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I tested one of the cheapest power stations that made road-tripping a breeze (and it's $250 off)
Bluetti AC70 power station.
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Bluetti AC70 is a portable power station that won't break your back (or the bank, as it's on sale for $449).
- It's a powerful unit, capable of 1,000W output for regular loads, increasing to 2,000W for resistive loads, such as heaters and hair dryers.
- You'll need the companion app to access more advanced features.
Portable battery packs have revolutionized power. Forget noisy, smelly gasoline generators or trailing extension cables, these packs are a convenient way to take power with you on the go.
Power stations come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from small devices that can easily fit into a backpack to large units that need to be transported on wheels. My preference is for something in the middle -- a power station that's big enough to power heavy loads for extended periods, but small enough to be easily carried around.
Also: I found the Goldilocks of portable power stations (and it's currently on sale)
Over the past few weeks, I've been testing the Bluetti AC70, a portable power station with enough power to easily handle energy-intensive devices, such as hairdryers, electric kettles, and heaters.
View at AmazonBluetti AC70 features
- Power: 1,000W Rated Power/2,000W Lifting Power
- Capacity: 768Wh
- AC Charging: 950W Turbo charging, 45 minutes to 80%
- Solar Charging: 500W Fast solar charge, fully charge in two hours
- Outputs: AC: 2×120V/8.33A, 1,000W in total | USB-C: 2 × 100W max | USB-A: 2 × 5VDC/2.4A 12W in total | 12V DC: 1 × 12V/10A
- Battery: LiFePO₄, rated for 3,000+ charge cycles
- App: Smart remote control via BLUETTI app
- UPS reaction time: 20ms
- Weight: About 22.5lbs/10.2kg
- Dimensions: 12.4 × 8.2 × 10.1-inches / 314 × 209.5 × 255.8mm
- Warranty: Five years
When testing a power station for a review, there are a few key aspects I examine.
First, I verify the device lives up to the claims made on its spec sheet, which, for power stations, includes the capacity of the battery and the loads the device can handle. I'm also keen to see how the power station copes with loads exceeding its rated capacity, looking for it to shut down gracefully rather than spit and spark and make a ruckus.
The AC70 passed all my tests with flying colors. It's a well-made, well-engineered unit that delivers exactly what it promises.
I am particularly impressed by the device's design for longevity. Bluetti has incorporated LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries into this power station, which are renowned for their durability. The cells in this unit are rated for 3,000 recharge cycles before they need to be replaced, significantly outperforming the typical 500 to 800 recharge cycles of standard Lithium-Ion batteries.
Also: The best portable power stations
The unit can be charged from an AC outlet, solar panels, or from a vehicle's 12V outlet.
The front of the AC70 is simple yet functional, with an easy-to-read display and only three buttons.
Safety, particularly with regards to heat management, is a primary concern. While most power stations handle heat well, some are hot garbage. I expect the power stations from a premium brand like Bluetti to be free from safety concerns, and the AC70 did not disappoint.
Durability is also a crucial aspect of my testing. Despite the challenges in standardizing real-world testing, I expose all power stations to rigorous conditions over several weeks. This rigorous testing includes extensive use, transportation in cars and trucks, and deliberate drops onto hard surfaces to evaluate durability.
Also: 5 simple tips for getting the most out of your power station solar panels
I'm particularly concerned about the overall integrity of the unit. I'm not looking to deliberately break the pack, but equally I want to know if bits of plastic or components with part numbers on them come loose and start rattling inside the device.
Once again, the AC70 excelled, passing all durability tests.
Despite weighing in at almost 23 lbs, the built-in molded handle is comfortable enough for carrying the unit for extended periods.
Finally, there's usability. I look for controls that are easy to use, accompanied by a display that shows all the necessary information without being cluttered or confusing.
The AC70 excels in this area as well. Its display is bright and clear, complemented by just three backlit buttons, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.
Also: The best home generators
For me, the AC70 is the perfect "Goldilocks" power station. While I own larger units, ideal for powering substantial off-grid setups, and smaller ones, which are suited for day trips, the AC70 strikes the ideal balance. It's sufficiently portable for easy transportation, but has enough capacity to meet the needs of a small group for several days. I've relied on the power station to charge my smartphone, cameras, drones, and laptops efficiently.
Bluetti AC70 charging in the car.
The AC70's versatility is notably enhanced by its wide array of charging options, which include AC input, solar, and 12V DC. I've found that charging the station from a car's 12V outlet is particularly efficient for keeping the unit charged, as long as you avoid letting the battery drain too much. This feature ensures the pack doesn't require an extensive recharge period, which could be inconvenient during travel.
Additionally, Bluetti offers an app for controlling the advanced features of its power stations, such as adjusting the charging speed or enabling eco mode. While I personally prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons, which is a nod to my old-fashioned preferences, I acknowledge the appeal and convenience that smartphone control brings to many users.
ZDNET's buying advice
Given the high cost of power stations, the significant amount of power they store, and the dire consequences of battery malfunctions, I strongly advise investing in a high-quality unit. My experiences with substandard products from obscure brands have underscored the importance of choosing power stations from premium, well-established brands.
Bluetti stands out as one of these reputable brands, and the AC70 exemplifies its commitment to quality. Given its performance and portability, I can see this power station accompanying me on many adventures during 2024 and beyond.
Additionally, the price point is incredibly appealing. With a $250 discount currently available on Amazon, the Bluetti AC70's price has been reduced to $449. At this price, it's an absolute bargain.
When will this deal expire?
Amazon is offering significant sales and discounts during their Big Spring Sale event, which runs from March 20 to March 25, 2024, but we've already seen great savings surface, even ahead of the spring event.
Deals are subject to sell-out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.