In the 21st century, most of us have multiple devices that require a daily recharge. When we go out camping, we often want to power a number of appliances like fridges, lights, fans or heaters too, to ensure we are comfortable and can enjoy ourselves.
Today we are reviewing the best portable battery boxes for camping that will enable you to power and charge devices, appliances, lights and more. Read on and see which external power source best suits your needs next time you head out for a weekend in the bush.
| Engel Series 2 Smart Battery Box | Hardkorr Heavy Duty Battery Box | Projecta Power-Hub Battery Box | XTM Battery Power Box with USB & Cig Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Value  | Our pick  |  | |
44 x 24 x 32.7 cm | 45.5 x 24 x 32.5 cm | 40 x 23.5 x 33 cm | ?? | |
Plastic | ABS plastic | Glass-reinforced plastic | Plastic | |
12V & 24V DC, 240V AC, solar panel | 12V & 24V, 4 x 50A Anderson input/outputs | 240V AC, DC-DC, Solar panel | ?? | |
1 x 12V cigarette socket | 2 x 10A 12V cigarette socket, | 2 x 15A Merit, | 1 x 5V/2.1A USB | |
Lead acid, gel calcium, AGM & LiFeP04 up to 130Ah | Deep cycle, Lithium, AGM, Calcium, Wet, Gel | Up to N70 | All | |
4.62 kg | 4.15 kg | ?? | ?? | |
1 year | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
Best Portable Battery Box For Camping
Engel Series 2 Smart Battery Box
Runner Up
Here is a product that many people did not know they needed until they started using one. The Engel Series 2 is a great product that can take a standard 12V battery and turn it into a power source that can last up to six days.
It has a load of different power options for 12V lights, to 240V fridges and a USB for your phone or tablet that can operate all at once due to the 300-watt sine wave inverter.
Customer reviews are very positive with people stating they kept a large fridge running for six days (which can be increased with a solar panel sold separately), or that they didn’t need to go into town for ice for a week.
The only negative is a motherboard issue that can occur very rarely but does require a replacement. This battery box is loved by almost all and you simply can't go wrong with buying and using one.
Hardkorr Heavy Duty Battery Box
Best Value
The Hardkorr Heavy Duty Battery box is very similar to the previous Engel Series 2, but at about a third of the overall cost coming in at under $200.
It has multiple output options for charging or powering different appliances or devices and has a nice compact LED display giving you the information you need easily.
The customer satisfaction for this camping battery box is very high, overall it will keep a fridge running for four to five days at a time, will power lights during the early evening for a few days in a row.
The main drawback is lack of AC power - you’ll need a separate inverter for this.
There are many minor issues that don't really affect it too much like the carry handles hurting your hands or after many uses, the cigarette sockets don't hold the cable that well. Overall this is a solid performer that won't break your bank and will keep you powered for a long weekend easily.
Projecta Power-Hub Battery Box
Our Pick
Projecta produce the Power Hub Battery box which is a much loved portable battery box that will keep your campsite powered for days.
Like the Engels Series 2, the Projecta has a 300-watt sine wave inverter that allows you to power multiple appliances or devices at the same time, even if they run on different volts or amps.
It has a total of ten charging ports, providing you with almost every style or type you could possibly need. You can run a heater on a cold night, along with a light in your tent and charge your phone with zero issues.
There isn't much negative to say about this battery box as customer reviews are all five stars and for $100 less than the Engel, along with more charging options and the ability to use any battery, regardless of size - we feel this is the best battery box on this list.
XTM Battery Power Box with USB and Cig Socket
Best For Charging Phones
Lastly, on our list of the best battery boxes in Australia, we have the XTM Battery Power Box. This is a simpler battery box that certainly does not have the same level of output options as the other boxes.
Nor does it have an inverter, making it less efficient at charging multiple things at once, however it does have a surge protector to save your phone in the event of a power overload.
Overall there are plenty of user reviews out there on the XTM and they’re not all positive.
It works well for running a fridge for example, but can't run too much else at the same time. There are only USB and cigarette sockets which also reduces functionality. Then there are the reports of the box breaking or handles coming off making it more difficult to use.
If you’re budget-conscious and plan on mounting this box to your truck or caravan, then it works great, but as a general campsite battery box, the Hardkorr is a better option at a similar price.
What To Look For When Buying A Portable Battery Box
Battery boxes are very similar in design and functionality, however, there are some key differences you need to take into account when buying one.
Sine Wave Inverter
This is a big deal when it comes to these battery boxes as it allows the box to power AC devices as well as DC devices. For example, you can run lights off a cigarette socket, a phone off a USB and a freezer off a 240V outlet all at the same time.
Two boxes, the Engels Series 2 and the Projecta have this installed and this is part of the reason they are much more expensive.
More info on AC vs. DC power here.
Multiple Outlets
This is the next thing to consider is what you want to power.
The XTM, for example, has relatively few power outlets, so if you use this for one thing at a time like a specific fridge, then it’s fine.
If you like to run more things at once, then something with more outlets would be better.
Portable Battery Box FAQ
What does a battery box do? Is it necessary?
A battery box has two purposes. Firstly it is a way to safely and securely store your batteries. Secondly, it provides a number of outlets for a battery, allowing you to power multiple devices at once, using USB, DC and even AC connectors.
This all means that you can have a fridge, lights, fans, heaters etc all running when you need them while you are camping. Not to mention the ability to charge your headlamp, phone, tablet, game console or any other device that requires a charge to use.
Secondly, is it necessary? Well, that's totally up to you. If you camp sparsely without many modern comforts and enjoy nature to its full extent, then likely you do not need one.
If on the other hand, you like to have some comforts such as cold beer, some lights at the campsite or to keep your food frozen all week, then a battery box will certainly be a handy addition to your setup.
Final Thoughts
If you love to enjoy a few mod cons while out camping, such as a fridge full of cold food and drink, or some lights then a battery box is a wise addition to your arsenal.
If you run a simple campsite, the cheaper XTM or Hardkorr are the most affordable options.
If you have plenty of appliances, or want to run AC-powered gear, then one of the two boxes with the built-in inverters – the Engel Series 2 and the Projecta Power-Hub are the best battery boxes for you.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
