In terms of storage capacity, a lot has happened with power stations in recent years. However, huge energy storage devices such as the FOSSiBOT F3600 Pro (review) always have a crucial Achilles’ heel – a high weight. In today’s BLUETTI AC70 test, we want to take a look at a fairly handy power station that still has a considerable capacity of 768 Wh. The other technical data is also very good. In addition to a wide range of connections, BLUETTI also promises high input and output power. We put the promises to the test and reveal what the compact energy storage system really has to offer.
Technical data
| Model | Bluetti AC70 |
| Battery capacity | 768 Wh |
| Cell technology | LiFePO4 |
| Battery life | 80 percent total capacity after 3000 charging cycles |
| Outputs | – 2x AC Schuko socket with 1000W constant power and 2000W peak power – 2x USB-C with PD (100W) – 2x USB-A (12W) – 1 × 12V / 10A (car socket, regulated) |
| Inputs | – AC (3 different power levels with up to 850W) – Solar (500W) – Car (120W) |
| Dimensions and weight | 314 mm ｘ208 mm ｘ255.8 mm and 10.2 kg |
| App | Yes, BLUETTI app |
| Working temperature | – Charging temperature: 0°C – 40°C – Discharging temperature: -20°C – 40°C – Storage temperature: -20°C – 40°C |
| Price | € 699.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Bluetti AC70 Powerstation
- AC cable
- XT60 to MC4 adapter cable
- XT60 to car plug adapter
- Instruction manual
BLUETTI AC70 Test: Design and workmanship
Similar to EcoFlow, BLUETTI’s power stations also score points for their outstanding build quality and great design. The AC70 is no different. Once again, the expert for modern energy solutions shines with a modern and attractive appearance. With dimensions of 30.5 x 20.8 x 25.6 cm, the mobile energy storage unit is wonderfully compact, making it easy to stow away in the trunk.
BLUETTI uses high-quality plastic for the housing, which makes a pleasingly robust impression. A handle on the top makes it easy to transport the 10.2 kg storage unit – at least over short distances. If you are looking for a lighter storage unit but still want to remain loyal to BLUETTI, you should take a look at the BLUETTI EB3A (test). However, this also comes with less capacity and performance.
BLUETTI does not use an attached or retractable handle. Instead, the manufacturer has integrated it into the housing itself, which in my opinion is the best solution. After all, unlike the mounted handles, objects can be placed on the top, which also makes loading in the car easier. The design of the BLUETTI is pleasingly simple. The focal point is the front. In addition to the display, there are three physical buttons and numerous connections.
I think it’s a shame that not all the ports have a rubber cover. BLUETTI only protects the DC ports. I would have liked more protection, at least for the Schuko sockets. BLUETTI has placed the fans on the side to prevent the storage unit from overheating. The Powerstation makes a very good first impression with its modern look and great workmanship.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Connections
As the AC70 is not a gigantic storage device, there are not too many connections. However, there are enough ports for a camping weekend or an extensive garden party. There are 2x AC Schuko sockets on the front, which offer a constant output power of 1000 watts and a temporary peak power of 2000 watts.
There are also 2x USB-C ports here, which have an output of 100 watts thanks to the Power Delivery standard. In addition to the USB-C ports, there are also 2x USB-A ports, each with 12 watts. The whole thing is rounded off with 1 x car connection (12V/10A). To charge the power station, use the AC input on the right-hand side, which can provide a maximum of 850 watts. Alternatively, solar charging is also possible.
All in all, the AC70 impresses me with its variety of connections. However, there is one thing I miss. I would have liked BLUETTI to have given the compact power station a Qi charging surface on the top. It even surprises me a little, as even the much smaller EB3A offers such a wireless charging option.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Great display
In terms of ease of use, however, the BLUETTI gives no cause for complaint. This is mainly due to the wonderfully sharp display, which can be read from any angle and is always easy to see, even in bright sunlight. The most important parameters of the mobile energy storage device can be read off here. In addition to the remaining battery capacity, this also includes the outgoing and incoming power. The manufacturer offers two options for operation.
A total of three physical buttons are available for rudimentary operation directly on the memory itself, which is perfectly adequate for everyday use, all of which have a great pressure point. The middle button is used to switch the power station on and off. The buttons on the left and right, on the other hand, can be used to activate or deactivate the output groups. Thanks to the green backlighting of each individual button, the AC70 always provides appropriate feedback.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Fine-tuning via the app
BLUETTI’s own app is available for fine-tuning, remote control and monitoring. This connects to the power station via Bluetooth. The software then offers some important customization options that you should keep in mind. For example, the charging power can be regulated. The lower the charging power, the more gentle the charging process is on the battery cells.
So if you’re not in too much of a hurry, you should turn the power down to the lowest of the three levels. There is a choice of three levels (290W, 450W, 850W). It’s a shame that this is not possible directly on the appliance itself. The app can also be used to increase the power of the power station. The maximum output power then rises above 1000 watts without the energy storage unit automatically switching itself off for self-protection.
You can also start firmware updates via the app to keep the Powerstation up to date. In my opinion, these are the most important features of the app. Apart from that, you can also adjust a few small things. For example, you can specify after how much time of inactivity the screen should switch off automatically. I think it’s a bit of a shame that the AC70 only has a Bluetooth module.
It is now almost common practice for power stations to have an integrated WiFi module to enable remote access via the app. However, I would find it much worse with a larger power station. Due to its compact design, the AC70 is an energy storage device that you tend to have with you anyway, so Bluetooth should be perfectly adequate in many cases.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Modern LiFePO4 battery
Fortunately, lithium iron phosphate batteries are now almost standard in the power station sector. However, as there are still some storage systems that rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are now outdated, I think this should be emphasized once again as a positive aspect. After all, this chemical composition has clear advantages.
Firstly, there is the issue of safety. The risk of fire and explosion is significantly lower with LiFePO4 batteries, which is particularly reassuring when used outdoors and transported by car over rough terrain for long periods. However, the service life is at least as important.
LiFePO4 batteries can be recharged much more frequently, which ensures a longer service life and therefore sustainability. According to the manufacturer, the BLUETTI AC70 should still offer a maximum battery capacity of 80 percent even after 3000 charging cycles. It is not without reason that the manufacturer gives a 5-year guarantee on the power station.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
With its compact design, the AC70 appears to be primarily a power station for on the go. However, it can also play a useful role within your own four walls. As an emergency power supply in a small format. This is made possible by the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) feature.
If the power station is connected between the household socket and one or more consumers, it quickly takes over the household power supply in the event of a power failure. This is particularly useful for refrigerators, for example, as they are often left with rotten food that needs to be disposed of at the end of a long power cut. According to BLUETTI, it takes just 20 ms for the small storage unit to react.
This is hardly noticeable in practice, as a little test of mine showed. I connected my Mac between the power station and the socket and then removed the fuse for my study as a test. The AC70 then reacted with lightning speed and stepped in as a power supplier. I didn’t notice anything at all on the computer.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Great performance in practice
In the practical test, the AC70 proved to be an excellent power station. At times, I was really surprised at how much power the comparatively compact memory was able to deliver. I not only connected various “light” consumers such as smartphones, notebooks and Bluetooth speakers. There was also an endurance test with my Makita angle grinder with a whopping 2200 watts of power. And lo and behold.
The Powerstation was even able to operate the “Flex” without any problems. I only noticed that it started up a little slower than when operated via a conventional household socket. However, the prerequisite is that you activate the power boost in advance via the app. If you don’t do this, the power station switches off after a few seconds. During operation, the AC70 also scored with a pleasantly quiet operation, which speaks for a good ventilation system.
BLUETTI AC70 test: Charging performance
Sooner or later, even the AC70’s rather large battery will run out. Then you have to give it new power, for which there are three options. The fastest and most convenient is certainly charging via the household socket. A maximum of 850 watts is possible here. A charge from 0 to 100 percent then takes just under 90 minutes. In our test, the AC70 even achieved a peak value of 938W via the socket.
Alternatively, you can also charge with suitable solar panels. Here, up to 500 watts are possible via the XT60 input. Last but not least, the car connection is also available. Here, the Powerstation can be charged with a maximum of 120 watts. Incidentally, combined charging is particularly fast. If you charge in parallel via a household socket and with a solar panel, you can supply the Powerstation with up to 850 watts of input power.
Conclusion
The BLUETTI AC70 impresses in the test as a compact and powerful power station with a capacity of 768 Wh. The good build quality and well thought-out design are particularly noteworthy. Thanks to its small size and practical handle, the AC70 is easy to transport, even if the weight of 10.2 kg is noticeable over longer distances. The large number of connections, including 2x AC Schuko sockets and 2x USB-C ports with power delivery, make it versatile. However, a Qi charging surface would have been desirable, as this function is even available on smaller models such as the EB3A.
The display of the AC70 scores points for its good readability, even in bright light, and enables easy operation directly on the device. Alternatively, BLUETTI offers a practical app control via Bluetooth, which can be used to regulate the charging power or install firmware updates, among other things. However, there is no Wi-Fi module, which is bearable given the portable approach. The modern LiFePO4 battery, which not only offers a long service life of up to 3000 charging cycles, but also a high level of safety, deserves a positive mention.
In practice, the AC70 impresses with its powerful performance, even with demanding devices such as an angle grinder. Thanks to the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) option, the power station can also be used as an emergency power supply. The charging options are diverse: in addition to the classic socket, charging is also possible via solar or vehicle connection. All in all, the BLUETTI AC70 is a reliable and versatile energy storage device that is particularly suitable for mobile applications such as camping or garden parties.
BLUETTI AC70
Design and processing
Hardware
Performance
Ease of use
Price-performance ratio
92/100
The BLUETTI AC70 combines high performance with a compact design.
