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We tested the Bluetti AC180 for several months on camping trips and for home backup. It delivers respectable power output and a clean, functional display. Its price is competitive, and it allows you to increase battery capacity as your power needs grow. However, the AC180's below-average usable capacity and power-to-weight ratio make it hard to compete with similar sized power stations on the market. Still, for those with existing Bluetti products who prefer to stay brand loyal, Bluetti has made notable improvements to the AC180 compared to previous models.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple operation
Quick charging speed
Expansion capable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor power to weight ratio
Inferior battery efficiency
Noisy fan
New Version
Since our testing, Bluetti has released the successor to the AC180, the Bluetti Elite 100 v2, which is a significant improvement. The Elite 100 v2 is smaller and lighter (25 lbs), sells for a lower street price, is quieter, and offers faster charging. The Elite 100 v2 does offer slightly lower battery capacity of 1,024Wh versus 1,152Wh for the AC180, but overall, we consider the Elite 100 v2 to be much improved and a better product. We've updated our retail links to go to the new and improved Elite 100 v2.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Power Output
We tested the power output of the Bluetti AC180 using our light bar test jig, running it at 80% load until it fully drained. Our testers measured 950 Wh, which is 18% below its advertised 1,152 Wh. This resulted in rather underwhelming efficiency of just 82%.
Still, with 950 usable Wh, it provided enough power to run our portable electric stove top, recharge power tool batteries, and keep our lights turned on over a whole weekend of use.
The 1800 watts of power can run most common camping appliances and even provide enough juice for some larger household appliances during power outages. The impressive 2700 watt surge rating also made us feel plenty comfortable using high-surge appliances and tools like table saws and freezers.
The AC180 has enough power to run our induction stove and electric cooler together. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Portability
At 36 lbs, it's light enough for traveling and camping. It never felt too heavy to throw in the back of our car or carry across our campsite. We also liked the AC180's flat, dimensional shape. We could easily pack and stack gear above or below other items in the car or in the garage.
Unfortunately, when compared to similarly sized models, it falls short, with some competitors offering nearly double the capacity and AC wattage at similar weights.
The AC180 is just light enough to carry solo. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Charging speed
We appreciated its quick charging time, averaging 1.3 hours to reach a full charge from 0%. For last-minute charges and quick top-offs, it allowed us to never worry about running out of battery or waiting several hours to recharge.
It supports up to 500 watts of solar, under perfect sun conditions, a recharge would take the AC180 about 3 hours. Using just one 200 watt panel, we could achieve a full charge in 6-8 hours under ideal conditions.
Charging from a wall outlet is the fastest way to charge the AC180. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Features
Standout features of the AC180 include wireless phone charging, pass-through charging, and optional expansion batteries. The AC180 also advertises a 20ms cut-off for uninterrupted power supply functionality. But at 20ms, we'd be hesitant to suggest using the Bluetti as an actual UPS for sensitive electronics. Outlet options include four standard 120V AC outlets, a 12V DC cigarette port, four USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. With the increased use of USB-C, we would have liked to see an additional port, but the wireless charging pad is a decent tradeoff.
The improved display is easier to see, and provides more information than previous models. Credit: Matt Lighthart
​Previous Bluetti products used a clunky touchscreen with poor feedback and hard-to-read information. The display on the AC180 is a welcome improvement over earlier versions, with a more refined, easier to read screen. Essential screen functions, such as power in/out, battery percentage, and hours remaining, are displayed without navigating the screen.
Should You Buy the Bluetti AC180?
The Bluetti AC180 fits into the mid-sized power station market, offering enough power for weekend camping trips and for small appliances during outages. It has an attractive price and a few nice features, such as quick charging and expandable battery capacity. It struggles to compete with other brands that offer better power-to-weight ratios. However, we'd still recommend this unit for those who feel its 1800 watts of power and 950 Wh capacity offer enough without being overkill.
For modest power needs the Bluetti is a decent value. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Other Power Stations Should You Consider?
A better choice from our perspective is the Anker Solix C1000, which costs less than the AC180 and delivers more. If your power needs are a step above what the Bluetti AC180 can offer, the Jackery 2000 V2 is a compelling upgrade for extended off-grid camping we'd recommend you consider.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Bluetti AC180 versus top competing products:
