Off-grid life is pretty amazing if you have got a reliable portable power station for backup power.
It is indeed a cool thing to go on a trip with a compact power station. We have a wide collection of such compact solar power stations with Anker and Goal Zero being two top vendors. In our article on Anker Powerhouse Vs Goal Zero Yeti, we would like to check the two compact power stations from the brands.
A portable power station is indeed a reliable solution for off-grid power in the wild or in an emergency. It won’t be easy for everybody to carry a large-size solar power station with the required solar panels on an outing. They are fine for keeping in your vehicles like RVs, campervans, boats, and more.
But compact power stations like Anker PowerHouse II 400 or Goal Zero Yeti 500X will be nice choices for anywhere use. Stay tuned for our takes on both the devices, the leading models in the segment of compact power stations.
THE COMPACT POWER STATIONS AT A GLANCE
Anker PowerHouse II 400 at a Glance
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Goal Zero Yeti 500X at a Glance
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Table of Contents
Anker PowerHouse Vs Goal Zero Yeti 500X
As said above, compactness is the main selling point of both the Anker and Goal Zero power stations. Hence, you can easily move them anywhere by carrying them in your hands.
Before a complete run-through of the devices, we have the key specs of the products in the table below. Of course, you can find a suitable model for your needs from the duo.
Storage Capacity and Output
Though the last-gen variants of both PowerHouse 400 and Yeti 500X shared nearly the same specs in storage and output, the upgraded, current versions have some key differences.
As its name implies, Yeti 500X has an edge over PowerHouse 400 with a better storage capacity and a high-surge power inverter.
Clearly, the new-gen PowerHouse II 400 integrates a 388.8Wh lithium battery. Meanwhile, its Goal Zero competitor packs up a more powerful 505Wh lithium battery of 46.8Ah @10.8V.
But when it comes to the inverter, both the power stations feature 300W units, with Yeti 500X having a more attractive surge capacity of up to 1200 watts.
When it comes to the AC outlets, Yeti features dual 120V sockets.
It is when PowerHouse II 400 incorporates only a single 110V AC socket. Of course, added with better storage and dual AC sockets, Yeti 500X dominates the Anker device in a face-off.
Winner: Goal Zero Yeti 500X with Better Storage, Higher Surge, and Dual AC Sockets.
Design, Size, and Portability
Both PowerHouse II 400 and Yeti 500X feature impressive rectangular form factors.
The Goal Zero power station, as you see, keeps its traditional design, which is a blend of silver and grey shades. Meanwhile, the Anker power station is fully black, and it has got an elegant, full-stretch display.
The PowerHouse is certainly the lightest of the duo as it weighs 9.7 lbs.
Its Yeti alternative is rather heavier at 12.85 lbs. Apparently, it is because the former packs up a small battery. Regarding the size also, there is some difference between the devices. Yeti 500X measures 11.5 x 7.5 x 5.8 in, while the Anker has 10.03 x 5.51 x 7.63 in.
Moreover, both devices are made of quality materials.
So, they are nice for use in rough outdoor conditions. Mostly you will be using these compact power stations in two situations; off-grid life or an emergency. It is no doubt that both Anker and Yeti are so solid and durable that they can ideally meet your needs in those situations.
They are also superb in portability, thanks to their sturdy carrying handles and lite profiles.
The power stations feature easy and strong handles, letting you manage them conveniently in the wilderness and make your outdoor life rather exciting.
Winner: Anker PowerHouse II 400, Smaller and Lightweight.
Charging Outlets
Of course, you will be carrying multiple electrical devices on your trips and adventures. They may include phones, tablets, GPS, DSLRs, CPAPs, ovens, mini-fridges, and more. To support all these devices, both the Anker and Yeti power stations integrate multiple charging outlets.
Besides the AC sockets, these power stations feature other essential charging options like USB and DC outlets. Let us check out the different charging options of both devices.
When it comes to Yeti 500X, it features dual USB-A ports, one USB-C PD port, a USB-C port, a 60mm DC socket, and a 12V regular carport. Meanwhile, PowerHouse II 400 has got three USB-A ports, one USB-C 60W PD outlet, a 12V car socket, and dual DC outlets.
Winner: Goal Zero Yeti 500X, More Charging Options.
Compatible Solar Panels
Any solar panels work with these types of power stations. An ideal solar panel for the capacity of the two compact power stations is one with an output of up to 100 watts. Some brands offer their own panels, while some not.
In case of Goal Zero, it recommends a line of Boulder solar chargers for its Yeti series.
The cheapest pick for Yeti 500X is the entry-level Boulder 50, a 50W single-piece panel. If you want to charge it rather faster, the Boulder series has got more variants, including Boulder 100 Briefcase, a 100W foldable, briefcase-style solar panel.
Thanks to its foldable design, you can store it in a small room after use and comfortably place it anywhere on its kickstands for better exposure to the sun.
It is actually made of two units of 50-watt Boulder solar panels paired together with durable latches and locks for enhanced durability and portability.
When it comes to Anker, it doesn’t offer exclusive solar chargers that are powerful enough to charge PowerHouse II 400 faster.
Anker’s 21W folding solar panel is the only option the brand has. But, as its name implies, it is a small 21W solar panel that is not sufficient to charge PowerHouse. It is here we have an 80W BigBlue solar charger. Check it out on the link below.
The included battery cable lets you charge a 12V battery directly under the sun, by the way.
Winner: Goal Zero Yeti 500X, Own Solar Charger with Higher Efficiency.
Final Thoughts
That has been our take on Anker PowerHouse Vs Goal Zero Yeti 500X. We have tried our best to cover all key aspects of the Anker and Goal Zero power stations. Though they fall into the same segment of compact power stations, there are some differences in their features and specs.
Summing up the article, it is sure that PowerHouse II is the best for budget-conscious users. It is also the lightest of the duo. You need to pay nearly double of the PowerHouse price to buy a Yeti 500X, which however offers you more storage, surge power, and more charging points.
Vahid Vee is a full-time blogger who is highly passionate about off-grid and sustainable power systems and is an expert at researching and exploring new topics, checking facts, and presenting things in simple language. As an avid observer of the global off-grid power and battery market, he is really excited to share with you the latest trends, fresh products, and other developments in the markets. #Contact Email @ veevahid@gmail.com – LinkedIn – Full blog profile.
