The best power station is the model that suits the devices you want to use and how long you want to be able to use them without a power outlet. A larger battery always sounds better, but you also pay for it in price, weight and space. In this buying guide, we compare our four power stations on capacity, power, solar charging and price, so you can find out in a few minutes which one is right for you.
Would you rather read how to use a power station during a power outage first? Then check out our article power station during a power outage. This is all about making the right choice.
In short
- Phones, lighting and a compatible laptop: the compact 200 W / 192 Wh power station may be suitable. Always check the available connectors and your device's power requirements.
- Heavier devices or a home workspace: choose a model with 600 W and 299 Wh, such as the ALLPOWERS R600.
- Camping or being off the grid for longer: a set with a solar panel lets you recharge during the day.
- Kettle, hair dryer or electric heater: these require more power than a portable power station in this class can provide.
Step 1: how much power do you need (watts)?
The power in watts (W) determines which devices you can connect. Check the rating plate or the charger of each device to see how many watts it requires, and add up what you want to use at the same time. Leave some headroom below the continuous power of the power station.
- Charging a phone: approximately 10 to 25 W
- LED lamp: approximately 5 to 10 W
- Laptop: approximately 45 to 100 W
- Router and modem: approximately 10 to 20 W
- Small cooler (compressor): often 40 to 70 W while running
- Kettle or electric heater: 1,500 to 2,200 W
These are estimates; actual consumption varies by device. Devices with a motor or compressor briefly require more power when starting up. This is where peak power is important: the 600 W models below can briefly deliver up to 1,200 W.
Step 2: how much capacity do you need (Wh)?
The capacity in watt-hours (Wh) determines how long you can use those devices. A simple calculation: capacity × 0.8 ÷ consumption = number of hours. That 0.8 is a conservative correction, because some energy is always lost when converting battery power.
| Calculation example | 192 Wh | 299 Wh |
|---|---|---|
| Usable (approximately 80%) | approximately 150 Wh | approximately 240 Wh |
| 5 W LED lamp | approximately 30 hours | approximately 48 hours |
| 12 W router | approximately 12 hours | approximately 20 hours |
| 60 W laptop | approximately 2.5 hours | approximately 4 hours |
This is a calculation example, not a measurement. If you use multiple devices at the same time, add up their consumption. For one evening and night with light, phones and internet, a smaller model is often sufficient. If you want to get through a full working day with a laptop and screen, or several days without grid power, you will need 299 Wh or a set with a solar panel.
Step 3: do you want to be able to recharge with the sun?
You normally charge a power station via a power outlet. If the power is out for longer, or you are at a campsite without a connection, a solar panel is the way to recharge. Pay attention to two things: the maximum solar input of the power station and the power of the panel. A 200 W panel only delivers around that power in full sun; in the Dutch winter and when it is cloudy, the yield is much lower. Therefore, do not count on a full battery on a grey November day.
If you already have a suitable solar panel, a separate model may be cheaper. Otherwise, check out our portable solar panels.
Our power stations compared
| Model | Price | Capacity | Power | Solar charging | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power station 200W 60,000 mAh LiFePO4 | €149.95 | 192 Wh | 200 W | Separate panel, input up to 150 W | Phones, lamps, laptop; light and compact (1.8 kg) |
| ALLPOWERS R600 600W 299Wh | €249.95 | 299 Wh | 600 W, peak 1,200 W | Separate panel, input up to 220 W | Home and camper, with UPS function |
| ALLPOWERS R600 + 200W solar panel | €449.95 | 299 Wh | 600 W, peak 1,200 W | 200W folding panel included | Camping and being off the grid for longer |
| VTOMAN Jump 600X + 200W solar panel | €859.95 | 299 Wh | 600 W, peak 1,200 W | 200W IP67 panel included | Camper trips and off-grid use |
Prices checked on 11 November 2026; current prices may change.
The four models briefly discussed
Power station 200W 60,000 mAh LiFePO4 (192 Wh)
The entry-level and lightest of the four. With 192 Wh and 200 W output, it is intended for phones, power banks, lighting, a router and a laptop. It can be charged via USB-C PD 3.1, and with a separate solar panel up to 150 W. A good choice if you mainly want to secure light and communication or are looking for something compact for the car and camping.
ALLPOWERS R600 600W 299Wh
More power and more capacity. With 600 W continuous and 1,200 W peak, you can also connect heavier devices, such as a small cooler or a workspace with a laptop and screen. It charges via the power outlet up to 400 W, via the sun up to 220 W. According to the product information, the UPS function has a stated switching time of up to 10 ms. Check whether this suits your equipment; not all devices tolerate a brief interruption. You can also operate it via an app.
ALLPOWERS R600 with 200W solar panel
The same R600, together with a 200 W folding solar panel. Logical if you do not have the panel yet and solar energy is really part of your plan, for example for a camping week or an emergency supply for a longer power outage.
VTOMAN Jump 600X with 200W solar panel
Also 299 Wh, 600 W and 1,200 W peak, delivered with the VS200 200 W solar panel with IP67 protection against dust and water. This set is aimed at camper trips and mobile power use, where you regularly set up the panel outside.
Are you torn between two models? View all power stations side by side, with the specifications per model.
Power station or power bank?
If you only want to charge phones and small USB devices, a power bank is cheaper and lighter. A power station is useful when you need more capacity or output power, want to run compatible devices longer or power multiple devices simultaneously. Check that the selected model has the connections your devices require. Many people combine both: a power station at home, a power bank in the bag. Also check out our power banks.
Our choice
- For most households as emergency power: the Power station 200W (192 Wh). A compact option for lighting, phones and potentially a compatible laptop or router. Check connections and power requirements in advance.
- For those who want to connect more or work from home: the ALLPOWERS R600, because of 600 W, the larger battery and the UPS function.
- For camping and being off the grid for longer: the R600 with 200W solar panel, the most affordable set with a panel in our assortment.
A power station is one part of your preparation. Combine it with lighting, an emergency radio and water; see our collection prepare for a power outage.
Frequently asked questions about power stations
Which power station do I need for a power outage?
For lighting, phones, internet and a compatible laptop, 192 Wh and 200 W can be useful for temporary use; actual runtime depends on the devices connected. If you also want a cooler or want to bridge a longer time, choose around 300 Wh and 600 W, possibly with a solar panel.
Can I connect a refrigerator to a power station?
A small cooler or refrigerator often yes, provided the startup power remains below the peak power. A 600W model with 1,200 W peak is more suitable for this than a 200W model. How long it lasts depends on the consumption; check the rating plate.
Can I use a kettle or electric heater?
No. They usually require 1,500 to 2,200 W, more than these power stations deliver. For warmth, preferably use clothes, blankets and battery-powered heated clothing.
How long does it take to charge with a solar panel?
That depends heavily on the weather and the position of the panel. In full sun it goes the fastest; in winter and when it is cloudy it can take much longer. Therefore, charge your power station fully at home before you need it.
Can I take a power station on the plane?
No, generally not. These models have 192 to 299 Wh, and above 160 Wh lithium batteries are normally not allowed on board. Always check the rules of your airline.
How do I store a power station when I am not using it?
Store it dry and frost-free, and recharge it every few months so it is ready to use. For example, put the recharging in your calendar, together with checking your emergency supply.
Conclusion
Choose a power station in three steps: the power of your devices, how long you want to use them and whether you want to recharge via the sun. For basic emergency power at home, a compact model is often sufficient; for heavier devices or camping without a connection, choose 600 W and possibly a set with a solar panel. This way you do not buy larger than necessary, but also not too small.
