The Victron Phoenix 12/800 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.7 to 3.2. The Victron Phoenix 12/800 leads on warranty and value. The Xantrex PROwatt SW 1000 wins on idle draw. The Victron Phoenix 12/800 costs $77.85 less ($271.15 vs $349).
A solid mid-size inverter for vans and boats that run electronics, a blender or power tools. Victron build quality and a five-year warranty justify the price over budget brands.
Amazon DRSA $271.15A dependable, listed plug-in inverter for TVs, laptops and small kitchen gadgets in an RV. Check that your loads fit its real 900 W rating.
Amazon $349Prices 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 12/800 | Xantrex PROwatt SW 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 54 $0.34 per continuous watt | 44 $0.39 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 44 0.7 A idle (about 8 W) with nothing plugged in | 53 0.6 A idle (about 7.2 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 | 22 optional remote, display; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
| Victron Phoenix 12/800 | Xantrex PROwatt SW 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 800 W | 900 W |
| Surge power | 1,200 W for 15 s | 2,000 W |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10.5 to 15.5 V |
| Idle draw | 0.7 A (8 W) | 0.6 A (7.2 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 90% | 90% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | No | No |
| USB ports | None | 1 |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| 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 | 95 x 231 x 334 mm (3.7 x 9.1 x 13.0 in) | 13.4 x 8.7 x 3.5 in (339 x 220 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lb | 7.2 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2009-10 |
