Power outages never seem to happen at a convenient time. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm, a winter ice event, or an unexpected grid issue, losing power can quickly become more than an inconvenience. Thankfully, with the exception of Hurricanes Sandy and Irene (yes, I’m throwing it that far back), I haven’t lost power for more than a few hours at a time since. But when the need arises, I’m grateful to have a few power stations on hand so I can quite literally power through these outages.

The latest addition to my setup is the Anker SOLIX S2000. With a large battery capacity, a variety of output options, and enough power to run everything from your projector to emergency devices to major household appliances, it’s one of the most versatile portable power stations I’ve used in quite a while (and I’ve used a lot!).

Anker SOLIX S2000

$679 at Amazon

See at Amazon

What I love most about the S2000 is that it gives you the best of both worlds — it’s portable, but still acts as a serious home backup generator. With 2,010Wh of battery life and 2,400W of continuous power, it doesn’t flinch at heavy-duty gear that would hinder smaller power banks. It’s exactly what you want in an emergency to keep the fridge cold, the Wi-Fi on, and your essential electronics charged up.

Anker SOLIX S2000 Specs

Capacity: 2,010Wh
AC Output: 1,500W
AC Input: 1,150W
Solar Input: 400W Max
Active Idle Power: 6W
AC Outlets: 5 ports
USB Ports: USB-C (2), USB-A (1)
Weight: 33.7lb

Don’t get spoiled

For families, food preservation is often the first concern during a blackout and is a core selling point of the S2000. It has enough capacity to help bridge shorter outages by powering a refrigerator or freezer while also leaving room for other essentials. Instead of scrambling for ice or worrying about spoiled groceries, you can focus on staying informed and comfortable while the power company works to restore service. It’s also small enough to leave tucked away in a corner, so it’s at the ready when you need it.

Of course, it’s not just for emergencies. The S2000 is a blast to use even when the grid is completely fine. I love this size because it’s ready for anything — reliable backup one day, off-grid fun the next. Take it to the backyard, plug in a projector and some speakers, and you have an instant movie night with zero extension cords snaking across the grass. You’ll definitely find yourself finding excuses to use it way more than you expect.

One of my favorites is keeping entertainment available when the lights go out. During an outage, I can power a TV, streaming device, internet equipment, and charging stations all from a single unit. Instead of sitting in the dark waiting for power to return, the family can keep watching movies, catch up on shows, or simply stay connected to news and weather updates.

Server stays online

As someone who runs a NAS at home, the S2000 has become particularly valuable. My local media server stores movies, TV shows, family photos, and backups, and during an outage, I can connect the NAS directly to the power station to keep it accessible. Even if my internet connection is unavailable, I can still access locally stored media across my home network or directly from the NAS. For anyone who relies on self-hosted storage or a personal media library, having a reliable portable power source adds another layer of resilience and is a huge quality-of-life improvement.

The variety of ports is another major advantage. Multiple AC outlets, USB-C ports, and USB-A ports make it easy to power a wide range of devices simultaneously. Whether you’re charging phones, running laptops, powering networking equipment, or keeping medical devices operational, there’s plenty of flexibility without needing extra adapters or power strips. I am kind of bummed there’s no DC port to power my 12V fridge in my car, but the S2000 is a bit overkill for that type of setup anyway.

Long-lasting battery

Battery longevity is another area where Anker continues to stand out. The company uses LiFePO4 battery technology, which offers excellent lifespan and durability compared to older battery chemistries. For a device that’s designed to sit ready for emergencies while also being used regularly for recreation and travel, that long-term reliability provides additional peace of mind.

No one wants to drop cash on a massive battery just for it to sit around. But the cool thing about the S2000 is that it practically pays for itself in usefulness. It’s your emergency backup when the lights go out, your power source for camping trips, a mobile workstation, and your outdoor entertainment hub all rolled into one. It’s rare to find a single piece of gear that wears so many different hats.

If you’re looking for a portable power station that can handle major appliances during emergencies while also powering everything from backyard movie nights to a home NAS, the Anker SOLIX S2000 delivers. It’s powerful enough to serve as a serious home backup solution, yet portable enough to take wherever reliable electricity is needed.

Anker SOLIX S2000

$679 at Amazon

See at Amazon