BLUETTI AC200P vs AC200MAX
Both Bluetti Portable Power Stations offer great value for money with a huge range of connectivity options and impressive power production.
In this article, we compare both products and provide our thoughts on which offers the best value for money.
Key Takeaways
- The BLUETTI AC200MAX is the newer model, and the fact that the price of both is identical (on the Bluetti website), it seems a logical conclusion that the BLUETTI AC200MAX is the successor model.
- With B230 or 2 X B300 expansion batteries, the AC200MAX provides ample home backup power.
- Weighing in at just over 60 pounds, neither model is light, and if they are frequently moved, a pair of wheels or trolley would be a worthwhile investment.
In terms of price and performance, these are two of the best portable power stations on the market, offering great value. The AC200MAX has an electrical connection for every occasion, with almost every plug type being catered for.
The main differences between the AC200P and AC200MAX
The AC200P offers 2000W of AC power, whereas the AC200MAX boasts a 2048Wh capacity.
Additionally, the AC200MAX can connect to battery packs, enhancing its output potential to a whopping 8,192Wh.
In terms of power input, the AC200MAX tops at 1400W, outperforming the AC200P’s 1200W limit.
Unique to the AC200MAX are the 12V/30A NEMA TT-30 port and a USB-C – PD30 100-watt port. Plus, users can manage the AC200MAX via the BLUETTI App.
Description Of The Bluetti AC200P
The Bluetti AC200P is an extremely capable portable power station rated at 2,000 watts.
What did I like about the Bluetti AC200P?
One of the best features of both Bluetti models featured in this article is the use of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LiFePO4). These provide 3,500 charge-discharge cycles, which is increased from 500 – 700 charging cycles in conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The 2,000W capacity, which can surge to 4,800W (useful with fridges), is impressive, particularly at this price point.
The battery can be charged from two sources simultaneously (AC/AC or AC/Solar), reducing charging time to just over 2 hours.
At $1,599.00, the Bluetti AC200P is a bargain, but then at the same price, its bigger sibling is a steal!!
What didn’t I like about the Bluetti AC200P?
It may be a small thing, but the absence of rubber bumpers protecting the finish of the case means that it will eventually start being scraped and dented, detracting from the good-looking grey finish of the casing.
The omission of a 100W power delivery plug is disappointing, something which has been rectified in its bigger sibling!
Like all inverter power units, the four fans make an intrusive noise, and it’s not possible to add power using additional battery packs (unlike the AC200MAX).
The battery isn’t replaceable after its lifespan, requiring unit disposal. Yet, even if you use a full charge daily, it’ll last up to ten years, making this concern minimal.
Weighing in at 60 pounds (27.2 Kg), the AC200P isn’t exactly what you’d call a featherweight, but the two handholds make picking it up easier.
Description Of The Bluetti AC200MAX
The Bluetti AC200MAX is a significant upgrade over the Bluetti AC200. The base model is advertised at the same price as the Bluetti AC200P, making the MAX a cracking deal!
What did I like about the Bluetti AC200MAX?
Power output is increased to 2,200 Watts AC, compared to its smaller siblings’ 2,000 Watts AC.
Both use a LiFePO4 Battery with an estimated 3,500 charge/discharge cycles.
The Bluetti AC200MAX’s standout feature is its compatibility with 2× Bluetti B230 expansion batteries, producing 6,144Wh (6.144 kWh), or 2× Bluetti B300 batteries, yielding 8,192Wh (8.192 kWh). That is enough to power most houses!
The device can be recharged using several different power sources. However, the most exciting charging feature is the ability to recharge using AC and Solar power simultaneously.
This reduces charging time from empty to fully charged to under 2.5 hours.
The AC200MAX has an output plug for every occasion (listed below), including two wireless charging pads on top of the device.
What didn’t I like about the Bluetti AC200MAX?
A notable drawback of the Bluetti AC200MAX is its loud fan, which can be quite jarring at first. Over time, one might adjust to the sound, letting it fade into background white noise. However, for campers, this noise could be problematic.
Although solar power stations are quiet, this is a common issue with all inverters, but it does affect the overall enjoyment of what is otherwise an incredible product.
Like its smaller brother, the AC200MAX isn’t a lightweight unit, and if it is going to be moved a lot, I suggest using a trolley.
Comparing The AC200P And AC200MAX Specifications
| BLUETTI AC200P | BLUETTI AC200MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (From BLUETTI Web Site) | $1,599.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Pure Sine Wave | 2,000W AC | 2,200W AC |
| Capacity (Watt Hour) | 2,000Wh | 2,048WH |
| Surge | 4,800W | 4,800W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 Battery | LiFePO4 Battery |
| Estimated number of lifetime cycles | 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80% | 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80% |
| Expandable | No | Up to 8,192Wh |
| Solar Input | 700W | 900W Max. |
| Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter) | 1100W Max. | 1400W Max. |
| Dual Solar Charging | 1200W Max. | n/a |
| App | Monitor Only | Smart Control & Monitor |
| Dimensions | 42cm x 28cm x 38.7cm | 42cm x 28cm x 38.7cm |
| Weight | 60 pounds (27.2 Kg) | 62 pounds (28.1 kg) |
| INPUTS | ||
| AC Wall socket Charge | Yes | Yes |
| Standalone Solar Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Car Battery Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Generator Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Lead Battery Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Dual AC Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Stand Alone Solar Input | 700W Max. Solar Input | 900W Max. Solar Input |
| AC Plus Solar charging | 1100W Max Dual Input | 1400W Max. Dual Input |
| OUTPUTS | ||
| USB-A 18W | 2 X 18W Plugs | 2 X 18W Plugs |
| USB-A 5V3A | 2 X 5V3A Plugs | 2 X 5V3A Plugs |
| USB-C – PD | 1 X 60W | N/A |
| USB-C – PD30 | N/A | 1 X 3.0 100W |
| Alternating current | Six Plugs (110 Volts) | Four plugs |
| NEMA TT-30 | N/A | One plug |
| 12Volt – 3-amp DC output | One Plug | N/A |
| 12Volt – 10-amp DC 5521 output | N/A | Two plugs |
| 12Volt – 25-amp DC output | One Plug | N/A |
| 12Volt – 30-amp Super DC output | N/A | One Plug |
| 12Volt – 10-amp Cigarette Lighter Port | One Plug | One Plug |
| Wireless charging pads | 2 x 15W Max. (For Each) | 2 x 15W Max. (For Each) |
| Recharging Times | ||
| AC Adapter (400W) | 5.5 – 6 Hours | 5.5 – 6 Hours |
| Solar alone | (700W) 3.5 – 4 Hours In ideal weather | (900W) 3 – 3.5 Hours In ideal weather |
| 12V/24V From A Car Outlet (100W/200W) | 10 or 20 Hours | 10 or 20 Hours |
| AC Adapter added to Solar | (1100W) 2.3 – 2.8 Hours In ideal weather | (1300W) 2.0 -2.5 Hours In ideal weather |
| Dual Solar | 2.1 – 2.5 hours (with adaptor) | n/a |
| Dual AC Adapters up to a maximum of 800W | 3 – 3.5 Hours | 3 – 3.5 Hours |
Final Verdict: Bluetti AC200P vs AC200MAX
Bluetti portable power stations offer exceptional value for money. There is no equivalent product to compete with at the price the AC200MAX is being offered!
Both weigh an almost identical 60 pounds, making them quite heavy (thanks to the LiFePO4 battery).
The power stations are available off the manufacturer’s website, which also offers monthly payment plans following a qualification process.
How Does The Bluetti AC200MAX Stand Next To Its Competitors?
The natural competitor to this model is the EcoFlow Delta Pro. I have a whole post comparing the AC200MAX vs Ecoflow Delta Pro, but the main points are below.
With the Delta Pro offering a comparable output, it’s hard to justify its price being $1,000 higher than the Bluetti AC200MAX.
The Eco Flow’s base power level is 3,600W. However, this can be boosted by 100% using the “Xboost” technology.
Like the Bluetti AC200MAX, it can be charged simultaneously through multiple charge points where a maximum of 6500W can be input!
Although the Delta Pro weighs in at 100 Lbs (45kg), it has wheels built into the structure, so moving it around is easier than the Bluetti machines.
In base form (without the battery expansion packs), the EcoFlow Delta Pro beats the AC200MAX in almost every metric – except in terms of price, where the Bluetti is the winner!
When the Bluetti is linked to the battery expansion packs (at a substantial price premium), it has a significant edge over The EcoFlow Delta Pro.
