When it comes to conversations about on-the-go energy, the terms portable power station and power bank tend to get thrown around a lot with little explanation. People who are just starting to look into these devices might feel confused, so here we’ll be covering the differences in their capabilities, uses, and suitability for different situations.

Capacity and maximum output power are important features to know about your power source. In general, power banks will have a lower capacity and lower output power, making them perfect for powering smaller, less intensive devices such as phones and laptops. Portable power stations (PPSs) are on the higher level for both capacity and output power. They can store more power and handle even high-wattage appliances like your refrigerator, TV, microwave, coffee maker, hairdryer, and more. Power banks also tend to be reliant on wall charging, tethering them to the grid, whereas PPSs can recharge in other ways, including via solar panels. This means you don’t need to plug it into an outlet to recharge, and you can take power on the road or use it as a home backup in the event of a blackout, as solar panels generate energy. That being said, power banks are much lighter than PPSs, so they’re very easy to take with you wherever you go.

The differences between these two power sources make each of them uniquely suitable for certain environments and situations. A power bank is ideal for smaller devices around the house or on the road, but its recharging limitations are less favorable for long-term outdoor getaways or off-grid living. A PPS is more capable of powering a range of appliances at home, in an RV, or at a campsite. It’s heavier than a power bank, but with access to solar charging and with such a high capacity, you won’t necessarily need to move it around much.

The Vanpowers Super Power Pro 2000, however, defies this limitation with its convenient telescopic handle and wheels. Additionally, it perfectly exemplifies all the advantages of PPSs, with 2000W of output power, a 2096Wh capacity, and compatibility with 8 different recharging methods. It can even be used in combination with Vanpowers solar panels to create a solar generator. That means more power, less reliance on the grid, and lower energy costs.