The demand for portable power stations has skyrocketed in recent years, with more people venturing outdoors, working remotely, and preparing for emergencies. Whether for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or home backup, having a reliable portable power station can make a significant difference in your day-to-day life. Among the many options available, the BLUETTI AC50B is among the best choices for those seeking a solid power station.
What is BLUETTI AC50B?
The BLUETTI AC50B is a compact, portable power station designed for those needing a reliable power source. This unit ensures everything is charged up, whether camping, going on a road trip, or facing a power outage at home. Its 448Wh battery capacity is perfect for charging gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and cameras and powering small appliances like mini-fridges or CPAP machines.
AC50B: Design and Portability
One of the standout features of the BLUETTI AC50B is its sleek and compact design. This power station is incredibly portable, weighing only 14.8 pounds (6.7 kg). Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, allowing you to take it anywhere you need power, from camping sites to road trips. The unit has a minimalist, modern appearance that blends well in any environment, making it functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Its compact size makes it an excellent option for those prioritising mobility without compromising power. You can easily store it in a car, a tent, or even at home without taking up much space. If portability is on your list, the AC50B excels.
AC50B: Output Power and Performance
The BLUETTI AC50B offers a 700W continuous output with a 1,000W surge capability, making it suitable for powering various devices and small appliances. It's designed to handle essential devices, from charging smartphones and laptops to powering small kitchen appliances or medical devices like CPAP machines.
AC (Alternating Current) Output:
The AC50B provides 1 AC outlet for powering devices like laptops, fans, and small kitchen gadgets.
DC (Direct Current) Output:
It also includes 4 DC outlets, perfect for charging devices that require direct current, such as car refrigerators.
USB Ports:
The AC50B is equipped with 1 USB-A port and 2 USB-C ports, providing ample space for multiple gadgets to be charged simultaneously. The USB-C port supports 45W fast charging, an excellent feature for modern devices.
The pure sine wave inverter ensures that the power output is smooth and stable, protecting your sensitive electronics from any potential damage caused by fluctuations in voltage. It makes the AC50B reliable for delicate devices such as laptops and medical equipment.
AC50B: Multiple Ways of Charging and Time (6 Ways to Recharge)
One of the most significant advantages of the BLUETTI AC50B is its versatility in charging. It offers six different ways to recharge, ensuring you can always keep it powered up, no matter where you are:
AC Wall Outlet:
Charging from a standard wall outlet is the most convenient method, taking around 45 minutes to charge 80%, and 70 minutes to 100%.
Solar Charging:
The AC50B is compatible with solar panels (up to 200W), allowing you to charge it using solar energy in around 2.7 hours under optimal sunlight conditions.
Car Charger:
You can charge the AC50B using your car's 12V or 24V outlet, making it ideal for road trips. This method takes 4.9 hours (12V) / 2.7 hours (24V).
Generator:
In an emergency, you can charge the unit using a gas-powered generator. The time to charge depends on the generator's output.
Extended battery pack:
You can charge the unit through the BLUETTI B80 expansion battery, full charge in 3 hours, ensuring your off-grid life never misses a beat.
Lead-Acid Battery:
This method allows you to charge the AC50B directly from a lead-acid battery, which is helpful in off-grid situations.
BLUETTI AC50B VS BLUETTI EB55: Which One is Better?
The BLUETTI AC50B and the BLUETTI EB55 are excellent portable power stations, but they cater to different needs. Below is a detailed comparison of both models:
Design and Portability
AC50B: Weighing 14.8 pounds (6.7 kg), the AC50B is lighter and more compact, making it easier for outdoor activities.
EB55: The EB55 weighs 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), which makes it a bit bulkier. While it's still portable, the added weight might be noticeable for longer trips or when carrying it over longer distances.
Battery Capacity and Output Power
AC50B: The AC50B has a 448Wh battery capacity with a 700W continuous output and 1,000W surge. It can power small appliances, charge gadgets, and handle most emergency power needs.
EB55: The EB55 has a higher battery capacity of 537Wh with the same 700W continuous output and 1,400W surge. The extra capacity makes it suitable for slightly longer trips or heavier power usage.
Charging Time
The BLUETTI AC50B has a shorter charging time than the EB55, which takes 3 hours to charge with a 200W AC adapter fully, and as fast as 1.8 hours to fully charge with a 400W AC adapter. However, the AC50B can be charged to 80% in 45 minutes and fully charged in 75 minutes without using a power adapter.
BLUETTI AC50B vs. Other Power Stations
The BLUETTI AC50B is easy to carry when looking for a portable power station. But how does it compare with other similar power stations? Let's look at the BLUETTI AC50B and compare its performance and features to two popular power stations today.
Capacity Comparison
Capacity is one of the most important aspects of any portable power station. It defines how long the station can provide power to your devices.
BLUETTI AC50B: The BLUETTI AC50B offers a 448Wh capacity. You can charge your phone about 14 times, your laptop about 5 times, and even a small refrigerator for a few hours with this much power. It provides sufficient backup for outdoor activities or emergencies.
Other Power Stations: In comparison, one competing power station offers a capacity of 512Wh. It can power devices for slightly longer durations than the BLUETTI AC50B. In terms of pure capacity, other power stations offer about 512Wh, which is close to the BLUETTI AC50B but still more than it. However, the extra capacity comes with additional weight, which might be more detrimental to portability.
Although the capacity of the AC50B is a bit low compared to other portable power stations, the AC50B can be recharged with an extended battery, a feature not available in other portable power stations.
Battery Technology and Lifespan
The type of battery used in a power station can also affect its performance and longevity.
BLUETTI AC50B: The AC50B uses a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, known for its stability, safety, and long life. This battery type can provide 3,000+ charge cycles, so you can use the AC50B for many years without worrying about performance degradation. LiFePO4 batteries are also more heat-resistant, making the BLUETTI AC50B safer for outdoor use in different weather conditions.
Other Power Stations: Some other power stations use traditional lithium-ion batteries, which typically offer 500-800 charge cycles. Another popular competitor uses LiFePO4 batteries with 2,500+ life cycles, slightly lower than BLUETTI. While other power stations with LiFePO4 batteries also offer excellent performance, they may not last as long as the BLUETTI AC50B.
Charging Speed and Flexibility
The crucial considerations are how fast you can recharge your power station and the different ways you can do so.
BLUETTI AC50B: One of the standout features of the AC50B is its Turbo Charging capability. It can charge from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes, and it takes around 70 minutes to reach a full charge.
This fast recharging ability ensures that you're not left without power for long, whether you're recharging at home or using solar panels outdoors. The AC50B offers six ways to recharge: AC wall outlet, solar panels, car charging port, generator, battery expansion pack, and dual AC + solar charging.
Other Power Stations: Other popular power stations offer fast charging but may not be as quick as the BLUETTI AC50B. For example, some models take 60-90 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.
They also offer multiple recharging methods like AC, solar, and car charging. Still, they typically only support so many recharging options as the AC50B, making BLUETTI more flexible for outdoor enthusiasts or those needing emergency power backup.
Power Output and Device Compatibility
Another factor to consider is the number and types of devices you can power with a portable station.
BLUETTI AC50B: The AC50B has a 700W continuous power output and supports devices with a surge of up to 1,000W. It is ideal for powering medium-sized devices like laptops, drones, small kitchen appliances, and medical equipment like CPAP machines.
It offers a range of output options, including 1 x AC outlet, 2 x USB-C ports, 1 x USB-A port, and a cigarette lighter port. This setup allows you to charge multiple devices at the same time.
Other Power Stations: One competitor offers a 500W output with a 1,000W surge， and provides less output power than the AC50B. At the same time, another provides similar power capabilities but may have slightly fewer output options, such as fewer USB-C ports or no cigarette lighter ports.
Portability and Weight
One of the critical aspects of a portable power station is how easy it is to carry and transport.
BLUETTI AC50B: The BLUETTI AC50B is known for its lightweight design, weighing around 14.8 pounds (6.7 kg). It makes it easy to carry around on camping trips or during outdoor activities. Its compact size means it doesn’t take up much space in a car or van, and the built-in handle makes it even more portable.
Other Power Stations: Some models with higher capacities tend to be heavier. For example, one similar power station weighs about 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg), which might not seem like a huge difference but can be significant when carrying it for long distances. Another model weighs around the same as the AC50B, but with fewer output options and slower charging capabilities, it doesn’t offer the same level of versatility for its weight.
Price and Value
When purchasing a portable power station, you also want to ensure you're getting good value.
BLUETTI AC50B: Priced at £299, the AC50B provides excellent value for its features. With fast charging, a durable LiFePO4 battery, and multiple output options, the AC50B offers a well-rounded package that justifies its price. Additionally, BLUETTI products come with a 5-year warranty, adding peace of mind for buyers who want long-term reliability.
Other Power Stations: Competing power stations in this category are priced similarly, with one being around £449 and another slightly higher. While these power stations offer competitive features, they often have fewer recharging options, shorter battery lifespans, and slower charging times. It makes the BLUETTI AC50B stand out as a better long-term investment, especially for those prioritizing portability and flexibility.
Note on Pricing
Please note that the price mentioned in this article reflects the publication time. Prices may fluctuate over time due to various factors, so it’s always best to check the current price when purchasing the product.
Conclusion
If you need a stable power station for your devices while travelling or when the power goes out, the BLUETTI AC50B is a great choice. It provides enough power for phones, laptops, and small appliances. With six ways to charge it, you'll always have a way to keep it powered up.
Compared to other power stations and the BLUETTI EB55, the AC50B is a better choice for those who want a good balance of power, portability, and price.
