Don’t let a storm leave you in the dark—portable generators can keep your lights on when the grid goes offline.
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The holidays are upon us, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday are finally here. Now that you’ve chowed on some turkey, it’s time to go through your wishlist and save on everything from Apple devices to 4K TVs and gear for the great outdoors. While you’re at it, it’s also the perfect time to save big on portable generators and power stations—devices that can provide essential backup power when the grid goes offline.
As seasonal storms grow more intense, emergency preparedness becomes even more important in everyday life. A portable generator or power station can keep your devices running during outages—and when spring and summer come around, they can power your campsite. New to the world of backup power? The Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is a good place to start. Normally $799, its price has dropped to $399 on Amazon, saving you 50 percent. Our editors say this power station offers the perfect mix of size and output, allowing you to power everything from electronics to medical equipment and appliances.
Below are the best deals from the top brands on the market, including EcoFlow, Jackery, and Goal Zero. Whether you want to prepare for the inevitable power outage or need something for a camping trip next year, these devices deliver reliable power at prices that won’t break the bank. We’ll continue updating this guide during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so bookmark this post for the best discounts on portable generators and power stations.
Portable power stations are becoming a popular alternative to traditional gas-powered generators. These devices offer a cleaner, quieter solution for backup power, combining high-capacity batteries with various connections. They boast everything from standard AC outlets to USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone, laptop, and even power small appliances. While they don’t generally match gas generators in sheer power output, they require little maintenance and can recharge in multiple ways, including through solar panels. And since they produce no harmful emissions, you can safely use them indoors.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 offers a robust power output of 1,500 watts, allowing you to power multiple appliances and device simultaneously. All the while the power station is 18 percent smaller than the previous model.
The Explorer 240 V2 weighs just 7.9 pounds and is roughly the size of a standard lunchbox. It has five ports and an estimated 10-year lifespan, meaning it’s a device that you can rely on for many outages and camping trips to come.
Speaking of small, the Explorer 100 Plus is downright tiny at just 2.1 pounds. It only sports three ports, so it doesn’t have the same flexibility as other options. However, it’s carry-on approved and still provides enough power for a phone, laptop, or Nintendo Switch.
The Goal Zero Yeti 300 features an output of 350 watts and serious durability, with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It can also handle extreme temperatures, making ideal for hot and cold climates.
For even more durable power, check out the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X. It has an output of 1,500 watts and seven ports. Plus, it features a heavy-duty aluminum enclosure, so it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
The River 2 Pro boasts 11 ports and delivers an output of up to 1,600 watts. Among the ports are four AC outlets and one USB-C port, the latter of which can recharge the power station. It can also recharge through a wall outlet, solar panel, or car port.
The River 2 is another compact portable power station ideal for outdoor adventures. It boasts enough power to recharge your phone over a dozen times and can replenish its battery four different ways.
The EcoFlow River 3 clocks in at 7.8 pounds—combined with the built-in handle, the power station is easy to transport. Despite its compact size, it can charge six devices simultaneously.
The Delta 2 delivers an output of 1,800 watts, with 15 outlets for connecting your various devices. EcoFlow claims the device can power a CPAP machine for up to 17 hours, which can be crucial when the power is out.
The Delta 3 is another new release from EcoFlow, featuring an output of 1,800 watts and the ability to power 13 appliances simultaneously. It also acts as a UPS with a switchover time of just 10 milliseconds.
The Anker Solix C800 features convenient storage space for cables and other gear. Additionally, it boasts five AC ports on the front, making it easy to plug in electronics and small appliances.
In addition to an output of up to 2,400 watts—plus 11 ports—the Anker Solix C1000 is noteworthy because of its built-in LEDs. This gives you emergency light in a pinch—at least until you can plug in a lamp.
The Bluetti EB3A offers app support, an LCD screen, and an LED lamp, providing an impressive combination of smart and powerful features.
Speaking of smart, the Bluetti app allows you to remotely control the brand’s AC50B portable power station. You can monitor real-time power consumption, battery status, OTA upgrades, and more.
With eight charging ports (including three AC) and a handy shoulder strap, the Anker Solix C300 is the perfect camping companion.
While portable power stations are impressive on their own, they truly shine when paired with solar panels. This combination transforms your power station from a simple backup battery into a renewable energy system that can generate unlimited power as long as the sun shines. For anyone who spends a lot of time in remote locations, solar panels let you stay off the grid indefinitely. The good news is that most major brands offer compatible solar panels that work seamlessly with their power stations and feature weather-resistant construction and foldable designs for easy transport.
The Explorer 1000 Plus is powerful on its own, but add two 100-watt solar panels, and you have an excellent kit for off-grid living.
You can get the Explorer 3000 Pro with two 200-watt solar panels for even more power. The kit is a whopping 50 percent off for Black Friday, matching the all-time low we saw during Prime Day last month.
The Explorer 240 v2 is an ideal power station for working remotely or camping. The included 40-watt solar charger provides extra power when an outlet isn’t nearby.
The River 2 Max and its included 160-watt solar panel create an excellent value kit that can run 11 devices simultaneously.
The Delta 2 Max is powerful enough to run 99 percent of appliances, and when paired with the 220-watt solar panel, it can deliver endless power during an outage.
While portable generators don’t provide a power station's eco-friendly or quiet operation, you can’t beat their raw power output. These devices remain the undisputed choice of food trucks and tailgate parties thanks to their ability to run high-draw appliances for hours. During power outages, they’re just as essential for keeping your lights on and your refrigerator powered. There are a few different types of portable generators, including dual fuel, which allows you to switch between gasoline and propane seamlessly.
This Champion portable generator has it all: dual fuel capability, inverter technology, and up to 34 hours of run time on propane. Plus, it weighs only 39 pounds, making it one of the more compact portable generators available.
This portable generator is a more affordable version of the model above. It lacks dual fuel capability but features inverter technology and a carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.
A portable generator or power station can keep your home running during power outages. You can power large appliances, lights, and other devices through a transfer switch installation as if the power never went out. While your neighbors sit in the dark, you’ll maintain a normal routine — keeping your refrigerator cold, your heating system running, and your lights on. Instead of running extension cords through windows and doors, this setup provides the convenience of using your regular outlets and switches throughout your home.
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus features a whopping output of 7,000 watts. By connecting it to your home’s electrical system, you can instantly power your devices when the grid goes offline.
The Anker Solix F3800 Portable Power Station delivers 6,000 watts of output power, making it powerful enough to run major appliances, including a fridge, microwave, and central AC.
With an output of 3,600 watts, the Delta Pro is a smaller home backup option. Still, it delivers enough power to run essential devices in an emergency.
Yes, Black Friday/Cyber Monday is the perfect time to get a portable generator or power station. Our mantra is to buy one of these devices before you need one. In other words, prepare now so you’ll be ready for an actual emergency, which can be any time now that the weather has gotten much cooler. The last thing you want to do is wait until a severe storm is approaching to start shopping around. By then, there may not be any stock left—either that or the few devices available will see significant price increases because of the greater demand.
Portable power stations are becoming increasingly popular among households who value simplicity and convenience. These devices require virtually no maintenance, produce zero emissions, and can be safely used indoors. Unlike traditional generators, they don’t need fuel storage or regular oil changes, and their silent operation makes them much more tolerable. They’re particularly appealing to families who want to power essential electronics like phones, laptops, and CPAP machines during short outages. While they’re great during emergencies, they’re also suited to recreational use, such as camping, working remotely, and hanging out on the beach.
While power stations are popular for their eco-friendly operation, traditional gas portable generators are still reliable for anyone who prioritizes raw power output and extended runtime. These devices can run continuously as long as fuel is available, making them ideal for longer outages and powering demanding appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and air conditioners. While they require regular maintenance and fuel storage, their ability to handle heavy loads makes them worth the extra effort.
To determine your power needs, list the devices you want to run and add two numbers for each: running and starting watts. Many appliances, especially those with motors like refrigerators, need more power to start up than they do to keep running. Once you’ve calculated your total power requirements, add the running watts of all the devices you’ll use and find which device has the highest starting watts. Then add the highest starting watts to your total running watts. We recommend choosing a generator that offers more capacity than you need to prevent overloading while giving you the flexibility to power additional devices down the road.
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Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
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