REVIEW – When I learned that Anker had released a power station, my initial thought was, “It’s about time! Since forever, Anker has led the way in small to midsize power backups that I and many others have relied on and used. Anker has increased the size and capabilities of its power units over the last several years to the point where they now compete with the industry’s top players. We are now truly entering a golden age of power stations thanks to the addition of Anker’s new 757 PowerHouse Portable Power Station.

It is what?

The Anker 757 PowerHouse Portable Power Station is Anker’s most potent battery charging station to date, with 1500 watts (1229 Wh) of power. Instead of the older Lithium-ion batteries that are now found in the majority of power plants, it uses LFP (LifePO4) batteries. In the review, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of LFP batteries.

It is 18.2 x 11.3 x 9.3 inches in size. and measures a massive 43.9 pounds. A durable and temperature-controlled metal frame surrounds the power station. One hour is all it takes for the PowerHouse to charge to 80% of its capacity (1.5 hours for 100%). Each end features two handles for carrying.

Specs

• Dimensions: 1229Wh
• 6 AC outputs
• 2400W Power Surge
• Four USB-A outputs (12W)
• Two USB-C outputs (100W and 60W)
• 120W Car Socket Output
• 1000W AC input
• Solar Panel Input: Maximum 300W
• 1 hour to 80%, 1.5 hours to 100% of original capacity
• Time to Recharge from Solar: 3.6 hours to 80%
• Weight: 43.9 pounds
• 18.2 by 11.3 by 9.3 inches

Characteristics and design

Anker didn’t simply create a power plant with the 757. A power station constructed by Anker doesn’t mind being seen. This is by far Anker’s most attractive power station. I am reminded of the Generark HomePower 2 by its attention to design.

The 757’s appeal extends beyond aesthetics, though. It can back itself up with some tremendous muscle. During prolonged camping trips or power outages, its 1229 Wh can power essential items. The 757 can readily power devices that need more energy when cycling on, like a home refrigerator, because it can manage power surges up to 2400 watts.

Here are some instances of how long or how many times the portable charging station made by Anker, model number 757 PowerHouse, can recharge a device:

• mobile device: 97 times
• Laptop: sixteen
• 28 hours with a 35-watt fan

There are more charging ports on the front panel of the 757 than on some other, even more potent power plants. Four 12-watt USB A ports are available. These are vintage ports that are capable of powering almost anything. Additionally, Anker provided two USB-C connections with speeds of 60W and 100W and their “smart IQ” technology, which enables quicker charging.

When compared to our wall outlet USB-C port, the 100W USB-C port is noticeably faster. In truth, there was no comparison! The Anker port destroyed it. The USB-C connector on the 757 power station powered a small Scosche battery bank I’m testing twice as quickly as the USB-C wall outlet did.

There are six AC outlets in addition to the typical 12V “cigarette lighter” car charger connector. The 757 can simultaneously power a large number of devices.

The “Power Saving” switch on the Anker 757 Powerhouse allows the power station to turn off after all connected gadgets have reached full charge. For C-Pap machines or other equipment that need to be constantly charged, Power Saving can be switched off.

The LED display of the Anker 757 PowerHouse is straightforward but efficient. It’s simple to read the numbers and other information. The typical information is displayed, including the amount of battery life left in % form and the current power consumption in watts. The 757 also provides an estimate of the remaining usage time for a device or appliance. Other, smaller indicators display input/output power, 50 or 60 Hz AC output frequency, high and low temperature alerts, which port is in use (although that may be seen by simply looking at the connected cables), and power-saving features. It should be noted that by holding down the AC port button for 2 seconds, the AC frequency can be changed to 50 or 60 Hz.

The 757 will simply shut down without damage if the combined continuous power drain of the connected devices exceeds the 1500-watt limit. The 757, however, can easily sustain surges of more than 1500 watts.

One fascinating feature is a built-in light bar that spans the entire length of the power station and is located above the LED window. Although its three brightness levels are not the brightest I’ve seen, they are better than nothing and can be used to illuminate dim areas when there is no electricity.

The 757’s back has inputs for solar and AC power. The 757 simply requires a regular power chord because there is no separate power brick. Anker charges the 757 from 0% to 80% in about one hour using what they refer to as “HyperFlash Technology.” Of course, getting to 100% may take a few extra hours, but even 80% can get you out of a pickle quickly!

Solar panels are not included, however a solar charging cable is. The 100W 625 Solar panels that work with the 757 are available from Anker. In fact, by connecting up to three panels, you can receive a total of 300W of solar power to charge your devices (providing the sun is shining, of course).

The type of batteries Anker uses in the 757 are more astounding than the abundance of practical connections and quick charging. Please be patient with me as this gets a little geeky. The 757 employs LFP (LifePO4) batteries instead of the lithium-ion batteries that are used in most power plants. The weight of LFP batteries is its biggest drawback. The weight of the 757 is roughly 10 lbs higher than it would be if it ran on lithium-ion batteries. However, the benefits exceed the drawbacks by a wide margin.

Batteries made of LFP (LifePO4) are intrinsically safer. Lithium-ion batteries have a nasty secret: without built-in safety features, they can overheat and catch fire. Batteries with LFP don’t. The life cycles come next.

The number of times a battery can be discharged and recharged before only recharging to 80% of its original capacity is the battery’s life cycle. The normal life cycle of a lithium-ion battery is 500. Simply expressed, a Li-ion battery would last little more than 1.5 years before it could only be fully charged to 80%. The Anker 757’s LFP battery has a 3,000 cycle life rating. Run the numbers. Over 8 years’ worth of daily use. Technology for batteries is fantastic. Who can predict how things will be in 8 years!

The Anker 757 PowerHouse power station is portable even with its weight, as suggested by its name. It is really simple to move it from room to room or around a campsite. It can be carried using either both handles or even just one handle, though the latter is a little more difficult. The two handles are balanced. Since the top is flat, stacking it with other objects or boxes is simple. Sadly, wireless charging is not possible with the flat top.

What I enjoy

• Beautiful design
• Practical LSD display
• lots of helpful ports
• extended warranty

What I would alter

• Expensive
• Lack of integrated wireless charging

Final Reflections

The Anker 757 PowerHouse Power Station has some impressive capabilities, but I’m more pleased by how stylishly and long-lastingly it does it. Power plants shouldn’t look this wonderful, but when they do, I’m happy. Additionally, it has a 5-year warranty, as if that weren’t remarkable enough.