Gone are the days when there's absolutely nothing you can do once your gadget's battery is completely drained as there's no power source when you're on the go or outdoors. Now, all you need is a portable power station and dead gadgets will be a thing of the past.

As the name suggests, portable power stations can be moved from one place to another. For this reason, they're used mainly by people who spend time outdoors. However, they're also extremely useful indoors because they provide an emergency power supply in case of a power outage.

Unfortunately, not all portable power stations are created equal. And if you don't know what to look for, you might end up purchasing one that won't be so useful. Fortunately, this article discusses everything you need to consider when buying a portable power station. Continue reading to get enlightened.

Safety

As the saying goes, safety comes first. When purchasing an electrical device, ensure it won't endanger your well-being. Particularly with reported cases of exploding batteries, it wouldn't hurt to think twice and do due diligence.

While such cases are rare regarding portable power stations, purchasing one from leading and reputable manufacturers is advisable. Such companies provide durable mobile power stations with safety features that prevent overcharging or overheating.

Size

Size is essential when purchasing a portable gadget. Though current portable power stations are relatively small for easy carrying, there are large ones on the market. However, you should understand that the larger the power station, the higher the capacity.

Since portable power banks are designed for emergencies and outdoor use, they'll serve the purpose even if they don't have a large capacity. For this reason, most individuals settle for sizes that are not too bulky, especially for camping trips.

Weight

You'll probably bring along your portable power station whenever you're on the move. Therefore, you should invest in a unit that you can conveniently lug around without feeling like you have a heavy burden.

A typical portable power station should range between 10 to 15 pounds. Remember, the power station should be light enough to carry with one hand but powerful enough to do what it's supposed to do.

Durability

While there are many types of portable power stations, only a few of them can serve you for an extended period. Therefore, you should research a model that will stand the test of time and give you value for money.

The material used and the manufacturer are essential considerations. You can be assured of the product's durability if you purchase from a reputable company. If you find it difficult to tell which company manufactures high-quality portable power stations that can last, consider seeking advice from family and friends who have already invested in them.

Power Capacity

The portable power station should have adequate power capacity to supply the needed energy. That's why you must consider your reasons for purchasing one and how you intend to use it in terms of frequency. Once you do this, you can choose a portable power station that can serve you efficiently.

The unit's power capacity is measured in watt hours (Wh). Some portable power stations have a power capacity of up to 720Wh. With such a portable power station, you can charge your smartphone or other gadgets several times and power up small appliances. While a portable power station with a lower capacity is still practical, purchasing one that can power up multiple electronic devices simultaneously would be ideal.

Input Power

Another crucial factor to take into account when shopping for a portable power station is its input power. This refers to how long it takes to top up the charge. Most portable power stations have an input power ranging from 250 to 660 watts. The higher the input power, the faster it charges. So, if you're out shopping and find identical units within the same price range, consider this detail to make a better choice.

The Number Of Available Ports

Before purchasing a portable power station, you need an estimate of the number of gadgets you want to charge simultaneously. Remember that a portable power station with fewer ports than you want will not serve you well.

You don't want to take forever to charge one electronic device at a time. Therefore, make sure to check the number of available ports to avoid throwing your money down the drain.

Design

For some buyers, a portable power stations design isn't a significant concern. However, for other people, the design is an essential consideration. If you belong to the second group, choose a portable power bank that's a second look.

You don't have to hold back from selecting a sleek-looking device. So, do thorough research until you find a design that fits your style.

Cables

Portable power stations come with connecting cables. Some have long cables while others come with short ones. With that in mind, you should carefully choose a portable power station with cables of the right type and length to fit your needs.

Alternatively, you can do away with additional cables since they're all connected to the device's USB ports. In this case, you can save yourself from dealing with countless cables by choosing to work with the ones you already own.

Brand

As with the other mentioned factors, the brand is also essential when choosing a portable power station. It's recommended to opt for brands known for producing safe, dependable, and long-lasting products. It would be good to check out the pioneers or leading players in mobile energy storage technology.

Price

After considering the crucial features of a portable power station, the next thing to look at is the price. While most people start shopping with price as the primary consideration, this shouldn't always be the case. Remember, you get what you pay for.

You might think you got a good deal in terms of price, but if the product's functionality, durability, and everything in between are questionable, then it's not cost-effective in the long run.

On the other hand, you don't have to buy the most expensive portable power station on the market as you may be paying for features you don't even need. But do ensure you get a high-quality gadget at a reasonable price.

Other Important Features In A Portable Power Station

Besides the primary features to consider when purchasing a portable power station, there are other details you shouldn't overlook. To ensure you get the best value for money, also consider the following:

• Solar Input: Currently, everything is heading the solar way. While it's not necessary to buy a portable power station charged with solar power, it's practical and eco-friendly to get one that can take advantage of sunny days. If you need to be someplace without electric outlets, a power station with solar input can come in handy.

• Car Battery Jumpers: Did you know that some portable power stations come with car battery jumper cables? If this is news to you, you may want to consider such a gadget. You'll never know when you need to jump-start your car.

• Warranty: Never disregard the power of warranty when making any purchase. As long as the defect or damage is not due to misuse or exposure to the elements, the manufacturer may repair or replace the unit within the warranty period. Most power stations come with a one-year warranty, but some manufacturers have provisions for a warranty extension.

The above features are no less important considerations when buying a portable power station.