Bluetti AC2A review: Portable and powerful

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Batteries are typically one of the heavier components in any modern-day gadget. So when it comes to portable power stations – which are effectively just big-arsed batteries to charge your other batteries on the go, things get pretty heavy.

The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, for example, weighs over 50 kg. The DJI Power 500 comes in at 7.3 kg.

But the Bluetti AC2A is just 3.6 kg. To be fair, it is a smaller battery than the other two models, but its compact build and lightweight design means it is well suited to compact camping trips or as a backup UPS unit.

What is the Bluetti AC2A offering?

Where some other power stations I’ve reviewed have all been geared towards large capacity, or quick charging drones, the Bluetti AC2A is designed for travel.

That’s really illustrated by the convenient handle designed into the top of the battery’s body.

It offers a 204.8 Wh capacity, with a typical output of 300W and 600W of lifting power. That means it can increase the wattage to get more demanding appliances started, before dropping to a lower power output.

That output means this isn’t really a home backup solution for powering home appliances. It’s more geared towards your gadgets and low-demand tech products.

The AC2A uses Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, which are rated for 3,000+ cycles, and is super quiet, operating at under 45dB.

Measuring in at 250 × 150 × 180 mm and weighing just 3.6 kg, it’s a pretty compact unit. Because of its compact build, it is pretty light on the ports: On the front you get a single AC output, a single 100W USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a DC/PV input and a DC output.

On the side of the power station is the AC input, where you plug in the cable to charge up the battery. It has an integrated cover, as do the DC ports on the front, to help prevent dust or dirt getting in.

The front of the unit also has a trio of power buttons – one for AC power, one for DC, and one to turn the unit on or off. These buttons sit below the LCD screen, which gives you all the key information you need about the power station's capacity and output.

You can also connect the AC2A to the Bluetti app and control it from there, which is a nice touch for a model in this price range.

What does the Bluetti AC2A do well?

I’ve tested a range of power stations across different sizes and capacities, and despite the lack of ports, the AC2A has become one of my favourite units for travel.

It’s so light and easy to carry thanks to the integrated handle, I can give it to my kids to move around without worrying about them hurting their back or shoulder.

While there’s a sacrifice on the number of ports and the battery’s capacity, there’s still plenty of cool tech inside his unit. It charges quickly – you can take it to 80% charged in just 45 minutes via AC charging.

It’s also got a versatile range of charging options, including DC through your car’s DC cigarette lighter port, solar panels or a generator. I couldn’t test the DC charging options because I didn’t have the necessary cables (or solar panels), but if you like to go camping, you’ll want to invest in those accessories.

The display on the front of the unit is clear and easy to read, and the ability to monitor performance via the Bluetti app is great for peace of mind as well.

And when you’re at home, you can also use the AC2A as a UPS, with a 20ms response time. Plug it between your modem and the wall and know that in a blackout, your NBN Internet connection will keep going.

What could the Bluetti AC2A improve?

The fact that there are two slower USB-A ports and only a single 100W USB-C port feels unbalanced in 2024. The last big hold out for USB-C connections was Apple, and it moved to the USB-C standard last year with the iPhone 15.

So I honestly wish that there were two of the faster USB ports.

There’s also no DC charging cable in the box. For a design so clearly designed to be thrown in the back of the car for camping trips or picnics, it would make a lot of sense for the 12V cable to be included in the asking price.

Verdict

The Bluetti AC2A ticks all the boxes for a compact, lightweight portable power station. It has enough juice to keep your phone charged for a weekend in the middle of nowhere, and can be recharged quickly in multiple ways.

Its clear LCD and app integration makes it easy to keep tracks on its capacity and power output. It doubles as a UPS and is easy to carry around.

Out of all the portable power stations I’ve tested, this is the one I like most for camping. It can’t compete with the sheer capacity of the EcoFlow, and lacks the ports offered by some other models.

But it’s a great balance of size and features. I heartily recommend it.

Buy the Bluetti AC2A online

Bluetti AC2A

RRP: $499

Check Price @ Amazon