Category: portable power stations

EcoFlow Trail Series 300 Review: An On-The-Go Charging Champ
EcoFlow has been at the forefront of portable power station and solar generator technology for some time now, continually producing charging solutions for use at home, work, and at the campsite. But its new Trail Series models are likely to strike a chord with its widest audience yet, deftly balancing size, weight, and price. The EcoFlow Trail Series 300 is especially compelling for outdoor enthusiasts, delivering everything they need and nothing they don’t.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Streamlined Charging on the Go
Designed to bridge the gap between a small power bank and a larger and heavier power station, the new EcoFlow Trail Series models are the perfect “tweener” option. These devices strip away some of the features found on larger models, most notably 110V AC outlets, in effort to get as small and light as possible, while still offering more capacity than a power bank. The result is a stripped down charging solution that puts the focus on portability.
Recently, we got our hands on the new Trail 300 DC model, which is slightly larger than its sibling, the Trail 200. The main differences between the two are that the 300 DC has slightly more storage capacity (288Wh vs 192Wh), weighs a little more (5.69 vs 4.03 lbs), and comes with a 12V DC port, which is absent on the Trail 200. Other than that, the two devices are very similar in terms of size and usability, with both offering dual 140W USB-C ports and two 12W USB-A ports.
The Trail 300 offers 300W of power output, making it a great option for keeping small mobile devices, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, running while on the go. Essentially, anything that can be powered using USB-C works great with the device, although its 12V DC port gives it additional versatility. For reference, that’s the same port found in most vehicles and can be used for powering things like lights, portable air compressors, a portable refrigerator, and other items. But because the Trail Series lacks AC outlets, you won’t be able to operate small appliances like a coffee maker, blender, or CPAP machine.
Photo Credit: EcoFlow
Recharging and Runtimes
Unlike most portable power stations, the Trail Series models don’t come with a dedicated AC charging plug for recharging their batteries. Instead, the devices use bi-directional USB-C ports, meaning the internal battery is replenished by plugging the unit into a USB power adapter, which is not included in the box. Thankfully, most of us have several of these at our disposal these days, making it easy to top off the charge when needed. That said, using a USB adapter designed for a smartphone will work, but the charge times will be much longer. If you have a more powerful option (one with more wattage) available, you’ll want to use it, shaving hours off the recharge process. It should also be noted that EcoFlow bundles chargers with the device, often for free or at a very nominal cost.
As you might expect, the EcoFlow Trail Series also supports recharging via solar power. A dedicated solar input makes it easy to attach a solar panel with a capacity of up to 110W. This will fully recharge the power station itself in about three hours, depending on exposure to direct sunlight. And if you happen to have a 12V USB charger in your car, you can also recharge while in transit.
As noted above, the Trail Series 300 has a 288Wh battery, which allows it to recharge a smartphone up to 15 times or a laptop five times. It will also run an LED lamp for up to 70 hours or an electric cooler for 20+ hours. In other words, while the device itself may be small, it still packs plenty of power to keep you going on your outdoor adventures.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Who is the Trail Series For?
The Trail Series power stations are a bit of a departure from what EcoFlow has done in the past, which may leave some people wondering exactly who they are for. The answer to that is simple: these devices are aimed at an audience who needs portable power, but isn’t running small appliances. These lightweight units are perfect for car and tent campers, hikers, and anyone else who needs to keep their smaller devices running. That includes RVers looking for a simple addition to their rigs, as well as hunters, anglers, and even content creators.
The EcoFlow Trail Series 300 can easily keep smartphones, tablets, and laptops running, but is equally handy for other gadgets, too. Essentially, anything that can plug into a USB port for recharging can be powered up with this unit. That includes things like rechargeable headlamps, digital cameras, camp lanterns, drones, powered coolers, and more. And because it is so small and portable, it is easy to toss it in the car when going tailgating or on a road trip. The size and versatility of the power station is definitely one of its strength.
Priced at $249.99, the EcoFlow Trail Series 300 DC is an affordable option for on-the-go charging. At the time of publication, the unit is on sale for $159, with EcoFlow throwing in a 30W GaN charger for free. Put simply, that’s an incredible deal for a device of this size and capacity. Have a little more money to spend? There are several more bundles available that include solar panels, camping lights, and more. EcoFlow can’t make it any easier for us.
For more information on the Trail Series portable power stations, visit ecoflow.com.
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2025-09-03
DJI Power 2000 Review: Rugged, Reliable, and Powerful
A little over a year ago, we reviewed the DJI Power 1000 portable power station, calling it an excellent first entry into this very competitive market space from a company best known for making camera drones. Now, the brand is back with a larger model that delivers more storage capacity and an impressive array of ports. In fact, in terms of number and type, the new DJI Power 2000 may have the best line-up of ports of any power station on the market today, making it easy to recommend for anyone who needs a reliable charging solution on the go.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Battery and Charging Specs
As you would expect, the larger Power 2000 device comes with a bigger battery compared to its predecessor. This unit features a 2,048Wh power cell, which is double the size of last year’s model. It can also output up to 3,000W, allowing it to power more devices, including some that require a higher capacity, like a microwave, air conditioner, or a hair dryer.
One of the few drawbacks of having a larger battery is that it usually takes longer to recharge. But thanks to some impressive technical wizardry, DJI managed to include truly impressive fast-charging capabilities in the power station. According to the company, the device can fully recharge from an AC wall outlet in under 90 minutes, which proved true in our testing. The Power 2000 shipped to us with a 20% charge, but when plugged in for initial charging, it was fully topped off in less than an hour.
Those same fast-charging capabilities apply to other methods of recharging the Power 2000’s battery, too. For instance, DJI sells a 1kW fast-charger for use in a vehicle that can replenish the battery in 145 minutes. That’s perfect for when you’re driving from one campsite to the next or en route to a worksite. Additionally, owners can connect two solar panels for recharging in the field. The new power station even sees a boost in that department, with a 12% faster charge time compared to the Power 1000.
To add some context to all of these specs, the 2,048Wh battery is enough to recharge most smartphones more than 100 times or a laptop as many as 18 times. It’ll run a mini-fridge for up to 38 hours or a coffee machine for nearly two hours. In other words, depending on your usage, it is enough capacity for use at the campsite for several days without recharging the power station itself. It also works well for content creators working in the field and can serve as a home back-up solution. DJI is even prepping expansion batteries for the Power 2000 that can expand the capacity by a factor of ten. While that won’t be practical for portable use, it does provide interesting possibilities for use at home or potentially even an RV.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
All the Ports You Need
If you’ve ever read any of our other power station reviews, you’ve probably seen us lament the fact that most units are almost always missing a port or two. In recent years, that’s usually because a device is lacking in USB-C ports, which have quickly become the industry standard for charging just about everything. That isn’t the case with the DJI Power 2000, which offers the best selection of charging ports we’ve seen in a device of this size.
The Power 2000 includes four 120V AC outlets, including one high-capacity 30A port for demanding appliances like a portable air conditioner. It also comes with four standard USB-A ports and four additional USB-C ports—two that offer 160W output and two rated for 65W. This being DJI, the power station also has two dedicated SDC ports for charging drones, something that definitely appeals to the company’s core audience.
All of these ports add versatility to the device, making it easy to keep a wide variety of gadgets and appliances running wherever you need them. So much so, that for once we’re not asking for additional ports of any kind. Sure, this model lacks the 12V “vehicle” port that many other models offer, but for us, that has always been the least useful charging option anyway. During our testing, it wasn’t missed at all.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Other Stand Out Features
In addition to adding ports, battery capacity, and increased power output, the DJI Power 2000 includes several other noteworthy features. For instance, the unit can be used as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep important devices and appliances running in the event of an unexpected electrical outage. Should such an outage occur, the power station can automatically start providing electricity in as little as .01 seconds, ensuring mission-critical items—like computers or internet networking equipment—continue operating without missing a beat.
DJI also went to great lengths to ensure the Power 2000 is durable and safe. In addition to its rugged outer shell, which provides plenty of protection while outdoors, the unit has a battery management system circuit board built to resist environmental elements like dust and moisture. The power station is also made from flame-retardant materials to prevent fires and has 21 fuses to detect and protect against other anomalies.
Additionally, the power station is one of the quietest we’ve ever tested, even when recharging multiple devices. It comes with a bright, easy-to-understand LCD screen for monitoring power in and out and current battery levels, something that can also be done remotely using the DJI app. Furthermore, the device’s lithium batteries are good for approximately 4,000 charge cycles, giving the Power 2000 a lifespan of ten years with daily use.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
A Serious Contender
With everything that DJI has brought to the table, the Power 2000 is the complete package when it comes to portable power stations. The combination of capacity, power output, and charging ports makes it easy to recommend to anyone currently in the market for this kind of device. Add in impressive fast-charging capabilities, remote monitoring and control via smartphone, the ability to use it as a UPS, and the option to dramatically expand storage with add-on batteries, and you get a complete power solution for any need.
If we had to dock this power station any points, it might be due to its weight and a lack of charging cables. The unit weighs in at a shade over 48 pounds, which isn’t particularly heavy for this category, but is worth noting. We also would have liked to have seen a 12V vehicle charging cable included in the box to go along with the 120V AC cable that is included. We understand that DJI wants to upsell us on its high-capacity vehicle charging solution, but most competitors do include the 12V cable in the box. But other than those very minor nitpicks, there isn’t much to complain about here.
As already noted, if you’re in the market for a portable power station at the moment, this model should be at the top of your shopping list. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else that offers similar specs along with so many truly useful charging ports. And priced at $1,299, it is safe to say the DJI Power 2000 delivers a lot of bang for the buck for outdoor enthusiasts, content creators, and use around the home. We’re excited to see where the DJI ecosystem goes next.
For more information, visit the DJI website.
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2025-07-02
EBL MP500 Portable Power Station Review: A Solid Option for Charging on the Go
It has been a lot of fun watching the portable power station market evolve over the past few years. As more and more brands have entered this increasingly competitive space, we’ve seen prices come down and performance go up. So much so, that high-end models can now power your entire house for days at a time, while smaller units have gotten incredibly affordable without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Such is the case with the EBL MP500, a compact charging solution designed to go wherever you want to take it. And while this model won’t power your RV while camping off-grid, it will keep your personal electronic devices charged while on the go. It also offers a few nice features that you wouldn’t expect at its price point, delivering a lot of value to customers.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Capacity and Output
If you know anything about naming conventions across the power station space, it should come as no surprise that the MP500 offers 500W of power output and has a 519.4Wh storage capacity. That makes it ideal for running mobile devices, laptops, and small appliances like a portable blender, camping lights, or an LCD TV. That convenience and flexibility make it ideal for use at home, but also at a campsite, while tailgating, or anywhere else you may need a little extra portable power.
The MP500 is equipped with multiple charging ports, including two 120V AC wall outlets, dual 14V DC barrel ports, a 12V DC car port, three USB-A QC 3.0 ports, and a single USB-C 60W PD port. If you’ve read any of our previous power station reviews, you’ll probably already know that we’d prefer at least one or two more USB-C ports. But EBL makes up for that discrepancy to a degree by including a 10W wireless charging pad on the top of the MP500. This allows the unit to charge or power up to ten devices at the same time, which is an impressive number given its price point.
All of those specs and features mean the MP500 can recharge a smartphone 40+ times or a laptop up to ten times. It also allows it to run an electric fan for as much as 12 hours or a smart TV for seven hours. Considering the unit’s size and weight, those are fairly impressive numbers. EBL says the compact power station can even run a mini-fridge for 11 hours or an electric blanket for three hours.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Three Charging Options
EBL gives owners three options for recharging the MP500 itself. Those include plugging it into a standard 120V home outlet or the 12V DC port in your vehicle. Alternatively, you can also add a solar panel to the mix, which can replenish the power station’s battery while traveling off-grid, greatly extending its usefulness in the process.
While using solar panels, the MP500 can be recharged in a respectable 7-9 hours depending on the conditions. Using a 12V DC port requires about 7-8 hours, which is fairly typical for the size and capacity of this model. But we were somewhat underwhelmed by the charging speeds while using the included AC adapter plugged into a 120V wall outlet. That required more than six hours to fully replenish the battery, which is considerably slower than some of the competition.
And while we’re on the subject of batteries, EBL uses a lithium-ion power cell in this device, while most competitors have moved on to lithium-iron phosphate or LiFePO4. Lithium-ion tends to be slightly lighter and has more energy density, but it isn’t as safe nor does it have as long of a lifespan as LiFePO4. For most users, this difference isn’t likely to be noticeable, but it is still worth pointing out.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Durable, Versatile, and Portable
When designing the MP500 power station, EBL got a lot right. For instance, the unit is surprisingly small, measuring just 11.5 x 7.95 x 7.64 inches. It also weighs a shade under 15 pounds, although it actually feels lighter in hand. That’s probably due—in part—to the built-in, folding handle, which makes the device easy to carry around.
The MP500’s casing is also suitably durable, making it ideal for use outdoors. We especially liked the rubberized bumpers located on its corners, which provide good protection from accidental drops and getting jostled about in an RV storage compartment. That said, at first glance, this power station does resemble the models produced by another popular brand. I also couldn’t find an IPX dust or waterproofing rating either, which means I wouldn’t want to accidentally leave it out in the rain.
Other features of note include a built-in LED light that makes a good source of illumination at the campsite. As with most other power stations, the MP500 comes with a built-in LCD display for monitoring current battery levels and power in and out. That screen isn’t as sophisticated or flashy as those found on some of the competition, but it is easy to read and more than gets the job done.
Photo Credit: EBL
Closing Thoughts
Overall, we’re quite impressed with the EBL MP500 power station. Sure, we would have liked to have seen faster charging via the AC adapter, and a LiFePO4 battery would add extra longevity to the device. But this model is a testament to how far the industry has come in recent years, delivering excellent performance and solid features at an affordable price.
So what exactly is that price? The MP500 sells for just $379 (on sale for $289 as of press time), making it a portable power solution that is within reach for most customers. Whether that means you want emergency back-up power at home, on-the-go power for camping or tailgating, or additional charging capabilities in your RV, this small and lightweight model will fit your needs perfectly without breaking the bank.
To learn more about this power station and the entire line of EBL products, visit the company’s website.
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2025-01-15