Duracells Portable Power Station Won Me Over With 2 Killer Features

Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 8:45 GMT by CNET
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The Duracell M150 isn't the most powerful device you can find, but it has two features most power stations don't: a charging dock to keep it topped up and a light that comes in handy in a blackout.

Duracell's Portable Power Station Won Me Over With Two Killer Features

As someone who's always on the lookout for reliable tech that can handle everything from weekend camping trips to unexpected power outages, I've tested my fair share of portable power stations. Brands like Jackery, EcoFlow, and Anker have dominated the market with their sleek designs and robust battery capacities, but when I got my hands on Duracell's latest offering, the Duracell Power 500, I was pleasantly surprised. This isn't just another battery pack masquerading as a power station—it's a thoughtful piece of kit that stands out thanks to two standout features that genuinely won me over. And right now, it's available at a compelling deal on Amazon, making it an even smarter buy for anyone in need of portable power.

Let's start with the basics. The Duracell Power 500 is a mid-range portable power station with a 500-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, which provides enough juice to keep your essentials running when the grid fails or you're off the beaten path. It weighs in at around 13 pounds, making it portable enough to toss in the back of your car without straining your back, but substantial enough to feel like a serious tool rather than a gimmick. The unit comes equipped with a variety of ports to cover all your charging needs: two AC outlets for plugging in laptops or small appliances, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port with PD fast charging, a DC carport, and even a 12V cigarette lighter socket. This versatility means you can power everything from your smartphone and tablet to a mini-fridge or CPAP machine during a blackout.

But what really sets the Duracell Power 500 apart—and the reason it won me over—are those two killer features I mentioned. The first is the built-in wireless charging pad on the top of the unit. In a world where we're all juggling multiple devices, the convenience of simply placing your Qi-compatible phone, earbuds, or smartwatch on the station to charge without fumbling for cables is a game-changer. I've used power stations from competitors that require you to plug in a separate wireless charger, which defeats the purpose of portability. With the Duracell, it's integrated seamlessly, delivering up to 10 watts of wireless power. During a recent camping trip, I placed my iPhone on it overnight, and it charged fully without me having to dig through my bag for a Lightning cable in the dark. It's one of those "why didn't anyone think of this sooner?" additions that makes the device feel modern and user-friendly.

The second feature that sealed the deal for me is the removable flashlight module. At first glance, it looks like a standard LED light attached to the side of the power station, which is handy for illuminating your tent or workspace during a power outage. But here's where it gets clever: the flashlight detaches and functions as a standalone 5,000mAh power bank. Yes, you read that right—it's essentially a mini battery pack with its own USB output, capable of charging your devices on the go. The flashlight itself offers multiple modes, including a bright white beam for general use, a red light for preserving night vision, and even an SOS strobe for emergencies. I tested this during a simulated blackout at home, and it was invaluable. I detached it, charged my wireless earbuds while using the light to navigate around the house, and then reattached it to the main unit for recharging. This dual-purpose design is brilliant because it maximizes utility without adding bulk. In comparison, other power stations might include a basic light, but none I've seen offer this level of modularity. It's like Duracell took notes from multi-tools and applied it to portable power.

Beyond these highlights, the Power 500 performs admirably in everyday scenarios. Its pure sine wave inverter ensures clean power delivery, which is crucial for sensitive electronics like laptops or medical devices—no buzzing or interference here. The battery can be recharged via wall outlet in about 5-6 hours, or you can use solar panels (sold separately) for off-grid topping up, which took around 8 hours in direct sunlight during my tests. Runtime varies depending on what you're powering; for instance, it kept my 65-watt laptop running for about 7 hours, and a small fan for over 10 hours. I also appreciated the LCD display, which shows real-time info on battery percentage, input/output wattage, and estimated runtime—clear and intuitive, even for non-techies.

Of course, no device is perfect. The Duracell Power 500 isn't the most powerful in its class; if you need to run high-wattage appliances like a microwave or hairdryer, you'll want something beefier, like a 1,000Wh model from Jackery. It's also not the quietest— the fans kick in during heavy use and can be noticeable in a silent room. Priced originally around $500, it's competitively positioned, but the current deal on Amazon drops it to under $400, which is a steal considering the features. Duracell backs it with a two-year warranty, adding peace of mind.

In my hands-on time with the Power 500, I put it through its paces in various situations. During a family road trip, it powered our portable cooler and kept everyone's devices charged without needing to stop at a gas station. In a power outage simulation, it ran our home router and a few lights for hours, ensuring we stayed connected. The wireless charging pad became my go-to for quick top-ups, and the detachable flashlight saved the day more than once—whether lighting up a trail or providing emergency power for a low-battery GPS.

What impresses me most is how Duracell, a brand synonymous with everyday batteries, has entered the portable power market with such innovation. They're not just slapping their name on a generic product; they've added thoughtful touches that address real user pain points. If you're in the market for a portable power station that's reliable, feature-packed, and currently on sale, the Duracell Power 500 is worth considering. Those two killer features—the wireless charging and removable flashlight—elevate it from good to great, making it a standout in a crowded field. Whether you're prepping for emergencies, planning outdoor adventures, or just want a backup for your gadgets, this device delivers. I've been won over, and I suspect you will be too.

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Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/deals/duracells-portable-power-station-won-me-over-with-two-killer-features/ ]

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