Anker–one of the bigger names in mobile power banks for keeping your phone at full charge–has been increasingly leveraging its battery know-how into the power station space. With over a decade in the battery business and over 200 million products sold, Anker knows a thing or two about mobile battery systems. The company recently announced some new entries in its Solix lineup, including the one I’ve recently been testing: the Anker Solix C300 DC portable power station.
Portable Power for Portable Devices
I’ve been testing portable power stations for the better part of a decade and there have been five big trends I’ve noted during that time: higher capacity batteries, the move to safer and longer-lasting LiFePO4 battery cells, higher power output, tie-in to mobile apps for remote stats and the inclusion of AC outlets.
The Solix C300 is being marketed as a portable for keeping your mobile devices charged while camping or during an emergency. It adopts those first four principles with a 288Wh LiFePO4 battery packing a capacity of 288Wh, a maximum output of 300W and wireless connectivity via Anker’s mobile app. However, this portable (which is under 5-inches square and 7.9-inches tall) skips the AC outlet. So it’s pretty focused on charging or running mobile devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and cameras–plus camping gear that might run on USB such as a portable fan, cooler, or an air pump.
7 Ports
The Solix C300 has a small footprint, but thanks to its height, there is no shortage of charge ports. There are seven in all, with a pair of 140W two-way UBS-C ports, 100W USB-C, 15W USB-C, 120W car adapter and a pair of 12W USB Type-A ports.
This is a pretty comprehensive collection and those 140W USB-C ports are particularly useful. Not only do they put out enough power to run or charge most laptops, they are also two-way so the power station uses them to charge its own battery. Connected to one of these ports for recharging (a USB-C cable is included but you’ll need your own charger) took me the better part of an afternoon to recharge. However, Anker says that if you utilize both of those USB-C PD ports, the Solix’s battery can be charged to 80% capacity in just an hour. Other recharging options include plugging into your car, or using an optional solar panel.
The multitude of ports can also be used to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Anker Solix C300 Key Specs
- 288Wh LiFePO4 battery with 300W maximum output
- 7 ports including 2 x 140W two-way, fast-charging USB-C with optional dual-port fast-recharging
- Built-in, pop-up LED lighting
- Optional 100W solar recharging
- Built-in display, mobile app
- Integrated carry handle
- Smart temperature control, impact resistant
- Includes USB-C cable
- 4.9 x 4.7 x 7.9-inches, weighs 6.17 lb
- MSRP $199.99 ($149.99 at time of publication)
- 3-Year Warranty
Clever (and Useful) Integrated Lantern
Most portable power stations these day have an integrated LED light. Great idea, since light is always first on the list of must-haves during a blackout. These are usually fairly rudimentary offerings, though, more flashlight than lamp replacement. The Anker Solix C300 goes beyond the basic functionality offered by most with its clever pop-up LED lantern. A top panel expands to reveal a folding LED lantern with three different brightness levels. This provides glowing, ambient lighting that can easily illuminate a small space. This feature is great for emergency lighting and could easily replace a traditional lantern when camping.
Anker doesn’t provide stats for how long the Solix C300 can keep this light going, but when I ran it for an hour at the lowest setting (still plenty of light as shown in my pictures), the power station was still showing a 100% charge.
Portable
Battery power stations can get big–I’ve tested several that topped 100 pounds. Some “portables” can easily top 40 pounds. Anker kept the Solix C300 focused on true portability. It’s just over seven pounds and can be easily carried around with its integrated strap. You can even buy an optional shoulder strap. Anker says it is impact resistant, but I wouldn’t ever be knocking around a battery power station. You do also need to mind the operating temperature (extremes are a no-go), keep it level when running and avoid rain. So keep these limitations in mind if taking the Solix C300 camping.
Recommendation
You can’t plug in your AC-powered appliances, but if your focus is on portability and being able to keep your mobile devices charged when there’s no power available, the Anker Solix C300 DC portable power station is a great option. In addition, its innovative pop-up lantern will provide many hours of warm, ambient lighting.
Disclosure: Anker provided a power station for evaluation purposes but had no input into this review.
