A heavy but efficient older 1.1kWh LiFePO4 unit that remains a strong value buy when discounted; the Elite 100 V2 is its lighter replacement.
Amazon $449The BLUETTI AC180 is the better portable power station overall, rated 4.4 to 4.0. The BLUETTI AC180 leads on AC output, charging speed and features. The BLUETTI Elite 100 mini wins on tested capacity and portability. The BLUETTI Elite 100 mini costs $20 less ($429 vs $449).
For buyers who want a full kilowatt-hour for lights, a fridge, CPAP and electronics at a low price, and do not need high-wattage appliances.
Amazon $799 BLUETTI $429Prices 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 BLUETTI AC180 for AC output (1,800 W continuous AC vs 700 W continuous AC), charging speed (0-100% on AC in 1 h vs 0-100% on AC in 2 h 19 min) and features (UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs UPS (10 ms), 140 W USB-C).
- Choose the BLUETTI Elite 100 mini for tested capacity (97% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) vs 86% of rated capacity delivered (2 tests)) and portability (94 Wh per kg (23.6 lb (10.7 kg)) vs 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg))).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | BLUETTI AC180 | BLUETTI Elite 100 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 25% | 95 $0.39 per rated Wh | 90 $0.43 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 72 86% of rated capacity delivered (2 tests) | 100 97% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) |
| Battery life 15% | 96 LiFePO4, 3,500 cycles, 5-year warranty | 90 LiFePO4, 6,000 cycles, 3-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 82 1,800 W continuous AC | 21 700 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 53 0-100% on AC in 2 h 19 min |
| Portability 10% | 49 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg)) | 89 94 Wh per kg (23.6 lb (10.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 33 500 W max solar input | 23 350 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 55 UPS (10 ms), 140 W USB-C |
Independent capacity tests
BLUETTI AC180
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCWorld | 970 Wh | 84% | 800W space-heater load. |
| PCWorld | 1,007 Wh | 87% | 200W incandescent-bulb load. |
BLUETTI Elite 100 mini
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Solar Lab | - | 97% | Efficiency test (load not stated in the review); idle draw about 13.5W. Measured AC recharge from empty about 2 h. |
Specifications
| BLUETTI AC180 | BLUETTI Elite 100 mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 1,152 Wh | 1,004.8 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 988 Wh (86%) | 975 Wh (97%) |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,500 | 6,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 1,800 W (2,700 W surge) | 700 W |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 2,700 W | - |
| AC outlets | 4 total | 3 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 4 | 3 |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | - |
| USB-C ports | 1 (100 W) | 2 (up to 140 W each) |
| USB-A ports | 4 | 1 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| DC5521 ports | 0 | 2 |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (20 ms switchover) | Yes (10 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 1,440 W | 700 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h (0-80% in 45 min (manufacturer)) | 2 h 19 min (0-80% in about 82 min) |
| Max solar input | 500 W | 350 W |
| Solar input voltage | - | 12-60V, 10A |
| Car charging | - | 192 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 35.3 lb (16 kg) | 23.6 lb (10.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.7 x 12.5 in | 9.25 x 8.48 x 11.54 in |
| App | Bluetooth | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2026-09 |
