If you spend a lot of time camping or on the road, a pure sine wave inverter could be your new favorite gadget.
A sine wave inverter lets you convert the direct current (DC) produced by your car battery to the alternating current (AC) that appliances and other electronics can run on. We’re talking about pure sine wave inverters today rather than modified sine wave inverters.
While usually a bit more expensive, pure sine wave inverters come the closest to mimicking the power from a wall outlet. That means you can power most of your electronics safely and effectively.
We’re going to go over five popular sine wave inverters to identify the best one for you. For a quick comparison, we include a table with all of the relevant information. If you’re interested in more details, scroll down to our review section.
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Bestek Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
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Voltworks Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
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GoWISE 1000W
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Renogy 1000W
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Hoenjuno 1200W
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1. Bestek Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
Specification
Safety Features | Protection against overheating, built-in fuse |
Power Outlets | Two AC power outlets, two USB ports |
Warranty | 18 months |
Power Output | 300W |
Battery Requirements | 12V |
Space | 8.1 x 5.3 x 2.6 inches |
Remote Operation | No |
The Bestek 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter is small and portable. It still has the power to keep you comfortable and connected. It’s great for charging laptops, e-readers, speakers and other electronics.
While you should avoid setting this inverter in direct sunlight or next to something heat-sensitive, it has a smart cooling fan to prevent overheating. The inverter’s housing is made of an aluminum alloy to protect it from physical damage and has a fully protected built-in fuse.
The inverter has two AC power outlets and two USB ports for your convenience. If you’re charging an iPad using one of the USB ports, it’s recommended that you keep the other free. Don’t attempt to power high-energy electronics like hair dryers or electric heaters with this inverter.
The Bestek Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter we’re looking at can produce 300W of power. It comes with a convenient cigarette lighter adapter. However, if the appliance you’re attempting to power has an input of more than 150W, you should wire the inverter directly to your car battery instead.
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PROS
- 18-month warranty so you can feel secure in your purchase.
- Small enough for tight spaces.
- Can connect to your car’s cigarette lighter.
CONS
- Not powerful enough to maintain all of the amenities you might like
- No remote control, so turning it on and off isn’t as convenient as it could be.
For the price, the 300W Bestek Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter is a durable and efficient choice if you’re looking to power some of your life’s more minor luxuries while you’re camping or on the road.
2. Voltworks Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
Specification
Safety Features | Short circuit protection, over or under-voltage protection |
Power Outlets | Three AC power outlets, two USB ports |
Warranty | 18 months |
Power Output | 1500W |
Battery Requirements | 12V 200Ah |
Space | 14.49 x 7.99 x 3.9 inches |
Remote Operation | Yes |
The Voltworks 1500W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter is the most heavy-duty option we’re going to cover. It’s even suited for use in emergencies like hurricanes and blizzards when you might lose other sources of power. With this inverter, you can power everything from a refrigerator to a television.
It includes an automatic cooling fan to prevent overheating and runs quietly so that you can enjoy your appliances without the noise. It provides voltage protection, and you don’t have to worry about short circuits either.
This inverter features three AC power outlets and two USB ports, but the really exciting part of it is the Smart LCD, which will show you the input and output voltage of the inverter as well as your battery’s remaining capacity.
The Voltworks inverter can produce 1500W of continuous power, making it ideal for more energy-intensive activities. It comes with an 18-month warranty and can be operated remotely, so it’s a safe and convenient purchase.
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PROS
- Capable of powering the majority of your appliances.
- Great in case of emergencies or for making camping more comfortable.
CONS
- The largest of the inverters on this list.
- Works best with a 12V 200Ah battery
- Some appliances have higher start-up needs than even the 1500W can provide for which can overload the inverter.
Customers have reported success using this inverter for everything from being on the road in a semi-truck to camping.
3. GoWISE 1500W
Specification
Safety Features | Thermal, overload, voltage |
Power Outlets | Three AC outlets, one USB port |
Warranty | 12 months |
Power Output | 1500W |
Battery Requirements | 12V |
Space | 8 x 3 x 14 inches |
Remote Operation | Yes |
The GoWISE 1500W inverter is perfect for use on boats and in cars. It’s capable of powering even extremely sensitive equipment and computers. This inverter is good to have on hand in the case of a power failure.
The GoWise inverter comes with five highly advertised protection systems, including thermal protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, under-voltage protection and a low voltage protection alarm.
This inverter provides three AC power outlets and a USB port for a variety of power needs, whether you’re charging your phone or powering a lamp.
PROS
- 1500W of power is usually plenty for most needs.
- Comes with a remote for your convenience.
CONS
- The warranty on the GoWise inverter is only 12 months as opposed to the 18 offered by our prior two selections.
- At eight pounds, it’s on the heavier side, so if you’re trying to travel light, this might not be the answer to your power needs
The GoWise inverter offers similar capabilities to the Voltworks inverter, although it’s a slightly more affordable option.
4. Renogy 1000W
Specification
Safety Features | Thermal, overload, voltage, short circuit |
Power Outlets | Two AC power outlets, one USB port |
Warranty | Upon request |
Power Output | 1000W |
Battery Requirements | 12V |
Space | 13 x 7 x 3 inches |
Remote Operation | Yes |
The Renogy 1000W inverter is optimized to run on a 12V battery like the one found in many cars. It’s ideal for powering the tools, fans and lights that will make your camping experience more enjoyable.
One of this inverter’s most notable features is its LED indicator lights for over-load protection, under-and-over-voltage protection, thermal protection, as well as indicating a short circuit. A high-speed ventilation fan means that it stays cool even while running.
This inverter only has two AC power outlets and one USB port, so it’s better for powering one fairly demanding appliance rather than several smaller items.
PROS
- LED indicator lights.
- Mid-sized and with a decent amount of power.
CONS
- If you want more information about a warranty for this inverter, you have to contact customer service directly.
- Limited power outlets and only one USB port.
While reviewers are mostly favorable, many buyers weren’t thrilled with the warranty offered.
5. Hoenjuno 1200W
Specification
Safety Features | Voltage, short circuit, thermal, fuse |
Power Outlets | Four AC power outlets, one USB port |
Warranty | 18 months |
Power Output | 1200W |
Battery Requirements | 12V 200Ah |
Space | 10.04 x 7.48 x 3.94 inches |
Remote Operation | Yes |
The Hoenjuno 1200W inverter is our final selection. With four AC power outlets, it’s ideal for use with an RV or during an outdoor event of some kind. It also has a USB port if you happen to have forgotten your phone brick.
It has an LCD display and LED indicator lights, making it easy to read and understand. It’s small and relatively lightweight, so it’s easy to store, and you can travel easily.
This inverter has extensive safety features, including protection against blown fuses and overheating. You’ll also have access to 24-hour customer service.
PROS
- Four AC power outlets.
- 18-month warranty.
- Highly portable.
- Comes with a remote.
CONS
- Only one USB port.
- Brightly colored, which some may not appreciate
Past buyers are pleased with the functionality the Hoenjuno 1200W provides, although it’s on the pricier side.
What is a pure sine wave inverter?
A pure sine wave inverter converts the type of electric current produced by your car battery to the type of electric current that your phone, television, fridge or other appliance can use.
How does a pure sine inverter work?
A pure sine wave inverter works in three phases: the oscillator stage, the amplifier stage and the output transformer stage. In the first stage, the inverter produces oscillating pulses until it reaches the right frequency. In the next stage, the energy is amplified until it reaches a level that will power your appliances. In the last stage, the power is converted from DC to AC so it can be used.
Do you really need a pure sine wave inverter?
If you want power while you’re living off the grid, you need a pure sine wave inverter to keep the amenities of modern life functioning. Even a small one that you use to keep a cellphone charged in case of emergencies can be incredibly valuable.
Overall, we believe that the Bestek 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter will be the best choice for most consumers. It’s affordable and easy to travel with. Because of this, it’s a great option whether you’re an experienced camper or going on a scenic road trip.
If you like what you are reading, please try to check out our other product reviews:
- Best 2000W Power Inverter in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best 300 Watt Power Inverter in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best 1000 Watt Power Inverter in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best 200W Power Inverter in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best 1500 Watt Power Inverter in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best 3000 Watt Power Inverters in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)