Best Small Power Stations of 2024 – Portable Power for Emergencies & Using on the Go Use!

Nov 25

2024 has been a blockbuster year for small power stations. With new releases from all of the big brands, as well as a bunch of newer companies also coming to the table with solid options, there has never been a better time to pick up a portable power station.

Here at The Solar Lab, we tested a ton of these units throughout the year, putting them through real-world tests to separate the top performers from the total flops. Even though smaller power stations are often seen as the entry point into the world of solar and backup power, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really solid options out there that pack a punch.

While we’ve reviewed plenty of these 2024 releases with their articles and videos, we decided that we’re going to narrow things down and share our top picks of the year in one place. So, this list will cover our favorites power stations in the 300Wh to 2,000Wh range.

Whether you’re a camper looking for on-the-go power, a creative professional looking to keep your devices charged during outings, or you just want a budget-friendly and reliable source of backup power for blackouts, we’ve got you covered.

To make things even easier and more affordable, we’ll provide links to individual reviews for each power station that we cover, as well as any exclusive discounts we were able to track down. Let’s get started!

The Best Small Power Stations of 2024

Rather than ranking these power stations according to how much we liked and would recommend them, we decided to list them from smallest to largest. Since no two people are going to have the exact same power requirements, we figured it would make more sense to start out with the smaller power stations, then get into some of the more medium-sized units, so you can find the unit that matches your needs and budget the best.

But rest assured, every single power station you see on this list impressed us, and we feel totally confident recommending them to our readers.

We’ll even publish another video and article discussing the top big power stations of the year. So, if you’re looking for something a little more powerful than the options discussed in this list, consider checking out that review roundup as well.

But for now, let’s get back to our list of the best small power stations of the year, starting with the tiniest unit on our list.

1. The Anker C300X Portable Power Station

Battery Capacity: 288Wh
Inverter: 300W

The Anker C300X is a sleek little powerhouse that earned its spot on this list partially for its quiet performance, but mostly for its compact and efficient design.

Its standout feature? The incredible portability. With a detachable strap, you can sling this lightweight unit over your shoulder for camping trips, hikes, or basically carrying it anywhere that you need power. It also offers a nice variety of ports for such a small unit, including three 120-volt AC plugs, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a 12-volt car socket.

For those who need fewer AC plugs, and want to save a bit of cash, Anker also offers a DC-only version, which is smaller, cheaper, and includes a dome light—perfect for minimalist adventurers.

If you’re looking for something that’s incredibly portable, this compact and lightweight little unit is pretty much the size of a shoebox, but it can still pack a punch. It gets two thumbs up from us; however, we’re still not sure what the difference is between the C300 and the C300X, so it still confuses us a bit.

2. DJI Power 500

Battery Capacity: 512Wh
Inverter: 1,000W

Next up, we have the DJI Power 500. If you’re unfamiliar with DJI, they’re an incredibly well-known tech company that mostly focuses on high-quality drones, cameras, and camera stabilizers. Just a little while back, they announced that they were going to venture into the world of power stations. When we heard this, we were pumped, and truth be told, DJI has definitely lived up to the hype.

Given the brand’s main focus is drones and camera equipment, it’s not overly surprising that they also designed the Power 500 with creative professionals in mind. DJI made this unit practically silent, which is true even if you have its 1,000W inverter running at full capacity.

In fact, the only thing we have ever tested that came close to the Power 500’s whisper quiet operation is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, which is a huge whole home power station that costs about $6,000.

In practical terms, this near silent operation is ideal for those hoping to power devices while recording or editing, or even just working silently at a desk while their laptop is charging.

It also features an SDC port for fast-charging DJI drones and cameras, and the whole unit has a compact and highly portable design. With all of the input and output ports being forward-facing, meaning they’re easier to access, and a handle for easy transport, this little unit is perfect for creative types and remote professionals on the go.

On top of all that, its 1,000W inverter can deliver a consistently high output. That 512Wh battery inside the Power 500 also charges really quickly, making the unit an all-around great option.

3. DJI Power 1000

Battery Capacity: 1,024Wh
Inverter: 2,200W

When we said DJI nailed their entry into the portable power station market, we really meant it. Enter the second DJI power station on our list—the DJI Power 1000, which acts as the big brother to the Power 500.

Basically, the Power 1000 is just a ramped-up version of the Power 500. It offers double the battery capacity and an inverter that can deliver more than twice the output power. Despite the increase in power, it manages to maintain the same silent operation and user-friendly design that we saw with the Power 500.

You also get dual SDC ports for charging DJI gear, so it’s perfect for power outages or outdoor shoots. You get two grounded AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, and everything is forward-facing. To make it even more portable, you have the option to pick up a carrying bag that fits the unit perfectly, has a padded strap, and has pockets to store your cables.

From our perspective, the Power 1000 sits right in the goldilocks zone for power stations. It’s big and powerful enough to run demanding appliances, like refrigerators, but still small and compact enough to be a practical option for camping and on-the-go use.

Basically, it’s just an all-around great unit that really impressed us and really earned its spot on our list of the best small power stations of 2024.

4. EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus

Battery Capacity: 1,024Wh
Inverter: 1,800W

For those of you who are familiar with the world of power stations, it’s not going to be a surprise to see the name EcoFlow on this list.

This brand continues to impress with high-quality power stations and seamless integration across its product lineup. As it turns out, the brand-new, budget-friendly EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus is a really solid addition to the EcoFlow family.

What impressed us the most about this unit is the fact that it is expandable and backwards compatible with older EcoFlow expansion batteries, making it a great addition to an existing setup.

While it seems that EcoFlow will be launching batteries made specifically for expanding this unit, it’s currently compatible with expansion batteries designed for the DELTA Max, DELTA 2, DELTA Pro, and the DELTA Pro 3.

This backwards compatibility is a really thoughtful design decision that should help certain users save some serious money. On top of that, it works with EcoFlow’s existing app, which makes it really user-friendly, and helps when pairing it with any existing EcoFlow products that you might own.

Another highlight is the separate solar charging ports, allowing simultaneous use of all plugs without sacrificing solar input. With the DJI units, the SDC ports double as the solar inputs, but EcoFlow tends to give their units separate plugs, so you don’t lose anything if you connect this thing to solar panels.

Speaking of ports, it features a really impressive array of output ports, including SIX 120V AC outlets (three grounded and three ungrounded). For a power station of this size, having six wall ports is wild. Plus, you get the standard array of USB-A and C ports, as well as a 12V DC outlet, which is great for camping accessories and appliances.

While we did run into a bit of an overheating issue when we first tested this unit, EcoFlow addressed the problem, promptly replacing our unit with one that worked perfectly. From what we’ve read, it seems like the original unit was just a weird dud, and nobody else seems to have dealt with this issue. So, while we were skeptical at first, it turns out it was an anomaly, and EcoFlow stepped up with really solid customer service!

5. Anker C800X Power Station

Battery Capacity: 768Wh
Inverter: 1,200W

While every single unit on this list impressed us, the Anker C800X was able to carve out a spot as our personal favorite small power station of the year because of its simplicity and versatility.

One of the many things that made it our favorite also happens to be one of its most unique features—the built-in, removable lights that charge directly through the power station.

These removable LED lights are perfect for camping situations, RV trips, or power outages. They even include an extendable, telescopic handle to help you elevate the lights. All of the lights can fit inside the top compartment, which is also where they’re charged. So, if a blackout happens, or you arrive at your campsite after dark, you automatically know that you’ve got charged up flashlights ready to go.

Beyond this really cool feature, it’s also just a very capable power station. With five fully grounded AC plugs, a 12-volt port, compatibility with the Anker app, and the ability to be fully charged in less than one hour, you’ve got a small power station that punches well above its weight. Plus, it’s available at a really great price. What’s not to love?

6. The Pecron E1500LFP (A.K.A. Mr. Pecky)

Battery Capacity: 1,536Wh
Inverter: 2,200W

We affectionately nicknamed this workhorse of a power station “Mr. Pecky,” and the truth is, the Pecron E1500LFP offers incredible value for its price. While it may be a bit ugly, and it does not come with the same brand reputation that you get with power stations we covered above, it’s actually a pretty capable unit that is available at a more than fair price.

With durable rubber corners that allow it to take a beating, a top-mounted wireless charging pad, and an impressive array of output ports, it’s a great option for those who are just looking for something that’s practical, but won’t break the bank.

Its companion app is also surprisingly good, which isn’t something you usually get with these lesser-known brands. Another feature that you don’t really get with relatively unknown brands is expandability, so you can add batteries if your storage capacity needs grow, or you just get a little bit more wiggle room with your budget in the future.

If you’re looking to save some money without compromising on features, “Mr. Pecky” might just be your best option.

7. The OUPES Mega 2

Battery Capacity: 2,048Wh
Inverter: 2,500W

The largest unit on our list, the OUPES Mega 2 (pronounced “Opus”, not “Oops”), is ideal for users needing serious power at a budget-friendly price.

While the brand’s weird name might raise eyebrows, the Mega 2’s performance doesn’t disappoint. With a massive battery bank and powerful inverter, it’s a great option for extended trips or more demanding backup needs.

Another thing that we liked about this power station, and just the brand in general, is the fact that when you need to call them, they have U.S.-based customer support. Not only do they actually pick up the phone, they’re willing to provide really friendly and helpful support, which isn’t just a rarity with lesser-known brands, it’s something that is lacking across the entire power station industry.

It’s also the first unit on our list that has a built-in 30-amp plug, which is great for those with RVs. Beyond that, it has four AC plugs, a 12V port, and a variety of USB-A and USB-C ports.

Another really cool thing about this unit is the fact that it can be connected with expansion batteries that can function independently of the main Mega 2 unit. Typically, expansion batteries are basically just bricks that need a main unit for you to be able to pull power from them, but OUPES designed their expansion batteries with their own output ports, which we think is just really useful.

OUPES may not be the first brand that springs to mind when you think about power stations, but if they keep churning out solid options like the Mega 2, they might just become a household name.

8. The Anker F2000

Battery Capacity: 2,048Wh
Inverter: 2,400W

Finally, we have another unit from Anker—the F2000. It might sound like the type of name you’d give a fighter jet, but it’s a really solid power station. Like Tiny Baby himself, the Anker F2000 is a hugely powerful unit in a relatively small package.

You get a 30-amp plug, four AC outlets, all of the typical USB ports for charging portable devices, and two DC plugs. A hugely appealing feature is the built-in suitcase-style handle and durable wheels, which ensure you can easily pull this big boy around without having to worry about blowing out your back. Like most Anker units, it also has their signature “unibrow-style” light on the front, which would come in handy during blackouts and camping trips.

Something that is unique about this relatively new power station is the fact that Anker is rumored to be phasing it out soon because the larger F2600 is selling so well. What this means is that you can snag an amazing deal on the F2000 if you order one before they’re fully sold out.

So, if you want a high-performance power station from a reputable brand, but you don’t want to pay a lot for it, the Anker F2000 could be a great option.

Our Final Words

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a creative type that needs remote power, or just want to be prepared for the unexpected, 2024 has delivered some stellar small power stations. Each unit we’ve reviewed offers unique advantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Don’t forget to check out the individual reviews we did for each of these power stations if you want a little bit more of an in-depth breakdown of what they have to offer. And, as promised, we have some of the best deals we could find for each unit listed below!