Selecting the right type of car power inverter among various options is a challenging task. We suggest you consider the following aspects to take the power inverter on the road for comfortable and convenient usage. Inverter Voltage – Whenever you are buying an inverter, it is quite important to check its inverter voltage rating, which tells you about the voltage conversion that it performs. If you are going with a power inverter for cars, then it is going to offer DC 12V to AC 110V conversion, which is required in most cases. Wattage – The charging capacity of a given inverter is determined by its wattage. Usually, the power inverters can convert DC power to AC power, but not all of them can handle the heavy loads offered by larger electrical appliances. It is quite important to go with a high wattage inverter as 1000W can handle multiple devices with high power consumption compared to a smaller 300W model. USB Output – There are inbuilt USB ports for car power inverters to charge your mobile phones. Although not all these are the same 6.2A USB charging ports will offer faster-charging speeds than 2.1A ones. We have done a lot of research on several products and shortlisted some Best Power Inverters for Cars to reduce your searching and shopping time. Also, we provided a detailed Buying Guide to help you in picking the correct option as per your charging requirements in your car.
10 Best Power Inverters for Cars in 2023: List
Best Power Inverters for Cars in 2023: Reviews
1. BESTEK Power Inverters for Car
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Bestek is one of the most popular brands out there when it comes to power accessories like power inverters made for cars, as they include handy features. The Bestek power inverter for cars is present in the 1st position in this list since you get various handy features from this value for money option. With this DC 12V to AC 110V inverter, you get a decent wattage rating of 300 watts which is decent for most users. While its wattage rating might not be the highest, you certainly get a great USB current output of 4.2A. Speaking of USB, you will find dual USB ports along with dual AC outlets at the front for easily connecting multiple devices at once. Being such a popular brand Bestek also features a 1.5-year long warranty. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 300 watts USB charging speeds of 4.2A Features 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Great value for money Fairly high charging speeds Decently powerful for the price
Cons:
Cooling fan is a bit loud
2. FOVAL 3.1A Power Inverters for Car
In case that you are on a tight budget and want something highly affordable, then you can go with Foval and its power inverter for cars stated here. Foval’s power inverter for cars is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as it happens to be the cheapest option stated here. Even at its given price tag, it is able to convert DC 12V to AC 110V along with a wattage rating of 150 watts which is to be expected at the given price tag. Another great thing about this Foval power inverter is that you get a 3.1A USB charger at the front. While you do get dual USB ports, there is only a single AC outlet which might be an issue for money. Despite being an entry-level power inverter, you will still get a 1.5-year warranty with it. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 150 watts USB charging speeds of 3.1 A Features 1 AC outlet and 2 USB ports Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Quite an affordable power inverter Dual USB ports Pretty long warranty for the price
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy-duty usage
3. BMK Power Inverters for Car
BMK and its power inverter for cars can be a great option for those who want to charge multiple devices at once, which also includes its inverter unit stated here. This BMK power inverter for cars is present in the 3rd position in this article because this can be a great option if you want to charge multiple mobile devices. While it does support DC 12V to AC 110V conversion, its wattage rating of 200 watts is slightly, especially for the given price. But the best thing about this power inverter for cars is that you get a pretty high USB charging speed of 6.2A. This current output is shared across 4 USB ports present next to its 2 AC outlets. BMK also includes a 2-year long warranty with its power inverter for long-term usage Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 200 watts USB charging speeds of 6.2A Features 2 AC outlets and 4 USB ports Offers a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Great for charging USB devices Multiple port options Quite a long warranty period
Cons:
Average wattage rating
4. Ampeak Power Inverters for Car
Those of you who want a high-end power inverter for cars that can be used to power large electrical devices can go with Ampeak and its offerings like the one stated here. Ampeak’s power inverter for cars happens to be the most powerful option stated here, making it the perfect option for heavy-duty usage. In comparison to all other power inverters, this one offers a very high wattage rating of 1100 watt while having a standard DC 12V to AC 110V inverter conversion. Similar to most other power inverters for cars, this Ampeak one also features a USB port and 2 AC outlet ports. However, the USB port has a very limited charging speed of 2.1A, which is on the lower end. Because Ampeak and its inverters are made for heavy-duty usage, you get a 1.5-year warranty with this one. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 1100 watts USB charging speeds of 2.1A Features 2 AC outlets and 1 USB port Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent wattage rating for heavy-duty usage Decent number of ports Viable for long term usage
Cons:
Slow USB charging speeds
5. Ampeak 2 Outlets Power Inverters for Car
Ampeak also offers comparatively cheaper and smaller units when it comes to power inverters for cars which can be viable for those who want something affordable. This Ampeak power inverter for cars is a fairly feature-rich option with decent performance for the given price. To be precise, you get a wattage rating of 400 watts with this power inverter which is designed for DC 12V to AC 110V conversion. Unlike the previous power inverter from Ampeak, this one features 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports on the front. These USB ports also offer a decent 3.1A USB charging speed for your peace of mind. Although, while you do get the same 1.5-year warranty, the build quality of this particular unit is a bit average. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 400 watts USB charging speeds of 3.1A Features 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Decent value for money Multiple output ports Long warranty period
Cons:
Build quality could have been better
6. Maxpart Power Inverters for Car
Maxpart can be another viable option for all those of you who do not have any budget restrictions and want a high-performance power inverter for cars. The Maxpart power inverter for cars is quite a high-performance unit and perfect for heavy-duty usage. This is primarily possible thanks to its high-end wattage rating of 1000 watts which is combined along with a DC 12V to AC 110V inverter rating. Thanks to the fairly large form factor of this power inverter, you get dual AC outlets and dual USB ports. It even features dual 12V ports, which are not found on most other power inverters. Talking about the warranty, Maxpart features a 2-year one which is always great for heavy-duty usage. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 1000 watts USB charging speeds of 2.4A Features 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports Offers a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Superb for heavy-duty usage Features dual 12V ports Sturdy build quality with long warranty
Cons:
A bit large in size
7. POTEK Power Inverters for Car
Potek is a fairly new brand of power inverters for cars that offers some of the most feature-rich and versatile offerings, including the one stated here. This Potek power inverter for cars is quite unique in terms of the features that it offers. Other than having a decent wattage rating of 500 watts, you also get a display on top with this DC 12V to AC 110V power inverter, which is great for checking power consumption and changing its settings. Such a display can be quite handy as you can connect multiple devices to its dual AC outlets and dual USB ports at the same time. However, if you want high USB charging speeds, you should look elsewhere since these USB ports are rated for only 2.4A speeds. Just like most other power inverters, Potek also features a 1.5-year long warranty with this one. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 500 watts USB charging speeds of 2.4A Features 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Inbuilt display on top Great wattage rating Multiple connectivity options
Cons:
USB charging speeds could have been higher
8. FOVAL Power Inverters for Car
Since their inception in the year 2015, FOVAL has been providing the best automotive products. They are known for developing innovative products that are carefully designed after careful observation and research. Their power inverter with 27W PD is capable of charging iPads, smart phones and Macbook. Compared to other charger, they ensure faster charging. It comes with 5 ports that include 1 USB type C, 2 US standard AC sockets and 2 USB charging ports. So, you can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously. It comes with a smart cooling fan which maintains the inverter cool so that it doesn’t get overheated. Some other safety features that provide protection against low-voltage, built-in fuse, short circuit, over-charge, and over-voltage. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 150 watts USB charging speeds of 2.4 A Features 2 AC outlet, 1 USB type C and 2 USB ports Offers a 1 -year warranty
Pros:
Quite an affordable power inverter Dual USB ports Pretty long warranty for the price
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy-duty usage
9. Krieger Power Inverters for Car
Krieger is another viable option for people who don’t have any budget restrictions and want a higher performance power inverter of their cars. Their power inverter is suitable for handling several items that include gaming consoles, small appliances, televisions, and home electronics. With this inverter, you can get whenever and wherever you want it like camping site, recreation, emergency and other outdoor lighting requirements. This modified sine wave car inverter can convert 12DV to 120V AC power. It comes with some protection features that include overload, temperature, and short circuit. It has an LCD display which shows you the input voltage, battery level and output wattage. Best Features:
1100 watts continuous power 12V DC battery Modified sine wave Ultra-silent fan Smart chip protection 2 USB ports
Pros:
High-frequency transformers Internal aluminium heat sinks LCD display Easy to install
Cons:
A little bit large in size
10. Kinverch Power Inverters for Car
In case that you are looking for something affordable but also want high performance out of it, then the Kinverch power inverter can be a viable option for many. Kinverch’s power inverter for cars is one of the best value for money options available out there. Even at its fairly low price tag, this DC 12V to AC 110V power inverter is able to offer a wattage rating of 500 watts which should be ample for most users. Coming to its connectivity options, Kinverch features dual AC outlets and a single USB port. Thankfully, the charging speed of this USB port is decent at 2A. Unlike what you would expect from a budget power inverter, Kinverch features a decent 1.5-year warranty with this one. Best Features:
Inverter voltage of DC 12V to AC 110V Rated wattage rating of 500 watts USB charging speeds of 2A Features 2 AC outlets and 1 USB port Offers a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
High value for money Fairly high wattage rating Decent USB charging speed
Cons:
Only a single USB port
Buying Guide for the Best Power Inverters for Cars
It is not easy to find out the right option while shopping for the power inverter for your car. Here are must-to-consider factors/features that give a clear idea of how to choose the best option that suits your car requirements. Let’s get into the details….
1. Wattage:
The power inverter you choose for your car should be powerful enough in terms of the electrical load (multiple devices) that it can handle. For this, you have to check the wattage rating offered by the power inverters. Usually, an inverter with more wattage will generate more power. You have to choose the wattage rating of the inverter based on the type and the number of devices you use and their power consumption (more or less). The wattage of power inverters will vary a lot ranging from 300W to 3000W (or more). A few high-end models generate higher surge power of 6000W. For instance, a power inverter having 150 – 300 watts is enough to charge some small electronic appliances. Whilst an inverter with 1000 (+) watts is required to power large devices, especially if you use the vehicle for camping. Continuous and peak-surge levels are two different levels of watts used in some electronic appliances. A few devices use more surge power to start yet run at low levels. However, the power inverters can easily handle these initial higher surges for a shorter time. So, avoid judging the power of the inverter on the peak-surge level. The recommended power inverter by most users is rated under 300 watts. This is because there is a 12-volt cigarette lighter socket in the car that will mostly use to charge smaller appliances. Thus, you don’t require or use more than 300W. Also, the fuses in the car might get damaged if too many watts flow through.
2. Inverter Voltage:
As you would know, a power inverter is meant to convert the DC 12 volt current being offered by the car to AC 110 volt current. Generally, most electrical devices run on the AC 110V current but not the DC 12V. So, it is quite essential to check the inverter voltage rating and ensure that it can be convertible from DC 12V to AC 110V for its proper compatibility and charging of devices.
3. USB Current:
Besides powering larger electrical appliances, you will also charge mobile devices by using inbuilt USB ports of the power inverters for cars. When you are talking about the USB ports, it is important to ensure that you are getting a decent charging speed from them. For this, you have to check the USB current value offered by the power inverter for cars before making its purchase. Thankfully, these power inverters come with a USB current rating similar to standard mobile chargers. Also, 6.2A current USB ports will offer much better charging speeds than 2.1 A ones.
4. Number of Outlets:
Most power inverters for cars come with two standard AC outlets to plug-in electronic devices. Some high-end models have extra AC outlets and USB ports that allow you to charge various devices ranging from fans, and laptops to floodlights. You have to decide the number of ports/outlets (including both AC outlets and USB ports) based on the number of devices you possess to charge or power them. It is advised to go with a power inverter that includes numerous ports to plug-in multiple devices at a time for practicality.
5. Durability:
A durable power inverter featuring an aluminum casing can easily withstand the elements and last longer. Extra protection is featured in various inverter models that avert the overloaded or overvoltage devices. Go with an inverter model offering a longer warranty for extra protection, durability, and security, as it enhances the reliability to use the product for a long time.
6. Power Connectors:
Almost all connectors of car inverter models look similar, yet the user-friendliness and convenience will vary. There is no cigarette lighter charger in some inverter models, and thereby gets directly connected to the battery of the car/vehicle. If you purchase this, you have to go out in the freezing cold at midnight for connecting it to the battery to watch your TV. Yet it offers a higher power, which let you trade-off sometimes.
7. Cables:
Besides checking the cable length, you have to consider its material before buying this car power inverter to get a clear idea of where to place the inverter for better results. So, ensure to pick a model with a longer cord plug-in, particularly while using a model that connects only to the vehicle’s battery. Therefore, check several models and choose the one having a cord made from neoprene or thick rubber material for extra safety, strength, and durability.
8. Cooling Fans:
The heat trapped inside the inverter gets cool down with the use of this cooling fan feature. Thus, it protects the tool from overheating. Usually, the car power inverters get heated up quickly, which might trip the built-in thermal overload that is not at all good and needed for its proper functioning.
9. Build Quality:
Another essential factor to consider is the build quality of the car power inverter which determines its sturdiness to know whether it is weak or strong. However, choosing a flimsy model won’t last for a longer time, as it is not durable and strong enough to handle the task, especially when on the road because they get easily bumped around. So, always look for a power inverter that comes with a metal body like an aluminum alloy, which is harder yet lightweight.
10. Size & Weight:
Every user likes a model that doesn’t consume lots of space in the car, except for a larger RV, where size won’t matter. Hence, we suggest you choose a small, compact, and portable size power inverter for your car or smaller vehicles. Coming to its weight, you have to go with a lightweight design that can be moved easily from one place to another (or) from one vehicle to another.
11. Safety Features:
Safety is an essential feature to consider while using these small yet high-powered devices. So, it’s always better to stay safe. For this, you have to check the fuses, overheat protection, and low-battery shutoffs at a minimum risk. Ensure to look for a power inverter with a marking of ETL stamps, which meets the safety guidelines of North America. These products will offer protection against overheating, overloading, shorts, and other faults.
12. Sine Waves:
The sine waves of power inverters feature either pure or modified sine waves. Usually, irregular waveforms such as jagged square waveforms damage most electronics. Alternatively, modified sine waves place less stress on the charging devices, while pure sine waves are much more efficient compared to modified waves.
13. Price:
The price range of these power inverters will be from $15 – $100 (or more), in which you have to pick the model that balances your budget range and requirements to power/charge your devices in your car/vehicle. Inverter Cost Under $20 – Models within this range are simple, and low capacity that offers continuous power capacity of 100 – 200 watts. Most of these will charge only a single device at once. Cost within $20 to $50 – Models within this range will offer a high capacity of 250-watts (or more) power inverter. These are durable and capable to charge multiple devices, and also have a cooling fan to get rid of overheating. Inverter Cost Over $50 – They offer a power capacity of 1000 watts (or more), which are built last and come with several outlets to charge high power tools. Furthermore, there are some excellent and effective features for its convenient and powerful usage.
14. Warranty:
Just like any other electrical appliances or tools, you need a power inverter for the car to stay functional for a longer time. For the same, it is always a great idea to check the included warranty. Fortunately, in most cases, you will find your power inverter offering a 1-year or a 2-year long warranty, which is plenty for most users.
Types of Car Power Inverters:
Based on the power outlet your inverter possess (offers), there are three main types of car power inverters available in the market. They are a single outlet, multiple outlets, and USB outlets. Knowing about them in detail will help you get a clear idea of which type is suitable for your requirement. Single Outlet – With its simple design and features, this type of inverter offers an electric power of 150 – 300 watts. These are lightweight, small, cheaper, compact, and portable devices that let you charge only a single (one) device at once. Multiple Outlet – This type of inverter comes with multiple outlets that let you charge various gadgets at a time. The main drawback is that they overheat or overload the device. These are larger, expensive, and offer a higher current capacity compared to the single type of inverters. USB Outlet – As the name implies, this type of inverter support USB-compatible devices like tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and other electronic gadgets. They offer enough power to run or charge these devices, yet are unable to power up energy-intensive devices.
Benefits of Buying or Using the Car Power Inverter:
Apart from powering or charging your electronic gadgets, what are the other benefits you can get by using this power inverter for your car? You should know about them in detail to make it use thoroughly. Eco-Friendly – Since these power inverters won’t release fluid wastes, fumes, or any other harmful rays into the environment or air, this means they are safe, and eco-friendly device for your car that offers a reliable power source. Accommodate Outdoor Tasks – It is quite necessary to have an inverter to power up several electrical appliances like blenders, kettles, and other devices when you are a camper. Thus, this will make your trip safe and enjoyable. Continuous Power Supply – It will never let your gadgets/devices run out of power. The car power inverter will charge your laptop, tablets, or smartphones, and power up various devices to continue your work in the vehicle. No Maintenance Costs – Since they won’t need any fuel apart from the power obtained from the vehicle, these power inverters don’t cost you any additional money. They provide the daily required power supply to ease your life in your vehicle.
Tips to Use the Car Power Inverter:
Take a glance at some of these tips that help you a lot in proper usage of these inverters smartly and effectively.
Don’t drain your car battery by leaving (or not disconnecting) the extra load when you don’t use the inverter. So, always disconnect to protect the machine from overloading or overheating, thereby saving the battery. Keep the inverter in a well-protected place or simply under the car seat. But avoid placing on wet surfaces, in direct sunlight, or next to the heat source. Connecting the inverter to the old vehicle after you turn off the vehicle might flat its battery, even if no devices are plugged. Do you want to power the inverter with a secondary battery? Then always use a well-sealed one in a place where enough ventilation is there in the car. The reason is that the battery might get dead in enclosed places. The vehicle’s engine should be started before doing anything with these inverters to save the battery and make it run for a long time. Of course, there is a chance to use the inverter when the car’s engine is off, but avoid running it for a longer time (not more than an hour).
Conclusion
You may find yourself in various scenarios where you might have to power some heavy-duty electronic devices using the power socket of your car. Unfortunately, since most vehicles only have a 12-volt power socket, you will need to use an adapter or an inverter. Therefore, some of the best power inverters for cars have already been stated above. To help you in choosing the right one, all of them also have their detailed specifications and features explained alongside a comprehensive buying guide. And based on these details, here are our ideal recommendations for the best power inverters for cars:
In case that you are looking for a power inverter made for heavy-duty usage, the Ampeak power inverter for car can be a great pick. You get an excellent wattage rating of 1100 watt with it. This is combined along with a decent 1.5-year warranty and a DC 12V to AC 110V inverter for heavy-duty usage. It always also offers a 2.1A USB port on the front for charging mobile devices. Speaking of USB ports, you can go with the BMK power inverter for car for cars if you want multiple USB ports. Not only does it offer 4 USB ports, but you also get 6.2A current output from it for high charging speeds. BMK also includes a 2-year warranty for reliability of this DC 12V to AC 110V inverter. Those of you who are on a tight budget can go with the for cars. Even though it is the cheapest option stated here, you get 1 AC outlet and 2 USB ports with it. These ports are rated for Foval power inverter for car 150 watts of power output and 3.1A USB charging speeds. Unlike other budget options, Foval also includes a decent 1.5-year warranty with it.
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