HOWEASY H120 120W Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Portable power stations have become increasingly popular in recent years as reliable sources of power while on the go or during outages. These compact battery packs can charge phones, tablets, laptops, small appliances, and more. With capacities ranging from under 100 watt hours to over 1000 watt hours, portable power stations provide versatile off-grid power for camping, RVs, emergency preparedness, and everyday use.

The best portable power stations combine ample wattage output, fast recharging capabilities, and useful outlets and features into a lightweight, durable package. Quality lithium-ion batteries enable reliable power output and hundreds of charge cycles. Useful features like AC outlets, USB ports, wireless charging, and lights improve convenience and functionality.

When considering a portable power station, key factors include battery capacity, power output, portability, and special features. Reading portable power station reviews helps determine how well a model’s design and performance match your power needs for on-the-go power.

HOWEASY H120 Overview

The HOWEASY H120 is a medium-sized portable power station designed for powering and charging devices on the go. It offers 120W continuous power output and contains a 106,000mAh lithium ion internal battery. The unit provides multiple output ports for powering a range of devices including:

• 12V DC output
• USB-C PD
• 2 x USB-A ports
• AC outlet (110V)
• 12V car port

The package includes the power station, a 19V/3A DC power adapter for charging, a car charging cable, and a user manual. Key specs and features include pure sine wave AC output, a digital display showing battery level and power usage, LED flashlight, and a lightweight compact design for easy portability. With its versatile outputs and decent capacity battery, the HOWEASY H120 is suitable for powering and charging laptops, phones, lights, CPAP machines, mini fridges, and other small appliances and electronics when away from a wall outlet.

Design

The HOWEASY H120 has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to transport and store. It measures 6.3 x 5.3 x 5.1 inches and weighs just 2.2 pounds. The outer case is made of durable ABS plastic that protects the internal components while still remaining lightweight.

Despite its small size, the build quality feels sturdy and solid. The plastic casing has a matte texture that resists fingerprints. The power button, USB ports, AC outlet, and display are arranged neatly on one side for easy access. Handles on the top and side allow you to securely grip the power station while moving it.

Overall, the HOWEASY H120 strikes a nice balance between portability and durability. Its compact shape and lightweight build make it ideal for camping, road trips, or emergency power outages when space is limited but power needs remain. The solid construction suggests it can withstand normal wear-and-tear during transport or outdoor use. While not the most heavy-duty power station, it provides respectable quality given its small size.

Power Output and Charging

The HOWEASY H120 portable power station has a 120-watt power output, which is adequate for powering and charging small electronics and appliances when camping or during a power outage. It has a pure sine wave AC inverter that provides 120 watts (100W rated) continuous power and 200 watts surge capacity.

For charging, the H120 has a variety of output ports:

• 1x 100W Type-C Power Delivery (PD) port
• 2x 12W USB-A ports
• 1x DC car port
• 1x 100W AC outlet

The 100W USB-C PD port provides the fastest charging speeds, allowing compatible laptops like MacBooks and smartphones to charge at their max rate. The USB-A ports offer universal charging of phones, tablets, speakers and other USB devices. The 12V DC car port can be used to charge or power car-related electronics. And the AC outlet lets you directly plug in and run small appliances.

Charging the H120 itself takes around 7-8 hours with the included 60W AC charger. Faster charging is possible by using a more powerful PD wall charger. Overall, the power output and charging options make the H120 well-suited for portable power needs while camping or during emergencies.

Battery and Runtime

The H120 portable power station features a lithium-ion battery with 120Wh capacity. This provides a decent amount of power storage while keeping the overall weight reasonable at 4 lbs.

Based on the capacity, you can expect the following approximate runtimes from the H120 when used to power various appliances:

• Smartphones - Can charge a smartphone over 20 times per charge. You'll easily get 1-2 weeks of normal smartphone usage from a fully charged H120.

• Tablet - Can charge an iPad Air 2 around 5 times.

• Mini Fridge - Can run a compact mini fridge for 4-5 hours.

• CPAP Machine - Can power a CPAP machine for 1-2 nights of usage per charge.

• Fan - Can run a small desk fan on low setting for 8-10 hours on a single charge.

• Laptop - Can charge a MacBook Pro 13" 3-4 times from empty to full battery.

The lithium-ion battery itself can be recharged from empty to full in around 3-4 hours when using the 60W AC charger. This gives you a convenient and portable power supply that can be replenished quickly.

Display and Interface

The HOWEASY H120 has a small LCD screen that displays key information like battery percentage, output wattage, and input/output status. There are four buttons below the screen to control the power station.

The display is very basic but provides the core stats you need to monitor. Some users may prefer a more detailed interface, but the HOWEASY gets the job done. The screen brightness could be improved for outdoor use.

There are four rubberized buttons below the display to control different functions:

• Power button turns the station on/off
• Mode button toggles between AC, solar, and DC modes
• Up/Down buttons adjust the AC output voltage

The buttons have a nice tactile feedback when pressed. Their layout is logical and intuitive without any complex menu digging. The interface is streamlined and user-friendly overall.

Turning the unit on, switching modes, and adjusting the voltage can be done in just a few button presses. However, some competing models do offer more information and settings on their display.

The HOWEASY H120 has a functional, no-frills interface that provides essential stats and easy operation. The screen does the job, while the buttons make navigating straightforward. It covers the basics well, but lacks more detailed monitoring and customization.

Lighting

The HOWEASY H120 has built-in LED lighting on both the front and back of the power station. The front LED light bar provides illumination for outdoor activities like camping or working on your car at night. There are three brightness settings - low, medium and high. The high mode puts out a very bright light, while the low mode can be used as a nightlight indoors.

On the back is an SOS light which blinks in the standard SOS distress pattern. This could come in handy in emergency situations when you need to signal for help. Both sets of lights are accessed using buttons on the top control panel.

The integrated lighting on the HOWEASY H120 adds to its versatility as a portable power solution. You don't need to drag around extra flashlights when this power station can provide all the illumination you need.

Portability

The HOWEASY H120 portable power station is designed for easy transport thanks to its compact size and integrated handle. Weighing only 7.7 pounds, the H120 can be carried comfortably with one hand using the retractable handle on the top of the unit. The handle feels sturdy and makes it simple to move the power station around your home, campsite, or work site.

Unlike some competing models that only have side handles, the top handle on the H120 gives you a secure grip that makes it feel more like pulling a small suitcase. You don't have to worry about the power station slipping out of your hands. The handle also retracts flush with the top of the unit when not in use for a more streamlined look.

With dimensions of 7.48 x 5.51 x 7.48 inches, the H120 can fit into tight spaces like shelves, closets, and car trunks. The compact rectangular design with rounded edges allows it to slide easily into a bag or backpack as well. At just 7.7 pounds, it doesn't add too much weight to your luggage.

Overall, the integrated extendable handle and compact sizing make the HOWEASY H120 highly portable. Whether using it for backup power at home or taking it on camping trips, you'll appreciate how easy it is to transport the H120 power station.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact, portable size at 6.3 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches and only 4.19 lbs
• 120W power output provides decent power for small appliances and devices
• Can charge laptops, phones, cameras, drones, and more
• Provides power during blackouts and emergencies
• Features 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and a car outlet
• Integrated LED flashlight built-in
• Digital display shows power usage and battery level
• Includes a variety of power cables for easy charging
• Can recharge via solar panel, car, or AC outlet

Cons

• Lower power capacity than larger power stations
• Only powers smaller devices - not suitable for high wattage appliances
• No wireless charging feature
• Battery capacity of 100Wh is lower than competitors
• No wall mounting options included
• Display only shows basic usage info
• Auto shut off if overloading which can be frustrating

Verdict

The HOWEASY H120 is an impressive portable power station with 120W solar charging capability and a very compact, lightweight design. Its 256Wh lithium ion battery provides a decent amount of power for small devices, and can be recharged from solar in about 10 hours.

The simple LCD display provides just enough information like battery percentage and input/output power. And the variety of charging options, DC and AC outputs, and built-in LED light make it versatile for powering or charging different devices on the go.

In terms of drawbacks, the main limitation is the relatively small 256Wh capacity. This provides enough juice for phones, tablets, and smaller gadgets, but not larger devices like laptops or mini-fridges for extended periods. Fast charging is also limited to 60W.

For a bit more power, the Jackery Explorer 240 or Anker PowerHouse 200 offer larger 288Wh capacities. Or the Jackery Explorer 260 bumps it up to an impressive 518Wh. But you'll pay more and the size/weight increases.

Overall, the HOWEASY H120 is a compelling option if you need a lightweight solar generator for basic uses. The capacity provides decent runtime for smaller devices, and the fast solar charging makes it easy to top up anywhere there's sunlight. Just don't expect to power larger devices for too long. But for its size and price, it packs a versatile punch.