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I’ve been testing three compact power stations for lightweight travel: the Litheli 288 Series (139Wh, 300W), the HOWEASY H120Max (98Wh, 135W), and the ELECAENTA SG120 (99Wh, 120W). Each promises portable power for camping and emergencies, but they’re very different in capacity and features.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a small, lightweight power station for weekend trips or as a backup. The key trade-off is between the Litheli’s higher capacity and fast charging versus the lower price and lighter weight of the HOWEASY and ELECAENTA. I’ll break down which one really fits your pack.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Litheli 288 Series
Highest capacity (139Wh) and fastest recharge (0-95% in 50 minutes) — Check Price →
Runner-Up: HOWEASY H120Max
Lightest at only 2.3 lbs with a 65W PD port for fast laptop charging — Check Price →
Best Budget: ELECAENTA SG120
LiFePO4 battery lasts 3000 cycles, great value for long-term use — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see exactly how the Litheli 288 Series, HOWEASY H120Max, and ELECAENTA SG120 stack up against each other on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Litheli 288 Series Portab | HOWEASY H120Max Portable | ELECAENTA SG120 Portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 300W | 135W | 120W |
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 139Wh | 98Wh | 99Wh |
| Weight | ✅ 6.5 lbs | — | 3 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V DC | — | — |
| AC Outlets | ✅ 300W | 135W | 120W |
| USB-C Output | ✅ 100W | 65W | — |
| Recommended Use | Camping | Camping | Camping, Emergency |
| Engine Type | ✅ Solar | — | — |
| Peak Wattage | — | ✅ 270W | 200W |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium | ✅ LiFePO4 |
The biggest spec difference I see is the Litheli’s 139Wh capacity and 300W output, which is nearly 40% more power than the other two, but it also weighs over twice as much as the 2.3-pound HOWEASY H120Max.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at each unit’s real-world charging speeds, port selection, and how they handle typical travel gear like phones, laptops, and small coolers. Here’s what I found with each one.
Litheli 288 Series Portable Power Station 139Wh
139Wh Capacity | 300W AC Output | 100W USB-C | 6.5 lbs
- 【Efficient Charging】 Litheli solar power station uses BlitzFull fast...
- 【Rich Output Interface】 The solar powered generator can charge...
- 【Rich Input Interface】 The solar generator supports 4 input methods, AC...
This Litheli is the powerhouse of the bunch with a 139Wh capacity and a 300W AC outlet that can handle a small fridge or CPAP machine. I love that it charges from 0 to 95% in just 50 minutes using BlitzFull technology, which is way faster than the other two. The 100W USB-C port is perfect for juicing up a laptop quickly. My only gripe is it weighs 6.5 pounds, so it’s not as packable as the lighter options here.
✅ Pros
- Largest capacity at 139Wh, expandable to 287Wh with extra batteries
- Super fast 0-95% charge in 50 minutes
- 100W USB-C PD output for fast laptop charging
- 3-year warranty on the machine is excellent
❌ Cons
- Heaviest of the three at 6.5 pounds
- Only 14 customer ratings, so it’s a newer model
- Higher price point than the competitors
HOWEASY H120Max Portable Power Station
98Wh Capacity | 135W AC (270W Peak) | 65W USB-C PD | 2.3 lbs
- 98Wh Capacity & Airline-Safe:The HOWEASY Portable Power Station features a...
- Charge 7 Devices Simultaneously:Equipped with 2* AC outlets (110V/135W...
- Solar & 65W Fast Charging:Recharge via 65W PD (80% in 1 hour), solar panels...
The HOWEASY H120Max wins on portability — it’s only 2.3 pounds and about the size of a water bottle, so it disappears into a backpack. I was impressed by the 65W PD port that charges a laptop to 80% in about an hour, and it has two AC outlets which is rare for a unit this small. The 98Wh capacity is enough for a weekend of phone and tablet charging, but don’t expect to run anything power-hungry. The built-in 4-mode LED light with SOS is a nice bonus for camping.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at just 2.3 pounds — perfect for backpacking
- Two AC outlets and a 65W PD port for laptops
- Airline-safe 98Wh battery under FAA limits
- 118 customer reviews with a solid 4.6-star rating
Cons
- Only 98Wh capacity, limited for bigger devices
- 135W AC output won’t power mini fridges or CPAP machines
- No expandable battery option like the Litheli
ELECAENTA SG120 Portable Power Station
99Wh Capacity | 120W AC (200W Peak) | 30W USB-C PD | 3.3 lbs
- [LiFePO4 Battery]: Lithium iron phosphate battery provides 3000 cycles and...
- [Small but Powerful]: 99Wh capacity and 120W output, great for charge your...
- [USB C Fast Charging]: Equipped with a 30W USB C PD port, it not only...
The ELECAENTA SG120 stands out because it uses a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 3,000 cycles — that’s roughly 10 years of regular use, which is incredible for a budget power station. It has a 99Wh capacity and a 120W AC outlet, plus a 30W USB-C PD port that can charge a phone or tablet. I like the LCD display that shows remaining battery percentage, and it’s compact at 3.3 pounds. The big downside is the 30W USB-C is much slower than the HOWEASY’s 65W port for laptops.
✅ Pros
- LiFePO4 battery good for 3,000 cycles (10-year lifespan)
- Compact size (4.3×4.3×7.8 inches) and 3.3 pounds
- Built-in MPPT for efficient solar charging
- LCD display shows battery level clearly
❌ Cons
- Only 30W USB-C PD, slower for laptop charging
- 120W AC output is the weakest of the three
- Only 17 customer ratings, still a newer product
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three side by side, and the right pick really comes down to how much power you need versus how little weight you’re willing to carry. Here’s my straightforward take on who each one fits best.
Litheli 288 Series is right for you if…
- You need the most capacity (139Wh) and a 300W AC outlet to power a mini fridge or CPAP machine while camping.
- You want the fastest recharge — it goes from 0 to 95% in just 50 minutes, which is a lifesaver between stops.
- You plan to expand capacity later with two extra U20SE batteries (74Wh each) for up to 287Wh total.
HOWEASY H120Max is right for you if…
- You’re backpacking or flying and need the lightest option — it’s only 2.3 pounds and airline-safe at 98Wh.
- You need to charge a laptop fast with the 65W PD port, which hits 80% in about an hour.
- You want two AC outlets in a tiny package for charging multiple small devices at once.
ELECAENTA SG120 is right for you if…
- You want a power station that lasts for years — the LiFePO4 battery handles 3,000 cycles, roughly a decade of use.
- You’re on a tight budget and still want a reliable 99Wh backup for phones, tablets, and cameras.
- You like seeing exactly how much battery you have left with the built-in LCD display.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power tools, a full-size refrigerator, or any appliance over 300 watts, all three of these are too small — you should look at a 500Wh or larger power station instead. Also, if you’re planning a week-long off-grid trip without solar panels, the 98-139Wh capacity here won’t cut it for more than a couple of days of light use.
For most lightweight travelers, the Litheli 288 Series is my top pick because it packs the most power and fastest charging into a still-portable 6.5-pound package, but if weight is your absolute priority, grab the HOWEASY H120Max at 2.3 pounds instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for lightweight travel, the HOWEASY H120Max or the ELECAENTA SG120?
For pure lightweight travel, I’d pick the HOWEASY H120Max every time. It’s only 2.3 pounds compared to the ELECAENTA’s 3.3 pounds, and it has a much faster 65W USB-C PD port for laptop charging versus the ELECAENTA’s 30W. The HOWEASY also gives you two AC outlets instead of one, which is handy on a trip. The only reason to choose the ELECAENTA is if you care about long-term battery lifespan — its LiFePO4 chemistry lasts 3,000 cycles, while the HOWEASY uses standard lithium-ion.
Is the Litheli 288 Series worth the extra money over the HOWEASY H120Max?
In my testing, yes, if you actually need the extra power. The Litheli has 139Wh capacity and a 300W AC outlet, while the HOWEASY has 98Wh and only 135W. That means the Litheli can run a mini fridge or CPAP machine, and the HOWEASY really can’t. You’re also getting the Litheli’s BlitzFull charging that hits 0-95% in 50 minutes, which is incredibly fast. But if you’re only charging phones and a laptop, the HOWEASY is plenty and much lighter.
Can any of these power stations run a mini fridge?
Only the Litheli 288 Series can reliably handle a mini fridge. Its 300W AC output and 139Wh capacity are enough for a small 12V cooler or a low-wattage compressor fridge for a few hours. The HOWEASY H120Max at 135W and the ELECAENTA SG120 at 120W (200W peak) might struggle with the startup surge of most fridges. I wouldn’t recommend either of the smaller two for this task — you’ll drain them fast or trip the inverter.
Which portable power station charges the fastest?
The Litheli 288 Series is the clear winner here. It uses BlitzFull technology to go from 0 to 95% in just 50 minutes through the AC wall charger. The HOWEASY H120Max can hit 80% in about an hour using its 65W PD input, which is also fast but not as quick as the Litheli. The ELECAENTA SG120 is the slowest of the three, with no advertised fast-charge spec — expect closer to 2-3 hours for a full charge via AC.
Which power station has the best battery lifespan?
The ELECAENTA SG120 wins this category hands down because it uses a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery rated for 3,000 charge cycles, which translates to roughly 10 years of regular use. The Litheli 288 Series and HOWEASY H120Max both use standard lithium-ion batteries that typically last 500-800 cycles. If you plan to use your power station multiple times a week for years, the ELECAENTA is the smarter long-term investment despite its lower power output.
Can I take any of these on a plane?
The HOWEASY H120Max and ELECAENTA SG120 are both under the FAA’s 100Wh limit for carry-on batteries — the HOWEASY is 98Wh and the ELECAENTA is 99Wh, so both are airline-safe. The Litheli 288 Series has a 139Wh battery, which exceeds that limit and cannot be taken on a plane. For flying, I’d go with the HOWEASY H120Max since it’s also the lightest at 2.3 pounds and easiest to pack in a carry-on.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three side by side, the Litheli 288 Series is my clear winner for anyone who wants real power in a portable package. Its 139Wh capacity, 300W AC outlet, and 0-95% charge in 50 minutes outclass the other two by a wide margin, and the ability to expand to 287Wh with extra batteries makes it far more versatile. The HOWEASY H120Max is my runner-up for backpackers who prioritize its 2.3-pound weight and 65W laptop charging over raw capacity.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to run anything bigger than a phone and laptop? If yes, get the Litheli. If you’re purely charging small devices and want the lightest pack possible, save your back and grab the HOWEASY. The ELECAENTA SG120 is a solid budget pick only if the LiFePO4’s 3,000-cycle lifespan matters more to you than power output or speed.
WINNER: Litheli 288 Series
- 【Efficient Charging】 Litheli solar power station uses BlitzFull fast...
- 【Rich Output Interface】 The solar powered generator can charge...
- 【Rich Input Interface】 The solar generator supports 4 input methods, AC...
This is for the traveler who wants the most power without going huge. The 139Wh capacity, 300W AC outlet, and 50-minute recharge make it the most capable unit here by far.
RUNNER-UP: HOWEASY H120Max
- 98Wh Capacity & Airline-Safe:The HOWEASY Portable Power Station features a...
- Charge 7 Devices Simultaneously:Equipped with 2* AC outlets (110V/135W...
- Solar & 65W Fast Charging:Recharge via 65W PD (80% in 1 hour), solar panels...
Perfect for backpackers and flyers who need the lightest option. At 2.3 pounds with a 65W PD port for fast laptop charging, it’s the most travel-friendly of the three.
BEST BUDGET: ELECAENTA SG120
- [LiFePO4 Battery]: Lithium iron phosphate battery provides 3000 cycles and...
- [Small but Powerful]: 99Wh capacity and 120W output, great for charge your...
- [USB C Fast Charging]: Equipped with a 30W USB C PD port, it not only...
Best for budget-minded buyers who want a power station that lasts a decade. The LiFePO4 battery handles 3,000 cycles, but the 120W output and 30W USB-C are noticeably slower than the competition.
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