Portable power stations have become a new essential among consumers

Whether you’re preparing your home for a storm, hosting a tailgate or camping, portable power stations (PPS) have become a new essential both at home and on the road. These powerful energy sources keep the lights on, appliances running and devices charged at all times.

While gas generators once dominated the market, consumers are now seeking safer and cleaner alternatives that are easier to use. At the annual CES trade show earlier this year, power stations were among the hottest products, signaling this shift.

Their popularity is growing so fast that the portable power station market, which was valued at $4.2 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $6.13 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.9%, according to Precedence Research, a provider of strategic market insight.

Several factors are fueling the change. For starters, gas generators are limited to outdoor use under strict conditions, whereas battery-powered PPS are safe for indoor use, easily transportable and versatile, serving as emergency backup power during extreme weather. People have been known to die from carbon monoxide poisoning from using a gas generator indoors after major power outages.

EcoFlow has emerged as an industry leader, offering a range of PPS and solar generators, providing some of the most consumer-friendly options available. Among shoppers, the brand’s 1kWh (DELTA2) and 2kWh (D2M) products have consistently won Best Seller in the Amazon generator category.

Here’s why PPS are fast becoming the next generation of generators.

1. They can match the output of gas generators

The most powerful PPSs on the market now rival their gas counterparts. The upcoming launch of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 this summer marks significant advancement in home backup power solutions, amplifying EcoFlow’s already impressive lineup. This model can support 99% of household appliances and handle high-power electronics simultaneously, including microwaves and refrigerators, well pumps and even some central air conditioners up to three tons. When you need power over 4,000 watts, it features patented X-Boost technology to increase output. By comparison, the DELTA Pro 3’s surge power is on par with 7,000 to 8,000 watt gas generators since they can only deliver around 60% of their peak output. From a purely value perspective, it offers much better ROI since you can double or triple your power without buying additional generators. It’s also good to know that up to three units can be linked in parallel to get 12,000W which is more than enough to run a large household.

2. You can skip the long lines at the gas station before a storm

PPS not only offer superior plug-and-play convenience, but also come with various recharging options. Many can recharge quickly, reaching full capacity within hours using a regular wall outlet. Some can be charged at EV charging stations with an adapter, or by using rooftop or portable solar panels. From blackouts to off-the-grid adventures, solar energy provides a renewable and reliable way to stay powered. Meanwhile, gas generators rely on fossil fuels and can be difficult to start after periods of inactivity. The even better part? No more waiting hours in line at the pump before a storm.

3. Have peace of mind — and peace and quiet

Gas-guzzling generators are often tricky to operate and intimidating, especially if you’re not a home improvement whiz. They’re also loud and disruptive, which can annoy neighbors or draw complaints. Noisy, open-frame generators can reach decibel levels of 80-100dB. Portable power stations provide a much quieter option, typically ranging from 50-70dB. When talking about decibels, the math is a little complicated. The actual difference between 50dB of noise and 100dB is actually 30 times — not double — making PPS up to 3,000% quieter. The DELTA Pro 3 takes this a step further, setting an industry first with a noise level of just 35dB under a 2,000-watt load. To stay whisper quiet, it uses X-Quiet exclusive technology, which provides advanced airflow and intelligent heat dissipation. It means you don’t have to worry about waking up neighbors across the block with your noisy generator.

4. Time and money well spent

Many consumers — even those who formerly owned gas generators — are switching to PPS because they’re easier to operate and move around, plus they give off less fumes, among other advantages. Gas generators have several drawbacks, such as sluggish charging speeds and inefficiency, as they often run at peak power, wasting energy and reducing standby time. With a PPS, you have more versatility allowing you to extend battery life and charge quickly, providing greater usage time overall.

5. Easy to use — both for the everyday or an emergency

Gas generators take up a lot of outdoor space and don’t offer the flexibility of modern portable power stations. Due to their smaller footprint, a PPS is a scalable solution for homeowners seeking expansion options, like pairing a DELTA Pro 3 with the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel). They are also ideal for apartment and condo dwellers needing a compact backup system for smaller spaces. And, in both cases, they’re easy to install.

With so many reasons you might need backup power — from extreme weather to outdoor adventures — EcoFlow provides the right power solutions to meet every need.