Anker’s portable backup battery is an even better investment now that it’s nearly half off

Winter storms across the country are bringing heavy snow, rain, and — in some cases, as this Californian who briefly lost power a few days ago can attest — outages. If you want to prepare, Anker’s 521 PowerHouse can help keep your essential devices running and it’s on sale for $129.99 ($120 off) at Amazon. That is about $2 shy of its all-time low price and the best price we’ve seen since Black Friday.

What’s impressive about the 256Wh power station is the range of devices it can handle. You can charge smaller electronics like phones, tablets, cameras, and laptops multiple times using its two USB-A ports and single USB-C port, but it also features two AC outlets and a car socket. That means it can power low-wattage appliances such as a mini fridge, portable fan or heater (on low), electric blanket, and other gear that draws up to 300 watts. You don’t need to worry it’ll die, either — Anker says the battery is designed to last up to 10 years and offers a five-year warranty.

There are a few thoughtful extras, too. Small and weighing about eight pounds — roughly the same as a gallon of water — it’s relatively easy to carry thanks to its integrated handle. Anker also includes a built-in display for checking remaining battery life at a glance, along with a car charging cable. And if you’re outdoors or dealing with an extended outage, you can even recharge it using compatible solar panels — though you’ll need to buy those separately.

Three more deals worth a look

• Google’s TV Streamer (4K) is once again on sale for $74.99 ($25 off) at Amazon and Target, which matches its best price to date. The streaming device is Google’s best yet, allowing you to stream in 4K with support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.  Beyond streaming, it also doubles as a smart home hub, with built-in Matter support and a Thread radio that lets you control compatible smart home devices directly through the TV screen. Read our review.
• The PlayStation 5 version of Silent Hill 2 is down to a record low price of $27.39 ($23 off) at Amazon. You can also buy it on Xbox and PC for $34.99 instead of $69.99 from Konami and Steam. The remake of the 2001 survival horror classic features a new design, new puzzles, a reworked combat system, and a range of quality-of-life improvements, making the experience feel even scarier than before. It’s an especially fitting time to return to the foggy town with the film adaptation of Silent Hill 2 set to arrive this January.
• The portable Garmin inReach Messenger has dropped to a new low of $165.50 ($135 off) at Amazon. The water-resistant satellite messenger lets you stay connected when you’re off the grid, allowing you to send and receive messages, share your location, get weather reports, and trigger interactive SOS alerts even without cellular service — though a satellite subscription is required. It also supports reverse charging via USB-C, so while it’s not meant to be used as a power bank you can technically top off your phone in an emergency.