8 Best Power Inverters for Your Car to Charge Any Electrical Device

Every ICE-powered, conventional vehicle comes with a battery responsible for powering all the electrical systems and accessories. You can also use that same battery to power small electronic appliances. For instance, modern cars nowadays, almost all have built-in USB ports to charge mobile devices or other USB-powered electronics. But that’s just about it.

Since cars run on 12V instead of the 110V found in your regular home outlets, it can’t really power anything bigger than a phone or an electric cooler, which isn’t that handy when going camping or on the jobsite. Luckily, there’s another option. Using a car power inverter, you can convert direct current (DC) from your car’s 12V outlet to alternating current (AC) suitable to power regular home appliances.

Indeed, most electronic devices need either pure or modified sine wave AC power to work. So with an inverter, your car doesn’t just have USB ports anymore but also household-style AC outlets. This opens up the possibility for the car’s electrical system to power larger gadgets like laptops, coffee makers, slow cookers, and pretty much whatever you can think of—obviously, I’m not talking about a full-fledged oven or dryer here but gadgets that you might want to use while camping or during your next tailgate party.

If you are in the market for a power inverter, but you don’t know which one to pick, we are here to help. To help you find the right one for you, we reviewed 8 of the best car power inverters you can buy today. We’ll explain the key features, as well as discuss the pros and cons of each one and what you should be looking for when buying one.

Car Power Inverter Reviews

Like any other third-party car accessory, there are plenty of options out there, each catering to different individuals and budgets. We tried our best to sort the top 8 models we could find that are also safe to use, loaded with features, and manufactured by trustworthy brands.

Keep in mind that all the inverters below produce a modified sine waveform since they are much more affordable and each work with standard 12V-powered vehicles—that’s pretty much any car, SUV, and truck sold in America.

1. Black+Decker PI120P 120W Power Inverter — Budget Pick

If you are looking for a pretty basic, budget-friendly option, the Black+Decker PI120P is what you need. It’s a modest power inverter that plugs directly into your car’s 12V DC socket. Nothing to go crazy about here, but it does the job quite fine, offering 120 watts of power, a 3-prong AC outlet, and a USB port without breaking the bank.

With a rather small power and only two sockets, this inverter is perfect for charging small devices like smartphones, tablets, or ultrabooks. It’s also compact, extremely lightweight, and has a clean cordless setup. In fact, the 12V plug even folds in when not in use, so it can be easily stored in your glovebox.

In terms of safety, the PI120P is packed with plenty of features. Indeed, it comes with overload and short circuit protection that may cause overheating. It also protects against sudden high voltage surges that could damage your electronics. Moreover, its low-voltage protection also cuts the electric current off when it senses the vehicle’s battery is running low, so you don’t risk draining your battery while listening to the radio at the beach.

Of course, it’s not as powerful and doesn’t come with as many bells and whistles as other inverters listed below, but if you just need a simple model to charge small electronics that you can keep in your car continually without costing an arm and a leg, this one is probably your best bet.

Key Features

• 120W
• 12V DC input
• 120V AC output
• 2.1A USB output
• Built-in low battery indicator
• Safety: overload, short circuit, high-voltage, and low-voltage protection
• Size/weight: 9.7” x 6.6” x 2.75” / 0.4 lbs.
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Light and compact design
• Fan free
• Highly affordable

Cons

• Low power output
• Cordless design makes the device placement inflexible

2. SUPERONE HSC-108C 150W Power Inverter

The SUPERONE HSC-108C is another budget-friendly power inverter, delivering 180 watts of instantaneous power and 150 watts of continuous power. But, its main advantage lies in its 5-in-1 design for powering multiple devices at once.

It features one AC outlet, two fast-charging USB outputs, and two 12V socket splitters. It also plugs into the 12V DC port and is shaped to fit neatly into the cup holder, so it’s a little better to find room for it than the previous one. Furthermore, a smart cooling fan silently runs when the inverter’s internal temperature reaches 100ºF/38ºC—a nice touch for such a cheap model.

Safety-wise, it’s loaded with features for its price. It provides protection against overloading, short circuit, low- and high-voltage, and overheating. Moreover, it comes with extra fuses just in case and an 18-month warranty.

Of course, this one might still be a bit short to power a slow cooker or an air dryer, but the multi-port feature and super affordable price tag make it a no-brainer.

Key Features

• 150W continuous power, 180W peak power
• 12V DC input
• 110V AC output
• 2 x 3.1A USB output
• 2 x 40W DC output
• 2.3 ft. power cord
• Safety: overload, short circuit, low-voltage, over-voltage, and over-temp protection
• Size/weight: 5.31” x 4.33” x 4.33” / 0.7 lbs.
• 18-month warranty

Pros

• Space-saving cup holder design keeps it clean and neat
• Loaded with safety features
• Handy additional DC sockets
• Replaceable 15A fuse

Cons

• Power output still on the lower side

3. DeWalt DXAEPI140 140W Power Inverter — Editor’s Pick

The DeWalt DXAEPI140 is sturdy, straightforward to use, and it’s simply one of the best low-powered inverters in the market. It’s not the fanciest model out there, but it gets the job done, outputting140 watts of power through one household-style AC outlet and two fast-charging USB ports while plugging into your car’s 12V DC socket.

DeWalt’s signature heavy-duty construction standard is quite obvious, making it durable but also a bit bulky. However, no need to worry about placement here, as it comes with a mounting kit for safe and convenient placement in the car. It also runs silently due to its fan-free operation, and its 3 ft. long power cord allows it to reach up to the back seats.

This inverter features a short circuit and low-voltage protection that prevents shock and total battery drain. It’s also one of the very few power inverters on this list to have an ETL safety certification. It’s, of course, a little more expensive than the two previous ones but will also resist many more years of abuse.

If you need an inverter that you can bring with you to work, look no further; this is what you need.

Key Features

• 140W
• 12V DC input
• 120V AC output
• 2 x 3.1A USB output
• 3 ft. power cord
• Safety: short circuit and low-voltage protection
• Size/weight: 4” x 2.5” x 7.75” / 1 lbs.
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction
• Fan free
• Come with a mounting kit (installation hardware included)

Cons

• Low power output
• Quite bulky

4. Duracell DRINV400TG 400W Power Inverter

If low-power inverters are not your thing and you are considering something a little more powerful to go camping, the Duracell DRINV400TG will get you a lot of bang for your bucks.

The famous brand’s inverter offers 400 watts of peak power and 320 watts of constant power. While the previous products were mostly good for charging mobile devices, this inverter’s wattage is more than enough to power a TV, speaker, or even a gaming console.

Unlike the previous models, this one offers two input methods, consisting of the 12V DC plug and battery clamps. The DC socket is suitable for applications up to 175 watts. However, you’ll need to draw power directly from the car’s battery using the battery clamps for higher-demand applications. Besides, it has plenty of outputs, including three AC outlets and two USB ports.

The Duracell DRINV400TG has a clean look, compact size, and relatively lightweight construction. It also has the safety features it needs to protect itself from power surges and overheating. Finally, the 3-year warranty is the most generous warranty of all power inverters on this list.

This power inverter is reliable, simple to use, and still quite affordable, making it perfect for overlanding fans, camping enthusiasts, and pretty much everyone who likes to bring a couple of electronics when going off the grid.

Key Features

• 320W continuous power, 400W peak power
• 12V DC input for applications up to 175W; otherwise, connect the battery clamps
• 3 x 115V AC output
• 2 x 2.1A USB output
• 3 ft. power cords (both DC and clamps)
• Safety: overload, short circuit, and over-temp protection
• Size/weight: 8.3” x 4.7” x 3.3” / 1.3 lbs.
• 3-year warranty

Pros

• Plenty of power outlets
• Pretty compact and affordable for its power output
• Generous warranty

Cons

• Lack of low/over-voltage protection
• Low USB output

5. Stanley POWERiT PI500S 500W Power Inverter

If you work in the construction business, you obviously already know Stanley and how good their tools are. Luckily, their power inverters are just as good. The POWERiT PI500S is a slightly more powerful alternative to the Duracell DRINV400TG built with construction workers in mind.

It provides 500 watts of constant power, and the 12V DC input is suitable for applications of up to 140W before you need to switch to battery clamps. Also, it features four solid outputs consisting of two AC outlets and two fast-charging USB ports.

Like the DeWalt, it’s tough and suitable for heavy-duty activities, which explains its meaty 2.4 lbs. weight. It lacks a little on the smart safety bits, but it has an automatic low-voltage cutoff to preserve your vehicle’s battery. Moreover, it’s ETL-certified despite the lower warranty duration.

However, although more powerful than the previous model, it’s still a bit short of powering a drill or a belt sander. But it will do just fine for a cordless-tool battery charger and a jigsaw, for example.

Key Features

• 500W
• 12V DC input for applications up to 140W; otherwise, connect the battery clamps
• 2 x 120V AC output
• 2 x 3.1A USB output
• 3 ft. power cords (both DC and clamps)
• Safety: low-voltage protection
• Size/weight: 9” x 3.6” x 4.7” / 2.4 lbs.
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Plenty of output outlets
• Rugged design
• Built with construction workers in mind

Cons

• Lack of safety features

6. Energizer ENK1100 1100W Power Inverter

Energizer is another famous battery-related product manufacturer that also produces excellent power inverters. The ENK1100 is a great example of that, packing a lot of power under its rugged skin. Indeed, it can provide 2200 watts of peak power and 1100 watts of constant power from a package weighing only 4 lbs. Thus, it supports most camping and tailgating activities, as it should have enough wattage to power home appliances like a TV, a microwave, a coffee maker, and even a washing machine if you want. For construction use, it should also power most light power tools, including power drills and smaller 0.25hp compressors.

Furthermore, the ENK1100 has two AC outlets and two USB ports, but the 2.1A USB outputs are relatively low for such a powerful inverter. Regardless, it has a complete set of safety features housed in one smart protection chip, featuring overload, short circuit, low-voltage, over-voltage, and over-temp protection. These can be monitored in real-time, together with the battery percentage level, thanks to the intuitive LCD screen.

Lastly, Energizer provides an installation kit, and there are integrated grommets for easy mounting. Every purchase also comes with a decent 2-year warranty. And although it’s not yet ETL stamped, this inverter has been tested, certified, and approved by METLab under UL standard 458 and CSA for both safety and performance.

Key Features

• 1100W continuous power, 2200W peak power
• 2 x 120V AC output
• 2 x 2.1A USB output
• 3 ft. power cords (both DC and clamps)
• Safety: overload, short circuit, low-voltage, over-voltage, and over-temp protection
• Size/weight: 9.7” x 5.8” x 2.8” / 3.9 lbs.
• 2-year warranty

Pros

• High power output
• Loaded with safety features
• Informative LCD screen
• Integrated grommets for easy mounting
• Generous warranty

Cons

• Low USB output

7. DeWalt DXAEPI1000 1000W Power Inverter — Premium Pick

Yes, this is the second DeWalt power inverter device on this list, but they have almost nothing in common—this one is indeed a much more powerful alternative. The DXAEPI1000 offers 1000 watts of constant power, and it should support most portable house appliances. Plenty of ports are available too, consisting of two AC outlets and three fast-charging USB ports.

The brand’s typical rugged design is obviously still evident, but it does make it a bit heavy at 11 lbs. But when you need more power, bigger is often the only option.

Safety-wise, there is an overload, short circuit, and low-voltage protection. And like the previous model, an LCD screen displays real-time information, such as battery status, power consumption, and any possible issues.

In addition, the slim aluminum housing and integrated grommets make it to mount and install in pretty much any vehicle. The purchase also includes a one-year warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

If you need a sturdier power inverter that will take years of abuse and ask for more, this is what you need—simple as that!

Key Features

• 1000W
• 12V DC input for applications up to 140W; otherwise, connect the battery clamps
• 2 x 120V AC output
• 3 x 3.1A USB output
• Safety: overload, short circuit, and low-voltage protection
• Size/weight: 9.3” x 12.4” x 4.7” / 11 lbs.
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Rugged design
• Plenty of power outlets
• Informative LCD screen
• Integrated grommets for easy mounting

Cons

• Quite pricey
• Heavy
• No over-voltage/temperature protection

8. Energizer ENK4000 4000W Power Inverter

Energizer’s ENK series ranges from 100 watts to 4000 watts. We’ve reviewed the mid-tier 1000 watts ENK1100 earlier, and we are ending this review with the series’ top-of-the-range ENK4000.

Although it looks similar to the ENK1100, this particular inverter provides a much higher 8000 watts of peak power and 4000 watts of constant power. With such wattage, powering hardcore tools like an electric stove, a 3-hp air compressor, or even a full-blown chainsaw is a piece of cake.

Apart from the higher power and grown-up size and weight, the ENK4000 shares the same characteristics as the ENK1100. Therefore, you shall expect the same number of ports, safety features, power cords, warranty, and safety credentials as its less powerful counterpart.

Still, this powerful inverter might be overkill for some people, and it does cost a pretty penny. Nonetheless, it can take whatever you can throw at it when going camping or overlanding. Moreover, if you need intend to operate power tools, you can’t really go lower anyway.

If you want one of the best power inverters on the market and can afford it, just get the Energizer ENK4000—you’ll thank me later!

Key Features

• 4000W continuous power, 8000W peak power
• 2 x 120V AC output
• 2 x 2.1A USB output
• 3 ft. power cords (both DC and clamps)
• Safety: overload, short circuit, low-voltage, over-voltage, and over-temp protection
• Size/weight: 15.2” x 7.6” x 5.5” / 11.5 lbs.
• 2-year warranty

Pros

• Massive power output
• Loaded with safety features
• Informative LCD screen
• Includes hardwire kit for AC output connection
• Integrated grommets for easy mounting
• Generous warranty

Cons

• Bulky
• Low USB output
• Could use more power outlets
• Steep price

What to Look for in a Car Power Inverter

While it’s quite a straightforward task, shopping for a car power inverter still requires a few things to note. With plenty of great options, the best ones are still those that suit your needs without breaking the bank. To make sure you get the most bang for your bucks, here are the things you should be looking for when buying your own inverter device.

Power/Wattage

The numbers discussed for each of the products reviewed (e.g., 120W, 150W, 400W, etc.) describe how powerful an inverter is. The wattage determines what kind of electronic devices you can charge or power with them.

Each tool or appliance requires a specific power input to operate correctly. But, as a general rule, charging a few small electronics like smartphones, tablets, or small laptops should be sufficient with 120W to 400W inverters.

However, for activities like camping or tailgating, you may need at least a 1000 watts power inverter to support larger appliances. A microwave would need about 1000W, while a toaster would require around 800W. A TV would require between 150 and 200W. Same for a video game console, so keep in mind that you’ll need at least 400W to power both—let’s say 500W just to be safe.

When buying a power inverter, it’s essential to first take a minute to think and estimate what you’ll need it to power. For more examples of typical wattage requirements for various tools and appliances, take a look here.

Output Ports/Outlets

The number of ports/outlets in a single inverter effectively represents how many devices you can connect to it simultaneously. USB ports and AC outlets are typical, and the suitable amount of ports required depends on how many devices you intend to power. More outlets usually translate into a pricier inverter, a larger size, and a higher AC wattage.

For adequate power delivery, make sure the AC outlet has a US standard voltage range of at least 110-120 volts. Also, USB output commonly varies from 1.0-3.1 amps, and we recommend getting at least 2.1 amps for a decent charging speed—anything lower than that will just take an eternity to charge your phone.

Input Connector

Most car power inverters have two types of input connectors: a 12V DC plug that plugs into the regular cigarette lighter socket and battery clamps that draws power directly from the vehicle’s battery.

Inverters with lower wattage could settle with just the DC input. However, more powerful devices would have both options. The DC input is limited to supporting just up to a certain wattage (it varies, usually no more than 200 watts) before you need to use battery clamps.

For powering larger appliances, be prepared to pop the hood and connect the inverter directly to the vehicle’s battery for more power. Of course, a 12V DC input will be more than enough to charge your average mobile device.

Sine Waves

As mentioned earlier, a car power inverter works by converting DC electrical power to AC, creating a sine wave output. The waveforms in an inverter are either pure or modified sine waves. The two main differences between them lie in efficiency and cost.

Pure sine wave inverters are more efficient at supporting AC-powered devices that could suffer from interference, such as radio and appliances using motors. These models deliver smoother and more reliable electricity but are also relatively expensive.

On the other hand, plenty of devices can be safely powered by a DC adapter that doesn’t require pure current. Hence, this is where more affordable modified sine wave inverters come in handy. It’s also why most car power inverters produce this type of waveform.

Thus you must be aware of the waveform type produced by the inverter you intend on buying. Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops could definitely be charged safely by a modified sine wave inverter. However, if you aren’t sure, it’s best to search for this information in your electronic device’s owner manual first.

Safety Features

Safety is crucial when you’re dealing with electricity, especially when it comes to small electronics. Hence your power inverter needs to be equipped with safety features to protect your vehicle’s battery, electronic devices, and even you.

Obviously, the more safety features your inverter has, the better. But we recommend getting a power inverter with some beneficial protection types, such as overload, short circuit, low-voltage, high-voltage, and overheat protection.

Also, when getting a high wattage device, it’s preferable to get a model ETL certificated, indicating the product has met all the safety guidelines in the US and Canada. Professional brands like Stanley and DeWalt usually have this aspect checked right off the bat.

Verdict

Whether or not you need a power inverter depends on your personal needs. We acknowledge that most people just need to charge their smartphones while traveling in their cars, and in that case, the built-in USB ports are enough.

However, power inverters are a must if you plan on going camping, drive off the grid, work on a construction jobsite, or during power outages. In our opinion, even the need for charging your laptop while traveling is enough to justify getting a power inverter.

With that being said, those who seek to power small electronics could easily settle with the DeWalt DXAEPI140, as it provides a decent amount of power to deal with those light gadgets. Otherwise, the Duracell DRINV400TG will support a more versatile usage for those who can spare a bit more.

Meanwhile, if you need a more robust inverter to assist your heavy-duty activities, consider getting the Energizer ENK1100 or DeWalt DXAEPI1000. Either of them shall be more than capable of fulfilling your needs.

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