LiFePO4 power stations are the best option for portable power in 2023.
But here’s the catch.
With the internet today, Bob from his mom’s basement can slap a label on an imported unit, chuck it on Amazon, and dub it ‘top-quality’ without ever giving it a test run.
[🎉FYI. Many brands are having end of Summer sales: Jackery, EcoFlow, and Canvas Tents.]
Picking a LiFePO4 power station is like shopping for a computer. So many brands, so many specs.
But don’t sweat it, just remember:
Here’s a quick tool to help narrow down your LiFePO4 power station search:
By the way, EcoFlow made its debut on REI.com allowing you to opt for REI’s hassle-free return program.
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Based on extensive review analysis and personal experiences with customer service, I’ve found that EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker, and Jackery are the top brands in the market.
Based on my discount code spreadsheet, these are the best LiFePO4 power stations as of August 2023:
EcoFlow has the RIVER series for smaller power needs and the DELTA series for larger power requirements. They’ve gained significant popularity over the past few years due to their reliable performance and pushing the benefits of LiFePO4 products.
Key Features of EcoFlow
Anker is one of the most popular electronics manufacturers in terms of power and charging. If you’ve ever bought extra charging cables for your phone, you likely have an Anker product without realizing it.
They have a 5-year warranty on their power stations making it the longest in the industry.
All of Anker’s current power stations utilize LiFePO4 battery technology.
Bluetti currently offers a 4-year warranty, although I anticipate they’ll extend it to 6 years soon to align with the other top brands.
Bluetti’s current selection all feature LiFePO4 battery chemistry.
Jackery is late to the party and only recently (mid-2023) released their first LiFePO4 battery in the Jackery 2000 Plus.
Their warranty has also been extended to 5 years (you need to register the product to go from 3 years to 5 years).
All of the other Jackery power stations, including the newer 3024Wh, have the NCM
LiFePO4 offers numerous advantages over NMC, such as:
The primary benefit of LiFePO4 is its long life span compared to the alternative NMC battery found in many pre-2022 power stations. In addition, the battery chemistry is cheaper than NMC.
Another benefit is it has a 100% depth of discharge, meaning you can drain an LFP battery to 0% without damaging it, whereas it’s not advised to discharge NMC batteries below 10 to 20%.
The downside of LiFePO4 is they are heavier because they are less energy dense (ie: you need a larger battery pack for the same capacity).
For example, a Jackery 2000 Plus with LiFePO4 chemistry is 61.5lbs compared to the Jackery 2000 Pro with NMC is 43lbs. This is why you often see larger battery packs come with wheels.
However, EcoFlow has a Delta 2 Max with LiFePO4 at 50lbs and the NMC version is 48lbs, so they did something with the design to make it a similar weight.
Most large power stations don’t move very far. Mine, for instance, only moves from my SUV to just outside it or from my closet to the living room during a power outage.
I categorize power stations into three main uses: weekend trips, special uses, and emergency backup.
If you’re just powering your phone, camera, and other small electronics, you can get a 256Wh power station and be fine. If you have 4+ people or going for several days, maybe upgrade to the 500Wh capacity.
For longer trips or when you need to power more energy-intensive devices like a CPAP machine, laptops, or camping fridges, you might want to look at the 750Wh to 1300Wh range.
These power stations can handle larger loads and last longer between recharges, making them ideal for extended trips, remote work setups, or even field work that requires certain tools.
For those preparing for emergency situations or requiring a backup power supply for their home, a power station with a capacity of 2000Wh will be more suitable.
These power stations can run large appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and even AC systems. Additionally, they can keep other home essentials running like lights, medical equipment, sump pumps and more.
In addition, the best power stations for Starlink are in this range.
Power stations are expensive, and upgrading capacity isn’t available except for larger power stations (1,000Wh for EcoFow, 2,000Wh for others).
This means, if you buy a Jackery 1000 Explorer like I did, then you’re stuck with 1000Wh capacity and the only way to upgrade it is to buy another expensive unit OR buy solar panels which may or not work in your situation.
My Jackery 1000, which I bought before LiFePO4 power stations were a common option.So, I always recommend sizing up.
Make a list of all the devices you want to power (below are high level estimates)
Next, calculate how long you’ll be using or charging each device per day. If you are going to be charging your laptop while working all day, you’ll need (40 watts * 8 hours = 320 watt hours).
Most power stations use an inverter to convert DC power stored in the battery to AC power that most devices and appliances use. However, this process isn’t 100% efficient. Good brands tend to range between 80 and 85% efficient. Thus, your EcoFlow 1000 is now an EcoFlow 850.
Choosing the right power station depends on your specific power needs and the nature of your devices. LiFePO4 power stations, with their extended lifespan and cost-efficiency, are a standout choice. Notable brands offering excellent options include EcoFlow, Anker, Jackery, and Bluetti.
Although the size and weight of LiFePO4 power stations may seem a drawback, the benefits often outweigh these issues. Remember, the key to an informed choice lies in accurately understanding your devices’ power consumption and including a safety margin in your calculations.
As technology advances and LiFePO4 batteries gain prevalence, consumers can expect a wider range of high-quality options. Take the time to research and choose a power station that best suits your needs.
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Key Takeaways
I'm the founder of Wifibum. In 2018, I left my corporate gig to work for a company that allowed 100% remote work in order to spend more time outdoors. I write about my personal experiences with gear, trips, and more. Learn more About Me . You can also follow me at Wifibum on Instagram
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