Get Powered Up in the Car with the Best Power Inverters
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Bestek 300W MRI3011BU Power Inverter -
Cobra CPI500W Portable Power Inverter -
ENERGIZER 180W Cup Power Inverter -
Tripp Lite 375W Power Inverter -
Bestek MRI711C Mobile Power Inverter 75W Angle Adustable -
Buyer's Guide
In-car power inverters have many uses. Some people may choose to use them for recreational purposes on road trips to power TVs and game consoles for the rear seat. Others are more business-oriented and need a good inverter to charge laptops and cell phones on the move. Either way, it’s essential to pick a reliable inverter to avoid damage to both your car and your appliances.
We've chosen five of the best power inverters in 2022 for a variety of purposes, anywhere from the occasional use to charge more than one phone, to the more extensive needs of a mobile office or camping. As such, the price also varies quite a bit, but each of our picks offer good value and convenience for the money. We've also ensured that each power inverter we've selected has adequate safety features to protect your vehicle and devices.
Detailing the Best Power Inverters of 2022
Bestek 300W MRI3011BU Power Inverter - Best Power Inverter Overall
This basic power inverter comes with everything you'll need for an extended road trip or mobile office, with two AC outlets and two USB ports. This Bestek unit plugs into the DC outlet/cigarette lighter in your vehicle, and provides enough power to keep multiple devices charged or running.
This power inverter also includes multiple safety features, such as short circuit, overload, overheat, and low battery voltage protections. It will shut off automatically to protect both your vehicle and your appliances from any potential damage. A built-in cooling fan is included but it’s worth noting this feature never shuts off, thus constantly drawing a small amount of power.
Cobra CPI500W Portable Power Inverter - Runner Up
The Cobra CPI 480 is a 400-Watt power inverter that easily plugs into a cigarette lighter port, while also offering direct-to-battery cables for hardwiring. This power inverter includes two AC outlets and a single USB port, allowing for hooking up multiple appliances such as a laptop or video game console, as well as phones and other small electronics.
Multiple safety features such as thermal shutdown and reverse polarity protection safeguard your vehicle and equipment, providing peace of mind during use. Overall, this power inverter is perfect for road trips and mobile offices, or any time when you need on the go AC power.
ENERGIZER 180W Cup Power Inverter - Honorable Mention
This compact power inverter from Energizer is shaped to fit in most cup holders, creating a convenient storage option while in use. This “Cup Inverter” is capable of charging up to five devices at once, although this will depend on the power needed by each individual device. This is accomplished via four USB ports and a single AC outlet, allowing you to connect it to various devices such as phones, laptops or tablets.
The use of a thermal fan makes this power inverter quiet, while multiple safety features protect against damage to your vehicle or devices. It even comes with a separate cable to connect to an external battery for use during activities such as camping. Although this power inverter is not suited for heavy-duty use, it’s an inexpensive and convenient option for those who need to keep multiple devices hooked up while on the go.
Tripp Lite 375W Power Inverter - Consider
The PowerVerter 375-Watt power inverter from Tripp Lite might not have as many outlets as many other models, but it does offer excellent reliability and durability. This power inverter plugs easily into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, while the three-foot cord allows you to place the inverter where it’s needed. The PV375 has two AC outlets, allowing you to plug in devices such as laptops, phone chargers, and various other appliances.
This compact unit has durable metal housing, as well as multiple safety features including a low battery alarm and auto-shutoff, as well as a replaceable fuse for overload protection. Although fan noise can get rather loud, this power inverter is a great choice for those who need rugged reliability.
Bestek MRI711C Mobile Power Inverter 75W Angle Adustable - Best Power Inverter
This Bestek power inverter offers a single AC outlet and dual USB ports in a compact and affordable package. Although this 75-Watt power inverter isn't as well-suited to the heavy demands of a mobile office, it’s an excellent option to keep around for when you need an extra outlet in the car or on the go.
This power inverter plugs directly into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, and swivels to provide easy access. The dual USB ports consist of one 2.1A port specifically for charging an iPad, and a second 1A port for other small devices. Multiple safety features protect your vehicle and devices from any potential damage.
Buyer's Guide
When shopping for the best power inverters for automobiles, it's critical to understand the various features and factors to consider. The following guide discusses the essential elements that distinguish automobile power inverters from one another.
Which technical aspects of power inverters should you consider?
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the more electronic items the inverter can charge. In general, 100-200W inverters can charge a single device at a time. Additionally, because they have a lower peak capacity, you must be cautious while charging a gadget that demands a greater wattage.
You will find multiple outlets in the inverters that range between 200 and 900 watts as these are constructed to deliver higher power output to charge multiple devices concurrently. 1000W+ inverters are the most powerful ones available and capable of charging large equipment such as power tools and appliances. These inverters are normally larger and come equipped with an LCD that shows the output and power.
Modified or pure sine waves
The finest automobile power inverters function by converting DC to AC, which is output in sine waves.
You can either purchase a modified or pure sine wave inverter, depending on your varying needs. Typically, modified sine waves work perfectly if your usage is limited to electronic devices and small-sized appliances.
Pure sine waves, on the other hand, are more stable and provide a more efficient and consistent supply of energy. However, these tend to be a bit more expensive and are designed for gadgets or appliances that require a large amount of energy and uninterrupted power to operate properly. Examine the power needs of the gadget you intend to charge to determine the recommended sine wave type.
Additional considerations
You can purchase both basic inverters that do the job and inverters with a variety of additional features to be used in multiple settings. You can also hunt for an on/off switch. Some just feature light indications for warning, while others have LEDs.
Certain sophisticated inverters can be controlled remotely via an app or by a remote switch. If you're interested in these types of additional features, you can select one that includes them.
What should a power inverter for a car offer?
Safety technology
These gadgets are potentially harmful, and you should be careful about your safety while using them. Thus the inverter should feature something to alarm you if anything goes wrong.
LCD display
The gadget you pick for your use must possess some LCD screen display unit. This will come in handy to be sure that you are using the inverter in the right manner and there is nothing to be worried about.
Car's battery cable
As your vehicle will be serving as the main source of power to the inverter, you should inspect to see which sort of battery charge cable is there. You will be connecting the inverter to the vehicle, thus its battery cable has to be robust enough to withstand higher voltage levels.
USB outlets
Everyone wants to be sure of investing the hard-earned money on the right product. These days, we carry gadgets and devices everywhere. In such a situation, having a USB outlet in the inverter to charge your electronic devices will be like a cherry on the top.
Which characteristics distinguish the best power inverters?
Size/Weight
If you want an inverter that is lightweight and compact, you should choose one with a lower wattage and fewer outlets. Additionally, the smaller and compact inverters are easier to transport between vehicles. Even with a modest automobile power inverter, you can charge gadgets such as cameras, laptops, camping equipment, and small appliances.
If you own a large van or RV, you're likely to choose for a larger, more powerful power inverter. Again, selecting the best automobile power inverters boils down to your intended purpose.
Safety certification
When selecting a product whose major function is to convert vast amounts of electrical power, safety should go without saying. Additional safety measures will come in handy to alarm you whenever the inverter is overheating. Some products feature automatic shut-off and alert to keep the user safe. Moreover, seek inverters that bear the ETL certification, indicating that the item complies with industry safety standards.
Price
When you consider making a purchase, the first thought to strike your mind is the cost. However, this is irrelevant for automotive inverters. The price may be slightly higher for increased wattage. However, the majority of inverters are priced similarly and are reasonable. You may select a power inverter for your car based on your specific requirements.
Warranty
While a good inverter may not have any faults, it is always prudent to purchase a product that is backed by some sort of warranty. If you have a warranty, you are not required to purchase a new one. You can take advantage of the complimentary service and ask for a replacement for the inverter if it stops working or breaks.
Which type of power inverter wave will work the best for you?
Modified sine waves
You can possibly employ the modified waves for more complex applications and performances than they were originally intended. These types of waves can work efficiently as a power source for the cooling fans of your vehicle. However, if gadgets are used directly on modified sine waves, the performance is more likely to be affected negatively in the long run. So, be cautious while using your appliances and devices in modified waves inverters.
Pure sine waves
As their name implies, these waves are not modified in any way and are transmitted in their original nature. However, you will rest assured about the safety of your appliances, gadgets, and devices, as the voltage doesn’t fluctuate abruptly. Thus, it prevents any mishaps from happening that can affect the functioning of the devices. You can completely rely on pure sine waves based inverters to accommodate your heavy-duty power needs.
Best Power Inverters FAQs
Q: What is the proper way to install a power inverter in your car?
A: To ensure that you are installing your car power inverter correctly, consult the user manual for your device. Smaller power inverters can typically be plugged into a 12V power outlet. For higher power inverters, you'll almost certainly need to connect the inverter directly to the battery in your automobile.
Q: Is an inverter powered when there is nothing plugged in?
A: If an inverter is still turned on, it will continue to draw electricity from the battery even if nothing is connected to charge it. Of course, the power consumption will be much less when gadgets are actively charging.
Q: Is it possible to utilize a power inverter with my engine turned off?
A: Yes, but only temporarily. And, in general, we do not suggest it. Whenever possible, we recommend starting your car engine before utilizing your car power inverter. Just like keeping your car's lights on overnight would drain the battery, leaving a power inverter on for an extended period will deplete the battery as well.
