If you're a regular camper or a homeowner that wants a reliable backup in the event of a power outage, a portable generator is a convenient option.
What's even better is a portable generator that is battery powered. Smaller in size and much more convenient, they are much easier to transport and likely to be appreciated by avid adventurers who require a lightweight generator on their excursions.
Unlike those that are gas-powered, a portable battery generator produces a lower volume of sound when functioning and can be used safely indoors.
Simply plug your appliances into the outlets and then you are ready to go.
We have scowered the market and reviewed our top five picks of the best portable battery generators.
Although the market centers largely around gas-powered generators, do not be put off as there are many portable battery generators available.
If you are a little uncertain as to what factors you should consider before making your purchase, we have taken the hard work out of the process and highlighted all of our top tips in the buyer's guide below.
If you don't have the time to continue reading, you will find our top pick of the best portable battery generator below.
OUR TOP PICK
From a brand that specializes in the production of outdoor power equipment, this Jackery portable lithium battery power station is an excellent option.
Boasting a sturdy design, this generator is going to cater to all of your power needs from camping to fishing trips, or for use as a backup in a power shortage.
Producing 200 watts of power, this station has a lithium-ion battery pack that makes it easy to take with you on the go. Aside from this, it weighs a minimal 3 kilograms and measures 5.19 x 9.05 x 7.67" for convenient portability.
This generator produces clean, eco-friendly power that is suitable for charging laptops, mini coolers, and other electronics.
Thanks to the multiple outlets including an AC outlet, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 DC carport, you don't have to face the struggle of being left without power.
Impressively, this power station can be charged in one of the two following ways. It can either be recharged using solar panels that can be purchased separately or by plugging it into a wall or car outlet.
Pros
- It's lightweight and designed with a handle for convenient portability.
- Multiple outlets mean that you can power up to 4 devices at once.
- You can recharge the generator in many ways for greater convenience.
- The LCD shows generator data when it is in use.
- This station holds its battery for a decent amount of time.
Cons
- This power station is a little expensive which may be unreasonable for those who are on a budget.
EDITORS CHOICE
Compactly designed, this power station measures 7.26" x 4.31"x4.67" and weighs only 2000 grams.
Courtesy of the lightweight design, this generator can easily be carried with you on the go. It also has convenient handles that can be folded away when they are not in use.
This power station features multiple ports to cater to all of your powering needs. Whether you're hoping to power a phone, laptop, camera, drone, or bulbs, etc., this station allows you to enjoy all of your outdoor expeditions with a convenient power source to hand.
It also has a quick charge outlet that can charge your devices with speed should you require them with immediacy.
Conveniently, you can recharge this power station in three different ways. You may wish to utilize solar power and charge your station this way, however, it is necessary to note that the charge time is going to be dependent on the type of solar panel used.
Additionally, you can also charge your power station via a wall or car outlet. Using an adapter to charge it at home is likely to consume around 7-8 hours while charging in a car using a 12v adapter is likely to take around 11 hours.
We particularly like the additional features presented by this power station. Incorporated into the design is an LED indicator panel which informs you of the battery status so that you can be prepared for when it requires charging.
It also has a built-in flashlight that is going to be useful on occasions where you require an emergency light source.
Pros
- This power station is covered with a 30 day money back guarantee and a 24 month warranty.
- It is very compact and lightweight.
- Multiple outlets allow you to charge a variety of appliances at once.
- The LED displays indicate the battery power status of the station.
- It has a built-in flashlight that is useful in the event of an emergency.
Cons
- This power station can take a while to charge so it is necessary to prepare for this beforehand.
BEST VALUE
Boasting multiple power outlets, the FlashFish Portable Power Station is sure to cater to all of your needs.
The outlets include an AC outlet, multiple DC outlets, and a standard USB port along with 2 quick charge USB ports.
Whether you're looking for an emergency backup for home use or a station to power your phones, laptops, or cameras, etc as you embark on your outdoor expeditions, the FlashFish power station has you covered.
Though it may be small and lightweight at only 4.07 lbs, this station certainly doesn't compromise on performance. The built-in handle also makes it much easier to transport to different locations though it is small enough to fit into a backpack if needed.
Just like our previous picks, this generator features an LCD screen that presents the data regarding the battery status and the power source that is being used.
A favorable feature is the quick charge option as this allows your appliances quicker than using a standard outlet.
Impressively, this generator has you covered in regards to safety. It offers short circuit protection, overcurrent protection, overcharging protection, and more.
It can also be charged in three different ways. If you choose you can charge it via a solar panel that needs to be purchased separately, or you can charge it at home or in the car.
Pros
- This generator is covered with a 12 month warranty.
- It can be used to power CPAP machines in one of two ways.
- You can charge this power station via three methods for greater convenience.
- It has a built-in handle for convenience when it comes to transporting your generator.
- The LCD shows the charge status of the battery.
Cons
- Some may not find it powerful enough to deliver the long-lasting use that they need.
RUNNER UP
With an impressive output of 150 watts, this generator has been designed with an upgraded polymer lithium battery that delivers great performance.
Thanks to the addition of multiple outlets you can charge a range of appliances including your phone, tablets or small home appliances, etc.
This power station weighs 3.1 pounds making it a super lightweight option. It also features a flexible handle for convenient transportation between locations, whether you simply require this generator as a backup solution or to take with you on the go, the smaller size makes it an excellent choice.
The safety of yourself and your appliances has been accounted for thanks to the battery management system.
This monitors the voltage, current, and temperature to ensure that the station is safe for both you and your appliances and doesn't present any risks. Impressively, this power station can be used as a torch should you require a source of emergency lighting.
Recharging this generator is easy and can be done in multiple ways. You can charge it using a solar panel that requires an additional purchase and can take around 8 - 10 hours.
Additionally, you may wish to charge it using your car and this is going to take 4-5 hours. Other options include the use of another generator or a wall socket at home.
Pros
- Affordably priced, this generator is great for those on a budget.
- This product is covered with lifetime technical support and a 90 day warranty.
- The data can be viewed easily via the LCD screen.
- It features multiple charging ports for user convenience.
- It can be used as a torch if you require an emergency light source.
Cons
- The quality of this power station could be improved for long-lasting use.
RUNNER UP
This Aeisuny Portable Battery Solar Generator has a 500 watt power outage and multiple ports to cater to all of your power and charging needs.
Regardless of the situation that you find yourself in, whether you are looking for a backup generator or one for traveling, vacations, or outdoor activities, this station could be an ideal choice for you.
A great thing about this generator is that it produces clean and stable power thanks to the pure sine wave technology. This ensures that your appliances and devices are powered and charged safely like they would be using power from home.
The range of ports includes 3 AC outlets, 4 DC ports, and 4 USB ports each providing a generous amount of power.
Similarly to our previous picks, this generator can be charged in multiple ways.
A solar panel can charge the power station within 8-10 years but this is going to require an additional purchase. Other ways include an AC wall outlet or the outlet in your car.
Impressively, this solar generator is super lightweight at only 7.05Lb with dimensions measuring 12.70 x 5.91 x8.66". It is also designed with a handle that makes it much easier to carry in between locations.
Pros
- The generator can be used as a torch in situations where you require emergency light.
- It is covered with a 12 month warranty should you experience any issues.
- It has an impressive 500 watt power outage.
- It features multiple ports to cater to all of your powering needs.
- It is lightweight and has a handle for easy portability.
Cons
- It retails within an expensive price range which may make it unsuitable for those on a budget.
Best Portable Battery Generator Buying Guide
We have listed multiple factors that we would recommend you considering before investing in your portable battery generator.
There are many different models available so it is important to ensure that you select the best unit that is going to be the most compatible with your needs.
The Wattage
The wattage refers to the amount of power that is produced by the generator and it can differ between brands. It is necessary to expect that a generator of a smaller size isn't likely to be as powerful as a larger generator but needless to say they remain to be excellent in terms of quality and performance.
The wattage can differ significantly between portable generator models. You may find a low wattage model sufficient if you solely intend to charge your smartphones etc. However, you may opt for a generator with a more generous wattage capacity if you intend to charge small appliances too.
The LCD Screen
The LCD screen displays the data of the power station when it is in use with a particular focus on the battery status and the outlet that is in use.
This keeps you informed of the battery so that you can ensure that it is sufficiently charged before each use.
The Outlets
The number of outlets is going to determine how many appliances can be charged at once. The specifications of the generator will state how many outlets it has.
Most also come with USB ports that allow you to charge your phone and laptop etc. with ease.
Many of the outlets have fast charging capabilities that allow for faster charging of your devices.
While this may not be an issue for all individuals it does come in useful should you require a charged device in an emergency.
Charging the Station
A great thing about many of these generators is that they can be charged in multiple ways. Most of them utilize solar power which means that they can be charged via a solar panel once they are exposed to the sun.
It is important to note that in most cases the solar panel isn't included with the generator and requires an additional purchase. You can also charge your power station using the adapter and a wall outlet inside your home. This is useful if you would prefer to charge the station before each use so you know that it has a sufficient amount of battery.
Other ways include using another generator or the outlet inside the car. The amount of time that it takes the generator to charge can differ depending on the method used and the particular model of your generator.
Portability
Of course, this guide aimed to find generators that are portable and battery-powered.
The majority are super compact and lightweight that makes them convenient for taking with you on the go. If you intend on using this generator for a vacation or an outdoor expedition, you don't want it to be heavy and awkward to carry, hence why the addition of handles is preferable.
Some will be sturdily built, while others may be foldable handles that can be hidden away when they are not in use. You will also find some generators that are small enough to fit inside a backpack which eliminates the need to carry it at all.
Durability
Your generator should be robustly designed to withstand frequent use.
Using the generator as an accompaniment to your outdoor adventures means that it needs to be hardy enough to withstand the harshness of the outdoors.
There may be occasions where you accidentally lose grip of the generator and so a robust exterior is going to prevent it from becoming damaged.
It is also worth checking whether your generator of choice features temperature and voltage control to ensure that it is safe for both you and your appliances.
Emergency Light Source
A great thing about many of these power stations is that they can also be used as torches should you require a light source in an emergency.
As most are small with a handle for convenient portability, you can use the station to project the light source onto the area ahead. This also makes them useful for night time use.
The Cost
Battery-powered portable generators can retail at various prices with some seeming much more affordable than others.
It is worth having a budget in mind before browsing the market so that you can cater your purchase to this.
Regardless of the price, your station should perform well and be made to a high standard for excellent durability.
The Warranty
It is advisable to opt for a product that is covered by a warranty.
The warranty ensures that you are covered should you receive a defective or faulty generator and can also provide support if you have any concerns surrounding the functionality of the generator.
The length of the warranty can differ between the brands and it is often a reflection of the manufacturer's confidence in their product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are battery-powered generators good?
Battery-powered generators boast several benefits. They are generally quieter and are safe for indoor use.
They tend to come in particularly handy for providing power as a backup and can power lights as well as charging phones.
How long do battery-powered portable generators last?
Portable generators tend to last for a shorter amount of time than most other models. Many factors can contribute to the lifespan of your generator such as the quality of the engine.
Generally, a portable generator is likely to last for around 1000 to 2000 hours. Of course, you are going to need to replace the battery within this time.
It is recommended that you change the battery around every 2 years, even if they are still working as this makes them much more efficient in terms of performance.
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Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.