For hikers and travelers who need a light LiFePO4 battery for phones, cameras and laptops, not a power station for appliances.
Amazon $129.98The Anker SOLIX C200 DC is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The Anker SOLIX C200 DC leads on value, portability and solar input. The Anker 521 PowerHouse wins on AC output and battery life. The Anker SOLIX C200 DC costs $130.01 less ($129.98 vs $259.99).
For campers and travelers who want a small, long-lived LiFePO4 battery for phones, laptops, lights and CPAP. Larger or faster-charging stations give more for the money if you need to run appliances.
Amazon $259.99 Anker SOLIX $259.99Prices were last checked October 20, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Anker SOLIX C200 DC for value ($0.68 per rated Wh vs $1.02 per rated Wh), portability (101 Wh per kg (4.2 lb (1.9 kg)) vs 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg))) and solar input (100 W max solar input vs 65 W max solar input).
- Choose the Anker 521 PowerHouse for AC output (300 W continuous AC vs No AC outlets (DC only)) and battery life (LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 3-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Anker SOLIX C200 DC | Anker 521 PowerHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 80 $0.68 per rated Wh | 51 $1.02 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 81 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 3-year warranty | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 0 No AC outlets (DC only) | 41 300 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 100 101 Wh per kg (4.2 lb (1.9 kg)) | 44 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 44 100 W max solar input | 12 65 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 20 140 W USB-C | 0 no UPS, expansion or app |
Specifications
| Anker SOLIX C200 DC | Anker 521 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 192 Wh | 256 Wh |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 3,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | No | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | None (DC only) | 300 W (600 W surge) |
| AC outlets | 0 | 2 total |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | - | 2 |
| USB-C ports | 3 (up to 140 W each) | 1 (60 W) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | No | Yes |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | - | 125 W |
| Max solar input | 100 W | 65 W |
| Solar input voltage | 11-28V | 11-28V, 5.5A |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) | 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 4.33 x 7.28 in | 8.5 x 8.3 x 5.7 in |
| App | - | - |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
