The short version
Four names dominate portable power — Bluetti, EcoFlow, Anker SOLIX and Jackery — and they compete on genuinely different things. Bluetti sells capacity, EcoFlow sells speed, Anker sells build quality, Jackery sells familiarity.
Behind them sit challenger brands worth knowing, because the value case is often better once you do the arithmetic on cost per watt-hour.
- BluettiMost capacity per dollar, expandable across the range. Slower to recharge.
- EcoFlowFastest charging and the best app. Less capacity per dollar.
- Anker SOLIXStrong build, sensibly priced, and the only one with a proper balcony battery.
- JackeryThe most recognisable name. Easy to live with, least capacity per dollar.
- OUPESValue-first challenger. More watt-hours per dollar, less polish.
- ALLPOWERSBudget end, but LiFePO4 cells rather than the cheap chemistry.
- Mango PowerHome backup rather than camping. Large and expandable.
- CraftstromComplete 800W and 1200W plug-in solar kits for US buyers.
- Bright SaverNonprofit selling balcony kits at cost. Pays us nothing.
- BigBlueBudget balcony solar with the PowaFree system.