Victron MultiPlus 12/500 120V
#23 in Inverter-chargersFull review
A small inverter-charger for a teardrop, small boat or van that plugs into shore power. It replaces a separate inverter, charger and transfer switch.
Amazon DRSA $308.55$308.55
The Victron MultiPlus 12/500 120V rates 3.5 among inverter-chargers 12V inverters; the Samlex PST-120-12 rates 2.2 among up to 1,000 W ones. The Samlex PST-120-12 costs $102.26 less ($206.29 vs $308.55).
Samlex PST-120-12
#27 in Up to 1,000 WFull review
For powering one laptop or CPAP from a vehicle 12 V socket. Pricey per watt, but clean and tiny.
Amazon $206.29$206.29
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different size classes (inverter-chargers and up to 1,000 W), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Victron MultiPlus 12/500 120V | Samlex PST-120-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 38 $0.72 per continuous watt | 0 $1.72 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 100 0.5 A idle (about 6 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 0.5 A idle (about 6 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 65 optional remote, app add-on, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal | 0 outlets only |
| Efficiency 10% | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 33 88% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron MultiPlus 12/500 120V | Samlex PST-120-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter-charger | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 430 W | 120 W |
| Surge power | 900 W | 120 W |
| DC input range | 9.5 to 17 V | 10 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.5 A (6 W) | 0.5 A (6 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.2 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 90% | 88% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 0 | 1 |
| GFCI outlets | No | No |
| Hardwire terminal | Yes | No |
| USB ports | None | 1 |
| Transfer switch | Yes | No |
| Charger | 20 A | - |
| Lithium charge profile | Yes | - |
| Parallel units | Yes | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | No |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | No | No |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 311 x 182 x 100 mm (12.24 x 7.17 x 3.94 in) | 105 x 189 x 30.5 mm (4.13 x 7.44 x 1.2 in) |
| Weight | 9.7 lb | 1 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |