Victron Phoenix 12/500
#3 in Up to 1,000 WFull review
A good size for CPAP, electronics and a 12 V-friendly fridge in a camper. Low idle draw means it can be left on.
Amazon $133.96$133.96
The Victron Phoenix 12/500 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.7 to 2.2. The Victron Phoenix 12/500 leads on value, safety listing and warranty. The Samlex PST-120-12 wins on efficiency and idle draw. The Victron Phoenix 12/500 costs $72.33 less ($133.96 vs $206.29).
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Victron Phoenix 12/500 for value ($0.29 per continuous watt vs $1.72 per continuous watt), safety listing (LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) vs no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated) and warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Samlex PST-120-12 for efficiency (88% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 86% peak efficiency (maker rating)) and idle draw (0.5 A idle (about 6 W) with nothing plugged in vs 0.6 A idle (about 7 W) with nothing plugged in).
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 | Victron Phoenix 12/500 | Samlex PST-120-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 64 $0.29 per continuous watt | 0 $1.72 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 56 0.6 A idle (about 7 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% | 11 86% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 33 88% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/500 | Samlex PST-120-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 460 W | 120 W |
| Surge power | 750 W for 3 s | 120 W |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.6 A (7 W) | 0.5 A (6 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 86% | 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 172 x 275 mm (3.4 x 6.8 x 10.8 in) | 105 x 189 x 30.5 mm (4.13 x 7.44 x 1.2 in) |
| Weight | 7.7 lb | 1 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |