This is our expert Bluetti AC50S Portable Power Station Review.
With so many fantastic power stations on the market today, finding the right one for your needs can be a struggle.
From generators that can hook up to your car port to space-saving options, the choice can be daunting.
But few portable power stations are as impressive as the Bluetti AC50S 500WH.
We have also included a brief buyer guide so you can make sure that your chosen power station covers all of the essentials.
Bluetti AC50S Portable Power Station Review
Wattage: 300W Continuous
Capacity: 500wh
Weight: 13lbs
Features
The Maxoak Bluetti AC50s is packed full of features that help it stand out from the range of fantastic stations on the market today. The emergency LED lighting is one of the most useful features we have come across when reviewing power stations.
As long as the Bluetti AC50S has power, you can switch on the emergency lighting. This offers you a great way to find your way in the dark and helps make sure you plug adapters in the correct ports. If you have ever tried plugging a USB cable in low-light, you know exactly what we mean.
Another great feature that really came in handy was the wireless charging function. Using a 10W QI Wireless Charging Pad, you can quickly charge up your smartphone by placing it on top of the power station. Most modern smartphones have this feature, so you won’t need to plan accordingly.
Surprisingly, this all-in-one power station is also fairly lightweight, weighing around 13.5lBs. This is ideal for taking with you whilst camping or putting in the trunk of your car for long journeys.
In terms of safety, the Maxoak Bluetti AC50S comes with more advanced safety functions than most competitors. The battery management system, BMS for short, enables short circuit protection preventing the station from shorting any connected devices.
Cooling fans can be found on both sides of the box, keeping the station cool during use. The provided panels also feature an IP67 water-resistant design suited for short-term use outside – Although it shouldn’t be kept outside during a rainstorm!
The current input can be quickly checked thanks to the clear LCD screen. This screen really impressed us as it shows the current input, and the battery life and the ports that are currently in use.
Specifications
The Maxoak Bluetti AC50S is a formidable portable power station. Below you can find a list of its specifications:
- Manufacturer: Maxoak
- Size: 11.6 x 7.5 x 7.7 Inches
- Weight: 13.5lbs
- Capacity: 500Wh
- Maximum Charge: 120w
- Rated Power: 300W
- Peak Power: 45oW
- Rated Voltage: 100 – 120V
- Available Ports: 2 x 12V DC, 2 x AC, 1 x 45W PD, 1 x 12V Car, 4 USB A Ports
As you can see, this portable station packs a pretty impressive punch, so it should be more than suitable for most tasks you throw its way. The 500Wh capacity is enough for multiple devices and can last up to 3-4 hours at max charge.
How To Use
Using the Bluetti AC50S couldn’t be any easier – the manufacturers have provided a range of accessibility options. Firstly you will want to charge the power station up fully – there are three main ways you can achieve this:
- Solar Power: Perhaps the greenest way to charge up the Bluetti AC50S is to charge it using the supplied solar panels. To do this, you need to hook the panels up to the station itself and set them out in the sun. Once done, this should take around 5-6 hours to fully charge up your Bluetti in case of any power outages.
- Car battery/ AC Adapter: One of the more traditional charging methods, you can use your car battery or a wall port to charge your Bluetti AC50S. The provided cable can be plugged into a power input port, and the station can be left to charge over time.
- Gas Generator: Last but not least, we have the gas generator charging method. This is extremely straightforward and works similarly to using a car battery or an AC adapter. If your gas generator has a port, you can plug the provided cable in and use the generator to juice up your station.
Once the Maxoak Bluetti AC50s is charged, it is ready to be used as a backup power station or an alternative to a generator. Connect the wires to their compatible slots; for example, insert the DC output adapter into the port found on the side of the station itself.
The internal battery will power your external gadgets and ensure you have enough power to last you throughout the entire power outage. The manufacturer has even considered low light conditions as you can find emergency LED lighting on the side of the box.
If you are ever lost, we recommend you check out the easy-to-understand user manual provided with your power station. It even includes tips on how to get the maximum charging efficiency.
What To Look For In A Portable Power Station
Portability
Like the name might suggest, one of the biggest considerations you will make when finding the best portable power station is its portability. The main aim of a portable power station is to offer you instant access to electricity, no matter where you may be.
There are a few things you will want to keep your eyes peeled for when it comes to determining whether a station is truly portable. One of these is a lightweight design. We would recommend you find the lightest option out there, as this will be far easier to take with you on the go.
Another ideal feature that can truly help a product’s portability is handles or some form of carrying case. Lugging a heavy power station around your campsite or cabin can be a bit of a chore – especially if it weighs a decent amount.
As long as you make sure you try to find a solar power station that offers a certain level of convenience, you should be completely fine!
Durability
The most common place a portable solar power station, such as the Bluetti AC50S, will be used is outdoors. This means it is incredibly important that your chosen power station can withstand what mother nature throws at it.
One of the most important durability factors you will need to consider is whether or not the solar panels are waterproof. Although you won’t want to purposefully leave them out in the rain, if you are ever hit by a sudden rainstorm, they should ideally be able to withstand a few minutes of downpour.
A powerful portable station should also be able to stand up to a few bumps and bashes. Whether it’s in the trunk of your car or at the campsite, a sturdy power station will last you far longer than a poorly made option.
In terms of cost, the price of your chosen power station may marginally increase if it’s slightly more durable. This added cost is more than worth it in our eyes as you will get a product that will last longer, and you will save money in the long run.
Wattage
Generally speaking, the higher the wattage of a power station, the more powerful it will be. This means that a higher wattage may allow you to charge or provide power to more devices at a single time. However, a higher wattage tends to be more expensive than a lower one so keep that in mind.
You can easily determine a station’s wattage as it will almost always be highlighted in the specifications.
Ideally, you will want your power station to offer at least 300-400Wh, but a higher rating may be needed if you want to power multiple electronic devices. We would recommend finding a balance between cost and wattage – which the Maxoak Bluetti Ac50s has perfected.
Battery Management System
Similar to portability, the battery life of a powerful portable power station is incredibly important. You will more than likely find yourself in the dark due to a power outage relying solely on your power station. Ensuring you find a gadget that has a long battery life can make or break a product.
Something that is often overlooked but can be a great addition is the charging method of a power station. There are a couple of variants out there, so finding the one that suits your needs shouldn’t be too much of a struggle.
If you are looking for a green and environmentally friendly option, we recommend checking out solar-powered power stations. Not only will these offer a green supply of energy, but they lend themselves well to outdoor use.
Wireless charging is also a perfect addition to any power bank, especially if you want a portable design. There are a few stations that use wireless charging – including the Bluetti AC50s.
The Final Verdict
If you are trying to find a powerful portable station that you can rely on, you will struggle to find an option like the Bluetti AC50S 500Wh. This incredible station packs a punch and ensures the lights stay on throughout the night.
It is slightly larger than some stations, but with such a high capacity and incredible additions such as a wireless charging mode, the added weight barely makes a difference.
Finding a reliable station can be a challenge, especially if you are unsure what exactly you need to be on the lookout for. But no matter what your needs may be, we are certain the Maxoax Bluetti AC50S will offer you everything you could need!
Pros
- A built-in wireless phone charger
- Extremely durable construction
- Long-lasting battery life
- Highly-efficient solar panel
Cons
- Can be quite bulky for on-the-go users
- Charging can take a while
FAQs
How Do I Charge My Bluetti AC50S?
As the Bluetti AC50S runs on solar panels, the best way to charge it is to find a spot in your garden or campsite that receives the most sunlight. Once an ideal spot has been found, set up each solar panel to face upwards and absorb the sun’s solar energy.
We would recommend that you try to get at least 4-5 hours of sunlight during charging to ensure your Bluetti AC50S’ power levels are as high as they can be. You don’t want to be left stranded without power in the middle of the night after all!
What Is The Best Solar Generator?
The best solar generators are the ones that are suitable for an array of tasks. You will want to find a generator that offers a decent input power level and can last for at least 3-4 hours on a maximum charge.
Suggested Reading: The Best Solar Generators for Home Power
What Wattage Would I Need On A Portable Power Station For A Camping Trip?
This will depend entirely on how long your camping trip will be, how many devices you connect to the station, and whether or not you can charge your device. Typically, a 250W station will last around 2 and a half to 3 hours on a full charge.
Ideally, you will want your portable station to offer around 250 to 300W minimum, so you have enough charge to get through any sudden power outages. However, as tempting as it is to splash out on a 1000W option, it might be overkill for a camping trip.
Balancing the cost of a power station and the wattage can be difficult. But as long as it offers at least 250W, it should be sufficient for most camping trips!
