Best home battery and backup systems of 2026 — Tesla Powerwall 3 top pick
ZDNET's 2026 roundup names the Tesla Powerwall 3 its top pick for whole-home battery backup, citing a 13.5 kWh capacity, 11.5 kW continuous output and a 10-year warranty as key reasons for the selection. The article also highlights alternatives for different needs: EcoFlow's Delta Pro Ultra paired with the Smart Home Panel 2 (a combination inverter/battery expandable from a 6 kWh base up to 90 kWh); the modular Anker Solix X1 (scalable from about 5 kWh up to 180 kWh); the Enphase IQ Battery 10T (described as about 10.5 kWh with a 5.76 kVA peak and a 15-year limited warranty, though the article cautions it can be tricky to source and fit); and EcoFlow's Stream series for semi-permanent, renter-friendly installations (1.92–11.52 kWh).
ZDNET lists approximate pre-installation prices and key specs for comparison, noting they vary by location and installation: Tesla Powerwall 3 (about $12,000; 10 years; 13.5 kWh), EcoFlow DPU + Smart Home Panel 2 (about $4,100; 5 years; 6 kWh base), Anker Solix X1 (about $9,000; 10 years; modular), EcoFlow Stream System (about $1,199; 10 years; 1.92–11.52 kWh) and Enphase IQ Battery 10T (about $1,200; 15 years; ~10 kWh).
The article emphasizes these are approximate and may change with installation and location. The review recommends buyers first determine their household wattage and surge needs, add at least 20% for headroom, and consider peak loads like sump pumps or air conditioning.
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