Buying Guide
Best Portable Power Station Under $500 in 2026
Updated February 19, 2026
You don’t need to spend $1,000+ to get a solid portable power station. The sub-$500 market has improved dramatically, with LiFePO4 batteries and fast charging now available at budget prices. Here are the best options.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Under $500: Bluetti AC70 ($499)
The Bluetti AC70 hits the perfect balance of capacity, features, and price at exactly $500.
- 768Wh LiFePO4 battery (3,000+ cycles)
- 1,000W output (2,000W Power Lifting)
- 22.5 lbs — easily portable
- 80% charge in 45 minutes
The Power Lifting mode is the killer feature here. It lets the AC70 handle devices up to 2,000W — things like hair dryers and small heaters that a 1,000W unit normally can’t touch.
Best Budget Pick: EcoFlow RIVER 3 ($199)
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is the best value under $200.
- 245Wh LiFePO4 battery (3,000+ cycles)
- 300W output (600W X-Boost)
- 7.8 lbs — ultraportable
- Full charge in 60 minutes
- IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance
It won’t run your fridge, but for phone charging, laptops, LED lights, and small fans, it’s perfect. The IP54 rating is rare at this price.
Best Ultralight: Jackery Explorer 100 Plus ($149)
The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus is for travelers who only need USB charging.
- 99Wh LiFePO4 (2,000+ cycles)
- 128W USB-C PD output
- 2.1 lbs — fits in a backpack pocket
- Airline approved (under 100Wh)
No AC outlets, but the dual USB-C PD ports charge laptops and phones. Available as a solar bundle with a 40W panel for $169.
What You Get Under $500
Budget power stations in 2026 offer:
- LiFePO4 chemistry — even the cheapest options now use long-lasting batteries
- Fast charging — 45-60 minutes for most models
- 500-800Wh capacity — enough for weekend camping
- 1,000W+ output — handles most small appliances
What you give up:
- Expandable battery options
- 2,000W+ continuous output (without Power Lifting)
- 6+ AC outlet count
- Smart home integration
Budget Power Station Comparison
| Feature | Bluetti AC70 | EcoFlow RIVER 3 | Jackery 100 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $199 | $149 |
| Capacity | 768Wh | 245Wh | 99Wh |
| Output | 1,000W | 300W | 128W |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 2.1 lbs |
| AC Outlets | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Battery | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Charge Time | 1.3 hrs | 1 hr | 1.8 hrs |
When to Spend More
If you find yourself needing any of the following, step up to the $600-900 range:
- More capacity: The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus ($649) offers 1,024Wh
- More output: The Anker SOLIX C1000 ($699) delivers 1,800W
- Expandability: The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus expands to 5kWh
The Bottom Line
The Bluetti AC70 at $499 is the best power station under $500. If you need something smaller and cheaper, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 at $199 is unbeatable. Use our comparison tool to compare these models side-by-side.