The recipe for a portable power station is simple: a large battery capacity coupled with a high-power inverter for the core. Add to this a few USB ports in all formats, a car adapter and finally, ways to recharge the batteries with an eye on being fast. Something of course has to be enclosed in a hard shell and the unit is good to go anywhere when the lights go out.
Things such as volume, weight, battery chemistry, and novelty have been considered in this guide to be more objective. Testing includes running the mobile app for stations equipped with Wi-Fi and upgrading the firmware when needed. In addition to the charge and discharge cycles, we went beyond the maximum power allowed on each generator. And observed a successful recovery from the overvoltage protection.
Here we listed the best generators for apartments and discussed what makes them best for you.
#1. EcoFlow Delta 1300
The EcoFlow Delta 1300 is a portable power station that can power your devices and tools in the event of an emergency, power failure, or when you are on vacation off the grid.
The device has standard overload and temperature protection.
The device case is made of high-grade aluminum and sturdy plastic, equipped with two carrying handles. The EcoFlow Delta 1300 can power most home appliances, including those with sensitive electronics.
For example, you can power lights, hair dryers, microwave ovens, electric kettles, frying pans, refrigerators, and even CPAP machines.
With this, I can charge my smartphone more than 180 times and my Macbook about 20 times.
This power station is packed with charging ports, including six AC outlets and two USB-C ports. At nearly 31 pounds, you won’t want to carry it far, but it is significantly lighter than comparable power stations.
#2. Jackery Explorer 1000
Jackery also sent two of the optional 100W SolarSaga solar panels to recharge the station. They are sold in pairs for $299. As the name suggests, each panel must provide 100W of power to charge the power station. With two solar panels, Jackery estimates you'll be able to recharge the station in eight hours. We've tested them several times - in direct sunlight, cloudy and blizzard conditions, and we were never able to lose 200W of power from both panels. Instead, the wattage monitor will display a maximum of 114W to 116W in direct sunlight. In the shade, that number drops to 6W.
Instead of the 8-hour charging time that Jackery boasts, it took us almost 15 hours to charge with solar under ideal conditions. We usually leave the panels installed outside and run the cables to the power station inside a garage (covered from the weather) and let it charge for a few days in the sun. It's not ideal, but it worked. The
Explorer 1000 costs $1,000, even more with optional solar panels. Jackery makes smaller versions for different budgets and needs. In the end, though, the Explorer 1000 does it all. For someone who needs an indoor generator for apartment uses as a backup, this will do the job.
#3. Ego Power+ Nexus
The Ego Power + Nexus mobile power station is by far the most complete and versatile power station. At the front of the station is a large, bright display that shows the remaining battery life, including the exact charging time. Conversely, when charging the batteries installed on the gas, it will tell you how long until all the batteries are full. Each battery slot is displayed on the screen, letting you know that the station has correctly recognized the pack. It also shows what type of battery is being charged and its current level.
You can even connect your smartphone to the station via Bluetooth or WiFi to see its current stats. Useful if you want to make sure the battery is fully charged before going to bed or just want to check its general condition.
There's a power button on the front of the base, along with buttons for the USB port section and an AC button for turning on standard wall outlets. Both port sections have protective covers that open at the push of a button.
#4. Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is not designed to power an apartment full of appliances during the last days of the year.
But if you're frugal or want a portable power station to charge your phones and other electronics, it's well worth the money. The
518 Wh battery can charge an average laptop seven times or charge your phone more than 50 times. You can also use it to power a mini cooler, 60W TV, or CPAP machine.
If you're sensitive to power consumption, the Explorer 500 should give you enough power for a few days of moderate use (e.g. powering the CPAP machine overnight and the cooler and phone during the day. days) or a week. use light.
It does not have a fast charge module, so it will take about 14 hours to fully charge the generating station from the solar panel in direct sunlight (eight hours from an AC outlet).
#5. Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000
Zendure is trying to make a name for itself in the generator scene and has a good chance to do so with its latest device. SuperBase Pro 2000 has all the essential elements of a modern powerhouse.
One high capacity battery, one flexible inverter that can exceed rated power 2kW without failure, WiFi/4G connectivity and multiple USB sockets. The other two key components are very fast charging times and super competitive prices.
Another plus is that SuperBase can be used as an inverter, charging the battery only when needed while connected to the grid. What's missing is a stable mobile app and no USBA socket, which older phones still use.
The sizable standby current draining the battery even when turned off is also a concern but Zendure has promised to fix this with a firmware update.
