Best Portable Power Stations (UK 2026)

Quick answer — which power station?

For most people wanting a 1kWh unit, the four to shortlist are the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus, EcoFlow DELTA 2, Bluetti AC180 and Anker SOLIX C1000. All use LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which last for thousands of charge cycles and are more stable than older lithium chemistries. All offer around 1,000–1,150Wh of storage and roughly 1,800W of mains output. The differences are in weight, how fast they recharge from the mains, whether you can add extra batteries later, and the app. If you might expand later, look at Jackery or EcoFlow. If you want the most capacity for the money, compare the Bluetti. Prices move constantly, often by £100 or more in sales, so check before you buy.

Watt-hours explained — how long will it run things?

Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). A 1,000Wh unit can, in theory, supply 100W for ten hours. In practice you lose 10–15% converting to mains power, so plan on about 850Wh usable from the AC sockets. A compressor cool box averages perhaps 30–50W over a day depending on the weather, so a 1kWh unit can run one for roughly a day and a half to two days. A laptop is 50–90W while charging. A 2kW kettle or hair dryer will either trip the unit or flatten it in well under an hour — power stations are for small loads over long periods, not for heating. Always check the label on the appliance rather than guessing.

Charging from the car — the important bit

Most power stations come with a 12-volt car charging lead that plugs into a cigarette-lighter socket. That socket is usually fused at 10–15 amps, so charging is slow — about 100–120W, meaning eight to ten hours of driving to fill a 1kWh unit. Some cars also switch the socket off when the ignition is off, and some leave it live, which can flatten your starter battery if you leave the lead plugged in overnight. For faster charging on the move, some brands sell an alternator charger, and that needs proper fitting with correct cable sizes and fusing. Bob's advice: never run a thin extension lead or a cheap splitter from the 12-volt socket — that's how wiring overheats.

Cold weather in Scotland

Lithium batteries don't like charging below freezing. Most power stations will discharge in the cold but refuse to charge, or charge very slowly, until the cells warm up. If you keep one in an unheated van or garage over winter, bring it indoors to charge, and store it around half full rather than flat or completely full. Check the manufacturer's stated charging temperature range before buying if you plan to use it on winter trips.

Solar charging

All four accept solar panels through a built-in charge controller. In a Scottish winter, though, even a large panel may only give a fraction of its rated output for a few hours a day. Solar is excellent from spring to autumn and as a top-up, but don't rely on it to fill a 1kWh battery in December. Check the maximum solar input voltage and the connector type so the panels you buy actually fit.

Power station or a proper leisure battery system?

If you use a campervan every weekend, a fitted leisure battery with a split charger or DC-DC charger is usually better value and charges far faster while driving. A power station suits people who move between vehicles, camp in a tent, want backup at home, or don't want to modify the van's wiring. Our lithium leisure battery guide covers the fitted option in detail.

Comparing the four

The table gives a rough side-by-side based on published figures. Check the exact version you're buying, as these models are updated often.

Bob's buying checklist

Before paying several hundred pounds, write down the three or four things you'll actually plug in and their wattage, then check the unit's continuous output covers them together. Check the weight — a 12–16kg box is fine in a van but awkward carried across a campsite. Check the UK plug sockets are on the version you're ordering, not an imported listing. And check the warranty is honoured in the UK, because lithium products occasionally need a replacement and returning one abroad is expensive.

Top picks

• Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus — Best expandable all-rounder
• EcoFlow DELTA 2 — Fast mains recharge
• Bluetti AC180 — Most capacity for the money
• Anker SOLIX C1000 — Compact option

FAQs

Can a power station run a campervan fridge overnight?

Yes. A compressor cool box uses roughly 30–50W on average, so a 1kWh unit should run one for a day or more, depending on the weather and how often it's opened.

Can I charge it while driving?

Yes, from the 12V socket, but slowly — about 100–120W. A full charge can take eight to ten hours of driving.

Is LiFePO4 better?

For a power station, generally yes. It lasts for many more charge cycles and is more thermally stable than older lithium types, at the cost of a little extra weight.

Will it work in a power cut?

Yes, for small essentials — lights, phones, a router, a fridge for a while. Never connect it into your house wiring without a qualified electrician.

Related guides

• Best Lithium Leisure Batteries (UK 2026)
• Best 12V Compressor Fridges (UK 2026)
• Best Car Battery Chargers & Maintainers UK (2026)