Everyone remembers a situation in which they needed an 110V outlet while in their car to power something. It can be a rather inconvenient situation that is both common and annoying. By default cars do not have a built-in inverter but there are ways to get a 110V outlet using a 12 volt DC power source.
Power inverters are the perfect solution for such situations. These simple devices are not only affordable but reliable at the same time. They are well built and usually come with protection to prevent any kind of damage to the electronics that might be plugged in. The only downside is the fact that they tend to be quite large and the more outlets they have the bigger these inverters get.
On the other hand, there are literally hundreds of different inverters to choose from. Many different manufacturers offer multiple models that come with one or more 110V outlets. Some of them even have additional features such as USB ports to charge small devices such as tablets and smartphones. Out of all the models available we had to limit our selection to just 10. The main focus was on well-built and reliable inverters that do not cost too much. With no further ado here are the top 10 best power inverters.
Best Power Inverter Reviews [year]
SNAN 300 Watt DC 12 volt to AC 110 volt Power Inverter
- Provides 300 Watts continuous DC to AC power and 600 Watts instantaneous power, featuring 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports
- Smart Charging: the power inverter is designed with 2 Smart USB charging ports, automatically detect your devices to deliver its fastest charge speed up to 2.4 amps per port,4.8 amps max
- Fully Safety Protections:Over voltage,Low voltage,Overload,Short circuit,Over heat,polarity reverse protection(fuse) . Soft start tech,Auto-restart function
- Durable aluminum alloy housing provides advanced protection from drops and bumps. Integrated smart cooling fan helps reduce heat and prevents shortages.
- Isolated Input/Output design. High speed thermal control cooling fan. 18-Months Warranty
SNAN 300W power inverted is a great and inexpensive device that works with any DC 12V outlet. The model can actually be plugged into the car’s lighter outlet in order to provide power to 2 AC 110V outlets.
The model offers full protection to keep all electronics connected to it safe and working properly. Near the power outlets the manufacturers placed two USB ports that can be used to charge mobile devices. The inverter is reasonably small and will serve as a great device for campsites and long drives.
ERAYAK 1000W Power Inverter
The ERAYAK power inverter proved to be a great and reliable model that comes with a decent price tag. It actually has a rated power of 1000 watts and features 3 AC 110V outlets.
For safety reasons the manufacturers equipped it with an on/off switch. Also it comes with two 3.1A USB ports for fast charging. In terms of protection the model offers full safety against short circuits, overloads, low voltage, over voltage, excessive heating and reversed polarity. The device also comes with an internal fan to keep it running at an optimal temperature.
KRIEGER 1500 Watt 12V Power Inverter KR1500
- 1500 Watts continuous power, 3000 Watts peak power, KR1500 modified sine wave inverter converts 12V DC to 120V AC power, connect DC battery cables directly to your 12V battery and you have power on the go
- Easy Installation with Wired Remote Control + ANL Fuse kit + 3 ft Battery Cables Included
- We have your back. This inverter has all the protections that you will need. Overload, over voltage, under voltage, high temperature and short circuit. All of this is displayed on the LCD screen as well as input voltage, output wattage and battery level.
- Don’t just take our word for this inverter’s rating, this item has been tested, validated and approved for both its safety and performance. ETL Approved under UL std 458 and CSA std C22.2
- You can’t go wrong with Krieger! We believe in our product and quality and we offer the warranty that proves it – “3 Years parts and labor warranty”
The KRIEGER KR1500 power inverted is one of the most powerful models in our list. It is also significantly more expensive which can be a turn-off for some. On the other hand it comes with plenty of safety features that make it extremely reliable.
According to the specifications the model offers a rated power of 1500 watts. It requires a 12V DC power source for two 120Volt AC outlets. The model comes with a small LCD display on the front that shows useful information and it includes are the required cables and accessories.
Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter
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Cobra CPI 1575 is a great model that offers a decent value for the money. Compared with other 1500 watt models the Cobra is significantly more affordable. It also comes with a premium design and excellent cooling that prevents it from heating too much.
The model was designed to be connected to any DC 12 volt power source such as a car battery or a car lighter. It offers three 120 volt AC outlets that can be used for most electronics. For extra convenience the manufacturers also added a USB port.
BESTEK 200 Watt Car Power Inverter
- BESTEK advantage:America's first power inverter brand. Provides 200 watts continuous DC to AC power and 500 watts of peak power with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB charging ports, 12V cigarette lighter socket
- 5-IN-1 Design: This car outlet adapter has 2 AC outlets, 2 USB charging ports, which can power 5 devices at the same time. 24 inch power cord allows you to put your cup holder car inverter anywhere you want, tight fit into the car DC socket
- USB Fast Charging: This car plug adapter has 4.5A/dual USB charging ports with smart IC technology that automatically detects your device and provides maximum charging speed. Perfect for charging your Kindle, iPhone, iPad, Tablet, MP3 player, camera and other mobile devices
- Comprehensive Safety: Our car power inverter has a built-in 25A/32V fuse, and the upgraded automatic shutdown function will trigger in the event of overvoltage, undervoltage, overload, overcurrent, overheating, etc., which can better protect your equipment and car safety (suitable for 12V cars , but not for 24V)
- Safety Guaranteed & After Sale Service: BESTEK provides 30-day return, 18-month replacement. 24h customer service supported.
The BESTEK power inverter will prove to be a great option for the ones that only need to charge their smartphone or tablet. It can also be used to power a laptop using one of the two 120V outlets.
What makes this particular model an interesting purchase is the power it delivers over the two USB ports. Each port delivers 4.5 amps which is enough to fast charge any mobile device. Surprisingly the model is also quite cheap and comes with a compact form factor.
BESTEK 1000 Watt Power Inverter
- BESTEK 1000W POWER INVERTER : America's leading power inverter brand. Provides 1000 watts continuous DC 12v to AC 110v power inverter and 2400 watts of peak power.
- Efficient Quick Charging : Dual 110V AC outlets for powering larger devices such as laptops and tablets or any other household appliances under 1000 watts. The smart and high speed cooling fan protect the inverter against overheating.
- Multi-Protection : Built-in 3*40 amps fuse to protect your device and battery, LED indicators for short circuit protection,Safe charging technology provides protection against overheating, under/over voltage charging, overload and short circuiting, Protect and extend the life of your electronics and appliances.
- Portable & Widly Useful : The lightweight inverter space-saving and easy storage, Ideal for use on long car road trips, family vacations, and camping. Great for charging string lights, laptop, tablet, breast pump, GoPro camera, nebulizer, game console, kindle, TV, DVD players, lights, iPhones, iPad, car vacuum cleaner, LED table lamp, mini fridge and other electronic devices.
- RELIABLE QUALITY WARRANTY : ETL certified product ensures safety and quality.Any questions or dissatisfactions with your purchase,24H x 7D technical and friendly customer service support, BESTEK guarantee you refund within 180 Days, and 18-Month Product Replacement Warranty.
BESTEK offers a versatile power inverter that features two 110 volt power outlets. It has a decent price tag and a sturdy construction that keeps it running at an optimal temperature at all times.
The model was made to be plugged directly into the car’s lighter or it can be connected to the battery. It comes with plenty of protection features and due to its design it can survive extremely low temperatures.
BESTEK 2000 Watt Car Power Inverter
- 2000W Power Inverter - High-power PRO inverter provides 2000 Watts continuous DC to AC power output,2000 watts continuous power, 4000 watts peak power. Modified Sine Wave Car Inverter converts 12V DC to 110V AC Power, Connect DC battery cables directly to your car vehicle's battery. Please confirm the rated power and starting power of your devices before purchasing
- 12V DC To 110V/120V AC Inverter -Power invertor converts 12V DC to 110V-120V AC power, Connect DC battery cables directly to your 12V battery and you have power on the go.3 AC outlets for charging larger devices such as laptops and electric stew, 2 USB charging ports for powering USB compatible devices, to power your device. This car outlet adapter Digital Display inverter for Portable Audio, Camping Lamp, Digital Camera, Car Refrigerator, etc
- Multipurpose Inverter - High Power Inverter 2000 watt for car/vehicles/truck, e-bike inverter,home 12v battery inverter, solar battery inverter converter. Advanced Safety Protection inverter is ideal for use on vacations, work trips, and camping. Also to power your device for Emergencies, hurricanes, Storms, Snowstorms, and outages
- SAFE FOR USE:Safety Maxpart Inverter uses durable metal housing that provides advanced protection from drops and bumps, as well as good electrical insulation. Cooling Fan, Audible Alarm, LED Indicator, Built-in Mini Slip Fuse to protect against Over Heat/ Low Voltage / Over Voltage /Overload. Cooling funs and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection
- RELIABLE QUALITY:Our power inverter has Product safety Certification, We provide 24-hours friendly customer service, and customer satisfaction. (Please use in a well-ventilated, dry area.)
The only thing concerning about the BESTEK power inverter is its size. It is a large and heavy model that provides a total power of 2000 watts over 3 100V AC outlets.
The construction of the model is quite sturdy. It is made completely out of metal with a red paint coating. It has internal fans to keep it cool and a convenient handle on the top. The model can be powered directly from the car’s battery and features an on/off switch. It is very easy to install and comes with more than enough safety features.
Energizer 500 Watt Car Power Inverter
- ENERGIZER POWER INVERTER - 500 Watts Modified sine wave power inverter converts 12V DC to 120V AC Power. Connect DC battery cables directly to your vehicle's battery and you have power on the go.
- DIRECT CIGARETTE LIGHTER - Run your AC electrical devices with this inverter which plugs into your cigarette lighter or connects directly to a car battery to power laptops, cell phone chargers, small electronic devices and more.
- ULTRA SILENT THERMAL FAN & FOUR USB PORTS - Four USB Charging Port 2.4A (each)- 48W/9.6A total and Dual 120V AC Outlets for Charging Larger Devices up to 500W.
- ENERGIZER KEEPS YOU GOING - Tested, Validated and Approved for both Its Safety and Performance. ETL Approved Under UL STD 458 and CSA std C22.2
- ALL-IN INCLUSION - This Product Includes A Cigarette Lighter Cord, Battery Clip Cables, a 2 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Specialized Customer Service Team & Technical Installation Support via Email, Chat or Phone.
Energizer offers a great and compact power inverter for a really low price tag. This 500 watt model can be powered by a regular 12 volt car lighter and delivers power over two standard 110 volt AC outlets.
Looking at its bonus features the model comes with two 2.1 amp USB ports and bottom mounted feet that can be used to bolt it into the floor of the car or wherever it might be required. The model works mostly with small electronics such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
BESTEK 400 Watt Car Power Inverter
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BESTEK 400 watt inverter is a great and compact device that comes with a really low price tag. It is a simple power inverter that comes with a stylish design and bottom mounted screw holes that can be used to secure it in place.
The inverter delivers power to 2 standard 110 Volt AC outlets and two USB ports. Each USB port offers 2.4 amps which means it can fast charge any mobile device. To install it all it takes is to connect the inverter to a car cigarette lighter.
BESTEK 300 Watt Car Power Inverter
- BESTEK Advantage: America's leading power inverter brand. Provides 300 Watts continuous DC to AC power and 700 Watts instantaneous power, featuring 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports
- Fast Charging: two 110V AC outlets for charging larger devices such as laptops and tablets, 2 USB charging ports (0-2.4A) for powering USB compatible devices, a good choice as requisite car accessories
- Ultra Compact and Lightweight: iPhone-sized design ideal for use on vacations, work trips, and camping. 24 inch cigarette lighter plug makes the power inverter can be plugged into almost any vehicle
- Multi-Protection: built-in 40 amps fuse to protect your device. Safe charging design provides protection against, overheating, under and over voltage charging, short circuiting
- Durable metal housing provides advanced protection from drops and bumps.Smart cooling fan system makes the car power inverter very silent when operating,and the fan runs faster when the device gets warmer or output power exceeds 70W. 60-Months Warranty
The BESTEK 300 watt power inverted became a popular pick due to the fact that it is extremely affordable and works excellent. It is one of the lower capacity models but it will work great with small electronics.
BESTEK equipped the model with two 110Volt AC outlets and two USB ports. One of the USB ports offers 2.1 amps enabling it to fast charge tablets and smartphones. The inverter comes with plenty of safety features and requires very little space to install it.
Conclusion
Power inverters can prove to be extremely useful. They are much more efficient than regular cigarette lighter chargers but they do also take a bit more space. Most of them can be bolted into place to keep them safe.
For our list we selected various models that can deliver anything between 200 watts and all the way up to 2000 watts. Their power does influence how much they cost. In the end, the most important thing is to get a reliable inverted without exceeding the available budget.
