Anker C800X Review: Is it Actually a Legit Power Station for $499?
Today at The Solar Lab, we're taking an in-depth look at the all-new Anker C800X, a lightweight, compact, and surprisingly powerful power station that comes with a few unexpected bonus features.
Spoiler alert: this might just be the unit that cements Anker's reputation for not messing around in the portable power game.
As always, our opinions are impartial, so you can trust this to be an honest, hands-on review. So, let’s see if the C800X actually lives up to the hype!
Our First Impressions: Small but Mighty
First thing we noticed was that the Anker C800X is really small for a power station. With that said, this tiny unit actually packs a punch.
Weighing in at just 24 pounds, it's incredibly lightweight and portable. You can literally toss this thing in the trunk of your car if you need power on the go. It also features a drop-proof design, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it if you’re working in a garage, workshop, or just taking it camping.
In terms of power storage, it features a small, but practical 768W lithium ion phosphate battery, which is rated for over 3,000 cycles. It's also equipped with a built-in 1,200W inverter and it’s rated to handle surges of up to 1,600W.
Charging this bad boy is a breeze. You have the option to AC charge by plugging it into any standard wall outlet. When we tested the 750W AC input port, it charged from 0% to 100% in just 58 minutes.
For those hoping to use it for more off-grid situations, it also supports solar charging. The 300W solar input takes longer than AC charging, but with the right solar panels, you can fully charge it in just over 2 hours – very reasonable for such a small unit.
Features and Specifications
Output Ports and Display Screen: Everything You Need
The C800X comes with two built-in USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, five 120V AC outlets, and a 12V car socket. Really impressive for such a small unit.
Typically, Anker’s display screens are pretty meh, but the one you get on the front of the C800X is actually decent. It displays all of the basic information you would want, and the backlit LCD display is really easy to read, even in bright, outdoor environments. The unit also has an LED light bar above the screen, which makes it easy to navigate the front panel ports in the dark.
Bonus Features: The Camping Lights
The C800X also has a really cool feature: two removable LED lights! While some people think this is a bit gimmicky, we could see these being really useful during blackouts or for any type of off-grid RV or camping situation. The two removable 200-lumen camping lights and a telescoping pole are all stored in the top of the unit under a hinged lid.
Each light can be used as a flashlight or just as an ambient light. They're also adjustable; you can hold down the button to change the brightness to your liking. They also come with this cool telescoping pole that is a game-changer, allowing you to elevate the lights out of your face and into the perfect position. Plus, the lights are magnetic and come with clips, so you can attach them just about anywhere.
One of the best parts? The lights charge directly from the power station. Just place them in the compartment where two little charging pins can be connected to them.
Depending on the setting, these lights can run up to 130 hours and recharge in about 4 hours. Perfect for long camping trips!
Again, some people think these are just a gimmick, but we were really pumped when we found them. It’s just a thoughtful feature that helps set it apart from similar units. Plus, they’d just be really practical during a blackout. Who really wants to be fumbling for flashlights, batteries, and candles when the power goes out?
What We Liked About the C800X
Anker's Attention to Detail:
Anker is known for designing its products with a meticulous level of detail, and the C800X is no exception. The IQ Ports, a patented technology, consume less energy when charging devices, giving you more power for longer. This is a huge plus when you're off-grid, or if you’re experiencing a power outage and don’t know how long it will last.
Industrial-Grade Durability:
Built with industrial-grade components, the C800X really is designed to last. Its cooling components are rated for 50,000 hours of use, ensuring it can handle some pretty serious demands. We absolutely hate when we pick up a power station and feel like it’s too fragile for real-world situations. After all, these things are meant to be survival tools, so you should be able to treat them like tools, not delicate toys.
What We Didn’t Like About It
No product is perfect, and the C800X has a couple of minor drawbacks. First, the handles. They're not the most ergonomic, and we prefer the flip-up handles found on other brands.
Second, the unit isn't expandable. While it's designed for portability, it would be nice to have the option to expand its capacity. It’s probably good enough for basic backup and camping needs, but 768W isn’t a huge amount of stored power. If you could slap an expansion battery on it and double that storage capacity, it would be a lot more versatile.
Our Verdict: This Thing is Worth Every Penny
Despite these small gripes, the Anker C800X delivers in just about every aspect. It's perfect for weekend camping trips, with enough power to run a 12V fridge, charge your phones, and inflate an air mattress. Plus, the removable flashlights mean you’ll always have a source of light at arm’s reach.
Comparing the C800X to the Competition
When compared to similar models from Anker’s competition, like the Jackery 1000 PLUS, the C800X holds its ground. The Jackery 1000 PLUS costs more than double the price of C800X, has a 2,000W inverter, and a 1,264Wh battery.
The C800X, at a significantly lower price point, offers a 768Wh battery and a 1,200W inverter, with a 1,600W surge capacity. Less power, but not enough to justify such a huge spike in price. Plus, the C800X comes with more features and bonuses, which we think just gives it better value overall.
Our Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
All in all, the Anker C800X is an impressive unit that offers plenty of bang for your buck. It's perfect for campers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing reliable and portable backup power for their home. If you’re like us and appreciate thoughtful design and practical features, the C800X won't disappoint.
Right now, you can pick up your own Anker C800X for just $599! Shop Solar also carries a variety of C800X kits, which bundle it with solar panels for a really reasonable price.
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