Samlex NTX-3000S-12
#7 in Over 2,000 WFull review
For cabins and work trucks that want a listed 3,000 W inverter with plain household outlets.
Amazon $732.40$732.40
The Samlex NTX-3000S-12 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The Samlex NTX-3000S-12 leads on efficiency and idle draw. The Samlex PST-3000-12 wins on warranty.
Samlex PST-3000-12
#15 in Over 2,000 WFull review
For RVs and boats that run an air conditioner or several appliances and need a listed install.
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 Samlex NTX-3000S-12 for efficiency (90.5% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 85% peak efficiency (maker rating)) and idle draw (1.1 A idle (about 13.2 W) with nothing plugged in vs 1.6 A idle (about 19.2 W) with nothing plugged in).
- Choose the Samlex PST-3000-12 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 2,000 W 12V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Samlex NTX-3000S-12 | Samlex PST-3000-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 49 $0.24 per continuous watt | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Idle draw 15% | 84 1.1 A idle (about 13.2 W) with nothing plugged in | 62 1.6 A idle (about 19.2 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 remote included; no app | 28 optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 61 90.5% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 0 85% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Samlex NTX-3000S-12 | Samlex PST-3000-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 3,000 W | 3,000 W |
| Surge power | 6,000 W for 1 s | 6,000 W |
| DC input range | 10.5 to 16.3 V | 10.7 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 1.1 A (13.2 W) | 1.6 A (19.2 W) |
| Peak efficiency | 90.5% | 85% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 3 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | No | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Included | Optional extra |
| App | No | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 | Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Cooling | load-controlled fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 216 x 451 x 92 mm (8.50 x 17.75 x 3.62 in) | 263 x 456.5 x 145 mm (10.35 x 17.97 x 5.7 in) |
| Weight | 12 lb | 21.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |