Bluetti is a leading supplier of portable solar batteries. Compared to its competitors like EcoFlow and Jackery, Bluetti leads the global market with a wide range of affordable battery packs in all sizes and segments, from small and mini models to heavy-duty home battery packs. Here, I would like to have a detailed look at all of the brand’s ultra-compact and small solar power stations.
The brand offers around five small power stations: the EB55, the EB70S, the EB3A, the AC2A, and the AC60. The first four are regular power stations with LiFePO4 batteries, with the AC2A being the most recent one with a small battery of 204 Wh, while the AC60 is the brand’s smallest modular power station that comes with an extra battery called the B80.
The EB55 and EB70S come with the same 700-watt inverters, and they have almost the same design, except for the size and the battery capacity. The former has a 537 Wh battery, and the latter has a 716 Wh unit.
In the meantime, the EB3A has been the brand’s entry-level battery with a 268 Wh LFP battery and a 600-watt inverter until the AC2A was launched in late 2023.
| Update in November 2023: Bluetti launched the AC2A, the smallest of its small solar power stations, with a small battery of 204 Wh and an inverter of 300 watts.
Update May 2023: The Bluetti AC60 has been launched. This is the brand’s smallest modular power station with an LFP battery pack. The modular battery is the B80, with which the 403 Wh battery can be expanded up to 2015 Wh. Update June 2022: Bluetti has launched the smallest of its LFP power stations, called Bluetti EB3A. Have a look at our detailed take on the handy and compact LFP power station here. |
Bluetti AC60+B80 – 403 Wh/600W
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Bluetti EB55 – 537 Wh/700W
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Bluetti EB70S – 716 Wh/700W
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Bluetti EB3A – 268 Wh/600W
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Bluetti AC2A – 204 Wh/300W
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Bluetti Small and Compact Power Stations
The compact and small solar power station market has always been a hot-selling segment. With multiple models, including a modular one, Bluetti certainly turns out to be one of the most prominent brands for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and preppers to rely on.
Compared to EcoFlow and Jackery, two of Bluetti’s key competitors, the brand has a great edge in the niche of small and compact solar power stations. The brand has designed all its models with the best technologies and batteries to make sure you get emergency backup on your camping trips and travels.
Bluetti launched the EB55 and the EB70S in a short interval, along with its famous mid-capacity and modular power stations, two years ago.
The new EB3A was launched in 2022 as the smallest portable battery with an LFP architecture. In the meantime, the modular AC60 was launched in 2023 as the world’s smallest modular power station, which still seems to be a proven claim by the brand.
By the way, AC50S was one of the small power stations from the brand with a lithium battery.
The brand designed the 500 Wh battery with a 300-watt inverter in response to Jackery’s then-best-selling Explorer 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500. This product was later discontinued with the arrival of the new LFP battery packs in the segment.
Bluetti EB55 Solar Power Station
This can be one of the coolest compact power stations, with a reliable and ultra-stable LiFePO4 battery pack. Combined with an integrated Battery Management System (BMS), you get an awesome product of this kind.
The EB55 can offer a charging cycle of over 2500 times before it reaches 80% capacity. Of course, the 534 Wh battery pack is quite enough to power up most of your essential outdoor gear and gadgets.
The AC pure sine wave inverter is a 700-watt unit, and it can surge at 1400 watts. You’ve got it with four 110V AC outlets to power up necessary appliances like laptops, drones, projectors, RVs, and more.
It highlights a combination of 200 watts of AC and 200 watts of solar input for quick charging. So, you can achieve a charging speed of up to 400 watts by connecting it to the solar array and AC socket at the same time.
Further, if you can afford it, you can buy a second AC adapter to increase its AC charging speed to 400 watts.
By the way, the device can power up 13 devices at the same time, including the four AC appliances. The other charging points include a 100W USB-C port, four 5V/3A standard USB ports, and a 15W wireless charging pad.
The DC outlets include a 12V/10A DC carport and a pair of 12V/10A DC outlets for small AC devices.
Bluetti EB70S Portable Power Station
Next, we have the bigger variant of the Bluetti power stations in our take on Bluetti EB55 vs. EB70S.
As you can see, EB70S is also a 700-watt power station with a surge of 1400 watts. It differs from its younger sibling with a higher-capacity battery pack. That is a 716Wh LiFePO4 unit.
Apart from design and inverter, there are more similarities between the two compact products. For example, the EB70S also features four pure sine wave AC outlets to deliver 110V US standard power to run your essential appliances.
When it comes to the other charging options, it features two 100W Type-C PD ports and only two units of 5V/3A standard USB-A ports, different from the EB55’s four units.
Two regular DC sockets, a 12V/10A carport, and a 15W wireless charger are other charging options.
What’s more, it also has the same options for charging. It has a 200-watt AC adapter and a 200-watt solar input. You can combine these two to ensure faster charging in under three hours.
Full charging from a carport is possible in three hours. Or you can also get it recharged from a gas generator in emergencies, like with its younger sibling.
Compatible Solar Charger
For both machines, the Bluetti PV200 solar charger is the best choice. It is a 200-watt folding solar charger with a higher conversion efficiency. This can offer the maximum solar output the Bluetti power stations require.
The solar charger can deliver a DC output of 19.8 volts and an open-circuit voltage of 24 volts. It is foldable into a small, briefcase-style form; its folded size is 20.7 x 20.5 in, and the weight is just 14.3 lbs.
The built-in kickstands help you place it anywhere upright to get the most out of the sunlight. Once folded down, you can carry it on its strong handles anywhere quite easily.
The EB55 vs. EB70S: What to Buy
There will be little confusion in choosing between these two devices. They are the same machines with different battery packs. You get different storage capacities, with most of the other features being the same.
In terms of price, the EB55 is $100 cheaper than its sibling. You get it for $499, while the EB70S is available for $599 before any discount. You can check out the above links to get the best deals of the moment from the vendor.
When it comes to size, the EB55 measures 10.94 x 7.87 x 7.79 in, and it weighs 16.5 lbs. Meanwhile, the EB70S has a size of 12.6 x 8.5 x 8.7 in, and its weight is slightly higher at 21.4 lbs.
Both models are available in several attractive colors, including gray, blue, red, and more.
The Bluetti EB3A is an ultra-portable and compact solar power station with an LFP battery. Bluetti announced the smallest 268Wh LiFePO4 solar power station at CES 2022, apart from the Bluetti NA300 and AC500. The device hit stores in June 2022 with a selling price of around $250.
Bluetti EB3A Small Solar Generator
Branded as the Bluetti EB3A solar generator, it is the brand’s entry-level power station with an inverter of 600 watts, a solar charging speed of 200 watts, and a turbo-charging mode of 430 watts. Compared to the AC50S and EB55 compact power stations, it has a long-life LFP battery and a powerful inverter.
Bluetti EB3A Solar Generator
The EB3A is, of course, a lightweight and compact solar power station. With a weight of just 10 pounds, you can carry it anywhere as it is very travel-friendly. Along with its light size, it is going to be one of the smallest power stations with a LifePO4 battery pack on the market.
The ‘A’ in its branding of EB3A looks to refer to its “advanced” profile over the other Bluetti power stations. Thus, it has several refined and enhanced features, like a revamped display screen and turbo-charging, which will make it a more reliable source for off-grid, RVing, and camping requirements.
The little power station has an MPPT charging input of 200 watts, which can make it charge in 2.5 hours under a bright sun. So a single piece of Bluetti PV200 can be a cool combo with it, for sure.
Meanwhile, it can be charged at a standard rate of 286 watts and a rather faster 430 watts in its turbo-charging mode. In the latter mode, it will take only half an hour to charge from 0% to 80%.
Like many of the new Bluetti power stations, it incorporates an AC adapter, so you don’t need to carry the burden of a power brick. By the way, it works with the Bluetti App via Bluetooth, which gives you full control of the device. It also supports OTA upgrades.
Bluetti EB3A Vs. Bluetti AC50S
Besides the EB55, Bluetti has the AC50S, another compact model in its collection of solar power stations. Different from the EB3A, the AC50S has a lithium battery, but it has a better capacity of 500 Ah.
That is, if you are looking at buying a big-capacity compact power station model, the AC50S looks like an intelligent choice, and it has 300 watts of AC power, which is half of the EBA3’s 600-watt inverter.
In terms of price, you will get the AC50S at the same price as the EB30A, however. The EB3A has a retail price of $299 without any discounts, while the AC50S has a discounted price of $299.
Of course, the AC50S features a small and lighter design. With a weight of 9.8 lbs, it shares the same weight as the EB30A. Including a 12V regulated DC port and two AC sockets, it features 11 charging outlets overall.
In short, the key differences it has over the EB3A are its high-capacity lithium battery pack and cheaper price. The limitations include a 450-watt peak power limit and limited charging cycles.
Bluetti EB3A vs. Bluetti EB55
As you see, when we have EB3A as the entry-level variant of the Bluetti line-up, EB55 is the next model in the brand’s series of solar power stations.
As you see, the EB55 is also an LFP power station, and it has a battery of 537 Wh capacity, a 700-watt inverter with a surge capacity of 1400 watts, and as many as four 110V AC sockets.
As you already know, the EB55 features a 200-watt AC input and a 200-watt MPPT solar charger inside. It sports 13 charging outlets, including AC sockets, a single 100W Type-C PD port, and dual wireless chargers.
In terms of size, the EB55 has dimensions of 10.94 x 7.87 x 7.79 in, and it weighs 16.5 lbs, which is six lbs heavier than the entry-level EB3A solar generator.
Bluetti AC60+B80
The AC60 is a 403 Wh, 600-watt ultra-portable solar power station, and you can crank it up to 2015 Wh with a pair of B80 battery packs.
Thanks to its IP65 rating, it is a water- and dust-proof portable battery, which certainly makes it different from all other small Bluetti power stations.
The combo of AC60 and B80, as Bluetti highlights, is to become the first small solar power station from the brand with modular features. You will be able to add extra storage capacity to the AC60 using the B80, just as you can with the AC300 and AC500.
Bluetti AC60+B80 at a Glance
- The Smallest Bluetti Scalable Power Station.
- 403Wh, 600W Compact Solar Power Station.
- Scalable Up to 2015Wh with Two B80s.
- IP65-Rated Water-and-Dust Proof Profile.
Bluetti AC50S (Discontinued)
The Bluetti AC50S is an upgrade to the brand’s sleek and stylish Bluetti AC50 solar power station. The new version of the compact Bluetti power station, while keeping the same specs as its original, has a regulated 12V car charger as an additional feature.
Like the AC50, the new Bluetti is a 500 Wh power station with a 300-watt inverter. It can certainly be an ideal choice to power up your gear and gadgets indoors and outdoors. For those who can’t afford the brand’s famous AC200P 2000Wh power station, it is a brilliant choice to ensure essential portable power.
As you can see, it is a small and handy power station. As it can be charged with a solar panel, it emits no fumes or noise. So, coupled with a reliable solar charger, you get a superb alternative to a small gas generator. You can keep a unit of AC50S fully charged in your RV or home for portable or emergency power.
Bluetti AC50S Specs and Features
As said above, the Bluetti has a 500Wh lithium battery pack. It is a 45 Ah battery at 11.1 V and is made of 18650 Li-ion cells, making it a perfect mobile power backup. One of the nice things about the AC50S is its built-in 10W Qi wireless charger, which makes it easier for you to recharge the Qi-based handsets.
The mid-capacity power station can juice up an iPhone around 30 times and a laptop 7 times, run a 10W LED light for up to 17 hours, and run a CPAP machine for around six hours. Also, it is a superb choice to charge and power up your drones, mini-fridges, portable coolers, air pumps, and more.
The Bluetti AC50S portable power station features dual 120V AC sockets. They can deliver an output of 300 watts constantly and 450 watts at peak. The other charging options notably include a regulated 12V DC socket that can run your 12V devices with no reduction.
It sports multiple USB ports, including a 45W USB-C Power Delivery port that is capable of charging larger USB devices such as laptops and more. The other USB ports are regular 5V sockets. By the way, besides the carport, it also has dual DC barrel ports to power up your regular DC devices.
For charging, you have three different options, including solar. For fast and efficient solar charging, it has a built-in MPPT charge controller that can ensure 40% faster charging. Clearly, with a 200-watt PV array, you can recharge it in three hours under a bright sun. The AC wall socket and car charger are other options for charging.
Compatible Solar Charger for AC50S
Like all similar power stations, you can use any solar panel to charge AC50S from the sun. As per Bluetti, with a 200-watt solar charger, you can fully recharge the power station in three hours under optimal sunlight. The brand itself offers an interesting solar panel for the power station, which is a 120-watt folding panel.
It is a four-fold high-efficiency solar charger made of SunPower monocrystalline solar cells. You can unfold the panel and place it anywhere on its built-in kickstands for better sun exposure. Bluetti offers the panel for around $399, and you can surely get it at a rather cheaper price with seasonal offers.
The Bluetti solar charger is lightweight and ultra-thin. Thanks to the strong corner holes, you can easily attach the solar charger to various surfaces. It has an unfolded size of 16.3 x 66.7 in. and a folded size of 16.3 x 16.1 in. When it comes to weight, it is as light as 4.3 kg, so an outdoor enthusiast will love it.
Why Should You Buy?
1. Decently Powerful Solar Power Station
The Bluetti AC50S is a decent-capacity power station with a 500Wh ultra-safe LG lithium battery pack. With a 300-inverter, it can power up your essential appliances and gadgets comfortably. That is why the Bluetti has become one of the coolest solar power stations for various outdoor applications.
2. Small, Compact, and Lighter Power Station
As you can see, the Bluett is a lightweight and compact device with a weight of 13.6 lbs and a size of 11.6 x 7.5 x 7.7 in. In this regard, it is exactly like its old variant. When it comes to design, it has a stylish profile with blue-shaded full-stretch rubber corner straps for increased security.
3. Wireless Charger and USB-C Outlet
Among its multitude of charging points, the Bluetti AC50S portable power station has a Qi wireless charger and a 45W USB-C Power Delivery port to support a variety of your devices for faster charging.
4. 12V Regulated Car Cigarette Lighter Charger
Of course, it is the key attraction of the new Bluetti AC50S. It is equipped with a regulated 12V car charger that can output 13.5V to run your 12V car electronics rapidly and efficiently.
5. Built-in MPPT for Fast Charging
Yet another attraction of the Bluetti is its built-in MPPT for faster and more reliable solar charging. As per the brand, the device has a solar charging efficiency of up to 40% faster than many of its competitors.
6. Smart and Intelligent Cooling System
The power station also highlights an advanced, intelligent cooling system. It helps the device stay perfectly protected from overload, overheating, short circuits, and more.
7. LED Lantern with SOS Function
Above all, as an outdoor backup system, the Bluetti incorporates an LED lantern to light up your trails and camping tent. The interesting fact is that it also offers an SOS function to ensure your safety in the wild. Well, the bar LED light appears on the rear side of the power station.
Bluetti EB55 Vs. Bluetti AC50S
You might be wondering why Bluetti sells two compact power stations with a storage capacity of around 500 watt-hours. As mentioned above, there is a notable difference between these two devices: the EB55 and the AC50S.
The former is carrying a LifePO4 battery pack, while the latter has a lithium-ion battery pack.
The LifePO4 battery is a new trend in the portable solar power market, as it can offer more charging cycles, a long life, and a lightweight profile.
Moreover, the AC50S is a 300W power station, and the battery pack is a 500Wh unit. Meanwhile, you get the EB55 with a notably powerful 700W inverter and a slightly bigger 537Wh ultra-safe battery pack.
Well, you get the AC50S with several charging options. They include a pair of 110V, 300W AC sockets that can surge at 450 watts. The other outlets are one wireless charger, one 45W Type-C PD port, and four units of 5V/3A USB-A outlets.
When it comes to the DC outlets, it has dual regular 12V/3A outlets and one 12V/10A car socket. An LED light is also there to let you light up your camping tent or trail at night.
You can recharge the little device via multiple options, including solar. For charging from a solar panel, it has a 10A (max.) 14V/40V/max. 120W port, which makes it chargeable with the brand’s 120W folding solar charger.
Bluetti AC50S vs. Jackery Explorer 500
Bluetti’s AC50S is a threat to Jackery’s popular Explorer 500. They have almost the same battery packs inside in terms of capacity, but different inverters and portability features. We would like to have a detailed look at the machines in our take on the Bluetti AC50S vs. Jackery Explorer 500.
As you may know, the Explorer 500 is a 518 Wh power station with a 500-watt inverter that can surge to 1000 watts. It has only a single AC socket, unlike Bluetti AC50s, which comes with a 300W inverter and dual AC sockets.
It means you can get more capacity and power from the Jackery. Besides the AC socket, it features three USB-A outlets, two DC sockets, and one car charger, making it a cool option for outdoor enthusiasts and preppers.
Even with a slightly bigger battery inside, the Explorer has almost the same weight as its Bluetti alternative. With a weight of 13.32 lbs and a size of 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 in, you get a much more portable and compact power station from Jackery. Its solid, built-in carrying handle is another attraction.
When it comes to the overall look, both the Jackery and Bluetti devices are very elegant and stylish. You get the Jackery in its typical orange shade, whereas Bluetti offers its little power station in multiple shades.
When it comes to price, the Bluetti is cheaper. You can get it for under $450, while the Explorer costs around $500. Like Bluetti, Jackery also offers compatible solar chargers for its power station, by the way.
Liam Eck is a full-time blogger who is passionate about green and sustainable lifestyle inventions and products. At PureInvents, he covers the topics of green technology, alternative energy, solar energy storage systems, and other smart and green inventions. #Contact Liam at liameck@pureinvents.com – Twitter – Reddit
