≈1 kWh
One critical load
A CPAP overnight, lights and a router. Calculate from your actual load.
Compare the same size →Best portable power stations (2026), by size and job
The best portable power stations at four sizes, from a small camping unit to a home-backup station, picked on usable energy, output, cycle life and expansion.
What do you need to run?
Sizes are calculated · rated Wh × 0.85
CPAP
Start with the wattage on your machine.
Fridge
Size from daily energy and start-up surge.
Gas furnace
Match your blower’s running and starting watts.
Home backup
Check output, voltage and expansion.
Solar
Match input watts and panel voltage.
Portable power
Compare capacity, output and carrying weight.
Four sizes. What each one runs.
≈2 kWh
A longer outage
More energy for refrigeration or a furnace blower. Check motor start-up demand.
Compare the same size →3–5 kWh
Home-backup loads
Larger appliances and longer cuts. Check 240 V support before choosing.
Compare the same size →Whole home
Expansion and integration
Add-on batteries and transfer equipment. Panel connections are electrician work.
Compare the same size →Find your page
Five terms that decide the size
- Capacity (Wh)
- Watt-hours measure stored energy. Rated capacity is the battery’s nameplate figure; usable AC energy is lower.
- Output (W)
- Continuous watts are what the station can sustain. Surge is a separate short peak. Boost modes do not count for motors.
- Voltage (V)
- A 120 V-only station cannot supply a 240 V appliance. Connections to a home panel require a licensed electrician.
- Solar input (W)
- The station’s input limit and voltage window cap the panels you can use. More panel watts do not override those limits.
- UPS switchover (ms)
- Published milliseconds describe the interruption when mains power fails. Check the appliance’s tolerance; this is not a medical backup guarantee.