Portable Generator and Power Station Deals for Summer

We’re approaching the halfway point of summer, so there’s still time to fire up the grill, tackle those unfinished DIY projects, or go on a camping trip. But as fall nears, it’s also a good time to consider investing in a portable generator or power station. These devices can provide peace of mind in an emergency, and they’re currently discounted at retailers like Amazon and Lowe’s.

Generators can keep your essentials running during blackouts, from your refrigerator to medical equipment, and even power your tools for those last-minute outdoor projects before the cold sets in. You can now save up to 33 percent on portable generators, power stations, and solar-powered bundles for extended off-grid adventures. These versatile power solutions are not only essential in emergencies, but they’re also perfect for construction sites, neighborhood barbecues, and game day tailgate parties.

Not sure which option is best for you? A gas-powered portable generator is ideal for home backup, while a power station is a more eco-friendly option that’s rechargeable and safe for indoor use. For extended camping trips, a solar-powered generator can provide power away from outlets for several days. The list below highlights the best sales on portable generators and power stations from various retailers, offering options for all budgets and scenarios.

Generator Sales by Retailer

• Amazon: Amazon has a wide selection of portable generators and power stations, with discounts of up to 33 percent off.

• Lowe’s: You can find great deals on select portable generators and power stations.

Portable Power Station Deals

Think of a power station as a supersized version of the portable battery pack you use to charge your phone. These versatile devices are perfect for various scenarios, from camping trips and backyard movie nights to unexpected power outages. Unlike bulky gas-powered generators, portable power stations offer a lightweight, clean, and quiet energy solution for all your adventures. They feature rechargeable batteries that can be replenished in multiple ways, including wall outlets, car chargers, USB-C ports, and solar panels. Don’t let their compact size fool you: These power stations pack enough punch to keep your electronics charged and small appliances running when you need them most.

Most Portable

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station

Now 27% Off

Remember when I said portable power stations were basically supersized portable batteries? No more is that fitting than with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus, a power station small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage. It fits in the palm of your hand and is “airline approved,” so you can take it on your next weekend getaway. It can power all of your personal electronics, including the Nintendo Switch and the latest iPhone 15 Pro.

Best for Remote Power

Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station

Now 24% Off

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is another small but mighty power station. It’s an updated version of the popular Explorer 240, offering enhanced efficiency and faster charging capabilities. It weighs just 6.6 pounds, making it perfect for camping trips, picnics, or as an emergency backup at home. There are multiple output options, including AC, DC, and USB ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Most Versatile Charging

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station

You get more power on the go with the Jackery Explorer 300, which delivers 300 watts of output power and five output ports. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack and only weighs 8.2 pounds, so it shouldn’t weigh you down if you have to carry it for extended periods. Jackery says it has a 10-year lifespan and offers over 3,000 charge cycles. Additionally, it supports app control, allowing you to monitor the remaining battery and more.

Best for Extended Camping

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

For even more power, the Jackery Explorer 500 steps up as a robust mid-range portable power station, packing a 518-watt-hour capacity into a 13.3-pound package. For those looking for a balance between portability and power, the Explorer 500 hits a sweet spot. The Explorer 500 can power devices like laptops, mini-fridges, and small TVs for hours. It’s also compatible with Jackery’s solar panels, making it a great choice for backcountry trips to end your summer.

Best Weather-Resistant

Goal Zero Yeti 500 Portable Power Station

Now 10% Off

The Goal Zero Yeti 500 is similar to Jackery’s Explorer 500 in size and capacity. What stands out with the Yeti 500 is the protective mud flap and IPX4 rating, making it water resistant. That makes the power station the ideal option for camping by the river. It’s also great for indoor use, with enough outlets and power to keep all your devices charged and running.

Best for Outdoor Adventures

EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station

Now 23% Off

The EcoFlow River 2 weighs 7.7 pounds, making it another ultra-portable option for outdoor events. It has a 256-watt-hour capacity, enough to charge your smartphone or other essential devices easily. Once the River 2’s battery has been depleted, you can recharge it using an AC outlet in only one hour thanks to EcoFlow’s “X-Stream” fast charging technology.

Most Versatile Power Station

EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station

Now 13% Off

The EcoFlow River 2 Pro features four AC outlets conveniently placed on the front, making it easy to plug in everything from laptops to small appliances and medical devices. You can power up to 11 devices simultaneously, and the River 2 Pro can recharge in as little as 70 minutes. It’s a little heavier at 17.2 pounds, but what you get in return is more robust power that’s versatile for all types of situations.

Best Emergency Light

VTOMAN Jump Portable Power Station

Now 30% Off

One of the standout features of the power station from VTOMAN is the LED flashlight, which is great for emergencies. The power station can also jumpstart a car with a jumper cable (sold separately). You can charge nine devices simultaneously and even connect a solar panel. At 14.6 pounds, the VOTMAN Jump can be easily transported from your home to a campground.

Best Storage

Anker Solix C800 Portable Power Station

Now 33% Off

With a durable unibody design and smart temperature control, the Anker Solix C800 is a robust and reliable portable power station. Its rugged construction ensures protection against bumps and drops, while the intelligent cooling system maintains optimal performance during use. The Solix C800 also features a convenient storage area to keep your cables and charges when traveling.

Best Fast-Charging

Anker 521 Portable Power Station

Now 23% Off

The Anker 521 features a 256-watt-hour capacity and 300 watts of continuous power output (600 watts peak). It has six ports, including two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a car outlet. The USB-C port can recharge the power station to 80 percent in just 1.5 hours, getting you back online quickly. For off-grid adventures, it’s also compatible with solar panels.

Solar Generator Deals

Solar generators are the ultimate outdoor power solution, harnessing sunshine to fuel your adventures. Whether enduring a power outage or spending a few weeks off the grid, these silent, eco-friendly devices transform sunlight into usable electricity. Unlike traditional generators, solar-powered units offer fume-free operation, making them safe for outdoor and indoor use. Say goodbye to the hassles of messy fuel and engine maintenance — with a solar generator, you’re always ready to embrace the great outdoors.

Best Mini Solar

Jackery Explorer 240 V2 Portable Portable Station (Solar Panel Included)

Now 23% Off

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is a smaller powerstation that’s easy to transport, whether you’re camping or carrying it around your house. While it lacks the power of other models, it still offer five output ports, with the ability to charge your phone up to 12 times. This kit also features a 40-watt mini solar panel, so you can recharge the Explorer 240 v2 with nothing but the sun.

Best Big Solar

Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station (2 Solar Panels Included)

Now 10% Off

The Jackery Explorer 1500 is a powerhouse for extended outdoor adventures or prolonged outages. With a robust 3,600-watt peak output, it can handle appliances needing quick energy bursts. Despite its 35-pound weight, a sturdy handle ensure portability. It has three AC outlet that deliver 1,800 watts of continuous power for multiple devices. The included two 100-watt solar panels make this kit ideal for harnessing solar energy, especially when camping.

Best Solar Power

EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station (Solar Panel Included)

The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max is a versatile powerhouse for both camping and home backup. With a 3,400-watt output, it can handle even the most demanding appliances. It boasts 15 outlets, including six AC ports for larger devices, plus USB ports for personal electronics. Additionally, the included 220-watt solar panel makes off-grid recharging a breeze.

Best Value Solar

EcoFlow River 2 Max Portable Power Station (Solar Panel Included)

Now 42% Off

The EcoFlow River 2 Max is a formidable portable power station, but it’s the bundled 160-watt solar panel that elevates its potential. Together, the River 2 Max and solar panel create a dynamic duo for extended outdoor adventures. The solar panel has an IP68 rating, so it can withstand the elements. Meanwhile, the River 2 Max can charge up to 11 devices simultaneously, including a refrigerator for up to three hours.

Portable Generator Deals

Portable generators are the tried-and-true workhorses of backup power. These reliable devices have kept the lights on during blackouts, powered construction sites, and saved the day at outdoor events for decades. The Swiss Army knife of generators is the dual-fuel model, which can run on gas or propane, allowing you to pick whatever is available or kinder to your wallet. It can come in handy when supplies are scarce. Additionally, there are inverter generators, which take power production to the next level. These sophisticated machines produce cleaner electricity that’s safer for sensitive electronics, operate more quietly, and offer improved fuel efficiency.

Best Dual Fuel

EcoFlow Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Now 25% Off

EcoFlow offers a large lineup of portable power stations, but it also offers this excellent dual-fuel portable generator. In addition to dual fuel support, the EcoFlow offers app support and several smart features, including a carbon monoxide detector, low fuel alert, and engine oil alert. There are also four ways to start it, including electric start, auto start, app start, and manual start.

Best Everyday Dual Fuel

Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Now 23% Off

Champion’s dual fuel model features a hefty power output of 4500 watts, giving you plenty of power to run essential devices and appliances. Like the EcoFlow, it supports two fuel types, including propane. The Champion also supports inverter technology for clean electricity for sensitive electronics, including essential medical devices.

Most Powerful Dual Fuel

Champion Power Equipment 6875-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Now 27% Off

This dual-fuel model from Champion offers up to 11 hours of runtime thanks to a large 7.7-gallon tank. If you have extra fuel reserves, you can always quickly refill the tank or switch to propane, extending your runtime by up to 6.5 hours. The portable generator features a carbon monoxide auto shutoff feature and a volt guard designed to prevent overloads.

Home Backup Generator Deals

Home standby generators take backup power to the next level. Unlike portable units that cover basic needs, these powerhouses are engineered to keep your house running during outages. Imagine maintaining your normal routine—lights on, refrigerator running, air conditioner cooling—even when the neighborhood goes dark. These systems can integrate directly with your home’s electrical panel via a transfer switch, automatically kicking in when the grid fails. This seamless transition means you might not even notice a blackout, giving you peace of mind throughout the year.

Best for Power Outages

Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 Portable Power Station

Now 15% Off

Goal Zero’s robust Yeti Pro 4000 can run nearly all home appliances, aside from your AC, with 3600-watt output power. Simply connect the power station to your home’s electric panel and you may not even notice when a blackout happens. According to Yeti, the Pro 4000 can power a fridge for 48 hours, ensuring your food doesn’t spoil during an outage.

Most Versatile Home Backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 PRO Portable Power Station

Now 47% Off

It’s not the largest home backup option on the market, but the Explorer 2000 still stands out as an excellent choice for emergency power. With a robust output of 2000 watts, this powerhouse is capable of safely running most home appliances, according to Jackery. This means you can power your fridge, lights, and medical equipment during an emergency.

Best Home Backup

EcoFlow Delta Pro Portable Power Station (Transfer Switch Included)

Now 28% Off

This kit includes the powerful EcoFlow Delta Pro and a 6-circuit 120-volt manual transfer switch, which comes pre-wired for installation. The power station can power your lights for over a hundred hours, keeping a sense of normalcy when the grid goes offline. You also get bonuses like app support and x-stream fast charging, allowing you to replenish the battery in less than two hours.

FAQs

When is a good time to buy a portable generator?

The perfect time to invest in a portable generator or power station is today. Not tomorrow. Not next month. The key is to buy one before you actually need it. Power outages and emergencies can be unpredictable, which could leave you in the dark if you’re unprepared. By purchasing now, you’re not just ensuring you’re ready for an emergency; you’re buying peace of mind. Not only will you be prepared, but investing before an emergency occurs will ensure you’re not dealing with a situation where everything is out of stock. In other words, it’s better to have a portable generator and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Should I buy a gas-powered generator or a portable power station?

When choosing between a portable generator and a power station, it’s important to consider how you’ll use it to accurately answer this question. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different situations. Gas-powered portable generators excel at providing high power output, making them ideal for running major appliances during outages. They’re reliable in any weather condition and can run continuously as long as you have fuel. However, they have drawbacks, including ongoing fuel costs, regular maintenance requirements, and very noisy operations. They also can’t be used indoors due to emissions.

On the other hand, portable power stations offer an eco-friendly, quiet alternative. They require minimal maintenance and can be safely used indoors. They’re perfect for camping trips or areas where noise is a concern. They also support solar panels, allowing you to replenish their battery with nothing but sunshine. However, they typically have lower power output, limiting them to smaller appliances and electronics.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your specific needs. If you want high power output and don’t mind the maintenance, go with a gas-powered generator. If you want an eco-friendly model that’s ultraportable and requires no maintenance, go with a portable power station.

How much wattage do I need?

Choosing the right generator size depends on your specific power needs. To determine the appropriate wattage, list all the appliances and devices you’ll need to power, whether it’s during an emergency or camping. Find the wattage for each item (usually listed on labels or in manuals) and add them up. Doing this will give you a better idea of the right size.

Generators with an output of 500 watts or less are generally good for small electronics such as phones, laptops, and camera batteries. Medium-wattage generators—between 500 and 1500 watts—are suitable for a few essential appliances and devices like small refrigerators and medical equipment. High-wattage generators (1500 watts and above) can handle larger appliances or multiple devices simultaneously. It’s always better to have slightly more capacity than you think you’ll need. This prevents overloading and allows for unexpected power demands.

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.