When it comes to portable power stations, two of the top brands that often get compared are Anker and Bluetti. Both companies offer an impressive lineup of products ranging from small, entry-level models to large, high-capacity power stations for home backup and off-grid living. So how do Anker and Bluetti stack up, and which brand should you choose? In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll break down the key differences between Anker and Bluetti power stations to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Anker and Bluetti
Anker is a well-established consumer electronics brand that has built a strong reputation for high-quality mobile power accessories like portable chargers and power banks. In recent years, they‘ve expanded their offerings to include larger portable power stations. While Anker is a relative newcomer to this product category compared to some other brands, they‘ve quickly made a splash with a lineup of feature-packed, fast-charging power stations.
Bluetti, on the other hand, is a brand that specializes in portable power products, with a focus on power stations and solar generators. Since their founding in 2019, Bluetti has built a loyal following among campers, RVers, van lifers, and off-grid enthusiasts thanks to the outstanding performance, value, and expandability of their power stations. Bluetti has arguably innovated faster in the space than any other brand, being first to market with the latest battery technology.
Comparing Product Lineups
Both Anker and Bluetti offer portable power stations in a range of sizes to meet different power needs and budgets. Let‘s see how their lineups compare in each major size category:
Entry-Level/Small Models (~150-300 Wh)
Anker:
PowerHouse 256Wh – Compact model with 200W AC output and 60W USB-C PD. 9.7 lbs.
Bluetti:
EB3A – 268Wh LiFePO4 battery with 600W AC output (1200W surge). Weighs just 10.1 lbs.
AC50S – 300Wh with 300W pure sine wave inverter and 60W USB-C PD
The Bluetti EB3A stands out here for its use of long-lasting LiFePO4 battery cells and impressive 600W power output in a very portable design. The AC50S is also competitive with Anker‘s entry model.
Mid-Size Models (~500 Wh)
Anker:
PowerHouse 521 – 512Wh capacity, 300W AC, 60W USB-C
PowerHouse 535 – 512Wh, 500W AC, 60W USB-C
Bluetti:
EB55 – 537Wh LiFePO4, 700W AC, 100W USB-C
AC180 – 558Wh, 600W AC
Bluetti‘s EB55 has a slight edge in capacity and output over Anker‘s 535, while using longer-lasting LiFePO4 battery chemistry. It‘s also more affordable. The AC180‘s 600W inverter provides more power than Anker in a compact package.
Large Models (~1000-1500 Wh)
Anker:
PowerHouse 757 – 1229Wh LiFePO4, 1500W AC, 100W USB-C
PowerHouse 767 – 2048Wh LiFePO4, 2400W AC, 100W USB-C
Bluetti:
EB70S – 716Wh LiFePO4, 800W AC, 100W USB-C
AC200MAX – 2048Wh LiFePO4, 2200W AC, 100W USB-C
AC200P – 2000Wh LFP, 2000W AC, 60W USB-C
Anker‘s PowerHouse 757 packs a ton of capacity and output into a relatively portable design, giving it an advantage over Bluetti‘s more affordable but lower-powered EB70S. However, the AC200MAX matches the 767‘s massive 2048Wh capacity and delivers 2200W output, making it better suited for high-drain devices. Both offer USB-C PD charging.
Extra Large Models (2000Wh+)
Anker:
None
Bluetti:
AC300 + B300 Expansion Battery: Modular system combining 3000W inverter with up to 12,288Wh battery capacity. Highly expandable.
EP500: 5100Wh, 2000W inverter. Dual wired/wireless charging.
EP500Pro: 5100Wh, 3000W inverter, dual wired/wireless charging.
For the largest power stations, Bluetti is the clear choice, as Anker doesn‘t currently offer anything over 2000Wh. Bluetti‘s AC300 modular power system is the ultimate solution for whole-home backup power and off-grid living, with the ability to scale up to a staggering 12.3kWh of battery storage. The EP500 and EP500 Pro are also best-in-class units with 5.1kWh capacity and attractive features like wireless device charging.
Key Differences
Battery Technology & Lifespan
One of the biggest differences between Anker and Bluetti power stations is the battery technology they use. Anker uses Lithium-ion batteries for its smaller PowerHouse models but switches to LiFePO4 for the 757 and 767. Bluetti uses more expensive but longer-lasting LiFePO4 batteries for all of its power stations except for the AC200P.
LiFePO4 batteries offer many advantages over Li-ion, including longer lifespan (2500-3500+ cycles vs 500-1000), improved safety and stability, and extended lifetime (10+ years). This means Bluetti‘s power stations will likely keep going strong long after an equivalent Anker model needs its battery replaced. Anker‘s 5-year warranty is generous, but Bluetti backs its LiFePO4 models with a 5-year warranty and the industry‘s only 10-year guarantee on its expandable power systems like the AC300 and EP500Pro.
Output & Expandability
While both brands offer pure sine wave AC power for sensitive electronics, Bluetti‘s power stations tend to provide higher rated power output and surge capacity compared to similar-sized Anker models, giving you more flexibility in the devices you can run and charge. Many Bluetti models also allow you to double the rated output by connecting two units together.
In addition, Bluetti power stations provide more I/O ports in general, with extras like RV and car outlets, wireless charging pads, and app connectivity on some models. They also support expandable capacity by linking additional battery modules. In contrast, Anker has more streamlined designs aimed at simplicity and portability.
Charging Speed
When it comes to charging speed, Anker has an edge over Bluetti. Models like the PowerHouse 545, 757 and 767 all support ultra-fast charging, allowing you to recharge to 80% in just an hour. Most Bluetti power stations take 2-3 hours to recharge. If charging speed is a priority for you, Anker may be the better choice.
Price
Bluetti power stations tend to cost slightly more than comparable Anker models, likely due to the more expensive LiFePO4 batteries they use and additional features they offer. However, Bluetti products still provide excellent value over their lifespan. Anker‘s power stations are very competitively priced for their capacity and features.
Which brand should you choose?
Both Anker and Bluetti make high-quality, reliable power stations that are among the best on the market. However, they each have distinct advantages that make them better suited for different use cases and customer preferences:
Choose Anker if:
- You prioritize light weight and portability
- You need the fastest possible charging
- You want to save money upfront
Choose Bluetti if:
- You want the longest lifespan and reliability
- You need high output for power-hungry devices
- You value expandability and extra features
- You want the most trusted brand for off-grid and home backup power
For entry-level power stations, Bluetti‘s EB3A is hard to beat for its impressive 600W output, long-lasting LFP battery, and ultra-portable design. For mid-size models around 500Wh, the Bluetti EB55 provides higher capacity and output than Anker equivalents. However, Anker‘s 535 offers faster charging.
When it comes to high-capacity power stations, Bluetti is the clear winner thanks to its combination of innovative features, expandability options, and LiFePO4 battery advantages. Models like the AC200MAX, AC300, and EP500 provide peace of mind for those using them for home backup power or off-grid living.
That said, you can‘t go wrong with either brand. Anker remains an excellent choice if maximum portability, charging speed and value are your top priorities. But if you‘re looking for a power station that will last for the long haul and has the versatility to handle anything you throw at it, Bluetti is tough to beat.
