10 Best Power Inverter for Cars [Expert Pick]

In this modern era, we spend so much of our time on the roads in a car. Not just for work, we use vehicles for recreational purposes too. While we are inside a vehicle or go somewhere in a car, we might need to use or charge many electrical devices. Having access to use the car’s power to power up other electrical devices comes very handy while travelling.

Inverters for cars make a car’s power accessible to use for other electronic devices or appliances. Here, we will have an in-depth discussion about the 10 best power inverter for cars

List of Best Power Inverter for Cars

Product Name	Image	Ratings	Price
Bestek 300W Power Inverter		9.5/10	Check Price
Foval 150W Car Power Inverter		9.5/10	Check Price
Bestek 200W Power Inverter		9.5/10	Check Price
Krieger 2000W Power Inverter		8.5/10	Check Price
Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter		8.5/10	Check Price
Ampeak 100W Car Power Inverter		8.5/10	Check Price
Pure 300W Sine Wave Inverter		8.5/10	Check Price
Potek 500W Power Inverter		8.5/10	Check Price
Duracell 175W Portable Power Inverter		8/10	Check Price
Kinverch 2000W Continuous Power Inverter		8/10	Check Price

Best Car Power Inverters Review

1. Bestek 300W Power Inverter [Editor’s Pick]

Bestek is one of America’s leading power inverter manufacturers. This inverter from the brand is one of their highest selling and popular ones. It has a simple and classy design. It supplies 300 watts of continuous DC to AC power and 700 watts of peak power. It converts 12V DC power supply to 110V AC power.

It has 2 AC outlets that you can use at a time. You can use the two AC outlets for larger devices, like laptops or tablets. It also comes with two 4.2A USB port. You can connect your USB devices or charge your phone on the go, and it is capable of fast charging. This is a very compact product. It is almost the size of a smartphone. You can carry it wherever you go, whether on work or vacation. This power inverter can be plugged into any type of vehicle. The inverter is made to be safe for charging. It has built-in 40 amps fuse to protect your electronic devices connected to the inverter. It protects from overheating, over or under voltage charging, and short-circuiting. The body of the car inverter is made in such a way that it can resist drops or bumps. It is made of aluminium alloy that makes it very durable. The cigarette lighter socket can be inserted in almost any vehicle, and it can resist up to 5000 insertions and extraction.It has a cooling fan that generally runs slower and silently but speeds up when the output power exceeds 70W.

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2. Foval 150W Car Power Inverter [Budget Pick]

This inverter from the brand Foval is a compact one with only one AC outlet. However, it has two USB ports to charge your devices. It is a 150W inverter that converts 12V DC to 110V AC. The ports can charge most phones, tablets, and a laptop simultaneously.

If you are looking for a compact, easy to carry inverter, this could be the best option. This inverter is tiny, almost the size of a credit card. The body is aluminium made, which is sturdy yet very lightweight. The metal body would protect the inner parts even if the inverter failed. It has a built-in fuse to protect your electronic devices. It is designed to provide stable charging and resisting overheating, under and over voltage charging, short-circuiting, overloads, and overcharging issues. The cooling fan that comes with the inverter lets the inverter reduce heat. It runs without any unpleasant noise and becomes faster when a heating problem occurs. It also prevents short-circuits.

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3. Bestek 200W Power Inverter

This is another good one from the brand Bestek. However, this is their 200W inverter. This could also be a good option for your car. It continuously provides 200W but provides 500W at peak power.

You can use multiple devices with this inverter. It comes with 3 AC outlets and four 4.2A USB charging ports. It can power all seven devices simultaneously, and you can charge phones, laptops, tablets, etc., at once. It also an on/off switch, which allows you to control the inverter. It comes with a cigarette plug that makes it easy to use in any vehicle. The cord is long enough for you to use it on the backseats of the car. It has a built-in fuse to protect your devices. It has a cooling fan that controls overheating issues. This inverter also has a low power alarm, low battery shutdown, overload protection, and short circuit protection.

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4. Krieger 2000W Power Inverter

Krieger power inverter provides continuous power of 2000W and 4000W of peak power. It is a modified sine wave power inverter which converts 12V DC current to 120V AC current. The smart chip of this inverter prevents any damage.

It is a small and compact inverter that is very easy to install. All you need to do is plug it in, and it is ready to use. It comes with two AC power outlets and two USB ports of 2.1A. This inverter has a special feature, which is an LCD display. It indicates battery output, input voltage, and output watt, temperature overload, or some warnings like high voltage, low voltage, or voltage overload. METLAB approved this inverter for both its safety features and performance. The inverter is designed to prevent short circuits, and the ANL fuse will not let any damage happen to your devices. It has an ultra-silent fat that prevents overheating. The inverter is made of aluminium, which increases the lifespan of it. Its high-performance capacitors allow even charging for your devices. This inverter has high-frequency transformers that will ensure efficient power conversion. This inverter works as a massive powerhouse; you can use almost any electrical device with it. Not only for your car, but you can also use it for emergency uses too. Refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, or any handheld tools can be used with this inverter.

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5. Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter

Ampeak promises to provide the most specialized and sophisticated automotive electric devices, and their 2000W power inverter is one of them. As the name suggests, it is a 2000 watt inverter that converts 11-15V DC into 105-125V AC.

This high-power inverter is suitable for more oversized vehicles like trucks, SUVs, RVs for outings or road trips where you will need power. You can use it to power up many devices in case of an emergency. The modified sine wave of the inverter works perfectly for resistive products. You can use up to three large devices in the three AC outlets simultaneously. However, it has only one USB port. In the LCD on the inverter, you can keep track of the input or the outputs. Any warnings are also displayed on display;signs include low voltage, high voltage, voltage overload, short circuit, or overheat protection. This inverter is best for preventing overheating problems as it comes with two cooling fans. It will also let you know about any issue with its audible alarm. It shuts down automatically when the inverter faces overheating issues. The body of the inverter is plastic made, more specifically ABS material, and provides all-around protection. The cables it comes with are all insulated ring terminal cables, which is much safer compared to the alligator clip cables with plastic covers. Furthermore, it has a power switch to toggle between on and off. It is best to keep the switch off when you leave your car. Apart from that, it has three indicator lights for input, output in kilowatt, and output in watt. It is a compact inverter that is easy to mount in the vehicle.

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6. Ampeak 100W Car Power Inverter [Best Portable]

With over 24 years of experience in making electric devices, they have a wide range of inverters. This one is their 100-watt power inverter for cars. It is the best portable inverter. It is even smaller than some of the smartphones these days, and you can easily carry it anywhere you want.

The inverter has 100W continuous power and 300W peak power witha 110V AC outlet and a 2.1A USB port. Moreover, you get the benefits of an adjustable cigarette plug. It has a ventilation opening on the side for the cooling fan. It will keep the inverter cool when overheating occurs. The inverter has one AC outlet that provides 110V power and one 2.1A USB port. It also has a LED indicator. When in operation, it emits green light, and when any error occurs, it emits red light.

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7. Pure 300W Sine Wave Inverter

This inverter is from the brand Giandel, which is an internationally recognized brand. They are masters of making inverters. This one is the Pure Sine Wave inverter is 300W. It can continuously provide 300W of power and 600W peak power.

Sine wave inverter provides clean power, low interference, low noise but high efficiency. It provides stable power to your devices when converts 12V DC to 120V AC. It has 2 AC outlets for your electronic devices. It also comes with two USB ports which auto detects your device. The cooling fan of this inverter makes it silent while running. The fuse is there to avoid any short circuit and prevents your devices from damaging. The fuse is placed externally, so changing it becomes very convenient. The cigarette lighter plug makes it easy to plug in or out. The on/off switch on the back gives control over the inverter.

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8. Potek 500W Power Inverter

This inverter from the brand Potek is a 500-watt inverter with a sleek design. It converts 12V DC current to 110V AC current for your devices to run smoothly. It has a dual AC outlet as well as a dual USB port.

Continuously the inverter provides 500 watts of power, but the peak power is 1000 watts. You can use most laptops, phones, tablets, or other electronic devices. To make your experience more pleasant, it has a silent cooling fan. It runs only when the inverter starts to overheat. Otherwise, you will not hear a thing from the inverter. It has a display on top to display the current status of the inverter. It indicates the input and output wattage. In spite of current status, it also displays issues like overheating, low voltage, high voltage, short circuit, etc. The button under the display is a very convenient feature of this product. You can push the button for 3 seconds, and the inverter will turn on or off. You have full control over it, so no extra power gets wasted. Most noteworthy, the inverter has two fuses. So, you do not have to worry about the safety of the inverter. The fuses protect your electronic devices from damage. For attaching the inverter, it comes with two clips and a cigarette plug.

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9. Duracell 175W Portable Power Inverter

This 175-watt power inverter is from the brand Duracell. It is a very small and compact one that you can easily carry around. It has two AC outlets and two USB ports. It can be plugged into with the cigarette lighter and accessible to the back seat through the wire.

Furthermore, this inverter has a high-quality cooling fan for ventilation. It makes the inverter safe to use. Moreover, it does not make any unpleasant noise. Some safety features are included in this inverter that makes it reliable. It has AC input overload or short circuit protection, as well as DC input over or under-voltage protection.

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10. Kinverch 2000W Continuous Power Inverter

This is a powerful inverter from the brand Kinverch. It can provide continuous power of 2000 watts and 5000 watts peak power. It uses a modified sine wave to convert current. If you need a larger amount of power, then you can choose this high power inverter. Using this converter, 12V DC is converted into 120V AC.

The inverter has three AC power outlets and two USB ports with protection. It has eight fuses, and two cooling fans ensure ultra-silent cooling. It only runs when the inverter reaches a certain temperature and needs to be cooled down. The temperature is about 104ºF when the fans run. The inverter runs safely and efficiently at a cool temperature. A special feature of this inverter is that it can be controlled using an App. It is the first inverter with this feature. It has a Bluetooth adapter that is connected to your phone,and you can use the App in real-time. You can check on the input or output wattage, overheating, or any other malfunction. It also comes with an on/off switch for convenience.

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Purpose of Power Inverter for Car

The main purpose of an inverter for the car is to convert the current from DC to AC. Most electronic devices or appliances we use in our households run with AC current. Therefore, the power outlets we have in our homes are AC power outlets.

However, a car produces current with an alternator and stores it in a battery. The battery provides DC to all the other devices. This means, we cannot directly connect our devices to the car; we need a converter. This DC to AC converter for a car is called an inverter.

Without an inverter, we could not have the flexibility to use our essential electronics using a car battery or in the car. It allows us to have access to electronic devices on the go.

Buying Guide for Car Power Inverter

Firstly, ask yourself why do you need a car power inverter. That will give the answer to what type of inverter you need. However, there are some criteria you need to check before making your purchase for a car inverter.

Types of Inverter

There are usually two types of an inverter. One type is for cars, and the other one is for home uses. Car inverters usually have AC power outlets and USB ports. They get power from the battery and covert it for use. Generally, car inverters have power up to 1500 watt. Some come with more capacity, like 2000 watt.

On the other hand, home inverters get energy from solar panels or power banks and provide power to the home appliances. Home inverters come with a capacity of 3000 watts. Any type of appliances can be used with this watt.

Power

Power of an inverter is indicated with watt. The higher the watt, the more powerful electronics can be used with it. Phones, laptops, tablets do not require many watts, and you can use a 150-watt inverter for it.

However, if you want to use your inverter for TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, air mattress, etc., then you might need more wattage, like 2000W. It totally depends on you how much your need is.

Usage

You must decide how you are going to use your inverter. If your purpose of using an inverter is only to run the entertainment system, then you might not need much wattage. Laptops, phones, tablets, etc., does not take many watts to operate.

On the contrary, if you are going camping and want to use your car battery for running appliances like coffee maker, cooker, etc., then you will need higher wattage inverter.

Outlets

Having power is not enough if you do not have many outlets to plug in your devices. However, it depends on you how many AC outlets you need. If you want to connect more devices, you should choose one that comes with multiple power outlets.

For standard inverters, they come with three-prong AC power outlets and USB ports. You can get inverters with only one power outlet to upto four AC power outlets.

Sine Waves

We get the option between a pure sine wave and modified sine wave. Some devices need pure sine wave power to function properly and vice versa. Irregular waveforms can damage your devices.

Therefore, most inverters use either a pure sine wave or modified sine wave. A modified sine wave is better for devices as they put less stress on the devices, and pure sine wave increases efficiency.

Connectors

Most inverters can be connected to your vehicle with the cigarette lighter plug. It is the simplest way to connect an inverter. However, some inverters come with clips to directly connect with the car battery.

If you plan to use your inverter on camping or outdoors, you can have one with clips. That way you can use your inverter directly with the battery.

Cables

Some inverters are so compactthat you can use them only from the front seat. Some have longer cables to provide more accessibility. If you are more prone to charge your devices from the backseat, you need an inverter with longer cables. Also, if you own a bigger vehicle or RVs, then you might want an inverter with longer cables.

Build Quality

The body of the inverter needs to be sturdy. Otherwise, it can break easily. The inverter body also has to have the capability to secure the inside circuits so that they do not get damaged.

Cooling Fan

Not all inverters come with a cooling fan. It is best to choose one that has a built-in fan. Electronic devices can heat up a lot, at a time like that a cooling fan comes very handy. Cooling fan prevents overheating and damaging devices. The cooling fan increases the lifespan of your inverter as well as making it safer.

Safety Feature

Safety features are important for an inverter; otherwise, your devices can get damaged. Most inverters come with a minimum one fuse so that burst of electricity does not damage the device that is connected to the inverter. Some good ones come with multiple fuses and also have backup fuses. Make sure your inverter has a fuse before purchasing.

Some other safety features like indicators are also necessary. Some basic inverters have only LED to indicate the condition of the inverter, whereas, some inverters have LED to display the input, output wattage, overheating, etc. issues.

Remote Control

There are some inverters in the market that have remote access control. This feature might not always be necessary, yet it might come in handy. In small cars, you might not need remote access. However, this feature will be very beneficial if you want an inverter for RV.

Other features

You can get some basic inverters that get the job done, as well as inverters with some special features. You can get the option for on/off switch. Some have an only light indicator for warning whereas some have LED for that. Some advanced inverters can be accessed using an app or have a remote switch. If you are into these type of additional features, you can choose one with those.

Price

Whenever you think about making any purchase, the first thing comes in your mind is the price. However, for car inverters, it does not matter much. For higher wattage, the price can be a bit higher. Though, most of the inverters come at similar prices and are affordable. According to your need, you can choose one.

Warranty

Warranty can be helpful when something goes wrong with your inverter. Good inverters might not have issues; still, it is best to have a warranty in case you need it. You do not have to go through the hassle of buying a new one if you have a warranty. You can use a free servicing and replacement for your broken inverter.

How to Install a Power Inverter in a Car

Inverter for cars or other vehicles is very easy to use or install. All you need to do is plug it in. Most inverters come with cigarette lighter plug. However, in this way you cannot use the full wattage.

The other way is to connect with the battery directly. This is a bit difficult way to connect the inverter. You will need cable to connect with the battery and you must know the way to install a power inverter in a car. You will get the full wattage if you connect the inverter directly with the battery.

Different Uses of Inverter

Ideally, an inverter for a car is used to charge devices that we use everyday, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. However, an inverter can be used for various reasons. There are so many people whose need from an inverter is not charging phones but other things.

If you go camping, you can use the car battery with the help of an inverter to do a lot of tasks. It can be used to inflate air mattresses, TV, coffee makers, electric cooker or stove, etc.

Conclusion

If your car has become your second home, you cannot live without a car inverter. Having so many electric devices around us, we always need current to operate them. We are living at a time where we cannot operate without electronics. An inverter is a must to charge or make these electronics or appliances work on the go.

Now that you know everything about a car inverter, you can easily choose the best power inverter for a car that is suitable for your needs.

FAQ

1. How long can a car battery run a power inverter?

Most car batteries can run a power inverter for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Even when the engine is off, the battery might still run the inverter.

2. How long will a 12V car battery last with an inverter?

How long a car battery will last depends on the battery. Usually, a 12V car battery with an inverter will last for about 10 to 17 hours.

3. Can I use a car battery for the inverter?

Yes, you can. In an emergency, you can attach your inverter to your battery; then you can plug in your electronic devices or appliances to the inverter.

4. What is the best battery to use for an inverter?

Deep cycle batteries are the best to use with an inverter. You can use normal starter batteries too. However, they might wear out comparatively quickly.

5. How many watts do I need for my inverter?

It depends on the watts requirement for the devices you are using with the inverter. Suppose you want to charge your laptop which is 500 watts, then you will need an inverter which has a continuous power of 500 watts at least.

6. Can you charge a battery while using an inverter?

The battery needs to be recharged as inverter draws out the charge from the battery. You can charge your car with a charger or by running. However, it is best to charge your battery first before switching on your inverter.