The Best Power Banks & Power Stations for Power Outages in 2026

By Ian Freng-Meeteer
Updated November 11, 2026

During an outage, keeping phones, lights, a router or a CPAP running makes a huge difference, and the right power bank for power outages is what makes that possible. My #1 is EcoFlow’s Delta: I own the Delta 2, which has been replaced by the newer Delta 3 with the same 1024Wh capacity. The rest of the list covers another full-size station, a compact DC-only station, a high-capacity pocket power bank and a solar-ready station for longer outages.

Best power banks for power outages compared

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How to choose the best power bank for power outages

I own the EcoFlow Delta 2, and the Delta 3 is its direct replacement. The others are chosen from research and owner reviews. Check what you actually need to power: add up the watts of the devices you’d run and how many hours you need them.

1. EcoFlow Delta 3: best overall

I own the Delta 2, which handled high-drain appliances and recharged extremely fast. The Delta 3 replaces it with the same 1024Wh capacity, 1800W output and a long-life LiFePO4 battery, enough for a fridge in short bursts, lights, phones and a router through a typical outage.

Where it falls short: it’s heavy to carry and expensive.

2. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2: most versatile

Jackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 offers similar capacity with a simple interface, a good fit for outages at home and car camping.

Where it falls short: it’s heavy, like all stations in this class.

3. Anker SOLIX C300 DC: best compact

A compact 288Wh station that keeps phones, laptops, lights and routers running. Note that this is the DC version: it has USB and car-style outlets but no standard AC plugs.

Where it falls short: no AC outlets, so it can’t run devices with standard wall plugs.

4. Anker 737 Power Bank: lightest

A true power bank: 24,000mAh and up to 140W output, enough to recharge phones several times or top up a laptop. It’s the one to keep in a go-bag.

Where it falls short: far less capacity than a power station, so it’s for phones and small electronics only.

5. BLUETTI AC180: best for solar

The AC180 offers a lot of capacity for the price and works well with solar panels, the best way to keep going through a multi-day outage.

Where it falls short: it’s heavy, and solar panels are a separate purchase.

How much power do you need?

• Phones and lights: a power bank or small station (200–300Wh) is plenty.
• Router, laptop, CPAP: 500–1000Wh covers a night or more.
• Refrigerator: a 1000Wh+ station can run one for several hours. Run it in intervals to stretch capacity.
• Never run gas generators indoors, and never use them near windows or doors. Battery stations are safe indoors.

Power station vs. solar generator

A “solar generator” is just a portable power station paired with solar panels. The station stores and delivers the power; the panels recharge it. For short outages, a charged power station is enough. For multi-day outages, adding solar panels lets you keep recharging without the grid or a gas generator.

How to use a power bank for power outages safely

• Keep it charged: top up your power bank for power outages every few months and before storm season.
• Prioritize loads: phones, lights, router and medical devices first; run a fridge in intervals.
• Use it indoors safely: battery stations produce no fumes, unlike gas generators, which must never run indoors.
• Avoid overloading: stay under the station’s continuous watt rating.
• Store it cool and dry at partial charge if it’ll sit for months.

Power bank for power outages FAQ

What is the best power bank for power outages?

For home essentials, the EcoFlow Delta 3 (the successor to the Delta 2 I own). For phones and a go-bag, the Anker 737 power bank.

How many watt-hours do I need to survive a blackout?

Add up the watts of what you’ll run and multiply by the hours. Phones and lights need a few hundred watt-hours; a router, laptop or CPAP overnight needs 500–1,000Wh; running a fridge in intervals needs 1,000Wh or more.

Can you use a power bank for a refrigerator?

Not a pocket power bank. A 1,000Wh-class power station can run a typical fridge for several hours, longer if you run it in intervals and keep the door closed.

What’s the difference between a portable power station and a solar generator?

They’re the same battery unit; “solar generator” just means it’s paired with solar panels for recharging.

How do I recharge my power bank during a long power outage?

Use solar panels, your car’s 12V outlet, or recharge whenever power briefly returns. Keep the unit topped up before storm season.

Are power banks safe to use indoors?

Yes. Battery power stations produce no fumes, unlike gas generators, which must never be run indoors or near windows.

How long do portable power stations last?

LiFePO4 models like the EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker and BLUETTI here are rated for thousands of charge cycles, typically many years of use.

Final thoughts on the best power banks for power outages

Don’t let the next blackout catch you unprepared. A full-size power station covers home essentials, and a pocket power bank keeps phones alive in a go-bag. Charge both before storm season and test them a couple of times a year.