Revolutionizing Safety and Efficiency in Industrial Inspections with UTM Sensor Flyability, a leader in drone technology, has introduced its innovative Elios 3 UT Payload to the US market during a launch event in Denver, Colorado. This new technology is poised to revolutionize the way indoor inspections are conducted, particularly in challenging environments. The Elios 3 […]
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Looking for an efficient way to charge drones out in the field? Pilots traveling between jobs might have to rely on weak car chargers or coffee shop pit stops to recharge. For pilots literally out in the field, there might be no way to recharge, period.
That’s where portable power stations come in. Portable powerful stations have become easier to come buy, cheaper to buy, and, well, more powerful in recent years.
Among the most notable picks you’ll find in this guide? Two products made from the world’s largest drone maker itself: DJI. That’s because, in April 2024, DJI just unveiled two impressive options of its own. Those are the DJI Power 1000 and DJI Power 500, both designed to keep your drone soaring on the go.
The more established names in portable power stations include Jackery, which also stands as one of the leading manufacturers of efficient solar generators. There’s also Bluetti, which even scored a CES 2023 Innovation Product Award for its solar power system.
But it’s perhaps most difficult to take our eyes off of DJI’s offerings, which are newest to market of any picks in this guide. Despite being known for drones, DJI’s portable power stations are a logical fit. After all, the company has more than a decade’s worth of battery research and development.
So with that, here’s your ultimate guide to the best portable power stations on the market today.
Traditionally, drone pilots have relied on car chargers or bulky generators to recharge in the field. Car chargers offer limited power and slow charging times, while generators can be noisy, fumey, and bulky to transport.
Portable power stations offer a sleek, silent, and powerful solution. For example, DJI’s Power 1000 generates just 23 dB, which is quieter than most household refrigerators.
And you don’t necessarily need to be a drone pilot to benefit from portable power stations. These products appeal to campers, who want to keep phones and lights recharged without the blaring noise of a generator disrupting their peace out in nature.
Even if you’re not camping, these products are great to have on hand at home in case the power goes out and in other emergency situations — especially if storms put out the power for extended periods of time.
So with that, here’s a guide to some of the best options, specifically chosen for the needs of drone pilots (but great picks all around for anyone):
Perhaps unsurprisingly that one of the best portable power stations for charging drones comes from the world’s largest drone maker itself, DJI.
DJI launched the Power 1000 in April 2024 as the ultimate accessory for drone pilots flying out in the field. This powerhouse offers exceptionally high capacity and is perfect for extended trips or multiple drone batteries. It boasts fast charging, capable of itself being fully charged in just 70 minutes. It can be charged to 80% in just 50 minutes.
Here are some other key specs on the DJI Power 1000:
When you pair this charging station with separately-sold charging cables that integrate with certain DJI drone batteries, a 10%-charged battery can get to 95% within about 30 minutes. That’s via the DJI Power SDC super-fast charge function, which works with most of DJI’s newer drones.
It has two 140W USB-C output ports, with a total power output of up to 280W. Additionally, it supports both 1200W Fast Recharge Mode and 600W Standard Recharge Mode. And, it pairs with the Zignes 100W Solar Panel for solar charing, too.
Though the sticker price is $999, we’ve seen it as low as $699 on third-party retailers such as B&H Photo.
More portable than its bigger sibling, the Power 500 is ideal for shorter adventures and fits well in a backpack. It prioritizes fast charging as well; again, it can be fully charged in 70 minutes.
Here are some other key specs on the DJI Power 500:
That same DJI Power SDC super-fast charge function found in the 1000 also functions here, too. It has two 100W USB-C output ports, with a total power output of up to 200W. Additionally, it supports both 5400W Fast Recharge Mode and 270W Standard Recharge Mode.
It’s basically half as powerful as the DJI Power 1000. But, it’s also delightfully half the price. It comes in at just $499 (though there tend to be frequent sales on this product. I’d consider $379 to be a really great price).
At just $429, this is the most affordable portable charging station in this guide. Sure, you’re not using this to power an RV, but it’s still certainly more than enough for drone pilots on the go. It can charge a 40WH drone 15 times in one charge.
The station itself can fully recharge in just 70 minutes. And, it’s rated for 3000 full charge cycles. That means you could recharge it every day for more than 8 years.
Not only is it affordable, but its also lightweight, too, coming in at 17.2 lbs. A built-in handle also makes it extra portable.
It’s actually more powerful than the DJI Power 500, yet it’s about $70 cheaper. So what’s the drawback? One big one: no USB-A. USB-A is the most commonly known USB type, which is a real letdown to not have it.
This high-end option is among the most powerful (and expensive) stations in this guide. Don’t settle for just charging consumer drones. This would power up high-end drones, as well as even more robust objects needing power such as RVs and large appliances. It costs $1,999.
Here’s where this product gets extra compelling: the potential for a 30% tax credit. This purchase makes you eligible to claim the residential clean energy credit. Though, contact your utility provider to confirm eligibility and find out more about the requirements for Residential Clean Energy Credit programs.
With 10 total ports, options include AC, USB-A, and USB-C. It has a rated max output of 1,800 W and a rated capacity of 3,000 Wh. It takes 2 hours to get back to a full AC recharge (though it can get to 80% in 1.3 hours). The unit itself is rated for 4000 full charge cycles.
It also supports capacity expansion, as the Explorer 2000 Plus can be expanded up to 12 kWh. What’s more, it can be expanded up to 24 kWh when paired with a parallel drain plug.
The king of capacity in this group, the AC200MAX can handle the most demanding drone shoots and power your entire campsite. Yes, that NEMA TT-30 and 12V/30A DC port are perfect for RV dwellers.
It boasts various ports and supports solar panel charging (at an additional cost) for extended use. Wireless charging adds even more convenience. Consider it capable of powering most appliances less than 2200W.
Just how powerful is it? You could charge a 50Wh drone 34 times. Or, you could charge a 10 Wh phone 170 times. You might use it to power a 60W fridge for 28 hours straight.
At $1,699, it’s slightly less expensive than the $1,999 Jackery 32000 Plus Kit named above, despite being more powerful by some metrics? Why, it promises just 3,500 charge cycles versus the Jackery’s 4,000. But, you might never even hit 3,500. 4,000 charge cycles means a recharge every day for nearly 11 years.
And though you can charge AC200MAX with solar panels and wall outlet simultaneously, you will need a second Bluetti AC adapter for dual AC charging.
Those are quite a few options. So how do they really stack up against each other? Here’s a look at some of their key features, compared:
| Feature | DJI Power 1000 | DJI Power 500 | EcoFlow River 2 Pro | Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus | Bluetti AC200MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Wh) | 1024 | 512 | 768 | 2042 | 2048 |
| Weight (lbs) | 28.6 | 16.06 | 17.2 | 61.5 | 61.9 |
| Price (USD) | $999 | $499 | $429 | $1,999 | $1,699 |
| Ideal For | Extended trips, multiple batteries | Shorter trips, backpacking | Weekend trips, fast charging | Heavy load devices (like huge drones and RVs) | High-demand shoots, camping |
| Standout Features | High Capacity, Fast Charging | Portable, fast charging, lightweight | Fast charging, Compact | 30% tax credit eligible | Massive capacity, solar panel compatible |
| Ports | USB-C, AC, Car port | USB-C, AC, Car port | USB-C, AC, Car port | 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 5 AC Outlets, 1 Car Port | 16 ports total: AC/USB/Car port/100W PD/NEMA TT-30/12V/30A DC port |
The best overall portable power stations I’d recommend in some capacity are named above. But how do you pick the best one specific to you? Consider some of the following factors:
Your own drone’s battery requirements: How many watt-hours (Wh) does your drone battery consume? A station’s capacity (Wh) should be high enough to recharge your battery multiple times.
Mobile app integration: One of the best, nice-to-have-features you’ll find on a portable power station? Smartphone app integration. With this, stations give you the ability to execute tasks like monitoring battery life and controlling power output.
The number of devices you need to charge at once: Are you just charging your drone, or do you need to power laptops, cameras, and other gadgets? The number and type of ports (USB-A, USB-C, AC outlets) will determine how many devices you can charge simultaneously.
The ability to recharge your portable charger: What if your portable power station runs out of power? That might very well be the case for, well, power uses. If so, consider prioritizing power stations with built-in solar panel compatibility. For example, DJI sells a Zignes 100W Solar Panel designed to integrate with the DJI Power 1000/500 using the DJI Power Solar Panel Adapter Module.
That makes not just for eco-friendly recharging, but recharging specifically on the go.
Portability: Do you prioritize a lightweight option for easy backpacking, or can you handle a heavier station with a larger capacity?
Budget: And of course, portable power stations range in price depending on capacity, features, and brand. These picks suit a range of budgets — which might ultimately be the final determining factor.
Safety: Last but not least is safety. Look for stations with built-in protections against overcharging, short circuits, and overheating. Make sure the station’s output wattage is compatible with your devices to avoid damage.
And don’t overlook other safety standards. For example, both the DJI Power 1000/500 have passed 26 product test certifications from the Swiss third-party testing authority, SGS. Meanwhile it’s built with fuses and flame-retardant, high strength material.
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Aircraft manufacturers Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems have both advanced to the flight stage of the US Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (FTUAS) programme. The service said on 25 April that both Griffon and Textron were selected for the third phase of the FTUAS competition, which aims to deliver a replacement for the Textron […]
Next-gen aviation startup MightyFly says it’s the first company developing a large, autonomous electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo drone that’s been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for a flight corridor. Why it matters: It’s a big milestone for the emerging company — and for the drone delivery world more broadly. Driving the […]
Houthi rebels claim to have shot down an MQ-9 drone over Yemen on April 25, releasing nighttime intercept footage and daytime video of what appears to be MQ-9 wreckage. If confirmed, it would mark the third MQ-9 shot down by the Houthis in the past six months and the the sixth Reaper damaged in various […]
A drone that paints over graffiti has been launched in Washington state under a new pilot program, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced. And if the new spray drones succeed, one could easily imagine other municipalities across the country embracing drones for graffiti removal in hard-to-reach places. WSDOT Tacoma area maintenance crew, led […]
Pakistan plans to purchase 10 more Caihong-4 (CH-4) Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, costing an estimated 24 million USD. Further details, such as variants or the date of the sale, are not currently known. The CH-4s sent to Pakistan could be outfitted with the superior turbocharged, four-stroke Lark HLE engine with 150 […]How GEODNET is Transforming RTK Networking with Innovative Technologies and Strategic Partnership by DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi At AUVSI Xponential 2024, we sat down with Mike Horton of GEODNET to explore the latest advancements and strategies propelling their Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) network to the forefront of the geospatial technology market. GEODNET’s approach, as detailed […]
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BRINC, Skyfire partnership aims to improve emergency response times and operational efficiency for law enforcement and emergency services. BRINC, a developer of public safety technology, has announced a new partnership with Skyfire Consulting, a firm specializing in drone solutions for security and public safety. The collaboration is set to refine and expand drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs […]
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Congress is on the verge of taking down a giant in the drone industry, but the collateral damage could clip the wings of American hobbyists. And it’s not just that, but it could also pinch their wallets as taxpayers. Here’s what you need to know about what might happen if Congress bans DJI drones.
Proposed legislation, called the Countering CCP Drones Act, takes aim largely at DJI, which has long been the world’s largest drone manufacturer. The Countering CCP Drones Act would place DJI on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) blacklist, effectively blocking new DJI drones from accessing the communication infrastructure needed to operate in the US.
Such a rule would very likely stifle innovation in the drone market, and it would almost certainly make it more expensive for hobby drone pilots and photographers to buy new gear. It also could make procuring government equipment more expensive for all Americans who pay taxes. That’s all due to proposed legislation that could ban DJI drones.
The bill at hand is called H.R. 2864, the “Countering CCP Drones Act.” Introduced by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), the controversial bill calls out Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (the Chinese drone maker commonly known as DJI Technologies), specifically. The bill proposes a wide-ranging ban on drones manufactured by DJI, the world’s leading drone maker based in China.
And perhaps worst of all, the bill would prevent new DJI products from coming to market in the United States. Yes, the ban would only apply to new models of DJI drones from the time of the law being passed and on. That means it’s still okay to fly drones you already own. That’s a change from previous considerations of a rule change that would have also revoked authorizations of drones currently in use, according to federal filings.
So how exactly would it apply? DJI technologies would potentially be prohibited from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure. Since drones largely rely on FCC networks, the law would make these drones unusable in the U.S., as the FCC would no longer be able to approve new equipment authorizations for DJI products in the U.S. Read the full Countering CCP Drones Act bill text here.
While the act cites national security concerns over potential Chinese espionage, the real-world impact could be felt most acutely by American drone enthusiasts. And on a secondary level, it’ll be felt by all people who pay taxes to the use government.
Of course, the Countering CCP Drones Act isn’t happening in a vacuum. This proposed legislation comes at a time when lawmakers are also discussing bans on other Chinese technology, such as TikTok. While the specific concerns differ – TikTok with social media influence and DJI with potential drone surveillance – both are fueled by anxieties over Chinese technology companies potentially collecting user data or acting as conduits for espionage. And both proposed bans raise similar questions about the effectiveness of broad strokes in addressing complex national security issues.
“Communist China is using their monopolistic control over the drone market and telecommunications infrastructure to target Americans’ data and closely surveil our critical infrastructure,” the bill’s sponsor Rep. Elise Stefanik (R–N.Y.) said in a statement related to the Countering CCP Drones Act.
DJI is synonymous with consumer drones, offering a wide range of affordable, user-friendly options. With no more DJI products, the concept of affordable, user-friendly options for hobby pilots could end. After all, very few recreational drones are aimed at hobby users.
According to the Countering CCP Drones Act, DJI makes more than 50% of drones sold in the U.S. By some metrics, the DJI market share is even higher.
There’s not a single drone under $500 made in America that I’d recommend. Even with a larger budget stretched to $1,000, I would have recommended the Skydio 2 drone, which started at $999. But that drone is no more either. Skydio killed its consumer drone arm in 2023 to focus on military and enterprise markets — as that’s where the money is at.
What about drones that aren’t necessarily made in America, but that just aren’t made by DJI? Even the options are slim. My guide to the best camera drones focuses on products that hobbyists and prosumers would reasonable be able to afford. There are only a few other options I’d recommend. That includes the Autel Evo Lite+. That drone is also made in China.
There’s no shortage of proposed legislation seeking to crack down on DJI.
For example, the American Security Drone Act of 2023 is a bipartisan bill that would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing drones made by Chinese government-linked countries. Sponsors include Sen. Mitt Romney [R-UT], Sen. Mark Warner [D-VA], Sen. Marco Rubio [R-FL], Sen. Richard Blumenthal [D-CT], Sen. Marsha Blackburn [R-TN], Sen. Christopher Murphy [D-CT], and Sen. Josh Hawley [R-MO].
There’s also the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)’s Buy American Act. That Act sets a threshold for how much of a product needs to have been made in America to actually count as American-made. Right now, the threshold is 65% of parts must have been made in America. Though, it increases to 70% by 2029.
FAR’s Buy American Act only applies to products that the U.S. government buys for its own use using federal financial assistance. Though, there are a number of exceptions. That includes if the U.S.-made version is not available at what’s considered a ‘reasonable’ cost. And if DJI drones are considered reasonably priced, then its American-made counterparts are definitely not.
Those all apply to federal agencies. This new law, though, would impact hobby drone pilots if enacted.
This legislation could introduce a slew of changes for the way hobby pilots buy and fly drones. That includes: Here’s what hobbyists need to worry about:
The security concerns around DJI are a valid discussion to have. But a blanket scenario where Congress bans DJI drones is a blunt instrument that punishes American consumers in the process.
It’s not just hobbyists who could pay more for their own drones — but all taxpayers who could pay more for the government’s drones.
Government agencies, like the National Park Service, use affordable DJI drones for non-sensitive operations like counting wildlife or surveying landscapes. These tasks are crucial for conservation efforts, and DJI drones offer a cost-effective way to conduct them.
Similarly, many search and rescue, law enforcement and other first responder operations also use DJI drones. The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise offers survey and thermal tools at amuch more affordable price than other enterprise drones. Even indoor drones like the $999 Avata 2 conduct indoor inspections in buildings that are too unsafe for people to enter.
Forcing a switch to more expensive alternatives could waste taxpayer dollars.
Congress should explore more targeted measures that address the specific security risks without crippling the burgeoning drone hobbyist community. Alternative solutions worth exploring could include:
Drones offer a unique perspective for photography, videography, mapping, environmental monitoring, and even just pure fun (like racing!). They have the potential to revolutionize industries and empower individuals. Congress needs to find a way to address security concerns without grounding the dreams of American drone enthusiasts. Perhaps even more critical though, is doing it without squeezing the budgets of government agencies.
If Congress bans DJI drones, the hobby drone industry as we know it will change forever. For now, though, the bill is just in the introduction phase. It has not passed in the House nor the Senate. Track its status here.
Whether TikTok or DJI drones, lawmakers should come wit a more nuanced approach that fosters domestic innovation while mitigating legitimate security risks. And they should do it without unfairly punishing American consumers, taxpayers and businesses in the process.
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