Portable generators can be useful during power outages or when you are heading to a location with no power supply. In Canada, they can provide a convenient way to keep your essential devices running during a power outage, while also supplying electricity when camping, staying at a cottage, travelling in an RV or otherwise spending time off the grid.
In this guide, we are focusing on battery-powered portable generators, also often called portable power stations or solar generators. Unlike petrol-powered generators, they produce no exhaust and can therefore be used indoors when operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When choosing the best portable generators in Canada, we considered a range of factors, including portability, battery capacity, power output, charging speed, battery life, and overall suitability for different situations. We have aimed to highlight options that offer a balance of convenience and performance, whether you are looking for a power station to provide backup at home or a portable electricity source when away from the grid.
What We Looked For
Choosing the right portable generator depends on how you intend to use it the most. A smaller unit that is great for charging phones and laptops might be unsuitable for running a refrigerator, while a 2,000 Wh power station may be unnecessarily large, for example, for a weekend camping trip.
We looked at how practical each model is for everyday use and how well they suit different situations, from providing backup power at home to camping, travelling, or time at a cottage. We also looked at factors such as durability, warranty, and overall value to identify the models that offer the most practical choice and best value for Canadian users.
Best Portable Generators in Canada: Our Best Rated Picks
- Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 Portable Generator
- Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Generator
- Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Generator
- BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Generator
- Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Generator
- BLUETTI AC180 Portable Generator
Best overall portable generator in Canada: Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 Portable Generator
Pros
- 1,024Wh capacity
- 1,500W continuous output
- Sub-10ms UPS switchover
- LiFePO4 battery
- Very fast 50-minute AC recharge
- Lightweight for its capacity
- 400W solar input
- Designed with home backup in mind
Cons
- Cannot be expanded with additional batteries
- Less powerful than some similarly sized competitors
- Relatively expensive at its regular price
The Details
The Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 is our best overall choice for portable generators because it strikes a good balance between capacity, power, portability, and home backup. Its 1,024W battery and 1,500W output offer enough power for a range of essential electrical devices without making the unit unnecessarily large or too heavy to move.
The HomePower 1000 v2 can handle common essential devices such as refrigerators, routers, lights, laptops, and other household electronics. It has a sub-10ms UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) switchover, which makes it suitable for keeping equipment such as computers and networking devices running when the power is cut. It also has three AC outlets as well as USB and DC connections, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Charging is another strong point of the HomePower 1000 v2; it can reach a full charge in around 50 minutes when using an AC outlet, while solar charging is a useful alternative when you are off-grid. Its LiFePO4 battery is designed for over 6,000 charge cycles, while keeping at least 70% of its original capacity, which makes the HomePower 1000 v2 particularly suitable for regular long-term use.
Our Expert Opinion
The HomePower 1000 v2 is a practical option for Canadians looking for one portable generator that can cover both home emergencies and camping trips, cottage stays or other off-grid situations.
While it isn’t the most powerful model here and the lack of battery expansion limits its usefulness during very long outages, its relatively compact size and combination of UPS protection, fast charging, and battery capacity make it a versatile choice for both emergency backup and recreational use.
Who is the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 for?
- Canadians looking for reliable home backup power. The HomePower 1000 v2 can be used to power essential household electronics during an outage.
- Campers and cottage owners. The relatively compact design makes it easier to transport and use in places where there is no access to mains electricity.
- People looking for one versatile portable power station. The combination of capacity, fast charging, and UPS protection makes the HomePower 1000 v2 suitable for both emergencies and recreational use.
Who should avoid the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2?
- Canadians who need to power several high-wattage appliances simultaneously. If you regularly need to run several demanding appliances, a more powerful model might be a more useful choice.
- Buyers who want expandable battery capacity. The capacity of the HomePower 1000 v2 cannot be expanded with additional batteries, so larger expandable models would be more suitable for longer outages.
Best portable generator in Canada for fast charging: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Generator
Pros
- 1,024Wh capacity
- 2,000W continuous output
- 49-minute full recharge
- 10ms UPS switchover
- 600W solar input
- 10 output ports
- Compact for its capacity
- App control
Cons
- No expandable battery capacity
- Solar charging is slower than the maximum offered by some competitors
- No wireless charging pad
The Details
The Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is one of the strongest options for Canadians who prioritise fast charging and higher power. It has the same 1,024Wh capacity as the HomePower 1000 v2, but its 2,000W output gives it more power, which is useful if you need to run higher-demand appliances.
One of the main advantages of the SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is its charging speed. It can reach a full charge in around 49 minutes when using high-speed AC charging. The power station also supports up to 600W of solar input, which provides a useful recharging alternative during longer power outages or at off-grid locations.
The C1000 Gen 2 comes with 10 output ports, including AC, USB, and other connections, so you can power several devices at once. Its 10ms UPS function ensures that connected electronics stay on when the power cuts out. The battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after approximately 4,000 charge cycles.
Our Expert Opinion
The SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is a particularly good choice for Canadians who want more power than the HomePower 1000 v2 offers while keeping the overall size similar. Its 2,000W output makes it more flexible when you need to run appliances with higher power demand and the fast recharge time is useful when you only have access to mains electricity for a limited period. The C1000 Gen 2 also offers a range of charging options, including solar charging, which makes it a practical option for both home and off-grid use.
Who is the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 for?
- Canadians who prioritise fast charging. The C1000 Gen 2 can be recharged fully in approximately 49 minutes using high-speed AC charging.
- People who need more power from a 1kWh generator. Its 2,000W output means it is better suited for higher-demand appliances than generators with lower output.
- Individuals looking for flexible charging. It supports both AC and solar charging, so it can be used both at home and in places without mains access.
Who should avoid the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2?
- People who only need to charge smaller devices. If you mainly need to power small devices such as phones, cameras, or laptops, the C1000 Gen 2’s higher output may be unnecessary.
- Buyers who need a longer-lasting backup. The C1000 Gen 2 has a fixed battery capacity, so it may not be the best choice for extended outages.
Best compact portable generator in Canada: Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Generator
Pros
- Very portable at around 3.2kg
- 293Wh capacity
- 300W output
- Two AC outlets
- USB-C charging
- Solar, car and wall charging
- Popular among Canadian shoppers
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for high-power appliances
- Smaller battery
- Not designed for extended home backup
The Details
The Jackery Explorer 300 offers Canadians a much more compact power station option than the others on this list. It comes with a 293Wh battery and 300W output, and it is primarily intended for smaller electronics rather than for powering appliances at home during power outages.
Weighing just 3.2 kg, the Explorer 300 is easy to carry and transport, making it a practical choice for camping trips, RVs, and cottages. It has two AC outlets as well as 12V and USB connections, making it possible to charge or power several smaller devices at the same time.
The Explorer 300 can be recharged from a wall outlet, car, or using a compatible solar panel, giving users several options depending on where they are using it. Its compact size also makes it easier to move and store either at home or in a vehicle when it is not needed.
Our Expert Opinion
The Explorer 300 is a good choice for Canadians looking for a small and easily portable power station instead of a larger home backup unit. Its compact design makes it easy to move and store, while its range of charging options makes it useful for travelling and camping. However, its smaller battery and lower output mean that it is not suitable for larger household appliances, so anyone looking for a device that can provide reliable power during outages may prefer a larger model.
Who is the Jackery Explorer 300 for?
- Campers and travellers. The Explorer 300’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take on outdoor excursions.
- RV and cottage owners. It is a convenient source of electricity for smaller devices when mains power is not available.
- People looking for portable backup power. The combination of AC, USB and 12V connections makes it suitable for charging a range of smaller devices.
Who should avoid the Jackery Explorer 300?
- Canadians looking to power larger home appliances. The Explorer 300 is better suited to smaller electronics and offers limited power compared with larger generators.
- People preparing for longer outages. Its 293Wh capacity does not provide enough power for extended periods without mains electricity.
Best portable generator in Canada for quiet operation: BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Generator
Pros
- 288Wh capacity
- 600W continuous output
- Up to 1,500W lifting mode
- LiFePO4 battery
- 45-minute recharge to 80%
- 10ms UPS
- Very compact
- 30dB in quiet operation
Cons
- Limited capacity compared with larger models
- Not suitable for extended home backup
- Not suitable for high-energy appliances
The Details
The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 is another compact portable generator. It comes with a 288Wh battery and 600W output, making it best suited for powering smaller electronic devices. It weighs around 4.3kg, so it is easy to carry between a vehicle, campsite, cottage or other locations where you need a portable electricity source.
The Elite 30 V2’s 140W USB-C port is useful for charging laptops and other USB-C devices without using one of the AC outlets. It also has a 10ms UPS function, making it possible to keep connected devices running without interruption when the power goes out.
The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 is a worthwhile option for situations where you want to minimise noise, such as in the bedroom or inside an RV or a cottage. With operating noise of around 30dB, it is well suited to quiet environments. Its small size also makes it easy to keep it near even in smaller spaces, without getting in the way.
Our Expert Opinion
The Elite 30 V2 is a good choice for Canadians who want to prioritise quiet operation without sacrificing power. Its low noise level makes it particularly suitable for camping, RVs and other situations where a noisy power station could be disruptive. While its LiFePO4 battery is designed to last for several years in regular use, its relatively small battery means it is better for powering smaller devices than larger appliances.
Who is the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 for?
- People who prioritise quiet operation. The Elite 30 V2 runs silently under light loads, making it ideal for quiet places, such as bedrooms.
- Campers and travellers. Its compact size and relatively light weight make it well suited for smaller spaces.
- RV and cottage owners. It can provide electricity for smaller devices and appliances when you have no access to mains power.
Who should avoid the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2?
- Canadians preparing for longer power outages. The Elite 30 V2’s smaller battery is better suited to shorter periods without electricity and less-demanding devices.
- People who need to power high-energy appliances. If you need to power appliances such as a refrigerator, heater, or microwave, a larger power station is likely to be a more suitable choice.
Best portable generator in Canada for larger power needs: Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Generator
Pros
- 2,048Wh capacity
- 2,400W output
- 4,000W peak output
- Expandable to 4,096Wh
- Full recharge in around 58 minutes
- 800W alternator charging
- 10ms UPS
- Relatively compact for a 2kWh unit
Cons
- Weighs around 18.9kg
- Expansion batteries add considerably to the cost
The Details
The Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 is a larger portable generator designed for people who want more stored power during outages. At 2,048Wh, its capacity is roughly twice the capacity of 1kWh models, and its 2,400W output provides enough power for a range of more demanding household appliances.
One of the main advantages of the SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 is the option to expand its capacity even further. By adding a compatible expansion battery, you can increase the total capacity up to 4,096Wh, which makes it better suited to longer outages than fixed-capacity models. This also gives customers the option to start with the standard unit and add more capacity if their needs change.
Despite its larger size the SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 can be recharged fully in approximately 58 minutes using AC power. The generator also supports up to 800W of alternator charging, which is a useful feature when travelling or using it away from a mains power source.The units also has a 10ms UPS function to ensure smooth running of connected electronics if the mains power suddenly cuts out.
Our Expert Opinion
The SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 is a good option for Canadians who want longer backup than the smaller units can offer. Its larger battery provides more stored power during extended outages, while the 2,400 output lets the power station handle more demanding appliances, especially with expandable battery capacity. The main drawback of the SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 is its size and weight, which make it less practical to move regularly.
Who is the Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 for?
- Canadians preparing for longer power outages. The 2,048Wh capacity provides considerably more stored power than smaller generators, and the option to expand the battery capacity offers additional flexibility.
- Homeowners who need to power multiple appliances. Its 2,400W output makes it suitable for a wider range of household appliances during a power outage.
- People who want the option to expand later. The option to add an expansion battery makes it a more adaptable choice if your requirements increase.
Who should avoid the Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2?
- People who mainly need to power small devices. If you only need to charge small electronics such as phones, cameras, and laptops, a compact power station will be easier to carry and less expensive.
- Buyers who prioritise portability. Weighing approximately 18.9kg, the SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 is not as easy to move as smaller options in this guide.
Best mid-range alternative portable generator in Canada: BLUETTI AC180 Portable Generator
Pros
- 1,152Wh capacity
- 1,800W output
- 2,700W surge
- 500W solar input
- Four AC outlets
- 45-minute 0–80% recharge
- LiFePO4 battery
- App control
Cons
- Weighs around 16kg
- No battery expansion
- Faster charging requires the higher-power charging mode
The Details
The BLUETTI AC180 is a worthwhile option for Canadians who want a mid-range model capable of delivering more power than the smaller generators featured here without moving up to the 2,000Wh range. It has a 1,152Wh capacity, which is slightly higher than the typical capacity within the 1kWh class, while its 1,800W output provides more power for demanding appliances than the more compact units.
The AC180 comes with four AC outlets as well as USB and 12V connections, so you can power several devices simultaneously. It also supports up to 500W of solar charging, which allows you to recharge the unit when away from mains electricity.
The battery is designed to complete over 3,500 charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its capacity. It can also be recharged to 80% in around 45 minutes when using the faster AC charging mode. The AC180 includes a 20ms UPS function to switch over quickly when the mains power goes out, and the BLUETTI app makes it easy to monitor and control the generator.
Our Expert Opinion
The AC180 is a good choice for Canadians who want more power and capacity than typical 1kWh portable generators provide without moving to much larger 2kWh models. Its 1,800 output gives users more flexibility, and the slightly larger battery provides additional runtime. The main drawback of the AC180 is its weight. Weighing around 16kg, it is considerably heavier than the compact models included in our guide, and better suited to home backup and occasional transport than frequent moving.
Who is the BLUETTI AC180 for?
- Canadians wanting a mid-range portable generator. Its combination of capacity, power, and portability makes the AC180 suitable for a range of backup and off-grid uses.
- Cottage and RV owners. The AC180 can provide a substantial supply of portable electricity when mains power is not accessible.
- People who want to power several devices at once. With four AC outlets and additional USB and 12V connections, the AC180 makes it easy to power multiple devices simultaneously.
Who should avoid the BLUETTI AC180?
- People who prioritise portability. The AC180 weighs around 16kg, so it is considerably heavier than more compact options.
- Buyers who want expandable capacity. The AC180 does not come with an option to expand capacity with additional batteries.
Which Portable Generator Should You Buy?
Choose the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 if: You want the best balance of capacity, portability, and backup features.
Choose the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 if: You want exceptionally fast charging without moving up to a larger power station.
Choose the Jackery Explorer 300 if: Your main focus is charging electronics while camping, travelling, or during short power outages and you want something compact.
Choose the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 if: You want a compact but relatively powerful portable generator.
Choose the Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 if: You want a generator that can power more demanding appliances during longer power outages.
Choose the BLUETTI AC180 if: You want more power than compact generators offer but do not need the larger capacity of a 2kWh model.
Frequently Asked Questions
A portable generator is a source of electricity that can be used when you have no access to mains power or when there is a power cut.
Portable generators can be used to power a wide range of devices and appliances, depending on the model and battery capacity. Smaller units are suitable for charging and running less demanding electronics such as phones, laptops, and lights, while larger units can power household appliances during a power outage. They can also be used for camping, RVs, cottages, and other off-grid situations.
This depends on the amount of energy it can store and what you are using it for. Smaller models are better suited to shorter periods and smaller electronics, while larger models are designed to provide more stored power during longer power outages.
Because battery-powered portable generators do not produce exhaust, they can be operated indoors as long as they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Petrol-powered generators should not be used indoors because of their exhaust emissions.
Some portable generators support solar charging. The models in this guide that can be recharged using solar power include the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2, Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 and BLUETTI AC180.
