Lighter than the competition: Bluetti Elite 400 XXL powerstation review

The Elite 400 from Bluetti is a compromise between capacity, manageability and features. With a capacity of almost 4 kWh, it is more compact and lighter than many of its competitors, but at just under 40 kg it is still no lightweight. Thanks to the trolley function, however, it is still quite easy to handle, at least on flat ground.

The manufacturer has paid for this by cutting back on features (compared to other 4 kWh power stations). This applies not only to the continuous AC output of 2,600 W, but also to the connections, with only two 230 V sockets, for example. This is sufficient for most applications, but not for higher requirements.

Overall, we liked the recently tested Elite 300 even more than the Elite 400. It only offers around 800 Wh (just under 22 percent) less capacity, but is around 13 kg (approx. 33 percent) lighter, barely weaker and in some cases even better equipped. From our point of view, if 3 kWh is enough for you, this is the better choice. However, buyers will have to do without wheels and a telescopic handle and will have to carry the 26 kg in any case.

The recommended retail price for the Bluetti Elite 400 is $2.699 in the USA and 2,999 euros in Europa. It is available in stores for significantly less, for example in the Bluetti online shop.

Shortly after the launch of the Elite 300 Bluetti has followed up with the Elite 400, an even more powerful power station. Our review shows what the almost 4 kWh solar generator can do, what it does well and what weaknesses it reveals in practice.

Important note: We tested the EU version of the Bluetti Elite 400, which differs from the US version.

The Bluetti Elite 400 has a LiFePO4 capacity of 3,840 Wh. This puts it in the 4 kWh power station category, even if it is a few watt hours short at the end. With dimensions of around 49 x 43 x 29 cm in height, width and depth, the power station measures roughly the same as a carry-on suitcase.

With its weight of around 39 kg, it would not pass as hand luggage on any airline, but it is still significantly more compact and lighter than many competitors with a comparable capacity. For example, the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 (approx. $2,100 at EcoFlow) weighs a good 10 kg more. The Elite 400 is even lighter than the Anker Solix F3000 (approx. $1.400 at Anker Solix), which has just under 1 kWh less capacity. As is usual in this class, there are two wheels on the underside for transportation as well as a telescopic handle and two sturdy handles on the top.

The truth is, however, that other solar generators with around 4 kWh often offer more power and features. Bluetti has therefore made some savings in order to keep the Elite 400 reasonably manageable for a model with just under 4 kWh. It only offers two 230 V AC sockets, which is not much for a 4 kWh power station. The continuous output power of 2,600 W (peak power 3,900 W, Surge power protection 5,200 W) is also manageable compared to some other models. However, it is still sufficient for many common household appliances.

In addition to the two sockets, there are also two USB-A (max. 15 W) and two USB-C (max. 100 W) ports as well as a car socket/cigarette lighter socket with 12 V and 120 W. The Elite 400 therefore offers classic features without any highlights. Other models such as the smaller Elite 300 with a DC connection with 12 V and 30 A or the Anker Solix F3000 with a three-pin CEE plug with 230 V and 16 A are better equipped.

The Bluetti Elite 400 can be charged either via the AC or DC input. Up to 2,300 W input power is available via the mains, via XT60 input for solar panels or Alternator charger a relatively manageable 1,000 W can be achieved. If both are combined, up to 3,300 W is possible, meaning that the Elite 400 ideally charges very quickly.

In our Elite 300 review we recently discussed the Bluetti app, which is available for iOS and Android. We will therefore be brief at this point. The connection between the power station and the app via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi worked without any problems in the Bluetti Elite 400 test.

Once set up, the app shows the current energy flows and battery status - just like the display on the power station. A range of basic settings are also available, for example to activate the power lifting and fast charging modes. You can also make adjustments to the UPS function, activate the economical ECO mode or install firmware updates (if available).

Some of the options are also available directly on the power station after briefly pressing the AC and DC buttons at the same time.

As with the Elite 300 Bluetti's main aim with the Elite 400 is to set itself apart from the competition with a compact device rather than powerful features. At just under 40 kg, the power station is still a heavyweight, but it is still much more manageable than many of its competitors. It can still be carried to a certain extent with a little strength, although rolling it using the telescopic handle is much more comfortable. However, its weight is of course noticeable here too.