Anker F3800 vs. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3: Which Power Station is the Best Option?
The world of portable power stations has seen some heavy hitters in recent years, and two of the biggest contenders are the Anker SOLIX F3800 and the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.
These power stations were both designed to keep homes running during power outages, supply mobile power to RVs, trailers, and camper vans, or even act as reliable sources of power for fully off-grid cabins and homes. Both are also powerful enough to supply power to even the most demanding appliances and devices, including power tools.
Sounds great, but when it comes to choosing between the two, how do they actually stack up against each other? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the nitty gritty details to help you decide which one is worth spending your hard-earned money on.
First Impressions: Size and Weight
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk first impressions. Both the Anker F3800 and the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 are marketed as versatile, portable power solutions that are up to the task of home backup, outdoor adventures, or worksite power needs. But let’s take a closer look:
The Anker F3800:
The Anker F3800 made waves when it was launched in 2023, quickly putting Anker on the map in the world of serious power stations. It's a hefty unit, weighing in at 132 lbs, but it’s also more compact and stackable than most power stations in its class, making it easy to tuck away in a corner or pile up with the compatible expansion batteries.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3:
As the name implies, 2024’s DELTA Pro 3 is EcoFlow’s third version of their incredibly popular DELTA Pro. There’s probably quite a few of our readers with an original DELTA Pro of their own, as it continues to be one of the most popular power stations ever released.
When it comes to size and weight, the DELTA Pro 3 is a bit lighter than the F3800 at 103 lbs, but its design is also quite a bit bulkier, so the unit takes up more space. Despite its larger footprint, the DELTA Pro 3 is designed to fit seamlessly into EcoFlow’s existing “EcoSystem” of products, making it a solid choice if you’re already invested in their equipment.
Comparing Power and Performance: Battery Capacity and Output
As for battery capacity, these two units really are neck and neck. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 edges out the Anker F3800 with its 4,096Wh battery, compared to the F3800’s 3,840Wh. While the difference isn’t anything too crazy, and both units can store some serious power, it does give the DELTA Pro 3 a slight advantage in how long it can keep your devices running.
With that said, the Anker F3800 fights back with its robust 6,000W inverter, capable of handling more demanding loads than the DELTA Pro 3’s 4,000W inverter. The Anker’s higher output rating means that it can power more heavy-duty appliances at the same time than the DELTA Pro 3 can. From your oven and stove to even a garage car hoist and compressor, a 6,000W inverter means the F3800 is a real work horse.
The DELTA Pro 3, while still having a robust inverter of its own, might struggle with the type of surges you get with these more demanding devices and appliances, making it less suitable for those with high-power needs.
Both units are split-phase, meaning they can run both 120V and 240V outputs. But here’s where the Anker F3800 pulls ahead again: it can run both voltages simultaneously. This is a game-changer if you’re powering a mix of appliances and devices, as you won’t have to shut everything down to switch between 120V and 240V outputs.
In contrast, the DELTA Pro 3, requires you to choose one or the other at any given time, which can be a hassle if you’re managing multiple power needs.
Solar Input and Expandability Comparison
For those looking for more of an off-grid power station that allows them to run purely on solar power, both of these units offer impressive solar inputs—though they’re not without their quirks.
The DELTA Pro 3 can handle 2,600W of solar input, slightly more than the F3800’s 2,400W solar input rating. While that sounds great on paper, the reality is that achieving the maximum solar input on the F3800 can be tricky due to its compatibility primarily with Anker’s own brand of solar panels, which have a lower amperage than most panels. For those with an existing solar panel array, or even those who just want the flexibility to buy panels of their own choosing, the amperage issue with the F3800 can be pretty offputting.
In terms of expandability, the Anker F3800 is the clear winner. You can connect up to six expansion batteries, giving you a ton of extra power in the form of a compact, stackable power station.
On the other hand, the DELTA Pro 3, maxes out at two expansion batteries per unit, meaning you’ll need multiple units if you want to expand your capacity to a significant degree. And when it comes to the batteries themselves, the Anker F3800 Expansion Battery is smaller and easier to manage than the DELTA Pro 3’s 4,000Wh EcoFlow Extra Battery.
Price and Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
As for the all-important detail of how the two units are priced, they’re actually priced about the same. The Anker F3800 typically retails for $3,999, although it's frequently on sale for around $2,999. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 retails a little cheaper at $3,699, but with sales and discounts, you can usually bring that price down to about $3,100.
As a word of advice, we’d only recommend paying the full retail price for either unit if you need to order right away. Sales and promo prices are common, so it’s not really wise to pay too much more than $3,000 for either the F3800 or DELTA Pro 3.
Keep in mind that the price isn’t just about the upfront sticker cost; you should always consider value. The Anker F3800, with its larger inverter, better expandability, and simultaneous 120V/240V output, offers more features for the price. Plus, the cost of expanding your power setup is lower with the F3800, as you don’t need to invest in a second power station once you max out your expansion batteries.
Assessing the Intangibles: Brand Loyalty and the EcoFlow EcoSystem
Brand loyalty is a real thing, especially with pricey investments like a large scale power station. The truth is, it’s hard to ignore EcoFlow’s established reputation within the power station market.
The DELTA Pro 3 integrates smoothly with EcoFlow’s existing products, making it a great choice if you already own one of the older models or some of EcoFlow’s accessories. This compatibility can be a huge plus, allowing you to reuse your previous investments instead of starting from scratch.
Plus, there’s something to be said for aesthetics. The DELTA Pro 3 just looks good. It’s sleek, modern, and feels like a premium product. We’ve previously referred to some of EcoFlow’s power stations as being like the iPhones of the portable power world - they just look great. If design and ecosystem compatibility are high on your list, the DELTA Pro 3 might just be worth the slightly higher cost and the fewer features you get with it.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
So, which power station should you choose? The answer actually depends on your personal preferences, as well as your specific needs. At the end of the day, these are both high-quality power stations that we’d happily recommend to any of our readers.
To make it easier to choose the right one, review the following and pick whichever option comes closest to matching your needs:
Buy the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 if:
You’re already invested in EcoFlow’s EcoSystem and want to keep using your existing components
You have an RV or trailer and need the convenience of the built-in 30-amp plug
You value aesthetics and want a unit that looks and performs really well
Your power needs are moderate, and you don’t need to run multiple heavy-duty appliances simultaneously
Buy the Anker F3800 if:
You need serious power for work or for your home. If you want the ability to run an oven, stove, and other high-demand appliances at the same time, the F3800 is the superior choice
You want a smaller footprint, with a stackable design that fits easily into tight spaces
You’re looking to maximize your budget, with better expandability and more features for a slightly lower price
You need the versatility of running 120V and 240V outputs at the same time
Making the Final Decision
Again, both the Anker F3800 and EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 are excellent power stations. Your decision really should come down to what features matter most to you and how you plan to use your power station.
If you’re still on the fence, take some time to do more research and revisit our reviews of the two power stations. With our individual reviews, we were able to dive a little deeper into testing them out.
Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of any discount codes available to get the best deal possible!
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