ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Anker Solix C300 DC energy financial institution station is out there for $169, whereas the Anker 548 energy station is out there for $104.
- These two are a lot larger than common energy banks, however nonetheless extremely transportable.
- Each could be recharged utilizing photo voltaic panels, making them nice for off-grid use.
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I am lazy, and I will use an influence financial institution fairly than an extension wire. Mix that with the truth that I more and more prefer to work away from my residence workplace, I typically have an influence financial institution or three readily available. Whereas small energy banks are a mainstay for protecting my growing older — and shortly to get replaced — iPhone 15 Professional Max going by way of a piece day, my MacBook Professional appreciates a bit extra energy.
Which means that I have been utilizing two of bigger energy banks. These aren’t energy stations as a result of they solely output USB-C and DC and never AC energy, however they’re significantly larger than the type of factor that attaches to the again of a smartphone otherwise you slip into your pocket.
They’re massive. And so they’re each made by Anker: the Anker 548 and the Anker Solix C300 DC. Each are rectangular bins with handles, a lightweight, and a bunch of ports on the entrance.
They maintain 60,000 and 90,000 mAh of energy, respectively, so there’s plenty of energy right here, however in a manageable bundle – they weigh 5.1 and 6.2 kilos, respectively – and each have a snug carry deal with.
The sunshine on the highest is among the finest I’ve seen on an influence financial institution. It is a lantern versus a flashlight, and the built-in bellows-style diffuser does a exceptional job of spreading the sunshine. The one factor that I do not like in regards to the mild is that it has that annoying SOS flashing mode, a characteristic that I believe must disappear.
One other factor that I like about these items is that each can deal with being recharged utilizing photo voltaic panels which have the an XT-60 output, just like the 100W Anker SOLIX PS100. I’ve a photo voltaic panel exterior with a cable coming into my conservatory the place I connect these energy banks, charging them free of charge (effectively, free as soon as the price of the panel has been lined).
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I’ve put a whole bunch of hours of use on these items, powering my smartphone and laptop computer to having them run issues like my Starlink dish or outside lights, they usually simply carry on working. They’re additionally excellent for dealing with energy outages, or for taking energy with you on the transfer if you go tenting.
The Anker Solix C300 DC is undoubtedly higher for conditions the place you need to push plenty of energy over USB-C, because it helps 140W output and may recharge at 280W with the 2 140W USB-C ports concurrently. And that is all for $170. However with a 87W succesful USB-C outlet, the Anker 548 isn’t any slouch both, which is competitively priced at $110.
Each I can extremely advocate as a result of they have been time-tested now for over a 12 months.
