Portable emergency power station
This versatile power source provides essential electricity for outdoor adventures or unexpected home blackouts.
Tech & Gadgets
Power stations
7 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
People buy these for someone who plans ahead: a parent who hates losing the freezer in an outage, a new homeowner setting up for storm season, or a partner who camps, fishes or works out of a truck. The ones that get used are sized to a real job, like running a CPAP-free bedside lamp and phone chargers, a fridge for a few hours, or a laptop at a campsite. As a gift, think about where it will live and what it will power. A portable power station suits most people. A portable solar generator makes more sense for someone who is off-grid for days at a time.
Kind 1 of 7
An all-round battery for outages and trips
This is a rechargeable battery in a carry case with wall outlets, USB ports and often a car socket. It charges from the wall, and many models also charge from a car or solar panels. It suits almost anyone: a household that loses power in winter storms, or a family that wants to charge devices at the cottage. It runs without fuel or engine noise, so it can sit in a living room. Before buying, compare capacity in watt-hours with the devices the person actually owns, check how much continuous output the outlets can handle, and note the weight if an older parent will be moving it.
Silent indoor power supply
Provides quiet, emission-free power for indoor use, perfect for sensitive electronics or quiet environments like cabins.
Kind 2 of 7
Solar charging for longer stays off-grid
A portable solar generator is a power station sold with, or designed around, folding solar panels. It fits someone who spends several days away from outlets: back-country campers, hunters, or cottage owners with no hydro hookup. The panels top the battery up during the day, so it keeps going longer than a battery alone. Check that the panel connector and input limits match the station, and that the panels fold small enough to pack. Keep in mind that Canadian winter light is weak, so solar charging is slower in December than in July.
Solar rechargeable power generator
An ideal gift for eco-conscious individuals, this system harnesses sunlight to provide clean, renewable energy anywhere.
Kind 3 of 7
Bigger backup for the whole household
These are large-capacity units meant to keep the essentials going during an outage: the fridge, a furnace fan, internet, lights and phones. Some can be expanded with extra battery packs, and some can connect to a home transfer switch set up by an electrician. They suit homeowners in areas with frequent outages and parents who worry about the freezer. Before buying, list what the person wants to run and add up the wattage. Check whether the unit has wheels, since heavier models are hard to lift, and whether extra batteries can be added later.
Large capacity home backup battery
Offers peace of mind during power outages by keeping essential home appliances running for extended periods.
Kind 4 of 7
Steady power for tools and job sites
People searching this often want gas-generator power without the fuel. A battery unit built for work has high continuous output, sturdy outlets and a frame that handles being tossed in a truck bed. It suits a tradesperson, a renovator or anyone doing projects away from an outlet. Check the surge output, since saws and compressors draw a lot when they start. Also look at recharge time so the unit is ready again by the next morning.
Worksite portable power unit
A robust power solution for professionals and DIY enthusiasts needing to run tools and lights at remote job sites.
Kind 5 of 7
Tough power hubs for the outdoors
A solar power station is a rugged battery with a solar input, built for campsites, boats, hunting blinds and ice-fishing huts. It suits the person who is outside most weekends and wants lights, a small cooler, a drone or camera batteries charged. Look for a solid handle, covered ports and a body that can handle dust and damp. Check the operating temperature range too. Cold drains batteries, so someone who uses it in January needs a unit that can handle low temperatures.
Rugged outdoor adventure power hub
Built to withstand the elements, this durable power station is an essential companion for serious campers and explorers.
Kind 6 of 7
Small units for travel and daily carry
At the small end, a portable power supply is a compact battery with USB-C and maybe one AC outlet. It covers phones, tablets, cameras and a laptop, which makes it a practical stocking-sized gift for students, commuters and frequent travellers. Check whether it has USB-C charging with enough output for the person's laptop. If it's meant for flights, check the airline's battery limits. Smaller models won't run appliances, so be clear about what it's for.
Compact travel power bank
Perfect for digital nomads and travelers, this lightweight power solution keeps devices charged on the go without bulk.
Kind 7 of 7
Power for vans, trucks and RVs
A portable battery generator for vehicles charges while the person drives, then runs a 12-volt fridge, lights or a CPAP-free sleep setup at camp without draining the starter battery. It suits RV owners, overlanders and anyone who sleeps in a van or truck cap. Check that it has a car charging input and a 12-volt output socket. Measure the space where it will ride so it fits under a seat or in a storage bay.
Vehicle and rv power station
Designed for road trips and van life, this unit powers appliances and charges devices in recreational vehicles.
How to choose power stations as a gift
- Ask what the person wants to power, then pick a capacity in watt-hours that covers those devices with room to spare.
- Check the continuous and surge output if the unit needs to run a fridge, power tools or anything with a motor.
- Think about weight and handles, especially for older parents who will have to carry the unit to where it's needed.
- Look for several ways to recharge, such as wall, car and solar, so it stays useful in different situations.
- Check the cold-weather operating range if it will be used in a garage, cottage or ice hut over winter.
Usually safe to skip
- Tiny units sold as home backup often can't run a fridge or furnace fan, so they disappoint during a real outage.
- Solar panel bundles given to a condo dweller with no balcony or yard tend to sit unused in a closet.
- Heavy high-capacity stations for someone who only charges a phone while camping are more than they will carry or need.
Questions people ask about power stations
- What size power station do I need to run a fridge during an outage?
- Check the fridge's wattage on its label and look for a unit whose continuous output is comfortably above it, with extra surge headroom for the compressor starting up. For several hours of running, most people look at units of 1,000 watt-hours or more.
- Can a portable power station be used indoors?
- Battery units have no engine and burn no fuel, so people commonly use them in living rooms, bedrooms and offices. Follow the maker's instructions for ventilation, charging and placement.
- Is a solar generator different from a portable power station?
- Mostly in the name. A solar generator is usually a portable power station sold with solar panels, or one designed to charge well from them. The battery inside works the same way. The difference is how it gets recharged away from an outlet.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
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