Victron Orion XS 12/12-50
#1 in DC-DCFull review
The best all-round alternator charger for most vans and RVs with a 12 V lithium bank. It is small, very efficient and fully configurable from a phone.
Amazon Inverters R Us $328.10$328.10
The Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 rates 4.5 among DC-DC charge controllers; the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 rates 4.4 among MPPT solar ones. The Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 costs $134.30 less ($193.80 vs $328.10).
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50
#1 in MPPT solarFull review
For RV and van owners running 500-700 W of panels on 12 V or about 1,400 W on 24 V. It has the same app and warranty as the smaller Victrons at a low cost per amp.
Amazon DRSA $193.80$193.80
Prices were last checked October 22, 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 type classes (DC-DC and MPPT solar), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 | Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value 35% | 68 $6.56 per amp of charge current | 82 $3.88 per amp of charge current |
| Features 25% | 90 Bluetooth app, lithium profile, temperature sensor, smart-alternator support; no temperature sensor | 77 Bluetooth app, lithium profile, temperature sensor; no temperature sensor |
| Efficiency 20% | 100 98.5% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 75 98% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Victron Orion XS 12/12-50 | Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Type | DC-DC charger | MPPT solar charge controller |
| Charge current | 50 A | 50 A |
| Battery voltage | 12 V | 12/24 V |
| Lithium profile | Yes | Yes |
| Custom profile | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature sensor | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| Peak efficiency | 98.5% | 98% |
| Standby draw | 1.5 mA | 30 mA |
| Inputs | ||
| Max PV voltage (Voc) | - | 100 V |
| Max PV power (12 V) | - | 700 W |
| DC input range | 9 to 17 V | - |
| Isolated | No | - |
| Smart alternator | Yes | - |
| Ignition sensing | Yes | - |
| Monitoring and build | ||
| Bluetooth | Built in | Built in |
| Display | No | No |
| Load output | No | No |
| Parallel units | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP65 | IP43 (electronics), IP22 (connection area) |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 4.85 x 1.6 in | 130 x 186 x 70 mm |
| Weight | 0.7 lb | 2.9 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |