Backup NorthPortable power stations compared
These are ten widely sold models in Canada, grouped by size. All use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which last thousands of charge cycles and are the safer, longer-lived choice for home backup.
| Model | Capacity | Continuous output | Expandable? | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro | 768 Wh | 800 W | No | Internet, lights, phones, CPAP for a night or two |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 | 1,024 Wh | 1,800 W | Yes, to about 3 kWh with an extra battery | Fridge plus essentials for about half a day |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | 1,056 Wh | 1,800 W | Yes, to about 2.1 kWh | Fridge plus essentials for about half a day |
| BLUETTI AC180 | 1,152 Wh | 1,800 W | No | Fridge plus essentials for about half a day |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus | 1,264 Wh | 2,000 W | Yes, to about 5 kWh | Fridge plus essentials for over half a day, room to grow |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 2,048 Wh | 2,400 W | Yes, to about 6 kWh | Fridge and essentials for most of a day; short sump pump runs |
| Anker SOLIX F2000 | 2,048 Wh | 2,400 W | Yes, with an add-on battery | Fridge and essentials for most of a day |
| BLUETTI AC200L | 2,048 Wh | 2,400 W | Yes, to about 8 kWh | Fridge and essentials for most of a day |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus | about 2,043 Wh | 3,000 W | Yes, to about 24 kWh | Multi-day essentials, furnace blower via inlet |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro | 3,600 Wh | 3,600 W | Yes, to about 25 kWh | Multi-day essentials, furnace blower via inlet |
What actually matters when choosing
1. Capacity (Wh) for how long
Use the calculator. A typical fridge, router, phones and a few lights use about 2 to 2.5 kWh a day once you allow for losses. A 1 kWh station covers that for roughly half a day, a 2 kWh station for most of a day, and 3 kWh for a full day with some margin.
2. Output (W) and surge for what
Continuous output must cover everything running together. Fridges and pumps need a surge allowance on top. If you plan to run a sump pump, check its start-up draw against the station's surge rating.
3. Expandability
Expandable models let you start smaller and add a battery later. That's often the best value if you're unsure.
4. Recharging
Wall charging is fast on most current models (about one to two hours). Solar recharging in a Canadian winter is slow. See realistic solar numbers.
5. Cold-weather limits
Most LFP stations shouldn't be charged below 0°C. Keep them indoors in winter. Read winter battery care.
6. Warranty and support in Canada
Buy from the brand's Canadian store or a Canadian retailer so the warranty and returns work in Canada and prices are in Canadian dollars.
Which size is right?
- About 1 kWh: apartments and condos, internet and phones, CPAP, short outages.
- About 2 kWh: most houses that want the fridge and essentials through most of a one-day outage, or longer with a way to recharge.
- 3 kWh or more, expandable: multi-day storms, rural homes, a furnace blower or sump pump through an electrician-installed inlet.
- Above about 10 kWh: a whole-home battery or a generator usually makes more sense.