Power Your Weekend with Durable, Smart Energy
The Anker 521 Portable Power Station (PowerHouse 256Wh) is your compact, long-lasting solution for off-grid power. Featuring Anker’s proprietary InfiniPower™ technology, this LiFePO4 battery station provides reliable power for 10+ years of everyday use.
Key Features
- Long-Lasting Battery: Equipped with a 256Wh LiFePO4 battery and InfiniPower™ tech, designed for 3,000+ charging cycles.
- High Output: 300W rated AC output with SurgePower up to 600W for powering small appliances and electronics.
- USB-C Fast Charging: 60W USB-C PD port enables direct charging for laptops and tablets—no bulky bricks required.
- Versatile Charging: 6 ports include 2×AC outlets, 2×USB-A ports, 1×USB-C port, and 1×car outlet.
- Ultra-Portable: Lightweight and compact, perfect for camping, road trips, or home emergency kits.
Technical Specifications
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity | 256Wh / 80,000mAh |
| AC Output | 300W (600W Surge) |
| USB-C PD Output | 60W |
| Total Ports | 6 (2×AC, 2×USB-A, 1×USB-C, 1×Car Socket) |
| Weight | Approx. 8.2 lbs |
| Color | Black |
| Charging Methods | Wall Outlet or Solar Panel (sold separately) |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C |
What’s in the Box?
- 1 × Anker 521 Portable Power Station (256Wh)
- 1 × DC Adapter
- 1 × Car Charging Cable
- 1 × User Guide
- 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Ideal For: Weekend camping, off-grid travel, emergency backup, CPAP machines, outdoor events, and powering sensitive electronics safely.
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Original: After about 10 uses, no ports output power. The only thing that works is the flashlight, the LCD display, and you charging port on the back.
I mainly use this for car camping. I’ve hooked up portable fans, multiple cell phones and lights with it and it works great.
I have yet to see it go below 70% capacity on most of my overnight trips.
So far so good and I highly recommend it especially when it’s on sale!
1 night of use put me down to 60% battery. Keep in mind i turned off the humidifier and heat features. So i can easily get 2 nights out of this battery.
Its also super portable and easy use! This device did not get hot at all. I bought it on sale so theres that too. I would totally buy another!
La estoy probando, conectando diferentes aparatos eléctricos, más que todo para revisar el tiempo de duración
Pros
• Its size is ideal, and it’s super portable, so I could easily take it with me on my next camping trip.
• The battery capacity is perfect for keeping my laptop running and charging phones. It has also been useful for powering fans, lamps, and even the TV.
• The ports allow multiple devices to charge simultaneously, and the screen displays the estimated remaining runtime.
• One feature I didn’t initially pay attention to is the built-in light, which has been handy for placing it on the nightstand during power outages.
Cons
• It would be a great addition to have an app to monitor energy consumption per outlet.
Overall, I’ve had an excellent experience, and although Anker can be a bit pricier than other brands, the quality of their products is worth it. I’d even consider buying a higher-capacity power station if needed.
256Wh capacity and 300W output is perfect to power some lights around the campsite when it gets dark, charge phones at night for the next day and fill up an air mattress.
Now do I expect it to power a kettle or a coffee maker? No, but that was not my intentions when purchasing this power station, just enough power to bridge the gap but not too much power to "ruin" the tent camping experience.
Personally I opted for a 50W panel and it pairs nicely for the intentions I had for this set up.
During Milton I used all of my smaller battery backups and had to sit in my SUV to charge my phone. Too dang hot to do that, so i ordered this unit. I will add a solar panel so it can be charged after the storms pass but power has not been restored.
Yes, I would recommend this item.
NIce window dsiplay show current power % and back up power also .
I recomend it works ok.
It was sent in two boxes. I did not know that at first, but once I contacted customer service, they were able to give me tracking information for the second box. This is on Amazon, not Anker.
Highly recommend this system if you're looking for a good solar power bank!
Love the built in flashlight/lantern, and the size is perfect for camping or carrying about.
It is still working, mainly charging it via adapter to the wall.
Was charging via solar panel but panel stopped working.
Bought a solar saga 100 Jackery to charge it but sadly the dc7909 of the solar is too short, not long enough to make a connection with the pin. Think it’s half an inch long vs 3/4 of an inch that is required.
The power station itself is a solid buy. Lightweight, gives out a bright light if needed. Only has one USB-C but that is ok as majority of items are still usb. Just have to keep buying older phone charging cables.
Taken it camping for emergency charging. Great help during power outage(rare but it happens)
I would buy an upgraded version if this ever breaks down.
It works great and based on the amount of battery capacity used, I should be able to get 4 nights of use from a single charge with either my AirMini or my AirSense 11 with heated tubing and humidifier off. Most importantly, with the low power draw powering these machines, the fan doesn't run. The fan will run occasionally when using the AC inverter, but it seemed quieter than the other power station I tried.
I read that the smoker uses about 300W for 4 minutes, then 50W after that. The page for this battery shows it can handle 300W, but I read further in the user manual and found that the AC ports only support 200W and would power off if they exceed that.
In powering on the smoker, the display showed it was pulling 257W initially and about 45W after a few minutes. I ran it for about 40 minutes as a test and the battery finished with 85% remaining.
This past Sunday I smoked some turkey sausages for 2 hours (plus 20 minutes for preheat and shutdown cycle) and the battery had 45% remaining at the end. The display said it could have kept going for about 2.5 hours. It lasts long enough for our uses (sausage, burgers, hot dogs, chicken), but for something like a brisket or ribs it probably won't last long enough.
Build on the battery seems good, great user manual. Would buy again!
CPAP Compatibility: The power capacity should translate to several nights of worry-free sleep. Anker's InfiniPower technology claims a 10-year lifespan, further boosting its long-term appeal.
Minor Murmurs: The single USB-C port might be limiting for multi-device charging, and the built-in flashlight, while handy, feels like a missed opportunity for another USB port.
Verdict: For reliable CPAP backup power, the Anker 521 shines. Its technical prowess, long-lasting battery, and safety features make it a sleep tech's dream. Just remember, like any CPAP setup, travel regulations, and battery degradation might require adjustments. Overall, it is highly recommended for a restful recharge, whether without power or off the grid.
This unit is basically a large power bank that will recharge a lot of smaller stuff. Great for that.
But….if you want to do more you might want to think about exactly what you might want. Some of the lower ratings I saw complained about battery life. Huh!? You bought a small battery and that’s what you got.
This guy has two main claims to fame. First, portability. Second, a reliable company that you can actually
contact if issues arise. Not the cheapest, but with these you get what you pay for.
The packaging of the 521 is ideal, although I wish the two 120V outlets had "real" 3-prong outlets. The size is perfect when a vehicle is loaded up--it uses little space.
I ran two tests with the refrigerator connected to the 12 volt outlet. The refrigerator operates in both ECO and MAX modes. The ECO mode draws 30-35 watts while operating, while the MAX runs at anywhere from 40-50 watts. I ran the refrigerator indoors somewhat near a heat outlet, to simulate being inside a warm vehicle. The refrigerator is rated to deliver 256Wh of power, so I calculated that worst case would be the refrigerator running constantly for 5.5 hours. Turns out that with the refrigerator cycling on and off, it ran over 20 hours before the battery was down to about 2-4% capacity.
EDIT: I had a charging issue that was partly my own misunderstanding and partly my car's wiring. I was at first unsuccessful in getting the 521 to charge from both inputs.
First, I had to use a USB-C PD charger, which provides higher voltages than standard USB chargers. This allowed a full 65 watts on the USB-C input for charging. But I would add the 120 volt charger that came with the 521 in tandem with the USB-C charger wasn't getting the ~120 watts of charging. I later realized that for battery health, the 120 watt charging through both DC inputs only happens when the battery's state of charge is lower. If it's nearly fully charged, it cuts back to only a single DC input.
Yet, I still could not get both to work in the car. I have a 150 watt 120-volt inverter in the car, which plugs into a rear accessory outlet using a lighter plug. It turns out that if I have both the 521's 120 volt charger and a USB-C PD charger plugged into the inverter, the inverter stops working. Likewise, if I use a separate USB-C charger that plugs into the accessory outlet (I have a 1:3 adapter with a voltage readout), the inverter cuts out. It seems the inverter is cutting out when voltage drops below a nominal value like 12.8 volts. In essence, the wiring from the fuse box to the accessory outlet cannot provide full wattage without voltage sag. When I plug the USB-C PD adapter into an accessory outlet in the center console (which is on its own 15 amp circuit), I can get 120 watts of charging to the 521.
I will wire up my own circuit with 6-gauge wire to run a 300 or 400 watt inverter and a pair of accessory outlets, as this will eliminate the voltage drop.
With ~120 watts, this provides a quicker recovery for the battery while the refrigerator is operating, which is exactly what I needed.
**Battery Capacity:** The 256Wh capacity of this power station is truly impressive. It's like having a compact powerhouse at your disposal. I've been able to charge my smartphones, laptops, and even run small appliances with ease. The peace of mind knowing that I have a reliable power source is invaluable.
**LiFePO4 Battery:** Anker's decision to upgrade to a LiFePO4 battery is a significant enhancement. LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their durability and safety features. This upgrade ensures the power station's longevity, and I appreciate the added peace of mind it brings.
**Portability:** The compact design and integrated handle make it incredibly easy to carry this power station wherever I need it. Whether I'm taking it on a camping trip or simply moving it around the house during a blackout, its portability is a huge advantage.
**Multi-Port Design:** The inclusion of six ports is a lifesaver. I can charge multiple devices simultaneously, which is incredibly convenient. It's particularly useful when I'm traveling with family or friends, as we can all keep our devices powered up without any hassle.
**Build Quality:** Anker has a reputation for producing top-notch products, and this power station is no exception. It feels solid and well-constructed, giving me confidence in its reliability and durability for the long term.
**Applications:** The versatility of the Anker 521 is exceptional. From charging smartphones and laptops to powering small appliances and even some power tools, this power station handles it all. It's become an essential part of my emergency preparedness kit and outdoor adventures.
**Price:** While prices may vary, I believe the Anker 521 Portable Power Station offers excellent value for what it delivers. It's an investment that pays off in convenience and peace of mind, especially in situations where reliable power is essential.
In conclusion, the Anker 521 Portable Power Station with the upgraded LiFePO4 battery is a standout product. Its impressive battery capacity, durable build, and versatility make it a must-have for anyone on the move or looking to be prepared for emergencies. It's a reliable and efficient power source that has quickly become an integral part of my daily life. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of a dependable portable power solution.
I love the fact that it shows current power consumption (in amps) and an estimate of how long the battery will last. It will also let you simultaneously charge while using it. So it can act as a battery back-up / uninterruptable power supply. Very handy!
This arrived quickly and securely packed in the original, Anker packaging though the amount of material seemed a bit excessive. The manual is simple and straightforward, doing a quality job of concisely conveying what a user needs to know. The handle is solid and the weight, not high, is well balanced. The plastics fit well, the buttons inspire confidence in their durability, and the display is bright and clear. Additionally, the light on the front appears well thought out for the intended use case.
If I camped routinely, or otherwise spent long periods without a grid connection, I think I would want the next size up but this unit is quite satisfactory for backup home use.
I'm right now cycling it once every day and let's see if it lasts 10 years!
PREVIOUS REVIEW
Manufacturer customer support told me the AC outlet has a 10W penalty draw.
My real-world experience: by plugging a fan to AC outlet drawing 20W, my battery goes from 100% to 1% in 7 hours. That is (20+10)*7=210 Wh. Still much smaller than stated 256Wh capacity. And a pity for just 140Wh actually usable.
I wonder how the competitor products fare in this fashion.
I bought the Anker solar panel as well thinking I'd need it, but so far I haven't been out long enough. Based on my testing, the solar panel will take a couple days to charge this up from zero, but will work perfectly to keep it topped off when you are just using it to keep your devices charged. So unless you're draining the battery heavily, you could probably stay off grid and use your phone/tablet and even some laptop use pretty much indefinitely.
The light on the front is also a VERY nice design feature at the camp site allowing us to leave the lantern at home. Bright enough to read by if your eyes are in good shape.
Very happy.
Contacted Anker support since the battery still under warranty, they replaced a unit for me and the new one seems working fine without any failure. I changed my review to 5 stars due to great customer service.
Old reviews
I just checked some 1 star ratings, I had same issue. I charge the unit one night before camping trip. I was pretty sure it was fully charged. When we arrived the destination and plug my cellphone. It showed 0% left! The battery somehow completely drained itself during the trip. We had 20amp RV plug so did not pay much attention. When I came back, I plugged into wall, and it did charged back to 100%. So I thought it might be my problem somehow did not fully plugged in. But about couple of months later, it happened again. Just completed drained itself within one night. Then I checked back Amazon review and some people had the same issues. Contacted warranty and waiting for the replacement to come in. Let’s see.
"For your information first: The power saving mode is mainly for the AC outlets and the car socket. It will not control the USB ports.
The AC outlets on the 521 Powerhouse will turn off automatically in power-saving mode when the output from the AC port is continuously less than 10W within an hour. So the threshold for "lower power" is less than 10W."
I like the display which shows power input or output in watts, the percentage of battery remaining, and the time to charge/discharge.
I bought this unit based on Anker's reputation and my satisfaction with many of its other products. My primary use will be to power my fiber gateway during power outages (a recent three-day outage prompted my purchase), but I'm sure it will be used often for other portable power needs.
And this powers my CPAP beautifully overnight! It takes about 30% of it's capacity each night for 8 hours of sleep. So I assume I can get 3 nights of CPAP use from the unit, though I haven't tried yet since I just recharge it the next day.
Really happy with the construction, it feels great, and the display is beautiful. My only very minor quibble is that I wish I could dim the light on the front a bit maybe with a long press of the button or by pressing it multiple times. But that's pretty minor.
I'm excited to try charging it with an old 12v 120 watt solar panel I have lying around. From researching their plug on the back of the unit is a slightly non standard size, people report that this works well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BKKK89V/
I'll be splicing off the Anderson connector and splicing it onto my solar panel.
All in all a great unit, and it makes me want to try more of these LiFePO4 solar generators.
My testing at home, using the regular Airmini AC adapter (not the DC adapter for Airmini, I haven’t bought one of those yet) resulted in 66% of charge left after one 8 hour night of use.
My CPAP pressure is between 8 and 9. I recently used the Anker 521 for two nights while camping, again with the standard AC Airmini adapter. I used the built in light for about 10 mins, but didn’t charge any phones or other devices. I only plugged in the AC adapter when I was going to use the Airmini, and unplugged it when I got up in the morning.
The first night was 6hrs 45 min of Airmini CPAP use, the second night 9 hours 20 min. After both nights, the charge was 38%. The temp the first night was in the high 20s F, and the second night, low 30s F. So I didn’t experience any loss of capacity due to the lower temperatures than my at home testing.
Right now I’m very pleased with the Anker box. Next trip I will use the built in light longer and probably charge my phone a few times.
Things I really like about the Anker 521, and why I chose it for my Airmini power supply:
Can turn on or off different sections of the power box, to save power when not using the other types of power (12v, USB, AC, etc)
Has a trickle charge (regular) and eco mode (my terms, can’t remember the actual Anker terms) for power output modes. In regular, even if your device doesn’t draw much power, the Anker stays on. I wanted this, as many battery boxes would turn off after 3-4 hours because someone’s CPAP didn’t draw enough current, and the battery box then turned off. I wanted it on, when I told it to be on!
LiFePo4 battery is supposedly safer than standard Li batteries.
Built in light was plenty to see inside my tent.
Weight and size I considered to be great given the power output.
I believe the unit can be plugged into the wall and also powering devices, performing like an UPS. I don’t need this currently, so didn’t test it, so can’t say for sure.
Cons: none yet!
I’d love to try this with a solar panel, but don’t have one yet.
Conclusion: I’d buy it again!
So I really needed a lightweight, portable, but durable and reliable battery that can power my gear. In context, I’ve experience with a Jackery borrowed from a friend. This Anker power station is an upgrade to me, with an extra USB-C port and a bunch of other add-ons. It fits in my pack and doesn’t add a crazy amount of weight. The handle is comfortable in my hand and makes carrying it easy. Once I set up camp, it’s easy to use. Probably my biggest requirement was being able to charge multiple batteries at once, my drone’s spare battery charger, my DSLR, phone, galaxy buds.
A major factor in my choosing the Anker 521 was its USB-C port. A while back I borrowed my friend’s Jackery which ended up being dead weight in my pack because it doesn’t have a USB-C. I didn’t bring any adapter as I expected the power station to have a C port for charging laptops and drones. So I paid special attention before placing the order. This Anker station has the USB-C built-in, also 2 AC ports to support both my camping light and one other device at the same time - another plus over my friend’s Jackery.
One thing to note is the build quality on this thing. I had set up camp in a nook by some ledges beside a cliff and had put the Anker 521 on a boulder. I camp with my dog, who is a complete spaz, and he was sprinting around and knocked which caused it to slide off and fall maybe 3-4 feet onto solid rock. After inspection there wasn’t any visible damage and it still worked completely fine.
In sum, the Anker 521 is excellent if you need a power station that is:
Lightweight
Has USB-C
Can charge multiple devices at once
Super durable
Sleek design. Easy to use.