Practical guide
Can you take a portable power station on a plane?
Check portable power station flight limits: 100 Wh, 160 Wh, airline approval, cabin packing and a 128 Wh example.
Guides
Portable power station buying guides
Start with your question, then find the models worth comparing.
How power stations work
Practical guide
Can a portable power station keep a router running overnight?
Plan overnight router power from the router and modem load, station overhead and ECO settings, then check whether the internet connection will work.
Practical guide
Power station settings to check before a trip or power cut
Check output switches, power-saving mode and charging speed before you need the station. Use the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 walkthrough below as a model-specific example, then check your own manual.
Buying guide
Does a portable power station work without Wi-Fi or an app?
You can operate the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2’s main outputs from its physical buttons. Apps add settings and remote control; the functions available without a connection vary by model.
Explainer
What can a power station run, and for how long?
Check watts to see whether a station can power your equipment, then watt-hours to estimate how long it might last. Small loads also need an allowance for the station itself.
Start here
Buying guide
How to build a portable power station load budget
List your devices, estimate their average draw and decide the time between charges. Build a load budget before using the capacity calculator.
Buying guide
Compare the station, not just the headline
Regional configurations, battery bundles and missing information can change what looks like a simple comparison.
Choose your setup
Practical guide
How much battery power does a market stall need?
Work out a market stall's battery requirement from lights, connectivity and checkout, then allow for setup, a late finish and outdoor cable safety.
Practical guide
Can you use any solar panel with a portable power station?
Check voltage, current, input power and connection requirements before using a solar panel with a portable power station, with EcoFlow and Jackery examples.
Practical guide
Portable power stations for camping: what to look for
Choose camping power around your devices, trip length, carrying limit and charging options. A practical guide with an illustrative energy budget.
Practical guide
Power for a 360 photo booth: size the whole event setup
Plan battery power for a 360 photo booth, lighting, tablet and router. Separate motor peak power from event energy and prepare for a delayed finish.
Practical guide
UK power-cut preparation: what to keep at home
A practical UK power-cut plan: official household supplies guidance, phone charging, essential loads and where a portable battery can help.
Buying and ownership
Buying guide
Choosing a power station brand: five checks before buying
Compare the exact model, local seller, accessories and repair route. A familiar logo alone does not answer those questions.
Buying guide
What does “4,000 cycles” mean on a portable power station?
“4,000 cycles” describes battery wear, not an expiry date. On the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, the claim means 70% of original capacity remains after that many cycles.
Buying guide
Portable power station warranties: what to check before buying
Check the seller, extension conditions and return route. A long warranty headline is only part of the ownership decision.
Buying guide
Expansion battery or larger power station: what actually changes?
See how an expansion battery changes storage without necessarily changing AC output, using the UK EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus as a concrete example.
Regulation explained
EU battery passports: what to ask about a large power station
The everyday word portable is not a legal battery category. For larger stations, ask which battery classification and market date apply.