Victron Phoenix 12/1200
For campers that want to run a small microwave or coffee maker from a lithium bank. Efficient and well protected.
Amazon DRSA $317.05$317.05
The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.8 to 3.4. The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 leads on warranty and value. The Xantrex Freedom X 1200 wins on features. The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 costs $115.68 less ($317.05 vs $432.73).
Xantrex Freedom X 1200
#16 in 1,100 to 2,000 WFull review
A listed 1200 W hardwire inverter with a transfer switch, designed for truck sleeper cabs and work vehicles. Good value if you want a permanent install with shore-power pass-through.
Amazon $432.73$432.73
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 12/1200 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and value ($0.26 per continuous watt vs $0.36 per continuous watt).
- Choose the Xantrex Freedom X 1200 for features (optional remote, transfer switch, hardwire terminal, display; no app vs optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 1,100 to 2,000 W 12V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Xantrex Freedom X 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $0.26 per continuous watt | 25 $0.36 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 72 0.9 A idle (about 11 W) with nothing plugged in | 78 0.8 A idle (about 10 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 100 ETL listed to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 and UL 458 with marine supplement |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 62 optional remote, transfer switch, hardwire terminal, display; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Xantrex Freedom X 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Surge power | 1,600 W for 15 s | 2,400 W for 5 s |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10.5 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.9 A (11 W) | 0.8 A (10 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | 0.6 A |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 91% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 0 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | Yes |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | Yes |
| Safety listing | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | ETL listed to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 and UL 458 with marine supplement |
| Cooling | fan | load-controlled fan |
| Dimensions | 117 x 231 x 374 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 14.7 in) | 14.8 x 10.4 x 3.5 in (376 x 263 x 91 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lb | 10.4 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |