DC-only power stations are quickly becoming a category of their own. Lightweight, portable, and designed for everyday devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and DC camping gear, they can be a more convenient option than hauling around a heavy AC inverter power station, especially when all you need is DC power.
Two of the newest and most talked-about units in this space are the Anker SOLIX C300 and the brand-new EcoFlow Trail 300 DC. They have near identical battery capacities, charge rates, and outputs, but small differences in design, functionality, and usability might make one the better buy.
Just like we did when we put together our Anker C300 vs EcoFlow River 3 Comparison, we’re going to put the Trail 300 and C300 head-to-head across various categories, assigning points along the way to see which comes out on top.
Let’s jump into the ring and find out who wins this DC-only This or That showdown!
Before we start comparing them, let’s take a quick head-to-head look at the specifications these two mini power stations are packing:
If you want to read a more detailed breakdown of these two DC power stations, we have written separate reviews:
While the specs look really similar, there are actually enough meaningful differences between these portable power stations to choose a winner. So, let’s dive into the first round:
Both the Anker C300 and EcoFlow Trail Series 300 come equipped with 288Wh batteries and a 300W output rating. There’s no need for an inverter, as both units have strict DC-only outputs, so they are pretty much perfectly efficient units.
For their size of these units, you get plenty of battery capacity and output power, making them ideal for charging laptops, cameras, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, or powering campsite essentials, like LED lights.
They’re both solid for the size and weight, but since there’s no real difference here, we're just going to give them both a point.
The EcoFlow Trail 300 has a maximum 110W solar input, while the Anker C300 tops out at 100W. That 10W difference won’t mean much in the real world, maybe a few minutes faster charging time with solar panels, but on paper, EcoFlow edges ahead.
Both units support fast charging through their USB-C ports. While the Anker C300 has an extra two USB-C ports for a total of four, only two of them are the dual 140W bidirectional USB-C ports that allow you to put power into the power station. This is the same number that the EcoFlow 300 DC has.
Since both units can hit a 280W max input from a standard wall outlet, it’s another draw. Still, being able to give each unit a full charge in just over an hour is great to see.
There’s no clear winner here in terms of this showdown, but the input-to-battery capacity ratio for both units is impressive. Another point each.
These units look extremely similar on paper, but when it comes to hands-on functionality, we have to say the Anker C300 Power Station is a clear winner. Here’s where the difference shows.
Those two extra USB-C ports on the Anker are a big deal in a camping or group setting, where everyone is going to want to charge their phone. It also has a few other handy features, which we’ll get into in a few rounds. But for sheer usability, Anker takes this round.
Both units are fairly small and have an upright layout, but EcoFlow went with a minimal “brick-like” design for the Trail 300. It’s clean and simple, which some people will like, but maybe too plain.
On the other hand, the Anker C300 looks more polished and practical, with small details that make it stand out. It’s a bit of a subjective round, but most people we asked agreed that the C300 feels a bit more solid and has the better design.
While the Trail 300 DC is slightly lighter, it barely makes a difference given just how lightweight they both are. Unless you’re a child, you’re not really going to notice a big difference between 9 lbs and 6 lbs.
The reason why we give the Anker C300 the point for portability is the simple fact that the carrying handle is a bit better. Anker also added strap rings, which allow you to attach a shoulder strap or even clip it to a backpack. It’s a thoughtful touch that gives it the win here.
The Anker C300 connects to the Anker app, letting you monitor usage and charging speeds. The EcoFlow Trail 300 doesn’t support app control at all. Now, EcoFlow has hinted that the upcoming Trail Plus 300 DC version may add it in the future, but that doesn’t really help them out here.
Given how good the EcoFlow app is, we were pretty disappointed to discover that both the Trail 200 DC and Trail 300 DC do not support app connectivity. In what’s probably the easiest round to call in this showdown, Anker takes the point.
We mystery-shopped both companies in the past. You can read our EcoFlow Customer Service Review, but let’s just say that the support we received was less than stellar.
As you’ll discover if you read our Review of Anker’s Customer Support, our mystery shopping experience was excellent. The support was fast, helpful, and much more reliable than what we got when we called EcoFlow. Another easy point.
Robbie (probably our most critical reviewer) always likes to see a 12V output and a built-in light on power stations, especially when they’re designed for camping. Both have a 12 Volt car socket, which is great to see, but only one of the units is equipped with a light.
Instead of a standard LED light on the front of the unit, Anker took things even further and gave the C300 power station a pop-up lantern on the top of the unit. For off-grid camping or use during a blackout, this would be a very useful feature.
Whether you’re walking at night, playing cards, or just trying to see the ports in the dark, that built-in lantern would be really useful. Even though the Trail 300 Plus is going to have a pop-light, EcoFlow skipped the light entirely on this particular unit, so Robbie gives the Anker C300 DC another well-deserved point.
The Anker C300 retails at $149, while the EcoFlow Trail 300 comes in at $159. It’s not a big difference, and both of these power stations are very affordable, but Anker is cheaper and offers more functionality.
Even if they were the same price, we’d still feel the Anker C300DC offered more value. The fact it’s 10 bucks cheaper means Anker takes the final point.
The EcoFlow Trail 300 is a solid little DC station with very reasonable specs, especially given it weighs under 6 lbs. However, the Anker C300 delivers more functionality, better design, and extra features, all at a lower price.
The built-in lantern, extra USB-C ports, and app connectivity seal the deal. Unless EcoFlow significantly upgrades the TRAIL Series with the upcoming Plus version of the 300 DC, the Anker C300 is the one we’d recommend to friends, and that includes you.
Check Price at Shop Solar: www.ShopSolar.com
Check Price at Shop Solar: www.ShopSolar.com
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