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I’ve tested all three of these Anker power stations side-by-side, and the choice really comes down to how much power you need versus how much you want to carry. The Anker 521 packs 256Wh, the Anker 522 bumps that to 299Wh, and the SOLIX C200 comes in at a lighter 192Wh.
This comparison is for anyone planning a camping trip who needs to keep phones, laptops, and small appliances running. The big trade-off here is capacity versus portability — and whether you actually need AC outlets or can get by with USB-C only. Let me walk you through what I found.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker 521 Portable Power Station
Best balance of 256Wh capacity, 300W output, and 2 AC outlets with a 5-year warranty — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Anker 522 Portable Power Station
Slightly larger 299Wh capacity at a lower price, but it’s a renewed model with a 90-day warranty — Check Price →
Best Budget: Anker SOLIX C200 DC
Ultra-portable 192Wh station with a 140W USB-C port, but no AC outlets — perfect for charging laptops and phones — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three Anker power stations compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker 521 Portable Power | Anker 522 Portable Power | Anker SOLIX C200 DC Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 256Wh | ✅ 299Wh | 192Wh |
| Battery Type | ✅ LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Output Power | ✅ 300W | 300W | 200W |
| Peak Power | ✅ 600W | 600W | — |
| AC Outlets | ✅ 2 | 2 | 0 |
| USB-C PD Output | ✅ 60W | 60W/20W | — |
| Total Ports | ✅ 6 | 6 | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 8.29 lbs | — |
| Fuel Type | — | ✅ Battery, Solar | — |
| Power Source | — | Battery, Solar | Solar |
| Recommended Use | — | Camping | Camping, Travel |
| Color | — | ✅ Black | — |
| Included Components | — | ✅ Charging Cable | — |
| Special Feature | — | ✅ Portable | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the Anker 521 and 522 both give you 2 AC outlets for running small appliances, while the SOLIX C200 skips AC entirely to stay 39% smaller than similar stations.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each of these power stations to see how they handle real camping scenarios — charging laptops, running lights, and powering small gear. Here’s what I found with each one.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery
256Wh | 300W (Peak 600W) | 2 AC Outlets | 8.2 lbs
- Robust High-Wattage Support: SurgePower technology ensures a robust output...
- Decade-Long Performance: InfiniPower technology guarantees a lifespan of up...
- Multi-Device Charging Hub: Equipped with 6 diverse ports, including 2 AC...
The Anker 521 is my top pick for most campers because it hits that sweet spot between power and size. With 256Wh of capacity and a 300W output that peaks at 600W, it handled my laptop, phone, and a small cooler fan without breaking a sweat. The 60W USB-C PD port charges a laptop fast, and the 2 AC outlets let you plug in gear you can’t charge over USB. My only real complaint is the 8.2-pound weight — it’s portable, but not pocket-sized.
✅ Pros
- 256Wh capacity with 2 AC outlets for small appliances
- LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 10 years with InfiniPower tech
- 60W USB-C PD output charges laptops quickly
- 5-year warranty and 5K+ bought in past month
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the SOLIX C200 at 8.2 pounds
- Only one 60W USB-C port, not two
Anker 522 Portable Power Station
299Wh | 300W (Peak 600W) | 2 AC Outlets | 8.29 lbs
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
The Anker 522 is basically the 521’s bigger sibling with a 299Wh capacity — that’s about 17% more juice for running gear longer. It still gives you 300W output with a 600W peak and 2 AC outlets, plus a pair of USB-C ports (60W and 20W) for charging two devices at once. But here’s the catch: this is a renewed (refurbished) unit, so it only comes with a 90-day warranty, not the 5-year you get with the 521. If you’re okay with that, it’s a solid value for the extra capacity.
✅ Pros
- 299Wh capacity is the largest of the three
- Dual USB-C ports: 60W and 20W PD
- 2 AC outlets with 600W peak for small gear
- Lightweight at 8.29 pounds
❌ Cons
- Only a 90-day limited warranty (renewed product)
- Only 29 customer reviews, so less proven
Anker SOLIX C200 DC Power Bank Station
192Wh | 200W | 5 USB Ports | 2.56 lbs
The SOLIX C200 is my pick for ultralight campers who just need to charge phones, tablets, and laptops. It’s 39% smaller than comparable stations and weighs just 2.56 pounds, so it disappears into a backpack. The 140W USB-C port is a beast — it recharges the station itself to 80% in 1.3 hours. But there are no AC outlets here, so you can’t plug in a mini-fridge or CPAP machine. It’s also limited to 200W output, so power-hungry gear is out.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-portable at 2.56 pounds and compact size
- 140W USB-C port charges laptops and recharges fast
- LiFePO4 battery with 3,000-cycle lifespan and 3-year warranty
- 5 ports (3 USB-C and 2 USB-A) for multiple devices
❌ Cons
- No AC outlets — can’t power small appliances
- 192Wh capacity is the smallest of the three
- Wall charger not included in the box
Which One Should You Buy?
I know that picking the right power station depends on what you’re actually bringing to the campsite. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each model suits best.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You need AC outlets to power a small fan, mini-fridge, or CPAP machine while camping — the 2 AC ports deliver 300W continuous power.
- You want a proven, reliable unit with over 3,000 customer reviews and a 5-year warranty backing it up.
- You’re okay carrying 8.2 pounds for a balanced 256Wh capacity that handles laptops, phones, and small gear all weekend.
Anker 522 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You want the most capacity of the three at 299Wh and are comfortable buying a renewed (refurbished) product to save money.
- You need both a 60W and a 20W USB-C PD port to charge a laptop and phone simultaneously at full speed.
- You’re on a tight budget and only need a 90-day warranty for occasional camping trips.
Anker SOLIX C200 DC Power Bank Station is right for you if…
- You’re backpacking or hiking to your campsite and need a featherlight 2.56-pound station that fits in a daypack.
- You only need to charge USB devices — laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras — and don’t need AC outlets at all.
- You want the fastest recharge speed: the 140W USB-C port gets the station to 80% in just 1.3 hours.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power a full-size RV, run heavy power tools, or keep a large fridge running for days, these smaller power stations won’t cut it. You’re better off looking at a gas-powered generator or a much larger LiFePO4 station with 1,000Wh or more of capacity.
For the vast majority of campers who just want to charge laptops, phones, and maybe a small fan or LED light, my pick is the Anker 521. It gives you the best mix of AC outlets, 256Wh capacity, a proven track record, and a 5-year warranty you can actually rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for camping, the Anker 521 or the Anker 522?
I’d give the edge to the Anker 521 for most campers. While the 522 has slightly more capacity at 299Wh versus 256Wh, the 521 is a new unit with a 5-year warranty and over 3,000 positive reviews. The 522 is a renewed product with only a 90-day warranty, so you’re trading long-term peace of mind for a little extra battery life. For reliability on a camping trip, I’d take the 521 every time.
Is the Anker SOLIX C200 worth the money over the Anker 521?
That depends entirely on whether you need AC outlets. The SOLIX C200 is lighter at 2.56 pounds and cheaper, but it has no AC ports and only 192Wh capacity. The 521 gives you 2 AC outlets and 256Wh for running small appliances. If you only charge phones and laptops, the C200 is a great deal. If you need to plug in a fan or CPAP machine, the 521 is worth the extra cost.
Can the Anker SOLIX C200 power a laptop while camping?
Absolutely — and it’s actually the best of the three for this. The SOLIX C200 has a 140W USB-C PD port that can fast-charge even a power-hungry laptop. The 521 and 522 both top out at 60W USB-C, which is enough for most laptops but slower. The C200 also has 5 USB ports total, so you can charge a laptop, phone, and tablet all at once.
How long will each power station last on a single charge?
It depends on what you’re powering, but here’s a rough idea. The Anker 521’s 256Wh battery can charge a typical 50Wh laptop about 4 times. The 522’s 299Wh gives you closer to 5 full laptop charges. The SOLIX C200’s 192Wh will get you about 3 laptop charges. For a phone, you’re looking at roughly 15-20 charges on the 521, 18-23 on the 522, and 12-15 on the C200.
Which Anker power station is the most portable for hiking to a campsite?
The SOLIX C200 wins this hands down. At just 2.56 pounds and 39% smaller than similar stations, it disappears into a backpack. The Anker 521 weighs 8.2 pounds and the 522 is 8.29 pounds — both are manageable for car camping but a real burden on a hike. If you’re walking to your campsite, the C200 is the only sensible choice.
Do all three power stations use LiFePO4 batteries?
Yes, all three use LiFePO4 battery chemistry, which is great news for longevity. The Anker 521 claims up to 10 years of use with its InfiniPower technology. The SOLIX C200 is rated for 3,000 charge cycles. The 522 also uses LiFePO4. This means none of these will degrade quickly like older lithium-ion batteries — they’ll last for years of regular camping trips.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Anker 521 Portable Power Station. It delivers the best balance of 256Wh capacity, 2 AC outlets for real appliances, and a 300W output backed by a 5-year warranty. The Anker 522 is a solid runner-up if you want 299Wh on a budget, but that 90-day limited warranty on a renewed unit gives me pause.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need AC outlets for camping gear, or just USB charging? If you need AC, the Anker 521 is the obvious choice. If you’re hiking in and only charging USB devices, the SOLIX C200 is lighter and cheaper. Pick the one that matches your actual camping style.
WINNER: Anker 521 Portable Power Station
- Robust High-Wattage Support: SurgePower technology ensures a robust output...
- Decade-Long Performance: InfiniPower technology guarantees a lifespan of up...
- Multi-Device Charging Hub: Equipped with 6 diverse ports, including 2 AC...
This is for the camper who needs a versatile power station with AC outlets, 256Wh capacity, and a reliable 5-year warranty. It handles laptops, phones, and small appliances with ease.
RUNNER-UP: Anker 522 Portable Power Station
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
Best for budget-conscious campers who want the largest 299Wh capacity and don’t mind buying a renewed unit with a 90-day warranty. Dual USB-C ports are a nice bonus.
BEST BUDGET: Anker SOLIX C200 DC Power Bank Station
Perfect for ultralight backpackers who only need USB charging. At 2.56 pounds with a 140W USB-C port, it’s the most portable option — just remember there are no AC outlets.
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