine works for at least 72 hours.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions:48 x 5.9 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 5 Pounds
- Battery: Lithium 280WH (3.7V 75Ah/12V 18.7Ah)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 110 Volts (300 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet (6-7 hrs) Car port, Solar panel (100W)
ROCKPALS 300W Features:
- There is a large display that shows all information and various types of data that make it easier to control.
- Its weight is 7.5 lbs, and compact size is easy to carry in RV’s project, campsites, outdoors, and more.
- You’ll get multiple AC/DC and USB ports, which is suitable for sensitive devices like phones, laptops, cameras, etc.
- It has a 280Wh solar power station and 75000 mAh lithium battery, which provides continuous power to your home appliances.
- The power station produces a peak power of 600 watts and rated power of 300 watts.
3. Best value for Money: Progeny 280w Generator Portable Power Station
PROGENY 280W Generator Portable Power Station comes with a digital inverter technology that supplies current in any condition. It produces 280Wh power with 27 pack 18650 lithium batteries that runs a CPAP therapy machine for 3-4 hours. You can charge a laptop 4 times with it, run a 32″ TV, small appliances below 300W for 2 hours. Besides, you can place it in RV’s project, campsites, short travels, and emergency blackouts.
The generator has built-in 110 volts AC outlets, three 12V/5A DC outlets, and two USB 3.1A ports. They can provide continuous power backup on emergency cases, charging phones, tablets, and more. Its weight is 5.7 lbs, which is easy to carry anywhere. Furthermore, it doesn’t make noise, vibration so that it will be harmless for nature and your health.
On top of that, this battery generator is easy to recharge. It takes 8-10 hours to charge with a 60W or 100W solar panel fully. If you want to charge it faster, connect the generator with a wall outlet or car charger. It will take 5-6 hours to charge that way. This portable power station ensures safety from short circuit, overload, over-voltage and overheating problems with its BMS support system.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 5 Kilograms
- Battery: Lithium 280Wh (3.7V 67500mAh12V 10Ah)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 110 Volts (280 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Car port, Solar panel (100W)
PROGENY 280W Features:
- The generator comes with 27 2600mAh lithium batteries, which provides multiple time charging facilities to your daily used device.
- Its weight is light, about 57 pounds, which is easy to carry on RV’s project, campsites, fields, and more.
- You can charge the portable battery with a solar panel, wall outlets, or a car charger.
- It has safety measures to protect electronic devices from short circuits, overload, overheating, and many problems.
- You’re getting a 110-volts AC outlet, three 12V/5A DC outlets, and two USB 3.1A ports.
4. Best Lightweight: MARBERO 167Wh Portable Power Station
MARBERO Portable Power Station is the most compact and lightweight battery generator in the present market. You can compare it with 2 coffee mugs size. The weight is only 2.9 lbs and has 2 collapsible handles, making it comfortable to carry anywhere. It is a versatile battery generator suitable for multipurpose uses. It is also appreciated for the intelligent management of energy consumption and its convenient shape.
It has a 13500 mAh lithium battery with 150 Wh power, making it one of the best portable battery generator. You can recharge it with 3 different methods. It takes 7-8 hours to be charged fully with 110V wall outlets and 11 hours with a 12V car charger. Also, it can be recharged with a solar panel, and the charging duration depends on sun heat. It has 10 different outlets that help to connect many devices at a time.
You can run a Lantern light for 20 hours, 12V LED light for 3.5 hours, and a Mini fridge for 3 hours with it. For charging, it can charge a drone 5 times, GoPro 18 times, phones 10 times. It has 5 super bright LED lights that show the life of the battery alongside reaching up to 50 feet. The generator has BMS safety that protects electronic devices from unexpected occurrences.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions:7 x 3.5 x 7.7 inches
- Weight: 5 Pounds
- Battery: Lithium ion 155Wh (3.7V 155Wh 42000mAh 12V)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 110 Volts (155 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Car port, Solar panel (100W)
MARBERO Portable Features:
- Its weight is 2.9 pounds, which makes it easy to carry anywhere; camping, party, hiking, campsites, etc.
- You can charge its battery for camping using solar panels, wall outlets, and car charging adapters.
- It has a 13500 mAh lithium battery that can be used to charge many devices at a time.
- There are 5 LED lights onboard that reach up to 50 feet and indicates the battery percentages.
- It has a UL certification and a BMS safety system that ensures protection against short circuits, overload, etc.
5. Best for RV: BLUETTI AC50S 500Wh Solar Generator
The Blueetti AC50S is a perfect battery generator for RV as it comes with a dedicated 12 Volts outlet. Its 13.6 lbs weight and 500 Wh power output makes it the best portable power station for RVs. You’ll get 2 AC power outlets with pure sine wave technology, 2 DC 12 Volts 2 A outlets, a 10 A DC, A 120 W car port, Type C 45 W port, 4 USB charging ports.
It also offers Wireless charging feature alongside fast-charging Type C and other USB ports. When it comes to charging the power station itself, you’re getting multiple options to do that. The recharge times of it with regular 120 V AC wall outlets within 6 hours and similar for your car charging outlet. You can also recharge it with a 110V solar energy with a MPPT panel that takes about 5 to 6 hours to charge fully.
This smart generator also supports a pass-through power function to use the output ports while charging. It shows all the stats on the LED monitor in real time including the volts and battery status. Furthermore, it offers spotlights with 3 brightness levels and SOS for better outdoor activities and camping trips. Plus, the dual handles and noise-free operation make things even smoother, especially while using it with an RV.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 8 inches
- Weight: 14 Pounds
- Battery: Lithium ion 155Wh (500Wh 45 Ah DC 12V)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB, Type-C ports
- Working voltage: 120 Volts (300 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Generator, Car port, Solar panel (100W)
BLUETTI Features:
- This portable power station has a 500Wh lithium ion battery with 12V DC Car outlet for RV compatibility.
- It comes with 2 AC outlets, 2 DC 2A and a 10A port alongside a car port, a type C and 4 USB charging ports.
- All of its output ports provide plenty of power for 11 devices at the same time with a pass-through feature.
- You’ll get dual flashlights on it with adjustable brightness and SOS besides wireless charging built-in.
- The generator has a long 1000+ life cycle with pure sine wave technology, and works great with an LED monitor.
6. Best for Whole House: EF ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator
If you’re looking for high-end portable solar generators that can power up your whole house, this power station is the one. It comes with a whooping 1260Wh battery power that gives you over 1800 watts of running power output with 3300 watts of surge power. With this much power in the machine, you can get emergency backup power for 0.7 to 36 hours of power, depending on your usage.
You’ll get 6 100-120V AC outlets, a 13.6V DC port, 4 USB-A and dual USB-C ports with fast-charging (28w) ports. It also offers standard 13.6V, 8A and 12W 5V, 2.4A CAR ports. To recharge the generator itself, you’re getting a fast-charging option, 10x faster than others. It charges the machine from 0% to 80% only within an hour that makes it the best portable battery generator for home.
You can charge it with 100-120V AC wall outlets, car charging kit, or 65V Solar panel. The machine works with zero noise and provides 120V power output without needing any maintenance hassle. Hence, it’s a great option if you want complete peace of mind while powering kitchen appliances like blender, or larger appliances like cameras, drones, car appliances, refrigerators, and more.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions:7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Battery: Lithium ion 1260Wh (350Ah, 3.7V) with fast charge (0-80% in 1 hour)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB, Type-C ports
- Working voltage: 110-120 Volts (1800 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Generator, Car port, Solar panel (100W)
EF ECOFLOW Features:
- The EcoFlow Delta battery generator offers a huge 1260Wh battery that can provide backup for 0.7 to 36 hours.
- It offers 13 output ports such as AC, DC, Car ports, USB-A, USB-C, fast-charging ports, and they run 13 devices at the same time.
- Its power output capacity is 1800 running and 3300 peak watts with a flexibility of using both 110V and 120V output.
- You can recharge the generator with 120V AC outlet, Car Outlet, and 65W solar panel and get 0% to 80% charge within 1 hour.
- There’s an LED monitor on the front panel of this machine to give you the live updates about the input, output, and current status.
7. Best for Portability: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160
If you move a lot and need a portable power station to carry with yourself, get the Jackery Explorer 160. It offers a compact design, a sturdy build quality, and works as a vastly reliable power source. You can power up to 5 electrical devices with this machine simultaneously. There are two USB-A outlets to power up your devices that work at 30W, 5V which is a great thing at an affordable price.
Plus, the USB-C port completes the rig alongside the 100 Watt AC outlet for regular appliances. Besides, the 12V standard car outlet will help you run different car appliances when you’re on the go. Every output port has their own switches to enable the ports or disable them, making it power efficient. Charging the machine itself is rather amusing as you’re getting 4 different ways to do the job.
You can recharge it with a 60W/100W size solar panel within 4.5 hours when the AC inlet, car inlet, and generator charging take 5 hours. Furthermore, you can monitor both the input and output status on the LCD screen for even more convenience in the operation. However, this portable solar power generator isn’t TSA clear, so you can’t take it on a flight while traveling abroad.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions:4 x 4.59 x 6.73 inches
- Weight: 84 Pounds
- Battery: Lithium ion 167 watt-hour (46,400mah/3.6V)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB, Type-C ports
- Working voltage: 110 Volts (100 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Generator, Car port, Solar panel (100W)
Jackery Features:
- The Jackery Explorer 160 generator offers 5 output ports including AC, DC, USB, Type C, and powers up 5 devices simultaneously.
- It comes with a large 46400 mAh battery in a small form factor and has a rugged build to carry around without damaging the body.
- There’s an LCD screen on the power station’s interface that shows the live stats about input and output power delivery.
- You can charge this portable power station with solar input (60/100W) within only 4.5 hours or AC, Car, or Generator within 5 hours.
- This machine doesn’t offer pure sine wave technology and turns off after running 6 hours at 10 Watts.
8. Best for CPAP: Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station
If you have to rely on CPAP and need a reliable power source for that, this battery generator is your go-to option. This power station comes with a dedicated construction for CPAP machines that’ll power up your machine at 65 watts. It will run your CPAP for 8 long hours, giving you a full night’s sleep without any power hiccups.
This portable battery generator contains a 500Wh lithium ion battery that delivers clean energy with pure sine wave technology. You can run small things like blenders, TV, pellet grill, and others with this little power station. It also does a good job powering up cell phones, laptops, drones, lights, camera, drones, and other sensitive electronics.
You’ll get dual 120V AC output, 12 V car output as well as dual USB-A, USB-C, with fast charge facility on it. Plus, every output section has its own power switch to keep the ports offline if not in use. Charging the station itself has multiple options like 22V input for solar, car, AC, or big Generators. You can also monitor input, output, battery status, and more with the control panel.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 10 inches
- Weight: 9 Pounds
- Battery capacity: Lithium ion 500 watt-hour 12V inverter
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 120 Volts (505 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet (4.5/10 hrs) Car port (4.5 hrs), Solar panel (6 hrs)
Goal Zero Features:
- This portable power station has a dedicated internal setup for running a CPAP machine at 65 Watt for 8 hours.
- It comes with a 12V inverter circuitry with 500 watt-hour Lithium ion battery to deliver clean energy with pure sine wave.
- You’ll get various output options like AC (120V) output, DC (12 V) output, USB type A, and C, and they work simultaneously.
- The recharging facility for this machine is amazingly fast and efficient charging with AC input, CAR output, or Solar panel.
- Its construction is highly durable and comes with a sturdy handle to transport the machine easily.
9. Best for Power Tools: EGO Power+ PST3042 Nexus Power Station
If you want reliable, noise-free powerful generators to run power tools in job sites and shops, get the EGO Power+ generator. It comes with 2000 watts of running and 3000 watts of peak power to run almost any small to medium and large power tool. The weather resistant construction of this machine enables it to withstand harsh weather in work sites.
Its quiet clean power with pure sine wave tech will make sure you’re getting the best output. There are two 7.5Ah high-capacity battery pack included with empty slots for two more like that. These batteries have reliable power output options with multiple ports for both AC and DC. You’ll get 3 120V AC outlets and 4 USB outputs that are equivalent to regular power outputs.
Recharging the power station is fairly simple with the included high-capacity charger. The charger recharges the generator with regular 120V AC input for the comfort of your home. Plus, there’s an LED display to show the run time and other stats like voltage, remaining backup, and more. You can run the machine accurately by matching the output capacities because of it.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 33 x 13.26 x 14.51 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Battery capacity: Lithium ion Ego power+ 7.5 Ah (2 included)
- Output port options: AC, DC, USB ports
- Working voltage: 120 Volts (2000 continuous watts)
- Recharging method: AC outlet, Car port, Solar panel
EGO Power Features:
- The EGO Power+ generator comes with two 7.5 Ah rechargeable battery and has two more slots to insert two more batteries.
- It delivers 2000 continuous watts of power at 120 volts with its AC (120V) DC (12V) output alongside USB A and C ports.
- You can recharge the generator directly with regular 120V AC outlets as well as recharge the batteries separately with EGO power charger.
- There’s an LED monitor on the interface of this generator to give you the stats about input and output and battery status.
- Its construction is extremely rugged, intended to support you on construction sites, and other rough places.
What To Consider Before Buy A Portable Battery Generator?
All battery generators in the present market are not perfect. You have to consider some factors when buying a portable battery generator. Here are the most essential factors that will help you to buy the best battery powered generator.
Power:
Regardless of whether the intent is for a professional or for home use, the first thing to consider is power. Determine how much power you need based on the number of appliances you want to operate.
The power aka the watts serves the purpose of powering appliances like TVs, computers, electric heaters, fans, etc. Then you can focus attention on devices that have power between 100 watts to 500 watts. The generators will be able to power household appliances or work tools with energy higher than the standard one.
Autonomy:
Autonomy indicates how many hours you can use the device. Portable rechargeable generators will have a long autonomy. In order to avoid mistakes, my advice is to buy a generator suitable for the work you will have to do. If the appliance is too small compared to the chargable devices, there is a risk of exerting excessive strain. So, pay close attention to this parameter.
Weight:
Depending on the model chosen, the weight varies. Usually, the weight of a small and compact generator ranges between 10 and 12 lbs. If the purpose is to use it for professional use, it can also reach 40-45 lbs. Choose the one that fits your daily movement, usage, and purposes.
Charging method:
The final factor to consider is the charging mode. In other words, how you want to recharge the generator and what you have for it. There are portable solar power generators that can be charged via a solar panel. Some models only powered by the wall outlet and car charger adapter.
Why Should You Buy A Portable Battery Generator?
Nowadays, portable rechargeable generators are safe to use both inside and outside your home. Here is why you need a portable rechargeable generator. Let’s have a look:
- First of all, battery generators do not have moving parts or many cables and do not use liquid fuel. The result is practically non-existent maintenance and considerable security against possible fires or accidents that can occur when using conventional generators.
- It provides 100% clean energy because there’re no fumes and no CO2 pollutant emissions. The generators are incredibly vibration-free and quieter than normal ones. Also, it is easy to carry anywhere. If you need to do projects, take it in your caravan or backpack.
- Battery generators can be charged up with solar panels, which is free energy. A solar panel lasts for 25 to 30 years, and it will save money. You can be charged up the battery with a car charger while driving in a car.
These are the main reasons why you should buy the perfect battery-powered generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oftentimes, people ask about portable battery generators and we understand the concern. Here are some of the frequent question along with their answers:
Can a generator charge a battery?
How long does a portable generator battery last?
A portable generator battery lasts for 36 to 48 months if it is taken care of properly.
How to charge portable generator battery?
A portable generator battery can be charged in 3 ways: with solar panel, with wall outlets, and with a car charger.
How often should I charge my generator battery?
If you are a regular user, charge your generator when the battery level is below 20%. If you are an occasional user, you should charge the battery once every 1 month and run it for 5-10 minutes.
How many volts is a generator battery?
Final Thought
Getting a battery generator for home, personal use, or camping is very useful. It’s both convenient and economical for usage like for camping, boats, houses, gardens, and wherever there is no electricity available. I assume that choosing the best portable battery generator was easy after reading the article.
If you still need a suggestion for the best overall generator, get the SUAOKI Portable Power Station. It comes with a power of 150Wh and has UL certification with BMS systems that protect your devices while working. It is ideal for powering the most sensitive devices and sophisticated tools with its 10 outlet ports.
