Anker’s portable power stations offer reliable backup for under $200
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Anker has released two new portable power stations, the Anker Solix C300 DC and the Anker 548, offering reliable backup power for emergencies, camping, or simply keeping your devices charged on the go. Both are significantly larger than typical power banks, but remain portable enough to easily transport. And, importantly, they both offer solar recharging capabilities.
Anker Solix C300 DC: Compact and Versatile ($169)
The Anker Solix C300 DC is a compact power station boasting a 300Wh capacity and 300W of output. It features two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port (with Power Delivery), and a 12V DC output. This versatility makes it suitable for powering a wide range of devices, from laptops and smartphones to small appliances. It’s relatively small size and weight make it a good choice for car camping or as an emergency backup at home.
Anker 548: budget-Friendly Power ($104)
The Anker 548 offers a 548Wh capacity and 300W of output, providing more power for longer runtimes. it includes two AC outlets, three USB-A ports, one USB-C port (with Power Delivery), and a 12V DC output. While slightly larger than the C300 DC, it remains portable and is an excellent value for its capacity.
Solar Recharging and Portability
Both power stations can be recharged via AC adapter, car charger, or, crucially, solar panels (sold separately). This makes them ideal for off-grid adventures or situations where access to electricity is limited. anker emphasizes the portability of both units,making them easy to pack for travel or store for emergency preparedness.
Thes power stations represent a compelling option for anyone seeking a reliable and portable power source, particularly at their respective price points.
Bluetti B600 and B900 Power Banks: Portable Powerhouses
Bluetti has entered the portable power bank market with two compelling options: the B600 and the B900. These aren’t your typical phone chargers; they’re designed to power laptops, cameras, drones, and even small appliances on the go. I’ve been testing both units, and they deliver a lot of power in a surprisingly portable package.
Let’s start with the basics. Both power banks feature a robust design and a clear LCD display showing battery level and output status. They offer a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery), and AC outlets, making them incredibly versatile. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously without issue.
B600: The Compact Option
The B600 boasts a 60,000 mAh capacity. This is enough to fully charge a smartphone several times over, or provide a notable boost to a laptop.It features a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port, which is ideal for fast-charging modern laptops and devices. It also includes two USB-A ports and a 120W AC outlet. The B600 weighs in at 5.1 pounds, making it easy to carry in a backpack.
B900: Power for Extended Adventures
Stepping up to the B900, you get a massive 90,000 mAh capacity. This is a serious power bank for extended trips or situations where access to electricity is limited.Like the B600, it offers a 100W USB-C PD port, but it also adds an additional AC outlet, bringing the total to two. The B900 is slightly heavier at 6.2 pounds, but the added capacity is worth the extra weight for many users.
Built-in Light and Portability
Both models include a built-in light, which is surprisingly useful. Its designed as a lantern rather than a focused flashlight, and the diffuser does an excellent job of spreading the light evenly.This makes it perfect for camping, emergencies, or simply providing ambient light. They both have a comfortable carry handle, making transport easy. They hold 60,000 and 90,000 mAh of power, respectively, so there’s a lot of power here, but in a manageable package – they weigh 5.1 and 6.2 pounds, respectively.
Both together weigh less than 12 pounds.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The light on the top is one of the best I’ve seen on a power bank. It’s a lantern as opposed to a flashlight, and the built-in bellows-style diffuser does a remarkable job of spreading the light. The only thing that I don’t like about the light is that it has that annoying SOS flashing mode, a feature that I think needs to