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-300-12 rates 2.7 among up to 1,000 W ones. The Samlex PST-300-12 costs $56.75 less ($251.80 vs $308.55).
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.
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-300-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 38 $0.72 per continuous watt | 0 $0.84 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 | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| 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) | 22 87% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron MultiPlus 12/500 120V | Samlex PST-300-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter-charger | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 430 W | 300 W |
| Surge power | 900 W | 500 W for 8 ms |
| DC input range | 9.5 to 17 V | 10.5 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% | 87% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 0 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | No | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | Yes | No |
| USB ports | None | None |
| 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 | Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 311 x 182 x 100 mm (12.24 x 7.17 x 3.94 in) | 155 x 246 x 65.5 mm |
| Weight | 9.7 lb | 3.5 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |