Bluetti vs Goal Zero

Which Titan of Green Energy Will Take the Gold

We’re not short of options when it comes to battery backups these days.

It seems that every power storage company is trying to cash in on the green energy revolution, but there are two names that stand tall above the crowd — I’m talking, of course, about Bluetti and Goal Zero. The question is, which company is the best overall?

To find the answer, I’ll be pitting two equivalent power stations, one from Bluetti and one from Goal Zero, against one another for all the marbles (your hard-earned money), and see which one comes out on top. Let’s get to it!

The Contenders

In the green corner, we have one of the latest additions to the Bluetti power station roster, the AC200MAX.

And in the… also green corner, we have Goal Zero’s portable powerhouse on wheels, the Yeti 3000X.

BLUETTI AC200MAX 2048Wh

GOALZERO Yeti 3000X

Bluetti vs Goal Zero Buying Guide

What Makes the AC200MAX and the Yeti 3000X Suitable Opponents?

I picked these power stations for my showdown because, in many ways, they’re equals, and to get an accurate measure of how these companies stack up against one another, it’s important that their products are playing on the same field.

Both the AC200MAX and the Yeti 3000X are both…

• 2000-watt (ish) battery backups
• Second iterations of earlier models
• Utilize lithium battery technology
• Are around the same size

What Do You Get in the Box?

These companies may be similar, but I began noticing differences as soon as I pulled these beasts from their boxes. The Bluetti arrived with all the trimmings — we’re talking AC adapter, PV solar charging cable, two car charging cables, warranty card, and QC certificate.

With nothing but a roll cart and an AC adapter, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000X arrived comparatively empty-handed, which wasn’t a strong start. 

Verdict

This round goes to Bluetti!

Portability

Okay, here’s where Goal Zero claws back some respect. Yes, at 62lbs, the AC200MAX is decidedly lighter than the 3000X (78lbs), but guess what folks… you don’t have to worry all that much about the excess, as it arrives with a roll cart.

So, if your back isn’t what it used to be (tell me about it), the Yeti could be the power station for you.

What’s more, the AC200MAX only has two rigid handles, one at either side of the unit. The Yeti, on the other hand, boasts two soft-touch flexible handles, plus one suitcase handle for pulling it around in the roll cart.

Measuring 16.5 x 15.2 x 11”, the Bluetti power station is also noticeably larger than its 15.25 x 10.23 x 13.6” Goal Zero counterpart, which I found makes storing and packing it kind of tricky if you’ve already got quite a full garage or vehicle.

Verdict

Goal Zero claps back!

Battery Power and Capacity

The Bluetti AC200MAX has a surge wattage of 4800 watts, a max continuous output of 2200 watts, and a capacity of 2048 Wh, while the Yeti 3000X tops out at 3000 watts (surge), 2000 watts (continuous), and has a 3032 Wh capacity.

Neither unit can be chained to double up on power, but both can be expanded with additional proprietary batteries. The only issue is that these little add-ons can be incredibly pricey — you’ve been warned.

Verdict

Both power stations came out swinging in this round. With higher wattage, the Bluetti can power more electronics, but with a juiced watt hour rating, the Yeti can power things for longer. I call it a draw!

Battery Life Cycles

Here’s where things get a little dicey for our dear friend the Yeti. The LiFePO4 battery in the AC200MAX is rated to survive upwards of 3500 cycles to 80% and upwards of 6000 charges to 50% — that’s far more than a lifetime’s worth of power.

Sadly, the Li-Ion NMC battery tucked away in the 3000X is rated to survive only 500 cycles to 80% capacity. Now, I’m not going to give you the exact prices as they’re subject to change all the time, but let’s just say I’d have to save up more or less an extra month’s pay to afford the Yeti, so the short lifespan has me feeling a little shortchanged.

Verdict

Bluetti storms this round!

Charging

Both companies offer lots of flexibility in terms of charging methods, which is fantastic, as you’re not always going to be able to rely on regular electrical power.

Charging Method	Bluetti AC200MAX	Goal Zero Yeti 3000X Charge Time
AC Wall Outlet
Solar Panels
Car (12V)
Generator
Lead Acid Battery
Dual AC
Hybrid Charging (e.g. Solar and AC)

Verdict

Bluetti can’t be beat on this front. It’s faster and miles ahead in terms of versatility.

Durability

I take my hat off to both Bluetti and Goal Zero and congratulate them on making what appear to be two of the most robust battery backups on the market.

I mean, it’s not like I’m going to be throwing these beautiful power supplies out of a third-story window to test that theory, but I can’t see any light to moderately heavy dings having any sort of negative impact on either of them.

Verdict

It’s another draw, people.

Compatibility

The port array of a battery power station is EVERYTHING. It determines what kind of devices you can charge, and how many you can charge at the same time, so let’s take a look what these two units have to offer, shall we?

USB

Verdict

Both brands have some serious clout in the compatibility department, but I’ve got to give it to Bluetti on this count. Those wireless pads and extra AC outputs really come in handy for me, although, if I’m being picky, the lack of a second USB-C port is a little irritating.

The Final Verdict

Truth be told, I don’t regret buying either of these power stations; I adore them both, but with 4 rounds to 1, the Bluetti AC200MAX takes the throne here at the end of my head-to-head.

That’s not to say that you should forget about Goal Zero altogether, as they do offer certain things that Bluetti doesn’t, such as monster power stations rated for a jaw-dropping 6000 Wh, but if you’re looking for decent bang for your buck at lower power levels, a Bluetti power station is absolutely your best bet.

Now, if we could just convince Bluetti to put the AC200MAX on wheels, I think it might just be the best battery backup ever conceived!