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How to Buy a Portable Power Station

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Portable Power Station

Get a reliable power station for camping and emergencies without breaking the bank.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $900 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 solid portable power station keeps your gear running off-grid and keeps the lights on when the storm knocks out power. You want something that holds a charge well and lasts for years, so you buy it once instead of replacing a cheap one down the road.

Tech brands usually drop new models in the spring, which means November is the sweet spot for deals. Last year's model often drops in price right when the holiday sales start, and it usually has almost all the same features.

That 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, interest kicks in on what is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Match the watts to your gear

    Add up the wattage of the things you actually need to plug in, like phones, medical devices, or a small fridge. Buy a station with a bit more capacity than your total so you are not running it at full blast the whole time.

  2. 02

    Wait for the November sales

    Major holiday sales bring the biggest markdowns on outdoor gear and electronics. Check prices across a few retailers a couple of weeks before to make sure the sale price is actually a discount.

  3. 03

    Check last year's model

    Manufacturers tweak small things like app connectivity year over year, but battery tech stays pretty steady. Buying the previous version gets you the same heavy-duty power for less cash.

  4. 04

    Spread out the cost

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading that $900 price tag across the 18-month window comes out to about $50.00 per month.

  5. 05

    Test it before you need it

    Charge the unit to full capacity as soon as it arrives and run a couple of devices to make sure everything works. Do not wait until the power goes out or you are at the campsite to find out there is an issue.

  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

How many watts do I need for camping?

For weekend trips just charging phones and lights, a 300 to 500-watt-hour unit is plenty. If you want to run heavy gear like a CPAP machine or a mini fridge, look at 900 watts or higher.

Can I leave it plugged in all the time?

Most modern lithium power stations manage their own power, so leaving them plugged into the wall to stay ready for emergencies is fine. Still, it is smart to drain and recharge them every few months to keep the battery healthy.

Are solar panels worth buying with it?

Solar panels are great for extended camping trips where you are miles from an outlet. If you are mainly buying for home emergency backups, you can usually skip the panels and just charge from a wall socket.

What happens if I cannot pay off the balance in 18 months?

If any of the purchase balance remains when the introductory period ends, interest starts charging on that remaining amount. Try to set your monthly payments so you beat the deadline.