What Size Power Station Do I Need? A Simple Way to Calculate It
Watt-hours, watts and surge explained in plain English, with real examples for a fridge, CPAP, camping and home backup — plus a free calculator.
Updated Oct 27, 2026
Updated Oct 28, 2026
Portable power stations, solar generators and home backup, checked so you don't overpay
We track prices every day and recommend only what the numbers back up — capacity, output, battery life, owner reports and real price history.
- Prices checked every 6 hours
- No paid placements, ever
- Deals only when they beat the usual price
1buying guides
6hbetween price checks
What do you need power for?
Home Backup PowerKeep the fridge, lights, Wi-Fi and medical devices running when the grid goes down — from short storms to multi-day outages.Camping & RV PowerQuiet, fume-free power for campsites, RVs, vans and overlanding — sized for 12 V fridges, lights, fans and laptops.CPAP Backup PowerRun a CPAP through the night during an outage or off-grid — how much battery you really need, and which units do it best.Apartment & Balcony PowerBackup power for renters and apartments where a gas generator isn't an option — compact, indoor-safe battery power.
Camping & Outdoor GearComing soon
Emergency PreparednessComing soon
Pet TechComing soon
Free tool
What size power station do I need?
Pick the devices you want to run and for how long. We'll tell you how many watt-hours and watts your portable power station needs.
Open the calculator →Latest buying guides
All guides →How we pick
- We track prices dailyEvery product's price is recorded several times a day, so we know what it usually costs — not just its list price.
- We compare the numbersCapacity, output, battery chemistry, weight and price per unit side by side, plus what owners report after months of use.
- We only flag real dealsA deal has to beat the typical price by a clear margin. No fake "was" prices, and brands can't pay for a spot.