Bluetti EB3A power station with 200W solar panel hands-on test: A small power cube

The Bluetti is also clearly ahead in terms of the charging options: The Anker 521 only offers a single combined input connection that can only be charged at a maximum of 65 W. Regardless of whether you use a solar panel or mains plug, the charging power is limited to 65 W.

In contrast, the EB3A offers separate input connections for DC/solar and AC charging, which can even be combined, meaning that you can charge the power station using a solar panel and mains plug at the same time. It is able to handle solar panels at up to 200 W as well as AC charging at up to 330 W (Turbo mode), and both inputs can be combined to a total maximum charging power of 430 W. This is a huge advantage compared to the only 65 W of the Anker power station. The Bluetti is also recharged correspondingly faster. However, the batteries of the Anker might offer more longevity instead, since they would be stressed less.

The Anker primarily received some positive points for the long warranty period. This might also be an additional indication that the EB3A from Bluetti would offer less longevity, if you stress it more by asking it to handle the maximum possible input and output power. 

The power station gives a very compact impression and is light enough to carry around relatively effortlessly with a single hand. In contrast of the fixed handle of the Anker 521, you have a foldout handle in the EB3A. Even though it doesn't look as sturdy as that of the competitor, when it is folded in, you can then use the flat surface of the power station to charge your smartphone wirelessly at 15 W.

On the other hand, there is still an obvious advantage to the Anker 521: With its relatively low input and output power, the small Anker power station doesn't need an active fan, so it always remains quiet in any situation.

On the side, the Bluetti power station has an active fan, which can turn on at high loads (while charging or discharging), increasing the noise level.

I tested various devices connected to the EB3A. While my corded drill, for example, could not be powered by the Anker 521, it had no trouble running with the EB3A. So the small power station can also be used for some handyman's tasks, as long as they don't take too long.

I was also able to run my projector, even though its 230 W consumption would probably leave the EB3A depleted after only one hour, making this a less suitable use case. But at least, it is possible to use it for a short presentation.

Thanks to the T200 outlet and integrated power supply, the power station can be recharged quickly at 268 W. Of course, what is more interesting is the storage of solar power from the PV200. Its MC4 plugs are turned to round DC plugs via adapter and can fit into the DC input of the EB3A.

In the less than powerful November sun, the PV200 is still able to deliver just over 100 W to the power station, fully recharging it in 2 to 3 hours.

The Bluetti EB3A is an extremely practical companion, whether at a birthday party in the park, to run some tools like a drill away from the outlet, or to make some music on the road, etc. 

While it falls in the same product category as the Anker 521, it offers a much higher input and output power. This allows it to be recharged faster and also to run many more devices than its competitor, which is great. On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether this also goes to the detriment of longevity.

The Bluetti EB3A is compact, portable, and extremely powerful and practical for its size, since it recharges quicky and is able to run more devices than some competitors. However, this might also result in less longevity.

Alternatively, the Anker 521 is also worth taking a look. Even though it delivers less power, Anker offers a warranty of 5 years. It is even lighter and includes an atmospheric LED bar as lighting. Those who need a much larger power station can also take a look at the Bluetti AC200 Max or the Anker 757.