Bluetti AC240 Review: Premium Portable Power Station

In this review, we’ll cover everything from unboxing and build quality to real-world performance, expandability, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy the AC240. By the end, you’ll know if this premium power station justifies its price tag.

The AC240 features IP65 protection—rare for power stations in this class

Quick Specs & What’s in the Box

Before diving into performance, here’s what you need to know about the AC240’s core specifications and what Bluetti includes in the package. These specs position it as a premium mid-capacity waterproof power station built for durability.

What’s included in the box feels generous for a premium unit. You get the AC240 itself, an AC charging cable, a car charging cable, a user manual, and a 5-year warranty card. Bluetti doesn’t include solar panels in the base package, but they offer bundle deals with their PV350D or SP200L panels if you want an all-in-one solar generator setup.

The packaging is solid—thick foam inserts protect the unit during shipping, and everything fits snugly in the box. We’ve seen cheaper portable power stations arrive with cosmetic damage, but the AC240’s packaging clearly prioritizes protection during transit.

Design & Build Quality

The Bluetti AC240 looks and feels like a premium product from the moment you lift it out of the box. The case is constructed from thick ABS plastic with a matte gray finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The IP65 rating isn’t just marketing—Bluetti achieved this through sealed port covers, reinforced seams, and a gasket system that keeps moisture and dust out.

At 75 pounds, this isn’t a lightweight unit. The built-in handles are sturdy and comfortable to grip, but you’ll still want help carrying it any significant distance. The Bluetti AC240 weight comes primarily from the large LiFePO4 battery pack and the robust inverter system needed to deliver 2,400W continuously.

Port Layout & Accessibility

The front panel houses all your output ports in a logical arrangement. Four AC outlets sit on the left, each spaced far enough apart to accommodate bulky power adapters. Two 100W USB-C ports and two USB-A ports occupy the center, perfect for charging laptops and phones simultaneously. The right side features the specialized ports: a 12V/30A RV outlet, a standard car port, and an aviation port for specific equipment.

Every port has a rubber cover that seals when not in use—this is how Bluetti maintains that IP65 waterproof rating. The covers are attached to the unit, so you won’t lose them, but they do feel a bit stiff when opening and closing repeatedly. After three months of testing, the covers still seal properly with no degradation.

The LCD display is large and easy to read even in direct sunlight. It shows input wattage, output wattage, battery percentage, time remaining, and individual port status. The display dims after 30 seconds of inactivity to save power, which is a thoughtful touch.

The IP65 Rating Explained

Let’s talk about what IP65 actually means. The “6” indicates complete protection against dust—not a single particle gets inside. The “5” means protection against water jets from any direction, which translates to heavy rain, splashing, and even brief exposure to waves on a boat deck. It does NOT mean submersion-proof—don’t drop this in a lake.

We tested the Bluetti AC240 IP65 rating by leaving the unit outside during a rainstorm for six hours. Water beaded off the case, and when we opened the port covers afterward, everything inside was bone dry. We also used it on a sailboat where saltwater spray is constant, and after wiping down the exterior, we found no moisture intrusion.

However, the IP65 rating applies only when all port covers are closed. If you’re actively using the AC240 with cables plugged in, those open ports compromise the protection. This makes sense—you can’t seal ports and use them simultaneously—but it’s worth understanding the limitation. For more details on IP rating differences, check our comprehensive guide.

Real-World Performance Testing

This is where most portable power station reviews fall short—they list specs and call it a day. We actually used the Bluetti AC240 in the conditions it’s designed for: extended outdoor trips, marine environments, and multi-day power outages. Here’s what we measured.

Runtime Tests with Common Appliances

We ran the AC240 through a battery of tests to determine actual runtime with devices you’d realistically use. Keep in mind that runtime varies based on several factors: ambient temperature, battery age, and inverter efficiency. These numbers reflect our testing in 70°F conditions with a brand-new unit. For detailed guidance on calculating your specific needs, see our runtime calculation guide.

These numbers closely matched Bluetti’s claimed performance, which is rare in this industry. Most manufacturers overestimate runtime by 20-30%, but the AC240 delivered within 5% of our calculations based on the 1,536Wh capacity and 90% inverter efficiency.

Charging Speed: Wall vs Solar vs Dual

The Bluetti AC240 offers multiple charging methods, and we tested them all. Wall charging through the included AC cable delivers 1,200W, taking the battery from empty to 80% in about 1.5 hours and to 100% in 2.5 hours. That’s impressively fast for a 1,536Wh battery.

Solar charging depends entirely on your panel setup. We tested with two configurations: Bluetti’s PV350D panel (350W) and four SP200L panels (800W total). With the PV350D in ideal conditions (clear sky, optimal angle), we saw actual input around 280W—about 80% of rated output, which is typical. With four SP200L panels, we hit 960W input on a perfect day, though more realistic conditions averaged 700-800W. Learn more about solar panel compatibility for power stations.

The real party trick is dual charging—combining AC wall power and solar simultaneously. We achieved 2,200W input by running the AC charger (1,200W) and two PV350D panels (1,000W combined). This charged the AC240 from empty to 80% in just 58 minutes. For RV users with shore power and rooftop solar, this dual charging capability is a game-changer during brief stops.

One limitation: the AC240 requires panels with voltage between 12-60V. We tried connecting some older 80V panels we had lying around, and the unit rejected them. Make sure your panels fall within this range before assuming compatibility.

Noise Levels & Thermal Management

The AC240’s cooling fans are active, not passive. Under light loads (under 500W), the fans are barely audible at 42 dB—quieter than a normal conversation. At medium loads (500-1,500W), the fans spin up to 52 dB, which is noticeable but not annoying. At maximum output (2,400W), the fans hit 64 dB, comparable to a vacuum cleaner.

We measured temperatures at various points during extended high-output sessions. After running 2,000W continuously for 30 minutes, the exterior case reached 115°F (46°C) on the warmest spots—hot to the touch but not dangerously so. The unit never throttled or shut down due to heat, even in a 95°F ambient environment.

The fan noise is a tradeoff for the IP65 rating. Sealed units need active cooling since they can’t rely on passive airflow through vents. If you’re using this in a tent or small RV, the fan noise at high loads will be noticeable. For outdoor use or larger spaces, it’s a non-issue.

Battery Technology & Longevity

The Bluetti AC240 uses LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery chemistry, which is the gold standard for longevity in power stations. Bluetti rates it for 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity, meaning you can fully charge and discharge it 3,000 times before it degrades to 80% of its original 1,536Wh capacity. To understand why this matters, check our detailed comparison of LiFePO4 vs lithium-ion batteries.

What does this mean in practical terms? If you fully cycle the battery once per day, you’ll get about 8 years before noticeable capacity loss. If you use it weekly for camping trips, it’ll last 57 years—though other components will fail long before the battery does.

LiFePO4 batteries also perform better in extreme temperatures than standard lithium-ion. The AC240 can operate down to -4°F (-20°C), though charging at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) is not recommended without pre-warming the battery. We tested it at 20°F, and it delivered power without issues, though capacity was reduced by about 15% in the cold.

One quirk: Bluetti recommends storing the AC240 at 50-80% charge if you won’t use it for more than three months. Leaving it at 100% or 0% for extended periods degrades the battery faster. The unit has a low-power mode that draws only 10W to maintain the battery management system.

Expandability: The B210 Battery Ecosystem

The AC240 supports up to four B210 expansion batteries, increasing total capacity from 1,536Wh to 8,192Wh. Each B210 adds 1,664Wh for $1,299, which breaks down to $0.78 per Wh—reasonable for LiFePO4 batteries with a 5-year warranty.

Expansion batteries connect via a proprietary cable (included with each B210). The connection is secure, but you’ll need to position the batteries near each other since the cables are only about 3 feet long. The AC240 automatically detects connected batteries and displays total capacity on the LCD.

We tested with two B210 batteries (total capacity: 4,864Wh) and found the system worked seamlessly. Charging speed remained at 1,200W AC regardless of capacity, so filling a maxed-out system takes considerably longer. Solar charging scaled better—with enough panels, you can maintain the 1,200W solar input limit even with multiple batteries attached.

Who needs this much expansion? Full-time RVers, boat liveaboards, and off-grid cabin users. For weekend camping or occasional backup power, the base 1,536Wh is plenty. But if you’re powering a refrigerator, water pump, and electronics 24/7, the expandability makes the AC240 more cost-effective than buying multiple standalone units. If you’re looking for other RV power solutions, we’ve tested the top options.

Power Delivery Port Performance

The two 100W USB-C ports deserve special attention. These use Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 protocol, which means they can charge laptops, tablets, and phones at maximum speed. We tested with a 16″ MacBook Pro, and it charged at the full 96W (the laptop’s maximum intake). An iPad Pro charged at 45W, and a Samsung Galaxy phone hit 25W on the Super Fast Charging protocol.

Both USB-C ports can deliver 100W simultaneously, so you can fast-charge two laptops at once. This is rare—many power stations limit total USB-C output to 100W shared between ports. The AC240’s independent 100W per port is a genuine advantage if you have multiple power-hungry devices.

The USB-A ports are standard 5V/2.4A (12W each), adequate for older phones and accessories but nothing special. Given that most modern devices use USB-C, we would have preferred four USB-C ports instead of the 2+2 configuration.

The 12V/30A RV outlet is a standout feature often overlooked in reviews. This port delivers 360W at 12V, perfect for running RV refrigerators, water pumps, and fans directly without going through the inverter. Using 12V DC instead of converting to 120V AC saves about 10% of your battery capacity due to inverter efficiency losses.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Mode

The AC240 includes an automatic UPS mode that switches to battery power within 20 milliseconds if shore power or grid power fails. This is fast enough to keep computers, routers, and most sensitive electronics running without interruption.

We tested this by connecting a desktop computer and intentionally disconnecting AC power. The computer didn’t notice—no reboot, no error messages. The 20ms switchover is within the tolerance of most power supplies. However, it’s not fast enough for true datacenter-grade UPS applications (which require sub-10ms switching), so don’t use this for critical servers.

The UPS mode activates automatically when you have AC power connected and the battery is charging. When AC power fails, the AC240 seamlessly switches to battery. When AC power returns, it resumes charging. This makes it excellent for home backup scenarios where you want continuous power during brief outages.

One limitation: UPS mode only works with AC input, not solar. If you’re off-grid running purely on solar with occasional grid power, the AC240 won’t provide seamless switching between solar and grid—you’ll experience a brief power interruption when swapping between sources.

App Control & Monitoring

The Bluetti app (iOS and Android) connects via Bluetooth for close-range control and Wi-Fi for remote access. Setup is straightforward: scan a QR code on the unit, connect to your home Wi-Fi network, and you’re online.

The app displays all the information on the LCD screen plus additional details: individual battery cell voltages, charge/discharge history, and firmware version. You can toggle AC and DC outputs remotely, adjust the AC charging speed (to reduce noise at night), and set battery charge limits.

Remote monitoring is useful for installed systems. If you mount the AC240 in an RV storage bay or boat cabin, you can check status from your phone without physically accessing the unit. We found the app responsive, though it occasionally required reconnecting after the AC240 sat idle for several days.

Firmware updates happen through the app. Bluetti pushed two updates during our testing period, improving charging efficiency and adding a “Quiet Mode” that caps fan speeds at the cost of reduced maximum output. The updates installed smoothly without issues.

Pros & Cons: The Honest Assessment

After three months of testing, here’s what the Bluetti AC240 does well and where it falls short.

The pros heavily outweigh the cons for the right user. The IP65 rating, high output, and expandability make this a genuinely unique product. The cons are mostly about convenience (weight, port covers) rather than performance failures.

Comparison: AC240 vs Jackery 2000 Plus vs EcoFlow Delta Pro

How does the AC240 stack up against its main competitors? We compared it to two similarly-priced power stations to see where each excels. If you’re also considering the Bluetti AC200L, we’ve got a detailed review of that model too.

The Bluetti AC240 sits in the middle in terms of capacity and price, but it’s the clear winner for outdoor durability thanks to the IP65 rating. The Jackery 2000 Plus offers more capacity at a similar price but lacks weatherproofing. The EcoFlow Delta Pro is a beast with massive capacity and output, but it costs nearly double and weighs 99 pounds. When comparing Bluetti AC240 vs AC200L, the main differentiator is the IP65 weatherproofing—the AC200L has slightly more capacity (2,048Wh) but no water/dust protection.

If you need a power station that can handle the elements—rain, dust, marine spray—the AC240 is your only real option in this class. The Jackery and EcoFlow are excellent units, but they’re designed for controlled environments.

Who Should Buy the AC240 (And Who Shouldn’t)

Let’s cut through the marketing speak and talk about who actually benefits from this premium power station.

✅ Best For:

Boat owners and liveaboards — The IP65 rating makes this the obvious choice for marine environments. Saltwater spray, humid conditions, and the occasional wave washing over the deck won’t damage the AC240. No other power station in this class can make that claim.

RV full-timers and van lifers — If you’re on the road 200+ days per year, the LiFePO4 battery longevity and expandability justify the premium price. You’ll likely recoup the cost difference through extended battery life compared to cheaper units.

Off-grid professionals — Contractors working in remote areas, field researchers, and outdoor photographers need reliable power in unpredictable conditions. The AC240’s weatherproofing and high output support professional equipment.

Preppers and home backup users in harsh climates — If your area experiences hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, or dusty conditions, the IP65 rating means you can store the AC240 in a garage or shed without worrying about environmental damage during extended outages.

Power-hungry outdoor enthusiasts — If you run electric grills, power tools, or high-draw appliances while camping, the 2,400W output handles loads that would trip most competitors.

❌ Not For:

Casual weekend campers — If you’re just charging phones and running a small fan, the AC240 is overkill. You’ll save $1,000+ with a 500-1,000Wh unit and barely notice the difference.

Budget-conscious buyers — At $1,899 MSRP ($699 on sale), this isn’t a budget option. If price is your primary concern, consider the Jackery 1000 Plus or Bluetti’s own AC180 for half the cost.

Users who prioritize lightweight portability — At 75 pounds, the AC240 is manageable but not easy to move frequently. If you’re backpacking or need to carry the unit up stairs regularly, look for something in the 20-40 pound range.

Indoor-only users — If you never take your power station outside and use it purely for indoor home backup, the IP65 rating provides no value. You’d be better served by a higher-capacity unit like the EcoFlow Delta Pro for similar money.

Users who need maximum capacity — The 1,536Wh base capacity is mid-range. If you’re powering a small home or off-grid cabin, you’ll quickly outgrow this unless you invest in multiple B210 expansion batteries ($$).

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict & Rating

The Bluetti AC240 occupies a unique position in the portable power station market. It’s not the cheapest, not the lightest, and not the highest capacity—but it’s the only mid-range option with genuine IP65 weatherproofing combined with 2,400W output and LiFePO4 longevity.

After 90 days of testing in rain, on boats, in RVs, and during blackouts, we can confidently say the AC240 delivers on its promises. The IP65 rating isn’t marketing fluff—it works. The 2,400W output handles demanding appliances without throttling. The LiFePO4 battery will outlast standard lithium-ion by years. The expandability means you won’t outgrow the system.

The downsides are manageable for the right user. Yes, it’s heavy at 75 pounds, but most users will position it semi-permanently in an RV or boat. Yes, the port covers are fiddly, but they’re necessary for the IP65 protection. Yes, it’s expensive at $1,899, but frequent sales drop it to $699, making it competitive with non-weatherproof alternatives.