Our Favorite Portable Power Stations and Backup Power Systems
There are a few core types of complete systems that you should be thinking about when considering sizing your backup power system as well. The type of system that you choose will heavily influence how you need to think about sizing your system. For example, if you want to run your whole home on a power station + gas generator combo, you may want to get a station with high output capacity, but be less concerned about the total Wh battery capacity, as you can simply store fuel for the generator rather than a bunch of batteries.
Anker Solix C300x and C300x DC
Size: 288Wh Capacity | 300W Output
Weight: 6.1 lbs for DC version, 9.1 for AC version
Why Choose it: The Anker Solix C300x and C300x DC twins are comfortably the best portable power stations in their size class, and a great bargain at that. With a truly excellent capacity to weight ratio, and built-in portability with their handy carrying straps, you can truly take them anywhere. Go with the DC version for a more stripped down power station that trims 3 lbs, or the AC version to add in standard 110V AC wall plugs.
Ecoflow River 2 Max
Size: 512Wh Capacity | 500W Output
Weight: 13.4
Why Choose it: The River 2 Max combines a lightweight form factor with solid output. It charges super fast, at as short as an hour on AC, and offers a very respectable combination of power to weight.
Anker Solix C1000X
Size: 1056Wh Capacity | 1800W Output
Weight: 28.4 lbs
Why Choose it: The Anker Solix C1000X is our favorite standalone unit in the 1kWh class of power stations. While you’re locked in to a fixed capacity, (unlike the Jackery E1000 Plus, our other favorite) it’s combination of small form factor, a better array of plugs, and typically much lower price, make it the best option for someone looking for a fixed-size unit in this class.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
Size: 1264Wh Capacity | 2000W Output
Weight: 31 lbs
Why Choose it: If you’re looking for maximum versatility and power in the 1kWh class, look no further than the Jackery E1000 Plus. With best-in-class output (2000W standard, 4000W surge) and capacity (up to 5kWh with 3 expansion batteries), it’s unbeaten if you’re looking for maximum versatility in this size, with a power station that can flex up to something much larger.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
Size: 2-12kWh Capacity | 3000W Output
Weight: 61 lbs
Why Choose it: Just like the Jackery E1000, if you’re looking for maximum versatility and power, look no further than the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus. With best-in-class output (3000W standard, 6000W surge) and capacity (up to a huge 12kWh with 5 expansion batteries), it’s unbeaten if you’re looking for maximum versatility in this size, with a power station that can can punch way outside of its weight class in terms of capacity.
Ecoflow Delta Pro
Size: 3.6-10.8kWh Capacity | 3600W Output
Weight: 99 lbs
Why Choose it: The Delta Pro set the standard for expandable, easy-to-use backup power systems, and packs a punch to this day. It hits a unique spot in the price/capacity/capability curve, and is a proven pick for those looking in this size range.
Anker Solix F3800
Size: 3.8-26.9kWh Capacity | 6000W Output
Weight: 132 lbs
Why Choose it: The Anker Solix F3800 is bit of a unicorn that just straddles the line between portable power station and dedicated home backup. It’s got just enough portability to still be reasonable in the bed of a truck, with a weight of 132 lbs and built-in wheels and handle, but has the capacity to expand up to a massive near 27kWh with expansion batteries, plenty for most home setups. It’s also got some nice features like the unique ability to output 240V and 120V simultaneously, plus a built-in 50 amp plug for power-hungry items.
Ecoflow Delta Pro 3
Size: 4-12kWh Capacity | 4000W Output
Weight: 113 lbs
Why Choose it: The Ecoflow Delta Pro 3 is a rock-solid unit that, similar to the Anker F3800, toes the line between portability and home backup. It offers 240V output, a dedicated 30 amp plug for RV’s etc., and a great output wattage of up to 8000W surge.
It’s also got one of our favorite secret weapons around, with the ability to pair with the Ecoflow Dual-Fuel Smart Generator 4000, a high-tech gas/propane generator. This gives you auto start-stop to charge ultra-efficiently, with no need to constantly monitor and restart. We love the generator’s ability to operate in any conditions, unlike solar, and operate on propane or gasoline. Storing power becomes as simple as stockpiling a few small propane tanks, rather than thousands and thousands of dollars worth of batteries.
Ecoflow Delta Pro Ultra
Size: 6-30kWh Capacity | 7200W Output
Weight: 186 lbs with one battery + inverter
Why Choose it: The Ecoflow Delta Pro Ultra is the gold standard for dedicated home backup power. Its massive output is capable of running just about any home system, even a 3-ton central air unit, and a single unit can be expanded up to 30kWh when paired with 5 batteries. These units can also be stacked up to 3x with the Ecoflow Smart Home Panel, giving you up to 21kW of output, and a staggering 90kWh of storage capacity, for the truly power-hungry household that wants to be able to run everything for as long as possible with no reliance on power generation.