Best Portable Power Station UK
Welcome! Today we’ll be checking out the state of the market in December of 2024.
That’s right, it’s time to find the Best Portable Power Station UK.
The last couple of years have really seen an acceleration in the quality of these solar generators. One of the main reasons is the massive increase in the quality of batteries: we’re talking about LiFePO4, also known as Lithium Iron Phosphate.
These batteries can now hold monstrous amounts of power, they can deliver it in major bursts, and they can hold it over a sustained period.
They’ll even hold onto a heck of a lot of charge even if you don’t use them for several months (in other words, they drain slowly).
They’re also super safe; in fact, it’s not chemically possible for them to explode with their stable chemistry – unlike the Lithium ion batteries of a few generations ago (battery generations we mean, not our human generations!)
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As the UK’s portable power station experts, we certainly take a multi-faceted look at these products, with an eye not just to their power but how well they actually deliver the power; how well the power can be sustained, and whether any performance or reliability issues crop up.
Luckily, we have access to distributors who get all the feedback on these products, model by model. So we base our reviews on our own testing as well as those time-tested, wide-ranging, in-use reports.
Specifically, we rate the electric generators for the following aspects:
- Power delivery, in practice
- Build quality
- Ruggedness and toughness; how much jiggery-pokery we reckon the unit can handle
- Quality of electrical components
- Type of battery used; be it LiFePO4 or otherwise
- How much power can it deliver over a long time period?
We’ll also dive into how you can choose the right power station, according to your specific needs.
Solar Generator UK Reviews
Let’s now go deep on each different size of power station, and see which models are best, and the relative pros and cons of each one.
What Are The Top 100-300W Portable Power Stations?
In this size category, we tested the Jackery Explorer, 240, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, the Anker 521, the Ecoflow River 2, and the Allpowers 288Wh.
- Top Pick: EcoFlow River 2
- Best for Safety: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
- Best Power Bank: Jackery Explorer 100 Plus
EcoFlow River 2
- Power: 256Wh
- Maximum Power: 300W
- Weight: 3.5kg
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 21.4 x 14.2cm
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
- Power: 288Wh
- Maximum Power: 300W
- Weight: 3.75kg
- Dimensions: 23 x 15.5 x 16.7cm
Jackery Explorer 100 Plus
- Power: 99Wh
- Maximum Power: 128Wh
- Weight: 0.97kg
- Dimensions: 9x9x13cm
EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Generator
Why this model was the top pick for 200-300Wh power stations, and some possible reasons why it may be the right one for you:
It has as much power delivery as the other generators in this category
You’ll get 300W maximum power to its ports, and that matches much more expensive power stations of this size.
Exceptional value
EcoFlow products are well known for their quality, and this is a really good price for one of their products. Only the Anker 521 is cheaper in this capacity range, and it has 100W less maximum power.
Very fast charging
You can fully charge it in 60 minutes. You’ll find that the smaller size and priced solar generators take longer to charge – just check the other products in this market, in our comparison table. The other models of this size take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and beyond.
Wifi connectivity for the App
We’ve mentioned a few times on this site that an App that you can connect to by Wifi has been a long-requested feature. Well, EcoFlow came along and delivered it; others, but just a few makers, have come along and followed suit. And yep, EcoFlow included it even in their smallest model.
Superb 5 year warranty
That’s 3 or even 4 years more than some competitors. And a straight 5 years off the bat, rather than the 3+2 year additional option offered by Jackery.
The downsides of the River 2:
Its buyer feedback is a notch below the equivalent Jackery model
Collating the data is what we do here at Portable Power Geek. And our collation of the online reviews across UK retailers found that the River 2 gets 5-star reviews 72.1% of the time, compared to a quite ridiculous 84.0% of the time for the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. The River 2 is around a hundred quid cheaper, though.
Where can you get it?
You can see it at EcoFlow UK right here.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Pros and who needs this :
The best BMS on the market
BMS stands for Battery Management System. And you may be thinking it’s just a standard piece of hardware that all such devices have. Portable power stations are a bit different, though. And that’s because they have a Lithium battery inside. That fact should make your attention to the BMS rocket into your focus. In the last 5 years, it’s become very evident that the LiFePO4 version of Lithium batteries are very safe, not at all like the earlier versions of Lithium batteries, with some infamous explosive results. One reason is the formulation of LiFePO4 itself is extremely chemically safe. And the other? It’s the BMS. Jackery’s BMS contains fully 52 protections. That means it basically acts like an *extremely* diligent, attentive 24/7 police officer, making sure you can’t harm yourself. So even if you try something silly with regards to charging too much, trying to force it to power something it doesn’t have the requisite minimum wattage, or use it or charge it in ridiculous extreme cold or heat, the BMS will not let you. Jackery pay particular attention to the level of their safety precautions, and the Explorer 300 Plus is no different.
It’s one of the new range of Jackery’s power station
Why is that such a good thing? Because Jackery solar generators are now known to be one of the top performers on the UK market. They sell the most and get the best feedback, according to our analysis (check our power station manufacturer quality check here). But this older range, with most models from around 2020, was getting a little old. It may not sound that old, but in the solar generator world, very much tied to the LiFePO4 battery world, that’s quite a long time. The newer range then have the latest quality of long-lasting, more reliable LiFePO4 batteries, and of course, the aforementioned exceptionally well-formulated BMS.
An App with Wifi
The new range also comes with an accompanying App as standard, even this smallest model of their new iteration of solar generators. That means a lot more convenience to check the App, and see the power status of the Explorer 300 Plus, from wherever you are.
Cons and why this model is not for you:
It’s on the expensive side, for its size
It’s more expenive than the other 300W portable battery generators. In fact, it’s more than £100 more than the EcoFlow River 2. The River 2 matches this Jackery model in many areas and the most importatnt factors, both having maximum 300W output, 5 ports including 1 AC port, an App with Wifi. Value coniderations are a major reason why the River 2 comes out on top in this category.
Outstripped in charging speed by others
Most notably by the River 2 which charges in just 60 mins. The Explorer 300 Plus will fully charge in 2 hours.
See our full review of the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus.
Where can you get it?
Here’s where to check out the pricing information at Jackery.
Jackery Explorer 100 Plus
*IMPORTANT: Before we even start this review, let’s be clear: we do not classify this product as a portable power station or solar generator. Rather, it’s a fairly large power bank.
Plus points:
It‘s super small and light
It weighs just under 1kg and has the dimensions: 9x9x13cm. So it’s absolutely no hassle to take with you, fitting in side even a large pocket, mini backpack or handbag.
It’s the cheapest option
£139.99 at the time of writing. Given the longevity, reliability and solid power devlivery synonumous with Jackery products, it’s not a bad price to pay; other power banks of this size cost as much but with less quality.
You can charge it with solar panels
That’s really what separates thie Jackery unit from other portable power banks. That means as ong as you’re getting enough sunshine, you can keep your devices charged with no need for a mains electricity source.
Minus points:
It’s not a portable power station
Then why are we even including it on this page, you may be asking yourself. And the answer is purely just in case someone checks out this page and realises they don’t need a more expensive solar generator, they only need a large power bank with plenty of juice to charge their smaller devices.
It’s not that much cheaper than the EcoFlow River 2
We spoke of value and noted it’s better value than other large power banks due to its quality. But for £70 you can get a 300W EcoFlow River 2, which is a geniuine power station from a very reputable maker. But that’s only relevant if you need the higher power and increased number of ports (including an AC port).
Where can you get it?
You can see it at Jackery UK here.
What Are The Top 400-1000W Battery Generators?
In this size category, we tested the Jackery Explorer 500, Bluetti EB55, Bluetti AC50B, Anker 535 PowerHouse, EcoFlow River 2 Max, Tiexei D600, Aferiy P010.
- Top Pick: Bluetti AC50B
- Best Value: EcoFlow River 2 Max
- Best Warranty: Aferiy P010
Bluetti AC50B
- Capacity: 448Wh
- Maximum Power: 700W
- Weight: 6.7kg
- Dimensions: 28.0 × 20.0 × 22.0cm
EcoFlow River 2 Max
- Capacity: 512Wh
- Maximum Power: 1000W
- Weight: 6.1kg
- Dimensions: 27.0 x 19.6 x 19.6cm
Aferiy P010
- Capacity: 512Wh
- Maximum Power: 800W
- Weight: 6.25kg
- Dimensions: L27.2 x W18.5 x H24cm
Bluetti AC50B
Why was the AC50B chosen at No.1 for 400W to 900W generators, and how to know if it’s the right model for you:
It’s brand new, with the tech specs to match
Avid readers of the Portable Power Geek site will know that the technology for these units moves much faster than most other products. Typically, new versions electronic appliances have a big new improvement here (but it doesn’t actually change how you use the product much) and a jazzy new feature there (but it’s just a nice little thing, not a game changer).
But with power stations, in this era of the ridiculously fast-growing market of Lithium Iron Phosphate AKA LiFePO4 batteries, a new model can outstrip even a 2-year old model by quite some margin. (If you get a chance to see our comparison Excel, check out the charging times of the 2022 products compared to the 2024 products, you may get a shock.)
The AC50B contains within it the latest generation of LiFePO4 battery, and, just as crucially, a much more advanced BMS than other slightly older products can offer. The protections built into this BMS are much broader and utilise the latest AI technology. What’s the result of that? A safer product, and one that maximises power usage and minimises power wastage on each charge/discharge cycle. In the long-term, that can add up to a lot of power saved, and a considerably longer lifespan.
Much longer warranty than most
In this particular size category, 2 year warranties abound. Only the Anker 535 Powerhouse can match the 5 year warranty offered on this model. Bluetti have entered the top tier of makers in the last few years, along with Jackery and EcoFlow, and this warranty length is reflective of their confidence in their product.
A high quality App
The Bluetti App is one of the most intuitive and easy to operate Apps. Connect via Bluetooth, but alas no Wifi (read the Cons section for more on that disappointment!)
The cons of this model:
It has only 5 ports
That’s 4 fewer than the EcoFlow River 2 Max. Other models in this category also offer several more, and many have 2 AC ports compared to the AC50B’s one. You’ll have to consider how many devices you typically charge and operate at the same time to decide if this is a relevant drawback for you.
You can only connect to the App via Bluetooth
And in a brand new 2024 product, that’s a little disappointing to us. The new range of Jackery products have followed EcoFlow by offering Wifi connections. Bluetti may have missed a trick, here.
Where can you get it?
Check out our full review of the Bluetti AC50B power station.
You can see this generator on the Bluetti UK site here.
EcoFlow River 2 Max
The good aspects:
Quite phenomenal value
Considering that EcoFlow are a very recognisable and reliable brand (as our EcoFlow company reliability research established) with a product quality and reputation within power station circles perhaps second only to Jackery, their products are very reasonably priced. That’s likely due to a large increase in competition within the last 3 years or so. This model, the River 2 Max, is perhaps the best value power station of the lot. In this category, it has the highest maximum power, at 1000W, and as aforementioned, easily one of the best made brands of generator, yet is one of the cheapest.
The lightest model of 1000W solar generaton
It’s 6.1kg, and that’s nearly 2kg lighter than Grecell’s D600 and well under half the weight of the Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000. It’s even lighter than the Bluetti AC50B, in first place, despite being higher capacity at 512Wh vs. the AC50B’s 448Wh, and with 300W more power.
A long warranty
We gave Bluetti props for their 5-year warranty, so we can’t very well ignore EcoFlow’s similarly excellent and confidence-boostingly (what? It’s a word!) long warranty.
The not-so-good River 2 Max factors:
The BMS can’t live up to the AC50B
It offers 7 protections, and it’s a good quality BMS, as you’d expect from EcoFlow. But the River 2 Max came out in 2022 (albeit late 2022), and BMS sophistication is improving at a rate of knots. The Bluetti model wins this round.
Where can you get it?
Here’s where to check out the River 2 Max, specs and more info at EcoFlow UK.
Aferiy P010
Key benefits of this model over others:
A 7 year warranty – simply unheard of
To say we keep our ears close to the ground on the topic of portable power stations would be something an understatement. We’ve seen many a product come and go, but we’ve never seen a 7 year warranty. That’s what Aferiy are offering with the P010. There does seem to be a trend for increasing warranty lengths in the last couple of years. Why? Well, the advent of LiFePO4 batteries is a huge part. The safety fears that bugged earlier version of Lithium batteries are gone. And BMS sophostication has expanded and evolved in equal. The BMS in this Aferiy is one of the high quality ones, and their confidence to offer a 7 year warranty is reflective of that. Aside from the battery,
Blazing fast
One of the new generation of portable power stations with exceptionally fast charging time of 1 hour to 100% (combined solar + AC). (Top tip: charging time is a decent measure of how up-to-date the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is) the charging time is not the only measure. That’s not the only reason we call the P010 so fast. It’s got a genuine UPS, with 10ms switchover time. A model like this, can b. Other power stations boast of a UPS, but when you check out the stats it’s really more of an EPS (Emergency Power Supply) than UPS. This model is the real deal.
Great value for a maximum 800W system
Like the River 2 Max, this Aferiy power station provides quite a lot more power than many generators of this capacity and price level. Typically, others offer 500W or 600W at the most.
The downsides of this model:
Just the solitary AC port
Oh, Aferiy. You’ve provided a fast, operationally excellent unit, with good power delivery and an excellent warranty. But just one AC power port. Check out the Anker 535 if you want a power station in this price range with 2 AC ports.
Where can you get it?
You can see it at Aferiy UK here.
Best Portable Power Station UK Summary
That was quite the deep dive, no? Phew!
Hopefully you now have a much better idea which solar generator is the best one for you.
We took into account the maker quality, the number of devices you’ll be able to charge, the quality of the unit itself, how modern the Lithium battery is (we very highly recommend you get a modern one with a LiFePO4 battery), the BMS functionality (the depth and breadth of its protections), and plenty more besides.
The winner of the 100W-300W category was the EcoFlow River 2, in second place was the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, and in third place was the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus (but remember it’s really little more than a glorified power bank!)
The winner of the 400W-1000W power station category was the Bluetti AC50B, second was the EcoFlow River 2 Max, and third place went to the Aferiy P010.
Best of luck with your decision on which size and which power station is the right one for you!