Which power station is right for me?

Five quick questions. You get the capacity (Wh) and output (W) you need, and the models from our price-checked quick picks that meet them. The math is shown.

The selector

1. What is it mainly for?

Power outages at home Camping, tailgating, road trips Tools or remote work Phones, laptops and lights only

2. Everything you might run at the same time adds up to about…

Add the watts on the labels of the devices you would run together. Motors and compressors can need more for a moment at startup, so check the surge rating too.

3. On average, your devices draw about how many watts?

Average watts

A fridge cycles on and off, so its average is well below its label. Not sure? Use the runtime calculator to add up each device.

4. How many hours do you need between recharges?

Hours

5. Budget

Up to $500 Up to $1,000 No limit

Optional: do you need 240 V?

Well pumps, central air, electric dryers and ranges often run on 240 V.

No / not sure Yes

Press “Show my result”.

Runs in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere. Models and prices come from our quick picks, read from each brand's own product page on Nov 3, 2026. We have not tested these products.

How the selector decides

Capacity needed (Wh) = average watts × hours ÷ 0.85. The 85% is an assumption for inverter and conversion losses, the same one our runtime calculator uses. It is not a measured figure for any model.

Output needed (W) is the top of the range you picked in question 2. A model only matches if the brand lists a rated AC output at least that high.

Budget uses the price on the brand's own site when we checked, which changes often.

Frequently asked questions

What size power station do I need?

Multiply the average watts you will draw by the hours you need, then divide by about 0.85 to allow for conversion losses. For example, 100 W for 12 hours is 1,200 Wh ÷ 0.85, or about 1,412 Wh of rated capacity.

What matters more, Wh or W?

Both. Watt-hours (Wh) set how long it lasts. Watts (W) set how much it can run at the same time. A big battery with a small inverter still cannot run a high-wattage device.

Did you test these models?

No. We have not tested these products. The selector uses brand-listed capacity and output figures and a stated efficiency assumption.