Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,048 Wh | AC200MAX leads
AC180 1,152 Wh
AC200MAX 2,048 Wh
AC200MAX: +896 Wh (+77.8%).
AC180 vs AC200MAX
1,800W
Running power
2,200W
1,152 Wh
Battery
2,048 Wh
36.2 lbs
Weight
61.9 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between two Bluetti LFP stations that share 3,500-cycle longevity but differ sharply in capacity, output, and portability. The AC200MAX delivers 2,048 Wh of storage and 2,200W of running power with 4,800W surge, powering 45 of 53 tested devices.
The AC180 covers 39 of the same 53 devices with 1,152 Wh and 1,800W continuous output, but it weighs just 36.2 lbs versus the AC200MAX's 61.9 lbs. Expandability is another dividing line: the AC200MAX accepts external battery modules, while the AC180 does not.
Solar throughput scales accordingly, with the AC200MAX pulling up to 900W versus 500W on the AC180. The tradeoff is clear: you gain significant power headroom and device coverage with the AC200MAX, but you sacrifice the kind of portability that makes the AC180 easy to carry solo.
Overall Winner
AC200MAX
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 39 for AC180
Home backup: AC200MAX RV / mobile: AC180 Solar: Tie
AC200MAX wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose AC180 if...
- + Portability matters (36 lbs vs 62)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
Choose AC200MAX if...
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,200 W | AC200MAX leads
AC180 1,800 W
AC200MAX 2,200 W
AC200MAX: +400 W (+22.2%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,800 W | AC200MAX leads
AC180 2,700 W
AC200MAX 4,800 W
AC200MAX: +2,100 W (+77.8%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 36.2 lbs | AC180 leads
AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
AC200MAX 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg)
AC180: -25.8 lbs (41.6% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 cycles | Tie
AC180 3,500 cycles
AC200MAX 3,500 cycles
Delta: Tie (0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 6 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 39 · Differences: 11% (6/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only AC200MAX can run 6
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) AC180: Needs soft-start
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) AC180: Needs soft-start
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill AC180: Surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) AC180: Surge shortfall
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) AC180: Needs soft-start
Microwave Oven (1000W) AC180: Running shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC180 | AC200MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,152 Wh | 2,048 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 1,800 W | 2,200 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W | 4,800 W ✓ |
| Weight | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) ✓ | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Energy Density | 70.2 Wh/kg | 72.9 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | heavy |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,500 | 3,500 |
| Expandable | No | Yes |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC180
Faster Max solar input 500 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~4.1h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 12-60V
AC200MAX
Max solar input 900 W
Connector Proprietary
Full charge time ~7.3h
Compatible panels 20/20
MPPT: 10-145V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC180AC200MAX
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | AC200MAX | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 5h | Safe | 9h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Safe | 1.3h |
Entertainment(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/76/7
4/7
6/7
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | AC200MAX | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 9.7h | Safe | 17.3h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Safe | 1.7h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.8h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Tight | 1.1h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 2h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | AC200MAX | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 8h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/1111/11
10/11
11/11
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | AC200MAX | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.9h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.5h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.7h |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 1.5h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.7h | Safe | 4.8h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
Large Appliances(4)
3/43/4
3/4
3/4
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | AC200MAX | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.9h | Safe | 6.9h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.1h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/65/6
5/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/52/5
0/5
2/5
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology
The Bottom Line
The AC180 suits buyers who need a portable, sub-40-lb backup with 20ms UPS switchover for light home circuits, overnight camping, or small-appliance use. The AC200MAX fits those who need broader device coverage, expandable storage, and enough surge capacity to start demanding loads.
With an overall score of 88.5 versus 73.5, the AC200MAX is the stronger pick for most buyers planning around home backup or high-draw appliances. In our 53-device benchmark, AC180 powers 39 devices and AC200MAX powers 45.
AC180 vs AC200MAX FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or AC200MAX?
AC200MAX is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or AC200MAX?
AC200MAX has higher battery capacity (2,048 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
AC180 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, AC180 or AC200MAX?
AC180 is lighter at 36.2 lbs vs 61.9 lbs. AC180 is rated portable for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
AC200MAX powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 39 for AC180.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC180 or AC200MAX?
Only AC200MAX supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. AC180 is limited to its built-in 1,152 Wh.
Q Does AC180 or AC200MAX have UPS mode for power outages?
Only AC180 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.