The Best Portable Power Stations & Solar Generators in the UK (2025 Guide)

Whether you're planning a camping trip in the Peak District, need a reliable home backup power source for unexpected power cuts, or require dependable energy for your outdoor hobbies, a portable power station is an essential piece of kit. When paired with solar panels, these devices transform into a solar generator, offering you a clean, quiet, and limitless supply of off-grid electricity.

But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we break down the best options available in the UK, from high-capacity workhorses to ultra-portable companions. We'll review top products like the BioLite BaseCharge 1500, the Anker SOLIX C1000, the BLUETTI AC180, and the new Jackery Explorer 240 v2 to help you find the perfect outdoor power solution.

What to Look For in a Portable Power Station

Before diving into the products, let's cover the key features to consider:

• Capacity (Watt-hours - Wh): This tells you how much energy the battery can store. A larger Wh number means you can run devices for longer. A small unit (like 256Wh) is great for charging phones and laptops, while a large one (1500Wh+) can power fridges, coolers, and even power tools.
• Power Output (Watts - W): This is how much power the station can deliver at one time. Check the wattage of the devices you want to run. A 300W output is fine for small electronics, but for kettles or power tools, you'll need 1800W or more.
• Battery Type: Most modern stations use Li-Ion (NMC) or LiFePO4 batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are the newer standard, offering a much longer lifespan (thousands of charge cycles) and superior safety.
• Charging Options: Look for versatile charging – from a standard wall socket (AC), in your car (12V), and most importantly, via solar power. Charging speed is also crucial; some models offer fast charging in as little as an hour.
• Portability & Weight: If you're backpacking or moving it around often, a lightweight and portable design is key. For a home UPS system, weight is less of a concern.
• Extra Features: Look for a clear display, multiple output ports (AC, USB-A, USB-C), and modern features like smart app control and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) functionality, which provides instant emergency power during an outage.

 

Top Portable Power Station Reviews UK

1. Anker SOLIX C1000: The Compact King of Fast Charging

Anker is a titan in the charging world, and the Anker SOLIX C1000 shows why. This portable power station packs immense power and industry-leading features into a surprisingly compact frame, making it a top contender for the best all-rounder.

Its standout feature is UltraFast charging, reaching 100% battery in just 58 minutes from a wall socket. The durable 1056Wh LiFePO4 battery is built for the long haul, promising a 10-year lifespan over 3,000 charge cycles. With a massive 1800W output and innovative SurgePad technology that delivers up to 2400W, it can run 99% of appliances without issue.

For off-grid enthusiasts, its impressive 600W solar input allows for a full recharge in just 1.8 hours in ideal conditions. Despite its power, it’s 15% smaller than many competitors, and the Anker smart app gives you full control over charging speeds.

• Best for: Users wanting maximum power and speed in a more compact design.
• Capacity: 1056Wh
• Output: 1800W (2400W Peak)
• Special Feature: UltraFast 58-min charging, SurgePad technology, compact size.

 

Explore more Anker products and choose the one that best fits your power needs.

 

2. BLUETTI AC180: The Powerful, All-Round Performer

The BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180 strikes an incredible balance between capacity, power, and cutting-edge technology. It's a direct competitor to the Anker C1000 and another fantastic all-round choice, also boasting incredible charge speeds—it can be charged from 0-80% in just 45 minutes.

The AC180 uses a long-lasting and safe 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery and has a powerful 1800W output (with a 2700W peak), allowing it to handle everything from your campsite essentials to power-hungry appliances like microwaves or hair dryers.

It's also an excellent solar generator for camping, with a built-in MPPT controller that supports up to 500W of solar input for a full charge in under 3 hours with panels. Furthermore, its reliable 20ms UPS backup feature makes it a fantastic choice for protecting your essential home electronics, like computers and routers, from power cuts.

• Best for: All-round use, fast charging needs, reliable emergency power.
• Capacity: 1152Wh
• Output: 1800W (2700W Peak)
• Special Feature: Rapid charging, powerful UPS functionality.

 

Explore more BLUETTI products and choose the one that best fits your power needs.

 

3. Jackery Explorer 240 v2 (2024 Version): The Ultra-Portable Outdoor Companion

For those who prioritise portability above all else, the new Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is a game-changer. Weighing a mere 3.5 kg, this is the best portable power generator for day trips, fishing, picnics, or light camping where every gram counts.

Despite its small size, it's packed with modern features. The durable 256Wh LiFePO4 battery is built to last for up to 10 years (3,000 cycles), and its 300W AC output is perfect for running laptops, drones, cameras, and lights. The inclusion of a 100W USB-C port means you can leave your bulky laptop power bank and chargers at home.

The Explorer 240 v2 also offers 1-hour fast charging, multiple charging ports, and full smart app control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to monitor battery status. It even features a 20ms UPS mode, a feature rarely seen in a unit this small. It's the ultimate grab-and-go outdoor generator.

• Best for: Portability, day trips, charging personal electronics, camping power.
• Capacity: 256Wh
• Output: 300W
• Special Feature: Extremely lightweight (3.5 kg), smart app control.

 

Explore more Jackery products and choose the one that best fits your power needs.

 

4. BioLite BaseCharge 1500: The High-Capacity Powerhouse

If your priority is maximum capacity and the ability to power demanding appliances, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 is a formidable choice. This is a true high-capacity portable power station designed to be the heart of your off-grid setup or home backup system.

With a massive 1521Wh Li-Ion battery, it acts like a wall outlet wherever you go. It's the ideal power generator for running fridges, medical devices, laptops, and even power tools, thanks to its powerful inverter. The clear, easy-to-read display shows real-time usage and remaining runtime, taking the guesswork out of power management.

While it's a heavier unit at 12.9 kg, its robust build and sheer power make it perfect for long camping trips, campervan conversions, or as a reliable home battery backup. Pair it with the BioLite SolarPanel 100 to create a fully independent solar generator system.

• Best for: Extended off-grid trips, home backup, powering high-wattage devices.
• Capacity: 1521Wh
• Output: 1200W+
• Special Feature: Excellent real-time smart display.

 

Explore more BioLite products and choose the one that best fits your power needs.

 

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Outdoor Power Solution

As we've seen, the world of portable power has a solution for every need and budget. Choosing the best portable power station isn't about finding a single "winner," but about matching the right features to your lifestyle.

Your decision should be guided by your primary use case. For ultimate portability on day trips or for light duties, the ultra-lightweight Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is in a class of its own. For the demanding user who needs to power fridges and tools for extended periods, the high-capacity BioLite BaseCharge 1500 is a dependable workhorse.

For most people, however, the sweet spot lies with the impressive all-rounders. Both the Anker SOLIX C1000 and the BLUETTI AC180 offer a fantastic blend of high capacity, powerful output, and incredibly fast charging technology. They are versatile enough for a weekend of camping power, while also being the perfect emergency power source for unexpected power cuts at home.

Ultimately, by assessing your power needs (Watts), required runtime (Watt-hours), and portability, you can confidently invest in a device that will provide off-grid freedom and peace of mind for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a solar generator?
A solar generator is simply a portable power station paired with one or more compatible solar panels. The power station stores the energy, and the solar panels collect free, clean energy from the sun to recharge it. This creates a fully independent and renewable off-grid electricity system, perfect for camping, campervans, or sustainable home backup.

What is the difference between Watt-hours (Wh) and Watts (W)?
This is the most important concept to understand. Think of it like a water bottle:

• Watt-hours (Wh) is the capacity of the battery. It's the total amount of energy stored, like the size of your water bottle (e.g., 1056Wh).
• Watts (W) is the power output. It's how much energy can be delivered at once, like how fast you can pour the water out (e.g., 1800W).
  You need enough Watts to run your device and enough Watt-hours to run it for your desired length of time.

Which portable power station is best for me?
The best station for you depends on three key questions:

1. What devices will you power? Check the wattage of your most demanding item (e.g., a kettle might need 2000W). This determines the output Watts (W) you need.
2. For how long do you need to power them? This determines the battery capacity (Wh) you need. A small station is fine for charging phones, but you'll need a larger one for running a cooler all weekend.
3. How will you transport it? If you are hiking, weight is critical. For car camping or home use, you can choose a larger, more powerful unit.

Which is better, a LiFePO4 or a standard Li-Ion battery?
For longevity and safety, a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery is superior. Most new, premium models like the Anker, BLUETTI, and Jackery use LiFePO4 batteries because they offer a much longer lifespan (often 3,000+ charge cycles) compared to traditional Li-Ion (NMC) batteries (around 500-800 cycles). This means a LiFePO4 station is a better long-term investment.

How do I charge a portable power station?
You have three primary methods:

1. AC Wall Outlet: The fastest method. Many modern units like the Anker SOLIX C1000 can fully charge in about an hour.
2. Car Charger (12V Port): A great way to top up your power station while driving to your destination.
3. Solar Panels: The ideal off-grid solution. The time to charge depends on the wattage of your solar panels and the amount of sunlight.

How long will a power station last?
This question has two answers:

1. Runtime on a single charge: This depends on the device you're powering. You can estimate it with a simple formula: (Power Station Capacity in Wh) * 0.85 / (Device's Wattage) = Estimated Runtime in Hours. The 0.85 accounts for energy loss in the inverter.
2. Lifespan of the unit: A quality LiFePO4 power station is designed to last for around 3,000 full charge and discharge cycles, which translates to many years of reliable use, even if you use it frequently.