Power is one of those things we take for granted—until it’s gone.
A storm knocks out the grid, or you’re off camping in the middle of nowhere, and suddenly keeping the fridge cold or charging your laptop feels like a survival challenge. That’s where systems like the Bluetti Apex 300 with the B300K expansion come in.
It’s not just a glorified phone charger; it’s a serious piece of backup gear built to keep your home or RV running when the grid can’t. I’ve been testing it out, and here’s how it stacks up.
Form
The Bluetti Apex 300 is a home battery backup system that looks more like a rugged piece of industrial gear than a piece of consumer electronics. The main Apex 300 unit tips the scales at almost 85 pounds, while the companion B300K expansion battery adds another 65 pounds. Stacked, you’re near 150 pounds of lithium iron phosphate and inverter muscle—movable with the built-in handles or a trolley (Bluetti offers a foldable trolley for $250 to go with this equipment), but not something you’ll casually lug to a picnic.
Physically, the Apex 300 is about the size of a large cooler, with a durable, utilitarian design. The Apex 300 chassis is AC-only. There are no built-in DC or USB ports on the unit. For U.S. outlets, you get four 120V/20A receptacles, one 120V/15A receptacle, plus RV-friendly TT-30 (30A) and a beefy NEMA 14-50 (50A) for 120/240V loads. That mix tells you exactly what this box is for—real appliances.. The expansion battery connects seamlessly and extends capacity without complicating the footprint.
If you want DC or USB ports, you need to add in the Bluetti Hub D1. The accessory connects to an expansion port and adds two12 volt DC automotive outlets, two USB-C, and two USB-A outlets for more flexible charging options.
The build feels tough, like it could handle being moved around the garage or taken on a road trip without worry.
Function
The real strength of the Apex 300 is what it packs under the hood. The base unit provides 3 kW of continuous output with a surge capacity of up to 6 kW—enough to power heavy-duty appliances, not just phones and laptops. Pairing with the B300K adds a massive 3,072Wh of LiFePO₄ battery capacity, bringing the system’s total storage close to 6 kWh.
Unlike smaller portable stations, this setup isn’t just for topping off gadgets; it can run a refrigerator, space heater, or even power tools during an outage. The LiFePO₄ chemistry ensures long life and stable performance, with a rated cycle life of 3,500+ charges before dropping below 80% capacity.
Charging flexibility is another standout feature. You can recharge via standard AC, solar panels, or even a combination of inputs for faster turnaround. Solar compatibility (up to 2,400 watts) makes it especially useful for off-grid or emergency scenarios.
Experience
I’ve tested plenty of portable power stations over the years, and most fall into two camps: small enough to be handy, or big enough to be useful—but rarely both. The Apex 300 with the B300K strikes a rare balance—with an emphasis on the big enough to be useful end of the spectrum.
During a recent outage, I ran my refrigerator, internet gateway and Wi-Fi router, and a couple of lights without breaking a sweat. I only needed to rely on it for a few hours in this case, so I didn’t fully push the limit.
What impressed me most wasn’t just the raw capacity, but how quietly and reliably it delivered. Some units sound like small jet engines under load, but the Apex 300’s fans are relatively tame. The interface is straightforward, with a clear display showing input, output, and remaining runtime at a glance.
With some portable power stations, I’d have to ration power more carefully, but with this system, I could run essentials for more than a full day if I needed to. Adding solar panels to the mix could stretch that runtime considerably—or perhaps indefinitely, given enough sunlight.
Not having DC or USB ports on the face is a tradeoff. The Hub D1 solves the problem—but it’s an additional $300 accessory that you then have to bolt on after the fact.
It’s heavy, no question, but the handles and modular battery design make it manageable. I wouldn’t drag it to a picnic, but it’s a solid choice for home backup or as a semi-stationary unit in an RV or cabin.
The Verdict
The Bluetti Apex 300 with the B300K isn’t cheap. The bundle runs nearly $2,700, which puts it solidly in “serious investment” territory—and that is not including the Hub D1 or foldable trolley if you want the full package. But for that price, you’re getting a robust, expandable backup system with enough capacity to handle real emergencies—not just keep your phone alive.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable power bank, this isn’t it. But if you want peace of mind that your home essentials will keep running during an outage—or a reliable power source for off-grid living—the Apex 300 with B300K can do the job.
It’s one of the few systems I’ve tested that feels like it could genuinely replace a generator, without the noise, fumes, or maintenance.
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