These Top-Rated Portable Generators Are Up to 45% Off for Memorial Day

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

[table-of-contents] stripped

SPRING IS A prime opportunity to save on portable generators and power stations, especially during Memorial Day weekend. Several retailers are offering discounts to celebrate the holiday, saving you hundreds of dollars on emergency backup power. These devices make ideal companions when powering camping trips, tailgate parties, and construction sites. Additionally, they’re indispensable in emergencies, providing power for appliances or essential medical devices when the power goes out.

The Memorial Day discounts extend beyond portable generators and power stations. You can also save on everything from grills to lawnmowers and air conditioners—staples that will ensure you enjoy the warmer days over the coming months. The good news is models from the market’s top brands are on sale for up to 45 percent off, including Champion, Jackery, EcoFlow, and several others.

As we always say in generator roundups, it’s wise to invest in one before an emergency occurs. By doing so, you’ll be ready for what life—or Mother Nature—throws your way. Whether you’re looking for a gas-powered model for an unexpected power outage or a compact power station to charge your mobile devices while camping, now is the time to take advantage of unbeatable deals.

Memorial Day Portable Power Station Deals

Spring and summer adventures often mean venturing off the grid. While gas-powered generators provide robust backup power, their bulk can be a hassle. Portable power stations offer a compact and lightweight alternative, making them easy to pack in a car and transport around your campground. Despite their smaller size, they can deliver enough power to keep your devices charged, from personal electronics to small appliances. And unlike generators, power stations operate cleanly and quietly, making them safe for indoor use.

EB3A Portable Power Station

The Bluetti EB3A boasts 600 watts of output power in a device that weighs only 10 pounds. It features nine ports (including two standard household outlets, USB, and USB-A ports), a built-in LED light, LCD screen for monitoring, and a foldable handle for easy carrying. You can quickly recharge the battery using a household outlet or a solar panel, which is available separately.

River 2 Portable Power Station

Despite its small size and weight (7.7 pounds), the EcoFlow River 2 packs a powerful 600-watt punch, enough to charge multiple devices while camping. The 256-watt-hour battery offers extended use and can be fully recharged in just an hour via AC or under three hours with an EcoFlow solar panel. As a bonus, you can clip the on-page coupon for an extra $70 off the sale price.

Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station

Weighing only 2.1 pounds, the Explorer 100 is one of Jackery’s smallest power stations. This model is airline-approved, meaning you can bring it in your carry-on luggage for convenient charging during travel. It boasts a 128-watt output, which is perfect for powering smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.

Explorer 240 Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 240 is even smaller (and more affordable) than the brand’s Explorer 300 Plus, making it a great option for travel. It’s roughly the size of a cooler, yet provides 200 watts of output power for small electronics. It features a sturdy handle for easy carrying and a durable plastic design, so it can withstand bumps and knocks. Like other Jackery devices, it supports multiple charging methods, including solar, wall, and car.

521 Portable Power Station

With a 256-watt-hour capacity, the Anker 521 is an ultra-portable power station perfect for outdoor use. It supports a power output of 300 watts, making it ideal for powering small appliances and electronics. The 521 features six ports: two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet. Conveniently, the USB-C port can recharge the power station from 0 to 80 percent in just 1.5 hours.

PowerCore Reserve 192Wh Portable Power Station

The Anker PowerCore is another tiny portable power station. It’s roughly the size of a reusable water bottle and includes a handle for easy carrying, perfect for small-scale power needs during camping trips. One of the coolest features is its retractable light, useful when the lights go out or you need to illuminate your tent at night. The on-page coupon saves you $40.

Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station

The Yeti 1000 Core is a more robust power station ideal for many situations. It’s small enough to take camping yet powerful enough to power a tailgate. The 1,200-watt output is also enough to run a few essential appliances during an outage, making this one of the most versatile options on this list. It’s never been more affordable on Amazon, so now’s the time to take advantage.

Yeti 300 Portable Power Station

With 350 watts of output power, Goal Zero’s Yeti 300 is the ideal solution for powering small devices. Additionally, it promises its long-lasting battery technology can survive over 4,000 cycles. Meanwhile, the unit has an IPX4 rating, so it should withstand light sprays of water. That makes the Yeti 300 perfect for your next camping trip.

Jump 1500X Portable Power Station

The Jump 1500X is a more powerful option for extended off-grid scenarios, whether you’re going camping or enduring a power outage. It has an output power of 1,500 watts, giving you plenty of power to charge personal electronics, appliances, and more. It has ten ports, including three AC outlets, with fast charging up to 100 watts, allowing you to quickly juice your laptop. As a bonus, the Vtoman can jump start your car with the right jumper cable.

Solix C1000 Portable Power Station

Another powerful option that’s perfect for charging several devices simultaneously, the Solix C1000 offers an output power of 1,800 watts, with six AC outlets for connecting various electronics and appliances. There are 11 ports total, including two USB-A and two USB-C ports. An Anker app lets you customize charging speeds and track power statistics in real-time. Meanwhile, you can recharge the Solix C1000 multiple ways, including with solar power.

Yeti 500 Portable Power Station

The Yeti 500 is a solid option for extended weekends (like Memorial Day weekend) away from an outlet. It features several ports and delivers 500 watts of output power, enough for running multiple devices simultaneously off of it. What’s nice about this model is it’s IPX4 rated for water resistance, making it a more durable choice than other models on this list. The Yeti 500 weighs a smidge over 16 pounds, so it shouldn’t be too heavy to pack away in a car.

Yeti 700 Portable Power Station

For an even bigger power station, check out the Yeti 700. This model is a bit heavier, but delivers 600 watts of output power (with a surge of 1000 watts). Like the Yeti 500, the Yeti 700 is IPX4 rated for water resistance. There are several ports, including two USB-C ports and two AC outlets. Meanwhile, you can charge the power station multiple ways, including from a wall outlet, car charger, or solar panel.

Memorial Day Solar Generator Deals

Solar-powered generators are the perfect solution for your camping trips. Harnessing the power of the sun, these generators provide a quiet, emission-free way to keep your devices charged, even in remote locations. They’re also safe in tents or enclosed spaces since they don’t produce harmful fumes. Plus, with minimal maintenance requirements, you won’t have to worry about oil changes or fuel system upkeep—just simple, reliable power wherever you go.

Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station with 2 x 100W Solar Panels

The Jackery Explorer 1000 boasts a 1002-watt-hour power bank, delivering 1000 watts of continuous power and peaking at 2000 watts. It includes eight ports: two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a 12-volt carport. This package comes with two 100-watt solar panels that can recharge the Explorer 1000’s battery in around 8 hours from 0 to 100 percent. It means you can truly go off-grid without worrying about finding a traditional outlet.

Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station with 2 100W Solar Panels

The Explorer 1000 Plus is part of Jackery’s newest line of portable power stations. This model supports the ability to expand capacity with external batteries, faster recharging times, and improved durability. It features a 2000-watt output, making it capable of powering most devices. It has a variety of ports for versatile use, including two AC outputs and two 100-watt USB-C ports.

Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station with 2 200W Solar Panels

The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is aimed at whole home backup, making it an ideal solution for storm season. It offers a 3000-watt output and can connect to your home’s electrical panel with a transfer switch. This makes it possible to supply power to essential appliances and systems. This kit has two 200-watt solar panels, so you can replenish the Explorer 3000 Pro’s battery without an outlet nearby.

Explorer 500 Portable Power Station with 100W Solar Panel

The Explorer 500 is a solid power station that falls in the middle of Jackery’s lineup. If you don’t need to charge or power many large devices at once, this is the one to get. It can deliver 500 watts of continuous power and includes seven output ports, including an AC outlet and three USB-A ports. This purchase comes with a 100-watt solar panel, making this an excellent kit for your camping adventures.

Delta 2 Portable Power Station with 2 100W Solar Panels

The EcoFlow Delta 2 is similar to the Jackery, offering a capacity of 1024 watt-hours and a total output power of 1800 watts. It features an impressive 15 outlets, allowing you to power everything from small electronics to appliances. Two 100-watt solar panels are included, and these allow you to recharge the Delta 2 once the battery depletes. The kit is an excellent off-grid solution, whether you’re camping or the power goes out after a fierce storm.

Memorial Day Dual-Fuel Generator Deals

While most generators run solely on gasoline, dual-fuel models can operate on both gasoline and propane. This gives you greater flexibility to choose the fuel source that’s most convenient or affordable at the given moment. Additionally, the improved flexibility ensures you can power your devices for longer when one fuel source runs out. Although the price for dual fuel models is a little higher, the benefits of choosing your fuel source can outweigh the initial cost. While these discounts are modest, you’ll still save some money while getting a versatile backup power solution.

5500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Choose between gas or propane with this Champion Power Equipment portable generator. This model provides 6,875 starting watts and 5,500 running watts and can run for up to 11 hours at 50 percent load when the 7.7-gallon fuel tank is full, according to Champion. It can run for up to 6.5 hours at 50 percent load when using a 20-pound propane tank. Meanwhile, it offers a feature that can detect unsafe levels of CO and automatically shut off the engine.

WGen5300DFcv 5300-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This Westinghouse model provides more starting (5,800) and running (5,300) watts to provide whole-home backup in an emergency. It’s transfer switch-ready and can easily power air conditioners, refrigerators, and well pumps. It features a 274cc 4-stroke engine that can switch between gas or propane without shutting off the unit. It weighs a hefty 135 pounds, but a foldable handle and all-terrain wheels make it easy to transport around your property.

Memorial Day Inverter Generator Deals

Standard generators produce a type of electricity called AC (alternating current) directly from the engine. Inverter generators use a more complex method. They create AC electricity first, then convert it to DC (direct current) using a rectifier. Finally, they convert the DC back into clean and stable AC electricity. This extra processing step has several benefits: inverter generators provide cleaner power for sensitive electronics, operate quieter, and can be more fuel efficient, especially when not under full load.

EU2200i 2200-Watt Inverter Generator

The Honda EU2200i 2200-watt inverter generator is modestly discounted but still worth checking out. Our editors highly recommend this model because of its portability, quiet operation, and user-friendliness. It weighs 47 pounds and features a sturdy handle. Plus, it can automatically adjust its engine speed to optimize fuel efficiency and noise levels.

Eu3000i 3000-Watt Inverter Generator

If you need more wattage, Honda’s EU3000i inverter generator provides 3000 watts of clean and stable power for sensitive electronics and equipment. As we said, our editors like the smaller model, so there’s no reason this model shouldn’t be a good pick, too. It offers quiet operation, an electric start, and a feature that automatically adjusts the engine speed based on the usage and load.

2200-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

The Pulsar is a versatile dual-fuel generator that can run on gasoline or propane, giving you fuel flexibility. It delivers 1,800 watts of continuous power, with a surge of 2,200 watts. Plus, it produces clean electricity that’s safe for powering sensitive electronics. While it has a limited number of ports, it makes up for it with a lightweight design and up to 8 hours of runtime on a single tank of gas.

2500-Watt Ultralight Portable Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator with CO Shield

This Champion inverter generator deliver 1850 running watts and 2500 starting watts, giving you plenty of power to run your various devices. According to Champion, the generator can run for up to 11.5 hours on a single tank of gasoline. What stands out about this model is it can connect to another compatible Champion generator with a parallel kit, giving you double the power and extended runtime.

Memorial Day Home Backup Generator Deals

While some generators provide enough power for basic needs like phone charging and small appliances, the generators in this category are designed to power your entire house during an outage. You can keep essential appliances, lights, and your air AC system running smoothly, maintaining comfort and normalcy until the power returns. These devices can connect directly to your home’s electrical panel through a transfer switch, ensuring a seamless transition to generator power when the grid goes down.

Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Generator, Manual Transfer Switch, and Two Solar Panels

This is essentially the same kit as the one under the solar generator category. The difference is this kit also comes with a manual transfer switch. As we previously said, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro packs a powerful punch with a 3,000-watt output, allowing you to run major appliances and electronics during a power outage. To make it even more eco-friendly, the kit also comes with two 200-watt solar panels, allowing you to recharge the Explorer 3000 Pro using solar power.

Yeti 3000X Portable Power Station

The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X delivers 2,000 watts of continuous power (with a 3,500-watt surge). Our editors have tested this model and can vouch for its capabilities. During a test, our editors continuously ran a full-size fridge, a light, and a radio for 38 hours. That perfectly highlights its potential to keep essential appliances functioning in an emergency. Of course, it supports a home integration kit (sold separately) that can act as your home’s backup power during an outage.

FAQs

Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a portable generator or power station?

If you missed other major seasonal sales, Memorial Day is the perfect time to pick up a portable generator or power station. As we’ve said, the best time to buy one of these devices is before you need one. Hurricane season isn’t far off, so purchasing one now allows you to be prepared for emergencies. Plus, generators are handy for summer adventures like camping trips, birthday parties, and tailgating events.

By planning, you can avoid the stress of searching for a generator during a power outage when supplies might be limited or more expensive. Summer outages are especially dangerous due to extreme heat which poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. A portable generator can keep air conditioners and fans running, as well as power your fridge to keep perishables from spoiling.

Should I get a portable generator or power station?

The type of generator you choose depends on your specific needs and preferences. Gas-powered generators can provide higher power output and run longer especially if you buy a dual-fuel model and have a lot of fuel on hand. These models are ideal for whole-home backup and running major appliances like a fridge or air conditioner. That said, gas-powered generators require regular maintenance—changing the oil and spark plugs, flushing the cooling system, and inspecting the engine. They also produce dangerous exhaust fumes, so you can’t use them indoors.

Portable power stations offer quieter operation and rechargeable batteries that can be replenished in multiple ways, including a wall charger, solar panel, or car outlet. They also require minimal maintenance and can be used indoors since they produce no harmful emissions. They’re the perfect companion for camping trips, providing a reliable and silent power source for charging devices, running small appliances, and lighting up your campsite without the noise and fumes associated with traditional generators.

However, portable power stations typically offer a lower power output, making them better suited for smaller appliances and devices. They also have limited runtime and, during an outage, can’t be recharged unless you have a power source or solar panel. Even with a solar panel, you are dependent on sunny conditions. Additionally, portable power stations can be more expensive, depending on the size you purchase.

How much wattage do I need for my devices?

Consider the devices and appliances you’ll be powering and how many will operate simultaneously. To gauge your wattage requirements, sum up the wattages of the appliances you intend to use. For instance, a refrigerator may need up to 800 watts, varying based on size, model, and energy efficiency. Combine this wattage with other vital appliances and medical devices to determine the total wattage needed for your portable generator or power station.

Low-wattage generators (up to 500 watts), like most portable power stations, are best for small electronics and appliances such as phones, laptops, and coffee makers. Medium-wattage generators (up to 1,500 watts) are suitable for campers and tailgaters or as backup power for one or two essential appliances. High-wattage generators (1,500 watts and above) can handle larger appliances or multiple devices running simultaneously. High-wattage generators are also ideal for whole-home backup using a transfer switch.

You Might Also Like

• The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now

• 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein