Power Stations • Runtime
Power Station Runtime: How Long Will a Battery Run Your Essentials?
Power stations are quiet, portable, and incredibly useful — but runtime expectations are where most people get burned. Here’s the realistic way to estimate how long your battery will last on essential loads.
The Only Runtime Formula You Need
Runtime (hours) ≈ (Battery Wh × usable %) ÷ Average load (W)
For most power stations running AC devices, plan on 10–20% inverter loss. (DC/USB outputs are usually more efficient.)
Why Manufacturer Numbers Feel Optimistic
- Usable energy is often less than advertised capacity.
- Inverter losses reduce runtime when using AC outlets.
- Motor surges can exceed the inverter’s peak watt rating.
- Cold weather can noticeably reduce effective capacity.
Realistic Runtime Examples (Ballpark)
| Battery Size | Essentials Setup | Expected Runtime | Reality Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300Wh | Phones + Wi-Fi router | ~6–10 hours | Comfort zone: communications and light electronics. |
| 500Wh | Wi-Fi + LED lights + fan | ~5–8 hours | Depends heavily on fan speed and how many lights. |
| 1000Wh | Fridge (managed) + Wi-Fi + lights | ~6–10 hours | Only if the inverter can handle fridge startup surge. |
| 2000Wh | Overnight essentials | ~10–16 hours | Much more comfortable for longer outages. |
Surge Warning: A refrigerator may average 60–150W, but startup surge can exceed 800–1500W+.
If your power station’s inverter can’t handle the surge, the fridge won’t run — even if your battery is huge.
Runtime Calculator (Essentials)
Use average watts. If you don’t know your average watts, estimate conservatively or measure with a plug-in watt meter.
Enter values and click “Calculate Runtime.”
Recommended Power Stations (Quick Picks)
If you’d rather skip the guesswork, these are practical “runtime class” picks that match the math in this guide.
Disclosure: Some links below may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This helps support the site and keeps the guides free.
Small “Comms” Class (≈256Wh)
Best for: phones, Wi-Fi/router, LED lights. Great grab-and-go.
Mid “Essentials” Class (≈1kWh)
Best for: longer Wi-Fi + lights + fans, and short fridge time if surge/inverter is sufficient.
Want the full list (generators, inlets, cords, maintenance, etc.)? See All Recommended Gear →
Quick Check: Power Station Runtime Quiz
Answer these 5 questions to confirm you’re thinking about runtime the right way.
1) What’s the main reason power station runtime estimates often disappoint people?
2) A fridge averages 120W but won’t start on your power station. The most likely reason is:
3) If you want to make a battery last longer in an outage, the best lever is:
4) For best efficiency on a power station, you generally want to prioritize:
5) Which number matters most for “How long will it last?”