Product Review · Updated November 2026
Anker SOLIX C300 Review: The AC Model vs the C300 DC, and Which Small Station to Gift
The Anker SOLIX C300 is a 288Wh LiFePO4 power station with three 300W AC outlets (600W surge), two 140W USB-C ports and a 10ms UPS mode, in a box of about 9.1 lb. Don't confuse it with the cheaper C300 DC. That model has the same battery but no AC outlets, and it only charges through USB-C, solar or a car socket. Buy the C300 if you need to plug in anything with a wall plug. Buy the C300 DC if everything you own charges over USB or 12V. On Amazon the AC model is currently listed only with a 60W solar panel. At $499.99 for that bundle, it scores 84/100 in our scoring vs 86 for the C300 DC. Our scores are synthesized from Anker's published specs, third-party coverage and Amazon listing data.
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By 
Capacity
288
Watt-hours (LiFePO4)
AC Output
300
Watts (600W surge)
Weight
9.1
lb (C300 DC: 6.2 lb)
Price
$499.99
With 60W panel, on Amazon
Quick verdict
The C300 is a well-built 300W camping and backup station with a long warranty, fast wall charging and strong USB-C. Its limits are 300W of AC output, 100W of solar input and no expansion. Pick the C300 DC instead if you only charge phones, laptops, cameras and 12V gear. It is lighter, cheaper and scores higher on value. If you need more AC power for the money, the EcoFlow River 3 Plus (600W, 220W solar, expandable) is the stronger buy.
Anker C300 vs C300 DC: What's the Difference?
Anker launched the two models together in August 2024 (Notebookcheck). They share a 288Wh LiFePO4 battery and a 140W two-way USB-C design, but they are different products, and Amazon listing titles don't always make that clear. The main question is whether you need AC outlets.
| Spec | SOLIX C300 (AC) | SOLIX C300 DC |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 288Wh LiFePO4 | 288Wh LiFePO4 |
| AC outlets | 3 × 120V, 300W total (600W surge) | None |
| USB-C | 2 × 140W (two-way), 1 × 15W | 2 × 140W (two-way), 1 × 100W, 1 × 15W |
| USB-A | 1 × 12W | 2 × 12W |
| 12V car socket | 120W | 120W |
| Total ports | 8 | 7 |
| Wall charging | Built-in AC charger: 80% in about 50 min (Anker) | No AC input. USB-C only, 80% in about 1 hr using both 140W ports; no wall charger in the box |
| Solar input | 100W | 100W |
| UPS mode | 10ms switchover (Anker) | Listing title mentions UPS use; no switchover time published |
| Weight | 9.1 lb | 6.17 lb |
| Warranty (Amazon listing) | 5 years | 3 years |
| Our score | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Price | $499.99 (with 60W panel) | $189.99 |
Choose the C300 DC if your gear is phones, tablets, a USB-C laptop, camera batteries, a drone charger, LED lights or a 12V cooler. It weighs about 3 lb less, and its 100W USB-C port means you can charge more devices at speed. It also scores higher in our rating (86 vs 84), mainly on value and portability. It also won our People's Choice 2026 award, which is based on Amazon customer ratings. Budget for a USB-C wall charger if you don't already own a 100W-plus one, because Anker's listing says none is included.
Choose the C300 if anything you'll power has a wall plug, such as a CPAP power supply, a TV, a projector, string lights or a small blender, or if you want to top it up from any wall outlet without carrying a charger. The 10ms UPS mode also makes it a tidy backup for a router or modem.
Watch the listing title. On October 31, 2026, one Amazon listing titled "Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station with Protective Bag" listed a C300 DC in its box contents and seven DC-only ports. Before you buy, read the "What's in the Box" line. The AC model lists "3× AC" among its ports. The C300X is also a separate model, sold at some retailers, so don't assume its specs match either one.
Anker SOLIX C300 Key Features and the Fine Print
300W of AC, With a 600W Surge Rating
The three AC outlets share 300W continuous with a 600W surge rating, per Anker's Amazon listing and its Australian product page (Anker SOLIX). Notebookcheck's launch report lists the outlets at 330W with 380W total output (Notebookcheck). We use Anker's US figure of 300W. Either way, it's enough for a CPAP, a laptop, a TV, a projector, string lights or a fan, but not a hair dryer, kettle, coffee maker or space heater, which typically draw 1,000W or more. If you need to run small cooking or heating appliances, look at the 600W EcoFlow River 3 Plus or Bluetti Elite 30 V2.
Two 140W USB-C Ports That Charge Both Ways
The C300's best feature is its USB-C. The two 140W ports can fast-charge a MacBook Pro-class laptop, and they also work as inputs, so you can recharge the station from a USB-C laptop charger when you've left the AC cable at home. Add a 15W USB-C port, a 12W USB-A port and a 120W car socket, and you have eight outputs in total (Anker's Amazon listing). Running devices over USB-C or 12V also avoids inverter losses, so you get more of the 288Wh than you would through the AC outlets.
Fast Wall Charging, Slow Solar
Anker says the C300 reaches 80% in about 50 minutes from a wall outlet (Anker SOLIX). Notebookcheck reported a full charge in about 70 minutes from its 280W AC input. Solar is the weak spot. Notebookcheck lists 100W of solar input, and Anker recommends its 60W or 100W panels, while warning that its PS30 (and other 5V USB-C panels), PS200 and PS400 aren't compatible. The 60W panel in the Amazon bundle realistically delivers around 40–45W in good sun, so a full refill from empty takes roughly 6–7 hours of strong sunlight. That's our estimate, not an Anker figure. For a list of panels that fit, see our best solar panels for camping.
LiFePO4, 3,000 Cycles and a 5-Year Warranty
Anker's listing rates the battery for 3,000 cycles and covers the station with a 5-year warranty. The Australian product page also lists 5 years. That's longer than the 3-year term on the C300 DC's Amazon listing, and it's a meaningful extra for a gift. Anker also quotes 25dB at about 3.3 ft (1 m), which would be quiet enough for a tent at night. That is Anker's figure, and we haven't seen it independently confirmed.
No Expansion, and It Can't Fly
The 288Wh battery is fixed. There's no expansion port, so if you think you'll want more runtime later, start with something like the River 3 Plus, which expands to 858Wh. Neither C300 model can go on a plane. The FAA prohibits lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh in both carry-on and checked baggage for passengers (FAA PackSafe, FAA power-station guidance). Our guide to flying with a portable power station covers what you can take instead.
How Long Will the Anker C300 Run Your Gear?
Runtime = usable Wh ÷ load in watts. We assume about 85% of the rated 288Wh is usable after inverter losses, or about 245Wh. The same math applies to the C300 DC for DC loads, and it does a little better there because there's no inverter. These are steady-load estimates. Coolers and fridges cycle on and off, so they run longer than the average draw suggests.
| Load | Typical draw | Estimated runtime | C300 DC can run it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router + modem | 20W | ~12.3 hrs | Only with a 12V or USB-C power adapter |
| LED string lights / camp lights | 20W | ~12.3 hrs | USB lights yes; plug-in strings no |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 40W | ~6.1 hrs | Only with the CPAP maker's 12V/DC cable |
| 12V compressor cooler (average) | 45W | ~5.4 hrs | Yes (car socket) |
| Laptop (USB-C) | 60W | ~4.1 hrs | Yes |
| 32" LED TV | 50W | ~4.9 hrs | No |
| Portable projector | 120W | ~2.0 hrs | No (unless USB-C powered) |
| Small fan + phones + lights | 80W | ~3.1 hrs | USB fans yes |
In practice, a C300 covers one night of CPAP use without a humidifier, or a weekend of phones, lights and a laptop if you top it up from the car or a panel. For a 12V cooler over several days, or a CPAP with the heated humidifier on, plan on a larger station. Our solar generator size calculator can size it from your own device list.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- • Two 140W two-way USB-C ports, which double as inputs
- • Fast wall charging: 80% in about 50 minutes (Anker)
- • 600W surge rating on a 300W inverter
- • 10ms UPS mode for a router or modem (Anker)
- • LiFePO4 rated for 3,000 cycles and a 5-year warranty
- • About 9.1 lb, small enough for a car-camping bin
What Could Be Better
- • Only 300W of AC, so no kettles, hair dryers or heaters
- • 100W solar input, half to a third of some 600W rivals
- • Not expandable: 288Wh is the ceiling
- • On Amazon, the AC model is listed only with a 60W panel
- • Confusing listings: some "C300" titles ship the DC model
Anker C300 vs EcoFlow River 3, Jackery Explorer 300 and Bluetti Elite 30
These are the 250–300Wh stations already rated on SolarGenAdvisor that C300 shoppers most often cross-shop. Specs and scores come from our product database. Prices and cost per watt-hour are live from Amazon. The C300 row is the 60W-panel bundle, so its cost per Wh is inflated compared with the station-only rows.
| Model | Capacity | AC Out / Surge | Solar In | Weight | Our Score | Price | Cost / Wh | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker SOLIX C300 (AC) + 60W Solar Panel | 288 Wh | 300W / 600W | 100W | 9.1 lb | 84/100 | $499.99 | $1.74/Wh | Check Price → |
| Anker SOLIX C300 DC | 288 Wh | No AC (300W DC) | 100W | 6.17 lb | 86/100 | $189.99 | $0.66/Wh | Check Price → |
| EcoFlow River 3 | 245 Wh | 300W / 300W | 110W | 7.8 lb | 84/100 | $249.00 | $1.02/Wh | Check Price → |
| EcoFlow River 3 Plus | 286 Wh | 600W / 1,200W | 220W | 10.4 lb | 86/100 | $299.00 | $1.05/Wh | Check Price → |
| Jackery Explorer 300 | 292 Wh | 300W / 300W | 100W | 7.1 lb | 87/100 | $289.00 | $0.99/Wh | Check Price → |
| Bluetti Elite 30 V2 | 288 Wh | 600W / 600W | 200W | 9.5 lb | 86/100 | $289.99 | $1.01/Wh | Check Price → |
| Bluetti Elite 30 Mini | 288 Wh | 300W / 600W | 100W | 7.3 lb | 85/100 | $449.00 | $1.56/Wh | Check Price → |
Surge figures are as listed in our database. EcoFlow and Bluetti also quote higher "X-Boost" and "Power Lifting" figures, but those apply only to resistive loads such as heaters and kettles. Prices change often, so treat this as a snapshot, not a forecast.
Anker C300 vs EcoFlow River 3 and River 3 Plus
The River 3 is the closest match in output (300W), but it has a smaller 245Wh battery. The C300 holds more energy and has much stronger USB-C. The River 3 Plus is the one to beat. It has twice the AC output (600W), 220W of solar input and expansion to 858Wh, though at 10.4 lb it's a little heavier. If you're choosing between the EcoFlow pair, see which EcoFlow River to buy.
Anker C300 vs Jackery Explorer 300
On paper these are close: 288Wh vs 292Wh, 300W of AC each and similar solar input. The C300 adds the 600W surge rating, two 140W USB-C ports and a 5-year warranty. The Jackery Explorer 300 is about 2 lb lighter and is sold as a station on its own, without a bundled panel. Our Jackery Explorer 300 vs 300 Plus review covers the Jackery side in detail.
Anker C300 vs Bluetti Elite 30 V2 and Elite 30 Mini
All three use 288Wh LiFePO4 batteries. The Elite 30 V2 doubles the AC output to 600W and takes 200W of solar, at 9.5 lb. The Elite 30 Mini is the most direct rival: the same 300W of output, a 140W USB-C cable built in, a 10ms UPS and a weight of 7.3 lb.
More AC power: EcoFlow River 3 Plus
286Wh, 600W of AC, 220W of solar and expansion to 858Wh. It scores 86/100 in our scoring.
The closest like-for-like: Jackery Explorer 300
292Wh and 300W of AC at 7.1 lb, sold on its own without a panel. It scores 87/100.
600W at 288Wh: Bluetti Elite 30 V2
The same 288Wh with 600W of AC and 200W of solar, at 9.5 lb. It scores 86/100.
Smallest budget pick: EcoFlow River 3
245Wh and 300W of AC at 7.8 lb, with a UPS mode. It's not expandable. It scores 84/100.
Is the Anker C300 a Good Gift? (And Picks Under $300)
A 300Wh-class station makes a good December gift for a camper, tailgater, overlander or anyone who wants a quiet backup for a router and phones. It's small enough to wrap, it uses long-life LiFePO4 cells, and it works out of the box. Three checks before you buy:
- • Make sure it's the right C300. If the recipient wants to plug in a CPAP, lights or a TV, get the AC model. If it's a gift for a backpacker or photographer who charges over USB, the C300 DC is lighter and costs less, but add a 100W-plus USB-C wall charger, because none is included.
- • It won't fly. At 288Wh, it's banned from carry-on and checked bags (FAA), so it's not a gift for air travel.
- • Don't expect it to run a coffee maker. 300W rules out kettles, coffee makers and heaters. A 600W model is the better gift for that.
Under $300 right now: At today's Amazon prices, these AC-capable stations from our comparison are under $300: EcoFlow River 3, Jackery Explorer 300, Bluetti Elite 30 V2, EcoFlow River 3 Plus. The C300 DC is also under $300 if you don't need AC. Prices change often, so check the table above for live figures.
For more ideas, see our solar generator gift guide and best solar generators under $500. For holiday shopping, our Anker SOLIX Black Friday deals page tracks live Amazon prices across the lineup.
Anker SOLIX C300 Full Specifications
| Battery capacity | 288 Wh (LiFePO4) |
| AC output | 3 × 120V outlets (US), 300W continuous, 600W surge |
| USB-C | 2 × 140W (input and output), 1 × 15W |
| USB-A | 1 × 12W |
| Car socket | 12V, 120W |
| AC charging | About 80% in 50 min (Anker); about 70 min to full from a 280W AC input (Notebookcheck) |
| Other charging | 140W USB-C, car outlet, solar |
| Solar input | 100W (Notebookcheck); Anker recommends its 60W or 100W panels. Not compatible with Anker PS30, PS200 or PS400 |
| UPS | 10ms switchover (Anker) |
| Cycle life | 3,000 cycles (Anker Amazon listing) |
| Noise | 25dB at about 3.3 ft (Anker claim) |
| Expansion | None (fixed 288Wh) |
| Warranty | 5 years (Amazon listing and Anker product page) |
| Weight | About 9.1 lb (LANOC review; Notebookcheck lists about 9 lb) |
| Amazon bundle contents | C300, 60W solar panel, XT-60 to DC7909 cable, solar-to-XT60 cable, extension cable, AC charging cable |
Sources (checked October 31, 2026): Anker's Amazon listings, ASIN B0DBLJRRPW for the C300 with 60W panel (ports, output, charge time, cycles, warranty, noise, box contents) and B0D62PMB3R for the C300 DC (ports, USB-C charging, 3-year term, no wall charger); Anker SOLIX C300 product page (AU) (80% in 50 min, 10ms UPS, 5-year warranty, 25dB); Notebookcheck launch report (US outlet count, 100W solar, 280W AC input, about 9 lb vs 6.18 lb for the C300 DC); LANOC review (9.1 lb net weight). Notebookcheck lists 330W per outlet and 380W total; we use Anker's 300W. We couldn't find dimensions confirmed by two sources, so we've left them out.
Who Should Buy the Anker SOLIX C300?
Buy if you…
- ✓ Car camp or tailgate and need a few AC outlets for lights, a fan or a projector
- ✓ Want one night of CPAP use without a humidifier
- ✓ Want fast USB-C charging for laptops, plus a UPS for a router
- ✓ Value a 5-year warranty and LiFePO4 longevity in a gift
- ✓ Have no panel yet and want one included
Skip if you…
- ✗ Only charge USB and 12V devices. Buy the cheaper, lighter C300 DC
- ✗ Want to run a kettle, coffee maker or heater. Look at a 600W model
- ✗ Plan to rely on solar for days (100W max input)
- ✗ Might want more capacity later. The River 3 Plus expands
- ✗ Need home backup for a fridge. See the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2
Verdict: A Good Small AC Station, but the C300 DC Is the Better Value
The Anker SOLIX C300 earns 84/100 in our scoring. For comparison, the C300 DC scores 86, the River 3 Plus 86 and the Jackery Explorer 300 87. It scores well on portability, USB-C, charging speed, warranty and LiFePO4 longevity. It loses points for 300W of AC, 100W of solar, no expansion, and an Amazon listing that only sells the AC model with a panel. If you need AC outlets in a small, quiet box with a long warranty, it's a solid choice. If you don't, the C300 DC does most of the same job for less. For the full lineup, from the C300 to the F3800 Plus, see our Anker SOLIX buying guide.
How we rate: our scores are synthesized from published specifications, manufacturer figures, logged Amazon prices and public reviews, weighted using our awards methodology. We have not tested these units ourselves. Runtime figures are calculated, not measured.
Anker SOLIX C300 FAQ
What is the difference between the Anker SOLIX C300 and the C300 DC?
Both hold the same 288Wh LiFePO4 battery, but only the C300 has AC outlets. The C300 has three 120V AC outlets rated at 300W (600W surge), a built-in AC charger and a 5-year warranty, and weighs about 9.1 lb. The C300 DC has no AC outlets at all. It puts out 300W through USB-C, USB-A and a 12V car socket, charges only through USB-C, solar or a car outlet (no wall charger is included), weighs about 6.2 lb and carries a 3-year warranty on its Amazon listing.
Does the Anker SOLIX C300 DC have an AC outlet?
No. The C300 DC has seven DC ports: two 140W USB-C, one 100W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, two 12W USB-A and one 120W car socket. If you need to plug in anything with a wall plug, such as a CPAP power brick, a blender or string lights, buy the AC model, the Anker SOLIX C300.
How long will the Anker SOLIX C300 run a CPAP or a 12V fridge?
Assuming about 85% of the 288Wh is usable, or roughly 245Wh, a CPAP drawing 40W without a humidifier runs about 6.1 hours, about one night. A 12V compressor cooler averaging 45W runs about 5.4 hours. Running DC devices from the car socket or USB-C skips the inverter, so expect somewhat more. These are calculated estimates, not measurements.
Can you take the Anker SOLIX C300 on a plane?
No. At 288Wh, both the C300 and the C300 DC are well above the 160Wh limit. The FAA prohibits lithium-ion batteries over 160Wh in both carry-on and checked baggage on passenger flights, and airline approval cannot lift that limit. For flying, carry a power bank of 100Wh or less.
How fast does the Anker SOLIX C300 recharge?
Anker says the C300 reaches 80% in about 50 minutes from a wall outlet, and Notebookcheck reported a full recharge in about 70 minutes from its 280W AC input. It can also charge from a 140W USB-C charger, a car outlet or solar. Anker recommends its 60W or 100W panels, and Notebookcheck lists 100W of solar input, so a full solar refill takes most of a sunny day.
Anker SOLIX C300 vs Jackery Explorer 300: which is better?
They are close on paper: 288Wh vs 292Wh and 300W of AC output each, with similar solar input. The C300 adds a higher 600W surge rating, two 140W USB-C ports, a 10ms UPS mode (per Anker) and a 5-year warranty. The Jackery is about 2 lb lighter and, at Amazon prices on October 31, 2026, was available on its own, while the AC C300 was only listed with a 60W panel. Compare the live prices in our table before deciding.
Is the Anker SOLIX C300X the same as the C300?
No. The C300X is a separate model sold at some retailers with different output and charging specs. This review covers the C300 (AC) and the C300 DC only. Check the C300X spec sheet on its own listing rather than assuming it matches either.
Is the Anker SOLIX C300 a good gift?
For a camper, tailgater or anyone who wants a quiet backup for a router and phones, yes. It is small, uses long-life LiFePO4 cells and works out of the box. Two things to check before wrapping it: the C300 DC does not include a wall charger, so add a USB-C charger of 100W or more, and neither model can go on a plane. If the recipient needs to run a coffee maker or a small heater, a 600W station such as the EcoFlow River 3 Plus or Bluetti Elite 30 V2 is the better gift.