Bluetti AC300 vs Ecoflow Delta Pro
Having a power station that is relatively portable gives the owner a degree of energy independence and security. This article compares the Bluetti AC300 and the Ecoflow Delta Pro, two large stand-out portable power stations.
These powerful, easy-to-use, and attractively designed mobile stations are a valuable addition to any family.
Bluetti and Ecoflow are two of the most respected brands in the space, and they have shown why when you look at these products side-by-side.
Common Features
The features that are common to each product are listed in this section.
Shared Battery Technology
Portable power stations are essentially large batteries paired with an inverter, which provides a variety of AC and DC power supplies.
The battery technology used is a vital component and should be one of the most important factors when selecting a product. Both the AC300 and Delta Pro use LiFePO4 Battery chemistry.
Besides being more expensive than other battery chemistries, LiFePO4 batteries offer impressive storage capacity while providing the following benefits:
The Outputs
The basic power output generated by the two systems is very similar.
Output Type | BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 | EcoFlow DELTA Pro |
Phases | Split Phase Bonding | Split Phase Bonding |
Capacity | 3,000Wh | 3600Wh |
AC Output 1 | 120V/20A (6 outlets) | 230V/16A (4 outlets) |
AC Output 2 | 120V/30A (1 outlet) | n/a |
Surge Power | 6,000W | 7200W |
Power upgrade to | 24,576Wh (8 X BLUETTI B300 Expansion Batteries) | 25,000Wh (2 X DELTA Pro linked together plus 4 X EcoFlow DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries) |
X-Boost Output | n/a | 4500W |
Car DC Outlet | 24V/ 10A (1 outlet) | 12.6V/ 10A (1 outlet) |
Anderson Port | n/a | 12.6V/ 30A (1 outlet) |
RV DC Outlet | 12V/ 30A (1 outlet) | n/a |
DC 5521 Output | n/a | 12.6V/ 3A (2 outlets) |
USB-A Output | 5V /3A (2 outlets) | 5V/ 2.4A (2 outlets) |
USB-A Fast Charge | 18-watt (2 outlets) | 18-watt (2 outlets) |
USB-C Output | 100W Max (1 outlet) | 100W Max (2 outlets) |
Wireless Charging Pads | 15W 2 outlets | n/a |
Each system’s power is sufficient to run any heavy domestic consumption equipment that needs high levels or surge power, such as air conditioners, HVACs, fridges and freezers, and other large appliances.
Both systems offer a variety of outlet sockets. The outlets that are unique to each product are listed below.
Outlets unique to the AC300 are an RV DC Outlet (12V/ 30A) and (2) 15W Wireless Charging Pads.
The Delta Pro retains the DC5521 outlets discarded by the AC300. DC5521 male-to-male power plugs are widely used to connect the following equipment to a power supply.
- Printers.
- Routers and modems.
- Desktop Monitor.
- LED and CCTV monitors
- Flashlight chargers.
The EcoFlow provides (2) 100W USB-C outputs compared to the single installed in the AC300.
100W USB-C outputs are very useful for recharging bigger laptops and similar equipment.
Remote Access
Both can be remotely accessed via a smartphone app or a separate handheld device.
The BLUETTI app is very basic and only provides minimal functionality.
iOS and Android apps are available from the respective Play stores, and connections can be set up to communicate via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Smart Energy Management
Using the Smartphone app enables the scheduling of charge times to fit in with the power utility’s Time Of Use (TOU) pricing strategies.
If you opt for permanent installation, you can switch the power supply away from the utility during peak rate hours and use the portable power supply during these times. The batteries can be recharged at more favorable rates from the utility provider.
The apps provided with each product enable you to analyze home energy utilization patterns. This might help you spot an area where electricity is wasted or used when the price is high. This could help save you money in the long run.
The remote apps also enable you to load the latest ” firmware ” version to the devices.
Both May Qualify For Solar Credits
All power stations that provide 3kW or more electrical power connected to the taxpayer’s residence may qualify for tax credits under Section 25 of the Residential Clean Energy Credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
The code allows for a tax credit of up to 30% of the installed price.
These incentives are tax credits and can only be deducted from tax if a tax liability is owed.
The Pricing
Bluetti and Ecoflow clearly had each other’s products on their sites when they set the pricing strategy. Both are priced similarly (within 10% of each other).
The basic AC300 has no battery installed and must be purchased with the B300 Battery. Check the latest price.
For the latest cost of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, click here.
The Control Panels And Displays
The displays are bright and easy to read and provide enough information to easily check the device’s health, including the charge state and discharge rate.
Both machines have intuitive controls, which consist of a single on/ off button that is clearly visible and well-marked.
In each case, the outlets are laid out in easily understood patterns and are covered by protective rubber covers.
Notable Differences
The most important differences between each appliance are listed below.
The Power Stations Input
One area where the AC300 outperforms the DELTA Pro power station is the charging current it can handle.
BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 | EcoFlow DELTA Pro | |
EV Charging Station | n/a | 3400W |
AC Adapter Input | 3,000W Max | 1800W Max |
Solar Input | 2,400W Max | 1600W Max |
Input from Car Cigarette Lighter Port | 12V or 24V, 8A Max | 12V or 24V, 8A Max |
Max Input all sources | 5,400W from a combined AC Adaptor and Solar Input | 6500W from a combined AC Adaptor, Solar Input, and SMART generator |
The benefit of the increased inbound current means that the AC300 charges faster than the DELTA Pro. The estimated charge times are listed below.
BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 | EcoFlow DELTA Pro | |
EV Charging Station | n/a | 1.7 hours |
AC Adapter Input | 1 hour | 2.7 Hours |
Solar Input * | 1- 1 ½ Hours | 3 ½ Hours |
Input from Car Cigarette Lighter Port | TBA | TBA |
AC Adapter + Solar | ½ to 1 Hour | 1.9 hours |
Two AC Input adaptors | ½ to 1 Hour | n/a |
📝 Manufacturers Note: Charge times from solar assume the maximum possible sunlight using the highest-rated solar panels that each manufacturer recommends.
The faster charging of the AC300 is a great feature and means you can get back online with all the power you need as soon as possible.
However, the DELTA Pro can be charged at a commercial Level 2 EV charging station, meaning that you can recharge almost as quickly.
Cost Of Output Expansion
Both can be expanded by adding more components, meaning increased energy independence. The maximum output that both devices can be “grown” to is approximately 25kWh.
But the cost to do so differs significantly. For me, this difference in their ‘modularity’ is a crucial factor.
The AC300 Expansion Potential
The BLUETTI AC300 can grow from a single unit with a battery that produces 3,000W to a complete home backup system that can generate up to 6,000W with a maximum capacity of 24,576Wh.
The final configuration will include the components listed below:
- 2 X BLUETTI AC300 Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
- 8 X 3,072Wh BLUETTI B300 Battery Backup (4 for each inverter).
This configuration adds substantial costs to the setup, as follows:
Device | Cost |
1 X AC300 PLUS 1 B300 Battery | $3,598.00 |
1 X AC300 PLUS 1 B300 Battery | $3,598.00 |
6 X B300 Expansion Batteries | $12,594.00 |
AC-300 Fusion Box | $329.00 |
Total | $20,119.00 |
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Expansion Potential
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro can also be linked with other devices to provide an impressive power output. This device can be expanded to 7.2 kW.
The configurations and associated costs to achieve 25kWh capacity are listed below.
Device | Cost |
1 X EcoFlow DELTA Pro | $3,299.00 |
1 X EcoFlow DELTA Pro | $3,299.00 |
4 X EcoFlow DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries | $9,596.00 |
EcoFlow Double Voltage Hub | $139.00 |
Total | $16,333.00 |
The Portability Of The Power Supplies
Length | Width | Height | Weight | |
---|---|---|---|---|
AC300 plus B300 | 20.5in (52 cm) | 12.5in (32cm) | 24.6in (101.80 cm) | 127.2lbs (57.6kg) |
Jackery 500 | 25in (63.5cm) | 11.2in (28.4cm) | 16.4in (42cm) | 99lbs (44.9kg) |
Neither product is light; however, the ecoflow has two advantages.
- It is the lighter machine of the two.
- It has built-in wheels and a handle, making it easier to move around.
The result is that if it is being moved over reasonable surfaces, the DELTA Pro has a degree of portability.
This makes it an extremely versatile power supply that can be connected to the home as a full-time backup or smart energy supply. When you go on holiday, unplug it and take it with you.
In contrast, the AC300 stretches the definition of portable. It weighs more than two bags of cement (if you have ever carried a bag of cement, you know that this is heavy). It is also bulky and realistically needs two people to carry it.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Can Charge An EV
Although it cannot provide a full charge, it may be sufficient to charge in an emergency and get you to a charging station.
The EV X-Stream Adapter is a J1772 (Type 1) connector compatible with most EV charge points. These connect the DELTA Pro power station to the EV.
Final Verdict
It’s time to choose a winner, and for the following reasons, my verdict goes to the EcoFlow DELTA Pro:
🏆 It costs less than the AC300.
🏆 Expanding the power to 25kW is over $3,700 less than the Bluetti.
🏆 It produces 3.6 kW compared to the 3 kW generated by the Bluetti.
🏆 It is 28.2 lbs. lighter than the AC300.
🏆 It has built-in wheels and a handle, making it more portable.
🏆 Charge an EV in an emergency and can be recharged at any level 2 EV charger.
None of this is a negative reflection of the AC300, which remains a solid product that does everything it promises on the label.
I would select the Bluetti under the following circumstances:
- If the working conditions required regular and faster recharging, such as construction sites.
- The wireless charging pads are convenient, particularly when the device is used in a remote location.
- With a dedicated RV power outlet, the AC300 would be my choice for use on holiday in the family RV.