These Highly Rated Portable Power Stations Are Lifesavers During A Blackout (2024)

Amazon rating:4.7 out of 5 stars

Jakcery power banks are a hot commodityand for good reason. They're easy to use, surprisingly powerful and aren't total eyesores. The Explorer 500 has a 518Wh capacity to power mid- and smaller-watt devices like mini-fridges, projectors and lights (and it can also charge your phone 53 times). It's about the size of a basketball and has one AC port, three USB-A ports and two DC ports. It takes 7.5 hours to fully charge from a wall outlet (it comes with a car charger port, too) and can also be powered by the optionalJackery SolarSaga 100W portable solar panel.

Promising review: "In February 2021, we had a late winter freeze with rolling blackouts. Even though my entire neighborhood was without electricity for several days, my Jackery Explorer 500 was able to keep my cell phone charged, and I was able to run the small fan in the evenings.This Jackery Explorer 500 packs a big punch, do not let its size fool you, it was able to power my ARB fridge for 2 1/2 days without a single charge. One of my favorite features is being able to charge it through my vehicle's 12-volt outlet and solar panel in addition to a regular outlet. I carry my Jackery everywhere I go, especially to the hunting blind. Instead of using propane heaters which are costly and dangerous, I now take my Jackery and a heated blanket with me, much safer and quieter." —Jesse I.

Amazon rating:4.5 out of 5 stars

For under $200, this Grecell power bank packs a big punch. Use it for your personal techs like phones and tablets but also CPAP devices, TVs, and mini-fridges in an emergency (it has an output of up to 330W). Its multiple outlets let you power up to eight devices at once and you can recharge it in your car when you need more juice.

Promising review: "Recently had a power outage due to winter storm. The Grecell 2000 was on hand when needed. I was able to bring the router, TV, and computer online to stay updated and safe.And kept the space heater going to keep the chill off. Would definitely recommend this product and plan on purchasing a third one. The versatility of the charging inputs and the outputs were a big factor when deciding on the purchase." —Amazon customer

Amazon rating:4.4 out of 5 stars

Another small but mighty option, this handy 80Wh power bank has a large LED light on one side for extra safety. It weighs just over two pounds, so it is extra easy to carry with you, and has cooling vents on the back to regulate its temperature. Use it to recharge smaller appliances and elections like your phone or tablet or nightlights and radios.

Promising review: "I got this after thesnow-maggedon events Texas went thru last February. It’s small, just 6inches x6inches. So it stores away easily. It has a handle you can carry from place to place. The charge lasts a long time, and I can easily charge my iPhone from it.I can even plug in my coffee grinder and grind my beans. The light is bright enough to read by and to use as a flashlight outside. I ended up ordering another one of these for my family." —Texas Mama

Amazon rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

In colder months, you don't want to get caught with a dead car battery. This handy device can jumpstart your car but also works as a portable power bank for cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets. It has flashlight for extra safety measures and notably works in temperatures as low as -4 degrees, whereas many otherlithium ion jump startersare likely to become less effective in the cold.

Promising review: "This jump pack has gotten me started in the dead of winter multiple times on a single charge. And then it’s been great to offer to others when they need a jump as well and I don’t have long enough cables to reach them. I really couldn’t ask for a better tool to have in the car just in case." —Max