(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's lightweight pick and OutdoorGearLab's budget pick for phones and laptops: 7.1 pounds and efficient. It's only 293 Wh and 300 W, so it can't run a fridge, and it takes about 4 hours to recharge from the wall.
Top complaints
- Low-power appliances only
OutdoorGearLab says it only works with low-wattage appliances and can't run a refrigerator in an outage. Wirecutter wouldn't rely on it for motorized appliances or critical equipment such as a CPAP for long periods.
- Slow to recharge
OutdoorGearLab measured 4 hours from a wall outlet (74 Wh/hr) and about 4-5 hours with a 100 W solar panel.
- Shorter warranty and basic features
2-year warranty versus 5 years on Wirecutter's other picks, and the wall charger has only a two-prong plug (Wirecutter). OutdoorGearLab notes no app, light, UPS or expansion, and a basic display without run-time estimates. Amazon owners are split on value (217 positive, 104 negative mentions).
What owners love
- Very light and compact
7.1 lb and 9 x 5 x 8 in (Wirecutter). Amazon owners overwhelmingly praise its portability.
- Efficient for its size
OutdoorGearLab measured 89% usable capacity. Wirecutter ran a fan for 6 hours and measured a 384 W peak against a 300 W rating.
- Holds up over time
Wirecutter testers have used theirs for about two years. One unit still held 69% charge after more than a year in a garage. Amazon owners call it reliable in outages, though reliability gets some negative mentions too (705 positive, 297 negative).
- You need to run a fridge or CPAP all night
- You want fast recharging
- You want an app or UPS mode
- Phones, laptops, cameras and lights
- Car camping, beach or park trips
- A small emergency kit
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for short-term use (updated 2026-06-24). The lightest pick, with fewer ports, a 2-year warranty and a two-prong charger plug.
- OutdoorGearLab: Best Buy for phones and laptops (score 52, review 2026-01-13). Small and efficient, but limited run time and only for low-wattage gear.