Best Portable Generators of 2026
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Portable outdoor generators are essential for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors. Whether it's for camping, tailgating, or powering tools on a job site, these generators are designed to provide reliable power wherever and whenever you need it. With a variety of sizes and power outputs available, there's a portable outdoor generator to suit every need. They are easy to transport and operate, and many models are equipped with features like automatic shut-off and low oil alerts for added safety and convenience. So whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or need to power tools on a job site, a portable outdoor generator is a must-have accessory for any outdoor enthusiast.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Portable Generators
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option for those looking for an emergency backup power source. It features a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, two Pure Sine Wave AC outlets, a PD 60W USB-C port, a fast charge 3.0 port, a USB-A port and a DC car port, allowing it to recharge itself and charge up to 6 devices simultaneously. It is lightweight and compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel, making it an ideal portable power kit for outdoor activities. However, it is important to note that the unit cannot be returned to Amazon and customer service from Jackery is not always reliable.
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a powerful and compact portable power station that is perfect for your outdoor adventures or emergency needs. With a robust 1,500W AC output, you can effortlessly power multiple devices like fridges and air conditioners, ensuring you stay comfortable wherever you are. Its one-hour fast charging feature allows you to quickly recharge the unit, so you’re always ready for your next outing. Plus, the long-lasting LFP battery ensures that the power station maintains its capacity for years, providing you with reliable energy whenever you need it. With multiple ports, you can charge several devices at once, making it incredibly versatile.
Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
The Anker SOLIX Portable Power offers ultra-fast recharging, letting you fully charge it in just 49 minutes using upgraded HyperFlash technology. This feature is perfect for quickly prepping for power outages or outdoor adventures. It delivers a strong 2,000W output through 10 ports, so you can power multiple devices at once—great for emergencies, work setups, or tiny homes. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and move around, whether you’re at home, in an RV, or outdoors. Plus, with a durable battery that keeps 80% capacity after 4,000 cycles, you get reliable power that lasts for years.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station
Anker 521 Portable Power Station is a long-lasting, durable, and high-capacity power station that comes with a 5-year full-device warranty. It has a huge 256Wh capacity, 6 ports including 2 AC ports, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet. The power station is equipped with InfiniPower technology, LiFePO4 batteries, and a smart temperature control system. It can be charged using a solar panel or a DC adapter. It is perfect for charging laptops and small appliances during a weekend trip.
EF ECOFLOW DELTA 2 Portable Power Station
The ECOFLOW DELTA 2 Power Station is a fast-charging, expandable, and versatile portable power station that can power almost anything. With 7x faster charging, it can be charged up to 80% in just 50 minutes and up to 100% in only 80 minutes with AC input. Its standalone portable design with 1kWh capacity can be expanded up to 3kWh, making it perfect for camping, RVs, and off-grid living. With 1800W output, it can power 90% of your appliances, making it a cleaner and greener alternative to outdoor generators. It also features up to 500W of solar panel input, making it an ideal solar generator. The ECOFLOW DELTA 2 is built to last 6x longer with its LFP battery chemistry, offering a 3000+ cycle life. It comes with a sophisticated BMS to ensure safety. It also includes a plug-and-play design that enables you to connect it directly to your home's power inlet box* with a generator cord for partial home backup, making it an easy solution for power outages.
Portable Power Station 300W, GRECELL 230.88Wh Solar Generator
The GRECELL T-500 Portable Power Station 300W is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-capacity power station with a variety of outputs. It can be used to power a variety of devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, lights, fans, CPAP medical devices, projectors, TVs, mini-refrigerators, speakers, and cameras. It has a 288Wh capacity, 330W output, 1AC output, 1USB-C PD 60W output, 3USB-A QC3.0 18W outputs, 1Car port, and 2*DC outputs. It can be charged via an AC outlet, a solar panel, or a car outlet. It is compact and easy to use and comes with a 24-month product warranty.
Anker SOLIX C1000 Power Station
The Anker SOLIX C1000 is designed to keep you powered up quickly and efficiently. With its UltraFast recharging technology, you can reach 80% battery capacity in just 43 minutes, making it perfect for unexpected power outages. The impressive LiFePO4 battery ensures long-lasting performance with up to 3,000 cycles over a decade, giving you reliable energy for years. Its SurgePad technology provides a powerful output of 2400W, allowing you to run nearly all your appliances through its multiple ports. Additionally, you can harness solar energy, fully charging the unit in as little as 1.8 hours, making it a great choice for eco-conscious outdoor adventures.
Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station
The Anker SOLIX C300 Power Station offers you powerful and compact energy on the go. With a 300W output and 288Wh capacity, it easily powers your devices during camping or travel. You can fast charge your gear quickly using the 140W two-way USB-C ports, saving you time. It comes with eight different charging ports, so you can connect multiple devices at once, from laptops to phones. Plus, its travel-friendly design is 15% smaller than similar models, making it easy to carry for spontaneous trips. If you want endless power, simply connect a 100W solar panel for sustainable charging anywhere.
Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Power Station
The Anker SOLIX Power Station is designed to give you reliable, long-lasting energy wherever you need it. Its low power use when idle means you can keep devices like a dual-door fridge running for over a day without wasting energy. You can start with a solid 2,048Wh capacity and easily double it to 4,000Wh, allowing your appliances to run even longer during power outages or camping trips. Charging is quick and flexible, with options to recharge fully in under an hour using AC or solar power. Plus, it delivers a strong 4,000W peak power, so you can run multiple appliances, including air conditioners, without worry.
MARBERO Portable Power Station with Multiple Outputs and LED Flashlight
The MARBERO Portable Power Station is a 24000mAh, 88Wh capacity device that is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It offers multiple output options for charging various devices such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets. The device comes with a 3-level LED flashlight that can be used in different modes including steady light, flashing light, and SOS mode. The power station can be charged via AC outlet or MARBERO solar panel. The Battery Management System (BMS) ensures safety by controlling voltage and temperature and shutting off power in case of short circuit or overload.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a portable generator stay outside?
Because outdoors is the only safe place to operate a portable generator, taking it outside is absolutely mandatory to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide.
2. Are portable generators OK in the rain?
Never run it in a garage, even if the doors are open. Instructions for a portable generator warn you not to run it in the rain. To protect it from moisture, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends operating it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Overusing extension cords.
3. Can portable generators run outside in the rain?
Permanently installed standby generators have built-in covers that allow them to run while it's raining. However, portable generators are not waterproof and must be run outdoors because of carbon monoxide fumes. To keep your generator dry, use a well-ventilated canopy, tent, or homemade cover.
4. Can a generator be stored outdoors?
Harsh weather can damage your generator if left outdoors without a proper covering or overhang. Storing a generator outdoors is risky, but you can make it work by adequately covering it. Also, ensure your generator is in a dry spot, out of direct sunlight, and won't get hit by falling branches.
During our portable generator research, we found 24 portable generator products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 166,080 customer reviews through our big data system to write the portable generators list. We found that most customers choose portable generators with an average price of $246.73.
The portable generators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of portable generators, including Jackery, Anker, EF ECOFLOW, GRECELL, MARBERO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,582 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.