You don’t have to worry about your power supply until you do. And when you lose power, it rarely happens with a warning. That’s why it’s always better to be prepared before disaster strikes -- we’re talking about your car battery and your other battery-powered devices.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix that’ll get you back on the road (or the grid) fast: handy portable power solutions you can turn to in a pinch.
From jump starters and battery chargers that will get your vehicle from dead to on the road again to portable power packs that can recharge just about any device or electronic tool, you can keep one (or even a couple!) of these different devices right in your glovebox.
However, while there are quite a few different portable power options to consider, they don’t all work in the same manner.
Types of Portable Power
When it comes to portable power, you now have more choices than ever before. And thanks to advances in technology, you can find one that’s truly convenient to keep on hand.
Today’s jump starters and battery chargers are roughly the size of a smartphone – a far cry from the bulky equipment of yesteryear. The batteries powering these devices have grown more sophisticated too, packing a greater punch and holding a longer charge. They can also work quickly, delivering the power you need faster than before.
But which are the most helpful or most versatile? Which best suits your needs? Here’s an overview of each type to help you decide.
Jump Starters
Jump starters are an emergency car kit essential (or, at the very least, a must-have in your home garage). These portable solutions “jump” a depleted battery by providing a large boost of power to restart the car and get it back on the road.
They’re particularly handy when you find yourself facing a dead battery away from home – and because today’s jump starters are so versatile, many offer extra features like built-in flashlights, USB charging, and the ability to power 12V tools and accessories.
Weego offers such all-in-one solutions. The company’s Weego 70 unit delivers a powerful 700 cranking amps in a handheld, 3.5-pound device and features a bypass button that allows you to jump a completely dead battery. It’s smart enough to recognize different battery types, and can be used for vehicles, power tools, generators, and more. The Weego 44S is even smaller and lighter at just 1 pound. And while it doesn’t charge devices, it does pack enough juice to jump start boats, motorcycles and almost all the cars and trucks on the road today.
Schumacher is another reliable brand in the portable power arena, and offers a wealth of different options from pocket-sized devices to heavy-duty professional solutions. The brand’s SL1316 is a jump starter-power pack combo that not only delivers an impressive 1,000 peak amps, but also features a scrolling display with step-by-step instructions on how to properly jump the battery. In addition to charging USB devices and 12V equipment, it includes a bright LED light that can be used as a work light or as a hazard signal in emergency situations.
NOCO is another top brand with a wide range of quality jump starters. The NOCO Boost line packs anywhere from 1,000 amps to 3,000 amps in its handheld lithium jump starters for absolutely awesome power to boost anything from a small passenger car to a Class A RV.
Battery Chargers
If you’re looking to fully recharge or maintain your vehicle battery, a battery charger – or trickle charger – is the right fit. These portable power products literally “trickle” a battery charge slowly to counter any self-discharging that happens over time. Self-discharge, or the loss of a battery’s charge over time, is exactly what can leave you with a lower-than-anticipated (or totally dead) battery.
While battery chargers are ideal for vehicles that don’t see everyday use, they can also be handy for items and vehicles beyond cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can use trickle chargers for motorcycles, ATVs, and even lawn mowers. Think about these power solutions like this: If it’s sitting for about a month or more, a trickle charger can be beneficial.
NOCO makes some standout battery chargers. The NOCO Genius line offers compact, road- and garage-ready trickle chargers designed for 6- and 12-volt batteries. And while many are great for recharging one vehicle at a time, others can handle up to four.
Battery Tender is another great brand, with chargers ranging from small plug-in units great for the garage to portable solutions for increased versatility. Optima, one of the biggest names in battery power, also offers an impressive portable 12-volt charger that can be used on a variety of different battery types.
Power Packs or Power Banks
Lastly, if you want to make sure you have battery power for the devices your vehicles rely on – smartphones, GPS units, laptops, or even generators and power tools – a portable power pack is a great addition to your glovebox. Also called power banks, these slim and streamlined products allow you to recharge or plug in and power devices either via a traditional plug or USB cord.
If you’re looking for everyday power for small appliances, a small and pocket-sized power bank can do the trick. However, if you’re looking for more power, including enough power to run appliances like small fridges or other appliances, you can find travel-ready power banks that offer significantly more capability, like AC house power, in a small package.
Goal Zero offers both types of power packs. Small options, like the Goal Zero Venture 35 and Goal Zero Flip 36, have multiple USB ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously, plus extra perks like waterproofing, LED emergency lights, and speedy recharging. For bigger appliances, picks like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC can offer up to 25,600 mAh of battery capacity, USB ports plus AC ports, and even wireless charging.
Scosche Industries is another great option for power banks that offer portability and plenty of power. From backup batteries and power banks to power stations that are streamlined yet comprehensive enough to offer USB ports, AC outlets, and rugged outdoor-ready housing, it’s all possible.
How to Shop for a Quality Portable Power Product
Wondering where to start as you search for a reliable portable power solution that meets your vehicle or everyday needs? Well, to find the right fit, you’ll want to consider a few key factors to ensure you get a balance of enough power, the right type of power, and consistent performance.
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider how much power you need. Are you trying to jump start a truck, or are you looking to maintain a small sedan battery? Or are you really more interested in keeping gadgets and devices running?
The bigger your power needs – and your vehicle – the more amps and the bigger the battery capacity you’ll need. So, make sure to look at battery capacity (which is either in mAh, Ah, Wh, or kWh measurements) and find a fit for your 6-volt, 12-volt, or smaller battery.
Additionally, you’ll want to determine what type of portable power you’ll use most. If you’re storing a vehicle or item, a trickle charger – battery charger – will help maintain its power over time. If you’re worried about getting stuck with a dead car battery, a jump starter can get you back on the road in no time. And if your devices, accessories, or appliances are what need power most frequently, a power pack or bank may be the solution to carry daily.
And don’t forget to consider your available storage space! If you’re planning on keeping your portable power inside your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you opt for a device that fits either inside your center console, glove box, or available trunk space. If you’ll be keeping your portable power in the garage or in an emergency kit that moves around, make sure to check the exact spot in question to determine just how big you can go, device-wise.