Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
A portable power station keeps a phone, a light, a laptop or a small fridge running when you camp out of your Subaru. Capacity is measured in watt-hours, and the right size depends on what you plug in. We chose these for their high ratings and large review counts.
Quick Picks
• Best compact, most reviewed: Jackery Explorer 300 (292Wh), 4.6 stars from 11,000+ reviews
• Best compact alternative: Anker SOLIX C300 (288Wh, 300W), 4.5 stars from 1,700+ reviews
• Best for a small fridge and more: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1070Wh, 1500W), 4.7 stars from 3,700+ reviews
• Best LiFePO4 battery: BLUETTI AC180 (1152Wh), 4.5 stars from 2,800+ reviews
• Best high output: EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic (1024Wh, 1800W), 4.7 stars from 1,300+ reviews
Watts vs Watt-Hours
Watt-hours (Wh) tell you how much energy the battery holds. Watts (W) tell you how much a device draws and the most the station can output. Divide watt-hours by a device’s watts to estimate runtime, and expect somewhat less in practice because of conversion losses.
Roughly What You’ll Run
| Device | Typical draw | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charge | About 15 Wh per full charge | Many phones hold 12 to 19 Wh |
| Laptop | About 50 to 60 Wh per charge | Check your charger’s wattage |
| LED lantern | Under 10 W | Runs for many hours |
| 12V compressor fridge | Check your model’s spec | Cycles on and off, so average draw is lower than peak |
Compact: 300Wh Class
A 300Wh class station covers phones, lights and a laptop for a weekend. The Jackery Explorer 300 lists 292Wh and has more than 11,000 reviews at 4.6 stars. The Anker SOLIX C300 lists 288Wh and 300W output at 4.5 stars.
Big Capacity: 1000Wh Class
If you want to run a small fridge overnight, a laptop for work, or charge an e-bike, step up to about 1000Wh. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 lists 1070Wh and 1500W at 4.7 stars. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic lists 1024Wh and 1800W at 4.7 stars, and the BLUETTI AC180 lists 1152Wh with a LiFePO4 battery at 4.5 stars. They cost more and weigh more, so check the weight against where you’ll store them.
Charging and Storage in a Car
- Check the maker’s temperature range. A car parked in summer sun can get hotter than many stations allow.
- Many stations charge from a car 12V outlet, but that is slow, so check how long a full charge takes.
- Secure it in the cargo area so it can’t slide, and keep it dry.
FAQs
What size power station do I need for car camping?
A 300Wh unit covers phones, lights and a laptop. Step up to about 1000Wh for a fridge or longer trips.
Can I charge it from my Subaru?
Many can charge from a 12V outlet, but it is slow. Check the listing for charging time.
How long will it power a fridge?
Divide the battery watt-hours by the fridge’s average draw, then allow for losses.
Is it safe to leave in a hot car?
Check the maker’s temperature limits. Heat can damage lithium batteries.
Final Thoughts
Add up what you want to run, divide by the battery’s watt-hours, and buy one size above what the math says. For most weekend trips a 300Wh unit is enough, and a 1000Wh unit covers a fridge.
Leave a Reply