For campers and travelers who mainly charge laptops, phones and cameras and want a few AC outlets in a small, light unit.
Amazon $329.99The Anker SOLIX C300 is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.4 to 3.3. The Anker SOLIX C300 leads on features and solar input. The Anker 521 PowerHouse wins on value. The Anker 521 PowerHouse costs $70 less ($259.99 vs $329.99).
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 C300 for features (UPS (10 ms), 140 W USB-C, app vs no UPS, expansion or app) and solar input (100 W max solar input vs 65 W max solar input).
- Choose the Anker 521 PowerHouse for value ($1.02 per rated Wh vs $1.15 per rated Wh).
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 | Anker 521 PowerHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 39 $1.15 per rated Wh | 51 $1.02 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 45 80% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 41 300 W continuous AC | 41 300 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 93 0-100% on AC in 1 h 3 min | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 45 70 Wh per kg (9.1 lb (4.1 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% | 75 UPS (10 ms), 140 W USB-C, app | 0 no UPS, expansion or app |
Independent capacity tests
Anker SOLIX C300
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutdoorGearLab | 230 Wh | 80% | AC output test; load not stated in the review. Measured charging speed 274 Wh/hr. |
Anker 521 PowerHouse
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| Anker SOLIX C300 | Anker 521 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 288 Wh | 256 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 230 Wh (80%) | - |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 3,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | No | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 300 W (600 W surge) | 300 W (600 W surge) |
| AC outlets | 3 total | 2 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 3 | - |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | - | 2 |
| USB-C ports | 3 (up to 140 W each) | 1 (60 W) |
| USB-A ports | 1 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (10 ms switchover) | - |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 330 W | 125 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h 3 min (measured by OutdoorGearLab; Anker states 80% in 50 minutes) | - |
| Max solar input | 100 W | 65 W |
| Solar input voltage | 11-28V | 11-28V, 5.5A |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 9.1 lb (4.1 kg) | 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 6.46 x 6.34 x 9.45 in | 8.5 x 8.3 x 5.7 in |
| App | Anker app | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
