RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source Review: The Ultimate Pocket Power Solution?

We’ve all been there. The power flickers and dies during a storm, leaving you in the dark. You’re at a campsite, miles from the nearest outlet, and your laptop battery is flashing a desperate red warning. Or maybe you’re on a busy job site, needing to charge a phone or a small tool battery without running a hundred-foot extension cord. In these moments, that sinking feeling of being disconnected and powerless is all too familiar. For years, the solution was either a bulky, noisy gas generator or a collection of small, single-purpose power banks that could only handle a phone. The former is overkill for charging a laptop, and the latter is useless for anything with a standard wall plug. This gap in portable power is a modern frustration, a disconnect between our highly-connected lives and the reality of a world that doesn’t always have an outlet handy. The challenge is finding a solution that is both powerful enough for real-world devices and small enough to be genuinely portable, a tool that turns the batteries you already own into the power you desperately need. Having a reliable, compact power source isn’t just a convenience; it’s a critical piece of gear for emergency preparedness, outdoor recreation, and modern work flexibility. Finding the right one can make all the difference, which is why we were so eager to get our hands on this device and see if it lived up to its promise. You can explore its potential for yourself and check current pricing here.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Power Inverter

A portable power source, especially a battery-powered inverter, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between your electronic devices and your power tool battery ecosystem. Its main benefit is liberating you from the wall outlet. This technology transforms the DC power from a tool battery into clean AC power, suitable for sensitive electronics like laptops, tablets, and cameras. It’s the ultimate tool for emergency preparedness during power outages, allowing you to keep critical devices like routers and phones running. For campers, photographers, and remote workers, it provides the freedom to work and stay connected from anywhere. It solves the problem of having multiple proprietary chargers by leveraging the universal power source you already trust for your tools.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone already invested in a specific battery platform, like RYOBI’s 18V ONE+ system. They are homeowners who want a simple backup solution, DIY enthusiasts working in their yard, or outdoor adventurers who need to power small electronics. It’s for the person who values portability and convenience over raw power. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to run high-demand appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or power tools like circular saws. For those heavy-duty needs, a larger power station or a traditional gas generator would be a more appropriate, albeit less portable, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is the main selling point. You should look for a unit that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a glove box, a backpack, or a tool bag without being cumbersome. The entire point is to have power on the go, so a bulky or heavy design defeats the purpose. Consider the unit’s dimensions with a battery attached, as that represents its true footprint.
• Capacity/Performance: This is measured in watts. A 150-watt inverter, like the one we’re reviewing, is perfect for small electronics. Before buying, check the power draw (in watts or amps) of the devices you intend to run. A typical laptop charger might pull 65-90 watts, making it a perfect match. Trying to run something that exceeds the continuous wattage rating will cause the inverter to shut down or potentially be damaged.
• Materials & Durability: This device will likely be used in less-than-ideal conditions—on a job site, at a campsite, or during an emergency. Look for a sturdy plastic housing that can withstand bumps and drops. The quality of the outlets and USB ports is also critical, as these are the primary points of interaction and potential failure.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best portable power sources are plug-and-play. It should be as simple as snapping on a battery and pressing a button. Look for clear indicator lights for power status and any potential faults. Since it’s battery-powered, there is virtually no maintenance beyond keeping the unit clean and the batteries charged, a major advantage over gas-powered alternatives.

Understanding these factors will help you determine if a compact inverter is the right solution for your specific needs. It’s a specialized tool that excels in its niche.

While the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from compact inverters to heavy-duty dual-fuel generators, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

Unboxing the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source, the first thing that struck us was its incredibly compact size. Photos don’t quite do it justice. At just over 5 inches long and weighing less than a pound (0.82 lbs without a battery), it feels more like a chunky power bank than a serious power tool accessory. It’s surprisingly smaller than many of the older, lower-wattage inverters we’ve tested. The classic RYOBI green and gray color scheme is present, and the construction feels solid and durable, ready for the rigors of a toolbox or a campsite. There’s no assembly required; it’s ready to go straight out of the box. We snapped on a 4.0Ah 18V ONE+ battery, and it clicked into place with a satisfying, secure connection. The unit, even with the battery, remains well-balanced and easy to handle. The layout is simple and intuitive: a single power button, a three-pronged 120V AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and a small but bright LED light. Turning it on, a small green LED indicates it’s ready, and the unit is completely silent, a stark and welcome contrast to traditional generators. This initial hands-on experience immediately confirmed its core promise: maximum portability and simplicity. You can see its compact design and full feature set here.

A Deep Dive into the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source’s Performance

A compact power source lives or dies by its real-world performance. It’s not about the numbers on the box, but about whether it can reliably power your essential devices when you need it most. We put the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source through a series of tests, from the campsite to the home office during a simulated power outage, to see if this little green box could truly deliver on its promises.

Power Output and Device Compatibility: The 150-Watt Sweet Spot

The headline feature is, of course, the 150 watts of continuous power from a standard 120V AC outlet. To be clear, this is not a generator for running power tools or kitchen appliances. Its purpose is to power and charge low-draw electronics, and in this arena, it excels. We started with the most common use case: a laptop. Our Dell XPS 13, with its 65-watt charger, ran flawlessly. We were able to work for hours, draining a 4.0Ah battery in just under 2 hours while actively using the laptop. For simply charging the laptop while it was off, the battery life extended significantly.

We then moved on to other devices. It had no trouble powering a small 24-inch LED television, which drew about 45 watts. This was a fantastic discovery for tailgating or camping. We also successfully ran a small desk fan, a critical test confirmed by a user in Puerto Rico who praised the device for keeping their kids cool during frequent blackouts (“apagones”). This real-world feedback underscores the profound impact a simple device like this can have. Another user confirmed our findings, noting it was a lifesaver during an outage, powering their internet router so they could stream a movie on a laptop. This is the sweet spot for the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source: keeping you connected and comfortable when the grid goes down. Simultaneously, we charged two smartphones using the dual USB-A ports. They provided a standard charge speed, perfectly adequate for topping up devices. It is important to note, however, that the AC outlet and USB ports share the 150-watt output, so loading it up will drain the battery faster. We also took note of a user who reported receiving a unit with non-functional USB ports. We meticulously tested ours, and they worked perfectly, but it serves as a reminder to test all features upon arrival. The power it provides is a modified sine wave, which is perfectly fine for most modern electronics with switching power supplies (like chargers), but may not be ideal for sensitive audio equipment or certain medical devices. For its intended purpose, however, we found the power quality to be excellent. This versatile output is a feature that really sets it apart in the tool-battery inverter category.

Unmatched Portability and Integration with the ONE+ Ecosystem

The single greatest advantage of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source is its physical design and its place within the vast ONE+ ecosystem. Weighing under a pound and being barely larger than your fist, its portability is phenomenal. We tossed it into a backpack with a couple of batteries and barely noticed the extra weight. This is a game-changer compared to even the smallest “portable” power stations, which often weigh 10-20 pounds. As one user noted, it’s “mas compacto de lo que esperaba” (more compact than I expected), highlighting its excellent portability and versatility for emergencies. The ability to use any of the over 260 tools’ batteries is the key value proposition. If you’re a homeowner with a RYOBI drill and leaf blower, you already have the fuel for this inverter. There’s no need to buy and maintain a separate power source with a proprietary battery. You can scale your runtime simply by bringing more 18V batteries. On a camping trip, we used the same batteries to power the inverter for our lights and phone charging at night and to run a small inflator for our air mattresses during the day. This level of integration is something standalone power banks simply cannot offer. The build quality feels robust, designed to be knocked around in a tool bag. The battery connection is firm, with no wobble, ensuring a reliable electrical contact. This inverter truly transforms every 18V battery you own into a miniature, silent generator, ready at a moment’s notice.

Essential for Emergency Preparedness and Everyday Convenience

While fantastic for recreation, the true value of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source shines during unexpected situations. We simulated a power outage and immediately put it to work. Its first and most critical job was to power our internet modem and Wi-Fi router. Drawing only about 20-30 watts combined, a single 4.0Ah battery kept our home network online for several hours, allowing us to get news updates and stay in contact on our phones. This is a modern-day necessity that many large generators can’t provide as efficiently or safely indoors.

The integrated LED light is another thoughtful feature. While not as bright as a dedicated work light, it’s more than sufficient for illuminating a small room, finding things in a tent, or lighting up a breaker box. It’s one less thing to carry. The unit’s operation is dead silent, a massive benefit for indoor use during an outage where the roar of a gas generator would be disruptive and dangerous due to fumes. This silence also makes it ideal for quiet environments like a campsite or a library. It’s the ultimate “peace of mind” gadget. Having a few fully charged 18V batteries on hand means you’re always prepared for a minor emergency without the maintenance, fuel storage, and noise of a traditional generator. This level of preparedness and convenience is hard to overstate, making it an essential purchase for any RYOBI tool owner. For anyone looking to add a layer of security to their home, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source is largely echoed by the broader user community. The praise is overwhelmingly focused on its convenience and compact size. One user celebrated its utility during a power outage, stating it “came in handy… to power my router so we could stream a movie on the laptop.” This perfectly captures its ideal use case. Another Spanish-speaking user from Puerto Rico, dealing with frequent blackouts, called it “un éxito” (a success), expressing immense gratitude that it could power a fan to keep their children from suffering in the heat. This powerful testimony highlights the device’s role as more than a gadget, but as a crucial tool for comfort and safety.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and it’s important to acknowledge potential issues. The most significant criticism we found came from a user who received a unit with a faulty dual USB port, where only one side was assembled correctly and neither provided power. They were understandably frustrated, as this happened just outside their return window. While our test unit’s USB ports functioned perfectly, this report points to a potential quality control lapse that buyers should be aware of. We recommend testing both the AC and USB functions thoroughly upon receipt. It’s a critical reminder that even with a trusted brand, manufacturing defects can occur. You can read through more user experiences and reviews to get a fully balanced picture.

How Does the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source Compare to the Alternatives?

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source occupies a specific niche, but it’s helpful to see how it compares to other power solutions, even those in completely different classes. This comparison helps clarify who this device is truly for.

1. Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station 2400W

Comparing the Ryobi inverter to the Anker SOLIX F2000 is like comparing a scooter to a semi-truck. The Anker is a high-capacity, 2400W power station designed for whole-home backup, running large appliances, or powering a sophisticated RV setup. It uses advanced LiFePO4 batteries and offers immense power output. The choice here is not about which is “better,” but about the scale of your needs. If you need to run a refrigerator, a microwave, or a series of power tools simultaneously, the Anker is the obvious choice. However, it comes with a significant increase in cost, size, and weight. The Ryobi is for personal device portability; the Anker is for powering a lifestyle off-grid.

2. LEFOR·Z Carrying Case for Portable Power Station

This alternative is not a power source but an accessory, which highlights an important consideration: protecting your investment. While the Ryobi is small enough to be tossed in any bag, larger, more expensive power stations like a Jackery or Bluetti (for which this case is designed) require dedicated protection. If your power needs are greater than what the Ryobi can offer, forcing you to upgrade to a mid-size power station, you must also factor in the ecosystem of accessories needed to transport and protect it. This case represents the added logistical burden of larger power solutions, reinforcing the supreme, hassle-free portability of the Ryobi inverter for those who can live within its 150-watt limit.

3. Westinghouse 11000W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Here we see the most extreme contrast. The Westinghouse is a traditional, combustion-powered generator with a massive 11,000-watt peak output. It can power an entire house, including central air conditioning and well pumps. It runs on gasoline or propane, providing long-term power as long as you have fuel. However, it is extremely heavy, incredibly loud, requires regular maintenance, and can only be operated outdoors due to exhaust fumes. The RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source is the polar opposite: silent, fumeless, maintenance-free, and safe for indoor use. The choice is clear: for whole-home, long-duration power outages, you need the Westinghouse. For quietly charging a laptop indoors or at a campsite, the Ryobi is infinitely more practical and convenient.

Our Final Verdict: Is the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a resounding yes, with one important condition: you must already be part of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ ecosystem. For a current RYOBI user, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 150 Watt Power Source is an almost essential accessory. It’s an incredibly affordable, ultra-portable, and highly effective way to leverage the batteries you already own, turning them into a versatile power source for life’s unexpected moments. It excels in its designated role of powering small electronics like laptops, phones, routers, and small fans.

Its strengths are its phenomenal portability, dead-silent operation, and seamless integration. It’s the perfect companion for camping, remote work, and especially for emergency preparedness during a power outage. While it can’t power your whole house, it can power your connection to the outside world, which is often just as critical. The only notable drawback is the potential for quality control issues, particularly with the USB ports, so we urge buyers to test their unit completely upon arrival. For the price and the immense utility it offers, this small device delivers tremendous value and peace of mind. If you own RYOBI 18V tools, this isn’t just a good idea—it’s the smartest, most convenient power accessory you can buy. We highly recommend adding this indispensable tool to your collection today.