The Victron Phoenix 12/250 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.4 to 3.1. The Victron Phoenix 12/250 leads on warranty, idle draw and features. The Samlex NTX-400-12 wins on efficiency.
For a van, boat or truck cab that only needs to charge laptops and run small electronics. Very low idle draw and a five-year warranty make it a better long-term buy than a cheap 300 W unit.
Amazon DRSA $108.80For a van or truck cab that needs listed power for electronics and a USB charger.
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.
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 | Victron Phoenix 12/250 | Samlex NTX-400-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 34 $0.43 per continuous watt | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Idle draw 15% | 77 0.4 A idle (about 5 W) with nothing plugged in | 27 0.8 A idle (about 9.6 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 0 outlets only |
| Efficiency 10% | 0 84% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
| Victron Phoenix 12/250 | Samlex NTX-400-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 250 W | 400 W |
| Surge power | 400 W for 2 s | 800 W for 1 s |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10.5 to 16.3 V |
| Idle draw | 0.4 A (5 W) | 0.8 A (9.6 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 84% | 91% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | No |
| USB ports | None | 1 |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | No |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Cooling | fan | load-controlled fan |
| Dimensions | 86 x 165 x 260 mm (3.4 x 6.5 x 10.2 in) | 155 x 225 x 59 mm (6.10 x 8.86 x 2.32 in) |
| Weight | 6 lb | 2 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
