Independent backup-power decision lab

Find the battery backup that fits the load—not the hype.

Compare real capacity, continuous output, device requirements, charging options, and estimated runtime before you spend money.

See the best picks Compare products Calculate runtime
Exact product links Runtime math shown Specification-verified labels No invented star ratings
Battery backup, solar generator, and emergency power systems
THE THREE-NUMBER CHECK Watts · Surge · Watt-hours

Output starts the load. Capacity keeps it running. Surge headroom prevents nuisance shutdowns.

Shop by problem

Choose what cannot afford to lose power

The fastest path to a good recommendation is the load—not the brand name.

Refrigerators & freezers Cold storageRefrigerators & freezersSize for compressor surge, cycling load, and the hours you need food kept cold.Open guide → CPAP & medical essentials Medical readinessCPAP & medical essentialsStart with the exact device label, humidifier settings, and a verified DC or AC connection.Open guide → Router, modem & Wi‑Fi Stay connectedRouter, modem & Wi‑FiSmall UPS and DC systems often provide longer, more efficient internet backup.Open guide → Sump pumps & motors High surgeSump pumps & motorsMotor starting surge is the first filter—then battery capacity determines the number of cycles.Open guide → RV, camping & travel Portable powerRV, camping & travelBalance watt-hours, weight, solar input, charging time, and inverter output.Open guide → Whole-home & long outages Home resilienceWhole-home & long outagesPrioritize expandable storage, transfer equipment, critical-load planning, and installation safety.Open guide →
Two-minute sizing start

What are you trying to keep running?

Pick the load and target time. We will estimate the battery class, then send you to the right guide and full runtime calculator.

Editor starting points

Four proven product classes

View the full comparison →
Capacity vs. output More watt-hours extend runtime; more watts expand what you can start and run Use this as a category map. It is not a price chart and does not replace checking appliance surge requirements.
Portable power station capacity versus continuous output A scatter graph comparing selected portable power stations by watt-hour capacity and watt output. 0Wh 0W 1,000Wh 1,000W 2,000Wh 2,000W 3,000Wh 3,000W 4,000Wh 4,000W EcoFlow DELTA 2 EcoFlow DELTA 2: 1,024Wh, 1,800W BLUETTI AC180 BLUETTI AC180: 1,152Wh, 1,800W Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Jackery Explorer 1000 v2: 1,070Wh, 1,500W Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus: 2,042Wh, 3,000W EcoFlow DELTA Pro EcoFlow DELTA Pro: 3,600Wh, 3,600W Stored energy capacity Continuous AC output
Decision chart Estimated runtime at a 100W average load Starting estimate using 80% usable energy. Real runtime changes with surge, cycling, temperature, inverter draw, and battery condition.
300Wh battery 2.4 hr
500Wh battery 4 hr
1,000Wh battery 8 hr
2,000Wh battery 16 hr
3,600Wh battery 28.8 hr
Decision rule

UPS for instant continuity. Power station for hours. Expandable systems for days.

UPS systemsComputers, NAS, routers, servers, and clean shutdown.Compare UPS → Portable power stationsRefrigerators, CPAP, camping, outages, and flexible charging.Compare stations → Expandable home backupCritical circuits, long outages, solar recovery, and higher loads.Plan home backup →
Use your own numbers

Stop guessing at runtime.

Enter the actual wattage, battery size, efficiency, surge, and target hours. The calculator returns usable energy, expected runtime, required capacity, and compatibility warnings.

Open the runtime calculatorCompare side by side
STARTING FORMULA (Battery Wh × usable efficiency) ÷ load W Then check continuous output, starting surge, temperature, and device compatibility.
How recommendations are labeled

Evidence before enthusiasm.

Specification-verifiedManufacturer specifications and published documentation are checked.
Calculation-basedRuntime estimates show assumptions instead of pretending every home and appliance is identical.
Hands-on only when documentedThe site does not claim a product was physically tested unless that evidence exists.
Commercial transparencyPaid product links are labeled, and brand pages do not automatically outrank better-fitting products.
How we test and calculateEditorial policy
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