Those who have suffered power outages understand the frustration of living without power. Imagine having to live without power in this day and age; we were supposed to colonize planets, travel in flying cars, living in ultra-modern homes by this time! Instead, we are still dealing with infuriating power cuts because everything in your house runs on electricity. Without power, life comes to a grinding halt.
Irrespective of how modern your home may be or how many smart appliances you’ve got there, it’s all worthless without power. That’s where a quality backup generator becomes a lifesaver, as it restores a semblance of modern amenities in your life. It doesn’t matter whether the generator is used as a backup power supply for use in emergency power outages or for recreational purposes when you go camping in your RV trailer, it’s become an essential power source for everyone.
Some consumers prefer to use generators to have an extra electricity source to power the tools they use daily in their profession or trade. We understand that not everyone understands how to buy the best generators for home backup and have reviewed the top options in the market with a buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction.
Products Reviewed in This Article
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top 3 Best Generators for Home Backup Compared
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Generators for Home Backup Reviews
Our Top Pick Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer E240 Solar Generator
The Jackery Portable Power Station is designed for outdoor use and can power your car or RV, making it perfect for camping trips and outdoor expeditions. This lightweight generator will be the life of the party at tailgate or backyard parties as it’s lithium battery pack has 240Wh capacity that will charge all your devices.
The Jackery E240 portable power station is portable and easy to carry thanks making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want an on-the-go power source for their devices and equipment. It is designed to power electronics for outdoor camping and for emergencies. Be advised that this portable generator won’t charge devices rated over 200Wh, so check the power rating of the electronic before charging it.
The generator is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS), along with short circuit protection, temperature control, voltage control, and more advanced safety options to keep your gear charged and ready.
PROS
- Quiet generator
- Eco-friendly clean power
- Outdoor camping battery
- Solar ready recharging
CONS
- Not the highest voltage capacity for charging
PRYMAX Portable Power Station
The Prymax Portable Power Station has 298Wh, which is enough to power all your electronics on-the-go. It only weighs 6.5 pounds and has an easy-carry handle making it perfect for excursions, camping trips, and anywhere else you may need power. It doesn’t require any gasoline, so there are no toxic fumes to worry about, and you can safely use it inside your tent, car, or house.
The Prymax portable power station has two pure sine wave AC outlets that ensure a safer charge for sensitive devices. The built-in Smart and Silent Cooling Fan will turn on the fan automatically when the unit gets hotter to maintain a constant temperature. The low-noise and gas-free design mean that it is environmentally friendly and perfect for home use.
The upgraded lithium battery is built with protection for short circuit, electromagnetic field, recovery protection, high/low temperature, overvoltage, overcurrent, overpower, overcharge, and is also RoHs certificated.
PROS
- 298Wh large capacity battery
- Super multiple ports
- Safer charging for sensitive devices
- Compact and portable
CONS
- The unit may not always work as specified
AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator
The AIMTON portable solar generator is another solid choice for home backup or an outdoor power source and comes with enough battery power to charge all your electronics. That makes it the perfect generator for tailgate parties, home improvement projects, and camping expeditions.
The best part is that it only weighs 3.48 pounds, and the ergonomic handle ensures that you can carry it anywhere without any worries and get a ready power source for any electronic appliance. This portable power station runs quietly and won’t disturb you or others when you’re sleeping, thanks to its built-in power inverter technology.
The built-in BMS protects against overcurrent, over-temperature, overvoltage, and ensures your devices are protected during charging. There is also an in-built fan to prevent overheating and safe for use with cellphones, laptops, tablets, drones, and more.
PROS
- Massive 42000mAh battery covers all your needs
- Powers all your devices
- Portable power station
- Quiet and efficient power
- Advanced battery management system
CONS
- Takes a long time to recharge
ENKEEO Power Station 155
The ENKEEO Power Station offers you a different way to power up your appliances as it is lithium-battery powered. It comes with 3 USB ports, 2 US standard AC outlets, 2 DC jacks, and 3 recharging ways making it perfect for outdoor camping trips and for a reliable source during power outages.
The battery pack takes about 7 hours to charge from 20% to 100% through an AC wall outlet, and since it’s a solar generator, it can be recharged by the sun with any 50W or 100W compatible solar panel. All you need to do is plug-n-play as it features multiple electrical safe protections, including overcharge, overheat, short circuit, and has an ultra-quiet fan that you can barely hear.
ENKEEO Power Station 155 features a powerful 155Wh battery, allowing the power station to fully charge your phones or tablets multiple times and runs outdoor electronic devices for hours. It also doubles up as a portable wall outlet, emergency torch, DC output power station, and a USB power bank.
PROS
- Quiet outdoor green power station charger
- 155Wh power station can charge seven devices simultaneously
- Recharged by three methods
- Plug-and-play, safe protections
- 24 months product warranty
CONS
- Does not power all devices efficiently
ZEEPIN Portable Power Station Generator
The ZEEPIN Portable Power Station generator is another great choice for home backup power or an outdoor emergency power source. It has a clear LCD digital display and LED light that conveniently shows you the remaining power and output status.
The 4W LED emergency light can switch lighting between strobe and SOS modes and offers continuous lighting for nearly 50 hours at full power. The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) offers seven safety protections that include overcharge, short circuit, overheat, and more.
The ZEEPIN Portable Power supply generator is what you need for outdoor gatherings, hunting trips, fishing expeditions, and camping trips. This high-power portable generator can easily charge electronics like computers, laptops, smartphones, fans, drones, cameras, LED lights, etc.
PROS
- 222Wh (60000mAh) portable generator with AC outlet
- Support multiple ways recharging and output
- Clear LCD digital display and LED light
- Risk-free and reliable power source
- Built-in battery management system
CONS
- Doesn’t have the best energy output
Best Generators for Home Backup Buyers Guide
Portable battery-powered stations are in great demand because they provide immediate access to dependable power supply outdoors. It means saying goodbye to annoying power outages as you’ll have an immediate power source to run any of your gadgets or appliances. It’s a generator that you can carry with you anywhere when you’re camping outdoors or if there is a power cut in your home.
The best part about portable power stations is that they don’t look anything like generators, and while a generator runs on gasoline, portable power stations are battery-powered. You can also recharge the battery in multiple ways and don’t need to worry about noise or toxic fumes. If you’re in the market for a portable power generator for home backup or outdoor use, these are the features you must consider:
Features to Consider for a Portable Power Generator for Home Backup
Battery Capacity and Output Rating
The most important feature to look for in a portable power station is the battery capacity of that unit as it determines how efficiently it will charge your devices. Wattage output is the main factor, and before you choose one, you must evaluate how often you’re going to be using the power station. When it comes to the type of battery, always opt for lithium-ion batteries as they can be easily recharged and designed to store charging power for extended periods.
These batteries also have a long lifespan and are perfect for portable power stations. When deciding on capacity, individual preferences are given a lot of importance because only you know what devices you’re going to be charging with this power station. It’s recommended to always go for higher battery capacity as it ensures that you can charge multiple devices at the same time. Keep in mind that the higher the battery capacity, the more expensive the power station is going to be, so only opt for high battery capacity if money is not an issue for you.
Rated and Maximum Output
The wattage amount or the voltage that is supplied by the power station determines what the generator can support in terms of charging potential. If the power station has a low output, you’ll only be able to use it for smaller devices, and you won’t be able to charge multiple devices at the same time.
However, if you choose a portable power station with a higher wattage, you’ll manage to charge larger devices and might even be able to run appliances like fans or lights if the wattage output is high. What you shouldn’t do is charge it or run a large device on a small capacity power station as it may cause an accident and damage your device.
What It Can Power
You must have certain devices in mind that you plan on charging and running with a portable power station. So, before buying one, make sure that it is compatible with different appliances before you purchase it. This is important because the basic requirements for laptops and smartphones are different, and some sensitive electronic devices require a power source with a pure sine wave.
Size and Weight
The purpose of a portable power station is to be handy when there is no power source, and even though most power stations market themselves as portable, only some of them are suitable for outdoor use. If you plan on using the power station at home, you can opt for bigger and heavier generators. For those of you planning on using the power station on-the-go, it’s best to opt for lighter power stations.
Power Sources
If a portable power station runs out of charge, it becomes useless. So, you should always opt for one that has several recharging options. That makes it easier for you to recharge the power station when you’re traveling.
The standard AC plugins can be used when you’re charging at home, the DC plugins are great for when you’re in the car, and you can even recharge some portable power stations with solar energy as well.
Ease of Use
The portable power station that you intend to purchase should not only be easy to carry but easy to use, and you don’t want to fiddle with a lot of buttons or go through manuals on the road. Most portable power stations come with an LCD screen that acts as a battery indicator, allowing you to quickly check on the battery and keep the supply charged before it runs out entirely.
You could make things easier for yourself by opting for a portable power station that comes with various plugin options, allowing you to recharge the power station with ease.
Warranty
Most portable power stations from renowned brands do come with a warranty, but they don’t extend over a long period. The maximum warranty offered on a portable power station is 24 months, and some companies only offer a 1-year warranty. So, ensure that you get your hands on a portable power station that has a decent warranty that covers the battery, which is the most expensive part.
Extra Features
You obviously want to get the most out of your portable power station, so plan on buying one that comes with extra features. These aren’t essential to the primary function of the power station, but they do make things convenient for you, especially when you’re on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
We know that there are always going to be questions asked by users about generators and home backup power stations, as not everyone has a great experience buying home generators. We’ve made things easier by highlighting some of the frequently asked questions by people looking for the best generators for home backup.
If you’ve got any questions we haven’t answered, please let us know in the comments or reach out to us through our email. Here are the most frequently asked questions for the best home generators:
What’s the Best Way to Charge a Portable Power Station?
There’s no ‘Best’ way to charge a portable power station because different devices have different charging options available to them. So, it all comes down to what is the most convenient option for you, depending on your situation. The market is flooded with portable battery power stations that can be charged in 3 different ways.
You can either plug it into an AC power outlet and recharge or charge it in the car through a car charger. Modern portable power stations also have the option to charge with solar panels, but you’ll need to buy a solar panel separately to charge your portable power station.
Can I Travel on an Airplane with My Portable Power Station?
It’s not easy to travel with a portable power station on an airplane as you’ll need to check your local airport rules. Most commercial airlines don’t allow passengers to put their power supplies in their checked luggage, but there are no limits or restrictions for carry-on luggage.
However, there are exceptions in every case, and even though airport officials don’t object to portable power stations, they may not let you carry a power supply that is big and heavy. Moreover, it’s not a great idea to travel on an airplane with a portable power station as you’ll only be lugging it around.
How Long with the Battery Life Last and When Do I Replace It?
Most portable power stations come with lithium-ion batteries, which are subject to wear and tear with prolonged and extensive use. These batteries don’t have a long lifespan and generally tend to last somewhere around two to three years at full capacity, even if you use them sparingly.
You’ll notice a dip in performance when the batteries are nearly depleted, which will be your cue to get the batteries replaced. Don’t wait for the batteries to stop working before replacing them entirely.
Do All Portable Power Stations Have an In-built Inverter?
Another name for portable power stations is battery-powered inverter generators because they will act as inverters or generators when you require an emergency power source. They are oversized rechargeable batteries that you can use to store power that can be used at an appropriate time.
Can I Charge My Devices from the Power Station While It is Charging?
There’s nothing stopping you from charging your devices while your power station is charging, but it’s recommended that you don’t do that. This is because you may start working on the device while it is charging from the power station, and you may end up damaging your device. The power station will also not perform to its full potential, and it will take longer to charge your device.
Conclusion
We hope that we’ve made your search for the best generators for home backup easier with this in-depth guide and review article. All the power stations we have listed and reviewed come with their own pros and cons, and the best option comes down to personal preference. We have highlighted our top pick for its ease-of-use, battery output, price, and overall compatibility with devices which is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer E240.
As always, be vigilant and read all the reviews before purchasing any product. We hope that you find the best portable generator for your home use and for your travels. Good luck.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station has been featured as the "Best Portable Power Station for use in the outdoors" by Digital Trends. A classic choice for your pick.
- EASY TO CARRY: This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds. The solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as Tent Camping, Road Trip, Backyard Camping, etc.
- VERSATILE POWER SOURCE: 1* Pure Sine Wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2* USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and 1* 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station can be recharged by the Jackery SolarSaga 60 solar panel or SolarSaga 100 solar panel. Its built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at its max power point for the power station to be recharged at its highest efficiency. TWO alternative ways to recharge: through the wall outlet or the car outlet.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station, 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide.
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
