EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus vs Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2: Which Should You Buy?
This is the most common matchup in portable power stations right now. Two 1000Wh LiFePO4 stations with fast charging and UPS functionality — but $350 apart in price. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus ($999) offers more power and expandability. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 ($649) offers faster charging, longer battery life, and dramatically better value.
Our pick: The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 for most buyers. It matches or beats the EcoFlow on charging speed, battery lifespan, weight, and solar input — at $350 less ($550 less at Anker’s frequent sale price of $449). The EcoFlow wins for users who specifically need 2400W output or expandability beyond 3kWh. If you’re not sure whether you need those things, you don’t — and Anker saves you real money.
Head-to-Head Specs
| Spec | EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus | Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 | $649 (~$449 on sale) | Anker |
| Capacity | 1024Wh | 1056Wh | Anker (slightly) |
| Output | 2400W / 4800W surge | 2000W / 3000W surge | EcoFlow |
| Weight | 28 lbs | 25 lbs | Anker |
| AC Charge Time | 56 minutes | 49 minutes | Anker |
| Battery Cycles | 3000 | 4000 | Anker |
| Solar Input | 500W | 600W | Anker |
| UPS Switchover | 10ms | 10ms | Tie |
| Expandable To | 5120Wh | 3168Wh | EcoFlow |
| App Quality | Excellent | Good | EcoFlow |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | Tie |
Anker wins 5 categories. EcoFlow wins 2. Two ties. The score tells the story — but context matters, so let’s break down where each advantage actually impacts your experience.
Where Anker Wins (And Why It Matters)
Price: Anker by a landslide
At MSRP, the gap is $350. At Anker’s frequent sale price ($449), the gap widens to $550. That’s not a marginal difference — it’s enough to buy two 200W solar panels, a protective carrying case, and still have money left for campsite fees.
The question isn’t whether EcoFlow is a good product (it is). It’s whether EcoFlow is $350-550 better. For most people, the answer is no.
Charging Speed: Anker by 7 minutes
49 minutes vs 56 minutes. Both are fast enough that “forgot to charge it” isn’t a crisis. But Anker’s HyperFlash consistently wins across both brands’ entire lineups — it’s a systemic advantage, not a one-model fluke.
Battery Lifespan: Anker by 1000 cycles
4000 cycles vs 3000 cycles. Both are measured to 80% remaining capacity using LiFePO4 chemistry. The practical impact: with weekly use, Anker’s battery theoretically maintains 80%+ capacity for 76 years vs EcoFlow’s 57 years. Neither is a realistic concern for most buyers, but for heavy-use scenarios (daily cycling, permanent UPS duty, commercial use), Anker’s additional 1000 cycles provide a measurable longevity edge.
Weight: Anker by 3 lbs
25 lbs vs 28 lbs. Three pounds sounds minor on paper. In practice, after carrying a power station across a campground, loading it into a truck bed, or hauling it up stairs, 3 lbs is noticeable. Anker achieves this while carrying slightly more capacity (1056Wh vs 1024Wh), making it the more efficient package.
Solar Input: Anker by 100W
600W max vs 500W max. For solar-dependent off-grid use, Anker charges about 20% faster from the same panel setup. With a pair of 200W panels, Anker reaches full charge roughly 30-45 minutes sooner than EcoFlow. Over a week-long camping trip with daily solar recharging, that time compounds.
Where EcoFlow Wins (And Why It Matters)
Output Power: EcoFlow by 400W
2400W vs 2000W. This is EcoFlow’s strongest argument. Here’s what EcoFlow runs that Anker can’t:
- A 1500W space heater + a 200W fridge + 300W of other devices simultaneously (1700W total — Anker handles this)
- Wait — actually, at 1700W, Anker handles that too
- The gap shows when you stack: a 1500W heater + a 400W fridge startup surge + 200W of devices = 2100W. That exceeds Anker’s 2000W limit but falls within EcoFlow’s 2400W capacity
In practice, the 400W difference matters for people who run multiple heavy-draw appliances simultaneously. Space heater + fridge + devices. Induction cooktop + other appliances. Power tools with high continuous draw. If your use case involves stacking high-wattage loads, EcoFlow’s headroom prevents tripped breakers.
For most users — running a fridge, charging devices, powering lights and fans — both stations handle everything comfortably. The 400W gap only appears at the edges.
Expandability: EcoFlow to 5120Wh vs Anker to 3168Wh
EcoFlow’s expansion ceiling is 62% higher. If you’re building a growing off-grid energy system — starting with one station and adding batteries over the next year or two — EcoFlow gives you significantly more room to grow. The Smart Home Panel integration (sold separately) also lets EcoFlow stations tie into your home’s electrical system, which Anker doesn’t offer.
For buyers who will use the station as-is (never expanding), this advantage is irrelevant. But for van lifers, serious boondockers, and homeowners building a backup energy system, EcoFlow’s ecosystem depth matters.
App Quality: EcoFlow is meaningfully better
EcoFlow’s app provides real-time per-outlet wattage monitoring, detailed usage history, charge scheduling, estimated runtime by device category, and a polished, intuitive interface. Anker’s app shows battery level and allows basic outlet control. If you want data and control, EcoFlow delivers a premium software experience.
Real-World Scenario Breakdown
| Scenario | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend car camping | Anker | Lighter, charges faster, plenty of power |
| Week-long boondocking | EcoFlow | Expandability lets you add capacity |
| Home backup (essentials) | Anker | Same UPS speed, better value |
| Home backup (whole house) | EcoFlow | Higher output, expandable, Smart Home Panel |
| Van life | EcoFlow | Expandability is essential for growing systems |
| Tailgating | Anker | Lighter, cheaper, more than enough power |
| CPAP backup | Anker | Both work; Anker saves money |
| Construction/job site | EcoFlow | 2400W runs more power tools |
| First power station purchase | Anker | Better value to learn what you need |
| Emergency kit addition | Anker | Faster recharging between outages |
The Bottom Line
Buy the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 if: You want the best value portable power station. It matches or beats the EcoFlow on 5 of 9 comparison metrics while costing $350-550 less. For camping, basic home backup, device charging, and general portable power, the Anker does everything the EcoFlow does at the level that matters in real-world use.
Buy the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus if: You specifically need 2400W output or expandability beyond 3kWh. These are legitimate differentiators that no other 1000Wh station offers. If you know your use case demands them, the premium is justified.
If you’re on the fence, buy the Anker. You’ll save $350-550, and if you later discover you need more output or capacity, you can sell the Anker (strong resale value) and upgrade then. Starting with the cheaper, more versatile option is the lower-risk path.