Presidents’ Day Generator Sales 2025: Save on Backup Power

Feb 20, 2025

Whether you’re weathering a power outage or exploring the great outdoors, these discounted portable generators will keep your devices running without breaking the bank.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Update 2/17/25: We checked in on the generator deals this morning. Some models that were on sale heading into the weekend, from the likes of Jackery and EcoFlow, sadly aren’t anymore. But there are plenty of options still discounted on Presidents’ Day itself. Just keep in mind that some require you to click and activate a coupon code before you add them to your cart.

With extreme weather already making its mark in 2025, consumers are naturally turning their focus onto emergency preparedness. The good news is that we’re seeing substantial discounts on portable generators and power stations this Presidents’ Day, allowing you to save as much as 54 percent. These devices can provide essential backup power when the grid goes offline, allowing you to power everything from electronics to medical equipment and appliances.

Consider starting with the EcoFlow River 3 if you’re new to emergency backup power. Currently on sale for $239 (a modest drop from $259), this compact 300-watt portable power station weighs just 7.8 pounds, making it ideal for both home emergencies and camping. It’s perfect for keeping your personal electronics and small appliances running during outages. Need more power? The Anker Solix C1000 offers a more robust solution at $479, marked down significantly from its original $999 price tag.

If you’re new to portable generators, here’s a pro tip: Don’t wait until the lights go out to buy one. Getting one during these Presidents’ Day sales not only saves you money but ensures you’ll have reliable power when you need it most. (Trust us—you don’t want to be that person frantically searching for a generator when severe weather is approaching and everyone else has the same last-minute idea.) Below are the best portable generator deals during Presidents’ Day.

Portable power stations have become an excellent alternative to traditional gas generators, offering a cleaner, quieter way to keep your devices running. During Presidents’ Day, you’ll find deals on portable power stations from several brands our editors recommend, including Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Anker. These devices are versatile power hubs, packed with everything from standard AC outlets to USB ports. While they may not match gas generators in raw power output, they make up for it with convenience, zero maintenance headaches, and the ability to safely use them indoors since they produce no emissions. Many models can even recharge via solar panels, making them ideal for both emergency backup and outdoor adventures.

Our editors consider the Explorer 1000 v2 to be the best value pick, thanks to its size, output power, and features. During our testing, it powered a 25-cubic-foot refrigerator for 18 hours and 22 minutes, ensuring your perishables stay fresh during an outage.

With six output ports and 300 watts of output power, the Jackery Explorer 300 is ideal for adventurers. Recharge your laptop, phone, or even provide power to a mini cooler—the Explorer 300 can do it all.

Power up to 11 devices with the River 2 Pro, whether you’re enduring an outage or enjoying the outdoors. At 17.2 pounds, the device is relatively lightweight considering the fact that it delivers up to 1,600 watts of output power with its X-Boost mode.

The EcoFlow River 3 is new to the brand’s lineup, delivering 300 watts of output power in a very portable package. EcoFlow says it’s 30 percent smaller than the industry average, and thanks to its built-in handle, the River 3 is incredibly easy to transport.

The EcoFlow Delta 2 is one of the larger portable power stations available, offering 15 ports and an output of 1,800 watts, which can match some smaller gas-powered generators.

What’s impressive about the Bluetti AC180 is how it packs so much power into such a small package. It delivers 1,800 watts of output power and weighs less than 40 pounds, making it the right size to use daily around the house.

At only 14.8 pounds, the Bluetti AC50B is another portable option that doesn’t skimp on power. Plus, it features six ports, including two AC outlets and two USB-C ports.

The Anker Solix C1000 boasts an output of up to 2,400 watts and 11 ports, but its most noteworthy feature is the built-in LED light. This gives you emergency light in a pinch—at least until you can plug in a lamp.

While portable power stations are great for enduring outages and enjoying the outdoors, they eventually need to be recharged. That’s why pairing the one you buy with a solar panel is a good idea to take your setup to the next level. This type of setup can give you a mini renewable energy system that’s capable of generating endless power as long as the sun is shining. For outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers, this means true freedom from the grid—no more worrying about running out of juice in the middle of nowhere. The best part is many of the solar panels available are built to withstand the elements and typically feature foldable designs that make them surprisingly portable.

Our best value pick pairs nicely with a 200-watt solar panel, giving you a powerful setup for long weekends off the grid.

It doesn’t get much more portable than this kit, which includes the Explorer 300 Plus and a 100-watt solar panel.

The solar panel that comes in this kit with the Anker Solix C1000 features an IP67 rating, making it dust and water resistant. That means it should be able to withstand a beach day without any problems.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time off the grid, this kit is a compelling option. The AC180 is powerful by itself, but adding a 200-watt solar panel gives you the flexibility to ditch the grid for extended periods.

Traditional portable generators still reign supreme when it comes to raw power output. These workhorses are the go-to choice for running high-draw appliances like refrigerators, power tools, and AC units, making them essential for everything from food truck operations to construction sites. Many models now offer dual-fuel capability, letting you switch between gasoline and propane for added flexibility and longer runtime. While they might not match power stations in terms of quiet operation or eco-friendliness, portable generators remain unbeatable when you need serious power for serious jobs.

Traditional generators are typically bulky, but this Champion model is relatively small. At 39 pounds, it’s one of the lightest in the industry, yet it boasts 2,500 watts of output power.

This is another “small” model by generator standards. It weighs less than 50 pounds yet delivers an output of 4,000 watts, so you can power demanding appliances when the grid fails.

Dual fuel generators offer amazing flexibility, allowing you to choose the most convenient fuel. In an emergency, being able to choose can make a huge difference when resources are scarce.

With up to 14 hours of run time, this Westinghouse is an excellent option for extended weekends or farmers markets. It's also dual fuel, so you can seamlessly switch between gas and propane.

As we mentioned at the top of this post, the best time to buy a portable generator is now. Not in a week or when a storm is approaching—get one as soon as you can comfortably afford it. Preparing now will ensure you’re ready before an emergency happens, and with Presidents’ Day sales in full swing, you can take advantage of significant discounts instead of paying premium prices during an emergency. Remember: when severe weather hits, everyone will be doing the same thing, which means generators often sell out quickly or even see significant price increases due to sudden demand.

If you plan to use your backup power solution frequently, need to operate it indoors, or want something for camping trips, a portable power station is your best bet. These battery-powered units offer silent, emission-free operation with virtually no maintenance—perfect for powering essential electronics like phones, laptops, and CPAP machines. Their clean, quiet performance makes them ideal companions for everything from remote work sessions to beach days.

However, a traditional gas generator is still the best if your top priorities are maximum power output and extended runtime. While they require more maintenance, their ability to run indefinitely (as long as you have fuel) makes them invaluable during extended outages. They excel at powering heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and AC units—tasks that might overwhelm smaller power stations.

To determine your power needs, start by listing all the devices you want to run simultaneously. For each device, consider two numbers: running watts (the power needed to keep it going) and starting watts (the extra power needed at startup). This is especially important for appliances with motors, like refrigerators, which require a significant power surge.

Here’s how to calculate how much wattage you need:

Our editors recommend choosing a generator with more capacity than your calculated needs. This prevents overloading and allows you to power additional devices in the future.

Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.

The 7 Best Space Heaters in 2025

The Best Ice Machines For Every Occasion

The 7 Best Electric Snowblowers

The 5 Best Portable Power Stations

Dig Yourself Out With One of These Snowblowers

DeWalt’s Power Tool Combo Kit Is 50% Off at Amazon

The Best Apple Presidents' Day Deals 2025

Presidents’ Day TV Sales 2025

Presidents’ Day Grill Sales 2025: Save Over $100

Save 48% Off DeWalt Presidents’ Day Sales 2025

Lowe’s Presidents’ Day Sale 2025

Tested and Approved: Best Pressure Washers 2025