Small power stations are now available in all kinds of forms, but many models end up in a somewhat strange intermediate zone. They are too small for real emergency power scenarios and often too heavy or too expensive as a simple power bank replacement solution. This is exactly where the Anker SOLIX C300 comes in, as the test quickly shows that it doesn’t even try to supply half a household. Instead, it focuses on what is actually frequently needed in everyday life and on the go: a compact power reserve with real sockets, fast charging and enough flexibility for technology, outdoor evenings or mobile applications.
Technical data
| Model | Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station (AC version) |
| Capacity | 288 Wh |
| Battery type | LiFePO4 |
| Continuous power | 300 W |
| Peak power | up to 600 W with SurgePad |
| Connections | 2x AC socket, 1x 12V car socket, 1x USB-A (12 W), 1x USB-C (15 W), 2x USB-C (up to 140 W), solar input (11-28 V) |
| AC charging | up to 330 W |
| USB-C charging | up to 140 W |
| Solar input | 11 to 28 V, up to 100 W |
| UPS function | Less than 10 ms according to the manufacturer |
| App | Anker app via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions | approx. 16.4 x 16.1 x 24.0 cm |
| weight | approx. 4.13 kg |
| Warranty period | 5 years |
| Price (RRP) | 269,99 € |
First things first: The data already shows quite well what the C300 is all about. It deliberately remains in a class that is still portable, but offers much more than just a few USB ports. The two AC sockets in particular make a real difference, because the device goes beyond the typical “power bank, but bigger” category. At the same time, you can immediately see the limits here: 300 watts of continuous power sounds decent for the size, but of course sets clear limits for devices with high power consumption. This is interesting for laptops, camera batteries, speakers, small cool boxes, projectors or mobile work setups. The class is simply too small for anything more in the direction of a heater, hotplate or full-blown construction site romance.
Scope of delivery of the compact power station
Anker keeps things pleasantly uncomplicated when it comes to the scope of delivery. The Anker SOLIX C300 is officially included in the scope of delivery:
- the Anker SOLIX C300
- an AC charging cable
- and a manual.
This also fits the device itself quite well. The C300 doesn’t try to make an impression with its exaggerated outdoor appearance. Instead, it looks more like a compact technology cube designed for utility. And that’s exactly the right direction here. Anyone who buys a power station like this doesn’t usually want a stylish design object, but a device that is easy to take with you, put down and connect.
The Anker SOLIX C300 is so compact and neatly finished
What is immediately noticeable about the C300 is its compact format. Weighing a good 4 kilos, it is of course not a lightweight in the true sense of the word, but it is still far enough away from the larger power stations to be truly mobile. This is exactly what makes it interesting. It is large enough to accommodate real power sockets, a usable display and several charging options, but still small enough not to become an immediate drag.
The C300 also makes a good impression in terms of workmanship. The casing looks solid, nothing rattles, nothing is loose and the connections also make a neatly fitted impression. This is an important point, especially for a device that is not only intended to be used in the living room, but above all outside, in the car or in the garden. The C300 doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic box, but like a neatly finished power station.
Another practical feature is the integrated carrying handle, which makes it easy to move the C300 from A to B despite its weight.
What connections does the Anker SOLIX C300 offer?
The selection of connections is particularly exciting. Anker doesn’t just distribute a few ports around the case, but provides a combination that actually makes sense in everyday use:
- two AC sockets for classic 230-volt consumers
- a 12-volt car socket for suitable accessories on the go
- a USB-A port and several USB-C ports for smartphones, tablets and notebooks
- a separate solar input on the front for optional recharging via panel
One of the most important points here is the fast USB-C charging with up to 140 watts. This means that the C300 is no longer just at cell phone level, but can also reasonably operate more powerful devices such as notebooks. Anker speaks of a total of seven charging ports for the AC version, which makes the power station interesting for very different areas of application.
Another positive aspect is that the arrangement of the connections is very practical. Cables can be connected neatly without immediately obstructing everything or unnecessarily covering the control panel. This is not a spectacular detail, but in use it is exactly the kind of well thought-out solution that makes a mobile power station more convenient.
Charging, app and operation
When it comes to charging, the C300 shows that it is not just good on paper. This was particularly important for our product test because the schedule was very tight and we had to rely on having enough power available again quickly. According to the manufacturer, 80 percent is possible in 50 minutes – in our case it was even a tick quicker, as the 80 percent mark was reached after just 43 minutes.
Solar charging is also possible with the C300. Anker specifies up to 100 watts at 11 to 28 volts. However, as we did not have a suitable solar panel to hand for the test, we cannot evaluate this point from our own practical experience and have to rely on the manufacturer’s specifications at this point. This still sounds reasonable for smaller outdoor setups, but you should keep your expectations in the right order of magnitude.
The app is actually practical in everyday use and not just some included convenience extra. In the test, the C300 was easy to integrate, the device was found quickly and the most important values were immediately visible. Charging power, battery status, temperature and active connections can be checked much more conveniently than just looking at the display of the power station every time. Not a huge highlight, but definitely a useful addition.
Another practical feature is that the charging power can be flexibly adjusted. This can be particularly helpful when you are on the move, when full power is not always available or you want to consciously limit the power consumption. In the test, this made just as good an impression as the power-saving functions and the integrated lamp on the front, which works in three brightness levels and also offers an SOS mode. These are not huge selling points, but they make the C300 noticeably more versatile in mobile use.
Volume, heat and first impression during operation
The C300 remains pleasantly quiet during operation. Anker quotes a noise level of 25 dB from a distance of one meter, which is pretty consistent with our impression. In the test, the Powerstation was barely audible in normal operation, more like a very quiet hum or slight hiss. Although it is not completely silent, it is pleasantly unobtrusive in everyday use.
When charging, however, it was noticeable that the housing warmed up slightly and a subtle smell of warm plastic was initially perceptible. This was not a cause for concern in the test and seemed more like a typical first impression of a fresh device, but should be mentioned for the sake of completeness. All in all, the C300 leaves an unremarkable impression: quiet in operation, with a little waste heat and a slight plastic smell when charging.
How does the Anker SOLIX C300 fare in the practical test?
From our point of view, the real attraction of the C300 is not to be found on the desk at home anyway. The device only becomes interesting when you actually take it with you. In our test, the Powerstation was used outside together with the Nebula P1. We will cover the projector itself separately in a separate test report, here we are only concerned with the role of the C300 as a power source.
It is precisely for scenarios like this that the device looks pretty coherent. The projector was operated via the power station and the speakers in the setup could be charged at the same time. And this is precisely where the advantage over an ordinary power bank becomes very clear. Of course, you can now do a lot with large power banks, but as soon as real sockets, several parallel consumers or flexible connection combinations are required, a compact power station shows its strengths much better.
The C300 was pleasantly uncomplicated in this scenario. Not an overly large device, not a bulky block, but exactly the kind of power reserve that you can take with you without much discussion. The concept is particularly suitable for movie nights in the garden, mobile outdoor work, festivals, camping or similar uses. It is not there to set impressive records. It is there to reliably supply technology with energy when there is no power socket within reach. And that’s exactly what it does quite convincingly in such a setup.
Where are the limits in the Anker SOLIX C300 test?
Despite all the sympathy for the concept, the C300 should be viewed realistically. 288 Wh is not a huge energy reserve, and even 300 watts of continuous power is of course not enough for every device with a plug. However, this is not a real disadvantage, but simply the limit of this device class.
If you mainly want to charge small devices, operate a projector, buffer camera or notebook batteries or have a flexible power source with you on the go, the C300 is a pretty good choice. With more power-hungry consumers, however, it will reach its limits as expected. SurgePad helps with short load peaks, but does not replace higher continuous power, and solar charging is also intended here more as a practical supplement than as a fully-fledged self-sufficient solution. This is precisely why the C300 is a coherent overall package, because its range of use, features and size fit together well.
Alternatives to the Anker SOLIX C300
If you like the basic concept of the C300, it’s worth taking a quick look at the obvious alternatives before concluding. The closest is of course the SOLIX C300 DC – also from Anker. It also works with 288 Wh capacity and 300 watts of power, but does without the AC sockets and instead focuses more on USB-C and maximum mobility. This can be the more exciting option, especially if you primarily want to charge smartphones, tablets, cameras or a notebook. However, if you want to consciously use real power sockets, the AC version tested here is clearly better for you.
An interesting alternative from another manufacturer is the EcoFlow RIVER 3. At 245 Wh, it is slightly below the C300, but also offers 300 watts of output power and up to 600 watts via X-Boost. It is therefore in a similar class, but is aimed more at users who are looking for a particularly compact power station with a focus on backup and everyday use. Nevertheless, the AC version of the C300 is somewhat more flexible in terms of capacity and connectivity.
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus also goes in this direction. Like the C300, it has a capacity of 288 Wh and 300 watts of continuous power, but is much simpler in terms of connections. Jackery mentions 1 AC, 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C output. Anyone looking for a device that is as light and uncomplicated as possible will find a suitable alternative here. If multiple connection options and, above all, wider suitability are more important to you, the Anker looks more coherent overall.
Conclusion: Strong price-performance package for mobile power supply
The Anker SOLIX C300 is not a power station that wants to make an impression with its size or exaggerated performance promises. Its strength lies elsewhere: It offers exactly what is often really needed in everyday mobile use. Two AC sockets, powerful USB-C ports, fast charging times, a practical app and a format that is still easy to transport. This makes the overall package pleasantly suitable for everyday use and well put together.
However, the C300 is clearly strongest in terms of value for money. For its size class, it offers a surprising amount of flexibility and enough reserves to be much more than just an oversized power bank on the go. Of course, there are limits: 288 Wh and 300 watts of continuous power clearly set the framework apart, and even solar charging remains more of a supplement than the central application scenario. But if you have exactly that in mind, the C300 is a compact, modern and really practical power station for everyday use that does a pretty good job.
PROS
- Compact, easily transportable format
- Two AC sockets plus powerful USB-C ports
- Very fast charging time in the test
- Practical and clear app
- Solid workmanship
- Strong price-performance ratio
CONS
- Capacity only for small to medium applications
- 300 watts of continuous power set clear limits
- Slight heating and some plastic odor when charging
Conclusion
The Anker SOLIX C300 (AC version) offers a surprising amount of flexibility for its compact design. Two sockets, powerful USB-C ports, fast charging times and a practical app make it a very coherent power station for on the go. Capacity and continuous power naturally set limits to the device class, but the C300 delivers such a well-rounded overall package in its price range that we believe the Gold Award is absolutely appropriate.
