Looking for a power station but don’t want to spend a grand on a cool gadget you barely ever use? Don’t worry, you don’t have to! There are plenty of great options even at a very low budget available.
This article compares the four best portable power stations under $300 for backup power, camping, CPAP machines, and more. And if these aren’t quite right for you, there’s a fifth option as well!
We will start by briefly going through the main features you should look out for, but first, if you are short on time: The Jackery Explorer 300 is our top pick for outdoor adventures like camping, while the EcoFlow River 2 is the best value and quality at a low price point.
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Best Outdoor
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Best Value
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.9
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$ 299
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$ 239
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Factors to Consider
Before we dive into the comparisons and reviews, let’s take a quick look at the most important factors that should influence your decision.
Make sure to think about your use case as well – what and where will you be using the power station? What kind of devices will you need to power, and for how long? Read our ultimate buying guide to power stations if you need help with this step!
With that in mind, let’s start.
Capacity and Output
One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a power station is its capacity and output. Measured in watt-hours (Wh), capacity determines the amount of power that the station can store and provide. A higher capacity means that it can supply power for a longer period. Make sure to choose a power station with enough capacity to handle your devices and appliances.
Additionally, pay attention to the station’s output (measured in watts), as it indicates the maximum power it can deliver at any given time. Make sure that the power station’s output matches the total wattage of the devices you plan to connect to it.
The Capacity in watt-hours (Wh) defines how long you can power devices, while the Output in watts (W) limits what kind of devices you can power.
Recommended Minimum Output
With 200W or more, even low-budget power stations can power most small devices like smartphones, laptops, lights, small heaters & fans, CPAP machines, and other small devices like speakers or cameras.
If you have a specific device in mind that needs to be charged or powered by the power station, check how much power out it needs to make sure that 200W is enough.
Portability
If you’ll be using the power station outdoors, portability is an essential factor to consider. Check the dimensions and weight of the power station to ensure that it’s easy to carry and transport. Some power stations come with handles or wheels for added convenience, so be on the lookout for these features if ease of transportation is a priority for you.
Charging Options
It’s also important to consider the charging options for your power station. Most power stations can be charged via a standard wall outlet, but some models also offer solar and car charging options for added versatility.
Solar charging can be especially useful for outdoor activities, while car charging allows you to power up your station on the go. Consider your intended use and choose a power station with suitable charging options.
Output Ports
The number and type of output ports on a power station determine the range of devices you can connect. Ensure that the power station has enough ports for your needs and that they’re compatible with your devices. Common output ports include USB, AC, and DC outlets, with some models offering additional features like USB-C or quick charge ports for faster charging.
Safety Features
Safety should never be compromised when dealing with electricity. Look for power stations that come with built-in safety features, such as over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection. These features help prevent accidents and ensure that your devices are safe during use.
However, all high-quality brands come with reliable safety features. You will usually only run into problems like these when buying cheap power stations, which is why we don’t recommend that.
Pick #1: Jackery Explorer 300
Jackery is producing high-quality portable power stations since 2016 and has sold over 2 million units since then – for good reason! Their durable power stations are especially good for outdoor use, where many competitors can’t offer the same toughness and reliability.
Power & Capacity
- Power: 300 W
- Capacity: 293 Wh
- AC recharge time: 4.5 hours
- 100W Solar Panel: 5 hours
- 500 charge cycles to 80% capacity
Portability
- Weight: 7.1 lb (3.2 kg)
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 in (23 x 13.3 x 19.9 cm)
Hint: Make sure to check both the official website and Amazon for the best deal!
Pick #2: EcoFlow River 2
EcoFlow is another company on a mission to innovate power solutions for personal use – since 2017, they have built up a small selection of state-of-the-art devices covering everything from small portable power stations to complete home systems for energy independence. And their smallest model is just affordable enough to make it on this list!
Power & Capacity
- Power: 300 W
- Capacity: 256 Wh
- AC recharge time: 1 hour
- 100W Solar Panel: 3 hours
- 3000 charge cycles to 80% capacity
Portability
- Weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (24.4 x 21.6 x 14.5 cm)
Pick #3: Anker PowerHouse 521
As part of the Anker Innovations group, Anker is known for high-tech power stations that are well-designed and powerful while still very competitively priced. With the handle and drop-proof case, this is another portable power station under $300 that is great for outdoor activities and camping trips!
Power & Capacity
- Power: 200 W
- Capacity: 256 Wh
- AC recharge time: 2 hour
- 3000 charge cycles to 80% capacity
Portability
- Weight: 9.6 lb (4.3 kg)
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.3 x5.7 in (21.6 x 21.1 x 14.4cm)
Pick #4: BLUETTI EB3A
The BLUETTI EB3A is a futuristic-looking portable power station like all the previous ones, even though they only got started in 2020. One feature that sets the BLUETTI EB3A apart is its 1,200 Watt surge capacity, allowing you to use devices with a far higher surge power than their regular power consumption, which other power stations might not be able to handle.
Power & Capacity
- Power: 300 W
- Capacity: 268 Wh
- AC recharge time: 1.5 hour
- 2500 charge cycles to 80% capacity
Portability
- Weight: 10.1 lb (4.6 kg)
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.2 x 7.1 in (26.4 x 18.3 x 18.0cm)
Pick #5: Portable Power Bank
If you are looking for a power station that is small, portable, and most importantly, budget-friendly – maybe you don’t need a power station at all! If all you need to charge is your smartphone, camera, or other small digital devices, a simple portable power bank might be another option.
With 4 foldable solar panels, this power bank can be charged on the go if you are on longer trips, has enough power capacity to charge a modern smartphone anywhere from 7-20 times with a single charge, and is much smaller and lighter than the power stations at only 1.3 lb (0.58 kg).
However, while even some laptops can be charged via USB with a power bank like this one, it’s not suitable for anything bigger, as it doesn’t have AC or DC ports and not enough power or capacity to support larger electronic devices.
- Lightweight at only 1.3 lb
- Charge smartphones 7-20 times
Comparing the Top Power Stations under $300
Still can’t decide? Make sure you know what you are looking for and what you will need your power station for, then keep reading! The following table should help you get a clear overview of our top picks and how they stack up against each other!
| Property | Explorer 300 | River 2 | PowerHouse 521 | EB3A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 W | 300 W | 200 W | 300 W |
| Capacity | 293 Wh | 256 Wh | 256 Wh | 268 Wh |
| Ports | ||||
| AC | 2x 300W | 2x 300W | 2x 200W | 2x 300W |
| AC Surge | 500W | 600W | 450W | 1200W |
| USB-A | 2x | 2x | 2x | 2x |
| USB-C | 1x | 1x | 1x | 1x |
| Facts | ||||
| Lifecycle | 500 cycles | 3,000 cycles | 3,000 cycles | 2,500 cycles |
| Cell Type | Li-ion NMC | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
Conclusion
There are only a handful of leading brands for power stations right now, and their products are closely matched. However, they all still have some minor differences that can make a certain brand or product more useful for your specific situation and requirements!
For hobby use, a portable power station under $300 can be entirely sufficient, while people who will use one regularly or professionally should invest a little more in a powerful model and possibly solar panels to be entirely energy independent when necessary!