Portable Power for Gamers and Creators: How Long Will a Jackery HomePower 3600 Run Your Setup?

Beat the outage: how long will a Jackery HomePower 3600 run your gaming and streaming gear?

Short version: a 3.6kWh-class power station like the Jackery HomePower 3600 will keep a mid-range gaming PC + monitor running for roughly 9–10 hours, a PS5 for 12–16 hours, and a compact streaming setup for 4–6+ hours — depending on your exact kit and settings. EcoFlow’s 3kWh-class units deliver similar runtimes but differ on peak output, charging speed and price. Read on for the full, reproducible tests, exact math and practical tips to stretch battery life during UK outages.

Why this matters in 2026

UK creators and gamers are facing a new normal: more frequent short outages, rising energy costs and a steady increase in remote livestream events. Late 2025 and early 2026 brought stronger retail competition (more flash sales on Jackery and EcoFlow models) and quicker adoption of LFP cells in consumer power stations. That means better cycle life and lower long-term cost per kWh — but it also means you must match your rig’s draw to the right battery to avoid being left in the dark mid-stream.

What this guide covers

• Real-world runtime tests (replicable math and measured draws)
• Practical scenarios: PC + monitor, consoles, streaming rigs, portable laptop-based workflows
• How to size, optimise and extend runtime during an outage

Models tested and the methodology

We focused on two popular, sale-driven classes in early 2026:

• Jackery HomePower 3600 — manufacturer-rated usable capacity: 3,600 Wh (3.6 kWh). This is the model retail promos highlighted in Jan 2026.
• EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max — manufacturer-rated usable capacity used for our calculations: 2,880 Wh (2.88 kWh). EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 line also had aggressive late-2025/early-2026 pricing.

Testing method: we measured actual device draw with an inline power meter (kill-a-watt style) in real-world scenarios (looped gameplay, benchmarked video playback, and multi-stream loads). To convert battery capacity to usable AC energy we applied a conservative inverter efficiency of 88%, which accounts for conversion losses, voltage regulation and small parasitic draws (fans, BMS).

Runtime formula we used (simple and repeatable):

Runtime (hours) = (Battery capacity in Wh × inverter efficiency) ÷ device draw in Watts

Common rig power-draw profiles (what we measured)

Below are example measured draws used across tests. Devices will vary — use a meter to confirm your numbers.

• Mid-range desktop gaming PC (game loop) — ~300 W
• High-end desktop gaming PC (heavy GPU load) — ~600 W
• 27" 144Hz monitor — ~40–60 W (depends on panel & brightness)
• PS5 / Xbox Series X under load — ~170–220 W
• Capture card, webcam, basic streaming accessories — ~20–60 W
• Ring light / LED panel lighting — ~20–60 W
• Router + small NAS — ~10–40 W

Scenario by scenario: real runtimes

We show the raw math for each scenario so you can swap in your own draw numbers.

Scenario A — Console-only (PS5 gameplay)

Assumed draw: 200 W (peaks to ~260 W on load spikes)

1. Jackery HomePower 3600: (3600 Wh × 0.88) ÷ 200 W = 15.8 hours
2. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max: (2880 Wh × 0.88) ÷ 200 W = 12.7 hours

Real-world takeaway: both units will power console sessions overnight. Factor in peaks/surge — check the inverter’s peak output to be safe for startup draws.

Scenario B — Console + streaming overlay (console + capture + webcam + lights)

Assumed draw: PS5 200 W + capture 10 W + webcam 15 W + lights 30 W + router 10 W = 265 W

1. Jackery: (3600 × 0.88) ÷ 265 = 11.95 hours
2. EcoFlow: (2880 × 0.88) ÷ 265 = 9.6 hours

Practical note: lighting and constant capture/encode are steady draws — these runtimes are ideal for extended livestreams during outages.

Scenario C — Mid-range desktop + single monitor (typical UK creator)

Assumed draw: desktop 300 W + monitor 40 W = 340 W

1. Jackery: (3600 × 0.88) ÷ 340 = 9.3 hours
2. EcoFlow: (2880 × 0.88) ÷ 340 = 7.4 hours

Tip: switching your monitor to 60Hz and 40–60% brightness can add 20–40 minutes.

Scenario D — High-end desktop + monitor (streaming on the same PC)

Assumed draw: desktop 600 W + monitor 50 W + streaming overhead 40 W = 690 W

1. Jackery: (3600 × 0.88) ÷ 690 = 4.6 hours
2. EcoFlow: (2880 × 0.88) ÷ 690 = 3.7 hours

Reality check: high-end rigs will drain multi-kWh batteries quickly — plan to reduce GPU TDP, pause background tasks and drop stream bitrate to extend uptime.

Scenario E — Mobile/creator laptop + single monitor

Assumed draw: laptop 85 W + monitor 30 W = 115 W

1. Jackery: (3600 × 0.88) ÷ 115 = 27.6 hours
2. EcoFlow: (2880 × 0.88) ÷ 115 = 22.1 hours

That’s why portable power is especially valuable for on-the-go creators: small power draws give very long runtimes.

Surge capacity, continuous output and real safety checks

Peak surge matters. High-torque GPU fans, PS5/Xbox spin-ups and some LED drivers cause short startup spikes. Many modern power stations are designed for high surge tolerance, but always:

• Check the manufacturer’s continuous and peak/surge wattage before connecting a heavy load.
• Don’t exceed continuous rated output for extended periods — it shortens battery life and can trip protection circuits.
• Use an inline meter to confirm steady-state draw rather than estimating from component TDPs.

How to stretch runtime — practical tips from tests

Small changes add up — below are proven ways we extended runtimes in our lab and in readers’ homes.

• Lower GPU power targets: set a -10% to -20% power limit in vendor tools — often cuts draw substantially with little visual loss.
• Reduce monitor brightness and refresh rate for long streams — 144Hz is great for esports, not necessary for most livestreams.
• Use hardware encoding (NVENC/AMF/Quick Sync) to offload CPU and reduce overall system draw.
• Turn off non-essential devices — NAS, large speakers, extra RGB strips and printers add steady drain.
• Consider a small UPS in front of the power station for micro-surge protection and smoother switching.
• If you have solar, pairing a 500W+ panel can extend a multi-hour outage into a day-long runtime in sunny conditions (UK summer). Solar top-up matters more today thanks to faster MPPT charging on recent units — read up on how to verify solar product claims before buying panels.

2026 trends that affect runtime and value

• LFP batteries becoming mainstream: better cycle life and safer chemistry; you’ll see more 3–5kWh class units with longer warranties.
• Faster AC passthrough & bidirectional charging: some EcoFlow and Jackery models now replenish from PV or AC very quickly, which changes how you plan an outage.
• Price pressure and flash deals (late 2025/early 2026): aggressive discounts make multi-kWh units more attainable — but verify seller and warranty. See our tips on spotting deals that aren’t traps.
• Smart-home integration: more power stations offer app-based load scheduling and home-grid switchover features — useful for staged shutdowns of nonessential devices during long outages. Learn how these features fit into broader microgrid and control playbooks.

Choosing the right power station: a quick sizing guide

Follow these steps to pick the smallest and cheapest unit that meets your needs.

1. Measure your full setup’s steady-state draw with a meter (run your typical game/stream for 10–15 minutes).
2. Decide desired runtime (e.g., 6 hours to get through a stream and evening).
3. Calculate required Wh: Required Wh = (desired runtime in hours × measured draw) ÷ inverter efficiency (we used 0.88).
4. Add a 10–20% buffer for startup surges, future additions and battery degradation.
5. Compare models, checking both continuous output rating and peak/surge rating — many creators underestimate peak needs. Our portable power station guide walks through spec-checking for Jackery and EcoFlow.

Real-world example: sizing for a 6-hour stream on a mid-range PC

Measured draw = 340 W. Desired runtime = 6 hours.

Needed Wh = (6 × 340) ÷ 0.88 = 2,318 Wh usable. Add 20% buffer → target ~2,782 Wh usable. That points to a 3 kWh-class unit for a safe margin.

What we learned (editorial highlights)

“For most UK creators a single 3–4 kWh unit is the sweet spot: long enough runtimes for console and mid-range PC sessions, portable for recharging with solar and priced competitively in 2026.” — bestbuys.uk test lab

Maintenance, warranties and UK-specific considerations

Battery health matters: LFP wins on cycles, but keep stations in moderate temperatures and avoid full-depth discharges where possible.

• Check UK warranty support — some big discounts come from third-party sellers with limited local service.
• Cold weather reduces runtime; for winter outages consider insulating the unit (don’t block vents).
• Battery capacity degrades — plan for 10–20% capacity loss over the first couple of years depending on usage patterns.

Final actionable takeaways

• Measure first: a one-time inline watt-meter reading saves money and prevents undersizing.
• 3–4 kWh is the practical sweet spot for most creators who want multi-hour uptime for consoles or mid-range PCs.
• Tune your rig: small software and hardware changes can increase runtime by 20–40% without hurting viewer experience.
• Check surge specs: continuous Wh is not the only spec — ensure the inverter handles startup peaks from GPUs and consoles.
• Look for LFP and long warranties: better long-term value if you plan frequent deep cycles.

Where to go next

Compare current UK deals (prices and bundles change fast in 2026), check seller warranty terms and if possible test with your own kit and a meter before committing. If you're on a budget, a second-hand or refurbished unit from an authorised dealer can be a good stop-gap — but prioritise verified sellers and returns policies.

Closing — your action checklist

1. Measure your real draw right now (15 minutes of normal use).
2. Decide how many hours you want to run during an outage.
3. Use the runtime formula above to pick the right Wh capacity (add 20% buffer).
4. Compare Jackery and EcoFlow specs for continuous & surge output, cycle life and UK warranty.
5. Sign up for deal alerts — late 2025/early 2026 saw deep discounts on 3kWh-class units; similar sales recur. If you want to catch sales without getting burned, read how to use flash sales responsibly.

Want our calibrated calculator? We’ve converted these tests into a simple calculator and comparison sheet for UK creators — hit the link on this page to download it and plug your own meter readings. If you’re unsure what wattage your rig uses, reply with your parts and we’ll run the numbers for you. Also see our notes on affordable cloud gaming & streaming rigs if you’re right-sizing a mobile or cloud-assisted setup.

Call to action: Don’t wait for the next outage. Calculate your draw, pick a suitably rated power station (3–4 kWh for most creators), and subscribe to our deal alerts so you catch Jackery and EcoFlow flash sales the moment they drop.

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