Do I need to buy a big brand outdoor power supply

Aside from the capacity and output wattage, you'll also need to consider portability and other features of the power station. Some power stations are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around. Others may have additional features such as built-in AC outlets, USB ports, and even solar panels.

Bring big backup power with you with these expert-recommended portable power stations, which can store enough power to charge electronics, appliances, and more.

Choosing a portable power station depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. A few things to consider: Capacity: Think about what you'll need to power when the lights go out and do a little research on the devices' wattage requirements so you can calculate what watt-hour capacity you'll need in a portable power station.

Frequent use and required ports are two major factors to consider when buying a portable power station. Think about how often you'll use it and what devices you need to power, then make sure the model you choose offers the necessary ports—USB, wireless charging, AC, DC, etc.

Unlike a gas generator, you can operate portable power stations indoors safely. There are no fumes or other concerns. Even if you have outdoor space to run a generator, brief blackouts might not warrant the effort if you can just plug in a few lamps and keep your devices charged with a power station.

A portable power station isn't a whole-house power solution, but it will make your next blackout a lot more comfortable by powering your essential devices and appliances. Like power capacity, the size of these stations varies, but they're generally much smaller than gas generators, making them easy to store until you need to break them out.