In this article, I’ll be reviewing the 5 best portable battery generator in 2020, and provide an actionable Buyers Guide including a relevant FAQ section.
The portable battery generator market has so many options that it can be quite overwhelming.
Together, we’ll delve into what makes a portable battery generator great.
By reading, you’ll learn the specifics on how they work, how they’re used, their tech details and pros & cons, and how to find the best portable battery charger for your specific needs, and of course your budget.
After reading this article, you should be well informed about the current battery generator market in 2020 and you should be able to make an informed buying decision.
Best Portable Battery Generator for Camping
Jackery Explorer 240Wh
This portable power station is perfect for campers. It’s light and compact which makes it perfect for usage in a tent, and it’s perfect for storage.
This product is my personal favorite on the list and is an Amazon Best Seller!
Best Portable Battery Generator for Heavy Duty Usage & Outdoor
Goal Zero Yeti 400Wh
This battery generator has the greatest output on my list.
It’s ideal for powering large appliances or recharging personal devices many times. Its only downside is how big and bulky it is, limiting its travel capabilities.
Best Portable Battery Generator for Emergencies
SUAOKI 150Wh
If you’re concerned about a power outage and want to ensure that you can keep your personal devices charged in an emergency, the SUAOKI 150W is the best portable battery generator for you.
With a built-in LED flashlight, an efficient and compact design, this battery generator is perfect to help you in a pinch.
Best Portable Battery Generator for CPAP Machines
ROCKPALS 300W
If you possibly use a CPAP machine, this indeed could be the best portable battery generator for you.
It’s equipped with a specially designed backup CPAP battery that will keep the machine running for long periods of time.
Best Portable Battery Generator on a Budget
NEXPOW Portable Power Station
Don’t let the low-price fool you, the NEXPOW Portable Power Station is a great product.
Small and compact, this budget generator holds its own as an efficient power station.
You might be wondering, “What does all of this mean?”. If so, here are a few things you should know about portable generators.
Portable battery chargers are essentially giant rechargeable batteries.
They typically feature a few different types of charging outlets and can be recharged by a standard AC in wall socket.
Portable generators can be easily moved, unlike standby generators.
The industry rates the best portable battery generators based on the amount of power they produce, referred to as watts.
The more watts a generator can produce, the more electronics can be supported by it.
The primary advantages portable battery chargers hold over gas generators include:
- Less noise
- No emissions/ Environmentally Friendly
- More utility/ flexibility(i.e. personal devices, medium appliances)
- Compactness
- Portability
- Convenience
What Stats to Look For:
When browsing the web for the best portable battery generator, you’ll likely encounter terms you don’t understand.
Here’s a comprehensive yet simple explanation of all the terms you may encounter:
- Watts: The Watt is a standard unit of power used to measure how much electrical energy is being produced. The more watts a device uses, the more power needed to support the device.
- Watt-hours: A unit of measurement for power over time in hours. For example, a 100-Watt light bulb powered by a 400 Watt-hour battery will last for 4 hours. More Watt-hours means larger devices can be charged for longer periods of time.
- USB Port: A USB port is a cable connection that supplies small personal devices with power. These can be found on the sides of laptops, and are most commonly used to handle flash drives and charge smart phones, cameras, etc.
- AC Port: A common power plug that’s used to power most large devices. Can be found in the walls of buildings and homes.
- DC Port: A less common power plug typically used to power hand tools.
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What are the Best Portable Battery Generator in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- Jackery Explorer 240Wh | Best for Camping (Amazon Best Seller)
- Goal Zero Yeti 400Wh | Best for Heavy Duty Usage & Outdoor
- SUAOKI 150Wh | Best for Emergencies
- ROCKPALS 300W | Best for CPAP Machines
- NEXPOW Portable Power Station | Best on a Budget
Here, we will compare the stats of each device.
Starting with the name of the portable battery generator, the table will list how many full charges of each device the generator holds.
The generators are arranged in the order that they appeared on the list. This table will make it easier to identify the best portable battery generator for you.
Comparison Table for the Best Portable Battery Generator
| Generator | View on Amazon | iPhone Charges | GoPro Charges | Average Laptop Charges | 60W Drone | 60W TV | 60W Mini Fridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 240Wh | 24 | 40 | 4 | 3 | 3 h | 18 h | |
| Goal Zero Yeti 400Wh | 30 + | 70 + | 6 + | 4 | 5 h | 22 h | |
| SUAOKI 150Wh | 10 + | 18 + | 2 + | 4.5 | 1.2 h | 2.5 h | |
| ROCKPALS 300W | 25 + | 40 | 5 + | 10 | 4 h | 19 h | |
| NEXPOW Portable Power Station | 14 | 22 | 2 + | 2 | 2 h | 4 h |
Best Portable Battery Generator in 2021
1. Jackery Explorer 240 | Best Portable Battery Generator for Camping (Amazon Best Seller)
This portable power station is Amazon’s best seller for the category.
With a completely silent generator and eco-friendly fume-less battery, this is the best portable battery generator for campers that need reliable electricity and energy.
The Jackery Explorer 240 is equipped with 2 USB-A ports, ideal for charging cell phones.
It also has an AC outlet, similar to the ones in our homes. This allows users to plug in their laptops, televisions, projectors, etc.
One nice feature about this device is its backlit display that shows its battery percentage, input in Watts, and output in Watts.
The LED light is 5W and remains on for a minimum of 6 hours and a maximum of 21 hours, depending on the device’s level of usage.
Don’t worry about doing any heavy lifting, because this product is only 6.9 lbs. This very light generator can be easily carried for long distances and stored quite conveniently.
What’s great about this product is its multiple charging options.
You could use the included AC and DC charging cables, or you could use the Jackery SolarSaga 60, which uses a solar panel to charge the battery.
If you’re environmentally conscious and looking for the best portable battery generator for camping, the Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station is surely for you.
Important Features
- 240 watt-hour Battery
- 1 AC Outlet
- 2 USB-A Ports
- 1 DC Cigarette Lighter Port
- Multiple Charging Options
- Very light and compact
Pros
- Very small, compact device. Convenient for use in a tent, an RV, or a car
- Produces no sound whatsoever
- Has versatile charging ports with many options
- Multiple options for recharging
- Great for your budget
- Fairly durable
Cons
- Its small size limits the amount of charge it can hold. It has a relatively short battery life and must be recharged often under heavy usage
- Lack of internal/ external fan reduces the lifespan of the product, may overheat if used at maximum capacity for long periods of time
- Cannot support large appliances
- Cannot Support a CPAP machine for extended periods of time
2. Goal Zero Yeti 400 | Best Portable Battery Generator for Heavy Duty Usage & Outdoor
This is the best portable battery generator for heavy usage.
With a 396-watt-hour battery, this generator can be used to charge up to seven devices for a considerable amount of time.
With 2 USB-A ports, and 2 AC ports, you can charge several devices at the same time.
Additionally, this generator can support large appliances (fridges, ovens, small cars, electric scooters) for a short time.
The price is on the higher end because of how powerful this generator is.
It weighs 29 lbs., so it’s a bit too heavy for carrying on hikes and long expeditions.
Due to its large size and incredible power output, this is the best portable battery generator for use at home.
This product works greatly for outdoor usage (i.e. parties, barbecues).
Important Features
- 396 watt-hour Battery
- Continuous 300W, 600W pure sine wave inverter
- 2 USB-A ports
- 2 AC ports
- Can be combined with other battery generators for longer runtimes
Pros
- Incredibly powerful battery and battery life
- Can support large appliances for short periods of time
- Capable of charging several devices
- Can be linked together with other generators for even more power output
- Very durable
Cons
- Large, bulky
- Relatively Heavy
- Not the most convenient battery generator on the market
3. SUAOKI 150 | Best Portable Battery Generator for Emergencies
This portable battery generator is the most compact and efficient one on this list.
The SUAOKI 150 is the best portable battery charger for those looking for a small generator.
What’s unique about this product is the LED flashlights it features on its right side.
This generator has the best toolkit for emergencies of any kind. If the power goes out, you can keep your home lit and charge a few crucial devices.
You can also take the SUAOKI 150W with you when you travel. Weighing only 2.9 lbs., this generator is the lightest and most compact one on the list.
With 150 watt-hours, it is capable of charging small devices several times, but cannot support medium (TV, Mini fridge) or large appliances (fridges, ovens, small cars) for long periods.
If you’re looking for a small generator that’s easy to travel with, or something to keep you and your family safe and connected in a power outage, the SUAOKI 150W is the best portable battery generator for you.
Important Features
- 300 watt-hour Battery
- LED Flashlights for Emergencies/Camping
- 4 USB Ports
- 4 DC Ports
- 2 AC Outlets
- Compact and efficient
Pros
- Incredibly light & compact design
- Many charging ports despite its small size
- Built-in flashlights
- Very convenient
Cons
- With only 150 watt-hours, this generator has very limited power output
- Not ideal to use for long periods of time
- Not very durable
4. ROCKPALS 300W | Best Portable Battery Generator for CPAP Machines
This portable battery generator stands out for several reasons.
Relative to its weight, it has the highest capacity in the market. It’s truly impressive that this generator only weighs 7.3 lbs. with a capacity of 300 watt-hours.
Another feature that stands out for this one is its CPAP backup battery.
This allows users to power their CPAP machines overnight even in a power outage, at a camping trip, or any situation that may arise.
Equipped with 4 USB ports, 5 DC ports, and 1 AC port, this generator is quite the powerhouse.
Additionally, this generator has 3 different charging methods. It’s solar panel compatible, AC outlet compatible, and can be charged fully by a car charger.
If you’re looking for a reliable power source for your CPAP machine, and a powerful lightweight generator, this is the best portable battery generator for you.
Important Features
- 300 watt-hour Battery
- 280 watt-hour CPAP Backup Battery
- Highest Capacity Lightweight Generator
- 1 AC Outlet
- 4 USB Ports
- 5 DC Ports
Pros
- Unique CPAP backup battery
- Flashlight feature
- Versatile charging ports
- Three Recharge methods
Cons
- Despite its light weight, this product is quite bulky and blocky, making storage an issue
- Not very durable
5. NEXPOW Portable Power Station | Best Portable Battery Generator on a Budget
Coming in as the cheapest product on our list, the NEXPOW Portable Power Station is the best portable battery generator for shoppers on a budget.
This generator is very small which makes it ideal for brief outdoor usage. It’s a great product to take on short camping trips, or for use in your backyard.
With a 178-watt-hour battery, the NEXPOW Portable Power Station has an incredible power capacity for its price and size.
This product has 2 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 AC port, and 1 DC port.
If you’re looking to save some money and get powerful, lightweight charging station, the NEXPOW Portable Power station is the best portable battery generator for you.
Important Features
- 178 watt-hour battery
- 2 USB Ports
- 1 USB-C Port
- 1 AC Outlet
- 1 DC in/outlet
Pros
- Great price for the capacity of the battery
- Small, efficient design
- Three recharge options
Cons
- One of the weaker batteries on the list
- Not very durable
Best Portable Battery Generator (2021) — Buyers Guide
At this point, I’ve covered a vast amount of information to help you find the best portable battery generator for your specific needs and budget.
Now it’s time for you to evaluate exactly what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:
Why do I need a portable battery generator?
What will I use it for?
What specific traits are you looking for?
There are a lot of factors that go into an important tech purchase like this. Take some time and answer these questions on your own.
Now, we’ll take a look at some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and respective detailed answers to ensure you find the best portable battery charger.
How do I know if a generator is priced fairly?
The price of a portable battery generator is most commonly based on its output in Watts, a unit of power. Typically, the price will be very close to the device’s watt output.
Take the Jackery Explorer 240 for example. The price is about $249.99, which is an overall fair market price.
When shopping for a portable battery generator, always pay attention to this fact.
If a battery generator’s price is way beyond its output in Watts, it’s probably too expensive.
If a generator’s price is below its watt output, it may be poorly designed, or have a lower watt output than the seller claims.
Another factor to consider is any special features the product may have. Some, for example, have flashlights or built-in wheels and handles.
If the product has some special features, expect the price to be significantly higher than the wattage.
What is a Pure Sine-Wave Inverter in Portable Generators?
You might see some portable battery generators advertise that they use a Pure Sine-Wave Inverter.
This simply means that the electricity output by the battery won’t damage the device that it’s charging.
Pure Sine-Wave refers to the frequency at which electricity is transferred from the battery to the device it’s charging.
With a Pure Sine-Wave, electricity will be smoothly delivered without overcharging or “frying” the battery of the smaller device.
How do I ensure that my generator is durable?
Durability and safety are important factors especially when using a portable battery generator outdoors.
For example, if it rains while you’re using your portable generator, you’ll have a dangerous electrocution problem on your hands.
Depending on your intended use for the generator, check for certain specifications that pertain to hazards you may encounter while you use the product.
If you’re bringing your generator to a campsite, see if the generator has a waterproof feature, or bring something to cover it in the event that it rains.
If you’re running your generator in a hot environment, make sure that it has a cooling mechanism to ensure that it doesn’t overheat.
Consider the circumstances in which you’re planning to use the generator and look for features that will ensure your safety and protect the generator from damage.
If the generator you want doesn’t have the right protective features, take some steps on your own to ensure safety.
What are battery lifecycles?
A lifecycle refers to how long batteries can function and maintain their intended capacity. Using a battery from 100% to 0% capacity indicates one whole cycle.
Depending on the chemistry of a battery’s composition, you can expect different lifespan lengths from battery to battery.
For example, Lead-based batteries typically have 200-300 cycles, while Lithium-ion batteries tend to work for 500-800 cycles.
Depending on how long you intend to use your battery, pay attention to the chemical composition of the battery.
Look for the Lithium-ion battery if you plan on using the battery generator for a significantly long time.
If you only need a battery generator for a short period, don’t worry too much about this factor.
Typically, Lithium-ion batteries will cost more because of their long lifecycles.
Balance how much you want to spend with how long you intend to use the battery, and it should be easy to decide the best portable battery generator for you.
What’s the cheapest best portable battery generator?
If you’re looking for a budget friendly battery generator that’s also quality, I recommend the NEXPOW Portable Power Station.
This generator is a steal at only about $99.99 on Amazon. It’s a surprisingly quality product despite its modest price.
Beware of buying products that are too cheap and always buy from trustworthy sellers.
Portable battery generators are complex devices and need to be manufactured with care. If not, they could be defective and possibly dangerous.
Price isn’t an issue. What’s the most powerful battery generator I can buy?
If you’re looking for raw power, and you’re not on a budget, I recommend the MAXOAK Power Station. It is not on my list just because of its price and bulky size, which makes it not that portable actually.
This portable power station costs about $1999.99 and delivers a whopping 2400 watt-hours for devices up to 1000W. This device is the definition of heavy-duty and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.
It’s incredibly durable and has some of the most powerful output in its class. With 4 USB, 2 AC, and 1 DC outlet, this powerhouse of a battery generator can power you, your family, and your friends comfortably for a significant period of time.
The only downside about this product is how big and bulky it is. Weighing in at 48.5 lbs., this battery generator would be incredibly difficult to carry over long distances.
If, however, you manage to move this beast of a device to your destination, know that all of your charging needs will be met.
Why would I need a portable battery generator?
If you’re on the fence about buying a portable power station, here’s a few things you should think about.
Do you go camping frequently? If so, how long do you camp for?
Do you spend a lot of time outside, or host outdoor events such as barbecues/ parties?
Do you travel frequently? Or do you constantly find your devices out of battery with no wall outlet available?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, I strongly suggest you purchase a portable battery generator.
Portable battery generators are essentially charging power stations for all of your personal devices. They come in many shapes, sizes, and prices, so it won’t be any trouble to find the perfect one for your needs.
If you’ve been camping recently, you may be familiar with the inconvenience of returning to your car every time you need to charge your phone.
With a portable battery generator, this isn’t an issue. You can charge several devices many times during your camping trip, so you’ll never have to worry about your phone dying before getting that awesome picture.
If you have a lot of people over at home for a backyard barbecue or a party, it’s inevitable for phones and other devices to run out of battery. A portable power station is the perfect solution for keeping everyone’s devices charged.
If you embark on road trips often, keeping your phone charged for navigation and/or music is very important. If your car isn’t equipped with a car charger, this can quite a problem.
With a small, compact portable battery generator, this problem is a thing of the past. You can even charge all of your passengers’ devices simultaneously.
Essentially, there are endless ways that you could use a portable battery charger in your daily life.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or endless budget, looking for something to charge your phone or power your TV, there will be a portable battery generator for you.
Best Portable Battery Generator (2021) — Conclusions
There are tons of options in the portable battery generator market. So many that it can be pretty overwhelming when trying to pick the right one.
All of the facts and figures can be pretty confusing, and all of the different brands and stats to choose from can leave you confused.
In the end, all that matters is that you make a buying decision that you’re happy with.
Always remember what your intentions coming into the searching process. Stay focused on your goal and you’ll have no trouble finding your best portable battery generator.
Here, I’ll summarize the main points I’ve covered in this review article:
1. Best Portable Battery Generator for Camping:
It is definitely the Jackery Explorer 240W! This battery generator is my personal favorite on the list and is an Amazon Best Seller!
It is an overall great product. It’s lightweight, compact, and has an impressive power output considering its small size.
2. Best Portable Battery Generator for Heavy Duty Usage & Outdoor:
It is surely the Goal Zero Yeti 400W. This portable generator is perfect for those who want to get the most power out of their generator.
It’s perfect for powering large appliances or recharging personal devices many times.
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is the most powerful generator on this list.
3. Best Portable Battery Generator for Emergencies:
The SUAOKI 150W is the perfect generator to help you in a power outage.
Equipped with an LED flashlight and a small compact design, this efficient battery generator is perfect for emergencies.
4. Best Portable Battery Generator for CPAP Machines:
The ROCKPALS 300W is perfect for those using a CPAP machine.
It has a built-in CPAP specific backup battery. This allows you to use your CPAP machine on the go, or during a power outage with no worry.
5. Best Portable Battery Generator on a Budget
The final entry on our list, the NEXPOW Portable Power Station, is the best generator for your budget.
Coming in at only about $99.99, it is a compact and efficient power station perfect for those on a budget.
After reading this, you should be well-equipped and ready to purchase the best portable battery generator for you.
We took a look at the best picks and went through their features.
I gave you a look into the stats that make these portable battery generators so great, and we compared the top generators so that you can make the best possible decision.
