A few years ago, if you wanted reliable power while camping, the standard advice was simple: install a dual battery system in your vehicle.
While that is still a great option for many campers, portable power stations have exploded in popularity over the last few years. They offer a simpler way to power camping fridges, lights, phones, laptops and other essentials without permanently modifying your vehicle.
Think of a portable power station as an all-in-one power solution. Inside the box is a lithium battery, inverter, charger and multiple power outlets. Charge it at home, top it up while driving or connect a solar panel at camp, and you’re ready to go.
For weekend campers, families, caravanners and even many 4WD tourers, a portable power station can provide all the power you need without the cost and complexity of a traditional dual battery setup.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best portable power stations available in Australia and help you choose the right option for your style of camping.
Note: Product specifications, availability and pricing change regularly. Always check the manufacturer’s website for the latest information before making a purchase.
Why Portable Power Stations Have Become So Popular
If you’ve been camping for a while, you’ve probably noticed portable power stations appearing everywhere.
A few years ago, most conversations around camping power revolved around dual battery systems, AGM batteries and complicated wiring setups.
Today, many campers are looking for something simpler.
Portable power stations combine a lithium battery, inverter, charger and multiple power outlets into a single unit. Instead of installing a permanent electrical system in your vehicle, you can simply charge the unit and take it wherever you need power.
The flexibility is a major part of the appeal.
A portable power station can power your camping setup on the weekend, sit in the garage during the week and even provide backup power around the home during an outage.
For many people, that versatility makes more sense than investing in a dedicated dual battery system that only serves one purpose.
Quick Picks
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus |
| Best Premium Option | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus |
| Best Compact Option | Anker SOLIX C1000 |
| Best Expandable System | Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus |
Quick Comparison
| Portable Power Station | Capacity | Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus | 1024Wh | 1800W | Most campers |
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus | 2048Wh | 3000W | Extended trips & caravans |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | 1056Wh | 1800W | Weekend camping |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus | 1264Wh | 2000W | Future expansion |
What Is a Portable Power Station?
If you’re new to portable power stations, the easiest way to think about them is as a portable battery system in a box.
Most units include:
- A lithium battery
- A built-in inverter for 240V appliances
- USB charging ports
- 12V outputs
- AC wall charging capability
- Solar charging capability
Instead of wiring a second battery into your vehicle, you simply charge the unit and take it with you.
For many campers, that simplicity is the biggest advantage.
A portable power station can be used at camp, at the beach, around the house during a power outage or even at a kid’s sporting event.
It’s one device with multiple uses.
What to Look for in a Portable Power Station
Not all portable power stations are created equal.
While it’s easy to focus on battery capacity and price, there are a few key features that can make a big difference to your camping experience.
Battery Chemistry
If you’re buying a portable power station in 2026, I would strongly recommend choosing a model that uses LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries generally last longer, handle regular charging better and are considered safer than older lithium battery technologies.
The good news is all of the portable power stations recommended in this guide use LiFePO4 batteries.
Capacity (Wh)
Battery capacity is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh).
As a general rule, higher capacity means longer runtimes.
However, bigger isn’t always better.
For many campers, the sweet spot is around 1,000Wh.
Solar Charging Capability
One of the biggest advantages of portable power stations is the ability to recharge using solar panels.
If you regularly camp away from powered sites, look for a model with good solar charging capability.
A portable power station paired with a quality folding solar panel can dramatically extend your time off-grid.
Weight and Portability
This is one specification many buyers overlook.
A larger battery usually means more weight.
If you’re frequently moving your gear around camp, loading it into a vehicle or carrying it between locations, portability becomes an important consideration.
Always check the weight before purchasing.
AC Output Power
AC output determines what appliances a portable power station can run.
Most campers will be using portable power stations for camping fridges, device charging, lighting and smaller appliances.
If you plan on running larger appliances, make sure the power station can comfortably handle the required load.
CampoutHQ Recommendation
If you’re new to portable power stations, don’t overthink it.
For most Australian campers, a quality lithium power station around the 1,000Wh mark paired with a folding solar panel will provide an excellent balance of performance, portability and value.
That setup is capable of running a camping fridge, charging phones, powering lights and keeping camp comfortable without the complexity of a permanent dual battery installation.
Portable Power Station vs Dual Battery System
One of the biggest questions campers ask is whether they should buy a portable power station or install a dual battery system in their vehicle.
The truth is there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It depends on how you camp and how much effort you want to put into your setup.
A dual battery system has been the go-to solution for Australian campers and 4WD tourers for years. Once installed, it charges automatically while you drive and can provide reliable power for a camping fridge, lights and other accessories.
A portable power station takes a different approach.
Instead of permanently installing a second battery in your vehicle, everything is contained within a single unit.
For many campers, the biggest advantage is simplicity.
Choose a Portable Power Station If:
- You mainly do weekend camping trips.
- You own multiple vehicles.
- You camp from a tent, camper trailer or caravan.
- You want something that can also be used at home during power outages.
- You prefer a simple plug-and-play solution.
Choose a Dual Battery System If:
- You spend long periods touring remote areas.
- Your camping fridge runs almost permanently.
- You already have a dedicated touring vehicle.
- You want automatic charging every time you drive.
- You plan to build a permanent off-grid touring setup.
How Big a Portable Power Station Do You Need?
The good news is most campers don’t need as much power as they think.
As a general guide:
| Camping Style | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Weekend Tent Camping | 300Wh – 700Wh |
| Camping Fridge + Basic Devices | 700Wh – 1,200Wh |
| Family Camping | 1,000Wh – 2,000Wh |
| Caravan & Extended Trips | 2,000Wh+ |
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re heading away for a long weekend with the family.
Your setup includes:
- A 40L camping fridge
- Four phones
- Camp lighting
- A portable fan
A quality 1,000Wh portable power station paired with a folding solar panel will comfortably handle this sort of setup for many campers.
That’s one of the reasons units around the 1,000Wh mark have become so popular.
If your main concern is running a camping fridge, check out our guide on How Much Battery Do You Need for a Camping Fridge?
Which Portable Power Station Is Right for You?
Weekend Tent Camping
If your typical camping trip involves a tent, a couple of camp lights, phone charging and perhaps a small camping fridge, you probably don’t need the biggest power station on the market.
The Anker SOLIX C1000 is a great fit for campers who want reliable power without carrying a huge battery around.
Family Camping
Family camping often means more devices, more lighting and more power consumption overall.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus hits the sweet spot for many family camping setups.
Caravan and Camper Trailer Owners
Caravan and camper trailer owners typically spend longer periods away from home and often have higher power demands.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus offers more capacity and longer runtimes.
Technology-Heavy Campers
If your camping setup includes Starlink, laptops, camera gear, drones or other power-hungry devices, future capacity may become important.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is worth considering if you plan to expand your setup in the future.
Best Portable Power Stations Reviewed
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus – Best Overall
Image credit: Ecoflow Australia
If I was buying my first portable power station today, this is where I would start.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus sits right in the sweet spot for most Australian campers. It has enough capacity to comfortably run a camping fridge, charge phones, power lights and handle the sort of devices most families take camping without becoming excessively large or expensive.
What I like most about the DELTA 3 Plus is that it doesn’t force you into a compromise. Smaller units can leave you wishing for more capacity, while larger units often cost significantly more and take up valuable storage space.
For family camping, camper trailers, weekend trips and general 4WD touring, this is the model I would recommend to most people.
CampoutHQ Verdict: If you’re unsure which portable power station to buy, start here.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus – Best Premium
Image credit: Ecoflow Australia
The DELTA 3 Max Plus is aimed at campers who need more runtime and more flexibility.
If your setup includes a caravan, larger camping fridge, multiple devices or longer periods away from powered sites, the additional battery capacity starts to make a lot of sense.
The trade-off is additional cost and weight, which means it won’t be the best choice for every camper.
However, for people who regularly spend extended periods off-grid, having extra battery capacity available can be the difference between enjoying your trip and constantly worrying about power usage.
CampoutHQ Verdict: A premium solution for campers who don’t want to think about power every day.
Anker SOLIX C1000 – Best Compact
Image credit: Anker
The Anker SOLIX C1000 proves that bigger isn’t always better.
For many campers, especially couples and weekend adventurers, carrying around a massive power station simply isn’t necessary.
The C1000 offers enough capacity for a camping fridge, lighting and device charging while remaining relatively easy to move around camp.
This is the sort of power station that makes sense for people who value portability and simplicity.
CampoutHQ Verdict: A great option for weekend campers who want reliable power without carrying unnecessary weight.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus – Best Expandable
Image credit: Jackery Australia
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that camping setups tend to grow.
What starts as a camping fridge and a couple of lights can eventually become Starlink, laptops, camera gear, drones and all sorts of other devices.
That’s what makes the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus interesting.
Rather than buying the biggest unit possible on day one, the expandable design allows you to increase capacity as your needs change.
Not everyone will need that flexibility, but for campers planning to upgrade their setup over time, it’s a compelling feature.
CampoutHQ Verdict: Ideal for campers who expect their power requirements to grow in the future.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a Camping Fridge?
Yes, and for many campers that’s exactly what portable power stations are designed to do.
A modern camping fridge is usually one of the biggest power consumers in a camping setup, which makes it a good benchmark when choosing a power station.
Most quality portable power stations in the 1,000Wh range can comfortably run a camping fridge for a typical weekend camping trip, especially when paired with solar panels or occasional charging while driving.
The exact runtime depends on:
- Fridge size
- Ambient temperature
- Battery capacity
- How often the lid is opened
You can learn more in our guide on How Much Battery Do You Need for a Camping Fridge?
You can also check out our Best Camping Fridges for 4WD Touring in Australia guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Charge a Portable Power Station From My Car?
Yes. Most modern portable power stations can be charged from a vehicle’s 12V outlet while driving.
Can I Use Solar Panels With a Portable Power Station?
Absolutely. Solar charging is one of the biggest advantages of portable power stations.
How Long Will a Portable Power Station Run a Camping Fridge?
It depends on the battery size and fridge power consumption, but many 1,000Wh units can comfortably support a camping fridge for a weekend trip.
Are Portable Power Stations Waterproof?
Most are not fully waterproof and should be protected from rain and standing water.
Are Portable Power Stations Better Than Dual Battery Systems?
Not necessarily. They simply suit a different style of camping.
Are Lithium Power Stations Worth It?
For most campers, yes. They are lighter, more efficient and generally last longer than older battery technologies.
Final Verdict
Portable power stations have changed the way many Australians camp.
If you’re looking for the best all-round option, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus is our top pick. It offers an excellent balance of capacity, portability and features, making it suitable for everything from weekend camping trips through to longer adventures.
If you need more capacity for extended trips or caravan travel, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus is worth considering.
Campers who prioritise portability should take a close look at the Anker SOLIX C1000, while those wanting the flexibility to expand their system in the future may prefer the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus.
Whichever option you choose, a modern lithium portable power station is one of the easiest ways to keep your camping fridge running, your devices charged and your campsite comfortable.