Learn about backup power
Guides, comparisons, and sizing tips to help you choose the right UPS or portable power station.
How Our Calculator Picks Your Recommendation
A transparent look at the exact steps PowerLasts uses to size your backup power, so you can trust the recommendation or double-check the maths yourself.
Will a 1000W Inverter Power a Fridge?
A 1000W inverter can power many fridges, but only if its surge rating can handle the compressor startup spike.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a Freezer?
Yes, a portable power station can run a freezer, but chest freezers and upright freezers behave differently during an outage.
Can a UPS Run a Gaming Laptop?
Yes, and much more easily than a desktop gaming PC. A mid-size UPS can keep a gaming laptop running for 30 to 60 minutes. Here's how to size it correctly.
Can a UPS Run a Gaming PC?
Yes, but most consumer UPS units only buy you 5 to 15 minutes. Here's how much capacity a gaming PC actually needs, and what a UPS can realistically do for you.
Can a UPS Run an Office Laptop?
Yes, easily. An office laptop draws so little power that even a basic UPS can keep it running for hours. Here's what to expect and how to size it.
How Long Will a 1000Wh Power Station Run a Fridge?
A 1000Wh power station can run a typical fridge for 8 to 16 hours. Here's how to estimate runtime for your specific setup, with real-world scenarios and calculator links.
How Long Can a UPS Run a Router and Modem?
A router and modem use very little power, so even a small UPS can keep your internet alive for hours. Here are realistic runtimes and prebuilt calculator scenarios.
Best Power Station for RV Camping (2026)
How to choose a portable power station for your RV. We cover capacity, charging options, and what actually matters for van life and weekend camping.
Best Power Station for Working From Home (2026)
Keep your laptop, monitor, and internet running through a power outage. Here's how to size a portable power station for remote work.
LiFePO4 vs Lithium-Ion vs Lead-Acid: Battery Types Explained
The three main battery types in backup power, compared on lifespan, safety, weight, cost, and real-world performance.
Can You Charge a Power Station With Solar Panels?
Yes, but it is slower than many people expect. Here is how solar charging works, what affects speed, and when it is worth adding panels.
What to Do When the Power Goes Out: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A practical checklist for power outages: what to do first, what to unplug, and how to make your backup power last as long as possible.
Best Portable Power Stations for Apartments (2026)
The best portable power stations for apartment dwellers in 2026: quiet, indoor-safe, and practical for outages.
Best UPS for Home Office in 2026
What actually makes a good home-office UPS in 2026, and how to pick the right size based on capacity, runtime, and reliability.
A Bigger Battery Isn't Always Better
Oversizing your backup power wastes money, adds weight, and can even cause problems. Here's how to find the sweet spot.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a CPAP Machine?
Yes, a portable power station can run a CPAP machine. Here is how to pick the right size for overnight use and travel.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a Refrigerator?
Find out if a portable power station can keep a refrigerator running during a power outage, and what capacity you actually need.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a PC?
Learn what size portable power station you need to run a desktop PC, including monitors and peripherals, during a power outage.
How Long Will a Power Station Last?
Learn how to calculate portable power station runtime based on capacity, device wattage, and real-world efficiency losses.
How to Size a Power Station for Camping
Figure out exactly what size portable power station you need for car camping, from phone charging to running a mini fridge.
How to Size a UPS for Your Home Office
A step-by-step guide to choosing the right UPS size for your home office setup, from calculating wattage to picking the right model.
Power Station vs Generator: Which Is Better?
Compare portable power stations and gas generators across noise, cost, runtime, maintenance, and use cases to find the right backup power solution.
Your Power Strip Is Probably Not a Surge Protector
Most people think their power strip protects their electronics. It probably doesn't. Here's the difference and why it matters.
Watts vs Volt-Amps: The UPS Spec That Tricks Everyone
UPS units are rated in VA, but your devices use watts. They're not the same number, and the difference can leave you short on power.
What Are Watt-Hours? A Simple Explanation
Understand watt-hours, how they differ from watts, and why they matter when sizing a UPS or portable power station.
What Is Startup Surge? Why Your Power Station Needs Extra Watts
Some devices need a burst of extra power to start up. Here's what startup surge means, which devices have it, and why it matters for backup power sizing.
You Only Get Half the Battery (Here's Why)
That 1000Wh battery doesn't actually give you 1000Wh. Depth of discharge, inverter losses, and battery chemistry quietly steal your runtime.
Your Fridge Uses Less Power Than You Think
That scary wattage number on your fridge label is misleading. Here's what your fridge actually draws and how long a battery can run it.
UPS vs Portable Power Station: Which Do You Need?
Learn the key differences between UPS systems and portable power stations, and find out which backup power solution fits your needs.