Best Power Inverter for Cars (TOP 5 REVIEWS FOR 2021)
What is the best power inverter on the market in 2021? That’s exactly what we will look into today.
Whether you need a high powered option that can handle multiple devices, or a smaller unit to merely charge your laptop, you will find a solution here.
We have carefully selected 5 top-rated power inverters to cover a range of budgets and requirements.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For an in-depth review of each of our choices, plus a comprehensive buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Top 5 Power Inverters
Power Inverters for Cars – The Reviews
There are different types of inverters available today, and one needs to select the right inverter type for the amount of power required.
Beyond the issue of output power, inverters can be rated based on their construction design, circuitry, and type of AC output produced, along with their average run.
Using these criteria we have selected 5 of the best power inverters for cars.
1. TOP PICK HIGH POWER INVERTER: Peak PKC0AW 3000-Watt Power Inverter
The Peak PKCoAW 3000 is a heavy-duty modified sine wave (MSW) car power inverter with a high surge tolerance and a standard power output of 3,000watts. Its peak surge power output is capped at 6000watts.
It also comes with an array of protective features including short circuit protection, overheating protection, and low-or-high voltage protection. These protection systems are backed by an alarm mechanism that alerts the user of any dysfunction.
It also incorporates soft-start technology, while its circuitry supports automatic shutdown when the car battery runs low.
It is designed and manufactured by Peak Auto, a subsidiary of the Illinois-based Old World Industries LLCs.
- 5V USB power outlet,
- screw connectors (positive and negative),
- fault/power indicator,
- power output (wattage)
- LED indicator,
- ON-OFF switch,
- cooling fan,
- standard 110/120V AC receptacle,
- battery cables,
- and mounting brackets that allows one to perform hard wire installation.
Main Specifications
This compact inverter weighs about 17.4pounds; and is 20.8inches long, 9.8inches wide, and 5.9inches tall.
The USB outlet handles up-to 2.1 amperes of power draw.
The unit also has 4 AC power outlets (receptacles) which allows one to plug in up to 4 appliances at any time.
If one of these appliances is an extension socket that relays power 4 or 6 other AC appliances, then the surge output can be automatically activated depending on the cumulative power needs of all the connected appliances.
Even so, the 6000 watts power surge lasts for a very short time, usually less than a minute before the overload mechanism is activated to counter the distress and shed some load.
This model has an ETL certification which means that it complies with the (legal) stipulated safety standards set for electronic equipment.
Efficiency Rating & Operating Temperatures
Its efficiency rating is 80percent, and the working temperature range is -10degrees Celsius (14degrees Fahrenheit) to 40degrees Celcius (104degrees Fahrenheit).
Its storage temperature range is -20degrees Celsius (-4degrees Fahrenheit) to 85degrees Celcius (185degrees Fahrenheit). Even so, the storage air humidity can range from 10percent to 90percent.
Output
The current output of this model is 28A with the AC frequency range being 57-63Hz.
For the inverter to work, it draws in 1.2A of 11-15V DC power in a load-free state, with the current draw increasing up-to 290A if an output load of 3000watts is required.
Its low-or-high voltage protection is activated when the DC source feeds the inverter with 16.5 volts or more (high voltage protection), or less than 9.5V (low voltage protection).
There is also a DC fuse requirement with the fuse rating being 500A and the fuse type being the ANL fuse. The maximum sustained output of this model is 3900watts after a power output surge.
This inverter comes with a 12months limited warranty.
- Standard power output of 3000watts.
- High surge tolerance.
- Peak surge power output of 6000watts.
- The power source is a 12V DC car battery.
- AC output steadied at 110-120V.
- 4 AC power outlets.
- Short circuit protection, overheating and low-or-high voltage protection system.
- Uses soft-start technology.
- Automatic low-battery shut down mechanism.
- 12months limited warranty.
- Surge power output only lasts for less than a minute, and hence this model cannot handle sustained output requirements of more than 3900watts.
Bottom-line
The Peak PKC0AW is a high-quality, heavy-duty MSW car inverter with a high surge tolerance and a standard power output of 3,000watts.
Its peak surge power output is capped at 6000watts for less than a minute. It also comes with an array of protective features including short circuit, over-temperature, and low-or-high voltage protection.
It also incorporates soft-start technology, while its circuitry supports automatic shutdown when the car battery runs low. It AC output is 28A of 110-120V at 57-63Hz.
These features along with its affordable pricing make it the best premium high power converter in this review.
2. BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter with 3 AC Outlets
The BESTEK is a MSW car power inverter with an admirable surge tolerance and a normal power output of 2,000watts.
Its peak surge power output is 4,600watts. It also has an array of protective features including mufti-protection which incorporates 6 50A external fuses, audible overload alarm, warning LED light, and surge protection.
Moreover, its input and output systems are isolated from each other so that a current overload in the input circuit does not harm the output circuit.
This creates some form of modularity as only the input will need to be replaced, and re-integrated to the overall circuit architecture.
The unit incorporates soft-start technology. It also features a cigarette lighter adapter and battery clamps. Its compact design allows for easy storage, transport, and safe usage.
It is designed and manufactured by Bestek.
- fault/power indicator,
- power output LED indicator,
- ON-OFF switch,
- whisper-quiet cooling fan,
- standard 110/120V AC receptacle,
- battery cables, and mounting brackets.
Main Specifications
This compact well-built inverter weighs about 10.4pounds; and is 10inches long, 5.3inches wide, and 6.5inches tall. This makes it smaller than Peak PKC0AW.
It has 3 AC power receptacles. Just like the Peak PKC0AW, the power surge of Bestek lasts for a very short time, usually less than a minute before the overload mechanism is activated.
The efficiency rating of Bestek is over 60percent.
For this inverter to work, it draws in about 0.8A of 12.6V DC power in a load-free state. When a load is introduced, it can require up-to 15V DC.
Its low-or-high voltage protection is activated when the DC source feeds the inverter with 16 volts or more (high voltage protection), or less than 10V (low voltage protection). The maximum sustained output of this model is 2300watts.
Output
Its output current is 20A with the AC frequency 60Hz.
Even so, if one calculates the output current based on the standard power output of 2000watts, and output voltage of 115V, then the output current averages 17.39A which is still adequate for most household consumer appliances.
Nonetheless, this output current rating means that appliances requiring more than 18A can function poorly.
This inverter comes with an 18months limited warranty.
- Standard power output of 2000watts.
- High surge tolerance.
- Peak surge power output of 4600watts.
- The power source is a 12V DC car battery.
- AC output steadied at 110-120V.
- 3 AC power outlets.
- It has a low-or-high voltage protection system.
- Uses soft-start technology.
- 18months limited warranty.
- Surge power output only lasts for less than a minute, and hence this model cannot handle sustained output requirements of more than 2300watts.
Bottom-line
The Bestek SQUEEVI19224 is a high-quality MSW car power inverter with an admirable surge tolerance and a normal power output of 2,000watts.
Its peak surge power output is 4,600watts. It also has an array of protective features including mufti-protection which incorporates 6 50A external fuses, audible overload alarm, warning LED light, and surge protection.
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3. BEST BUDGET POWER INVERTER: KRIËGER 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter Dual 110V AC outlets
The Krieger is a medium-duty MSW car power inverter with a high surge tolerance and a standard power output of 1100watts. It’s low price point balanced with great out put and features makes this our number one budget choice.
Its peak surge power output is 3000watts. It has short circuit protection, over-temperature protection, and low-or-high voltage protection, with this protection system being linked to an alarm mechanism.
Moreover, its LCD display shows the input voltage, battery level, and output voltage; and any dysfunction can be noticed when aberrant metrics are displayed.
This model also comes with an installation kit, 2 USB charger ports, and an in-line fuse. Its compact design allows for easy storage and transport.
It is designed and manufactured by Krieger.
- two 5V USB power outlets,
- inverter remote,
- power indicator,
- LCD display,
- ON-OFF switch,
- whisper-quiet thermal fan,
- standard 110/120V AC receptacle,
- battery cables,
- and mounting brackets.
As other standard USB power outlets, the USB outlet of this model handles up-to 2.1 amperes of power draw. It has also 2 AC power receptacles.
Main Specifications
This compact lightweight inverter weighs only 4.41pounds; and is 11.8inches long, 6.7inches wide, and 3.5inches tall.
This makes it lighter than either the Bestek or the Peak PKC0AW.
Even though it has a surge capacity of 3000 watts and this surge can be attained for less than a minute, it is not recommended that one overloads it as the resulting overheat can potentially shut down the inverter before it is able to deliver any surge.
This model has CSA standard C22.2 and UL standard 458 certification which shows that it complies with the legal safety standards set for electronic equipment. Its efficiency rating is about 90percent.
Output
The current output of this model is 9.6A with the AC frequency range being 59-61Hz. To work this model draws in 0.5A of 10-15V DC power in a load-free state, with the current draw increasing up-to 118A if an output load of 1100watts is required.
Its low-or-high voltage protection is activated when the DC source feeds the inverter with 15.5 volts or more (high voltage protection), or less than 10V (low voltage protection).
There is also a DC fuse requirement with the fuse rating being 40A and the fuse type being the Internal Blade fuse.
The maximum sustained output of this model is 1110watts – 1100W from the dual AC receptacles plus 10W from the USB ports.
This inverter model comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Standard power output of 1100watts.
- Surge tolerance.
- Peak surge power output of 3000watts.
- The power source is a 12V DC car battery.
- AC output steadied at 110-120V.
- 2 AC power outlets.
- Short circuit protection, overheating and low-or-high voltage protection system.
- Automatic low-battery shut down mechanism.
- 3-year limited warranty.
- Surge power output only lasts for less than a minute, and hence this model cannot handle sustained output requirements of more than 1110watts.
Bottom-line
The Kriëger KR1100 is an affordable high-quality, medium-duty MSW car power inverter with a high surge tolerance and a standard power output of 1100watts.
Its peak surge power output is 3000watts. It features short circuit, over-temperature, and low-or-high voltage protection system that is linked to an alarm mechanism.
Its moderate output and affordable price makes this the best budget power converter on the market today.
4. VertaMax PURE SINE WAVE 1500 Watt (3000W Surge)
This is a high-quality pure sine wave(PSW) car inverter that incorporates microprocessor-based pulse width modulation (PWM) for regulation of power output, with the standard output being 1500watts.
Its peak surge power output is capped at 3000watts. It comes with 2 PowerFlex cables, remote control switch (with a 16.5 long remote switch cable), and an ANL Fuse which allows it to be used with either car batteries or solar-powered batteries.
Its protective features include short circuit protection, over-temperature protection, and low-or-high voltage protection.
There is also an LCD display that displays voltage and power output metrics. It also incorporates soft-start technology. Its compact design allows for easy storage, convenient transport, and safe use.
It is designed and manufactured by WindyNation.
- its 3 AC receptacles (each with its own switch),
- screw connectors (positive and negative),
- fault and power indicators,
- LCD display,
- ON-OFF switch,
- whisper-queit cooling fan,
- standard 110/120V AC receptacle,
- battery cables,
- and mounting brackets.
Main Specifications
This compact, well-built inverter weighs about 11.53pounds; and is 17.1inches long, 10.4inches wide, and 5.4inches tall.
Its 3000 watts power surge lasts for less than a minute before the overload mechanism is engaged.
The efficiency rating of this PSW inverter is 90percent, and the working temperature range is 0degrees Celsius to 60degrees.
The thermal protection mechanism is engaged if the temperature exceeds 65degrees Celsius. Its storage temperature range is -25degrees Celsius to 70degrees Celcius. Likewise, the storage air humidity can range from 20percent to 80percent.
Output
The current output of this PSW model is 13A with the AC frequency range being 60Hz. To function in a load-free state, this model needs to draw, it draws in 1A of 12-13V DC power.
Its low-or-high voltage protection is activated when the DC source feeds the inverter with 16 volts or more (high voltage protection), or less than 10V (low voltage protection).
The maximum sustained output of this model is 1500watts.
This inverter comes with a 12months limited warranty.
- Standard power output of 1500watts.
- High surge tolerance.
- Peak surge power output of 3000watts.
- The power source is a 12V DC car battery.
- AC output steadied at 110-120V.
- 3 AC power outlets.
- Short circuit protection, overheating and low-or-high voltage protection system.
- Uses soft-start technology.
- Automatic low-battery shut down mechanism.
- 12months limited warranty.
- Surge power output only lasts for less than a minute, and hence this model cannot handle sustained output requirements of more than 1500watts.
Bottom-line
The VertaMax PIN-1500-12P is a well-built, high-quality PSW car inverter that incorporates microprocessor-based pulse width modulation (PWM) for the regulation of power output, with the standard output being 1500watts.
Its peak surge power output is capped at 3000watts. In our opinion, the VertaMax is the best PSW inverter in this review.
5. Ampeak 400W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter
This is a lightweight model that belongs to the IVUFB series of MSW car power inverters. The Ampeak has a standard power output of 400watts, and its high surge tolerance allows it to achieve a peak surge power output of 800watts.
It comes with 2 battery clip cables, a cigarette-lighter plug cable. Its smart protection system incorporates an LED indicator light and an audible alarm mechanism that is engaged when the over-voltage, overheating, overload, low voltage or short circuit protection is activated.
Its compact design allows for easy storage, convenient transport, and safe usage. It is designed and manufactured by Ampeak.
- its dual 5V USB power outlet,
- replaceable 35A mini-slip fuses,
- built-in dual fuse housing,
- screw connectors (positive and negative),
- power indicator,
- power output LED indicator,
- ON-OFF switch,
- whisper-quiet cooling fan,
- standard 110/120V AC receptacle,
- battery cables with connected crocodile clips,
- and mounting brackets.
- The USB outlet handles up-to 3.1 amperes of power draw.
Main Specifications
This compact, lightweight inverter weighs only 1.5pounds, which makes it the lightest inverter in this review.
It is 5.9inches long, 4.4inches wide, and 2.3inches tall. Its The color scheme is black and dark orange.
It has 2 AC power receptacles. Relatedly, its 800 watts power surge lasts for less than a minute, and it is advisable that one does not load the inverter with any appliance that consumes more than 400watts.
This ETL certified model complies with the legal safety standards set for electronic equipment. Its efficiency rating is 80percent, and the working temperature range is 0degrees Celsius (32degrees Fahrenheit) to 40degrees Celcius (104degrees Fahrenheit).
Output
The current output of the Ampeak is 3.6A with the AC frequency range being 60Hz. For it to work in a load-free state, it needs to draw in 0.3A of 11-15V DC power.
Its low-or-high voltage protection is activated when the DC source feeds the inverter with 16volts or more (high voltage protection), or less than 10V(low voltage protection). There is also a DC fuse requirement with the fuse rating being 40A.
This inverter comes with a 18months limited warranty.
- Standard power output of 400watts.
- High surge tolerance.
- Peak surge power output of 800watts.
- The power source is a 12V DC car battery.
- AC output steadied at 110-120V.
- 2 AC power outlets.
- Short circuit protection, overheating and low-or-high voltage protection system.
- Automatic low-battery shut down mechanism.
- 18months limited warranty.
- Surge power output only lasts for less than a minute, and hence this model cannot handle sustained output requirements of more than 400watts.
Bottom-line
The Ampeak IVUFB0400 is a compact, lightweight MSW car power inverter with a standard power output of 400watts. Its high surge tolerance allows it to achieve a peak surge power output of 800watts.
For those looking for a reliable inverter with mid-range power output, this could very well be the answer.
Car Power Inverter – A Buyer’s Guide
There are a number of factors to consider when buying a power inverter for your car, let’s look at some of them now.
Types of Car Power Inverters
First, you should be clear of the types of inverter available so that you can choose the correct one for your needs. They are as follows:
1. Single Outlet Inverter
The single outlet inverter is simple to use and provides a current of 150 to 300 watts. You can connect only one device at a time with a single outlet, and the design of the unit is normally small and portable.
They are one of the most affordable types of inverter, and in most cases come with very few features.
2. Multiple Outlet Inverter
Because these units have multiple outlets you can connect more than one device at a time. The design is bulkier as a result, and you should expect to pay more for one of these than a single outlet inverter.
The fact they have a higher current capacity to function, multiple outlet inverters will have built-in features to reduce the chance of overload.
3. USB Outlet Inverter
USB outlet inverters are a great way to charge and use USB-compatible devices such as tablets, smartphones, and mp3 players.
Because they are designed for small power draw gadgets, a USB inverter is no use for larger, energy-intensive items.
Car Power Inverter Pricing
Here are some examples of the price points for car power inverters, so you have a better understanding of what your money can buy.
Under $20
This low budget range will generally include the simplest USB inverters and very basic single outlet units. Essentially, low capacity power inverters, you can expect to draw 100 to 200 watts at most.
$20-$50
This is the budget that caters to most uses. You will get a higher-capacity of 250 watts and above with inverters in this range. This also includes multiple outlet inverters.
As these are often larger, more power-intensive inverters, they will have durable construction and may even include features such as cooling fans and overload trip switches.
Over $50
This will cover the top of the range power inverters, with some of the more expensive ones providing continuous power capacity of 1,000 watts and above.
These will have multiple outlets and will be able to charge power-intensive tools. Features such as cooling fans, LCD screen for status reports, and other safety measures will be included.
What to look for when buying a car power inverter
Now that we have discussed the types of inverter available and the price points you can expect to pay, let’s take a look at some of the specifications and features you pay attention to when choosing a new car power inverter.
Wattage
This is the all-important specification that will determine whether the inverter you choose is up to your needs.
n other words, the wattage capacity will directly impact the types of devices you can connect to the inverter.
For example, if you only need to charge a few small electronic devices, a USB or single outlet inverter providing 150 to 300 watts will do the job.
Conversely, if you want to use large appliances such as a portable fridge or television while camping, you will require a multiple outlet inverter capable of 1,000 watts or above.
Before purchasing an inverter for your car, it is a good idea to quickly add up the wattage draw of the devices and appliances that you intend to use.
Here are some common examples:
- LCD TV/Display: 120 watts
- Smartphone Charger: 20 watts
- Coffee maker: 350 watts
- Laptop Computer: 100 watts
Adding this all up, we can see that an inverter capable of 600w draw would suffice. If you tried to power all four of these at the same time on a 500w unit, you could run into problems.
Outlets
We have already covered this, however, you do need to think about the number of devices you want to connect at any one time.
Yes, single outlet inverters are cheaper, however, at times you want to power more than one device simultaneously, you may regret going for the low budget option.
Consider your needs, and how many outlets you will require.
Size and Weight
Smaller, more portable inverters are really the way forward. No one wants a bulky unit taking up space in their car, (it is a bit different with an RV as it is easier to slot a large inverter out of the way).
Thankfully, even multiple outlet units with lots of features, have streamlined designs that are portable.
Sine Waves
The majority of inverters available today have sine waves that are either modified or pure sine waves. The specifications should tell you this.
It is an important distinction, because inverters that provide irregular waveforms like jagged square waveforms (as older models once did), can risk damaging your electronics.
Modified sine waves create less stress on devices, with pure sine waves being even safer and more efficient.
General Features
Features such as an LCD screen with status alerts and updates, soft-start technology that puts less strain on your car battery, and automatic low-battery shutdown are all great attributes.
Generally and understandably, the more features an inverter has, the higher the price point.
When looking at the specifications and features it is often a juggling act of what you really need, and what you are willing to pay.
Safety Certification
An ETL stamp is always a good sign that the inverter in question is safe and has been thoroughly tested.
The stamp means that the inverter meets all North American safety guidelines. The features included in the unit are there to protect against overloading and overheating, as well as shorting out and other faults that can occur when connecting and powering electrical devices.
Benefits of Owning a Power Inverter
The benefits of owning a car power inverter are pretty clear. When out on the road, you have access to power to run your devices and appliances.
It allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without stressing about where and how you can power the devices you are using.
Camping and traveling can be made a whole lot more fun, with a quality, multiple outlet inverter.
If you need to run some power tools away from an electrical wall outlet, the right car inverter can provide the means.
Furthermore, car power inverters obtain that power from your vehicle. Extended your supply needs much more than standard device battery power.
And you never know, should you be stuck somewhere and it is an emergency situation, an inverter could provide power to something that might just save the day.
Car Power Inverter FAQs
Q: How do I hook up a car power inverter?
How you install the inverter is dependent on the size of the unit and its power capacity.
Small single outlet or USB power inverters can often be connected directly to your cigarette lighter. However, the limit here is no more than 200 watts.
For medium, to large inverters, you will need to connect the unit directly to the cat battery using the clips provided. These are clearly marked positive and negative and should not pose a problem to most people.
Q. Can I use a power inverter on an old vehicle?
Yes, you can use a new power inverter on an old vehicle. The main problem would be if the car battery is old and might run flat quickly.
With this in mind, you should always disconnect the inverter from an old vehicle once you have switched the engine off. This will reduce the chances of the battery running dry.
Q: What do peak and continuous power output mean?
Peak power output is the level of watts the inverter can provide for a window of time. It basically means the highest you can draw at any one point with all connected devices running at full power.
Continuous output refers to the average wattage the inverter will provide under normal, continuing circumstances.
Q. Does the engine need to be running for me to use a power inverter
Yes, the engine should be running the engine before you start using the inverter. On new cars with a reliable battery you can use the inverter for a short while without the engine running, but for no more than an hour, and even less if powering energy-intensive appliances.
As mentioned above, older cars should be running the entire time, and you will need to disconnect the inverter after use.