Testing the DJI Power 1000 power station. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Remember those bulky power banks that could barely keep your phone charged? Forget them! Power stations are the new rockstars of portable electricity. In just a few years, they've exploded in popularity, transforming from niche products to a dazzling array of options.
Now you can find everything from compact, grab-and-go systems perfect for camping adventures to heavy-duty units that can keep your entire house running for days during an outage. And the best part? The price range is incredibly versatile, with options for nearly any budget, from a few hundred bucks to several thousand dollars.
Also: Best portable power stations of 2026: Expert tested
But if you're dropping hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a system, you need to ensure you're getting the best possible value for your hard-earned cash. That's why, here at ZDNET, we go to great lengths to put each and every power station through a barrage of tests.
How we test portable power stations in 2026
Over the past few years, I've tested well over 100 different portable power stations to find out which are the best of the best. To do this efficiently -- because it takes days to do properly -- I've developed a comprehensive testing structure. This not only ensures that manufacturers aren't playing fast and loose with their spec sheet data, but also checks whether the units are safe and reliable. Here's how we test portable power stations.
What makes a power station ZDNET Recommended?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to recommending a power station, and we believe readers deserve the best possible power station for their money.
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