If you are soon planning a long trip or a weekend camping you might be thinking about the best way to keep your electronic devices connected.
Whatever your power needs, if you’re going off-grid you will always require a system to give you an uninterrupted power supply. And the solution to this could well be a good quality 400 watt power inverter.
These inverters offer the convenience of being small, easy to carry in a car, and at the same time power most portable gadgets and appliances. Whether it is a mini TV, refrigerator, or computer, a 400-watt power inverter is good enough to power the essentials.
Plus you’ll be the go-to person for the rest of your family and friends to keep their phones and gadgets charged. For this, you will require a high-quality inverter with the proper outlets for each of these gadgets.
Another factor is the consistency of the power output. Not all 400 watt inverters generate 400 watts of power, as they claim. And not all inverters under this category are safe for your delicate electronic devices like mobiles and laptops.
Therefore, after proper research and real-time reviews, we have come up with a list of the best 400 watt power inverters and what they can run. These inverters are safe, have good ratings, affordable and long-lasting.
What Will a 400 Watt Power Inverter Run?
Wondering what you can power with a 400 watt inverter?
The answer is lots! Using this capacity inverter gives you plenty of power while still keeping things portable. You can use them inside your car via the 12V outlet or hook up direct to a battery with alligator clamps. Once connected you have up to 400 watts of power to run your devices, gadgets, and appliances. There’s even enough power to run more than one at the same time.
Electronics you can run with a 400 watt inverter including smartphones, tablets, games consoles, TVs, mini-fridges, fans, clock radio, lights, and even a small blender!
To give you a better idea here is a chart of appliances and average wattage:
| Appliance | Watts |
| Smartphone | 5 |
| Tablet | 10 |
| Laptop | 30-60 |
| 32 inch TV | 50-80 |
| Clock radio | 2-5 |
| Fans | 30-60 |
| Mini-fridge | 40-80 |
| 60 Watt Light Bulb | 60 (duh…) |
| Small blender | 300-400 |
| Games console (PS5) | 70-200 |
If you want to calculate your total required wattage you just need to add up the power of all the devices you want to run at the same time. To find wattage either consult the product manual or use a wattmeter.
Best 400 Watt Power Inverter Reviews
1. BESTEK 400 Watt Inverter
Let’s kick the list off with an all-round great!
BESTEK is a well-known brand in America. They continue to be pioneers and best-selling brands in the industry for many decades. This device gives 400 watts of continuous DC to AC power, plus 800 watts of surge power. The company brings the new upgraded version of the inverter with a new state-of-the-art design and latest technology. The inverter is designed for extraordinary performance and quality.
The newly designed built-in fan is super-silent and all-around vents on the device effectively dissipate heat. The inverter has 2 AC outlets and 4 USB charging ports, plenty of options to power all your gadgets!
You can charge your laptops, mobile phones, iPods, or even run small appliances. The device offers complete protection from overloads, current, heating, and short circuits. Adding to this, it also comes with additional fixtures to keep it safe from falls and drops.
To make life easy, it comes with a cigarette lighter socket plug and battery clips for easy connections. A small and lightweight build makes it a must-have car accessory for all your power and lighting needs on a road trip or vacation.
Product Specifications
Weight: 2.07 pounds
Dimensions: 6 x 4.8 x 2 inches
Pros
- New Upgraded Version
- Silent fan operation
- Multi-Functional
- Safety protection features
Cons
- None
2. VOLTCUBE 400W Power Inverter
A powerful inverter from VOLTCUBE providing 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of surge power for an attractive price. The inverter converts 12V DC power to 110V AC for all your essential device requirements. It comes with two independent AC outlets, which are now placed at a good distance to accommodate larger plugs. These AC outlets can power small appliances like air mattresses, laptops, digital cameras, and TVs. It also has 2 USB ports of 2.4A each for charging compatible devices like tablets and smartphones.
You’ll love the stylish honeycomb structure design made of lightweight aluminum making it good-looking and durable. The device is light, sturdy, and protected from accidental falls and drops. The design is specifically made to dissipate heat efficiently. The two built-in 30 amps replaceable fuse keep the device safe from overcharging, short circuits, and power overloads.
It also has a low-noise cooling fan to keep the device from overheating. Power up quickly with a cigarette lighter socket plug and a pair of gold-plated metallic clips for battery connections. You can carry and store this inverter easily to fulfill your power needs during outages and emergencies.
Product Specifications
Item Weight: 1.92 pounds
Package Dimensions: 8.35 x 4.84 x 4.21 inches
Pros
- Powerful inverter
- Stylish and Durable
- Dual USB ports
- Multiple safety features
- Great price
Cons
- Loud fan
3. Ampeak 400 Watt Power Inverter
The Ampeak 400 watts power inverter is a practical and powerful solution to all your power-related needs. The inverter is designed to provide 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of peak power. The device comfortably converts 12V DC power to 110V AC power.
You’ll benefit from one 110V AC socket and dual 3.1A USB ports to run multiple devices at the same time. This means you could happily run a small appliance whilst charging 2 mobile phones at once.
For ease of use, it plugs into the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle or can connect directly to the battery with the help of clips. The AC outlet is suitable to power appliances like laptops and TVs or Christmas lights whereas the USB ports are great for smartphones, iPods, and other compatible devices. The device is very lightweight and ultra-compact, just the size of an iPhone.
It is easy to carry, store, and saves a lot of space, fitting easily into the glovebox of your vehicle.
All these features make it an ideal travel companion for road trips, camping, and vacations. The inverter comes with a 26-inch long cigarette lighter plug and is suitable for all kinds of vehicles. The device is protected by two built-in 35A mini slip fuses and a cooling fan. Adding to this, auto-shutdown is ready in case of overheating, short circuits, power overload, and voltage fluctuations. It even has an alarm for low voltage. The device is ETL certified and gives you complete peace of mind in case of power failures.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 5.94 x 4.41 x 2.32 inches
Pros
- Powerful and Practical
- Ultra-Compact and Lightweight
- Multi-protection features
Cons
- Location of the power button is located near the plug. Makes it difficult to use if something bigger is plugged in.
4. Power Bright 400 Watt 24V Power Inverter
This inverter from Power Bright provides 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of surge power. It is a modified sine wave inverter converting 24V DC to 120V AC power. The inverter comes with two 3-prong AC outlets to give you enough voltage to power laptops and small appliances like mini-fridges or fans. These outlets can power TVs, laptops, lights, and other small electronics. One drawback is the lack of USB ports for easy phone charging.
With the help of the clips, the device can be connected directly to the 24V battery plus it can be plugged into a vehicle cigarette lighter port. An ideal accessory for your mobile power needs. It is suitable to provide AC power anywhere on a road trip, vacation, or camping site.
Benefit from a smart controlled advanced microprocessor to power an inbuilt fan in order to cool the device effectively. The case is made of anodized aluminum with a heat sink design to dissipate heat effectively. This also makes the device more durable and safe from falls and drops.
The inverter has all the required protection features to keep it safe from short circuits, power overloads, voltage fluctuations, and overheating.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2.03 inches
Weight: 1.95 Pounds
Pros
- Power on the go
- Microprocessor controlled
- Multi-protection features
- Anodized aluminum casing
Cons
- Noisy fan
5. Toopow 400W Power Inverter
The Toopow 400W is a modified sine wave inverter that converts 12 v DC to 110V AC power. It gives 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of surge power. It features two 110V AC outlets and USB quick charging ports.
An ideal device to charge game consoles, kindle, DVD players, laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices.
The device is protected by an inbuilt cooling fan from overheating and a built-in fuse for safety from voltage surges, short circuits, and over-currents.
The smart fan runs at different speeds according to power load and temperature to keep the device cool all the time. Keep an eye on power levels using an LCD screen to show battery capacity, I/O voltage, load capacity, and charging status.
Built with a durable aluminum body, you’ll get advanced protection from bumps and accidental falls, plus efficient cooling. The construction is rugged ready to attack all kinds of environments, perfect for your next adventure.
Product Specifications
Size : 7.7 x 2.1 x 4 inches
Weight : 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Digital LCD screen
- Durable Aluminum body
- Advanced safety features
Cons
- Gets hot quickly
6. Cobra Pure Sine 400W Power Inverter
The Cobra 400W is a pure sine wave inverter designed to provide 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of peak power. Being a pure sine wave inverter the device is safe for current sensitive devices, medical devices, smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
It comes with 2 grounded 2 AC outlets, one 3.0 AMP USB A, and one USB C type for fast charging. Both the AC outlets are GFCI protected and can power two medical devices or other electronic appliances at the same time.
This inverter comes with 16inch long 12 AWG and 12V heavy-duty cables for connecting it directly to the battery. The device offers a 5 level of protection from low voltage, high voltage, reverse polarity, overheating and comes with a low voltage alarm and auto cutoff.
Enjoy solid pure sine wave power with plenty of flexibility in devices you can power!
Product Specifications
Weight: 1.98 pounds
Dimensions: 8.86 x 5.39 x 2.83 inches
Pros
- Cobra remote controller compatible
- 2 GFCI protected outlets
- Heavy-duty cables
- Pentagon protection safety
- Pure sine wave
CONS
- Heavy compared to others
7. Tripp Lite 400 Watt Car Power Inverter
This Tripp Lite 400W inverter converts your vehicle’s 12V DC to 120V AC power. It gives 400 watts of continuous power offering 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports.
With 800 watts of peak power, it is suitable for powering devices like DVD players, Christmas lights, pumps, laptops, and tablets from the AC outlets. A 2.1A USB port and 1.0A USB port are perfect to charge mobile phones, smartphones, notebooks, and other compatible devices.
It has a DC jack plug that is compatible with cigarette lighter socket in any car and clip cables to connect directly to a battery. The device is suitable to provide power in your car, truck, boat, or RV.
An in-built 40amp fuse provides complete protection to your device. The inverter is ultra-compact with a modern design protecting you from overheating, power overloads, low voltage, and high voltage. An in-built cooling fan and vent help to reduce the heat and prevent power shortages.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 2.5 x 5.7 x 6.9 inches
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
Pros
- Versatile and easy to use
- Fast charging
- Premium safety features
- Durable and compact
Cons
- Noisy fan
8. Wagan EL2610 400W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
The Wagan EL2610 pumps out 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of peak surge power. It is fitted with 2 AC outlets and a USB port. You can plug the inverter into the 12V DC socket or connect it directly to the vehicle’s battery with the help of included alligator clamps. A perfect device to recharge and power devices on the go.
Take the device with you on a road trip or a vacation and forget all your power-related needs. It is a pure sine wave inverter suitable to charge medical devices and other current sensitive devices like laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Benefit from a design to charge devices faster while saving on energy costs without damaging the life of devices. It comes with an On/Off switch and LED lights showing the status of the inverter.
The in-built fan keeps the device cool from high temperatures during long usage. Multi-protection features protect from overheating, power overloads, and voltage fluctuations.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.5 x 2.6 inches
Weight: 2.7 Pounds
Pros
- Alligator clamps included
- Multi-protection features
- Pure sine wave inverter
Cons
- Heats up quickly
9. PowerDrive 400 Watt Power Inverter
The PowerDrive car inverter gives 400 watts of continuous power. The inverter converts 12V DC from the car battery to 110V AC power. The device comes with 2 AC outlets and one standard 2.4A USB and 3.0A USB-C for fast charging.
You can directly plug into the cigarette lighter socket of your car or connect to the battery of your vehicle with alligator plugs. It’s ideal to charge devices like laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, and other compatible devices.
With the PowerDrive 400 you’ll enjoy a compact and space-saving inverter, ideal for road journeys or emergency power needs. It comes with an inbuilt cooling fan for complete safety from overheating and power shortages. Its multi-protection features offer protection from high and low voltage, plus excess power surges.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 43.4 x 21.49 x 35.53 inches
Weight: 2.05 Pounds
Pros
- Dual USB ports
- 3-prong AC outlets
- Compact design
Cons
- Heats as load increases
400 Watt Power Inverter Buying Guide
If you’ve read up until this point you’ll probably understand that there is a huge range of 400 Watt power inverters for you to choose from. Hopefully, you have a better idea of what might suit your needs but if you’re still not sure then don’t worry. We’ve written this review based on extensive experience with these products. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about the different options and features.
What Can 400 Watts Power?
A 400 watt power inverter can power the following list of common appliances – Small televisions (up to 32″), portable blenders, laptops, smart phones, digital cameras, handheld games console, lights, DVD players, mini-fridge, fans.
Modified vs Pure Sine Wave
The choice between pure sine wave and modified sine wave is not always that important. It depends on the types of electronics you want to run. If you simply need to charge laptops, phones and run simple appliances then modified sine wave inverters work perfectly. Pure sine wave provides a constant current more similar to mains power which is needed to run more sensitive devices like medical equipment or LED TVs or anything motorized. Of course, you’ll generally be paying more for pure sine wave compared to modified.
Outlets
For many people, the type and number of outlets is a crucial factor. The balance between AC three pin plug outlets and USB sockets is decided by the devices you want to run. If you like to power multiple home appliances like mini-fridges and TVs then you’ll need at least 2 AC outlets. Whereas, if you want to charge multiple mobile phones for the whole family then the addition of 2 or 3 USB ports will add extra versatility. The choice is yours…
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, ask yourself – how good at wiring up electronics? If you need to keep things simple, then make sure to choose an inverter that can plug directly into a cigarette lighter of your vehicle. Other than this, ensure your equipment comes with easy-to-use alligator clips that quickly attach to the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals on your battery.
Safety
Every product on our list above offers the necessary safety feature to protect both your devices and you from risks of power surges and fire. Be sure to check for ample protections which include cooling fans, sure protection, fuses, alarms, and auto power off.
Durability
Of course, we all want to own durable devices that will last forever. To be honest you might be restricted by your budget. Consider how much you will use your inverter – is this an item you’ll use every day or once a year while camping? For those expecting lots of use, high build quality is essential with a strong aluminum outer shell and water-resistant seals.
Other Handy Features
You’ve probably noticed a whole host of other handy features to consider which make life a little easier when using your device these can include remote control, LCD screen, LED lights, Alarms, Bluetooth control, wireless charging and even in-built batteries.
Price
So how much does a 400 watt inverter cost?
As these are still designed as portable products the prices are very attractive. You can get a high quality 400 watt inverter for between $40 – $80. In this price range, you’ll be getting a decent product such as in the review list above. If you go any cheaper you’ll risk buying a poor quality product that is not up to the task you require. You can get 400 watt power inverters for more than $80 which start to become heavy-duty, so could be an option if it’s a unit you want to use every day.
Pros and Cons of a 400 Watt Inverter
If you’re still undecided, let’s go through the advantages and disadvantages of 400 watt power inverters.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can power most portable devices | Too small to use with solar panel systems |
| Run small to medium home appliances | Can’t power large appliances like refrigerators |
| Pure sine wave options | Not enough capacity for motors and heaters e.g. hairdryers |
| Very portable | |
| Can use inside a car | |
| Hook up directly to a leisure battery | |
| Can include features like LCD screens |
FAQ About a 400 Watt Inverter
How many amps does a 400 watt inverter draw?
On average, a 400 watt inverter will draw around 3.3 amps of 120V AC current.
Can I use a 400 watt power inverter to run a small freezer?
Yes. You can run some freezers. A 10 to 15 cubic foot freezer can use 300 watt or less. But, it has to be a non-frost- free freezer. A frost-free freezer usually requires more watts.
Are the inverters waterproof?
No. None of the inverters available in the market are waterproof. Even a wet condition can decrease the performance or damage your inverter. Always keep the inverter in a dry place.
Can I use the cigarette lighter plug for my inverter for more than 150 watts?
Cigarette lighter plugs are usually made for 150 watts or less. If the appliance requires more than 150 watts then you should connect your inverter directly to the battery using provided clips.
Will a 400 watt power inverter work for a 400 watt air pump?
Not quite, an air pump that requires 400 watt 120V AC power would put a lot of strain on the inverter as they are not 100% efficient. You should use 500 watt inverter for this.
Can these inverters run on mini 12-volt batteries?
No. 12-volt mini batteries cannot run a 400 watt power inverter. You will need a leisure battery or vehicle starter battery with the engine running.
400 Watt Inverter Final Thoughts
If you reached this part of my guide, then you should feel comfortable shopping for a 400 watt power inverter.
Having a good inverter helps you to keep your essential devices and appliances running even in the most remote situations.
We’ve all been in the situation of a power outage or being off-grid, so a product like this helps to remove these frustrations.
So, using the best 400 watt power inverter will keep you powered up in the car or from a leisure battery.
If you’re not sure this is quite right for you, then have a read of the 300 watt and 500 watt inverter guides too.
Thanks for reading.
Hi, I’m Michael, the editor here at Watt A Lot.
After years of experience with off-grid power like solar panels, inverters, and batteries I decided I should share my hands-on knowledge with you. In my professional and personal life, I’ve needed to find electrical solutions for remote situations from owning a food truck, to running events at the top of mountains, to my converted campervan. So whether you’re looking for the best products or fixing an electrical problem, you can rest assured my advice comes from real hands-on experience.
