Can You charge a portable power station while using it?

Yes, you can charge your power station while using it. Just make sure the power source matches your station's specifications. This way, you'll keep it running and extend its usability during your adventures. Are Portable Power Stations Safe for Indoor Use?

Do portable power stations make camping better?

A good portable power station makes camping better. These devices power lights, phones, and small appliances when you’re outdoors. We spent three months testing power stations to find the best portable power stations for camping. We tested 30 portable power stations over 12 camping trips.

How do I charge a portable power station?

All portable power stations can be charged from a wall outlet and should come with a charging cable. Some power stations can also be charged via a car port from your vehicle or a solar port from solar panels. Make sure you check that the ports you want are available and necessary cables are included.

Does a power station have a smart charging output?

Almost every power station today will incorporate some type of smart charging output, which will modulate the power based on the needs of the device being charged. Some power stations, like the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 and Yoshino Power B4000 SST, incorporate Qi wireless charging surfaces on their exteriors.

Are portable power stations expensive?

Updated June 2025: We’ve added a Bluetti model, honorable mentions from EcoFlow and Acer, and a testing and FAQ section. Portable power stations can be very expensive, but discounts, sales, and deals are common. If you can afford to wait, you can likely get your chosen power station for less than the listed MSRP. Figure out how much power you need.

What accessories do you need for a portable power station?

One of the most common accessories is going to be a cord to connect to similar power stations in series, often times doubling your power output. Some portable power stations have a light bar built into the housing, which is useful for seeing at night. Anker’s Solix C300 also includes a pop-up camping light.