Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Review: Excellent Performance and Value
I don’t envy anyone looking to introduce a new portable power station to the market at the moment. Not only do you have to contend with the well-known brands already entrenched in the space, but there is also a glut of cheap knock-offs that only make it harder for consumers to find worthwhile products. Such is the challenge that a company called Ugreen faces as it introduces its line of PowerRoam products. These devices offer plenty of features and value but also face an uphill battle when attracting attention in this competitive environment.
We recently had the chance to test the new Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 and found it to be an excellent power station. The device offers everything most consumers could ask for in a product of this kind, including a solid lineup of charging ports, good battery capacity and power output, and fast charging capabilities. All of that comes at an affordable price tag, making this an intriguing alternative to some of the more established brands.
Photo Credit: Ugree
By the Numbers
For those unfamiliar with Ugreen, it is best known for making accessories for smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. The company’s catalog includes high-quality charging cables, docking stations, and multiport chargers. So while it has some experience in helping customers keep their devices powered up while on the go, building a portable power station is an entirely new venture for the brand. That said, Ugreen’s first entry into this fast-moving market does everything it needs to do—and then some.
The device comes with a 1024-watt-hour battery and has a sustained power output of 1200 watts in its normal operating mode. Ugreen has also given the device a “turbo” mode that boosts output to 2500W when needed, although, as expected, this can eat into battery life. The power station can also handle an initial peak power surge of up to 3000W, making it capable of running most small appliances without breaking a sweat.
In real-world use, these specs translate to recharging a smartphone more than 70 times or a laptop as many as 15 times. It also means the PowerRoam 1200 can run a mini-fridge for up to 20 hours, an LCD TV for 8 hours, or a CPAP machine for several nights in a row. It can even be used as a source of electricity at a job site, providing juice for power tools, Bluetooth speakers, and other equipment.
All of that battery capacity and power output fits in a case that is relatively compact at 13.4” x 8.6” x 10.6”. A built-in molded plastic handle on the top of the unit makes it easy to carry, and the case consists of flame-retardant materials for added safety. Those same materials make the PowerRoam durable enough for most outdoor adventures, although at 26.4 lbs., it is a little heavier than some competing models.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Power in, Power Out
One of the PowerRoam 1200’s most impressive features is its quick-charging capabilities. The power station can go from a completely drained battery to an 80% charge in under 50 minutes when plugged into a 120V AC wall outlet. Ugreen says it will take 1.5 hours to reach 100%, but during our testing, the unit actually topped off in about 20 additional minutes. That’s faster than most other models currently on the market and is a nice feature for when you’re in a hurry to hit the road.
The PowerRoam can also charge using up to 400 watts of solar panels, which is an impressive amount of power input for a device of this size. Under optimal conditions in direct sunlight, the power station can fully recharge its batteries in about three hours. Things aren’t quite so speedy using the included 12V DC charging cable in a vehicle, however. That requires about 12 hours to replenish the battery, although it is a nice option for use while in transit to a new campsite.
When it comes to supplying power, the unit offers users plenty of charging ports for keeping devices charged. Those include six 120V AC wall outlets, although three of those are the two-pronged variety that lack a built-in ground. It also has a 12V DC car port and two DC5521 “barrel” ports, along with two standard USB-A ports and two USB-C 100W PD (power delivery) ports. The USB-C PD ports are an especially nice touch since they can charge most modern laptops without the need for a large AC adapter.
All in all, that’s a solid lineup, allowing PowerRoam users to plug 13 devices into the unit simultaneously. Still, we wouldn’t mind having another USB port or two as part of the mix. Of course, you could always purchase one of Ugreen’s multiport adapters and plug it into a 120V AC outlet instead.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
All the Standard Features
In addition to having good specs and plenty of charging ports, the PowerRoam 1200 comes with all the features you would expect from a modern power station. Those include remote control via a smartphone app, a bright and easy-to-read LCD screen, and a built-in LED light that is surprisingly bright. The device even has an emergency power reserve that can keep the LED running for up to seven hours even after its main battery has been fully depleted. Alternatively, this power reserve can be used to recharge a smartphone despite the power meter reading empty.
One of the PowerRoam 1200’s other handy features is its ability to serve as an uninterruptible power supply with a 20-millisecond response time. This allows the device to detect when a blackout occurs and automatically take over as a power source for any equipment plugged into it. That makes it a reliable backup solution for computers, emergency lighting systems, or a sump pump, for instance.
While these features are welcome additions to any power station, some of them have become fairly standard across the industry. Still, Ugreen has done an excellent job in implementing them into its first-generation line of products. Other brands have had years to refine remote app control and the style of information displayed on an integrated LCD screen, but the PowerRoam 1200 competently delivers that functionality on its first try. That isn’t always something that is easy to get right on the first try.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Can This Outstanding Product Stand Out?
As a first-generation product, the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 is impressive. It has plenty of great features, solid battery life, and excellent power output. It also has a case designed for safety and portability and can serve as an emergency backup power supply for mission-critical devices and equipment. In other words, it has everything it needs to compete against the better-known brands in this market segment.
On the other hand, it doesn’t have a defining feature that allows it to stand out in what is becoming a very crowded field. Ugreen has done a great job of implementing all of the features that power station owners expect, but the PowerRoam 1200 still runs the risk of getting overlooked by buyers. That would be a shame considering how well-made it is and how much it brings to the table. This is a solid new option that delivers outstanding performance.
Priced at $999.99, the PowerRoam 1200 delivers a lot of value for its price. There are certainly less expensive options available on the market, but most of those models don’t offer the blend of performance and features found here. Ugreen has done an excellent job of creating a viable competitor to some of the big names in the power station market, which is no small feat, to be sure. Hopefully, this device is a big success for the company, as we’re excited to see where they can take these products in the future.
For more information, visit the Ugreen PowerRoam website.
Note: At press time, Ugreen is offering the PowerRoam 1200 at an excellent price of $799. At that price, this power station is an incredible bargain.
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