Review of the Anker 523
Review of the Anker 523
- At A Glance -
8 Device Capability
Included are a variety of outputs so you can connect up to 8 devices within its power limit.
300W of Power
The 289Wh Lithium-ion battery pack outputs 300W of Pure Sine Wave continuous power.
Light and Durable
Weighing 9.24lbs the 523 has a durable design built to withstand the rigors of outdoor life.
300W OF CONTINUOUS PORTABLE POWER
At just 9.24lbs, this is a compact and lightweight power station you can take almost anywhere. It's ideal for the casual camper and convenient for a hiker to take on their backpack. Included in the side and back of the power station's body are flashlights which you can choose between low brightness, full brightness, and an SOS emergency mode for any kind of situation.
Charge 8 devices at the same time
With a good selection of ports on the device you can charge up to 8 devices at the same time, always bearing in mind not to exceed the total of 300W.
Be warned that connecting devices requiring more than 300W will cause the power station to switch off automatically.
Recharging the power station
The Anker 523 is solar compatible (solar panel sold separately) and supports Maximum Power Point (MPPT) tracking for high efficiency power transfer, so depending on ambient conditions you can recharge the power station with sunlight to provide almost limitless power.
It can also be recharged using the DC and USB-C ports at the same time. The USB-C port uses Anker's exclusive PowerIQ 3.0 technology to significantly reduce charging times. When used in this configuration, the USB-C port turns off once the batteries reach 81% charge, leaving the DC port to continue to work until the unit is fully charged (you will need to buy a 60W charger to connect to the USB-C port.)
The control panel is functional with readily identifiable ports, shown immediately below, and controls.
- 1xAC (Pure Sine Wave): 110V~ 2.72A, 50Hz / 60Hz, 300W
- 3xUSB-A: 36W (2.4A Max Per Port)
- 1xUSB-C: 5V 3A / 9V 3A /15V 3A / 20V 3A (60W Max)
- 1xCar Socket + 5.5x2.5mm DC: 12V 10A (120W Max)
The single 300W continuous AC outlet delivers a Pure Sine Wave output similar to what you are used to in your home from an AC wall outlet. So, you can safely connect any of your sensitive electronic devices to the power station.
Eco-friendly clean indoor and outdoor power
Portable power stations have some similarities with portable generators, though they are essentially very different devices. While the power delivery of a power station is limited, they are a lot safer to use, are far more portable given their small size and weight, and don't produce the toxic carbon monoxide gas while in operation.
You also don't have to consider how to store fuel safely, or about gas going bad and gumming up the carburetor, which is one of the banes of gas-powered portable generators, though this can be mitigated with the use of a fuel stabilizer.
If you live in an apartment or don't have a fair-sized garden in which to safely place a portable generator, a power station may be your only option.
Finally, a portable power station is a useful addition if you already own a portable generator because you don't always need a lot of power.
Warranty
The Anker 523 has an 18-month warranty, as shown here.
No User Manual seems to be readily available for this model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can this device power?
Remember that the single AC output port can charge / power devices only up to 300W. To protect the unit, it will cause an overload condition when this limit is exceeded and shut down automatically.
Can I use the power station while it is on charge?
Yes, but be aware that charging the unit will take a lot longer and it can shorten the battery life. You should recharge the unit every 3 or 4 months when storing for a longer battery life cycle especially during the warranty period.
What adapter cable is best for solar charging?
Use a solar charger with a 7.9 mm x 0.9 mm Male connector.
How quickly can I recharge with a solar panel?
Recharging times can be affected by ambient conditions, but in general within you can expect about 5 hours when hooked up to a 100W solar panel (dependent on amount of sunshine available).
Can I take this power station on a plane?
No. The total battery size exceeds that which is normally permitted (100Wh) by the TSA for reasons of safety.
Can I replace the battery?
No. The device's internal battery is non-removable, and you should try to remove it as you may damage the device and will void any remaining warranty.
Anker 523 Manufacturer Specifications
| Rated Capacity | 20,000mAh 14.4V / 289Wh |
|---|---|
| Cell Capacity | 80,000mAh / 289Wh |
| Outputs | AC (Pure Sine Wave): 110V~ 2.72A, 50Hz / 60Hz, 300W |
| USB-A: 36W (2.4A Max Per Port) | |
| USB-C: 5V 3A / 9V 3A /15V 3A / 20V 3A (60W Max) | |
| Car Socket + 5.5x2.5mm DC: 12V 10A (120W Max) | |
| Inputs | DC Input: 11-28V 5.5A (65W Max) |
| USB-C Input: 5V 3A/9V 3A/15V 3A/20V 3A (60W Max) | |
| USB-C 60W + 65W DC Input: 125W Max | |
| Weight | 9.24 lbs (4.19kg) |
| Operating Temperature | Ambient Temperature: 32°F-104°F / 0°C-40°C |
| Dimensions | 10 × 5.8 × 5.5 inches (255 × 148 × 139 mm) |
| Accessories | 5W Adapter |
| USB-A to USB-C cable | |
| USB-C to USB-C cable |