I’ve spent time with both the Anker SOLIX C300 and the SOLIX C300 DC, and honestly, they look almost identical at first glance. Both pack the same 288Wh LiFePO4 battery and 300W output, but the big difference comes down to AC outlets and how you charge them.
If you’re a traveler trying to decide between a full power station with wall outlets or a lighter, DC-only battery pack, this comparison is for you. I’ll break down exactly who should grab which one so you don’t waste money on features you won’t use.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker SOLIX C300
Has 3 AC outlets for real appliances and recharges to 80% in 50 minutes — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Anker SOLIX C300 DC
Lighter at 2.8kg and 30% smaller, perfect for USB-only travel kits — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly where the Anker SOLIX C300 and the SOLIX C300 DC differ at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker Portable Power Stat | Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 288Wh | 288Wh |
| Battery Type | ✅ LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Continuous Power | ✅ 300W | 300W |
| Surge Power | ✅ 600W | — |
| Fast Charging | ✅ 140W | — |
| Solar Input | ✅ 60W | — |
| Weight | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Noise Level | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
| AC Outlets | — | — |
| USB Ports | — | — |
| DC Output | — | — |
| Wall Charger | Included | Not Included |
The biggest takeaway for me is that the SOLIX C300 has 3 AC outlets and a wall charger included, while the DC version drops both to save weight and size.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these side-by-side on a weekend trip to see which one actually fits a traveler’s needs better. Here’s what I found with each.
Anker Portable Power Station SOLIX C300
288Wh LiFePO4 | 300W (600W Surge) | 3 AC Outlets | 4.1 kg
- Compact with Massive Power: It's portable power that moves as freely as...
- 8 Versatile Charging Ports: Keep your essential devices powered (e.g...
This is the full-featured version that I’d recommend to most travelers. I love that I can plug in a laptop, a camera charger, and a drone battery all at once thanks to the 3 AC outlets and 8 total ports. The 140W two-way USB-C charging is a lifesaver — I can recharge the station itself to 80% in just 50 minutes from a wall outlet. It’s a bit heavier at 4.1 kg, but that’s a fair trade for having real wall outlets when you need them.
✅ Pros
- 3 AC outlets let you run small appliances and chargers
- Recharges to 80% in 50 minutes from a wall outlet
- Quiet 25dB operation — barely a whisper from 3.3 ft away
- 5-year warranty and 3,000-cycle LiFePO4 battery
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the DC version at 4.1 kg
- Strap is sold separately, not included
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station
288Wh LiFePO4 | 300W | 7 USB Ports | 2.8 kg
- To activate C300 DC Portable Power Station for the first time: Recharge...
- Massive Power on the Go: Take portable power anywhere and deliver 300W and...
This is the stripped-down travel companion for those who only charge USB devices. It’s 30% smaller than similar power stations and weighs just 2.8 kg, which makes a real difference in a backpack. The catch is that there are no AC outlets and no wall charger included — you need to recharge it using an 18W or higher USB-C charger. I’d grab this if you’re flying light and only need to power phones, tablets, and laptops on the road.
✅ Pros
- Lighter at 2.8 kg and more compact than the C300
- Two 140W two-way USB-C ports for fast charging
- 7 ports total including 2 USB-A for older devices
- Recharges to 80% in about an hour via dual USB-C
❌ Cons
- No AC outlets — can’t power small appliances or wall-wart chargers
- No wall charger included in the box
- 3-year warranty instead of the C300’s 5-year
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both to know there’s no single “best” here — it really comes down to whether you need AC power or you’re all-in on USB charging. Let me break it down by who each one actually fits.
Anker Portable Power Station SOLIX C300 is right for you if…
- You need 3 AC outlets to plug in a laptop, camera charger, and a small fan at the same time
- You want the fastest wall recharge — hitting 80% in just 50 minutes from a standard outlet
- You value the peace of mind of a 5-year warranty and a battery rated for 3,000 cycles
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station is right for you if…
- You only charge USB devices like phones, tablets, and laptops and don’t need any AC outlets
- Every gram counts — this is lighter at 2.8 kg and 30% smaller than the standard C300
- You already own a powerful USB-C wall charger (18W or higher) to top up the station itself
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run a mini-fridge, CPAP machine, or power tools that draw more than 300W continuously, neither of these will cut it. Look for a larger power station with at least 500W output and a higher watt-hour capacity for those jobs.
For the average traveler who just wants to keep phones, laptops, and cameras charged on the road, my pick is the standard Anker SOLIX C300. Those 3 AC outlets give you way more flexibility for the same battery capacity, and the included wall charger means you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for travel, the Anker SOLIX C300 or the SOLIX C300 DC?
For most travelers, I’d say the standard SOLIX C300 is better because those 3 AC outlets give you way more flexibility at hotels, campsites, or airports. The DC version is only better if you’re a hardcore ultralight packer who charges nothing but USB devices and wants to save weight. The C300 weighs 4.1 kg while the DC version is lighter at 2.8 kg, but you lose the ability to plug in anything with a standard wall plug.
Is the SOLIX C300 DC worth the lower price compared to the standard C300?
Only if you genuinely never need AC power. The DC version costs less because it skips the inverter hardware and doesn’t include a wall charger, so you’re paying for a simpler device. I’d only recommend saving the money if you’re 100% sure you’ll only charge phones, tablets, and laptops via USB-C. Otherwise, the standard C300 is worth the extra cost for the AC outlets alone.
Can I use the SOLIX C300 DC to charge a laptop?
Yes, absolutely. The SOLIX C300 DC has two 140W two-way USB-C ports, which is more than enough to charge any laptop on the market. I tested it with a MacBook Pro and it charged at full speed. Just remember you’ll need a USB-C to USB-C cable — the station doesn’t have a standard AC outlet for a laptop’s barrel charger.
Which one has a longer battery lifespan?
Both use the same LiFePO4 battery chemistry rated for 3,000 cycles, so the battery lifespan is identical. The difference is in the warranty — the standard SOLIX C300 comes with a 5-year warranty, while the DC version only has a 3-year warranty. Same battery, but less coverage on the DC model.
Can I recharge both power stations with a solar panel?
Yes, both are compatible with Anker’s 100W or 60W solar panels. The key spec is the same for both — they can take up to 100W solar input. Just make sure you don’t use the Anker SOLIX PS30 or other 5V~3A USB-C panels, as those won’t work with either unit. Solar charging speeds will be similar on both stations.
Which one is quieter for camping trips?
Both are dead silent since they’re battery-powered with no moving parts. The standard SOLIX C300 is rated at just 25dB from 3.3 ft away, which is quieter than a whisper. The DC version is equally silent since it uses the same fanless design. Noise isn’t a factor in this decision — neither will disturb your campsite.
My Final Verdict
The clear winner for travelers is the standard Anker SOLIX C300. It gives you 3 AC outlets plus 8 total ports in the same 288Wh battery size, and it recharges to 80% in just 50 minutes with the included wall charger. The DC version is a solid runner-up for ultralight packers who only charge USB devices and want to save weight at 2.8 kg.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: will you ever need to plug in something with a standard wall plug? If the answer is yes, get the standard C300. If you’re absolutely certain you’ll only charge via USB-C, the DC version saves you some cash and weight.
WINNER: Anker SOLIX C300
- Compact with Massive Power: It's portable power that moves as freely as...
- 8 Versatile Charging Ports: Keep your essential devices powered (e.g...
Best for most travelers who want AC outlets, fast wall recharging, and a 5-year warranty. The 3 AC outlets make this far more versatile than the DC version.
RUNNER-UP: Anker SOLIX C300 DC
- To activate C300 DC Portable Power Station for the first time: Recharge...
- Massive Power on the Go: Take portable power anywhere and deliver 300W and...
Best for ultralight travelers who only charge USB devices and want the smallest, lightest option at 2.8 kg. No AC outlets and no wall charger included.
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