Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing two of Anker’s most popular portable power stations for travel: the 522 PowerHouse (299Wh, 300W) and the newer SOLIX C300 DC (288Wh, 300W). Both are lightweight, battery-powered options that promise to keep your gear charged on the road, but they take very different approaches to doing it.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a compact power station for weekend camping trips, long road trips, or emergency backup without lugging around a heavy generator. The big question is whether you want traditional AC outlets or a smaller, faster-charging DC-focused design — and I’ll help you figure out which one fits your travel style better.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker SOLIX C300 DC
More versatile with 7 ports including 140W two-way USB-C, smaller footprint, and a 3-year warranty — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Anker 522 PowerHouse
Has 2 AC outlets for plugging in small appliances, 299Wh capacity, and a 600W peak — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these two travel power stations compare.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker 522 Portable Power | Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 299 watts | 288Wh |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 300 Watts | 300W |
| Peak Wattage | ✅ 600W | — |
| Fuel Type | ✅ Battery Powered, Solar Powered | — |
| Battery Type | ✅ LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Weight | ✅ 8.29 Pounds | — |
| Ports | ✅ 6 | — |
| AC Outlets | ✅ 2 | — |
| USB-C PD Ports | ✅ 60W/20W | — |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
| Included Components | ✅ Charging Cable | — |
| Recommended Use | Camping | Camping, Traveling, Emergencies |
| Power Source | ✅ Battery Powered, Solar Powered | — |
| Special Feature | ✅ Portable | — |
The biggest difference I see is the Anker SOLIX C300 DC’s 7 ports versus the Anker 522’s 6 ports, plus the SOLIX offers blazing 140W two-way USB-C charging while the 522 tops out at 60W USB-C.
The biggest difference I see is the Anker SOLIX C300 DC’s 7 ports versus the Anker 522’s 6 ports, plus the SOLIX offers blazing 140W two-way USB-C charging while the 522 tops out at 60W USB-C.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the port layouts, battery capacities, and overall portability of each station to give you the real story on what it’s like to use these for travel.
Anker 522 Portable Power Station
299Wh | 300W (Peak 600W) | 6 Ports | 8.29 lbs
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
The Anker 522 is a solid choice if you need to power small AC appliances like a mini-fridge or a fan while camping. I like that it has 2 AC outlets and a built-in LED light, which makes it handy for RV trips. The 299Wh capacity and 300W continuous output are enough for phones, laptops, and a CPAP machine for a night. My main gripe is that the USB-C ports max out at 60W, which is slower than the competition, and it only has a 90-day warranty since it’s a Renewed model.
✅ Pros
- 2 AC outlets for plugging in small appliances directly
- Lightweight at just 8.29 pounds, easy to carry
- LiFePO4 battery pack for longer lifespan
- 600W peak power handles startup surges on small motors
❌ Cons
- USB-C limited to 60W, so it charges laptops slowly
- Only 90-day limited warranty since it’s Amazon Renewed
- No built-in handle or strap for easy carrying
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station
288Wh | 300W | 7 Ports | 6.17 lbs | 3-Year Warranty
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is my top pick for travel because it’s smaller, lighter, and charges devices way faster than the 522. It packs 7 ports including two 140W two-way USB-C ports that can recharge the station itself in about 1.5 hours. The 288Wh capacity is nearly identical to the 522, but you get a 3-year warranty instead of 90 days. Just know there are no AC outlets — everything runs through USB-C or the 120W car socket, so you’ll need a separate inverter if you want to plug in a wall appliance.
✅ Pros
- Two 140W two-way USB-C ports for ultra-fast charging laptops
- Weighs only 6.17 lbs with a compact 4.89 x 7.87 x 4.72 inch design
- 7 total ports including a 120W car socket
- Excellent 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind
❌ Cons
- No AC outlets — can’t plug in standard wall appliances directly
- Wall charger not included in the box
- Slightly less capacity at 288Wh vs 522’s 299Wh
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need AC outlets for small appliances or if you’re all-in on USB-C fast charging. Here’s how I break it down for different travelers.
Anker 522 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You need to plug in small AC appliances like a CPAP machine or a fan while camping
- You’re okay with slower USB-C charging at 60W and just need to top off phones and tablets
- You want a built-in LED light for nighttime use at the campsite or in an RV
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station is right for you if…
- You travel with a modern laptop that supports USB-C charging and want 140W speeds
- You value a compact, lightweight design at just 6.17 lbs that fits in a backpack
- You want a longer 3-year warranty and faster 1.5-hour recharge time for the station itself
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power tools, a full-size refrigerator, or anything that draws more than 300W continuously, both of these will fall short. You’d be better off looking at a larger gas or dual-fuel inverter generator that can handle 2000W or more.
For most travelers and campers who just need to charge laptops, phones, and keep a few small devices running, I’d grab the Anker SOLIX C300 DC every time — it’s lighter, charges faster, and has that 3-year warranty that gives me real confidence on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for camping, the Anker 522 or the Anker SOLIX C300 DC?
I’d give the edge to the Anker 522 for traditional camping because it has 2 AC outlets that let you plug in a small fan or a portable fridge. The SOLIX C300 DC is better for car camping or glamping where you’re only charging USB devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. If you absolutely need AC power at your campsite, go with the 522.
Is the Anker SOLIX C300 DC worth the extra money over the Anker 522?
Yes, I think it is for most people. You get a 3-year warranty compared to the 522’s 90-day limited warranty, plus blazing 140W two-way USB-C ports versus the 522’s 60W USB-C. The SOLIX is also smaller and lighter at 6.17 lbs, and it recharges itself in about 1.5 hours. The only reason to pick the 522 is if you specifically need those AC outlets.
Which power station has more ports for charging devices?
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC wins here with 7 total ports including a 120W car socket, two 140W USB-C ports, one 100W USB-C, one 15W USB-C, and two 12W USB-A ports. The Anker 522 has 6 ports total with 2 AC outlets, a 60W USB-C, a 20W USB-C, and two USB-A ports. So the SOLIX is better for charging multiple modern laptops at full speed.
Can I recharge these power stations with solar panels?
Both can be recharged with solar panels, but Anker recommends a 100W or 60W solar panel for the SOLIX C300 DC. The 522 also supports solar charging since it’s listed as a solar generator. Just keep in mind that neither comes with a solar panel in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you want off-grid recharging.
How long does it take to fully recharge each power station?
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is much faster here — it can hit 80% in about an hour using its dual PD 3.1 USB-C ports, and a full charge takes around 1.5 hours. The Anker 522 doesn’t specify a fast recharge time in its specs, but based on its lower 60W USB-C input, I’d expect it to take significantly longer, likely 4 to 6 hours for a full charge.
Which one is lighter and more portable for travel?
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is the clear winner for portability at just 6.17 lbs with a compact size of 4.89 x 7.87 x 4.72 inches. The Anker 522 weighs 8.29 lbs, which is over 2 pounds heavier. The SOLIX also has a smaller footprint that fits easier in a backpack or carry-on, making it my top pick for air travel or hiking to a campsite.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Anker SOLIX C300 DC for most travelers. It’s lighter at 6.17 lbs, charges way faster with its 140W two-way USB-C ports, and comes with a 3-year warranty that blows the 522’s 90-day warranty out of the water. The Anker 522 is still a decent pick if you absolutely need AC outlets for a CPAP or fan, but the SOLIX is the smarter buy for modern USB-C devices.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do I actually need to plug something into a wall outlet while traveling? If the answer is no, stop second-guessing and go with the SOLIX C300 DC — it’s smaller, faster, and backed by a real warranty.
Winner: Anker SOLIX C300 DC
Best for travelers who charge laptops, phones, and tablets on the go. The 140W two-way USB-C and 3-year warranty make it the clear modern choice.
Runner-Up: Anker 522 Portable Power Station
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
Best for campers who need AC outlets for small appliances. The 2 AC outlets and 600W peak power handle things the SOLIX can’t.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.