Bluetti AC200MAX vs Ecoflow Delta Max

Environmentally friendly and rechargeable power stations are making huge inroads in territory once exclusively held by gas-powered generators. These relatively silent (they do have cooling fans) and compact products generate impressive power outputs.

Two products aimed squarely at each other are the Bluetti AC200MAX and the Ecoflow Delta Max. They are so similar in size, power output features, and cost that it is clear that each manufacturer identifies the other as one of their key competitors.

In this article, we objectively compare each Bluetti and Ecoflow product in terms of features, capabilities, and costs to help you decide.

Common Features

Portability and Mobility

The AC200MAX weighs in at 61.0 lbs (28.1 kg), 150% more than the weight of the Delta Max, which weighs 48 lbs (21 kg). 

Although the Bluetti is the same height and width as the Ecoflow, it is a little more compact, being just over half the length. Despite its weight, you are still able to move it around.

Use Case Flexibility

Both power stations are designed for indoor or outdoor use, which means that each offers tremendous flexibility to the user.

It is a pity that neither machine is equipped with protective bumpers, and therefore, they will require care to ensure the casing is not damaged.

Although both are protected from small accidental splashes of water, they are not considered to be waterproof and should not be used in the rain.

An optional Delta Max waterproof bag is available for the Ecoflow, which makes it possible to use in rainy weather.

Remote Application

Each one of the power stations is supplied with a smartphone app (iOS and Android) that enables it to be remotely monitored and activated.

Even if this feature is more of a gimmick than a genuine benefit, it is a great party trick and may be useful if you are not nearby.

The Power Outputs

Output TypeBluetti AC200MAXEcoflow Delta Max
Phases240 Volt Split Phase Bonding230 Volt Split Phase Bonding
AC Output110 Volts – total 2200Wh (6 outlets)110 Volts – total 2400Wh (5 outlets)
Surge Power4,600W5,000W
X-Boost Outputn/a3400W (1 outlet) *
Car DC Outlet12V/10A (1 outlet)12V/10A (1 outlet)
RV DC Outlet12V/30A (1 outlet)N/a
DC 5521 Output12V/10A (2 outlets)12.6V/3A (2 outlets)
USB-A Output5V/3A (2 outlets)5V, 2.4A, 12W (2 outlets) 
USB-A Fast Charge18W (2 outlets)18W (2 outlets)
USB-C Output100W (1 outlet)100W (2 outlets)
Wireless Charging Pads2 x 15W Max (For Each)None

📝 Editor’s Note: Delta Max has an X-Boost Output outlet that continuously produces 3.4 kW (higher than the standard 2kW normal production) for long periods. This proprietary system slightly reduces the voltage and amperage of the electrical consumer, preventing the system from tripping.

They are closely matched in output capabilities. Even though the AC200MAX has a slightly lower overall power production (2,0 kW compared to 2.4 kW), both machines have the same impressive number of outputs (15).

The Bluetti has two wireless charging pads installed on top of the device, which are a very convenient and useful feature.

Both have very high surge outputs, enabling appliances with large induction motors to be run off them.

  • Bluetti AC200MAX – 4,800w (4.8 kW)
  • Ecoflow Delta Max – 5,000w (5.0kw)

Both machines can run fridges and freezers, air conditioners, and any other equipment powered by induction motors. 

The Inputs Can Be Duplicated

Both products can be charged by using two sources of electricity simultaneously. This reduces charging times.

Bluetti AC200MAXEcoflow Delta Max
AC Adapter Input500W (Max 1,000W)1800W Max
Solar Input900W Max800W Max
Input from Car Cigarette Lighter Port12V or 24V, 8A Max12V or 24V, 8A Max
Max Input all sources1,400W, from a combined AC Adaptor and Solar Input2,000W from a combined AC Adaptor and Solar Input

These inputs will result in the following charging times.

Bluetti AC200MAXEcoflow Delta Max
AC Adapter Input5.5 – 6 hours1.6 Hours
Solar Input3 – 3.5 Hours *3.2 – 6.3 Hours *
Input from Car Cigarette Lighter Port10 or 20 Hours21 Hours
AC Adapter + Solar 2.0 – 2.5 Hours1 hour
Two AC Input adaptors 3.0 – 3.5 Hoursn/a

📝 Manufacturers Note: Charge times from solar assume the maximum possible sunlight using the highest-rated solar panels (2x 400W) that each manufacturer recommends.

Expandable Power Supply

The power supplied by each machine can be expanded as follows:

  • AC200MAX can be expanded to 8.2 kWh (8,192Wh) by adding two B300 batteries.
  • Adding two additional batteries allows the Ecoflow Delta Max to be expanded to 6.0 kWh (6,048Wh.) 

Notable Differences

The most important difference between each is the battery chemistry. It’s a big reason as to why the Ecoflow charges much faster, but there are also significant drawbacks. Let’s explore that now.

The Battery Technology

Power stations are essentially portable batteries that contain an installed inverter (to convert DC to AC power). The type of battery chemistry employed in each device is critical.

The advantages and disadvantages of each technology are detailed below.

  • LiFePO4 batteries are the most thermal and chemically stable and, therefore, the safest of the two technologies.
  • Provide the most consistent discharge rates of the two battery types.
  • They can handle wider upper-temperature variations – they will operate at 45oC (113oF) compared to 40oC (104°F) for the NCM batteries.
  • Requires less energy to manufacture, making them more eco-friendly.
  • They are more tolerant of being fully charged than NCM batteries.
  • Can generally handle 4 -5 times the number of charge cycles as NCM batteries. This gives them a substantially increased life expectancy.
  1. They are more expensive than NCM batteries.
  2. They are not as energy “dense,” meaning they are physically larger batteries than an equivalent NCM battery.
  3. When stored they need to be recharged to 80% every 3 – 4 months to prevent deterioration.
  4. LiFePO4 will not operate optimally and perform well at subzero temperatures below -20℃.
  • NCM batteries are more energy-intensive and smaller than LiFePO4 batteries.
  • NCM batteries cost less than an equivalent LiFePO4 battery.
  • When stored, they only need to be recharged every 12 months.
  • NCM batteries have silicon added to the graphite, resulting in the anode growing and shrinking during charge/discharge cycles. This leads to mechanical instability of the cell.
  • NCM batteries have a significantly shorter life expectancy than LiFePO4.

The Shelf Life And Life Expectancy Of The Batteries

Two time-based metrics of the batteries are relevant to the comparison. 

Shelf Life (Period The Battery Is Stored)

Ecoflow’s instructions indicate that the NCM batteries have a shelf life of 12 months (when they can be left and not be charged). 

The LiFePO4 batteries in the AC200MAX should be recharged to 80% capacity every 3 to 6 months.

The Longevity (Expected Life Of The Batteries)

The manufacturers predict the following life expectancy for each battery type:

AC200MAXDelta Max
Discharge And Recharge Cycles There Will Be 80% of the Battery Capacity3,500 cycles800 cycles
Discharge And Recharge Cycles There Will Be 50% Of Battery Capacity6,500 cycles1,200 cycles

The LiFePO4 batteries in the AC200MAX will provide four to five times more charge/discharge cycles than the Ecoflow’s NCM batteries.

If the batteries were cycled daily, they would continue providing 80% capacity after the following periods:

  • LiFePO4 batteries – 8 years and four months
  • NCM batteries – 2 years and four months.

Size And Weight

LengthWidthHeightWeight
Ecoflow Delta Max19.6in (49.7cm)9.5in (24.2cm)12in (30.5cm)48lbs (22kg)
Bluetti AC200MAX16.5in (42cm)11in (28cm)15.2in (38.6cm)61lbs (28.1kg)

The weight difference between the two may not seem large, but if they are going to be carried over a long distance, it will quickly make itself felt! Those 13 lbs. difference will feel like a ton when the generator is hefted over a long distance.

The Product Prices

The EcoFlow DELTA Max retails at $1,599.00, and the Bluetti costs $1,859.00. Before choosing the lowest cost option, it is important to contextualize these figures. 

BLUETTI AC200MAXEcoflow Delta Max
Number of cycles to 80% 3,500800
Cost per charge/discharge cycle $0.61$1.99
Max Watts 3400W (X-Boost)2,200W
Cost per watt $0.47$0.85

While the Delta Max costs less than the AC200MAX, the longer-term value rests with the Bluetti. 

You get more power for every dollar spent, lasting over 4 times longer.

This makes the AC200MAX the most cost-effective of the two products.

Convenience Features

The AC200MAX has two nice features, which show a lot of thought was exercised in their design.

  • It has two wireless charging pads, meaning compatible smart devices can be charged without carrying chargers.
  • It has a dedicated 12V/30A RV Outlet.

Warranty

The tech is growing quickly and has not always been tested to the expected end of its lifespan.

Ecoflow adds an additional warranty year (5 in total) into the already substantial 4 years offered by the Bluetti AC200max.

The extended warranty period is useful considering the NCM battery’s greater instability and shorter expected lifespan.

The Certifications and Compliance

BLUETTI AC200MAXEcoflow Delta Max
UL StandardYesYes
CEC (California Energy Commission)YesYes
DOE (US Department of Energy)YesNo
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)YesYes
CA Prop 65 (California Proposition 65)YesNo
RoHSNoYes
TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center)NoYes

Final Verdict

Overall, the Bluetti is the winner. While it is a little more expensive, it is more cost-effective when calculated against the expected lifespan.

It also has a surge power level (to start equipment with induction motors) of 4.8kW of power, making it able to run higher-powered consumers.

The LiFePO4 batteries in the AC200MAX are a better fit for purpose than the NCM batteries in the Ecoflow. 

Does that mean the Ecoflow Delta Max has no place in my verdict? It is still a very competent machine, and under the following circumstances, it would be worthy of serious consideration:

  • Lower upfront budget.
  • Used infrequently and stored for long periods.
  • Needed to run appliances requiring higher levels of power.
  • It needs to be carried for longer distances (it is lighter).
  • The X-Boost feature is available for longer periods than the surge power of the BLUETTI AC200MAX.
  • While neither machine is waterproof, a cover can be purchased separately, enabling use in rainy conditions.

If, after reading this comparison, you discover that neither option meets your requirements, I recommend exploring this guide on appropriately sizing a solar generator or comparing the Bluetti AC300 and the Ecoflow Delta Pro, which offers a more advanced solution.

Mathew, our founder and chief editor at BloomCentre, combines his passion for renewable energy, commitment to sustainable living, and his rich experience in the solar industry to provide reliable and insightful advice.