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How to Buy a Portable Power Station

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Portable Power Station

Get a high-capacity power station for your camping setup without paying interest by timing your purchase with spring sales.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $700 before anything else
Across the 0% window $38.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $700 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good power station should keep your lights on and your phone charged for a long weekend. If you buy a cheap one, you will end up replacing it in two years. Aim for a high-capacity model with LiFePO4 batteries because they last for thousands of cycles and will not die after a few seasons in the garage.

New models usually drop in the spring, which means retailers slash prices on last year's inventory. You do not need the newest bells and whistles for a campsite. Getting the older version during a spring sale can save you a few hundred bucks while still giving you plenty of ports and reliable power.

This is not free money, it is just a way to delay the cost. If you still have a balance after those 18 months, the interest rate will jump significantly and make that power station much more expensive than the original price tag.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your capacity

    Figure out what you need to plug in. A 500Wh to 700Wh unit is usually the sweet spot for a two-night trip with a phone, a tablet, and some LED string lights.

  2. 02

    Wait for spring sales

    March and April are prime time for camping gear discounts. Retailers clear out old stock before the summer rush starts, so keep an eye on prices during these months.

  3. 03

    Use the right window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $700, that works out to $38.89 a month to pay it off before interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Check the battery type

    Look for LiFePO4 on the spec sheet. It is a battery chemistry that lasts much longer than standard lithium-ion, meaning you can charge and discharge it daily for years.

  5. 05

    Skip the brand-name solar panels

    You can usually find generic solar panels that work just as well for half the price. Just make sure the connectors match your power station's input port.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I run a heater on this?

Probably not for long. Space heaters pull a massive amount of power and will drain a standard $700 unit in about an hour.

Is it okay to leave it in the car?

Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery cells over time. Keep it in the cabin while you are driving and inside your house when you are not camping.

Do I really need a solar panel?

Only if you are camping for more than three days away from a wall outlet. For a quick weekend trip, just charge the unit at home before you leave.

Will this jump-start my car?

Most power stations are not built for that specific high-amperage burst. Check your manual, but you are usually better off with a small, dedicated jump starter.