Anker 548 (left) and Anker Solix C300 DC (right).
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/Zdnet
ZDNET’s major takeovers
- The Anker Solix C300 DC Power Bank Station is available for $169, while the Anker 548 Power Station is available for $104.
- These two are much larger than regular power banks, but still very portable.
- Both can be charged using solar panels, making them great for off-grid use.
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I’m lazy, and I’ll use a power bank instead of an extension cord. Combine that with the fact that I increasingly like to work away from my home office, I usually have a power bank or three on hand. While small power banks are key to keeping my aging — and soon-to-be-replaced — iPhone 15 Pro Max going through a workday, my MacBook Pro appreciates a little more power.
Also: The best power banks you can buy in 2025
That said, I’ve used two larger power banks. They’re not powerhouses, as they only output USB-C and DC, not AC power, but they’re significantly larger than the kind of thing that attaches to the back of a smartphone or you slip into a pocket.
They’re big. And they’re both made by Anker: the Anker 548 and the Anker Solix C300 DC Power Bank. Both are rectangular boxes with handles, a light, and a bunch of ports on the front.
They have 60,000 and 90,000 mAh of power, respectively, so there’s plenty of power here, but in a manageable package — weighing 5.1 and 6.2 pounds, respectively — and both have a convenient carrying handle.
Both weigh less than 12 pounds together.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/Zdnet
The light on top is one of the best I’ve seen on a power bank. It’s a lantern as opposed to a flashlight, and the built-in Bellows-style diffuser does a remarkable job of spreading the light. The only thing I don’t like about the light is that it has that annoying SOS flashing mode, which is a feature I think needs to go away.
Another thing I like about these units is the 100w Anker Solix PS100 In the area I have a solar panel outside with a cable that goes into my conservatory where I attach these power banks, charging them for free (well, free once the cost of the panel is covered).
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I’ve put hundreds of hours of use into these units, powering my smartphone and laptop to run things like my Starlink dish or outdoor lights, and they just keep working. They’re also great for handling power outages or taking power with you when you go camping.
Also: Why This $25 Value Tool Beats Any Multitool or Swiss Army Knife I’ve Ever Tested
The Anker Solix C300 DC is arguably better for situations where you want to push a lot of power over USB-C, as it supports 140W output and can charge at 280W with two 140W USB-C ports simultaneously. And all that for $170. But with an 87W-capable USB-C port, the Anker 548 is no slouch either , priced at $110.
I can highly recommend both of them because they have been tested for over a year.
