Anker SOLIX C300X Review: Premium Compact Station 2025

Quick Specs & What’s in the Box

The C300X arrives well-packaged with everything you need to start using it immediately. Inside the box, you’ll find the power station itself, an AC charging brick, a car charging cable, a solar charging cable with MC-4 connectors, and a detailed quick-start guide. Anker skips the fluff—no extra cables or accessories you won’t use.

First impressions of build quality surprised us. The C300X feels premium in a way many budget power stations don’t. The shell uses high-grade plastic with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The integrated handle folds flat when not in use, adding to the compact profile. At 9.3 × 6.1 × 9.4 inches, it’s about 15% smaller than similar 300Wh stations we’ve tested. That might not sound like much, but it’s the difference between fitting under an airplane seat or not.

The C300X measures just 9.3 inches wide—15% smaller than competing 300Wh stations

Front panel with LCD display and all 7 ports

Compact design with foldable handle for easy transport

Here are the core specifications:

The specs reveal interesting choices. Anker went with dual 140W USB-C ports, which is generous for a compact power station. Most competitors in this class max out at 100W USB-C. The 300W continuous output with 600W surge covers most small appliances, but you won’t run space heaters or power-hungry tools.

Design & Build Quality

Premium Materials & Compact Design

The C300X measures 9.3 × 6.1 × 9.4 inches and weighs 7.9 pounds. That’s legitimately portable—you can carry it one-handed without strain. The dimensions make it 15% smaller than competing 300Wh stations like the Jackery Explorer 300 or EcoFlow River 2 Pro. For van lifers or backpackers working with limited space, this matters.

The handle design deserves mention. It folds flush with the top of the unit when not needed, preventing snags in a packed vehicle or backpack. The handle itself uses reinforced plastic rather than metal, keeping weight down while maintaining strength. We loaded the C300X into a car trunk dozens of times during testing, and the handle showed no wear or flex.

Anker offers an optional carrying strap that attaches to mounting points on either side of the C300X. The strap sells separately for $29.99, which feels like a missed opportunity—competitors often include straps at this price point. However, the strap does allow for crossbody carrying, freeing both hands when hiking or moving between job sites.

Port Layout & Interface

The front panel houses all seven ports in a logical layout. Two AC outlets sit on the left, protected by a sliding cover. In the center, you’ll find the LCD display and control buttons. The right side holds all USB ports—two 140W USB-C ports up top, one 100W USB-C in the middle, one 15W USB-C below that, and two USB-A ports at the bottom.

This port arrangement works well in practice. The AC outlets space far enough apart to accommodate two bulky adapters simultaneously. The USB-C ports clearly label their wattage, eliminating guesswork about which port delivers fast charging for your laptop.

The LCD display provides essential information at a glance: input/output wattage, remaining battery percentage, and estimated runtime. The display also shows active ports with small icons, helping you identify what’s drawing power. In bright sunlight, the screen remains readable, though the viewing angle drops off when you’re not looking straight at it.

Three buttons control the C300X: AC power, USB power, and a lighting button. Yes, there’s a small LED light on the front—useful for camping but not bright enough to replace a dedicated flashlight. Long-pressing the lighting button cycles through brightness levels and an SOS mode.

Performance & Real-World Testing

Battery Capacity & Runtime Tests

The 288Wh capacity translates to practical runtime that varies significantly based on what you’re powering. We conducted a series of tests using different devices to establish realistic expectations.

Laptop charging (60W average): A MacBook Pro running typical productivity apps drew 60W during charging. The C300X kept it powered for approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes before reaching 20% battery. That’s enough for a workday if you’re not constantly plugged in.

Mini fridge (50W average): We tested a compact 1.7 cubic foot fridge commonly used for camping. Average draw fluctuated between 45-55W depending on compressor cycles. Runtime: 5 hours and 30 minutes. For a weekend camping trip, that’s one full day of cold food if you’re running the fridge continuously.

Smartphone charging: An iPhone 14 Pro Max with a depleted battery. We fully charged the phone from 0-100% approximately 22 times before the C300X needed recharging. Android phones with similar battery capacities performed comparably.

Drone batteries: DJI Mavic Air 2 batteries (3,500mAh each). We recharged 9 complete battery cycles before the C300X hit 0%. Drone pilots will appreciate this—enough for a full day of aerial photography without returning to base.

These numbers assume you’re only powering one device at a time. Running multiple devices simultaneously drains the battery faster due to conversion efficiency losses.

300W Output & SurgePad (600W Peak)

The 300W continuous output handles most small electronics and appliances without breaking a sweat. We successfully powered: a laptop + phone + tablet simultaneously, a portable blender (250W), an electric kettle (up to 300W models only), and various camera batteries.

Where the C300X struggled: space heaters (typically 1,000W+), hair dryers (1,200W+), and microwave ovens (600W+ continuous). Anker’s SurgePad technology claims to handle 600W surges for brief periods, which helps with inductive loads like small refrigerators or power tools that spike on startup.

We tested SurgePad by connecting a 500W circular saw. The saw draws about 450W under load but spikes to 550W on startup. The C300X handled this without issue, though the fan ramped up noticeably. However, attempting to run a 700W appliance triggered overload protection and shut down the AC outlets immediately.

For comparison, the standard C300 without SurgePad technology maxes out at 300W with no surge capability. That’s the first clear advantage of paying extra for the C300X—better handling of real-world appliances that don’t draw constant wattage.

Charging Speed: 50 Minutes to 80%

Anker advertises 50-minute charging to 80% via AC input, and our testing confirmed this. We depleted the C300X to 0%, then plugged it into a standard wall outlet. The unit charged to 80% in 49 minutes and reached 100% at the 65-minute mark. That’s impressively fast for a portable power station—most competitors in this capacity range take 90-120 minutes for an equivalent charge.

Solar charging takes longer, as expected. We tested with a compatible 100W solar panel on a clear day with optimal sun angle. The C300X reached full charge in 3 hours and 15 minutes. That’s realistic for a sunny afternoon but not practical if you need power quickly.

Car charging via the 12V outlet proved the slowest option. From 0-100% took approximately 6.5 hours while parked with the engine running. Useful for road trips where you’re driving long distances, but impractical for quick top-ups.

The C300X also supports dual USB-C recharging using two 140W power bricks. Combined input reaches 280W, allowing a full charge in roughly 1.5 hours. We didn’t test this method extensively—most users won’t have two 140W adapters lying around.

Features & Functionality

10ms UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

This is the C300X’s headline feature and its primary justification for the premium price. UPS functionality means the power station can detect a power outage and switch to battery power fast enough that connected devices never lose power. For the C300X, that switchover happens in under 10 milliseconds.

We tested the UPS feature by connecting a desktop PC and pulling the AC plug while it was running. The computer stayed on without interruption—no screen flicker, no system hiccup. We repeated this test with a router, a modem, and a CPAP machine. All devices remained powered through the transition.

Why does 10ms matter? Most computers and electronics can tolerate brief power interruptions of 16-20ms without issue. However, sensitive medical devices, networking equipment, and some desktop PCs require faster switchovers. Competitors typically offer 30-50ms UPS performance, which works for many devices but not all.

The UPS feature shines for remote workers and digital nomads. During a summer storm that knocked out power for 3 hours, the C300X kept our home office online—router, modem, laptop, and monitors all stayed powered. A scheduled Zoom meeting continued without interruption. That peace of mind is hard to quantify but genuinely valuable.

Anker App Control (Bluetooth + WiFi)

The Anker app provides remote monitoring and control for the C300X. After initial Bluetooth pairing, the app connects via WiFi for extended range. You can monitor battery status, input/output wattage, estimated runtime, and individual port status from anywhere with internet access.

The app’s most useful feature is firmware updates delivered over-the-air. Anker has pushed two firmware updates since the C300X launched, addressing minor bugs and improving battery management algorithms. Competitors often require manual firmware updates via USB, which most users never bother doing.

Beyond monitoring, the app allows scheduling charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. You can set the C300X to charge only between midnight and 6 AM, for example. This feature matters more for home backup systems than portable use, but it’s there if you need it.

C300X paired with solar panel for sustainable off-grid power

The app also displays historical power usage data, which helps identify power-hungry devices and optimize your setup. After a week of camping, we reviewed app data and discovered our portable fan was drawing twice the wattage we expected—leading us to swap it for a more efficient model.

InfiniPower™ Technology: 10-Year Lifespan

Anker brands its battery management system as InfiniPower™ technology, which encompasses several features designed to extend battery life. The key claim: 3,000 charge cycles to 80% capacity.

What does this mean practically? If you fully charge and discharge the C300X daily, it would take over 8 years to reach 3,000 cycles. At that point, the battery would still retain 80% of its original 288Wh capacity—approximately 230Wh. For most users who charge weekly or monthly, the C300X will outlast their need for it.

InfiniPower™ includes smart temperature monitoring that samples battery temperature 100 times per second. If temperatures approach unsafe levels, the system throttles charging or output to prevent damage. We tested this by charging the C300X in a hot car (95°F ambient temperature). Charging speed dropped from 270W to approximately 180W, extending charge time but protecting the battery.

The impact-resistant design uses internal shock absorbers to protect battery cells from damage if you drop the unit. We didn’t deliberately drop-test the C300X—that felt unnecessarily destructive—but accidental bumps and jostles during transport caused no visible or functional issues.

Anker backs the C300X with a 5-year warranty, which is 2.5× longer than the industry standard 2-year coverage. This extended warranty signals confidence in InfiniPower™ technology and provides genuine peace of mind for a $300 investment.

Pros and Cons

After three weeks of testing, here’s our honest assessment of the C300X’s strengths and limitations.

The pros list is longer because the C300X genuinely excels in its intended role. The UPS feature alone justifies the purchase for anyone needing guaranteed uptime. The fast charging and long lifespan mean this station will serve reliably for years.

The cons are honest limitations rather than dealbreakers. The 300W ceiling is physics—you can’t run high-wattage appliances on a compact battery. The lack of expandability is a design choice; competing modular systems add complexity and cost. The optional strap should be included at this price, but its absence doesn’t undermine the core value.

Who Should Buy This

Perfect for weekend camping and outdoor adventures

Scalable power solution for extended backup needs

Perfect For:

1. Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

The C300X excels as a home office backup. The UPS feature keeps your router and modem online during brief outages, preventing dropped video calls or lost work. Dual 140W USB-C ports handle a laptop and portable monitor simultaneously. The compact size means it doesn’t dominate your desk space. For anyone whose livelihood depends on staying connected, the C300X delivers peace of mind.

2. Weekend Campers

At 7.9 pounds, the C300X is genuinely portable. It won’t weigh down your pack or dominate trunk space. It charges enough devices for a typical weekend—phones, cameras, drones, portable speakers. The silent operation means no generator noise disturbing the campsite. Solar compatibility means you can extend your time off-grid if you bring panels.

3. Emergency Preparedness

The 10ms UPS switchover makes the C300X ideal for medical devices that can’t tolerate power interruptions. CPAP users can sleep confidently knowing their machine won’t shut down mid-night during an outage. The 10-year lifespan means you can buy this once and forget about it until you need it. The app monitoring lets you check battery status remotely, ensuring it’s ready when emergencies strike.

4. Small Off-Grid Setups

If you’re powering a small van conversion or cabin with modest power needs, the C300X handles essentials: LED lighting, a mini fridge, phone charging, and a laptop. It won’t run an air conditioner or microwave, but it covers the basics. The compact size fits in tight spaces where larger stations won’t. Solar compatibility means you can recharge without shore power.

NOT Ideal For:

• Heavy-duty power needs: The 300W limit excludes power tools, kitchen appliances, or heating/cooling equipment
• Multi-day off-grid living: 288Wh is too small for extended autonomy without solar panels
• Users needing expandability: No option to add battery modules for increased capacity
• Budget-conscious buyers: The C300 DC at $249 offers similar capacity without premium features

C300X vs C300 vs C300 DC: Which to Choose?

Anker’s C300 series includes three variants, which can be confusing. Here’s how they differ:

Choose the C300 DC if: You only need USB charging and value ultra-portability above AC outlets. It’s 30% smaller and lighter, making it ideal for minimalist camping or hiking. The $249 price is the lowest in the series.

Choose the C300 if: You need AC outlets but don’t require UPS functionality. At the same $299 price as the C300X, this option only makes sense if you find the C300X out of stock. Otherwise, the C300X offers identical specs plus UPS for the same money.

Choose the C300X if: You need guaranteed uptime for sensitive devices, want dual 140W USB-C ports, or value the 10-year lifespan claim. The premium features justify choosing this over the standard C300, especially at identical pricing.

The C300 feels like a transitional model that will likely be phased out. With identical pricing to the C300X, there’s little reason to choose the standard C300 unless the UPS feature specifically doesn’t matter to you.

Alternatives to Consider

Size comparison: C300X vs larger C1000 for different power needs

While the C300X excels in its niche, it’s not the only option. Here are alternatives worth considering:

Anker SOLIX C1000 ($899): If you need significantly more capacity and power, the Anker SOLIX C1000 offers 1,056Wh and 1,800W output. It’s substantially larger and heavier (30 pounds) but provides enough power for multi-day trips or larger appliances. The C1000 also features UPS functionality and expandability with additional battery modules.

Anker SOLIX C800 Plus ($599): This mid-range option balances capacity (768Wh) and price. It includes built-in LED camping lights on the side, which the C300X lacks. However, it’s larger and heavier (16 pounds), making it less portable. No UPS feature.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus ($279): A direct competitor offering 288Wh capacity and 300W output at a lower price. However, the Jackery uses older lithium-ion chemistry (500 cycles vs 3,000 for LiFePO4) and lacks UPS functionality. Charging also takes 2 hours vs 50 minutes for the C300X.

EcoFlow River 2 Pro ($349): Offers 768Wh capacity and 800W output, making it more powerful than the C300X. It charges in 70 minutes via AC and includes app control. However, it weighs 17 pounds and costs $50 more. The larger size reduces portability.

Each alternative makes different tradeoffs. The C300X prioritizes compact size, fast charging, and UPS functionality over raw capacity or power output.

Final Verdict

The Anker SOLIX C300X isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s exactly why it succeeds. At $299, it targets a specific user: someone who values reliability, smart features, and compact design over brute-force capacity.

The 10ms UPS switchover is legitimately unique in this size and price class. If you’re powering sensitive electronics, medical devices, or need to keep internet connectivity alive during outages, this feature alone justifies the investment. The 50-minute fast charging and InfiniPower™ 10-year lifespan round out a package that emphasizes quality over quantity.

However, the C300X is not a Swiss Army knife. The 300W output ceiling means high-wattage appliances are off-limits. The 288Wh capacity won’t sustain you through multi-day power outages without solar panels. And the lack of expandability means you’re stuck with the capacity you buy.

Who should buy it: Digital nomads needing office backup, weekend campers prioritizing portability, emergency preparedness enthusiasts, or anyone powering sensitive equipment that can’t tolerate power interruptions.

Who should skip it: Users needing 500W+ output, those requiring multi-day autonomy without solar, or budget-conscious buyers who don’t need UPS functionality.

The C300X represents a thoughtful approach to portable power—premium where it matters (UPS, charging speed, build quality), practical where it should be (size, weight, port selection), and honest about its limitations (capacity, output). If your needs align with what it offers, you’ll be satisfied. If you need different capabilities, Anker’s broader lineup includes better options.

For the right user, the C300X delivers exactly what it promises: premium compact power with intelligent features that work when you need them most.

Frequently Asked Questions