REVIEW – Last December, I reviewed the newly designed Bluetti AC2A Portable Power Station. I said then that it was small, powerful, yet simple. It still is. The folks at Bluetti must be pleased with their efforts with the AC2A because they’ve released a bigger brother version—the Bluetti AC50B, a more powerful 700W larger twin station—with some updates.
What is it?
The new Bluetti AC50B Portable Power Station is a large, more powerful version of the AC2A. The layout is almost identical, down to the number and placement of ports. Even the awkward carrying handle has been carried over (more on that later).
Power is rated at 700 Watts (448Wh)—almost double the AC2A. As with the AC2A, there are three USB ports, a 12V accessory outlet “cigarette lighter” port, and two AC grounded outlets. The welcomed update is that the USB ports are now (2) USB-C and (1) USB-A. It’s another indication of USB-C’s increasing dominance.
While the AC50B can charge smartphones, laptops, and tablets, it’s geared more towards small appliances that could drain a smaller power station too quickly, such as fans, small TVs, or even a small coffee maker.
The front panel includes a color LCD. This display shows more than enough info on all the user needs to know regarding input and output wattage, remaining charging/discharge time, and battery capacity remaining. The info is not displayed until and unless it’s needed.
A single AC charging input and grounding terminal are located on the side panel. The top of the AC50B has a lipped, flat area for setting a smartphone down. While this would have been a good spot for wireless charging, it is not included.
The battery is a lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) design. LiFePO4 Is a vast improvement in both battery life and safety.
What’s included?
- AC50B Power Station
- 12V car charger
- DC solar charging cable
- AC power cable
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Battery Capacity: 448 Wh
- Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 11 in x 7.9 in x 8.7 in (LxWxH)
- Power: 700W
- DC Cigarette lighter output/input port
- USB-C x 2 outport ports
- USB-A output port
- AC outlets x 2
- DC (solar) input port
- AC input port (for charging)
- Grounding pole port
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Design and features
When the Bluetti AC50B Portable Power Station was delivered, I thought I was seeing Deja Vu on a different scale. It looks exactly like the smaller AC2A Power Station, except for that additional USB-C port. Although it’s heavier than its smaller sibling, it is still easy enough to carry around—good for short power outages and camping/off-grid trips.
As stated earlier, the batteries used in the AC50B are lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Here’s what I wrote about the LiFePO4 batteries in the AC2A review: “The Bluetti uses the safer LiFePO4 batteries. Both the lithium-ion (LCO) and LiFePO4 have advantages and disadvantages. LCO batteries have a better power-to-weight ratio. LiFePO4 powered stations are heavier—though the difference matters less on newer power stations. LFO batteries need and use cobalt, a rare metal that’s mined almost exclusively in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with all its horror stories of human abuse. LiFePO4 uses the more common potassium (mined from potash) instead of cobalt and is more ethically mined. Then there are life cycles. A battery’s life cycle is counted as going from 0% to 100% back to 0% charge. LCO batteries generally have life cycles of around 500 before battery performance degrades. The life cycles of the AC50B are over 3000—quite a difference.”
The shell of the AC50B is made of dark-gray hard plastic. Although not “dunkable, it is quite resistant to rain and water splashing on its surface. Bluetti carried over the awkward carrying handle. Because of the AC50B’s increased size and weight, the handle is even more awkward to use!
Charging the AC50B is via the AC port. It only takes 45 minutes to reach 80% charge. There is no charging “brick”. The power supply is internal. Charging can also be done via solar panels connected to a DC input located on the front panel. The AC50B accepts up to 200 watts of solar charging. That’s enough for only 3 hours to recharge—as long as the sun cooperates, which it seldom does in my home state of Florida. Note that solar panels are an extra-cost option. However, a solar panel connector cable is included in the box.
A smartphone Bluetti app is available in iOS and Android. I don’t use it for a couple of reasons. The power station is near enough to use the buttons on the station itself. Plus, I’ve had issues connecting the devices (both the AC50B and AC2A) via Bluetooth. I’m still working on a fix for my iPhone 15 Pro Max. As I said, it’s not a major deal for my use.
When the built-in fan kicks in, it’s only at 50 decibels (dB), quieter than polite conversation. Nothing I’ve powered so far has made the fan turn on, so I haven’t heard it.
What I like about the Bluetti AC50B Portable Power Station
- Useful
- Great price
- Safe to use
- Many more life cycles than LCO batteries
- Easy to see color LED screen
- 50dB noise
What needs to be improved?
- Bluetti kept the awkward carrying handle
Final thoughts
I encourage you to read my review of the Bluetti AC2A. 90% of the info pertains also to the AC50B Power Station. They are that similar.
The AC50B is a sturdy, reliable power source for either smart devices or even small appliances that demand more juice. Plus, it’s more affordable as prices have come down in the past few years. With a current sale price of $299, it’s a good deal.
Price: $399 (on sale for $299 at the time of writing the review)
Where to buy: Bluetti and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Bluetti. Bluetti did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
