
When the power blinks out, most households reach for one of two options: a battery you can use indoors or a combustion engine that must stay outside. A portable power station trades fuel, fumes, and noise for clean electricity, while a gas generator offers continuous run time as long as you keep refilling. This guide compares the two by safety, noise, power, refueling, total cost, everyday convenience, and practical hybrid strategies so you can choose confidently for home backup, camping, or van life.