Goal Zero is the industry leader in portable power solutions. The Yeti 500X is one of the smaller designs and is ideal for portability and off-grid adventures. It packs enough power to keep your favorite devices charged for days on end and can power many small appliances that make life more convenient. This Goal Zero Yeti 500X review will let you know what this device can power, how long you can count on it, and how long it takes to recharge. (>>> Find on Amazon)
Goal Zero Yeti 500X Review of Specifications:
| Goal Zero Yeti 500X | |
|---|---|
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| Wattage | 500Watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Capacity | 505Wh |
| Item Weight | 12.9 lbs |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12.3 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The 500X features 300 watts of continuous power and 500 watt-hours at full charge. That makes it perfect for small appliances and charging USB-powered devices, but it isn’t going to provide enough power for larger appliances like a refrigerator or a coffee maker.
AC Power Options
The Yeti 500X has two AC ports, both with pure sine wave technology to ensure that sensitive devices aren’t damaged. This is a great way to power lighting, music, or even a pellet grill for several hours.
USB Options
The Yeti 500X is perfect for USB-powered devices. Unlike other designs, this one will keep powering USB devices even when total draw is less than 10 watts. The unit provides two USB-A ports, a USB-C PD port, and a USB-C port. The power is plenty for charging cell phones, laptops, and drone batteries.
Pros
- Perfect solution when portable power is a must
- Ideal for charging phones and laptops
Cons
- Doesn’t include some charging cables that are essential
12v Power
The Yeti 500X also has the ability to power 12v devices like work lamps. It’ll even power a 12v portable refrigerator, making it ideal for camping. There is both a 12v ACC-style plug and a 6mm port for powering your favorite devices.
Recharge Rates
As with any portable power station, one of the most important things is how long it takes to charge. The Yeti 500X takes about 10 hours to charge using the included wall charger, but you can use an optional 120w charger that will get you back on the road in 4.5 hours.
The unit can be charged while you drive using the 12v power input and it will only take 4.5 hours, one of the fastest options on the market. This makes it convenient for charging when you are on the way to your favorite spot.
This generator can also be charged with solar power using optional solar panels. This unit can handle up to 100 watts of solar input and uses an advanced MPPT controller to maximize the charging capabilities. The Yeti 500X takes between 6 and 12 hours to charge with 100w panels.
Our Impression
When it comes to small, portable power, there are very few products on the market that even come close to the outstanding quality of Goal Zero products. This is an ideal option for camping, fishing, and hunting trips, and also makes a reliable backup for emergencies.
We particularly like the high watt-hour capacity for the size, since this is what keeps devices going for a long time. It weighs just under 13 lbs which is an excellent size for the amount of power it provides.
The few things we would like to see are accessories that would make this a better package. Importantly, there is no cable for 12v charging, meaning you’ll need to source one yourself. We would also like to see the unit come with the optional 120w AC charger since that device is one of the key things for getting this power generator recharged in a reasonable amount of time.
Conclusion
We really like the products from Goal Zero and they have a proven track record in real-world situations. The Yeti 500X is ideal for camping and backpacking adventures off-grid because the compact size and low weight make it highly portable. It also packs tons of power for charging camera batteries, drones, and all sorts of other small appliances and devices. (>>> Check on Amazon)