What we do
We keep a spec sheet for 15 current power stations and a list of 41 common devices with their typical power draw. For each guide we calculate how long every model would run that device, rule out the ones that cannot start it, and pick from what is left based on runtime, weight, price per watt-hour, and features that matter for that job.
What we do not do
We have not bench-tested these units. Nothing on this site is a hands-on review, and we do not claim to have used the products. The numbers come from the makers' published specs and from arithmetic you can check yourself.
The formula
Runtime in hours = capacity in watt-hours × efficiency ÷ average watts.
- Efficiency is 85% for AC outlets and 90% for DC and USB ports. A power station stores DC power. Turning it into wall-style AC power wastes some as heat.
- Average watts is the device's running watts times the share of time it runs. A fridge compressor that pulls 150W but only runs 40% of the time averages 60W.
- Startup surge matters for anything with a motor or compressor. If the surge is bigger than the power station's surge rating, we mark it "can't start it" no matter how big the battery is.
Where the estimates are weak
- Very small AC loads do worse than the formula says, because the inverter uses power just by being on.
- Cold weather cuts usable capacity, and most units will not charge below freezing.
- Your device may draw more or less than our typical figure. The label or a plug-in watt meter will tell you.
- Batteries lose capacity with age. Cycle ratings say when a unit is expected to drop to 70 or 80%.
Prices
Prices were last checked on 2026-10-04. Power stations go on sale constantly, often for far less than list price, so always click through for the current number.