Best Portable Power Station UK: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician
Whether it's a grid failure during a winter storm or a tripped RCD that leaves you fumbling in the dark, losing power is never convenient. In my line of work across Leeds, I visit homes weekly where power cuts—either from grid faults or internal wiring issues—cause massive disruption.
Whilst I spend my days fixing the wiring to stop these issues, I always advise homeowners to have a backup plan. In the past, this meant noisy petrol generators, but modern portable power stations have changed the game. They are silent, safe for indoor use, and can keep your router, phone, and even fridge running.
In this review, I'm looking at three distinct options available in the UK market: a budget-friendly unit for charging phones, a heavy-duty beast capable of running appliances, and a reliable mid-range option with UPS features. Let's see which one suits your needs.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Capacity (Wh) vs Reality"
"A 500Wh battery should run a 100W device for 5 hours."
Inverters aren't 100% efficient. You generally lose about 15-20% of power in the conversion from DC battery to AC mains power. Expect roughly 4 hours in that scenario, not 5.
The Spec: "Solar Charging in the UK"
"Recharge completely using the sun in a few hours."
We live in the UK, not California. In winter, solar yield is minimal. Unless you have a very large array, rely on mains charging for emergencies and view solar as a nice 'top-up' bonus for summer camping trips.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
SinKeu Portable Power Station 97Wh with 230V 120W AC Socket
SinKeu
This is a compact, entry-level unit perfect for keeping phones and tablets charged during a short power cut. It's not designed to run household appliances, but for the price, it's an excellent piece of kit to stash in a cupboard for emergencies.
The Good
- Extremely portable and lightweight (under 1kg)
- Very affordable entry point for backup power
- Includes a built-in light (useful during blackouts)
The Bad
- Limited 97Wh capacity won't last long for larger devices
- 120W limit means it cannot power kettles, heaters, or even large laptops
- Modified sine wave (check compatibility with sensitive electronics)
Installer Tip:
Don't try to plug a heater or hair dryer into this. It's strictly for low-power electronics. I recommend keeping it fully charged in your hallway cupboard next to your torch—it's a life-saver for keeping your mobile charged so you can call an electrician if your power goes out.
Priced at £76.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonVTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 Portable Power Station 1548Wh - LiFePO4 Battery
VTOMAN
If you need to keep a fridge running or power tools working on a site without mains, this is the serious option. With LiFePO4 battery chemistry, it's safer and longer-lasting than older lithium-ion units, making it a solid investment for long-term resilience.
The Good
- Huge 1548Wh capacity can run essential appliances for hours
- LiFePO4 battery offers 3000+ lifecycles (much safer and durable)
- Fast charging capability (0-100% in 1 hour via mains)
The Bad
- Significant investment compared to smaller units
- Heavy/Bulky—not something you'd want to carry far on foot
Installer Tip:
This unit uses LiFePO4 technology, which is chemically more stable than standard lithium-ion. As an electrician, I prefer this chemistry for indoor storage as the fire risk is significantly lower. It's powerful enough to run most corded power tools, which is handy if you're working at the bottom of a garden.
Priced at £450.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonJackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station 2024 New Version
Jackery
Jackery is a household name for a reason. The 'v2' update brings ultra-safe LiFePO4 batteries and a fantastic UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) feature. This solves the specific problem of protecting your computer or router during sudden power cuts.
The Good
- UPS function switches to battery in 20ms—great for routers/PCs
- Updated LiFePO4 battery for 10-year lifespan
- App control allows you to monitor usage remotely
The Bad
- More expensive per watt-hour than budget brands
- 300W limit means no kettles or heaters
Installer Tip:
Use the UPS feature for your WiFi router. Plug the Jackery into the wall, and your router into the Jackery. If the mains trips or the area loses power, your internet stays online without interruption. It's a brilliant problem-solver for those working from home in areas with unstable grids.
Priced at £151.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I run a kettle or heater off these power stations?
What is the difference between LiFePO4 and standard Lithium batteries?
Why does my power station trip when I plug in a fridge?
Do I need an electrician to install a transfer switch for these?
How often should I charge my power station?
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