Bluetti AC60 In-depth review and testing

Today we will take some time to go though Bluetti's new AC60 portable solar generator. We will go though the device, and also compare it to Bluetti's EB3A, EB55, and EB70 models to see how it stacks up.
00:00 Introduction
04:43 Weight
07:16 Size
08:40 Ports
13:39 Physical Controls
15:25 App Controls
19:56 USB-C and USB-A Port Testing
21:18 Wireless Qi Charging Port Testing
22:16 12v Cigarette Lighter Port Testing
25:18 AC Output Testing
29:38 Sound Level Test
30:46 Grid Charging Benchmarking
33:50 Solar Charging Benchmarking
41:57 Dual Charging Test
45:47 AC Quality Test
52:08 AC and DC Efficiency Curves
58:19 UPS Mode Testing
1:08:47 Conclusion
Note: (3/21): Bluetti has informed me that the voltage drop in the 12v stress test is normal. The 12v system is designed to be able to "float charge" a 12v lead acid battery straight from the cigarette lighter socket.
Here is exactly what they said:
"The above is a normal phenomenon: the lighter has a constant current function and can charge a 12V lead-acid battery, as well as carry a 150W kettle. The current control method is: if the voltage at AC60 is lower than 5V for more than 8 seconds, the output will be shut off. Due to factors such as line loss, the actual protection voltage at the load end is about 3-5V."

[@RamblinBobReviews]

P.S. Nice to see a live review of this little guy :) Likes: heavy duty handle, Beefy design, splash proof design, protected buttons, add extra batteries (2kw), simple screen, UPS, no charger box for ac, ground screw, lifepo04, app, 120v, standby power loss, app display

[@davidlt]

This is probably the best review I have ever seen. You should definitely ignore view and subscriber count. The content is a high quality.

[@mike.briney]

Agree 100%!! I bet Jeff's channel will blow up in no time tho.. mark my words! haha

[@johntate5284]

This is the best review i have watched on KZbin! I use 2 of the EB3A's as UPS's and the idea of using my EB70 charger to turn them into a true online UPS never occurred to me, so thanks! When i originally saw the announcement for the AC60 and a couple of initial reviews, i was thinking it was a 20 pound EB3A with an IP65 rating and extra batteries, but now see it as an improved stand alone system that i want to get. I had to make a couple of ground tie plugs for the EB3A's to make them electrically safe to use as UPS's and it's nice to see a Bluetti product with a ground connector. I had to do a similar thing with my AC200MAX thru the transfer switch, as it too has no internal grounding. I'm glad to see that Bluetti recognized your superior review!

[@AmeriCreed]

Thanks for the indepth review. I was going to purchase an EB3A unit, but now I think I'm opting for the AC60. Great info.

[@timfuller6206]

Always a good review and Bluetti seem at the cutting edge and solid build. I have this and 2 x B80 batteries. The best feature is that I can independently charge each unit with a 200w solar panel giving a max of 600w. Only have two and to be honest that’s more than adequate. The only thing I don’t get is the 600w inverter. It runs nothing I can think of that runs better DC? I think this is best suited to camping and running a compressor DC/AC fridge and for me an iPad Pro and iPhone. Run the fridge on DC and no need for AC at all.

[@mclaine33]

Excellent review!! You went so deep into detail, so I really appreciate it. My only concern about this device is that it’s essentially almost too much like the EB3A. Yes the ability to expand on batteries is awesome but I’m genuinely surprised that Bluetti went with only a 600 watt inverter with 200 watt solar input maximum. That’s the exact same as the EB3A. Now it makes sense on that device given how small it is, but this device is about twice as big as the EB3A. I cannot believe that they didn’t go with a 800 or 1000 watt inverter and a solar charging input that is higher, maybe like 400-500 watts input. It really is a shame and I think Bluetti dropped the ball on that. Once again, thank you for the great review.

[@jamesmorrowcjjames6327]

Jeff-Thank you for another incredibly informative and educational review. You do credit to yourself and the tech community-always!!

[@Jayling]

Thanks so much for your in-depth review of the AC60, Jeff - well done, sir! Wish I had the funds to get a bigger portable solar generator than the little EB3A's, but it is what it is. Anyway, thanks again!

[@jampam-jf8mt]

There's plenty of much better value power stations

[@silversteeler2851]

Excellent review. I have 3 smaller gens. Eb3a 50. 70 so I don't believe this will of be use to me as I'm going bigger now that I have a Max and 200p. So expansion batteries are in the works for now. I like the design and continued bluetooth access.

[@user-jk7ru7eu2d]

It was very helpful. I'm thinking of using an audio device with a portable power supply. EB3A and AC60 were mentioned as candidates for use, so the THD value graph was very helpful. The average power consumption of my audio equipment is 75w, so it's interesting that the EB3A has better THD at this wattage. Hopefully the EB3A's fan noise and spinning frequency won't interfere with the audio... Thanks again for the very helpful videos!

[@maryetdave]

Really nice review, this unit will be perfect for our needs. The only thing id like Bluetti to give us is the ability to adjust the screen on time.

[@rizipt]

Very thorough as always. I'm interested to see how the B80 works with the EB series.

[@myfpv6813]

Great review! Thanks for Your time, also for explanation of each test. That is a great value of knowledge for fresh sogen users. Looking forward to Your test of dust/water raiting (I do hope they send You finished unit for that after all this work!) and also thise battery tests

[@carolannbest1925]

Thank you for sharing your expertise with us..your video is very informative..creating a real awareness for me..I own the eb55 and the eb3a..ty again.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

The Ac300 app needs some of those extra features. It would be nice to see the current and volts coming in from Solar. Data Logging would be even better for any of their devices

[@calvincardioid]

Thank you for the Sound Test section! How loud/noisy is it, when only used in UPS mode? Is it "kicking-in" all the time, or is the unit mostly relaxing?

[@LaraSatoriHarris]

I'm so envious of your primo gadgets! I could buy an oscilloscope, but I have no practical use for one. Still... :D. ANYway, this would be an excellent set up in a low-build van for someone with low upper body strength who wants to be able to bring their equipment inside to charge or store. Lifting my b300 and ac200p at an angle (out of a cabinet/tiedown) is dicey for me. Also, I like your point that a lower capacity unit with more targeted efficiency might deliver better value.

[@pb5533]

Just curious...the power lifting mode works for griddles and coffee makers but I was wondering how well it works for Induction cooktop plates? I have a portable induction unit that will go down to 800w to boil water...but will the reduced voltage affect the computer chips in the induction cooker? I'm thinking of just using t to boil water for coffee and heat up some cold soup stock. Thx

[@PrestonWolfe-xc7hr]

Great review! Thanks!

[@mekon1971]

Definitely interested in this. I currently use my EB3A daily for my CPAP, primarily charged by solar, but sometimes I have to use the AC charger on cloudy rainy days. The battery on the EB3A is good for basically 1 night, if I go to bed at 100% I usually wake up around 20%. This seems to have more battery and with the battery expansion would allow multiple nights, perhaps allowing me to stay with solar only charging for it. But like all things, it really boils down to price - have been eyeballing some bigger units, but this may be the fit I've been looking for somewhere in the middle while I continue to explore solar.

[@edwindeleon]

What many dont know is that you actually add battery expansion for the eb3a and most solar generators by using the solar/car charge port and an external 12v or 24v battery!!

[@edwindeleon]

Here is a video of me extending the capacity of MY EB3A with an external battery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hme8qouhn8dsbsk

[@UPdan]

@@edwindeleon As long as you match battery types, correct?

[@rizipt]

You might be real interested to know that the expansion battery for this unit B80 will work with your EB3A if you get the adapter for it.

[@edwindeleon]

@@UPdan you can use any battery types as long as its 12-30v max. BUT lifepo4 is best as its most dense of power potential.

[@MikeGotta]

Nicey done. You're right - I think people will look at this for teardrop trailers and vans. If you are running mostly a DC environment for camping, any idea why they did not go with a 12v/30a plug like they have in the AC200 Max (what I have). This is interesting because of the batter expansion and a lot less weight for a tear drop scenario.

[@rodfer5406]

Great video. Thanks!

[@jampam-jf8mt]

So you're adding the weight of another power brick when weighing the eb55..what about adding an extra battery and inverter when weighing the ac60 has a much smaller battery and a smaller inverter than the eb55?

[@mike.briney]

Nicely done bud!

[@kevinmaniece4421]

Jeff I have a question... Which would use more electricity from your wall socket? Using the offline mode in silent charging or using the online mode using the t200 charging brick? This is in regards to the AC180....

[@aaroncallejas6768]

First one to make a video on it, nice Job

[@dominodoggy1]

Are they going to start making IP65 solar panels? I don't really need an IP65 power station. Dust resistance is neat, I guess, but I don't plan on using a power station out in the rain. I might accidentally leave my panels set up while rain comes through, and that's the part that I need protected from rain. The power station is going to be under a roof.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Thanks for the thorough review. This paired with B80 just might be my first unit ever, for future full time car/van life to power 12v fridge and other items. I like the portability to charge on the go while having one unit keeping the fridge running. Curious how a 6qt instant pot would work on this (1000w?)

[@mannyfragoza9652]

200 watts solar max even with the extra batteries seem almost defeating.? Great review BTW I dont plan on buying this solar generator (i have plenty) but i really like all the testing with the special equipment you use that made me watch the entire video.

[@ometofu]

The expansion unit got its own solar inputs

[@mannyfragoza9652]

@@ometofu yeah that makes sense but its an added cost. But i like this AC 60 a lot too bad i got so much money invested in many other solar generators and cant really afford anymore or i would def buy this one.

[@ometofu]

@@mannyfragoza9652 i would buy it too but as UPS for my garage door and backup for the fridge…lol

[@mannyfragoza9652]

@@ometofu hahah funny man

[@intech7863]

Hello i find rigid solar panel 12v 120w with voc 24.64V is this dangerous to use it with this ac60 unit?

[@jampam-jf8mt]

So basically it has the same inverter size and a slightly bigger battery capacity than the EB3a and a few other non essential features for a price premium over the already expensive eb3a

[@ktmrider8768]

Hi and thank you for the video ! I was wondering which cells and in which configurations i.e 12S6P this system is using. I am trying to figure it out but I cannot do so, thank you !

[@markkimmerling4251]

Excellent!

[@lambda7652]

For the Inverter test you trust the meter meter on the device?! This "Power meter" can’t measure Watts its only VA ans since your using a "Dimmer" your waveform is fairly distorted and the Power factor is not ideal

[@youdidist]

❤

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

Bluetti took my money, then tells me they don't even begin to ship for almost Two Months in late June 2023. Why push or advertise this unit, charge people, and then don't even ship for months. That's the last Bluetti for us!

[@GaryOutdoorsLiving]

So is this the same as the Ac180?

[@bernerusus]

Nice Review. Can you tell if the unit turns on automaticly when plugged into AC/DC? Like the EB3A.

[@brimu]

Yes, it will automatically turn on when you supply either AC or DC.

[@WaveformScience]

Yes, it powers on automatically when it gets any type of input power.

[@roxychic367]

Hey Jeff Are you guys in the USA getting the AC180 too?

[@jamesmorrowcjjames6327]

I’ve only seen an Aussie version so far. Jeff-any idea if there will be a U.S. version?

[@WaveformScience]

Stay tuned for more information on that.

[@markhunt6573]

​@@jamesmorrowcjjames6327 bluetti says it will be May 31 for USA

[@AskIveSolar]

Greetings Sir, when you said you don't plan to make money from KZbin. I thought famous last words in a playful way. :) When / if you realize the scale at which you can help viewers and make money by doing it the right way, you might change your mind and you should. Just something to think about.

[@roxychic367]

That’s not great there is no wifi option 😕

[@ometofu]

Actually better with Bluetooth when u camping or just a portable unit

[@Francoisdp82]

IP65 = water resistant. Not proof.

[@WaveformScience]

Very correct. I call out and show the definition of IP65 in the intro sections