Anker Solix C1000 Review

This Anker Solix C1000 achieves the unlikely mix of power and portability.

Power Efficiency

The most important factor to consider when deciding on a power station is how much power and battery capacity it possesses. This dictates what appliances and tools you can effectively use it with. With this in mind, we decided to make this section 35% of our total score. Our power output is divided into two sections using quantifiable data and some objective reasoning to support.

For our first test, our team designed and built a light bar mechanism to test the true battery capacity of each unit. While manufacturers advertise a stated capacity, power stations must allocate a certain percentage of their battery to continue running aspects such as the inverter, display, and fans. Using the light bar, we drained each unit from 100% down to 0% under the power station's standard rated load, which in this case is 1056 watts. We time how long each unit runs and compare that against the expected run time of one hour. This is converted to a percentage to help simplify the data. With a usability score of 85%, the C1000 was one of our top-performing models. This means 85% or 897Wh of the 1056Wh advertised is available to use.

The second portion of our power output testing focused on running each model at its stated max inverter rating and ensuring it can run smoothly without any hiccups. To score, we timed how long each model ran at full power before depleting the battery. At 1800 watts and 2400 watts of surge, the Anker passed our max wattage test in the middle of the pack, running for 33 minutes before shutting off. While the fan noise at its max capacity was one of the louder models tested, the C1000 handled the max load without overheating or bogging down. Although it was one of the shorter run times at max load, the ultra-fast recharge time is a good trade-off.

Charge Time

The next 25% of our score is dedicated to charge time. To determine charge time, we drained each model to 0% and recharged it using its supplied AC cord until it reached 100%. We also accounted for any special charging features, including optional speed settings and dual input for simultaneous charging.

The Anker Solix C1000 was one of the most impressive units in terms of charging speeds. The included AC charging cord is rated up to 1300W and achieves a full charge in 88 minutes. Using the Anker app, you can toggle ultra-fast charge mode, which reduces charge time to 65 minutes. It is a great feature that is handy for last-minute recharges but should be reserved for occasional use, as ultra-fast charging can lead to faster battery degradation.

The C1000 also supports up to 600W of solar input for quick solar charging. The one area this model could improve upon is the ability to set a custom charge percentage. While you can adjust the input to speed or slow down charging, there's currently no way to set a max percentage. This feature can come in handy if you need to charge your battery and prefer to leave it at 80% instead of 100% to improve battery life further.

Mobility

Our next metric looks at the portability of each model based on weight and dimensions, along with assessing handles, the shape of each model, and the overall ease of carrying. We also spent plenty of time traveling with each model and loading them into cars, trailers, and garages to confirm our testing results.

The Anker Solix C1000 was our go-to choice when loading up for a weekend of camping. Anker's ability to stuff such a high-performing power station into a compact package made the C1000 one of our favorites for overall portability. While it still weighs in at 28.65 lbs, that is considerably less than similar models sporting the same battery capacity and power output.

The built-in handles are also sturdy and have enough grip to make it comfortable to carry solo. The C1000 also gets bonus points for a uniform shape and a flat top, which helps with arranging gear on top and around it.

Ease of Use

Our last metric focuses on the usability of each model, including important features, assessing the screen and display functions, and interacting with the user interface. Some models are inherently simple, while others could have an entire user manual dedicated to explaining different features.

Our first test ranked the inclusion or absence of important features. These features include expandable battery capacity, built-in lights, smartphone apps, and uninterrupted power supply capabilities. The Anker Solix C1000 has a simple but effective app that can wirelessly toggle ports on and off, monitor battery temperature and remaining charge, and set input speeds for charging. Anker also offers an expandable battery for the C1000, upping the total battery capacity to 2112Wh. While the C1000 does not offer wireless charging, it does have a built-in LED light, which comes in handy during outages and at night while camping.

For our screen/display test, we had no major gripes with the C1000. It displays all the important functions you'd expect, including power in and out, remaining discharge time, and recharge estimate time.

Should You Buy the Anker Solix C1000?

The Anker Solix C1000 is a fantastic choice in the mid-size portable power station category. With a large AC inverter and ultra-fast charging, this model certainly packs a punch for its size. It's a great option for overlanding, camping, and job site tasks where portability is essential. If you're trying to power large appliances, there are better options. But for anyone who wants a capable power station that's portable enough for road trips and camping, the C1000 is hard to beat.

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