OSCAL PowerMax 700 W Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Portable power stations have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient way to power electronics and appliances on-the-go. Unlike bulky gas generators, portable power stations provide silent, clean energy from an integrated battery pack that can be easily transported and used just about anywhere. With capacities ranging from under 100 watt-hours to over 1,000 watt-hours, they are versatile solutions for powering everything from smartphones and laptops to small medical devices, mini-fridges, and CPAP machines during power outages or camping trips off-the-grid. Advanced models even allow daisy-chaining multiple units together for increased capacity. Portable power stations continue to improve with faster recharge times, increased outputs, and wider compatibility, making them an essential emergency preparedness item or recreational luxury for many consumers. In this review, we will take a close look at the OSCAL PowerMax 700 and how it stacks up in terms of portability, power output, battery life, features, and overall value.

Overview

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 is a compact, portable power station designed to provide reliable power on the go. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a 700W pure sine wave AC inverter, a 293.6Wh lithium-ion battery, and multiple charging options.

Some of the key features of the PowerMax 700 include:

• 700 watt continuous power output, 1200 watt surge power
• Built-in 293.6Wh lithium-ion battery
• 1 AC outlet (110V), 2 USB ports, a 12V DC port, and a car outlet for powering various devices
• Digital display shows battery percentage, wattage usage, and voltage
• Multiple recharge options including AC wall outlet, car charger, and solar panel (sold separately)
• Lightweight, compact size (7.5 x 5.3 x 6.9 inches) makes it easy to transport
• Sturdy plastic casing helps protect against drops and impacts

With its solid power output and decent battery capacity, the PowerMax 700 can handle power needs for camping, travel, outdoor activities, small appliances, and more. The compact design makes it easy to take on the go.

Portability

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 is designed to be highly portable and easy to transport. At just 13.5 x 7.8 x 11.6 inches in size, it is compact enough to fit in most car trunks or the backseat floorboard. It weighs a reasonable 22.5 pounds, so most adults can lift and carry it without too much difficulty.

The PowerMax 700 features an extendable metal handle on the top and a molded side handle, making it easy to pick up and maneuver. The handles feel sturdy and secure. While the unit isn't incredibly lightweight, the multiple handles do allow you to move it around with just one hand if needed.

Overall, the compact size and multiple carry handles make the PowerMax 700 one of the more portable mid-sized power stations currently available. It provides a good balance of power output versus portability. The average person should have no problem taking this power station along in the car or SUV for camping, tailgating, power outages, and other activities away from home power.

Power Output

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 is an impressive and versatile portable power station with 700 watts of continuous power (14000mAh) and 1000W peak power output. It features a pure sine wave inverter which allows it to safely power and charge sensitive electronics without damaging them.

The power station has 1 AC outlet (110V) that provides 700W max (1000W surge). This outlet is great for powering appliances, power tools, medical devices, CPAP machines, and more. There are also 4 USB ports - 2 USB-A (quick charge 3.0) and 2 USB-C ports. The USB ports can charge smartphones, tablets, and USB-powered devices. With multiple outlets, you can charge and run several devices at once. The power capacity of 700 watts and versatile outlets make the OSCAL PowerMax 700 capable of meeting various power needs during outages or outdoor adventures.

Battery

The Oscal PowerMax 700 features a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 512Wh. This provides enough power to charge smartphones, tablets, drones, cameras, and other electronics multiple times over.

The large battery capacity means the PowerMax 700 can even power small appliances like mini-fridges and CPAP machines in an emergency. It's a great portable power station for camping, RV travel, or keeping at home in case of power outages.

The battery itself is made of premium lithium-ion cells that provide long cycle life. Oscal claims the battery retains 80% of its max capacity even after 500 charge cycles.

Charging the PowerMax 700 battery from 0 to 80% takes around 1.5 hours when using the included 90W AC adapter. A full charge from 0 to 100% takes around 2.5 hours. This quick recharge time minimizes downtime when you need to top up the battery.

The large 512Wh capacity combined with fast recharge speed make the PowerMax 700's battery a versatile and convenient feature for a portable power station. It can charge or power multiple devices on a single charge, and be quickly recharged when necessary.

Display & Controls

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 has an easy-to-read digital display that shows the percentage of battery remaining, input/output power, and operating mode. It uses a basic button control panel to switch between modes and turn the device on/off.

The display is bright and crisp, making it visible even in direct sunlight. It shows the power draw, power input, and estimated time remaining in an intuitive layout. There are no complicated menus or settings to scroll through.

The simple buttons allow you to switch into different operating modes: AC, solar, car, and battery. Each press cycles through to the next option. Holding down the power button turns the device on/off. The buttons provide a satisfying click when pressed.

Overall, the display and controls are well designed for quick reads and ease of use. The minimal interface means you don't have to memorize any complex procedures to start it up or switch modes. The key metrics are visible at a glance.

Charging Options

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 has several convenient charging options to keep it powered up for use anytime.

• Solar Charging: The PowerMax 700 has a built-in solar panel that allows it to be recharged directly by the sun. This makes it easy to keep the battery topped off when you're camping outdoors or don't have access to electrical outlets. The solar panel is high efficiency and can fully recharge the PowerMax 700 from empty in around 8 hours under optimal sunlight conditions.

• AC Wall Charging: The included power adapter allows the PowerMax 700 to be recharged from any standard AC wall outlet. A full charge from empty takes around 8-10 hours. This is the fastest charging option and ideal for home use.

• 12V Car Charging: Using the included 12V car charger adapter, the PowerMax 700 can be recharged directly from a car's 12V power outlet while driving. This allows you to keep the battery topped up during road trips or weekend getaways. It takes around 10-12 hours to fully charge from a car outlet.

Durability

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 is built with durability in mind for usage in the outdoors and while traveling. The housing is made of tough ABS plastic material that can withstand bumps and drops. The plastic casing helps make the power station lightweight while still protecting the internal components from damage.

Users report it has good impact resistance, able to handle being knocked around and dropped without any issues. The plastic housing does not dent or scratch easily.

The station has an IP55 rating for weatherproofing against dust and water. It can handle splashes, rain, and dust without problems. The ports are covered to prevent moisture and debris from getting inside. This allows the PowerMax 700 to be safely used outside in different weather conditions.

Overall, the durable housing and weatherproof design make the OSCAL PowerMax 700 a reliable power companion for outdoor adventures and travel where it may encounter drops, dust, moisture or other elements. The sturdy construction gives peace of mind that the station can withstand regular use in harsh conditions.

Price

For its size and power output, the OSCAL PowerMax 700 charges a very reasonable price. Competing portable power stations in the same wattage range from Jackery, EcoFlow, or Anker generally cost $100-150 more. Considering its portable yet rugged form factor, versatile charging options, and decent power capacity, the OSCAL PowerMax 700 provides excellent value for money. It's an affordable portable power solution without compromising too much on performance.

For budget-conscious shoppers or those who only need occasional portable power for camping or outages, the OSCAL PowerMax 700 hits a sweet spot between price and capabilities. It costs significantly less than larger 1,000+ watt power stations that offer 50% more capacity. The OSCAL strikes a nice balance - enough juice for most needs, while keeping the costs down.

Overall, the OSCAL PowerMax 700 offers great bang for your buck. You get a capable mid-sized power station at a very wallet-friendly price point compared to the competition. It's a frugal option for any mid-range portable power needs.

Summary

The OSCAL PowerMax 700 W portable power station offers a compact, lightweight design with decent power output at an affordable price point.

Overall Pros:

• Compact and lightweight for easy portability
• 700W continuous power output
• Good enough to charge phones, laptops, small appliances and medical devices
• Fast 2.5 hour recharge time
• Multiple recharge options - AC, car, solar
• Bright LCD display with usage info
• Sturdy handle for easy carrying

Overall Cons:

• Lower capacity battery than competitors
• No wireless charging built-in
• Not powerful enough for heavy duty appliances like refrigerators or AC units

Best Uses:

The OSCAL PowerMax 700W is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need to recharge devices on camping or hiking trips. It provides ample power for phones, laptops, lights, small fans etc. The fast recharge time allows you to top it up in the car while driving to your destination.

Business travelers could also benefit from the compact size and airline friendly battery capacity. And the multiple recharge options ensure you can power back up no matter where you are.

It can also serve as an emergency power backup for your essential devices during short power outages.

Final Recommendation:

For a portable power station under $200, the OSCAL PowerMax 700W packs decent performance in a lightweight and compact design. While it lacks the higher capacity and output of pricier models, it provides good value for basic power needs on-the-go or as an emergency backup.