Going camping and want to bring your coffee maker for your morning coffee? Or need to use your laptop or maybe even a small fridge?

Yep, it can do that! However, you’re going to need one of the best car power inverters to do so. To give you the AC power you need.

We have them all right here for you, we have done the research so you don’t have to.

Best Car Power Inverters

	BESTEK Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter	Ampeak Power Inverter	KRIEGER Power Inverter Dual
Power:	300W	1000-2000W	2000W
Outlets/Ports:	2 AC / 2 USB	3 AC / 1 USB	2 AC / 2 USB
Battery Cables:	No	No	Yes
Warranty:	18 Months	N/A	3 Years

For more of my automotive recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: GPS Car Trackers, Car Vacuum Cleaners, Tire Inflators.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Car Power Inverters For 2021

1. BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter
2. Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter
3. BESTEK 500W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V
4. Giandel Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 300 Watt Car Adapter
5. KRIEGER Power Inverter Dual 110V
6. ESTEK 200W Car Power Inverter
7. Foval 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter

Our reviews of the top rated car power inverters with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose an inverter for you.

Car Power Inverter Reviews

#1 BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter

While all of the items in our guide are incredible, the BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter is hands-down the best car power inverter on the market today.

As BESTEK is also one of the most popular brands out there, it’s no surprise.

Supplying an impressive 300 watts of DC to AC power and 700 of instant power, you’ll be all set for when you’re away from home with 2 USB ports and 2 AC outlets.

You can easily charge your smart devices, laptops, Kindles, and so much more. With their smart charging feature, they charge at fast speeds of 2.4 amps per port!

However, you never have to worry about it getting too much to handle, as it also protects against overheating, under/over-voltage charging, short-circuiting, and more.

In addition, we appreciated the included vents and smart fan design which helps to move heat away from the unit, further lowering the change of overheating.

The sleek, lightweight design won’t cause any inconveniences, and is small enough to tuck away if you aren’t using it. While we don’t think you’ll have any issues with this unit, in case you do, it’s covered under a solid 18-month warranty.

#2 Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty car dc to ac converter check out the Ampeak Power Inverter. The modified sine wave power inverter is great for powering up various electronic items like power tools, appliances, and more.

In fact, it was even able to keep a full-size refrigerator going, which is almost unheard of with these products. The reason this model is able to do this, is due to its advanced MOSFET transistors.

With these, you can start and run complicated reactive loads necessary for large appliances such as said refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters, air compressors, etc.

With its more-than-sufficient overload capabilities, and smooth start-ups, you can just let it do its thing without worrying about potential dangers with either 3-prong AC outlet.

To help keep the car DC to AC converter cool, the model features three high-speed, thermally activated turbo cooling fan. If you need to turn it off at a moment’s notice, it also has a convenient power on/off rocker switch.

While it’s one of the heavier car power inverters we’ve come across, it’s also very durable. The anodized aluminum case can take a beating, and will last for countless adventures.

The price is also notably higher than others on our guide, but not many others are as powerful.

#3 BESTEK 500W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V

Currently one of the most popular 12v power inverters out there, the BESTEK 500W is one that suits most consumers perfectly.

No matter if you’re at home or on the road, you can rely on this ruby red gem. Much like its 300W brother, the charger features two smart USB ports and dual AC 110V outlets to charge an array of devices and appliances with no problem.

While it can be difficult finding a high-performing power inverter on a budget, this model is perfect for saving money while delivering quality.

At only a fraction of the price of competitor products, you’ll get 500W of continuous DC to AC power, and 1000 watts of peak power.

Coming with a cigarette lighter plug and a pair of battery clamps, you can easily connect it to power no matter your situation.

To prevent overheating, the device includes a high-speed cooling fan which adjusts its speed depending on power load and temperature.

Despite being so effective, it’s relatively quiet (not as quiet as the BESTEK 300W however) so you won’t have an annoying buzzing sound going constantly.

Finally, expect the 500W model to last you for many trips and different environments to come, due to its strong aluminum alloy body. The only thing we’d like to see an improvement on, would be more detailed instructions, and a longer wire.

#4 Giandel Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 300 Watt Car Adapter

GIANDEL isn’t a household name, but it’s definitely on its way there with their Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 300W Car Adapter. So, what does a pure sine wave do?

It provides you with clean power, low interference, quiet operation, more power, and more stability.

While many products out there claim theirs is also a pure sine but aren’t, we tested this model and it proved to be true to their word.

With dual AC outlets and USB charge ports, you can keep your smart devices, game consoles, electronic instruments, and more powered on while being on the road or out camping.

Your things will be safe, thanks to various protection settings against over-voltage, under-voltage, short-circuiting, and so on.

The power inverter for car use does come with a cigarette lighter charger, but unfortunately not with any battery clamps which was a minor disappointment.

Noise production was very low, as is typical with pure sine wave products, which is nice if you’re trying to charge and sleep at the same time.

To prevent overheating, it includes a smart cooling fan, too. Much like with BESTEK’s products, the GIANDEL also comes with an adequate 18-month warranty so you’re all set for the road!

#5 KRIEGER Power Inverter Dual 110V

If you’re okay with spending just a bit more money for a load more quality, check out the KRIEGER Power Inverter Dual 110V.

Use it in emergency situations, working outdoors, during power failures, picnicking, camping, and so much more. Whatever you need it for, this DC to AC inverter has your back.

The design is interesting because it’s small enough to fit inside a glove box or under a seat, but is built like a tank – weighing almost 10 pounds.

Unlike most others, this model unfortunately doesn’t have a cigarette lighter connector, but only connects to your vehicle’s battery which makes it a bit less convenient.

The upside to this, though, is that it has the ability to use more power directly from your car. Due to this extra power (4000 peak watts), you can power a TV and a laptop at the same time with no issues at all.

Or, you can charge up more “heavy” products like a refrigerator or other appliances. With two 2.1A USB plugs and two standard US AC outlets, you don’t have to worry about there not being enough plugs for what you need.

An included wired remote control and LCD display make it one of the most user-friendly models available, showing you input voltage, output wattage, and battery charge.

The 3-year warranty on parts and labor is also quite generous, and will give you peace of mind if this is your first car power inverter.

#6 BESTEK 200W Car Power Inverter

We know we’ve been heavy on the BESTEK products, but we can’t help it – they really are some of the best on the market!

This time, we’re bringing you the 200W Car Power Inverter which cannot be beat if you want a high-quality cigarette lighter inverter that will hardly cost you anything.

Aside from that, it’s the only one we’ve seen which not only has the standard 2 AC outlets and dual USB ports, but also a cigarette lighter socket! This means you can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously!

The dual 4.5A USB ports automatically recognize your smart products to give them each their optimal charging speed.

This makes this charger wonderful if you’re nervous about damaging sensitive electronics such as cameras, tablets, iPhones, etc.

What’s more, is it has full protection built-in to auto shut-off to prevent your electronics, car, and inverter from overheating.

This unit is hands-down the smallest, most compact charger we’ve seen, too. The lightweight design is easy to pack along anywhere, taking up hardly any room in a vehicle.

We also appreciated the little lid which covers up the inputs, so no dust or liquid get inside.

#7 Foval 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter

Still on a budget but want an alternative to the BESTEK 300W? No problem! Take a look at the FOVAL 150W Car Power Inverter.

Before seeing this handy little thing, we didn’t think it possible to find a device under 20 bucks worth buying. However, if you just need something to keep your laptop, gaming console, TV, tablet, etc. powered, this is just the thing.

It may not be as narrow as the last one, but coming in at the size of a credit card, we think you can manage to transport it anywhere you need to go.

You can easily carry it in a backpack without having to deal with the extra weight bigger units would cause. In fact, thanks to the aluminum shell design, it only weighs a mere 8 ounces!

The metal housing may be light, but it protects well against any drops or impacts that are natural on road trips or spending time outdoors.

The interior cooling fan will keep the entire charger cool, preventing overheating and short-circuiting without the annoying noise.

While it won’t be able to power larger appliances, it will cover the necessary items we use on a daily basis.

Car Power Inverter Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Car Power Inverter – Buying Guide

So, which one of these best car power inverters will you be taking on the road with you? If you haven’t decided, there’s no need to worry.

There are plenty of amazing selections above, but what you need to do is select the model that works best for you and your lifestyle. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to write up the user-friendly buying guide below so you can rest assured you’re getting the correct product.

Power

First, it’s a good idea to ask yourself what you’ll be using the unit for. Do you need it for your RV to keep your refrigerator on? Do you need it to keep yourself entertained or connected on the road through means of your laptop and smartphone?

Make sure to select a power converter that meets your needs for portable AC power. For example, if you need to keep a fan and a fridge and a laptop on at the same time, the Foval isn’t going to cut it for you.

A very wise idea is to add up the total wattage of the devices you need to power from your converter, so you aren’t guessing about how much you’ll need.

Number of Outlets

This kind of goes along with the last point. When adding up your wattage, you’ll obviously need to add up which devices/appliances you’ll be using simultaneously.

Most come with a standard of two AC outputs, while most on our guide will have them, along with dual USB ports. The BESTEK 200W even has a cigarette lighter port so you can charge up to 5 devices at once, if you’d like!

Power Connectors

While most of them look the same, they vary quite a bit in terms of user-friendliness and convenience. For example, the KRIEGER only connects directly to a vehicle’s battery, and does not have a cigarette lighter charger available.

That means that when it’s freezing cold outside in the middle of the night and you want to watch TV, you’re going to have to go out and connect it to the battery. However, this does provide a higher amount of power, so there’s a trade-off.

Cables

It’s important to not only look at the length of the cable, but the material as well. You’ll need to have a solid idea of where you want the inverter to be placed.

From there, make sure you have a long enough cord plugin, especially if you are using one that only connects to the car’s battery.

If you can, find those with cables made of a thick rubber or neoprene material for added durability and safety.

Build Quality

Aside from the materials of the cords, you’ll need to look at how sturdy the body of the inverter is. If it’s flimsy or weak, it’s not going to last as well. We all know that when we’re on the road, that things may get bumped around. Look for one that has a metal body. We prefer aluminum alloy, as it’s hard, but still lightweight.

Cooling Fans

Almost every model on our list has an internal fan, which helps a ton in keeping the heat inside down and preventing it from overheating. Car power inverters can heat up surprisingly fast, and if it increases too quickly, it can trip the built-in thermal overload, which you obviously don’t want.

Safety Features

As we’re dealing with some high-powered devices, safety is priority. Even though they may look small and unassuming, trust us when you say it’s better to be safe than sorry. Look for fuses, low-battery shutoffs, and overheat protection, at minimum.

Warranty

As you can see, warranties vary depending on the product. However, the standard seems to be 18 months, which isn’t bad, especially if you’re using it regularly.

There are a couple that stand out, which are available for 3 years – the double the others provide. While these should all last you for years, a longer warranty just gives that extra peace of mind.

FAQs For Car Power Inverters

Q: Can you plug in an extension cord to the inverter?

A: You can, but there’s a limit here. The longer your power cord, the larger chance there is of a drop-off in power. If you can handle a shorter cord, we highly recommend it.

Q: How can I permanently mount my power inverter?

A: You can do so on many kinds of surfaces, but ideally, one that’s flat. In addition, try to keep it away from direct sunlight or direct heat sources since we were just talking about how easily they can heat up on their own. Also try to keep it away from very cold conditions, as this can create moisture and damage your car power inverter.

Q: How can I connect my power inverter?

A: As you probably noticed above, there are two ways to go about doing this: into your cigarette lighter, or directly to the battery.

Lighter: This is the most convenient method out of the two, however, it usually doesn’t allow for powering higher-wattage products.

Battery: This is more complicated and a bit inconvenient as you have to go outside to do it. However, it’s capable of extremely high wattage in comparison to the cigarette lighter method.

Ideally, you’ll want to have the option to use both ways, depending on what you’ll be charging.

Tips For Using Your Power Inverter

#1: Always use an inverter rated properly for the device you’re using. This can cause damage to your device, and possibly ruin it.

#2: Determine the right sized inverter for your needs.
Most commonly-charged devices:

Laptop: 90 watts
Light Bulb: 100 watts
LCD TV: 250 watts
Smartphone: 50 watts
Microwave: 1,200+ watts
Mini-Fridge: 100 (500 on startup) watts

After adding every device you’ll be using up, you’ll have a solid subtotal to start from. However, we recommend adding at minimum, 20 percent for the safety margin.

#3: To avoid a dead battery, idle your car while using your power inverter.
If your vehicle isn’t on and you’re using your battery to power a device, it’s essentially sucking energy from your battery. We highly recommend leaving your engine on idle just long enough to charge your battery.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know just about everything you could ever need to about these devices, which is the perfect product for you? They vary widely, as do power requirements among people. We hope that our guide has helped you select the best car power inverter for you and your needs. Thanks for tuning in with us, and we’ll see you again shortly!

How We Researched

To come up with the top car power inverters, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Camping World, Lazy Days, Real Truck and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in RV camping, automotive repairs and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from mechanics and retailers.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources