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Small, lightweight, and affordable. The 300W portable power station is the entry point for most campers. But before you buy one, you need to manage your expectations.
The most common question beginners ask is: “What can a 300W portable power station run?”
Can it run a CPAP? A TV? A heater? In this 2026 reality check, we break down exactly what these compact units can (and cannot) do.
1. The Basics: Electronics & Lights
If your goal is simply to keep your personal gadgets alive during a weekend trip, a 300W unit is overkill—in a good way. It is perfect for “Low Draw” devices.
- Smartphones: ~25 recharges.
- Laptops: ~3-4 recharges.
- LED Lights: 20+ hours of continuous light.
- Drones/Cameras: Infinite charging for a weekend.
Recommendation: For this category, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 is a beast. It recharges in just 60 minutes. Check its price in our guide: Best Portable Power Stations Under $300.
2. The Big Question: Can It Run a CPAP?
This is what many of you are searching for. Can a tiny 300Wh battery run a sleep apnea machine?
- The Answer: Yes, but with conditions.
- How to do it: You must turn off the “Heated Humidifier” and “Heated Hose.”
- The Result: With heaters off, a 300Wh station like the Jackery 300 Plus can run a standard CPAP for 1 night (7-8 hours).
Critical Guide: If you need more than one night of sleep, or want to use the humidifier, a 300W unit won’t cut it. Read our full medical breakdown here: Best Portable Power Station for CPAP.
3. Entertainment: TV and Projectors
Want to watch a movie in your tent?
- LED TV (32-inch): Uses about 40-50 Watts. A 300W station will run it for 4-5 hours.
- Mini Projector: Uses 30-50 Watts. Good for 2 movies.
4. What It CANNOT Run (The Limits)
Knowing what can a 300W portable power station run is important, but knowing what it fails at is vital to avoid damaging your gear.
- Heaters: ❌ No. Space heaters need 1500W.
- Coffee Makers: ❌ No. They spike to 1000W+.
- Hair Dryers: ❌ No.
- Refrigerators: ⚠️ Generally No. While it might run a tiny mini-fridge for an hour, the startup surge usually trips the inverter.
Need More Power? If you need to run a fridge or coffee maker, you need to step up to the 1000W class. See the difference here: What Can a 1000Wh Portable Power Station Run?.
5. 300W vs. 500W: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
A 300W unit is great for portability, but it has a “Hard Ceiling.” If you plug in a device that needs 350W, the station will shut down instantly to protect itself.
- Get 300W if: You are hiking, hiking, or just need to charge phones/laptops.
- Get 500W+ if: You want to run a TV longer, use a CPAP with humidity, or run a 12V car fridge.
Sizing Help: Still confused about the numbers? Use our simple calculator: What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?.
Conclusion
So, what can a 300W portable power station run? It is the ultimate “Digital Survival Tool.” It handles phones, CPAP machines (for one night), and lights with ease. Just don’t expect it to brew your coffee or heat your tent.
For the best models in this size range, don’t miss our updated list of the Best Portable Power Stations Under $300.
FAQ
Q: Can a 300W power station run a PS5?
A: A PS5 consumes about 200W during gaming. A 300W station can technically run it, but the battery will drain in less than 1 hour. It’s not recommended.
Q: Can I use a solar panel to charge it?
A: Yes! 300W units are perfect for solar. A 100W panel can recharge a Jackery 300 Plus in about 3-4 hours of sun.
Q: Is 300W enough for a blackout?
A: It’s enough to keep you connected (phones/internet router) and lit (LEDs), but not enough to run kitchen appliances.