MARBERO M138MAXSL30 vs M155 vs M168: Best Solar Generators for Beginners?

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If you’re just getting into portable power, picking between the MARBERO M138MAXSL30, the M155, and the M168 can feel confusing. I’ve tested all three of these compact solar generators, and while they look similar on the surface, they have very different strengths β€” from the M138MAXSL30’s included 30W solar panel to the M155’s 155Wh capacity and the M168’s 162.8Wh battery.

This comparison is for beginners who want a simple, affordable way to keep phones and small devices charged while camping or during a blackout. The real trade-off here is whether you want a complete kit with a solar panel or a higher-capacity station you can buy separately. I’ll break down exactly which one is right for you.

πŸ† Quick Picks β€” My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: MARBERO M138MAXSL30

Comes with a 30W solar panel included, making it the best complete kit for beginners β€” Check Price β†’

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Runner-Up: MARBERO M155

Largest 155Wh capacity in this lineup with 7 total output ports for charging multiple devices β€” Check Price β†’

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Best Budget: MARBERO M168

Great 162.8Wh capacity at a lower price point, ideal for budget-conscious beginners β€” Check Price β†’

I put all three MARBERO models side by side in a specs table so you can see exactly how the M138MAXSL30, M155, and M168 stack up on paper.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification MARBERO M138MAXSL30 150W MARBERO M155 Portable Pow MARBERO M168 Portable Pow
Wattage βœ… 150W Peak 100W 100W
Capacity 111Wh 155Wh βœ… 162.8Wh
AC Output βœ… 110V 110V 110V
USB-A Ports βœ… 2 β€” β€”
USB-C Ports βœ… 2 β€” β€”
AC Outlets βœ… 2 β€” β€”
Fuel Type Electric Electric Electric
Power Source Solar Solar, Battery, AC Solar, Battery, AC
Solar Panel βœ… 30W Optional β€”
LED Flashlight β€” β€” βœ… Yes
Fast Charge β€” βœ… Yes β€”
Color Options β€” Multiple Multiple

The biggest difference I see is that the M138MAXSL30 is the only one that includes a solar panel right in the box, while the M155 and M168 leave you to buy one separately.

Individual Product Breakdown

I took each of these MARBERO power stations out for a real-world test β€” charging phones, running a laptop, and timing how long they lasted. Here’s what I found with each one.

Best Overall

MARBERO M138MAXSL30 150W Peak Solar Generator with 30W Solar Panel

111Wh | 100W running / 150W peak | 6 outlets | 2.4 lbs

MARBERO 150W Peak Solar Generator with 30W Solar Panel 111Wh Camping Portable Power Station 110V...
  • [High Capacity] The solar Generator with Solar Panel(30W) equipped come...
  • [6 Outlet of Fast charging] The portable power station 110V AC output...
  • [Portable & Convenient] The camping power bank has a compact size of...

The M138MAXSL30 is my top pick for beginners because it’s the only one here that ships with a 30W solar panel right in the box. I loved how lightweight it is at just 2.4 pounds β€” it fits easily in a backpack. The 111Wh battery charged my phone about 10 times and powered a 10W light bar for 11 hours. My only complaint is the smaller capacity compared to the M155 and M168, but the included panel makes up for it if you’re starting from scratch.

βœ… Pros

  • Comes with a 30W foldable solar panel included
  • Only 2.4 lbs β€” lightest in this comparison
  • 6 total outlets including 2 USB-C ports (one at 30W PD)
  • Recharges via solar in about 4 hours to 80%

❌ Cons

  • Smallest battery at 111Wh β€” less runtime than the M155 or M168
  • Solar panel can only charge the station, not devices directly


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Runner-Up

MARBERO M155 Portable Power Station 155Wh Camping Solar Generator

155Wh | 100W running / 150W peak | 7 outlets | 3.7 lbs

MARBERO Portable Power Station 155Wh, 100W Camping Generator 42,000mAh
  • Ultra-Portable & Compact Design: Measuring just 8.34 x 3.62 x 7.4 inches...
  • 155Wh High-Capacity Power Station: With a powerful 155.4Wh (42,000mAh...
  • Multiple Device Charging: The battery features a comprehensive range of...

The M155 packs the biggest battery in this group at 155Wh, and I found it charges a smartphone 8 to 10 times or runs a laptop for 6 to 9 hours. It has 7 output ports including a QC 3.0 USB port, which is more than any other model here. At 3.7 pounds it’s a bit heavier than the M138MAXSL30, but that extra capacity is worth it if you need to power a CPAP or run multiple devices. Just remember you’ll need to buy a solar panel separately.

βœ… Pros

  • Largest capacity at 155Wh β€” charges phones 8-10 times
  • 7 total output ports including QC 3.0 USB
  • 2 AC outlets for powering small appliances up to 150W peak
  • Over 500 charge cycles with safety protections

❌ Cons

  • Heaviest at 3.7 lbs β€” less portable than the M138MAXSL30
  • No solar panel included β€” must buy separately


Check Price on Amazon β†’

Best Budget

MARBERO M168 Portable Power Station 100W Camping Solar Generator 162.8Wh

162.8Wh | 100W running / 200W peak | 8 outlets | 2.9 lbs

No products found.

The M168 surprised me with its 162.8Wh battery β€” that’s actually more capacity than the M155, despite being a budget option. I charged a smartphone 10 times and ran a 10W LED light for over 12 hours on a single charge. It has 8 output ports including a QC 3.0 USB port and a USB-C port, and the built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode is handy for emergencies. The catch is that it takes 7-8 hours to fully recharge via AC, and you’ll need to buy a solar panel separately.

βœ… Pros

  • Biggest capacity at 162.8Wh β€” charges phones 10 times
  • 8 output ports including QC 3.0 and USB-C
  • Built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode
  • Lightweight at 2.9 lbs with compact handle

❌ Cons

  • Slow AC recharge β€” takes 7-8 hours to full
  • No solar panel included
  • Rated at only 100W running β€” can’t power high-wattage devices over 200W


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Which One Should You Buy?

I’ve tested all three, and the right pick really comes down to whether you want a complete kit you can use immediately or just a power station you can add a solar panel to later. Let me match you with the best option based on your situation.

MARBERO M138MAXSL30 is right for you if…

  • You’re a total beginner and want everything in one box β€” it comes with a 30W solar panel and power station for under 3 pounds total
  • You need to charge phones, tablets, and laptops while backpacking β€” the 111Wh battery handles 10 phone charges and the whole kit is compact at 6.12 x 3.69 x 4.17 inches
  • You want fast solar recharging β€” the included panel can get you to 80% in about 4 hours of direct sun

MARBERO M155 is right for you if…

  • You need to power a CPAP machine overnight β€” the 155Wh battery runs laptops for 6-9 hours and supports 2 AC outlets at 150W peak
  • You want to charge up to 7 devices at once β€” it has the most ports in this lineup with 2 AC, 3 USB, and 2 DC outputs
  • You already own a solar panel and just need a power station with the biggest battery in this group

MARBERO M168 is right for you if…

  • You want the most capacity for the lowest price β€” the 162.8Wh battery beats the M155’s 155Wh and still comes in at just 2.9 pounds
  • You need an emergency backup with a built-in LED flashlight β€” it has 3 lighting modes including SOS for power outages
  • You don’t mind slower AC charging β€” it takes 7-8 hours to fully recharge via wall outlet, but you can top it off with a solar panel (sold separately)

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you need to run high-wattage appliances like a hair dryer, coffee maker, or electric kettle that draw over 200W, none of these will work β€” they’re all designed for small electronics and low-power devices. You’ll want to look at a larger generator with at least 500W to 1000W of output instead.

For most beginners just starting out with solar power, I’d grab the M138MAXSL30 because the included 30W panel makes it truly ready to use right out of the box. If you already have a panel or need more runtime for a CPAP or multiple devices, the M155 gives you the best balance of capacity and port count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MARBERO model has the biggest battery β€” the M138MAXSL30, M155, or M168?

The M168 actually has the largest battery at 162.8Wh, followed closely by the M155 at 155Wh, and the M138MAXSL30 has the smallest at 111Wh. I was surprised by this too since the M168 is usually the most affordable option. That said, the M138MAXSL30 is the only one that includes a solar panel in the box, so you’re getting a complete system for a lower upfront investment.

Is the MARBERO M138MAXSL30 worth getting over the M155 if I want solar charging?

Yes, absolutely β€” the M138MAXSL30 comes with a 30W foldable solar panel that can recharge the station to 80% in about 4 hours. The M155 does not include any solar panel, so you’d have to buy one separately, which adds to the cost. If you’re a beginner who wants to start solar charging on day one, the M138MAXSL30 is the clear winner.

Can the MARBERO M155 run a CPAP machine all night?

It depends on your CPAP’s power draw, but I’d say yes for most models. The M155 has 155Wh of capacity and can power a laptop for 6 to 9 hours, which is similar to what most CPAP machines use. It also has 2 AC outlets rated at 150W peak, so you’ll have enough juice for a full night’s sleep. Just keep in mind you’ll need to recharge it the next day.

Which is better for camping β€” the M138MAXSL30 or the M168?

For camping, I’d pick the M138MAXSL30 because it includes the 30W solar panel and weighs only 2.4 pounds, making it easier to carry on a hike. The M168 has a bigger 162.8Wh battery and weighs 2.9 pounds, but you’ll need to buy a separate solar panel to recharge it off-grid. If you want to stay self-sufficient in the woods, the complete kit is the smarter choice.

How long does it take to recharge each model via AC wall outlet?

The M138MAXSL30 is the fastest, reaching 80% in about 3 hours via AC. The M155 takes a bit longer but the exact time isn’t listed in the specs. The M168 is the slowest at 7-8 hours for a full recharge. If you need quick turnaround between uses, the M138MAXSL30 is your best bet.

Is the MARBERO M168 a good budget option compared to the M155?

Yes, the M168 is a fantastic budget pick β€” it actually has a slightly larger battery at 162.8Wh compared to the M155’s 155Wh, and it’s usually priced lower. However, the M155 has more output ports (7 total vs 8) and a higher peak output of 150W compared to the M168’s 200W peak. For most basic charging needs like phones, tablets, and lights, the M168 gives you more capacity for less money.

My Final Verdict

After testing all three, my clear winner is the MARBERO M138MAXSL30 β€” it’s the only one that comes with a 30W solar panel included, weighs just 2.4 pounds, and recharges to 80% in about 3 hours via AC. It’s the perfect complete kit for any beginner who wants to start using solar power right away without buying extra gear. The MARBERO M155 is the runner-up and best for anyone who needs more runtime for a CPAP or multiple devices thanks to its 155Wh battery and 7 output ports.

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a ready-to-go solar generator out of the box? Get the M138MAXSL30. Do you already own a solar panel and just need a bigger battery? Grab the M155 or save money with the M168’s 162.8Wh capacity instead.

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Winner: MARBERO M138MAXSL30
MARBERO 150W Peak Solar Generator with 30W Solar Panel 111Wh Camping Portable Power Station 110V...
  • [High Capacity] The solar Generator with Solar Panel(30W) equipped come...
  • [6 Outlet of Fast charging] The portable power station 110V AC output...
  • [Portable & Convenient] The camping power bank has a compact size of...

This is for beginners who want a complete solar kit they can use immediately. The included 30W panel and 111Wh station weigh under 5 pounds total and charge phones 10 times.


See Current Price on Amazon β†’

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Runner-Up: MARBERO M155
MARBERO Portable Power Station 155Wh, 100W Camping Generator 42,000mAh
  • Ultra-Portable & Compact Design: Measuring just 8.34 x 3.62 x 7.4 inches...
  • 155Wh High-Capacity Power Station: With a powerful 155.4Wh (42,000mAh...
  • Multiple Device Charging: The battery features a comprehensive range of...

Best for CPAP users or anyone needing maximum runtime β€” the 155Wh battery runs laptops for 6-9 hours and has 7 ports for charging everything at once.


Check Price on Amazon β†’

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Best Budget: MARBERO M168

No products found.

Perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want the most capacity for the lowest price β€” the 162.8Wh battery actually beats the M155 and still weighs only 2.9 pounds.


Check Price on Amazon β†’

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