Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,516 Wh | Yeti 1500X leads
AC180 1,152 Wh
Yeti 1500X 1,516 Wh
Yeti 1500X: +364 Wh (+31.6%).
AC180 vs Yeti 1500X
1,800W
Running power
2,000W
1,152 Wh
Battery
1,516 Wh
36.2 lbs
Weight
45.6 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing raw power and device coverage against longevity and portability. The Yeti 1500X delivers 2000W of running power and 3500W surge, giving it a clear edge for high-draw appliances. It powered 43 of 53 tested devices versus 39 for the AC180, earning a higher compatibility score of 82.5 to 73.5.
Its 1516 Wh battery and optional expansion module add flexibility for extended home backup scenarios. The AC180 fights back with LFP chemistry rated for 3500 cycles, seven times the Yeti's 500-cycle NMC lifespan, plus a 20ms UPS function for keeping sensitive electronics online during outages. At 36.2 lbs, it is nearly 10 lbs lighter, a real factor for camping or tailgating.
The tradeoff is straightforward: broader device support and more watts now, or a battery that will last years longer with easier portability.
Overall Winner
Yeti 1500X
Powers 43 of 53 tested devices vs 39 for AC180
Home backup: Yeti 1500X RV / mobile: AC180 Solar: AC180
Yeti 1500X wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose AC180 if...
- + Portability matters (36 lbs vs 46)
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,500 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
Choose Yeti 1500X if...
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,000 W | Yeti 1500X leads
AC180 1,800 W
Yeti 1500X 2,000 W
Yeti 1500X: +200 W (+11.1%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 W | Yeti 1500X leads
AC180 2,700 W
Yeti 1500X 3,500 W
Yeti 1500X: +800 W (+29.6%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 36.2 lbs | AC180 leads
AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
Yeti 1500X 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg)
AC180: -9.5 lbs (20.8% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 cycles | AC180 leads
AC180 3,500 cycles
Yeti 1500X 500 cycles
AC180: +3,000 cycles (+600.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 4 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 39 · Differences: 8% (4/53) · Neither can run: 10
Neither can run · 10 devices
These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC180 | Yeti 1500X |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,152 Wh | 1,516 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 1,800 W | 2,000 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W | 3,500 W ✓ |
| Weight | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) ✓ | 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg) |
| Energy Density | 70.2 Wh/kg | 73.2 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | portable |
| Chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Cycle Life | 3,500 ✓ | 500 |
| Expandable | No | Yes |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC180
Faster Max solar input 500 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~4.1h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 12-60V
Yeti 1500X
Max solar input 600 W
Connector Anderson + DC7909
Full charge time ~5.4h
Compatible panels 17/20
MPPT: 14-50V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC180Yeti 1500X
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Yeti 1500X | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 5h | Safe | 6.6h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Tight | 0.9h |
Entertainment(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/75/7
4/7
5/7
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Yeti 1500X | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 9.7h | Safe | 12.8h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Tight | 1.2h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.8h | Safe | 1h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Soft Start | 0.8h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 1.5h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Yeti 1500X | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 5.9h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/1111/11
10/11
11/11
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Yeti 1500X | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.5h | Safe | 0.6h |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.6h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 0.7h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.6h |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 1.1h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.7h | Safe | 3.5h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.6h |
Large Appliances(4)
3/43/4
3/4
3/4
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Yeti 1500X | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.6h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.9h | Safe | 5.1h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 0.8h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/65/6
5/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/51/5
0/5
1/5
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The Bottom Line
Grab the AC180 if battery longevity, lighter weight, and built-in UPS matter more than peak wattage. The Yeti 1500X suits buyers who need to run bigger loads, want expandable storage, and prioritize covering the widest range of devices.
Between the two, the Yeti 1500X is the stronger overall pick for home backup and heavy-duty use, earning the higher score across our 53-device test. In our 53-device benchmark, AC180 powers 39 devices and Yeti 1500X powers 43.
AC180 vs Yeti 1500X FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or Yeti 1500X?
Yeti 1500X is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or Yeti 1500X?
Yeti 1500X has higher battery capacity (1,516 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
AC180 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, AC180 or Yeti 1500X?
AC180 is lighter at 36.2 lbs vs 45.6 lbs. AC180 is rated portable for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Yeti 1500X powers 43 of 53 tested devices, compared to 39 for AC180.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC180 or Yeti 1500X?
Only Yeti 1500X supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. AC180 is limited to its built-in 1,152 Wh.
Q Does AC180 or Yeti 1500X have UPS mode for power outages?
Only AC180 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.