I remember many moons ago wiring an AC inverter into my car so I could charge a laptop when on the move (this was a big AC brick power adapter, well before laptops could be charged via USB-C). That inverter would push out about 100W of power before tripping the fuse, but as far as I was concerned, it was a miracle of technology. Something that offered next-level freedom.
Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested
Fast forward to today, and I have a small box that I can carry that not only pushes out 300W of AC power (600W surge), but it can also handle all my USB and 12V power needs too.
Oh, and it also has a handy light!
The Anker SOLIX C300
Anker SOLIX C300 tech specs
- Capacity: 288Wh
- Ports:
3× AC 300W (600W surge)
1× 12V car socket (120W)
2× USB-C (140W)
1× USB-C (15W)
1× USB-A (12W)
1x XT60 100W/28V solar input port - Battery tech: LiFePO4 good for around 3,000 recharge cycles
- Recharging:
AC (recharge to 80% in just 50 minutes)
100W XT60 solar
140W USB-C
12V car socket - LED: Built-in 3-level light bar with three levels of brightness
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.3 x 9.5 in
- Weight: 9.1 lb
, a version of this portable power station that doesn’t have AC power. This is a unit that I love. It packs a massive amount of power into a small space, and can happily charge my MacBook Pro, as well as all my other gadgets, at the full 140W.
The SOLIX C300 is the same, but different. You have a selection of USB-C and USB-A ports, a 12V car adapter port (again, no cover over this port), and a light, with this one being a light bar as opposed to the pop-up type on the DC version. And for those who like such things, this unit can also be controlled remotely using the Anker app.
The carry handle is surprisingly comfortable!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The carry handle is also different, with the AC version opting for a hard plastic handle as opposed to the soft webbing handle on the lighter unit. Oddly, while I’d expected the plastic handle to be more uncomfortable, especially given the additional weight, it does the job well.
Finally, you get a five-year warranty, two years more than the DC version for additional piece of mind.
ZDNET’s buying advice
I know what you’re going to ask me – which is best?
It depends.
Do you need that AC output feature and is it worth the extra weight that you’re going to be lugging around? If it’s going to sit in an RV or truck, or at home, it’s no problem. If you’re going to lug it about, then that extra weight might become an issue. Anker sells an optional shoulder webbing strap of third-party straps, even with the $250 price tag.
I’ve thrown a lot at my test unit over the past few weeks, and it’s performed flawlessly. Like everything Anker makes, you get a quality product that delivers on what it promises, and something that will give you years of service.