Samlex NTX-400-12
#17 in Up to 1,000 WFull review
For a van or truck cab that needs listed power for electronics and a USB charger.
The Samlex NTX-400-12 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.1 to 2.7. The Samlex NTX-400-12 leads on efficiency. The Samlex PST-300-12 wins on idle draw and warranty.
Samlex PST-300-12
#23 in Up to 1,000 WFull review
For a van or boat that needs listed, GFCI-protected power for laptops, TVs and chargers.
Amazon $251.80$251.80
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-400-12 for efficiency (91% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 87% peak efficiency (maker rating)).
- Choose the Samlex PST-300-12 for idle draw (0.5 A idle (about 6 W) with nothing plugged in vs 0.8 A idle (about 9.6 W) with nothing plugged in) and 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 up to 1,000 W 12V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Samlex NTX-400-12 | Samlex PST-300-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 0 $0.84 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 27 0.8 A idle (about 9.6 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 0.5 A idle (about 6 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% | 0 outlets only | 0 outlets only |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 22 87% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Samlex NTX-400-12 | Samlex PST-300-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 400 W | 300 W |
| Surge power | 800 W for 1 s | 500 W for 8 ms |
| DC input range | 10.5 to 16.3 V | 10.5 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.8 A (9.6 W) | 0.5 A (6 W) |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 87% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | No | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | No | No |
| USB ports | 1 | None |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | No | No |
| 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 | 155 x 225 x 59 mm (6.10 x 8.86 x 2.32 in) | 155 x 246 x 65.5 mm |
| Weight | 2 lb | 3.5 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |