TOP 7 popular charging stations in 2024

If you want to be prepared for power outages and are considering buying a charging station instead of a power bank, be patient. There are many models on the market from different manufacturers, and it can be time-consuming to find information about each one. To make your choice easier, we’ve prepared an updated charging station guide that summarizes the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of different models, and adds tips for a successful purchase.

Choosing a charging station: what to look for

If you take a quick look at the offers of charging stations, the market is filled with models from popular brands (EcoFlow, BLUETTI, Jackery, ANKER). These are proven solutions that, thanks to their wide range, will allow you to choose the best option. But what are the parameters to choose?

First of all, determine the required power of the charging station in watts (W) and pay attention to both the nominal and peak values. The peak value allows you to run large household appliances (such as a heating boiler or refrigerator) in a short time, but the station can operate stably all the time at the rated value. This means that it is the rated power that shows which devices can be connected at the same time. For charging smartphones and laptops, power up to 500 W is sufficient, while household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves) require power from 1000 W.

So, to determine the power level, you need to figure out which devices you want to use when you turn off and «flatten» their power consumption. It is also important to understand that each station has its own capacity (Wh) — the energy that the device can deliver in an hour. Compact models that are designed for outdoor use often have a capacity of 300-600 Wh, but for home use as a long-term backup power supply, it is better to choose models of 1000 Wh or more.

If you need a universal solution and are not concerned about the high cost, size, and weight of the device, you should pay attention to powerful models from 2500W. These stations are suitable for powering a large number of devices simultaneously.

In addition, it is important that the charging station has a sufficient number and variety of ports: USB-A, USB-C, sockets, car charging ports, etc. Connectivity options will allow all family members to use the station at the same time or use several devices simultaneously. It is equally important that the station not only charges gadgets, but also manages to charge itself during the time of light availability, so fast charging support is a «must have». Some manufacturers even provide the option of charging with solar panels to make the station partially independent of the power supply.

For stationary use, the size of the charging station may seem less important. However, if you choose a powerful and large model, the presence of wheels or a handle for transportation will be a significant advantage. This will make it easier to transport the device to a boiler or coffee maker that is at a certain height from the floor.

Popular models of charging stations

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max

The most famous models on the market are those from the EcoFlow brand. Portable station RIVER 2 Max — one of the most affordable options with a capacity of 512 Wh. The station is equipped with LiFePO4 batteries, which are considered the safest type with a service life of more than 3000 cycles. The device has a nominal power of 500 W and a peak power of — 1000 W, so it will cope with most basic tasks when the lights are turned off.

RIVER 2 Max, like other EcoFlows, supports a proprietary mobile management application that allows you to remotely control and configure the charging station, monitor battery status, and receive software updates. The charging station charges quickly thanks to X-Stream technology — it takes only an hour to reach 100% of its energy reserve. You can also buy additional solar panels and conveniently use the station outdoors.

The rated power of the station is 4000 W, and the peak power is — 8000 W. Thanks to these parameters, DELTA Pro 3 can work as an alternative to conventional generators, as it can power household appliances, heating or air conditioning systems.

The station itself charges quite quickly — thanks to the proprietary X-Stream technology and combinations of several charging methods, DELTA Pro 3 maintains readiness for sudden power outages and the autonomy of the whole house. Of course, the cost of such power is measured in thousands of dollars — the starting price starts at $3.7 thousand. We already have it at the price of 182,999 hryvnias.

BLUETTI AC70P

BLUETTI AC70P — a model from an equally well-known brand with a rated power of 1000 W. It is suitable for prolonged power outages, as its capacity is 864 Wh. With the Power Lifting mode, which increases the power to a peak value of 2000 W, the station will be able to work with increased loads from kitchen appliances (grills, coffee makers, kettles) or devices such as hair dryers. It is equipped with LiFePO4 batteries, weighs 10 kg and has a carrying handle.

It charges from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes and offers a wide range of ports: two 230V sockets, a pair of USB-A, 2 USB-C. The model features a 15W wireless charging zone and support for a proprietary app. The price of the station varies from 32 to 38 thousand hryvnias.

BLUETTI PowerOak EB70

Since the stations have become quite popular since the blackout, newer models may not be available. Similar in functionality and dimensions to the previous BLUETTI PowerOak EB70, it has an identical rated power of 1000 W (but the peak power is 1400 W). With a LiFePO4 battery capacity of 716 Wh, it is enough to charge a smartphone, laptop, flashlight, fan, or projector, but it may not be enough for large appliances. In terms of interfaces, it offers a standard set of two 230V sockets, a pair of USB-A, 2 USB-C, and a 15W wireless charging zone.

However, this model differs from the BLUETTI AC70P by a longer charging time — PowerOak EB70 needs 3-4 hours of charging from an AC outlet, the same amount from a VOC 12-28 V, 200 W solar panel, and 7-8 hours from a 12V car cigarette lighter. At the same time, the pricing policy for this model is more pleasant, as the PowerOak EB70 can be purchased for 23 thousand hryvnias.

BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P

A more powerful and expensive model BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P will be useful during long outages. It is designed to power large appliances or tools, with a rated power of 2000 W, with the ability to withstand peak loads of up to 4800 W.
The manufacturer positions the PowerOak AC200P as an alternative to a generator, emphasizing its quiet operation and lack of emissions. The station will really cope with demanding work, as it has a capacity of 2000 Wh and many ports (including USB-C, AC, DC, etc.), allowing you to charge up to 13 devices at the same time. There is a pair of wireless panels for charging a smartphone or headphones with a Qi case, and the display screen is touch-sensitive, so you can control the device with a couple of taps.

The station supports seven charging methods, but it takes 2-2.5 hours to restore energy. The price of the model varies depending on the store, but on average, it costs 45 thousand hryvnias.

ANKER 757 PowerHouse

A similarly priced model (starting at 47 thousand hryvnias), but interesting in terms of size and power, the ANKER 757 PowerHouse has a capacity of 1229 Watt-hours in its 20 kg. The power is 1500 W nominal and 3000 W peak, so the station can handle a microwave, coffee maker, or hair dryer. It is quite versatile and takes 90 minutes to charge, which is enough for short periods of time when the lights are on.

The model has various ports, as it offers a pair of sockets, four USB-A, two USB-C, and a C13/14 input port. The handle is built into the case for easy carrying, and there is also a backlight that can serve as an additional light source in the dark.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is the only one in the selection that runs on Li-ion NMC batteries. Note that with 1000 W of power (and 2000 W of peak power), this station weighs only 11 kg. One of the reasons for the compactness is precisely the type of batteries that allow the device to be smaller, but also reduce the life of the device. At the same time, this type of battery has a discharge depth in the range of 80 to 90%, not 100% as in LiFePO4.

Given that the cost of the model starts at 37 thousand hryvnias, it is worth considering how important the dimensions are (especially if the station is intended for stationary use, not for charging devices outdoors).

However, like the others, this model also produces a clean sine wave, has many ports, and is the only one that can withstand operation at -10°C. It takes a little more than an hour for the device to restore its energy reserves, and its capacity is 1002 Wh.

It is worth remembering

In addition to the power and number of ports, you should pay attention to safety certificates when choosing stations. After all, users often order devices from unknown brands and may leave the stations charging at night or when they are away from home. It’s better not to risk your own safety, be sure to check the integrity of the cases before buying, and read the instructions for each model to understand the limitations on temperature or overload protection. That is why we recommend buying devices in official stores and not assembling home-made stations without the appropriate education and skills.