This Ultra Portable Power Station Can Charge Any Device - And It's Cheaper Than You Think

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The Anker Solix C300 DC is available from Amazon for $199.
• This fantastic portable power station can charge pretty much everything you have, and you can recharge it quickly using both the 140W USB-C ports.
  
  
• I wish the 12V port had a rubber cover to prevent dirt and metallic items from entering the port.

As power banks get bigger, power stations are becoming smaller. Despite their compact size, this new crop of power stations pack a punch, capable of carrying and delivering a significant amount of power. Eventually, though, you have to recharge the unit, and a large battery capacity usually means a long charging time. Until now.

The new Anker Solix C300 DC is brimming with features that make it perfect for camping, hiking, and outdoor work. It also allows for recharging at supercharger speeds.

Anker Solix C300 DC tech specs

• Capacity: 90,000 mAh and 288Wh
• Battery tech: LiFePO4 
• Max output: 300W
• USB-C output: 2x 140W, 1x 100W, 1x 15W
• USB-A output: 2x 12W
• USB-C input: 2x 140W (total 280W)
• XT60 input: 1x 100W/28V
• Car charger output: 1x 120W
• Light: Pop-up LED light with three levels of brightness
• Dimensions: 4.9 × 4.7 × 7.9 in
• Weight: 6.17 lbs

Let's get straight to the exciting part: you can charge the Solix C300 DC using two 140W USB-C inputs, delivering a maximum of 280W of power. This can take the unit from flat to 80% in just an hour. If you only have a short time with some AC power, this can be a game-changer, allowing you to charge the unit in half the time it might otherwise take.

If you're going off-grid, you can also recharge the unit via solar panels using the XT60 port and a vehicle's 12V system, though both methods require purchasing the appropriate cables.

In terms of outputs, you're spoiled with seven total USB-C and USB-A ports, providing the unit with great flexibility and the ability to charge everything from a MacBook Pro to earbuds. The 12V DC output also lets you power car accessories such as portable refrigerators.

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested  

The pop-up light on the top of the unit is perfect for illuminating a camp area, tent, vehicle, or workspace, and serves as an ideal emergency light when the power goes out.

The display offers an at-a-glance overview of what the Solix C300 DC is doing, and it is nice and bright, making it clear and easily readable under all conditions. You can also connect the unit to the Anker app for remote control.

Weighing just over 6 pounds, the unit isn't light, but the webbing carry handle alleviates much of the stress. Anker also sells an optional shoulder webbing strap, but at $30, it feels quite expensive. I'm also not sure how far you would want to carry a power station slung across your shoulder.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

By using industrial-grade components and ensuring they run cool, Anker claims the Solix C300's components should have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours -- or about six years. To back this up, Anker offers a three-year warranty. 

ZDNET's buying advice

While I like my big, giant power stations, I have to admit that I like this giant power bank style of portable power stations. They're in that sweet spot when a power bank isn't big enough and a full-on power station is too big. 

The Anker Solix C300 DC is amazing in that it offers a no-compromise experience, being able to charge everything from the biggest MacBook Pro to the smallest earbuds. The fast dual-140W SUB-C charging means that if you have a few minutes with a free AC charger, you can top up the unit for whatever your day brings!