Anker SOLIX C300 DC
#16 in SmallFull review
For travelers and campers who only need to charge USB-C and 12V devices and want the lightest 288 Wh option.
Amazon $189.99 Anker$189.99
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.5 to 3.1. The Anker SOLIX C300 DC leads on value, portability and features. The Anker 521 PowerHouse wins on AC output and battery life. The Anker SOLIX C300 DC costs $70 less ($189.99 vs $259.99).
Anker 521 PowerHouse
#25 in SmallFull review
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 $259.99$259.99
Prices were last checked October 24, 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 C300 DC for value ($0.66 per rated Wh vs $1.02 per rated Wh), portability (103 Wh per kg (6.2 lb (2.8 kg)) vs 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg))) and features (140 W USB-C vs no UPS, expansion or app).
- 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 C300 DC | Anker 521 PowerHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 25% | 82 $0.66 per rated Wh | 51 $1.02 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) | 23 75% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) |
| 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% | 100 103 Wh per kg (6.2 lb (2.8 kg)) | 44 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 23 100 W max solar input | 12 65 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 20 140 W USB-C | 0 no UPS, expansion or app |
Independent capacity tests
Anker SOLIX C300 DC
No independent test published yet.
Anker 521 PowerHouse
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutdoorGearLab | 192 Wh | 75% | AC output test; load not stated. Measured charging speed 62 Wh/hr (about 4.1 hr full recharge). |
Specifications
| Anker SOLIX C300 DC | Anker 521 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 288 Wh | 256 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | - | 192 Wh (75%) |
| 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 | 4 (up to 140 W each) | 1 (60 W) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| DC5521 ports | 0 | - |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | - | 125 W |
| Max solar input | 100 W | 65 W |
| Solar input voltage | 11-28V | 11-28V, 5.5A |
| Car charging | - | 65 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 6.2 lb (2.8 kg) | 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 4.89 x 4.72 x 7.87 in | 8.5 x 8.3 x 5.7 in |
| App | - | - |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2021-12 |