The reliable supply of electricity is essential in the outdoors for living and operating. When people face the choice of outdoor power equipment, they often think of a portable UPS and mobile power. So, which is better for outdoor use: a portable UPS or a mobile power supply? Let's take an in-depth comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of both.
 
Advantages and disadvantages of portable UPS
Advantages
Stable and reliable power output
Portable UPS usually designed to provide stable AC power output, which is very important for some equipment that requires the use of AC power. For instance, in outdoor small business activities, photography and video work or emergency rescue may need to provide a stable power supply for laptops, printers, lighting equipment, etc. A portable UPS ensures these devices work just as well outside as they do inside by preventing damage from voltage fluctuations or instability.
 
Higher power and capacity
Generally speaking, a portable UPS has comparatively high power and capacity; it can power multiple devices at the same time, and it is able to support some highly powered equipment, such as small refrigerators and electric drills. For people who need to work or live outdoors for long periods of time, a portable UPS can provide longer-lasting power. Smart Management
Many portable UPSs come with an intelligent management system capable of real-time monitoring of the battery status, remaining power, output power, and other information. Some of them are also designed with automatic adjustment of output power, overcharge protection, and over-discharge protection to further enhance safety and convenience in use. Besides, it allows some high-end portable UPS to be monitored and managed remotely through cell phone APPs, thus making the users keep abreast of the use of power supply.
 
Can be used as a backup power source
Except being carried out, portable UPS can also serve as a backup power supply in homes or offices. It instantly switches to the power supply mode during a power cut to supply power to all your important equipment and prevent data loss, damage to the equipment, and so on caused by power cuts.
 
Disadvantages:
Large size and weight
UPS portable systems are comparatively bigger in size and weight due to the fact that most of them have to hold larger batteries and complex circuitry. This becomes exhausting to carry for people who engage in activities such as hiking and mountain climbing. Again, the bigger size requires bigger storage space, which is inconvenient in situations where space is limited.
 
Higher cost
Portable UPSs are generally significantly pricier compared to mobile power supplies. This is largely owing to higher technology, more power and capacity, and more features. To some budget-conscious consumers, a portable UPS may simply appear too expensive.
 
Longer Charging Times
Because portable UPS has larger capacity batteries, the charging time is longer. In general chargers, hours or longer is needed to make it full. This makes inconveniences for those situations when urgently needing power.
 
Advantages and disadvantages of mobile power
Advantages:
Light weighted and compact, easily portable
Mobile power is usually compact and lightweight, very easy to carry. Whether it's in your pocket, backpack or hanging on a keychain, it doesn't bring too much burden to people. This makes it ideal for outdoor travel, business trips and other occasions.
 
Relatively low price
The price of mobile power is relatively affordable for most consumers. Besides, different capacities and prices of mobile power exist on the market, so that people can buy based on the actual demand and within reasonable means.
 
Different ways of charging
The mobile power can be charged through the charger, the USB interface of the computer, solar charging panel, etc. Therefore, outdoor charging becomes more convenient and flexible. This is because the convenience and flexibility of being able to charge outdoors exist even if there is no power outlet to replenish the mobile power.
 
A wide range of applications
Mobile power can be used to charge a wide range of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, cameras, MP3 players, and more. Moreover, some mobile power is equipped with multiple output ports, which can charge multiple devices at the same time, meeting the demand for charging multiple electronic devices outdoors.
 
Disadvantages:
Limited output power and capacity
Generally, the output power and capacity of mobile power is small, which cannot satisfy some high-power devices. For instance, it is impossible to use with laptops or small refrigerators, as it is unable to bear the great power that those appliances require. In addition, for the people who need to use their electronic devices outdoors for quite a long time, this mobile power supply may not be enough, and needs to be recharged very often.
 
Instable Output current
Some low-quality mobile power supplies have unstable output current that may cause damage to electronic devices. Therefore, when purchasing a mobile power supply, you need to choose a product with reliable quality and stable output current.
 
Limited service life
The battery life of a mobile power is usually not long, and the capacity of the battery will be gradually reduced after many charges and discharges. What's more, if you use it inappropriately or don't use it for a long time, then the battery will be easily damaged. Therefore, you have to use and maintain your mobile power correctly to make it serve longer.
 
Comparison and Selection Recommendations
When used outdoors, there are respective advantages and disadvantages to using portable UPS versus mobile power. If it is required to provide AC power output for high-power devices in a very dependable way, then a portable UPS could be considered instead. However, if you only intend to charge small-power units, like cell phones or tablets, and focus on aspects related to lightness and prices, then a mobile power supply would be more in line.

Furthermore, based on the intended application scenarios, different needs could be identified in making choices. For example, if it is to support hiking over long distances or mountain climbing activities, then mobile power devices that are light in weight and compact may be suitable. If the scenario applies to commercial outdoor activities, photographing, video shooting, and emergency rescue, UPS-type portable devices could satisfy requirements.
In a nutshell, when you go to select any portable UPS or mobile power supply for outdoors, you have to consider all the actual needs, budget, and usage scenarios to decide on what kind of power supply equipment is most suitable for you.