What Are Best Power Inverters For Cars? (2022 Review Guide)
You love bringing the latest gadgets with you in your car. But how are you supposed to keep your gadgets powered up and ready to go? You’ll need a power inverter, of course.
Purchasing a power inverter for your car might seem like it is fraught with difficulty, however. Aren’t all power inverters for the car more or less the same? As it turns out, there are a bunch of differences between car power inverters.
In this article, we’ll walk you through ten of the best power inverters for your car so that you will know which one might be right for you. We’ll also discuss a few of the important features that you’ll need in a car power inverter.
Compare The Best Power Inverters of 2022
Page Contents
- Car Power Inverter Reviews
- 1. BESTEK 75W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Power Car Inverter with 3.1A 2 USB Ports
- 2. BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter
- 3. Foval 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger
- 4. BESTEK 200W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Inverter with 4.2A 4-Port USB Car Adapter
- 5. VOLTCUBE 150W Car Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter
- 6. Energizer 500 Watt Inverter
- 7. Krieger KR1500 1100 Watt Power Inverter
- 8. Duracell Power Inverter
- 9. Potek Power Inverter
- 10. Dewalt DXAEPI1000 Power Inverter With LCD Display
- FAQ
- What Should I Look For In A Car Power Inverter?
- How Long Should My Car Power Inverter Last?
- What Capacity Does My Car Power Inverter Need To Be?
- How Do I Avoid Blowing The Fuse On My Power Inverter?
- Should My Car Be Running While I Use A Car Power Inverter?
Car Power Inverter Reviews
1. BESTEK 75W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Power Car Inverter with 3.1A 2 USB Ports
The BESTEK 75W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V Alternating Current Power Car Inverter with 3.1A 2 USB Ports is a great power inverter which caters to whichever way you’d like to power up your devices.
Pros
- Multiple safety features
- Charge up to three separate devices
- Standard 12V lighter socket compatible
Cons
- May be unreliable
- Low voltage capacity
The BESTEK power inverter comes equipped with 2 USB ports and one standard wall-outlet style port. This means that you should be able to charge as many as three separate devices at the same time.
This power inverter also has a few special features which help to preserve your devices and also the inverter unit itself. As power inverter units tend to heat up when there is a lot of power going through them, there is a fan which disperses the heat.
Aside from the fan, the unit also has an auto-shutdown feature. If there’s about to be a power surge or any other issue, your devices will be protected. Likewise, your car battery won’t get drained.
2. BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter
The BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter is the bigger brother of the BESTEK inverter in our last review. This inverter is ready for heavy duty applications, provided that your car battery can handle the load.
Pros
- Charges four devices simultaneously
- Fast charging capability
- Built-in fuse for self-preservation
Cons
- Fast charging blows fuse very frequently
- Bulky
The 300W power inverter by BESTEK has 2 USB ports and two standard wall-outlet style ports. This means that you can power an additional device with this unit compared to the other one.
Because this inverter can accommodate an additional device, it’s a bit bigger than other power inverters for your car. It’s still about the size of a smartphone.
The 300W inverter has a few unique protection feature which are necessary for its throughput. There’s a 40-amp fuse which will blow in the event that you put too much load on the inverter. This will keep the inverter safe and extend its lifetime.
The unit also has a “fast charging” ability which can sometimes be at odds with the fuse. While it is entirely possible to charge your laptop very quickly using the fast charging feature, you may find that it causes a frustratingly large number of fuse trips.
Resetting the fuse is easy, but you’ll still have to flip it each time.
3. Foval 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger
The Foval 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger is a credit card-sized inverter which will fill most of your needs without a hassle.
Pros
- Small form factor
- Great fuse
- 18-month warranty
- Very quiet
Cons
- Form factor can get hot
- Case gets scratched easily
Foval is a well-known name in the power inverter world, and it’s no secret why. Foval creates high quality power inverters which are extremely inexpensive.
This power inverter is no exception. While it manages to be a bit smaller than most other three-device-capable power inverters, the unit is very reliable and is capable of a 150W throughput.
While you will still struggle to inflate an air mattress using the power from the inverter, the Foval inverter has a perfectly calibrated fuse which won’t blow unless you really push the unit beyond its limits. You won’t be wasting much time flipping the fuse back.
Finally, the Foval inverter has a very quiet cooling fan which you won’t notice, especially when your car’s engine is running. It’ll be like it doesn’t make a noise at all.
4. BESTEK 200W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Inverter with 4.2A 4-Port USB Car Adapter
The BESTEK 200W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Inverter with 4.2A 4-Port USB Car Adapter is the car power inverter for people who have an entire vehicle full of people with devices that need charging. For family road trips, this is the right power inverter.
Pros
- Charges seven separate devices
- Prevents constant plugging and unplugging of charging cables
- Long extension cable included
Cons
- Not enough throughput to make use of all of its charging ports
The 200W BESTEK car power inverter has three separate 120V wall outlet ports and four USB connections. This means that you can charge an entire family’s worth of devices without a problem — so long as no single device demands too much electricity.
For small devices like Kindles or smartphones, you can really get the most out of this unit’s capacity. For larger devices, you’re more or less limited to one or two if you’re lucky. You may still have to rotate which family member gets to charge their laptop.
Nonetheless, this power inverter can ease a lot of the pain of having to unplug and replug everyone’s charging cable throughout a trip. Furthermore, the fuse on this model is fairly resilient, so you won’t need to worry about being constantly bothered by flipping it.
5. VOLTCUBE 150W Car Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter
The VOLTCUBE 150W Car Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter is a trendy and capable car power inverter which will feel right at home in your sports car or sport utility vehicle.
Pros
- Sporty aesthetic
- Capable of powering devices that other car power inverters struggle with
- Effective cable length
Cons
- Cooling fan can be loud
The VOLTCUBE’s aesthetics are not to be ignored. The bright blue brushed metal exterior stays remarkably cool while charging, and it’ll make a great companion to the rest of your car’s interior.
The cord which attaches to your car’s cigarette lighter port is substantially long, so you will have an easy time if someone in the backseat needs to charge their device.
The VOLTCUBE is powerful enough and has an effective enough fuse to run air compressors, which is remarkable because most car power inverters don’t. You can take your air mattress along for the road trip and not worry about your fuse blowing while using the inverter to power.
6. Energizer 500 Watt Inverter
The compact casing makes it easy to pack up for travel, but you can’t plug it into your car battery for direct power.
Pros
- Compact, travel-sized casing
- Two USB ports included
- Straightforward design
Cons
- Not for large device use
- Can’t attach directly to your car’s battery
For something more simple, this stripped-down converter is designed to recharge low wattage devices you may have in your car. It’s not going to be powerful or protected enough to have it on another type of vehicle with a less protected cabin, but it gets the job done.
It features two USB ports in addition to the classic plug-in style and provides 500 watts of continuous power. This is enough for things like a phone or a small computer or even a smaller light. However, larger devices like televisions in an RV won’t be able to use this particular power converter.
The good news is that it’s affordable and straightforward. It may not be the workhorse that some other converters on the list are, but it will give you power in a pinch. The size is a plus, and it plugs into your car’s power outlet.
7. Krieger KR1500 1100 Watt Power Inverter
The generous, three-foot cable is flexible and reliable, but the unit doesn’t always perform while the car is turned off despite being connected to the battery.
Pros
- The compact casing is easy to position
- Generous connection cable gives you a lot of options
- Lots of AC outlets
- Continuous power supply
Cons
- Remote control isn’t high end
- Sometimes low power shutoff kicks in when the car is off
Krieger has a well-designed power inverter that connects directly to your car’s battery for a reliable and continuous power supply. It includes a digital readout display and plenty of cable to connect to your battery. You can mount it in quite a few positions for flexible usage.
It features an overload protection fuse, which is convenient since it plugs directly into your battery. This protects you and your car from sudden power surges. The legs help keep it positioned securely, and there’s even a remote control for larger vehicles.
It comes with two standard household AC outlets and two USB ports in an ultra-compact casing. Also, the remote control is convenient, but it isn’t the highest quality. However, it will get the job done. Plus, Krieger typically has a good warranty.
8. Duracell Power Inverter
The Duracell Power Inverter has a ventilated cooling fan to ensure the device doesn’t overheat. For a basic, emergency, or travel option, this is a good choice.
Pros
- Easy to travel with
- Ventilated cooling fan helps protect the device and your car
- Plentiful plug-in cable
Cons
- Not much power to offer
- Limited in its use cases
For a highly budget option, the basic Duracell power inverter offers 175 watts of power supply for smaller devices. It works well in a pinch and plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter or power plug. It offers two household plugs and a pair of USB plugs for reliable power output.
It’s not going to power much, but for those of you who need to charge smaller devices like phones or handheld game systems, it’s a good emergency option. It includes an essential LED light to let you know when the strip is on and has a three-foot cable to reach through large vehicles. Despite this, its compact casing makes it easy to pack away for storage.
It includes voltage protection, short circuit protection, and over-temperature protection. Because it doesn’t handle significant inputs of power, this protects you and your devices from sudden power surges and other dangers.
9. Potek Power Inverter
If you’re charging a laptop in an emergency, it plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter style power port for quick use.
Pros
- Ability to connect directly to your vehicle’s battery or use the interior power source
- Power output is midrange for more variety
- Affordable option
Cons
- May cause some sound interference with some devices
- Interior power source cable isn’t very long
Potek’s power inverter provides up to 750 watts of power with two installation options. If you need to run a slightly larger device, you also have the option of connecting it to your vehicle’s battery.
It offers two standard household AC outlets and two USB outlets for a range of use cases. It’s not going to work well with devices that produce sound because it does emit some interference, but for a straight forward power device, it works well.
The plug for your cigarette lighter’s power source isn’t very long and could be inconvenient if you have a large vehicle. However, overall, it works well for a budget choice with some flexibility for installation and usage. As a workable solution, especially if you have several cars that need an external source, this is a good option.
10. Dewalt DXAEPI1000 Power Inverter With LCD Display
The LCD shows you real-time updates and helps you keep tabs on what’s going on with your power supply.
Pros
- Features three high powered USB power ports
- Power output will also charge power tools
- Option to plug into the cigarette lighter if you have the adaptor
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the DC adaptor
- 1000 watts requires a direct connection to your car’s battery
Dewalt’s classic yellow and black design shines through with this high voltage 1000 watt car converter. It features two household plugins and three 3.1 amp USB ports for fast charges on the go.
It features a slim casing with aluminum housing that fits in a few different places for positioning. It includes battery connectors and installation hardware to smooth the installation process. It can power both small electronics and things like power tools for when you’re out and about (or maybe camping).
It doesn’t come with a 12V direct current accessory adaptor, and it’s a little steep in price to still have just two household plugs. However, for reliability and the tough exterior, it’s a good option for heavy-duty use with a mid-range price. Plus, safety features (temperature control, short circuit protection), help keep your car and you safer.
FAQ
What Should I Look For In A Car Power Inverter?
Now that you’ve seen a bunch of the best power inverters on the market, it’s time to discuss the top features that the best car power inverters can have.
First, your car power inverter needs to be able to charge your devices. If you want to charge your phone, a car power inverter with a small wattage might be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you would rather use your car power inverter to charge your laptop or power a pump, you will need a larger wattage. For the most part, there is no disadvantage to having more wattage than you need.
You can get a rough idea of the wattage you need for your car power inverter by reading the electronics sticker or imprint on your devices.
Aside from the wattage, you’ll also need a car power inverter which can charge as many devices as you would like. Most are limited to fewer ports than a power strip, so you should consider the capacity carefully.
USB ports can count toward the capacity, so you will probably have to settle for a combination of USB ports and 120V wall-equivalent AC power outlets.
Your car power inverter will need to disperse heat effectively. Most car power inverters have a small fan which will remove heat effectively. Your car will warm up slightly as a result. More sophisticated car power inverters will disperse the heat internally first using heat sinks.
Heat sinks are rare to find, but they help to prevent your car power inverter from overheating your car. The inverter itself will become slightly warmer as a result.
Weak car power inverters will have fans which allow the unit to overheat. When the unit overheats, it is unlikely to stop functioning immediately. It may, however, become too hot to touch. Furthermore, the added heat will put stress on the inverter and cause it to fail sooner.
Most car power inverters are not made with a high quality build, so they will fail as a result of heat absorption relatively quickly. The best car power inverters will last for five or six years, however.
Finally, your car power inverter needs an effective fuse. The fuse protects your devices from jumps or drops in voltage, and it also protects the power inverter itself from being a conduit for more power than it can handle.
A weak fuse can lead to a lot of problems because it will get blown frequently with normal use. On the other hand, a great fuse will let you use the inverter right up to its maximum wattage very consistently.
Flipping a fuse that has been blown is not a big deal — it typically only takes a flick of the switch — but when you are driving it can be an added hassle that you do not need to deal with.
How Long Should My Car Power Inverter Last?
The answer is that it depends on the quality of the power inverter. For the most part, car power inverters are not very durable. Most are limited by their fan or their fuse more than their other parts.
The more frequently the fuse gets blown, the more stress it experiences. Eventually, it may not reset properly. Similarly, the more you put your car power inverter under a heavy load, the more it will heat up and need to run the fan.
The longer the fan is running, the sooner it will break. It isn’t worth replacing the fan once it breaks, so the fan typically determines the lifetime of the power inverter.
What Capacity Does My Car Power Inverter Need To Be?
Larger capacity car power inverters tend to serve people better than smaller ones. So, a 300W power inverter will probably be less frustrating for you to use than a 150V inverter.
More throughput typically puts a higher load on your car’s battery, but it will also save you the hassle of needing to flip the fuse most of the time. Higher wattage also means that you can successfully charge more devices at the same time.
How Do I Avoid Blowing The Fuse On My Power Inverter?
Blowing the fuse on your car power inverter is nearly guaranteed at some point in time. The easiest way to avoid blowing the fuse more often is by charging fewer devices. Aside from reducing the number of devices, you can also charge devices that require less power.
Should My Car Be Running While I Use A Car Power Inverter?
You can choose to run your car or leave your car off while using the car power inverter to charge devices. Be aware that if you leave your car off, using your inverter will drain your car’s battery.
Some inverters won’t run if your car is off, however. For those that do, you can potentially drain your car battery and leave yourself without enough power to start your engine.
