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Anker SOLIX and Bluetti both make strong LiFePO4 power stations in the popular 1 kWh class, and they often sit at similar prices. The short answer: choose the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 if you want faster charging, higher output and a lighter unit. Choose the BLUETTI AC180 if you want a little more capacity and a battery with a long rated life, and you do not need a very fast recharge. Both can keep a fridge, router and lights running through an outage.
Below we compare the two side by side so you can pick the one that fits your home and budget.
Note: Bluetti also sells a larger AC180P (about 1,440 Wh), and Anker’s lineup changes often. We compare the C1000 Gen 2 and the AC180 here because they are the closest matches in size and price. Confirm the current models before you buy.
Quick Verdict
| If you want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| The fastest wall recharge | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 |
| The most output (2,000 W) | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 |
| The lighter, easier-to-carry unit | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 |
| The most capacity in this class | BLUETTI AC180 (1,152 Wh) |
| A fast UPS-style switchover | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 |
| A wireless charging pad on top | BLUETTI AC180 |
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 | BLUETTI AC180 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,024 Wh | 1,152 Wh |
| Battery type | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Continuous AC output | 2,000 W | 1,800 W |
| Peak / surge output (approx.) | 3,000 W | About 2,700 W |
| Weight (approx.) | About 25 lb (11.3 kg) | About 35 lb |
| Full wall recharge | About 49 minutes in fast mode | About 1.3 hours |
| Solar input | Up to 600 W | Check current spec sheet |
| Rated cycle life | 4,000 cycles to 80% | About 3,500 cycles to 80% |
| UPS switchover | About 10 ms | Check current spec sheet (about 20 ms on the AC180P) |
| Expandable | Anker offers expansion batteries for the C1000 line (check Gen 2 compatibility) | No, fixed capacity |
| Warranty | Check current listing (5 years on the original C1000) | 5 years |
Figures are approximate and based on manufacturer and published specifications. They change by model year and region, so confirm on each product page.
Capacity and Battery Life
The Bluetti AC180 has the larger battery at 1,152 Wh, about 12% more than the Anker’s 1,024 Wh. That extra capacity gives you a little more runtime per charge. For example, it can run a router or a CPAP machine for a few extra hours.
Both stations use LiFePO4 chemistry, which is built for many more charge cycles than older lithium-ion packs. (For a deeper explanation, read our guide on LiFePO4 vs Lithium-Ion Power Stations.) On paper, Anker lists about 4,000 cycles to 80% capacity for the C1000 Gen 2, while Bluetti lists about 3,500 for the AC180 family. Either should last for many years of backup use.
Output Power: What Can Each One Run?
The Anker leads here with 2,000 W of continuous output and a 3,000 W peak, compared with 1,800 W continuous and roughly 2,700 W peak for the Bluetti. Both are enough for most household essentials:
- Both can run: refrigerators (including startup surge), routers, lights, laptops, TVs, CPAP machines, fans, and kitchen appliances such as a microwave, blender or coffee maker.
- The Anker has more headroom for: running several heavy devices at once, or appliances close to 1,800 to 2,000 W.
- Neither is a good fit for: running a space heater, oven or air conditioner for long. Those loads drain a 1 kWh battery in well under an hour.
The Bluetti’s higher capacity partly makes up for its lower output when you run light loads for a long time. If you mostly power low-wattage devices, the difference in output matters less than the difference in capacity.
Charging Speed and Solar
This is the Anker’s biggest advantage. Anker rates a full recharge in about 49 minutes using its fast charging mode, which you enable in the app. Bluetti rates the AC180 at around 1.3 hours, and it supports combined AC plus solar input to shorten that. For outages that come and go, the Anker lets you top up faster between power cuts.
Anker also lists up to 600 W of solar input for the C1000 Gen 2, which can refill the battery in under two hours in strong sun. Solar limits vary by model, so check each spec sheet before you buy panels. For help sizing panels, see our guide on How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Charge a Power Station?
Weight and Portability
Anker lists the C1000 Gen 2 at about 11.3 kg (roughly 25 lb), while the Bluetti AC180 weighs about 35 lb. A 10-pound difference is noticeable when you carry the unit up stairs, into the car or around a campsite. If you will move your station often, the Anker is easier to live with. If it will sit in a closet or garage until an outage, the extra weight matters less.
Smart Features and Extras
Anker’s app offers monitoring, scheduling and time-of-use settings that can help you avoid peak electricity prices. Anker also lists a fast UPS-style switchover (around 10 ms), which is useful for protecting desktop computers and routers when the power cuts.
The Bluetti has its own features, including a wireless charging pad on top and a simple, easy-to-use layout. Some buyers prefer its straightforward controls. Feature sets change with each firmware and model update, so check the current listings.
Expandability
The Bluetti AC180 has a fixed 1,152 Wh battery, so what you buy is what you get. Anker offers expansion batteries for its C1000 line, which can roughly double capacity. If you think you may want more runtime later, check that the C1000 Gen 2 supports the expansion battery you want before you buy.
Warranty and Support
Both brands list long warranties, typically around 5 years. Terms and registration requirements differ by product and region, so read the warranty on the product page before you buy. It is also worth checking recent customer reviews for support experiences, because service quality can change over time.
Price and Value
Prices for both stations change often, and both are discounted around major sales events. The best way to compare is price per watt-hour (price divided by capacity). The Bluetti often gives you slightly more capacity for the money, while the Anker often wins on speed, output and weight at a similar price.
[Check the current Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 price: AFFILIATE LINK]
[Check the current BLUETTI AC180 price: AFFILIATE LINK]
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 if you…
- Want the fastest recharge between outages
- Need up to 2,000 W of output
- Will carry the station often (camping, car trips, moving between rooms)
- Want a fast UPS-style switchover for computers and network gear
Buy the BLUETTI AC180 if you…
- Want slightly more capacity for long, low-power loads
- Prefer a simple layout and a wireless charging pad
- Rarely move the unit and do not mind the extra weight
- Do not need the fastest possible recharge
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anker or Bluetti better?
Neither is better for everyone. Anker’s C1000 Gen 2 leads on charging speed, output and weight. Bluetti’s AC180 leads on capacity. Choose based on whether you value speed and portability or a little more runtime.
Which one charges faster?
The Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2, which lists a full recharge in about 49 minutes in fast mode. The Bluetti AC180 takes around 1.3 hours.
Can either one run a refrigerator?
Yes. Both can run a typical refrigerator for roughly half a day or more, depending on the model and how often the compressor runs. See our guide on How Long Will a Power Station Run a Refrigerator? for runtimes.
Do I need more than 1 kWh?
It depends on your home and how long outages last in your area. Use our guide on What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need? to size your system.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is the better all-round pick thanks to its fast recharge, 2,000 W output and lighter weight. The BLUETTI AC180 is a strong alternative if you want a bit more capacity and a simple, solid backup unit. Either one will keep your essentials running when the grid goes down.
Still comparing? Read our roundup of the Best Portable Power Stations for Home Backup and our comparison of EcoFlow vs Jackery.