Power - or more likely the lack of it - is always in the back of your mind when you're away from home. Be that camping or taking a walk around the park, you still have those essentials that rely on batteries that all too quickly run out. This is where the Bluetti Portable Power Station AC50B comes in.

It's portable but you're unlikely to take it hiking with you as it weighs in at 6.7kg, although the integrated handle is a very nice - and useful - touch. That weight is put to good use, though, as the station is a real powerhouse able to keep things ticking for hours and hours.

The AC50B boasts a robust 700W inverter that can boost to 1,000W in PowerLifting mode, sufficient to power most camping appliances like fridges, coffee makers, lights, cameras and fans. It includes an AC outlet, car port, USB-A, and two Type-C ports, so you have plenty of options.

So to give that power into some context, it can charge your average smartphone over 14 times, power a camping lantern for 17 hours, or run a typical mini-fridge for around three hours on a single charge.

I found charging swift, taking around an hour from the plug, while you can also attach to vehicles or generator charging. For even more power, you can add Bluetti expansion batteries. It can accept up to 200W of solar input - Bluetti sells a solar panel - while operating to ensure a constant power supply away from the grid.

Bluetti Portable Power Station AC50B
Bluetti Portable Power Station AC50B

The AC50B has an LCD screen that displays input, output, and remaining time. It's also dead easy to control via your smartphone app through the Bluetti app.

While mostly pitched at campers, I found the extra power invaluable in the garden. We managed to power a projector and speakers for an outdoor film showing during the summer, so wherever you need power you can have it.

The Bluetti Portable Power Station AC50B costs £3.99 but is currently on sale via the Bluetti website for £299.

What users say

5 Dead Fox: Absolute powerhouse for this price point! Perfect for weekend warrior road trips and car camping. I can run my 12 volt fridge, camp lights, keep my phone and tablet charged and not run out of power. I do use a 100-watt solar panel to keep it topped off while camping.

Robert M: I bought thinking I'm about to get scammed again but I love it. For what I use it for (fans, phone chargers, and laptop) I can get two or three days out of it. Literally.

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