Anker A1294061 87W Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

to Portable Power Stations

Portable power stations have become an increasingly popular way to power electronics and appliances on-the-go. Sometimes referred to as solar generators, these compact devices allow you to take power anywhere. They offer a versatile power source whether you're camping, enjoying outdoor recreation, tailgating, working remotely, or facing a power outage or natural disaster at home. Portable power stations range from small capacity models that can charge phones and laptops, up to high-capacity units that can run refrigerators, small appliances and medical devices. Choosing the right model for your needs depends on the power capacity, output ports, and intended use. With the rise in portable electronics and more people working and playing outside the home, portable power stations provide a flexible solution for energy needs in a variety of situations.

Overview

The Anker PowerCore 10000 portable power station is an 87W compact power station with the following key specifications:

• Capacity: 26800mAh / 97.68Wh
• Outputs: 1x USB-C 45W, 1x USB-A 12W, 1 AC outlet 87W (110V)
• Weight: 1.94 lbs / 0.88 kg
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 in / 16.5 x 8.1 x 2.8 cm

This mid-sized portable power station offers enough capacity to charge most phones over 5 times or a laptop 2+ times. The 45W USB-C power delivery output allows charging of higher wattage laptops like MacBooks. The AC outlet provides 87W of power, suitable for charging laptops, small appliances, CPAP machines, and mini-fridges. With a weight under 2 pounds, it's lightweight and portable. The compact size takes up minimal space when packing for camping or traveling.

Design

The Anker PowerCore 247 features an attractive design optimized for portability and durability. The unit has a compact rectangular shape measuring 6.7 x 3.1 x 1.1 inches and weighing just 1.76 pounds. This makes it easy to fit into a backpack, purse, or even a large pocket for on-the-go power.

The outer shell is made of a sturdy plastic material that feels solid in hand. While not as premium feeling as metal, the matte plastic helps keep the weight down without sacrificing durability. The corners are reinforced to handle accidental bumps and drops.

In terms of aesthetics, the PowerCore 247 has a clean, minimalist look available in both black and white color options. There are no flashy logos or decorations. Just a small Anker label on one side. This allows the power station to blend seamlessly into modern life and not stand out.

The simple design focuses on function over form. But the materials and styling still give it a sleek, modern appearance perfect for today's on-the-go lifestyle. Overall, Anker did an excellent job creating a highly portable power station with enough protection to withstand daily use.

Performance

The Anker PowerCore power station packs 87W of power output, which enables it to rapidly charge devices. It has a 45W USB-C PD port that can charge a MacBook Air to 50% in just over 30 minutes. There's also a 60W DC output and 3 USB ports, so you can charge laptops, phones, tablets, and other USB-powered gadgets.

Despite the compact size, it can charge a phone over 9 times, a tablet over 3 times and a laptop at least once. The 3 LED light modes provide up to 500 lumens of brightness, which is more than sufficient for lighting up a dark room or camping area. The lights can also blink SOS signals in an emergency.

Overall, the charging speeds and outputs make this power station ideal for juicing up your essential electronics when you're on the go. It provides ample power in a portable form factor.

Features

The Anker 521 PowerHouse 87W power station has several useful features that make it convenient and easy to use for charging devices on the go.

• Multiple Outputs: The power station has 1 USB-C port, 2 USB-A ports, and a 12V car outlet. This allows you to charge laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices. The 87W USB-C port can charge a MacBook Pro at full speed.

• LCD Display: There is an LCD display that shows the remaining battery percentage and estimated time left. This helps you monitor battery level and know when to recharge.

• LED Flashlight: A built-in LED flashlight provides illumination when needed. This can be useful for camping or power outages.

• Compact Size: Measuring 6.5 x 3.1 x 1.1 inches, the power station is quite portable. It's easy to pack in a backpack or keep in your car. The compact size doesn't sacrifice capacity.

• Smart Charging: The power station has smart charging technology to protect your devices. This prevents overcharging and regulates voltage.

• Rugged Design: With a durable outer shell and rubber bumpers, the power station is made to withstand some bumps and drops while on the go. The design keeps the inner components protected.

Ease of Use

The Anker PowerCore 87W Portable Power Station is designed to be very user-friendly and easy to operate. Its simple one-button control allows you to power it on and off with ease. The device has an intuitive LCD display that clearly shows the remaining battery percentage so you can monitor power levels at a glance.

Despite its compact size, the Anker power station has an ergonomic handle which makes it easy to carry and transport. Weighing only 1.85 pounds, it won't weigh you down. The foldable prongs also neatly tuck away during transit so you don't have to worry about damage. Whether trekking outdoors or using it for emergency power at home, you'll appreciate the convenience of the Anker PowerCore's portable and lightweight design.

Overall, the intuitive single button operation, clear LCD display, and integrated carry handle allow even first-time users to get up and running without hassle. The Anker PowerCore 87W Portable Power Station strikes a nice balance between power and simplicity.

Pros

• Portable size: The Anker PowerCore 87 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to toss in a bag or backpack and take on the go. At 6.5 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches and 1.76 pounds, it's manageable for travel while still packing substantial power.

• Fast charging capability: With a max 87W output, the Anker PowerCore can charge laptops and phones quickly. It can charge a MacBook Pro 13" to 50% in just 45 minutes. The two USB-C ports and one USB-A port allow you to rapidly charge multiple devices at once.

• Bright LED lights: There are two bright LED lights on the top and sides of the power station. These provide illumination in dark settings and can act as an emergency flashlight or lantern if needed. The lights make the ports easier to see and use in low light.

• Retractable plug: The AC outlet neatly retracts into the body with a click when not in use. This creates a smooth, streamlined design for easy portability. The plug also folds back to fit varied outlet configurations.

Cons

The Anker PowerCore 247 is not without some downsides. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Heavy Weight - At around 2 pounds, the Anker 247 is quite heavy for a portable power station. While still reasonably portable, the weight may make it less ideal for activities like backpacking where every ounce counts.

• No Wireless Charging - The Anker 247 does not support wireless charging. You must plug devices directly into the ports to charge. This may be less convenient than wireless charging for some users.

• Limited Output Capacity - With 87W max output, the Anker 247 may struggle to charge high-powered devices like laptops simultaneously. You'll need to prioritize which devices to charge if exceeding the max output wattage.

Overall the Anker PowerCore 247 provides solid performance and features for the price, but the heavy weight, lack of wireless charging, and 87W output limit may be drawbacks for some users. It's best suited for lightweight travel and emergency power needs rather than heavy duty off-grid use.

Value

The Anker PowerCore 521 Portable Charger offers good value for the price. At around $60, it's affordably priced for the features and performance it provides.

Worth the price? For the capacity, charging speeds, compact size, and reliability, the Anker PowerCore 521 is a worthwhile purchase. It costs less than many comparable portable chargers yet still delivers on key needs. The price seems fair considering you get a quality product from a leading brand.

Better options? There are certainly higher capacity portable chargers available for not much more money. The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD portable charger offers 18W USB-C Power Delivery and 10,000 mAh capacity for just $20-30 more. However, if you don't need the extra capacity and advanced charging, the Anker PowerCore 521 gets the job done at a lower price point. The 521 model hits a nice sweet spot between price, performance and portability.

Overall, for a mid-range portable charger that's easy to carry everyday, the Anker PowerCore 521 provides good value at an affordable price point. While more advanced models exist, this charger nicely balances useful features, compact size, and reasonable cost. For many users' needs, it's a worthwhile purchase that delivers solid performance per dollar.

Conclusion

The Anker PowerCore 24k Portable Power Station is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile and high-capacity power station. Its 24,000mAh battery capacity can charge phones multiple times and even charge laptops and small appliances when you need power on the go.

The sleek, compact design is easy to transport and the retractable handles make it even more portable. It performs very well, providing fast charge speeds to devices via the USB ports and AC outlet. The LED display provides the remaining battery percentage so you always know how much charge is left.

Some of the standout features include multiple ways to recharge the power station, like through the AC adapter, car charger, or solar panel. It also has built-in safety features to protect your devices. The lack of built-in wireless charging may be inconvenient for some.

Overall, the Anker PowerCore 24k Portable Power Station is a versatile, high-capacity power solution in a slick and portable design. It has excellent performance and useful features for powering devices on-the-go or as an emergency backup. If you need a highly portable power station with fast, efficient charging, the Anker PowerCore 24k is a great choice to consider.