MARBERO M823
#23 in SmallFull review
A very light, low-cost 237Wh station for charging phones, cameras and a CPAP on short trips. Buyers who need longer battery life or laptop-speed USB-C should look at LiFePO4 models.
Amazon $119.69$119.69
The MARBERO M823 is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.3 to 3.1. The MARBERO M823 leads on value and portability. The Anker 521 PowerHouse wins on battery life. The MARBERO M823 costs $140.30 less ($119.69 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 MARBERO M823 for value ($0.51 per rated Wh vs $1.02 per rated Wh) and portability (114 Wh per kg (4.6 lb (2.1 kg)) vs 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg))).
- Choose the Anker 521 PowerHouse for battery life (LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs Lithium-ion, 1-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 | MARBERO M823 | Anker 521 PowerHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 25% | 95 $0.51 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% | 15 Lithium-ion, 1-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% | 0 0-100% on AC in 6 h | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 100 114 Wh per kg (4.6 lb (2.1 kg)) | 44 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 50 solar input not published (neutral score used) | 12 65 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 0 no UPS, expansion or app | 0 no UPS, expansion or app |
Independent capacity tests
MARBERO M823
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
| MARBERO M823 | Anker 521 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 237 Wh | 256 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | - | 192 Wh (75%) |
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | - | 3,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | - | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 300 W (375 W surge) | 300 W (600 W surge) |
| AC outlets | 2 total | 2 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 1 | - |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | 1 | 2 |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | - |
| USB-C ports | 1 (18 W) | 1 (60 W) |
| USB-A ports | 4 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | No | Yes |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | - | 125 W |
| Full AC charge time | 6 h ("Fully quick charged in 6hrs" from the wall per the listing; 8 hr from a 12V car socket) | - |
| Max solar input | - | 65 W |
| Solar input voltage | 16.4-24V | 11-28V, 5.5A |
| Car charging | - | 65 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) | 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 8.15 x 5.83 x 3.90 in | 8.5 x 8.3 x 5.7 in |
| App | - | - |
| Warranty | 1 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2025-10 | 2021-12 |