Imagine you are cruising along in your campervan and your kids want to watch a video on their iPads or you need to make a call on your smartphone but you have forgotten to charge the devices. There is no need to panic. Once you own a power inverter, you will have an on-demand supply of electricity even in the middle of nowhere.
A power inverter is just like having your own portable power grid. This versatile power source not only converts 12 volt DC power to charge digital devices, but its 110 or 120 AC electricity output can power small appliances, work lights, or even your solar panels. Another benefit that is gained from owning a power inverter is that it is perfect for everyday carry. As it is very compact, you can keep one in the glove box, boot, or stash one in your camping gear.
The 8 Best Power Inverters
- Foval 150-Watt Power Inverter
- BESTEK 300-Watt Power Inverter
- POTEK 500-Wat Power Inverter
- GoWISE PS1002 1000-Watt Power Inverter
- Ampeak 2000-Watt Power Inverter
- KRIËGER 1100-Watt 12V Power Inverter
- Energizer 3000-Watt Power Inverter
- WZRELB 3000-Watt Power Inverter
Our Top Pick for the Best Power Inverter
Our top pick for the best inverter is the Bestek 300-watt Power Inverter.
We highly recommend the BESTEK 300 or 1000 watt power inverter for your traveling needs or as a portable power grid for emergency power at home.
BESTEK is America’s leading power inverter brand and it has certainly earned this title due to its consistently powerful performance and user-friendly design. Whether your kids want to use their tablets on a road trip or a storm knocks out the power in your house, you can be confident that the BESTEK power inverter will provide you with safe and stable electricity anywhere, anytime.
How to Choose the Best Power Inverter
Types of Power Inverters
There are two main types of power inverters: modified sine wave inverters and pure sine wave inverters.
– Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Modified sine wave inverters use a basic form of technology that is perfectly adequate for powering devices like smartphones, tablets, small appliances, and even a breast pump. To use a modified sine wave inverter, plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. This type of inverter may not provide a continuous supply of electricity which is necessary for highly sensitive electronics.
– Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
Pure sine wave inverters utilize sophisticated technology that protects sensitive electronics. This type of inverter is specially designed to produce continuous AC power just like the electricity in your home. So you can use this type of inverter to power a large laptop, stereo system, or medical equipment.
Wattage
The more wattage an inverter has, the more power it can generate. Most power inverters show the continuous power wattage and peak or surge power wattage. The peak power refers to the maximum power the inverter can sustain for a short time.
For digital devices or small appliances, a 300/700 watt power inverter like the Bestek Power Inverter is an excellent choice for road trip adventures.
If you need to power appliances at home during a power outage, watch television in your RV, or hook up flood work lights from your truck, you will need a higher wattage inverter like the Ampeak 2000-watt Power Inverter. These types of inverters usually come with cables that hook up to your vehicle’s battery. Another thing you need to be aware of when using a higher wattage inverter is that a car’s battery may have problems with the higher wattage, but a truck or RV has a more powerful battery.
AC Outlets and USB Ports
Most power inverters have 1 or 2 standard AC outlets that you can use to plug in small electrical appliances or power tools, and 1 or 2 USB ports for digital devices. Just be careful when you charge multiple devices together for long periods as this can cause the inverter to overheat and stop working.
Cigarette Lighter Cable Length
While an inverter may come with a good-sized 16-inch long cable that you plug into your cigarette lighter, other types of inverters may come with an extra-long cable that allows you to charge devices from the back seat.
Safety Features
Whether the inverter powers digital devices or appliances, it needs to have a built-in multi-protection system that safeguards your electronic gadgets such as a fuse, cooling fans, or other smart design features.
Best Power Inverter Reviews
1. Foval 150-Watt Power Inverter
Whether you need to charge up a digital device at the camp-site or power up Christmas lights at home, the Foval 150-watt power inverter is a versatile portable power grid.
The 150 watt/12 volt power inverter has a 110-volt AC socket and 2 USB ports (Max 3.1A total output), that you can use to charge digital devices like phones or tablets simultaneously, as well as a games console, Kindle, DVD player, a breast pump, and festive string lights.
Its durable metal housing provides advanced protection in case you drop or bump the inverter.
The Foval inverter has a multiprotection system that includes an integrated silent fan and a built-in safety fuse that protects against overheating, low-load charging, over-charging, and short-circuiting.
Easy to use, just plug the long 16-inch cable into your car’s cigarette lighter. This extra-long length means it can even power a digital device from the rear seats.
Extremely compact and lightweight, the space-saving Foval power inverter will fit easily into the glove compartment, a backpack, or camping gear.
The power inverter also comes in a 100-watt model.
Foval offers a 12-month warranty and 24-hour customer support on the power inverter.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for camping, off-roading, remote job sites, and household use
- Ideal for digital devices, small appliances, breast pumps, and other electronic devices
- 2 USB ports and one AC outlet
- Durable metal housing provides advanced protection from drops and bumps
- Multiprotection system
- Integrated silent fan
- Built-in fuse
- Protects against overheating, low-load charging, over-charging, and short-circuiting
- Long 16-inch power cord
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- 100-watt model available
- 12-month warranty and 24-hour customer support
Cons
- Only one AC electrical outlet
- Get gets very warm to the touch quickly.
2. BESTEK 300-Watt Power Inverter
The BESTEK 300-watt Power Inverter is perfect for powering devices or small appliances on-the-go.
Once you have the super-smart BESTEK power inverter in your vehicle, you and your family will enjoy full-powered digital devices or electronic gear. This reliable inverter provides 300 watts of continuous power and 700 watts of peak power.
The two smart (combined 4.8A) USB charging ports intelligently detect your devices and deliver an unmatched high charging speed. You can use the two 110-volt AC outlets to power up other electronic items or even your Christmas lights.
Ideal for rough environments, the inverter has a bright red solid and durable aluminum alloy case that protects the internal components.
Whether you are traveling in a large car or campervan, the extra-long 24-inch cigarette adapter plug lets you charge your devices from the back seat.
Ultra-compact and lightweight, this iPhone-sized inverter is easy to pack away in the glovebox, backpack, or camping gear.
Safety features include an innovative multiprotection isolation voltage system that includes a built-in 40-amp fuse and an integrated silent cooling fan, all of which helps to protect against overheating, short-circuiting, overloading or overcharging.
The durable cigarette lighter socket is designed to withstand up to 5000 times of insertion and extraction, so you can enjoy reliable high-speed charging straight from your car. A secure plug-in buckle design ensures a stable current to the built-in USB charging ports and additional safety as you charge your devices.
BESTEK offers an 18-month warranty on the power inverter.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- America’s leading power inverter brand
- Super smart design
- 300 watts of continuous power
- 700 watts of peak power
- Two AC outlets and two USB ports
- Intelligent USB ports deliver high-speed charging
- Ideal for digital devices and small appliances
- Multiprotection system
- Ultra-quiet cooling fan
- Secure plug-in buckle design ensures a safe and stable current to the USB charging ports
- Extra-long 24-inch cigarette adapter cable
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Can get very warm after long-term charging
- Not ideal for high-powered electric devices
3. POTEK 500-Wat Power Inverter
A power-packed dynamo, the Potek 500 watt Power Inverter will make sure that your smart devices or small electrical appliances are fully charged while you explore the great outdoors or during a power outage.
This modified sine wave power inverter delivers 500 watts of power and its dual 110-120 volt AC outlets and two 5V/2A USB ports will have no problem powering your gadgets.
The inverter has a fully protected system that includes a built-in silent cooling fan that only works when output is over 200 watts, so all your devices are safe from overheating, overloading or short-circuiting.
Featuring an intelligent bright red digital display, you can easily see the current status of the inverter.
Perfect for busy commuters or weekend warriors, the portable inverter has an extremely compact and lightweight design and will fit in most glove compartments or a center console.
The power inverter also comes with an extra-long 35.5-inch cigarette lighter cable, two fuses, and two car battery clips to attach the inverter to a battery.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- 500 watts and 1000 watts of peak power
- Dual AC outlets and 2 USB ports
- Can charge phones and tablets simultaneously
- Can be used to power small appliances, breast pump, kindle, or Christmas lights
- Smart silent cooling fan only works when output is over 200 watts
- Fully protected system
- Intelligent red illuminated display
- Ultra-portable, compact and lightweight
- Extra-long 35.5-inch cigarette lighter adapter
- 2 car battery clips and 2 fuses
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Never run the inverter with any loads higher than 150 watts via the cigarette lighter outlet
4. GoWISE PS1002 1000-Watt Power Inverter
Featuring an advanced design, the GoWISE power inverter guarantees maximum conversion efficiency for a wide range of electrical items in the home, car, boat, or on a worksite.
This pure sine wave power inverter provides 1000 watts of continuous stable AC power and 2000 watts of surge power. As it has been designed with low harmonic distortion and soft start low interference technology, you can safely use this inverter with sensitive electronic equipment like computers, printers, large laptops, stereo systems, and medical equipment. The inverter can be even be used to power solar panels.
The inverter has two AC sockets and one 5-volt USB that gives you lots of device charging versatility.
All your electronic items with be 100% safe due to the inverter’s multi-protection system which protects against overheating, overcharging or short-circuiting, and there is a low voltage alarm. Equipped with negative and positive terminal power ports as well as cooling fans, the inverter will stay cool while it powers your devices.
This inverter has two red and green LED status indicator lights that show you the current status of the inverter. It also comes with a remote power switch that is equipped with a 15-foot wire to install in a convenient place and a pack of eight gauge starter cables with ring terminals.
GoWise offers a 90-day return policy and a 1-year limited warranty on the power inverter.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Stable pure sine wave technology
- 1000 watts of continuous power and 2000 watts of surge power
- Ideal for use in the home, car, boat, or worksite
- Can be used as an off-grid solar power inverter
- Pure sine wave technology guarantees maximum efficiency and safety with a wide range of sensitive equipment
- Low harmonic distortion
- Soft start low interference technology
- Two AC sockets and one 5-volt USB port
- Multi-protection systems
- Negative and positive terminal power ports as well as cooling fans
- Two red and green LED indicator lights
- Remote switch
- Extra-long 15-foot wire
- Black and red cables with ring terminals
- 90-day return policy
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Battery cable has no alligator clip
5. Ampeak 2000-Watt Power Inverter
Portable and powerful, the Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter is ideal for powering electronic items in a truck, RV, at the campsite, or home use during a power outage.
This high-powered modified sine wave inverter provides 2000 watts of continuous 105-125 AC power and 4000-watts of surge power. As the Ampeak has three AC outlets and a single 2.1A USB outlet, you can power a smartphone, coffee maker, small power tools, and even floodlights. If you need to power electrical items during a storm, you need to connect the inverter to a 12-volt battery system.
Ideal for rough environments, the sturdy ABS shell ensures all-round impact protection. The two durable all-insulated ring terminal cables are safer to use than other alligator clip cables that just have a plastic cover.
You can power your electrical items in safety as the inverter’s advanced multi-protection design includes a built-in fuse, an audible alarm, and a large 2-inch cooling fan.
Smart user-friendly design features include a smart digital display that shows the current status of the inverter. Plus, there is an independent power switch and a convenient mounting slot.
The power inverter is also available in a 1000 watt model.
Ampeak offers an 18-month warranty and 24-hour customer service.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Powerful and portable
- Delivers 2000 watts of continuous AC power
- 4000-watt surge capacity
- Ideal for a truck, RV, camping, or home use
- Three AC outlets
- Durable ABS shell
- Two all-insulated ring terminal cables
- Advanced multi-protection safety system
- Built-in fuse
- Audible alarm
- Large 2-inch cooling fan
- User-friendly design
- Smart digital display
- Independent power switch
- Convenient mounting slot
- Available in a 1000 watt model
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Only one USB port
- Not to be used with sensitive equipment
- Heavy
- A bit bulky for some gloveboxes
6. KRIËGER 1100-Watt 12V Power Inverter
Delivering an unmatched powerful performance, the KRIËGER Power Inverter will make sure that you will never be without power either at home, the job site or at the campsite.
This heavy-duty modified sine wave delivers 1100 watts of continuous AC power and 2200 watts of surge power. As it has two AC outlets and two 2.1A USB charging ports, you can charge digital devices, handheld power tools, a television, gaming consoles, and small appliances. For power on the go, just connect the battery cables directly to your vehicle’s 12-volt battery.
Featuring a tough design, the power inverter can be used in high temperatures up to 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
For 100% safe charging, the KRIËGER inverter has been tested, validated and approved by METLAB for both safety and performance. The ultra-silent high-speed fan keeps the unit cool and the temperature shutdown system turns the inverter off if it gets too hot.
You can easily check the status of the inverter due to the LCD digital display. To turn the unit on or off you can either use the main power switch or use the included remote control.
One of the smallest power inverters, the KRIËGER can be easily stored in your vehicle’s glove box or camping gear
The power inverter also comes with an ANL fuse kit and a set of 3-foot 4-gauge battery cables.
KRIËGER offers a 3-year warranty on the power inverter.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Unmatched performance
- Heavy-duty design
- Extremely compact size
- 1100 watts continuous power and 2200 watts peak power
- Connects directly to a car or truck’s 12 DC battery
- Powers handheld power tools, televisions, gaming consoles, home electronics and small appliances in your vehicle
- Two AC outlets and 2 x 2.1A USB charging ports
- 100% safe charging
- Tested, validated and approved by METLAB for safety and performance
- Ultra-silent high-speed fan
- Automatic temperature shutdown
- Digital LCD display
- Multiprotection system
- Remote control
- One set of 3 foot 4 gauge cables
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- The unit can get very hot
7. Energizer 3000-Watt Power Inverter
Powerful and ultra-efficient, the Energizer 3000-watt inverter provides all the power you need for your devices and small electronics while you are camping or at home during a power outage.
Designed to handle heavy inductive loads, the Energizer modified sine wave provides 3000 watts of continuous AC power and 6000-watt peak power. For power on the go, just connect the battery cables directly to your vehicle’s 12-volt battery.
It has two AC outlets and two USB (4.8A in total) charging ports that you can use to charge up your digital devices, gaming consoles, and power a microwave, bar fridge, or power tools.
You can use this power inverter safely as it has been tested, validated and approved by METLAB for both its safety and performance. The Energizer has a multi-protection design that includes an ultra-silent cooling fan.
Checking the status of the inverter is really easy with the LCD digital display.
As well as the 3000-watt model, you can choose from a wide range of wattages: 100, 500, 1100, 1500, 2000, or 4000 watts. The power inverter comes with a USB charger, an in-line fuse, and a set of 3-foot battery cables.
Energizer offers a 2-year warranty and USA-based customer and technical support.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Powerful and ultra-efficient
- 3000 watts continuous power and 6000 watts peak power
- Designed to handle heavy inductive loads
- Charges digital devices, microwaves, power tools, televisions, gaming consoles, and home appliances
- Two AC outlets
- Two USB charging ports
- Tested, validated and approved by METLAB for safety and performance
- Multiprotection system
- Ultra-silent cooling fan
- LCD Display
- USB charger, an inline fuse, and a set of 3-foot battery cables
- Available in a wide range of wattages
- 2-year warranty
- USA-based customer service and technical support
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- May not be ideal for use with small vehicles
- Not to be used to power highly sensitive equipment
8. WZRELB 3000-Watt Power Inverter
Whether you need to power smart devices during a road trip or a reliable backup electricity source at home, the WZRELB Power Inverter is a very good source of portable power.
This heavy-duty inverter converts 12 volts into 3000 watts of continuous AC power and 6000 watts of peak power.
Utilizing pure sine wave technology, the WZRELB is ideal for powering sensitive electronic equipment and it will not cause any electromagnetic interference to your appliances such as TV, radio, or audio gadgetry. It has two AC sockets and two USB ports to power small appliances and digital devices like a smartphone and tablet simultaneously. You can even use this inverter for solar panels.
For safe, stable power, the inverter features all-sided multiprotection technology. An extra-thick 2.0mm PCB board increases the load capacity. High-quality copper inductances ensure that the pure sine wave AC electricity output is safe for your equipment. A high-frequency transformer ensures a stable transfer of DC to AC power. Instead of 1 fan, this inverter has 2 cooling fans to stop the unit from overheating.
A large digital LCD screen also lets you quickly monitor the inverter’s status.
The power inverter is also available in other types of wattages.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Reliable and stable backup power source
- 3000 watts of continuous power and 6000 watts of peak power
- Power for home use, camping, boating or road trips
- Two AC sockets and two USB ports
- Can be used for solar panels
- Pure sine wave technology, ideal for sensitive electronic equipment
- Will not cause any electromagnetic interference to your appliances such as TV, radio, or audio gadgetry
- All-sided protection technology
- Extra-thick 2.0mm PCB board increases the load capacity
- High-quality copper inductances safeguards equipment
- High-frequency transformer ensures a full AC electrical output
- Two cooling fans
- Multiprotection system
- Large digital LCD screen
- Other wattages are available
Cons
- Expensive
- The fans are a bit loud
- May require frequent resets
- The case is not very durable
Our Top Pick for the Best Power Inverter
Our top pick for the best inverter is the Bestek 300-watt Power Inverter.
We highly recommend the BESTEK 300 or 1000 watt power inverter for your traveling needs or as a portable power grid for emergency power at home.
BESTEK is America’s leading power inverter brand and it has certainly earned this title due to its consistently powerful performance and user-friendly design. Whether your kids want to use their tablets on a road trip or a storm knocks out the power in your house, you can be confident that the BESTEK power inverter will provide you with safe and stable electricity anywhere, anytime.
