Anker’s new power station can charge faster using two USB-C adapters at the same time

The new Anker Solix C300 DC includes a feature not seen on the company’s portable power stations before: although it can only be charged using a solar panel or its bidirectional 140W USB-C ports, for the first time, users can recharge it using two of those USB-C ports at the same time, boosting charging speeds to up to 280W.

Inside the Solix C300 DC is a 90,000mAh 288Wh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, offering a total power output of up to 300W. Anker is positioning the power station as one of its smallest portable options, making it ideal for carrying to the beach or a campsite, but at 6.18 pounds, you’re definitely going to feel that weight hanging off your shoulder (with an optional strap) or inside a backpack.

Devices can be charged from one of the power station’s seven different outlets. They include two USB-A ports, four USB-C ports (a 15W port, a 100W port, and two 140W ports), and a 120W auxiliary outlet compatible with the DC plugs on accessories like powered coolers.

A built-in display shows the power being drawn by connected devices and the Solix C300 DC’s remaining charge; that information is also available through Anker’s mobile app when the power station is connected to a smartphone over Bluetooth. The top of the power station features an integrated pop-up LED light with three levels of brightness so it can double as a lantern or emergency flashlight.

Anker also announced an AC version of the power station, the Solix C300, and while the name is similar, there are a few differences between the two. The AC version is heavier at nine pounds and offers up to 600W of power output — twice the output of the DC version. It comes with a 120W auxiliary outlet, a single USB-A port, and three USB-C ports (two of which offer 140W power output). It also adds three AC outlets (or two UK-style AC outlets), expanding what kinds of devices can be connected.

The pop-up LED lantern is gone — Anker replaced it with an integrated carrying handle. And unlike the DC version, you can’t charge the AC version of the Solix C300 using two of its USB-C ports simultaneously. Instead, it can be plugged directly into a power outlet, providing similar charging speeds.

Both versions of the portable power station will be available through Amazon and Anker’s online store starting on August 28th, with the Solix C300 DC selling for $199.99 and the AC version selling for $249.99. A discount is available for those who preorder either of the devices through Anker’s website before August 27th, bringing the price down to $149.99 for the DC version and to $189.99 for the AC model.