The Victron Phoenix 12/250 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.4 to 2.2. The Victron Phoenix 12/250 leads on safety listing, value and warranty. The Samlex PST-120-12 wins on efficiency. The Victron Phoenix 12/250 costs $97.49 less ($108.80 vs $206.29).
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 powering one laptop or CPAP from a vehicle 12 V socket. Pricey per watt, but clean and tiny.
Amazon $206.29Prices 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 PST-120-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 34 $0.43 per continuous watt | 0 $1.72 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 77 0.4 A idle (about 5 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 0.5 A idle (about 6 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 0 outlets only |
| Efficiency 10% | 0 84% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 33 88% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
| Victron Phoenix 12/250 | Samlex PST-120-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 250 W | 120 W |
| Surge power | 400 W for 2 s | 120 W |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.4 A (5 W) | 0.5 A (6 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 84% | 88% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 1 |
| 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) | No |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 86 x 165 x 260 mm (3.4 x 6.5 x 10.2 in) | 105 x 189 x 30.5 mm (4.13 x 7.44 x 1.2 in) |
| Weight | 6 lb | 1 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
