Bluetti AC60 review

The Bluetti AC60 takes portable power stations to another level for photographers and videographers looking for a power solution. The capacity as standard isn’t huge, so should be looked at as a way to boost charge in batteries rather than a main power source, although used with the ANOVA Pro 2 lights, it does a decent job and will supply a couple of hours’ use at full power to two units.

The output is also limited at just 400W, an amount that can easily be consumed if you’re running cameras, lights, and laptops at the same time. However, to keep things ticking over on site, this capacity is very useful. The size is also easy and versatile with plenty of plugs and sockets for all your power needs.

What really makes the Bluetti AC60 standout is the fact that it’s expandable, and this makes it really interesting to photographers and videographers. As a base, the 400W isn’t a great deal, but partner that with the Bluetti B80 with its 800W capacity and you see a system that takes a bit of a boost, and what’s more, you can add two, giving you a total of 2KW, but in a smaller, much lighter, and more manageable form than the AC200.

Feature-wise the expansion is a big feature, but, really the biggest feature for photographers and videographers is that it’s weather-resistant. That means that when it starts to rain, you don’t have to worry about covering the battery at any speed, it’s designed to withstand moisture, rain, and more, which would make it a great companion for the new Rotolight ANOVA Pro 3’s.

Electric power stations are big news when it comes to on-site power and make a huge difference when you’re using power-hungry cameras and lights. However, being used on site also means that any power station has to be robust and built to withstand a knock or two as well as being sat or stood on.

The new Bluetti AC60 might not be designed for any of these extension activities but through the test it’s stood up to all sorts of abuse as it’s been dragged around the south of England. The smaller size of the AC60 compared with the larger units makes it more adaptable on site, and with the carry handle and compact footprint, it’s easy to maneuver and place easily on location.

The build is stylish yet tough, with the water-resistant exterior enabling you to cover all ports and sockets with rubber covers to ensure that there’s no ingress of water. By weather-resistant, that does mean that it’s fine for a splash or two, actually more thanks to the downpour I was caught in during the test, but it isn’t waterproof.

Handling-wise everything is well laid out with large rubber buttons for the on-off function, something that I like a lot. I also like the taller stance of the AC60 compared with the design of other small units, this height firstly makes it better for putting things on, but also makes it far more accessible when plugging things in.

The handle on top is an essential feature and again though of design sees this lay flat when packed away which makes it easy for storage and a convenient place to put a mug when you’re out working.

In this review, I’m looking at the AC60 in isolation and without the B80 or two B80’s to support. But, just as a note if I want to plug in one or two of those extension batteries then they simply attach to the sockets on the side.

For photographers and videographers, having a reliable and portable power source can be essential when working on location. The Bluetti AC60 Power Station is a great option as it’s small and relatively lightweight meaning that with a little lifting effort you can take it on location.

At 9.1 kg, the AC60 is far lighter than many of the larger capacity options. Its compact dimensions of 290mm × 205mm × 234mm mean that it easily packs away in the back of the van and is easy enough to store back in the studio.

When it comes to lifting around on location that weight and size also make it easy to maneuver, and with the B80 offering a similar size and weight, the three separate parts. The AC60 offers capacity expandability with the option to add two B80 battery packs. This upgrade increases the total capacity from 403Wh to a substantial 2,015Wh, ensuring you have ample power for fridges, devices, and lighting during extended projects.

One of the aspects that really appealed to me was the Weather-Proof Design which has been designed to protect the battery cells and electronics in all sorts of weather conditions from scorching heat, heavy rain, or freezing cold.

OK, so 403Wh isn’t a huge capacity but the AC60’s efficient Battery Management System (BMS) enables rapid recharging, going from 0% to 80% charge in just 45 minutes, with a full charge taking only 1 hour, that means that a quick stop off for lunch and you should be able to recharge in no time. As ever you can also connect to the Bluetti 200W Solar panels which is something that I did through the test with impressive results when it came to charge.

If you’re on a video shoot then quiet on set is important and here the Bluetti AC60 features a Silent Mode, which runs at just 45dB, to be honest I couldn’t hear a thing so all good.

I’ve already mentioned the Solar option for charging but there are multiple charging methods, including solar, car charging, and AC charging, The 600W Max AC input means you can fully charge it in under an hour.
Another feature that I really like is the App. This enables you to control the AC60 from your mobile using the Bluetti App. While this gives you the ability to monitor charging and adjust settings, you can’t see the individual power draw from each port.

As ever, there are a bunch of safety features, these include outage protection with UPS functionality, it also features a LiFePO4 battery, which is known for its stability and long lifespan.

A common feature in these power stations is a boost or in this case Power Lifting Mode, this means that AC60 can run high-powered appliances up to 1200W which can be handy, although the drain on the AC60 will see it depleted in 20 minutes at this rate.

Before delving into performance, I must commend the AC60’s design, which sets it apart as a remarkable power station. Its size and weight render it highly portable for on-location work, and the generously sized carry handle makes it relatively manageable even over longer distances.

The 400W output might seem a tad modest, and with a laptop, camera, and lighting all drawing power from the battery, it proved sufficient for a boost but not quite enough for complete reliance as the sole power source. When the laptop was plugged in, it ensured a steady charge for tasks like image transfer and checking, while also keeping the internal cells of the ZHIYUN FIVERAY lights adequately juiced.

Taking it a step further with the Rotolight ANOVA Pro2 lights, which consumed the full 72W each, the AC60 still managed to power both lamps for a substantial couple of hours without requiring a battery swap. Moreover, there was enough remaining juice to recharge a pair of V-lock batteries and camera batteries.

As mentioned earlier in the review, the slightly elevated height of the AC60 compared to many others offered a definite advantage, simplifying the process of plugging in devices.

Although I strive to avoid rain during shoots, it’s not always possible. Knowing that the battery could withstand a heavy downpour provided peace of mind as I hurriedly sheltered everything else.

Despite its modest capacity, the AC60 boasts several impressive features. Foremost among them is its weatherproofing. Additionally, the ability to expand capacity with the B80 batteries (though untested in my case) offers substantial potential. The power boost feature, which elevates the output from 600W to 1200W, is a remarkable enhancement that broadens the scope of applications for this power station.

However, what truly endears me to the AC60 is its overall design. The app connectivity streamlines socket control when needed, its size and weight make maneuvering a breeze, and the speedy recharging capability is immensely useful. Even with the solar panels, on a sunny day, it’s astounding how rapidly it replenishes its charge.

In terms of performance, when used in isolation, consider the AC60 as a battery booster for your equipment rather than a primary power source. However, attaching a B80 changes the power dynamics significantly.

I really like the Bluetti AC60; it seems to be the first power station that’s been purposefully designed for rugged outdoor use. Its design facilitates easy mobility, and its capacity should suffice for most recreational users who simply want to charge phones and run a few devices.

For photographers and videographers, the compact size and relatively lightweight build make it an invaluable asset on-site. It allows for convenient battery recharging as needed. However, the 400Wh capacity might feel a bit limiting for some. The beauty is, unlike other power stations in this size range, you can enhance your power reserve by adding up to two B80s, effectively increasing the capacity to just over 2kWh, which is quite impressive.

To top it all off, the AC60 is weatherproof – it endured more testing than expected and emerged unscathed. While there’s currently a wide array of power stations available, the AC60 truly seems to cater to the needs and requirements of on-site photographers. Its modular approach to capacity also makes it much more manageable to carry than larger capacity models like the AC200. You can opt to purchase additional capacity as your budget allows.

The Bluetti AC60 is an excellent power station, perfect for topping up your batteries on-site. Add the B80, and you’ve got the ideal solution for on-site power.