How we analyse and score

Our evidence trail

1. 1Exact modelThe full model name, variant and market. We never combine data from two versions of the same product.
2. 2Published dataManufacturer specifications and retailer listings for the exact model, recorded on a specific date.
3. 3Comparison across our catalogueEach value is compared with every other model on the same metric.
4. 4Verdict in contextWho the model suits, and when to choose another.

Missing data stays missing. We never guess it, replace it with an average or count it as zero.

How to compare portable power stations

These criteria are fixed across the category and applied in the same order to every model. This lets you compare two analyses line by line, instead of reading two reviews that cover different things.

• Rated power higher is better · w
• Battery capacity higher is better · wh
• Weight lower is better · kg
• Number of 230 V sockets higher is better · sockets
• Equipmentdocumented features tracked for this category: the more there are, the higher the score

A criterion is only scored if its specification is documented for the model. Across the site's 8 scored analyses: Rated power out of 7, Battery capacity out of 8, Weight out of 7, Number of 230 V sockets out of 7, Equipment out of 8.

That's why each product page shows between 4 and 5 scores. Under “Our scores explained”, each page lists any criteria left unscored and explains why.

A model is not penalised for a feature it never promised. It is assessed in the context of its price and intended users, using criteria relevant to its category.

How the score is calculated

The score out of 10 is the average of individual scores, one for each criterion in the table above. Each score reflects more than an impression: it shows themodel's ranking across the entire catalogueon that metric. That's why each row includes supporting figures, such as “210 min, ahead of 80% of models in the catalogue”. You can cross-check them.

When our data does not cover a criterion for a particular model, the row makes this clear: it is presented as anassessment based on published specifications, rather than a measurement. The page clearly distinguishes between the two.

What we never do:

• fill in a missing specification with a guess;
• score two models using different approaches;
• declare an overall winner based on results that depend on user needs;
• publish a score when there is too little data to support it.

A score reflects our assessment at a given time. It is relative to the catalogue: whenever we update scores, every product is reassessed against the current catalogue, so scores can change as new models are added. Scores last updated: October 12, 2026.

Complete or partial documentation

Next to the overall score, each product page shows whether the category's 5 key specifications are confirmed by a verified source (an archived retailer page or manufacturer documentation): Rated power, Battery capacity, Weight, Number of 230 V sockets, Mains charging time. It shows “Documentation: complete” when all are confirmed, or “partial” otherwise, with missing details shown on hover. In the specifications table, any of these 5 specifications that are not confirmed are marked “unverified”; other rows in the table are not covered by this check.

Partial documentation does not lower the score: a criterion with an unconfirmed value is not scored and is excluded from the average. The only exception is a score assigned when the analysis was published, which is retained while the product page has fewer than 3 verified criteria; the page's “Our scores explained” section highlights this.

Currently, 0 product pages have complete documentation and 8 have partial documentation.

Our sources and how we weigh them

1. Manufacturer documentationOfficial pages, manuals and specification sheets. We use these to identify the manufacturer's claims. Those claims are always presented as such.
2. Retailer listingsThese confirm the exact model, included accessories and recorded price for the target market. A limited-time offer is never presented as a permanent price.
3. Customer feedbackWe look for recurring themes, rather than isolated comments, taking into account reviews covering different variants and the sample size.
4. Published specialist analysesWe use these to check claims against observations. We don't copy their verdicts or average their scores.

When sources disagree, we highlight this rather than force a conclusion.

Prices

We don't display prices next to retailer links. A price checked once soon becomes outdated, and an incorrect figure next to a buy button lets down the reader it was meant to help. Prices shown in our comparison tables and filters help place a model within its range and let you sort by budget: the price that applies is the one displayed by the retailer when you buy.

Independence and affiliate links

No brand pays to feature in our picks or improve its score. Some retailer links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission,at no extra cost to you.

Whether we earn a commission, and how much, plays no part in our criteria. Affiliate income funds the site; it does not determine our rankings.

Updates and corrections

We update a review when the model changes, when information proves incorrect, or when new models change its standing in our catalogue. The last updated date is shown on every page.

This site's content is written and checked by Romain Brunel. Spotted an error, outdated information or a missing model? Let us know and we'll update the page.