This 150W car power inverter by Buywhat has taken the first spot on our list, featuring one AC outlet and two USB ports for charging multiple devices quickly and simultaneously. It is also super easy to handle and store, thanks to its compact size and low weight of 8 oz.
This car power inverter has a safety fuse in place to protect you and your devices. It also has overheating, over-voltage, under-voltage, over-charging, overload, and short circuit protection. The sturdy metal housing protects it from drops and bumps. The durable build and the high number of protective features have earned this car power inverter the best overall award on our list.
The runner-up on our list is this cool-looking 200W car power inverter by FOVAL. It is very compact and lightweight, which makes it portable and easy to store. It also features four USB ports and two AC outlets which can all be used simultaneously.
In the safety department, this power inverter has low-voltage, over-voltage, over-charge, overload, over-temperature, and short circuit protection, making it safe to use. It also features a built-in fuse for further protection. The nicest thing about this inverter is its smart cooling fans that are very silent during operation. This means you won’t have to deal with any annoying noises.
BESTEK has brought us this 300W car power inverter which has two USB ports and two AC outlets you can use to power up various devices. The USB ports have an output of 2.4A, which will juice up your phone much faster. It also has a fuse inside to protect your devices and yourself in case of over-current.
The inverter has metal housing to ensure durability and prevent damage from falls or bumps during the ride. It also has overheating, over-voltage, under-voltage, and short-circuit protection for your safety. The included 18-month warranty is just the cherry on top.
This 300W car power inverter by ALLWEI comes with an 18-month warranty. IT has two AC outlets and USB ports for you to use, along with a 33” long cord, so you can easily move around your car while still having your device plugged in. A user manual is also included in its pack to make setup easier.
There are multiple protective features against overheating, overload, over-voltage, under-voltage, over-charge, and short circuits. There is also an automatic cooling fan built inside, which is temperature-controlled. The dimensions of this car power inverter are 4.7 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches, making it fairly compact and portable.
Next, we have this car power inverter that comes in five power variations. The higher output variations of this pick come with an intelligent system for temperature control as the fans increase their speed when the temperature gets higher. Its 3000W variation is an absolute beast as it features four AC outlets.
You also get over-voltage, over-temperature, and under-voltage protection with this inverter to keep you and your devices safe. There is also an on/off button, so you don’t have to unplug the device every time to cut off power. You also get battery cables as part of the package, meaning you don’t have to buy them separately.
A low-quality power inverter can destroy your electronics, so to save you from such a fate, here is our guide to buying a safe-to-use and high-quality inverter for your vehicle.
AC refers to alternating current, and DC refers to direct current. Your car’s outlet outputs direct current, which is why you need an inverter to turn it into an alternating current. You can then use this alternating current output from the inverter to run low-power consumption devices or charge your phone.
You will also see most inverters have a number with “W” in their product description, such as 300W. This number represents how much power the inverter can supply continuously. Most car power inverters have a power rating between 150W to 500W, with some heavy-duty options even having ratings as high as 3000W and beyond.
When buying a car power inverter, the first thing you want to check is its compatibility. Make sure it has all the output sockets you need and check if it is compatible with your car’s DC outlet.
Your car’s DC outlets can be 12V or 24V. You can confirm these ratings by going through your car’s handbook or consulting a mechanic. You’ll need an inverter with the same rating. The inverter’s rating can be confirmed by going through the device’s product description before purchase.
As mentioned before, the output capacity of an inverter is usually stated with a “W” symbol in the product description. Make sure the devices you want to use don’t need more power than the inverter can provide. You can do this by checking your device’s power consumption in its manual or label and comparing it with the output capacity of the inverter.
With a compact inverter, you will have an easier time setting it up and shifting it around in your car. This is why we ensured all the inverters on our list were compact and lightweight. You can assess the portability and ease of storage of your new inverter by taking a look at its product description, where the dimensions and weight are usually stated.
We also ensured all of our picks came with safety features, such as under-voltage, over-voltage, and overheating protection. This way, you and your expensive electronics will remain safe. You can usually find the safety features of an inverter in the product description.
The price of a car power inverter varies depending on its power capacity. 150W to 300W inverters are the most commonly used types and can cost anywhere between $17 and $30.
While 500W to 750W options, on the other hand, can cost you up to $60. If you want even more power, you can opt for 2000W-3000W inverters, which can go for as much as $400.
A car power inverter gets its power from your car’s DC output socket, which is shaped like a cigarette lighter socket. Some high-power options may need to be connected directly to a battery instead.
Yes, some cars can keep the inverter running when turned off, but it is best to unplug it or turn it off when not in use to save battery power.
If the cable of the inverter is long enough, you can use it from the back seat. You can check the cord length of an inverter in the product description.
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