Can't find your car? Contact us here
Want to view an example car? View a Sample
Turn Your Car Into A Moving Home With The Best Car Power Inverters
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices.
When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
Last Updated:
You must have seen those awesome cars on TikTok that come equipped with LCD TVs, mini-fridges, and other cool and practical accessories. Your car can be just as functional if you invest in a car power inverter. These electrical transformers provide an outlet in your car that is similar to the ones in your house. You can plug in all kinds of electronics and power them up.
Getting a high-quality and safe-to-use inverter from the many options available online can be tricky, unfortunately. To help you, we decided to make this guide to help you get your hands on the quality car power inverters of 2023 and teach you all about these handy devices.
Finding Your Next Car Power Inverter: A Buyer’s Guide
A low-quality power inverter can destroy your electronics, so to save you from such a fate, here is our guide to buying a safe-to-use and high-quality inverter for your vehicle.
Explaining the Terms Related to Car Power Inverters
AC/DC
AC refers to alternating current, and DC refers to direct current. Your car's outlet outputs direct current, which is why you need an inverter to turn it into an alternating current. You can then use this alternating current output from the inverter to run low-power consumption devices or charge your phone.
Watts
You will also see most inverters have a number with “W” in their product description, such as 300W. This number represents how much power the inverter can supply continuously. Most car power inverters have a power rating between 150W to 500W, with some heavy-duty options even having ratings as high as 3000W and beyond.
What to Look for When Shopping for Car Power Inverters
Compatibility
When buying a car power inverter, the first thing you want to check is its compatibility. Make sure it has all the output sockets you need and check if it is compatible with your car’s DC outlet. Your car’s DC outlets can be 12V or 24V. You can confirm these ratings by going through your car's handbook or consulting a mechanic. You'll need an inverter with the same rating. The inverter’s rating can be confirmed by going through the device's product description before purchase.
Output capacity
As mentioned before, the output capacity of an inverter is usually stated with a “W” symbol in the product description. Make sure the devices you want to use don’t need more power than the inverter can provide. You can do this by checking your device’s power consumption in its manual or label and comparing it with the output capacity of the inverter.
How We Made Our Picks
Compact size
With a compact inverter, you will have an easier time setting it up and shifting it around in your car. This is why we ensured all the inverters on our list were compact and lightweight. You can assess the portability and ease of storage of your new inverter by taking a look at its product description, where the dimensions and weight are usually stated.
Safety features
We also ensured all of our picks came with safety features, such as under-voltage, over-voltage, and overheating protection. This way, you and your expensive electronics will remain safe. You can usually find the safety features of an inverter in the product description.
How Much Do Car Power Inverters Cost?
The price of a car power inverter varies depending on its power capacity. 150W to 300W inverters are the most commonly used types and can cost anywhere between $17 and $30. While 500W to 750W options, on the other hand, can cost you up to $60. If you want even more power, you can opt for 2000W-3000W inverters, which can go for as much as $400.
Where does a car power inverter get its power from?
A car power inverter gets its power from your car’s DC output socket, which is shaped like a cigarette lighter socket. Some high-power options may need to be connected directly to a battery instead.
Will the car power inverter work if the vehicle is not running?
Yes, some cars can keep the inverter running when turned off, but it is best to unplug it or turn it off when not in use to save battery power.
Can I use the inverter while sitting in my car’s back seat?
If the cable of the inverter is long enough, you can use it from the back seat. You can check the cord length of an inverter in the product description.
