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Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station Review

Dustin Abbott

March 24th, 2025

I’ve done about ten different Bluetti reviews along with many other power stations over the years, and most of them try to sell you on some kind of uniquely marketable feature.  The Elite 200 V2 has very few marketable features – no special ports (or number of ports), battery swapping or expansion, or other gimmicks…but what it does have is serious storage and power output.  The Elite 200 V2 isn’t sexy…but it sure is practical! It’s the most powerful portable unit I’ve tested, and with a 2073.6Wh, it’s also got more battery capacity. The Elite 200 V2 is going to be a serious asset for camping, overlanding, and backup situations. For my full thoughts, check out the video review below or read through my review notes I’ll share here.

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Thanks to Bluetti for sending me a review sample. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Features

  • 2073.6Wh of storage (AC180T has 1433Wh; DJI Power 1000 has 1024Wh)
  • 2600W output (highest I’ve tested) | Lifting power up to 3900W
  • Rated for 6000 cycles (17 years)
  • Relatively compact (-40%) | 13.78 × 9.84 × 12.74in / 350 × 250 × 323.6mm
  • Weighs 53.4lbs / 24.2kg
  • AC input up to 1800W (pass through) | 1000W solar input | 2400W combined
  • No IP Rating
  • 5 year warranty
  • No LED light
  • No power brick
  • Good screen with percentage readouts for output and input
  • <15ms UPS switching | 4 UPS modes |Peak-to-Off Peak
  • Bluetooth App and remote control | WiFi

Ports

  • No wireless pad
  • 4 x 120V grounded plugs rated at 21.6Amps (Pure Sine Wave 2600W)
  • 2 x USB-A ports (5V/3A) = 15W
  • 2 x USB-C 100W + eMark chip
  • 12V/10A car outlet
  • Inputs AC (no power brick) and DC7909 style (STANDARDIZING)
  • Grounding connector

Tests

  • Instead of blender or kettle – could run them BOTH (first time)
  • Tested for power outage with full size fridge (30 hours)
  • Standard things hardly phase the battery storage
  • Fastest recharge time via AC I’ve seen (as high as 1804W)
  • Pulled a fast 1446W even in standard mode

Things I Like

  • Huge capacity | Huge Power
  • Noticeably more compact than similar specced units
  • Super fast charge times (1.4 hours)
  • Power lift
  • Greater longevity (new battery tech)
  • All plugs are 20Amp
  • App control
  • Excellent UPS options
  • Better specs and better price than previous generation

Things I Don’t Like

  • No iP rating
  • Would like 240 bridge option for more home backup flexibility

Conclusion

The Elite 200 V2 doesn’t jump out at you because of some killer feature, but I was more and more impressed with it as I used it.  The specs where it matters are next level, and it is a great value at this price relative to the competition. Strong value at $899 USD | 1599 CDN not as competitive. 

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Purchase the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 @ Bluetti Store Canada | Bluetti USA | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Purchase the Bluetti PV200 @ Bluetti Store  (use Code DustinEB70S for a discount) | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK  | Amazon Germany 

Keywords: Bluetti, Bluetti Review, Elite 200 V2, Elite, 200, V2, Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Review, Bluetti Elite 200 V2, Review, Multicooler, 2600W, 2073Wh, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Godox V100 Touchscreen Speedlight Review

Dustin Abbott

February 20th, 2025

The Godox V100 is in many ways an update to their first round head flash (the V1) that they released in 2019. This is a modernized and vastly improved flash unit that thoroughly impressed me. This is one the best value premium flashes I’ve ever seen at roughly $350, and well worth your consideration. You can get my full thoughts and demonstrations in my video review, or look at a summary of my findings in this article.

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Thanks to Godox for sending me a review sample. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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This is the first on camera flash unit with a power output of 100Ws, which is truly impressive. We are now getting into the territory of Godox’s off camera AD series (the AD100), and to have all of the additional controls and options here (TTL, command unit, etc…) in addition to having the receiver capabilities of the AD series makes this an amazing value.

Lets start by looking at the long list of upgrades from the V1:

Upgrades from the V1

  1. Improved airflow for cooling (motorized)
  2. Improved modeling light – brighter and now have kelvin control
  3. New bare bulb head (with modeling light)
  4. Group color indicator – better visual indications (red light)
  5. Automatic wireless sync with new X3 trigger
  6. Improved menu and LCD screen
  7. Fast charge port (Propac)
  8. 1/512th precise manual adjustment

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Things I Like

  • Great metering.  Works well with Canon TTL, but also off flash with my X3 Nikon
  • Incredibly powerful (most powerful flash at 100Ws)
  • Great battery life
  • New screen and menu vastly improved
  • Fits in the case with the fill flash attached
  • Ability to directly charge batteries
  • Fully integrated with the Godox Wireless X system (master or receiver unit, works off triggers)
  • Compatible with a number of Godox accessories
  • Comes with a AC adapter and USB-C cable (not just a cable)

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Things I Don’t Like

  • Sometimes initial sync to triggers still a little mysterious (one tap?)
  • Fill flash is manual only
  • Plastic mounts still feel a little flimsy (V1 holding up fine)

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Conclusion

I’ve gotten a lot of use from the V1 flashes over the years, and the V100 is a really solid upgrade.  Great power output, good battery life, and ever improving TTL performance.  Godox flashes work great, and the V100 seems to work better than ever, with more thoughtful features, better usability, and more power.  A LOT of flash for $349, and a better option than something like the AD100 series if you need on camera flash at times or TTL for a command unit.

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Purchase the Godox V100 @ B&H Photo | Amazon for Canon or here | Amazon (others) | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Godox AD200 Pro II at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Godox X3 Transmitters at B&H Photo or Amazon

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Keywords: Godox V100, V100, V100C, V100N, V100S, V100F, V100O, V100P, Godox, Godox V100 Review, V1, Portrait, Macro, Woman, X3, Godox X3, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Dustin Abbott, #DA, #letthelightin, #dustinabbott, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Godox AD200 Pro II Pocket Flash Review

Dustin Abbott

December 12th, 2024

The Godox AD200 Pro II is an update to Godox’s Popular AD200 Pro “pocket” flash that blends portability with relatively high power (200Ws output) that I reviewed in 2019.  The new MK II version has a lot of key upgrades to make the flash more versatile and more easily controllable, and comes at the same price of $349 USD as the previous model. It is worth buying, or even upgrading to? That’s what I explore in the video review. You can also look at a summary of my findings in this article.

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Thanks to Godox for sending me a review sample. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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The AD200 Pro II has the SHAPE of an on-camera flash, but will require a flash trigger to control – optimized for use with Godox’s new X3 triggers but will work with older triggers, too. I did two portrait sessions using Nikon for the first time with a Godox setup, utilizing the Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 for one, and then the Z8 with the upcoming Laowa Tilt/Shift 55mm F2.8 Macro for another (an amazing lens, by the way!). I also tested the AD200 Pro II with an older X-ProS trigger and the Sony Alpha 1 along with the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 lens. Here are some photos from these shoots:

The results were what I’ve come to expect from Godox. Good power, reliable triggering, and lighting that just generally works. But that was true of the AD200 Pro as well, so what has actually changed?

Upgrades from AD200 Pro

  1. Improved airflow for cooling (motorized)
  2. Improved modeling light – brighter and now have kelvin control
  3. New bare bulb head (with modeling light)
  4. Group color indicator – better visual indications (red light)
  5. Automatic wireless sync with new X3 trigger
  6. Improved menu and LCD screen
  7. Fast charge port (Propac)
  8. 1/512th precise manual adjustment

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Things I Like

  • New screen and vastly improved menu
  • Like the much improved versatility of the modeling lights | both the Fresnel and Bare Bulb heads are improved.
  • Better cooling
  • Improved charging setup

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Things I Don’t Like

  • Shape means that you have to use clunky adapters to get to Bowens mount
  • Changes to heads for cooling means that existing modifiers won’t work.
  • Powered fan means that you need to let it run instead of powering it off to cool it.

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Conclusion

I’m still not sure I would call this a “pocket flash”, but the AD200 Pro II has a vastly improved interface and functionality.   If you are already familiar with working with the existing AD200 Pro, I’m not sure an upgrade is warranted as this is still the same flash and output at heart…and your existing modifiers may not work.  But this remains a great option if you are starting fresh, as it not only competes on output and price, but now the AD200 Pro II is also competitive with its feature list and handling as well.

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Purchase the Godox AD200 Pro II at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Godox X3 Transmitters at B&H Photo or Amazon

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Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at: B&H Photo | Amazon | Adorama | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Ebay | Make a donation via Paypal

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Keywords: AD200 Pro II, AD 200, AD200, Pro, II, Godox, Pro II, Portrait, Macro, Woman, X3, Godox X3, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Dustin Abbott, #DA, #letthelightin, #dustinabbott, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bluetti Handsfree 2 Portable Power Backpack Review

Dustin Abbott

December 9th, 2024

Portable power stations are all about getting power off grid.  But the Bluetti Handsfree 2 takes it to the next level by incorporating a 512Wh battery pack with a 700W inverter into a 60L backpack.  You can have both AC and DC power in abundance right on your back.  But, of course, big batteries aren’t light, so you’ll be starting with 16.5lbs (7.5kg) on your back before you store anything else in there.  Does this whole concept make sense?  Find out in my video review below or by reading my review notes in this article here.

There’s no question that this is an intriguing concept on paper, but does it hold up in actual use?

Power Station Specs

  • Current price = $399 USD
  • REMOVABLE Power station
  • 512Wh battery storage | Lithium Iron Phosphate)
  • rated for 4000 charge cycles to 80% (More than ten years of daily full recharge cycles) 
  • 700W inverter with 1200W lifting power (lasts for quite a while)
  • Has Bluetti powerlift technology for running certain higher draw items
  • AC Charge up to 600W (45 minutes to 80% or 1.3 hours to 100%)
  • Can charge via car input (12v 5.8 hours or 3.1 hours at 24V)
  • Can charge via solar up to 350W via XT60 in 2 hours
  • No IP Rating, but rain hood in backpack.
  • About 16.5 lbs / 7.5kg |
  • 305 (L) x 105 (W) x 385mm (D)
  • Screen is small, but clear and bright
  • 5 year warranty
  • Bluetooth app control
  • UPS mode and power passthrough
  • Includes backpack, power station, AC and solar charging cables
  • Can get a combo with portable solar panel that can attach to the backpack.

Ports

  • 5 total ports
  • AC x 1 (700W)
  • USB-C x 2 (100W)
  • USB-A x 2 (15W)

Backpack Specs and Features

  • 60L (backpack itself weighs just 5 pounds)
  • Well designed zips for access to power station (hold out of the way)
  • Some rubberized protection
  • Backpack designed for up to 30kg load (22.5kg – 50 pounds)
  • Essentially four layers – rear section where the power station goes + more storage
  • Photography and laptop section
  • Free section for other clothing or gear
  • Outer pockets and attachment points.
  • Built in waist pouch
  • Splash-resistant fabric, waterproof zippers, plus rain cover.

Tests

  • Demonstrate power lift with kettle (tea, coffee, oatmeal)
  • Good charge rates
  • Can charge photography gear or other tech on the move
  • Could run things like my blender for a smoothie because it can run at peak output for nearly 45 seconds.

Things I Like

  • Not light, but easiest way to carry power to a campsite
  • Well executed backpack
  • A lot of storage
  • Useful amount of inverter power
  • Powerlift technology extends usefulness
  • Good charging speeds

Things I Don’t Like

  • Current battery technology = heavy
  • Photography section is fairly shallow

Conclusion

The Bluetti Handsfree 2 backpack power station is a great idea to take portable power to the next level.  I suspect that future technology will probably make this first generation seem clumsy and bigger than necessary, but it’s still pretty cool in the present tense.   This only makes sense, however, if you really need this specific case use.  Do you need to use a backpack to get to an inaccessible destination?  If not, a more conventional power station probably makes more sense.

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Purchase the Bluetti Handsfree 2 @ Bluetti USA | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Keywords: Bluetti, Bluetti Review, Bluetti Handsfree 2, Hands Free, Handsfree, Review, 60L, 700W, 512Wh, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Station Review

Dustin Abbott

September 9th, 2024

Big portable power stations are great if you’re trying to recreate your home while out camping or overlanding, but many people aren’t looking for an extra 30 pounds to lug around and just want to charge their phones or tablets…and maybe get some light.  The Anker SOLIX C300 DC abandons the AC inverter component of many power stations and instead provides a really high end compact DC solution.  It can not only charge a lot of things, but also has a really great multistage light that can replace packing along a lantern for your tent.  At $170 USD, it is fairly affordable, too, but is it worth buying? You can get my full thoughts in the video review below, or check out my review notes in this article.

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Thanks to SOIX for sending me a review sample. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Features

  • Price = $169.99
  • 288Wh battery storage | LFP Cells
  • 90,000 mAh
  • 300W output (via DC outputs)
  • rated for 4000 charge cycles to 70% (More than ten years of daily full recharge cycles) 
  • 3 Stage Pop-up LED light works lantern style as it can be hung by handle
  • Charging is done via USB-C (up to 280W fast charge by using two 140W PD 3.1 inputs)
  • Can charge via car input (cigarette lighter)
  • Can charge via solar up to 100W (32V) input via XT60
  • No IP Rating
  • About 6 lbs / 2.8kg |
  • 200 x 124 x 120mm mm
  • Carry Strap
  • Screen is small, but clear and bright
  • 3 year warranty
  • Bluetooth / WiFi app control and monitoring

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Ports

  • 7 total ports!
  • 2x USB-C 140W
  • 1x USB-C 100W
  • 1x USB-C 15W
  • 2x USB-A ports 12W
  • 1 x Car Charger/cigarette lighter 120W
  • No wireless pad
  • No AC
  • AC version available (+$60, a bit bigger and heavier) *Prices in the comparison below shown in Canadian dollars. US prices are about $70 cheaper.

Tests

  • Many of my typical tests are on the AC side of things
  • Seems to be able to charge my phone and cameras with minimal hit to the battery (18x, according to SOLIX)
  • Put out full 60W to laptop to charge
  • You have to use higher powered cables to achieve full 140W charging time.

Things I Like

  • Tons of DC ports – more focused (Jackery Explorer 300 by companion has just 1 USB-C 60W and two USB-A ports)
  • Pop up dome light is bright enough to be useful to light up a tent.
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Very small, light, and portable
  • USB-C ports are delivering at the highest current standard
  • Price is very affordable

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Things I Don’t Like

  • No iP rating
  • Would have liked to see an AC adapter brick included

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Conclusion

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is a great idea, as it focuses on what a lot of people need rather than trying to do everything.  That allows it be smaller, lighter, cheaper, and much versatile than competing units that also have an AC inverter, and if you want that, you can get the C300 with inverter for just $60 more.  Great value here in Canada at $239 – more than $120 cheaper than the Jackery Explorer 300, which is also 1 pound heavier, requires an external charging brick, and has just one USB-C port rated at only 60W. US price of $170 is a great value as well.

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Purchase the SOLIX C300 @ Anker | B&H | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at: B&H Photo | Amazon | Adorama | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Ebay | Make a donation via Paypal

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Keywords: C300, Anker, SOLIX, C300 DC, Anker SOLIX C300 DC, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bluetti AC180T Modular Power Station Review

Dustin Abbott

July 30th, 2024

Been doing power station reviews for 4.5 years now.  I’ve seen a lot of refinements but rarely genuine new features.  Bluetti is changing all of that with a novel new approach.  Rather than expansion units as before, they’ve now introduced modular batteries that can be swapped out and even used in other accessories like their new portable fridge (which should prove very popular for camping or overlanding!)

The AC180T is a versatile power station that can output enough power for just about everything, and lasts long enough to be a serious asset for camping, overlanding, and backup situations. For my full thoughts, check out the video review below or read through my review notes I’ll share here.

In many ways my thoughts are incomplete, as both in the individual modular battery units and the very impressive looking cooler are moved back to 2025.

Build and Handling

  • 2x716Wh lithium iron phosphate batteries = 1433Wh (endlessly expandable, but only 2 at a time).
  • rated for over 3500 charge cycles to 80% (pretty much ten years of daily full recharge cycles) 
  • 1800W  Pure Sine Wave inverter (2700W power lift)
  • Hot swappable – can operate with one battery (one in fridge)
  • Output drops to 1200W – still plenty
  • AC Input up to 1440W | 500W solar input
  • No IP Rating
  • 5 year warranty
  • BIG AND HEAVY (the young lady in the photo below is very brave!) It can be made lighter by removing the modular batteries.
  • About 58.4 lbs / 26.5kg | I weighed at 62.5lb loaded | 43.5 with one | 24.6 with none (batteries about 19lb each)
  • 15.4″ × 11″ × 15.6″ / 390mm × 180mm × 395mm
  • Integrated handles
  • No LED light
  • No power brick
  • Good screen with percentage readouts for output and input

Ports

  • No wireless pad
  • 4 x 120V grounded plugs (1800W total)
  • 2 x USB-A ports (5V/3A) = 15W
  • 2 x USB-C 100W + eMark chip
  • 12V/10A car outlet
  • Inputs AC (no power brick) and DC7909 style (STANDARDIZING)
  • Grounding connector

Features

  • Bluetooth app (control, firmware updates)
  • Fast charge (3x options – Silent 734W, Standard 915W, and Turbo 1444W)
  • Up to 850W input – (about 1.3 hours for turbo) 200W max for EB70S
  • 0-80% in just 45 minutes | Full charge in as little as 70 minutes
  • Solar input/DC up 500W (charge in as little as 2.5 hours)
  • UPS Function
  • Pretty standard outside of swap feature

Tests

  • Can run everything I threw at it without issue.  1500W Kettle, 1100W blender, toaster = no problem.
  • Ran my wife’s 1875W hair dryer with zero issues even without power lift mode engaged.
  • Used it as a mobile power station for construction – zero issues
  • Had a power outage and did our whole meal with it.
  • Fastest recharge time via AC I’ve seen.

Things I Like

  • Battery swap tech is great and unique
  • Idea of portable fridge is great
  • Powerful inverter can run pretty much everything
  • Fast charge times
  • Power lift
  • Good mix of AC/DC ports
  • App control
  • Big, powerful UPS unit

Things I Don’t Like

  • No iP rating
  • Would like the option to charge individual batteries via solar
  • Individual batteries and the portable fridge are delayed until 2025, and pricing is currently unknown

Conclusion

Strong value at $999 USD | 1599 CDN not as competitive. 

Conclusion:  as it stands, the Bluetti AC180T is a mild upgrade to the standard AC180 (has nearly 300Wh more capacity, but otherwise mostly the same.)  If the expansion batteries are reasonably priced and the fridge works as advertised, however, this becomes a much more appealing option.  As it stands, my review is a bit incomplete.

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Purchase the Bluetti AC180T @ Bluetti Store Canada | Bluetti USA | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

Purchase the Bluetti PV200 @ Bluetti Store  (use Code DustinEB70S for a discount) | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK  | Amazon Germany 

Keywords: Bluetti, Bluetti Review, Bluetti AC180T, AC180T, B70, Review, Multicooler, 1800W, 1433Wh, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power, Coupon Code, Discount, Coupon

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Anker Solix C800 Plus Power Station Review

Dustin Abbott

March 12th, 2024

There are a lot of players in the portable power station space. The idea of having portable and/or backup power for all of our electronic devices is very appealing. Many people like the idea of going camping or overlanding, but they also want to be able to keep their phones charged, their CPAP machine running through the night so that they can sleep properly, and wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee in the morning. Portable power stations can do all of that and more, including operating as a backup for sensitive electronic equipment during power outages to avoid losing work. Anker has long been a very successful company for smaller battery banks, power adapters, and even things like headphones, and their SOLIX division scales that knowledge up to large power stations…including their newest, the Anker SOLIX C800 Plus, a 768Wh unit with an extra powerful (for this class) 1200W inverter. Is the C800 Plus a top choice for a medium sized power station? Find out in my video review or in the summary of my findings below.

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Thanks to Anker for sending me a review sample of the C800 Plus. As always, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Basic Specs

  • Dimensions = 371 x 205 x 253mm (14.6 x 8 x 10″)
  • Weight = 10.9kg (20.28lb)
  • AC Outlets (110V) = 5 x 1200W
  • USB Outlets:
    • 1 x 100W USB-C
    • 1 x 30W USB-C
    • 2 x 12W USB-A
  • DC Output (Car/Cigarette lighter style) = 1 x 120W
  • Solar/DC input style = XT60
  • Warranty = 5 years
  • Price = $499 USD

Features

  • 768Wh Battery Capacity
  • 1200W (1600W surge) inverter
  • Hyperflash recharging 0-100% in 58 minutes
  • 300W solar input
  • 5 AC Ports
  • 10 Total Ports
  • App Control
  • Built in removable Camping Lights
  • >20ms UPS mode

Tests

  • 1100W Blender (drew 923W initially, settled to 842W). Outcome: ran without issue.
  • 1500W Tea Kettle – 1477 Initial, settled to right under 1200W, boiled in 3 minutes. Fans ramped way up to keep things cool and stable. Surgepad works!
  • 1700W hair dryer – drew 1646W initially and then shut down when draw remained above 1600W. 1600W Surgepad more useful then just an initial peak boost.
  • AC Charge – Normal rate 470W
  • Ultrafast charge (through App) – 1028W (only use when necessary for prolonged battery life)
  • UPS – connected a computer monitor (drawing 60W). Unplugged the power supply to the C800 Plus to simulate a power outage. No reaction on the monitor, no flicker, just continued operating.

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Things I Like

  • More powerful inverter than typical for this class.
  • Surgepad technology works well
  • Camping/emergency lights stay charged
  • Telescoping pole gets lights up to useful place – magnetic base allows you to attach them elsewhere
  • Removable top ball exposes 1/4″ screw – can attach camera, mobile attachment, etc… Top ball can be attached elsewhere to any typical 1/4″ – light stand, tripod, etc…
  • More AC ports than usual
  • Intelligent USB ports
  • Easy to use app
  • Can turn on front LCD strip remotely (get some light in the dark!)
  • Good solar and AC input
  • UPS Mode works easily and intuitively.

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Things I Don’t Like

  • No IP rating
  • No wireless charge
  • Not currently compatible with expansion batteries

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Conclusion

The Anker SOLIX C800 Plus jumps to the top of my list of recommended portable power stations for a few scenarios. If you are looking for a versatile (and affordable) power station for camping, the C800 Plus is an obvious choice. It has plenty of outlets, exceptional power delivery for this class, and the integration of lights for camping is inspired. Pair it with a good solar panel and you can have indefinite power for your camping adventure.

I also like this as a backup unit for a power outage, so long as your power needs are sufficient to being handled by a battery this size. Having emergency lighting, UPS function, and a fairly powerful inverter means that this unit can cover a lot of bases. My lone concern on this front is whether or not the battery capacity is sufficient, but again, if you can run some solar, that helps solve that issue.

But the main reason that I like the Anker Solix C800 Plus more than equivalent 700-800Wh units is the fact that it has a more powerful and versatile inverter than those units, which means that it can effectively power more things. I like the abundance of AC plugs (a similar unit from Bluetti that I reviewed only has 2!). I feel like it offers a lot of value for the $500 price point, and the performance in my tests seems to be excellent as well.

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Purchase the Anker SOLIX C800 Plus @ Anker | Amazon https://amzn.to/3OXPwAp | Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/42WuJDg | B&H Photo https://bhpho.to/3Id1ti7

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Keywords: Anker, Solix, Anker Review, C800 Plus, C800, Plus, Review, PV200, 1200W, 768Wh, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bluetti AC70 1000W Power Station Review

Dustin Abbott

November 20th, 2023

I’ve reviewed a lot of different portable power stations at this point, and as a byproduct of increased familiarity with what the market standards are and what other companies are doing, I feel like I have a broadened perspective of what a power station should do at a certain price point. I most recently reviewed Bluetti’s AC60 power station, and I felt like it really advanced the ball in terms of features and build. My largest complaint centered around the 600W inverter in that AC60, as it was larger than what is needed for the basics like electronics but not large enough for many household appliances.

On paper the AC70 seems like a huge upgrade. It has a much more useful inverter (1000W/2000W peak), a larger battery (768Wh), and excellent charging specs (up to 850W via AC and 500W via solar/DC). But the reality is a little more complicated, as in reality the AC70 proves great at doing power station things but lacks the polish of the AC60 (things like full integration with expansion batteries and weather sealing). Furthermore the price point of the two units is pretty much the same, making this more of a lateral decision between sophisticated build and features (AC60) and a more versatile inverter in the AC70. You can get my full thoughts in the video review above or through my review notes below.

Bottom linean update to their popular EB70S.   The AC70 has a more powerful 1000/2000 watt inverter and a larger capacity battery (768Wh) along with a host of other key improvements to the charge capacity and functionality all while dropping the price a bit.

Build and Handling

*Bold areas mark areas of improvement over the EB70S.

  • 768Wh lithium iron phosphate battery rated for over 3500 charge cycles to 80% (pretty much ten years of daily full recharge cycles)  Improvement of 52Wh)
  • 1000W  Pure Sine Wave inverter (2000W peak) (200W/400W improvement)
  • No IP Rating
  • 5 year warranty
  • 12.4″ × 8.2″ × 10.1″ / 314mm × 209.5mm × 255.8mm
  • About 22.5 lbs / 10.2kg
  • Integrated handle (not as nice as AC60)
  • No LED light
  • No power brick (enables UPS and pass-through charging)
  • Buttons responsive
  • Good screen with percentage readouts for output and input

Ports

  • No wireless pad
  • 2 x 120V grounded plugs (1000W total)
  • 2 x USB-A ports (5V/2.4A) = 12W
  • 2 x USB-C 100W + eMark chip
  • 12V/10A car outlet
  • Inputs AC (no power brick) and DC7909 style
  • Grounding connector
  • Expansion uses DC7909 port

Features

  • Bluetooth app
  • Fast charge (3x options – Silent 272W, Standard 442W, and Turbo 935W)
  • Up to 850W input – (about 1.3 hours for turbo) 200W max for EB70S
  • 0-80% in just 45 minutes
  • Solar input/DC up 500W (charge in as little as 2.8 hours)
  • UPS mode (less than 20ms)
  • Expandable with B80, B230, or B300 units (each 806Wh, 2048Wh, or 3072Wh) via XT60 cable but functions as an alternate charge source – not fully integrated like AC60.

Tests

  • 1000W blender – started at 770W and dropped to 600W range – no problem
  • 1100W blender started at 1135W initial draw (handled by peak) followed by 850W continuous draw.  No problem (blended my smoothie with only 1% battery drain)
  • 1500W kettle (sustained nearly 1500W draw for 45 seconds) = strong inverter.
  • Power Lift mode ran at 1015W on average and was able to easily bring kettle to boil (will boil faster than lift mode on AC60 – 600W) 
  • 1875W hair dryer – started at nearly 1700W and BMS shut it down due to overload.  Switch to power lift mode – ran stable at 955W | This works well for devices with resistive loads (heating elements) but not for those with more sophisticated electronics (fridges or AC units).
  • Faster recharge time via AC or solar is noticeably different (autumn/winter solar makes this really important)

Things I Like

  • Powerful inverter
  • Fast charge times
  • UPS mode
  • Power lift
  • Good mix of AC/DC ports
  • App control

Things I Don’t Like

  • Expansion integration not as good.
  • No wireless pad
  • No iP rating
  • Inferior build to AC60

Strong value at $499 USD/$679 CDN | A mix of the AC60 and AC70 would be about perfect, but although I like the feature set of the AC60, the superior inverter and recharge times makes me lean towards the AC70 for similar money.  Far superior to the more expensive Jackery Explorer 1000

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Purchase the Bluetti AC70 @ Bluetti Store Canada (use Code DUSTIN20 for $20 off) | Bluetti USA | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Bluetti AC60 @ Bluetti Store   (use Code DustinAC60 for an additional 3% discount) | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

Purchase the B80 Expansion Battery from Bluetti Store (use Code DustinAC60 for an additional 3% discount) | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Bluetti PV200 @ Bluetti Store  (use Code DustinEB70S for a discount) | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK  | Amazon Germany 

Keywords: Bluetti, Bluetti Review, Bluetti AC70, AC60, B70, Bluetti B80, Review, PV200, 1000W, 768Wh, Jackery Explorer, UPS, Bluetooth, Solar, Demonstration, Test, Photography, Solar Power, Portable, Camping, Hiking, Video Lights, Back up Power

DISCLAIMER: This article and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.