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In the midst of transitioning from New York City to Florida, adapting to the local climate has become essential, particularly given the region’s frequent rainstorms and hurricanes. This situation calls for a reliable backup power supply to navigate potential outages.
With a strong background in technology, my home office features a laptop and monitor that I managed to set up seamlessly. While familiar with portable chargers and power banks, I had not previously utilized a power station of the size of the Anker 535 PowerHouse.
Upon securing the Anker 535 PowerHouse, I aimed to evaluate its performance against its notable 4.6-star rating and $500 price. To conduct a comprehensive test, I fully recharged the unit, monitoring its AC, USB-C, and USB-A ports while charging an iPhone, MacBook Air, Nintendo Switch, and Bluetooth headphones. I also assessed its ability to power my desk lamp.
The results were promising. The Anker 535 PowerHouse successfully charged multiple devices simultaneously, making it a worthy investment for individuals preparing for adverse weather conditions or engaging in outdoor activities without easy access to power sources. However, its price point may seem high for everyday users primarily seeking to charge personal devices.
Anker PowerHouse: User-Friendly Design for Beginners
Unboxing the Anker 535 PowerHouse revealed a user manual filled with informative diagrams detailing the charging process and the various port functionalities, including four AC ports, one USB-C, and three USB-A ports. Setup was straightforward, as I easily connected the car port charger and power adapter for charging.
The unit’s integrated light was an added bonus, easily activated with a button push. However, it’s worth noting that cables required for charging devices such as laptops and phones are not included, which could be inconvenient given the product’s $500 price tag.
Charging Time of the Anker 535 PowerHouse Battery
Following the instructions, I began by fully charging the device. The included adapter advertised a full recharge in four-and-a-half hours. Upon connecting it, I discovered the device was at 27 percent capacity. It took only three-and-a-half hours to reach a complete charge, aligning well with the manufacturer’s claims considering its 512Wh capacity.
Efficient Charging for Multiple Devices with the Anker 535 PowerHouse
During testing, I ran my MacBook Air, iPhone, Bluetooth headphones, and Nintendo Switch concurrently. The charging times were as follows:
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Charging my phone from zero to 100 percent took two hours and 20 minutes.
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The MacBook Air charged from zero to 100 percent in two hours and 10 minutes.
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The Nintendo Switch took two hours and 50 minutes to fully charge.
Under three hours to charge all devices concurrently was impressive. The LCD display provided real-time data on power consumption and remaining battery life, enhancing usability. I also tested the AC port with my desk lamp, which powered on without hassle, and the battery only decreased to 74 percent after extensive charging—an impressive feat.
Limitations of the Anker 535 PowerHouse’s AC Connections
While I aimed to power my whole office using the Anker 535 PowerHouse, it became apparent that my monitor’s three-prong AC power cord was incompatible, as the device only accepts two-prong cords. This limitation should be considered when planning to use the power station with certain appliances.
Is the Anker 535 PowerHouse a Worthy Investment?
Evaluating the value of the Anker 535 PowerHouse depends largely on personal needs. For residents in hurricane-prone areas, this power station is a sound investment, demonstrating the capacity to efficiently charge multiple devices simultaneously. However, due to its weight and size, it may not be ideal for everyday use for those primarily needing to charge smaller gadgets. For outdoor enthusiasts requiring power for multiple appliances, the Anker 535 PowerHouse presents a compelling option for $500, or potentially as low as $330 during sales.
