Goal Zero Yeti 500X Review
Page Contents
- Four-way output
- Multiple charging methods
- Display panel
- Built-in pure sine-wave inverter and MPPT charge controller
- Overcharge protection
505Wh or 46.8Ah capacity at 10.8V
Weight: 12.9 lbs. (5.85 kg)
Dimensions: 7.75 x 11.25 x 5.8 in (19.05 x 28.58 x 14.73 cm)
Operating Usage Temp: 32-104 F (0-40 C)
Our Verdict
Goal Zero is back with another addition to its blockbuster Yeti series of solar generator kits. As a 505Wh battery, you would imagine the Goal Zero Yeti 500X to be bulky, but Goal Zero does a great job at keeping the product compact. It claims to have squeezed 20% more battery capacity in a shell that is 20% smaller and lighter than the previous model.
The power station is feature-rich, too, thanks to four different ports, high-speed charging and solar input capability. It can charge a wide variety of appliances and can be charged fast itself. The cost might not please everyone, but the product packs enough value to justify this cost. Let’s dive into this Goal Zero Yeti 500X review to discover more about it.
Compatibility
The 500X is a versatile power station that can be charged using a wall outlet at home, solar panels, and even a car’s 12V port. The wall outlet takes 8 hours to charge fully, and solar panels can charge it in as little as 3 hours. On the output side, it offers every port you can imagine – USB, USB-C, and USB-C PD ports, a 6mm port, a 12V car port, and two 120V AC output ports. The device can power almost everything, from smartphones to portable fridges. The 500X is quite similar in capacity and appearance to the Goal Zero Yeti 400 lithium.
Durability
One look at the Yeti 500X, and it is evident that the casing is all-plastic, but once you handle the device, it is also immediately evident that it has a high-quality build. The reinforced edges and rubberized stoppers protect the battery from everyday minor shocks. The makers could have improved durability by making it water-resistant, but with so many ports and a big battery inside, it is easy to imagine the increase in cost it.
Ease Of Use
Despite the many ports they sport, Goal Zero devices are known to be quite user-friendly. The 500X is no different. It has a total of 10 ports on it, but clear grouping and bright labels make it easy-to-use. DC and AC ports are grouped separately, labeled, and have a tiny LED indicator that shows when the port is in use. A display screen shows battery level and other important indicators. Goal Zero solar panels come with a single pin output, which means charging with solar panels is straightforward. Car charging is equally simple, except that you will need a specific cable for it.
Features
For its price, the 500X is a lot more than just a battery, and it succeeds at being a feature-packed device. Its versatility deserves the first mention, with an array of ports with several ways to charge or discharge. The display screen is always useful. It may be nowhere close to your smartphone screens, but it does its job well by displaying all the essential information that you should know. Using a lithium battery instead of lead-acid, Goal Zero really succeeds at making this power station super light for its capacity.
Design
The 500X carries the same design language from the Yeti family, with a black and metallic grey body with lime green accents. The design is a little boxy, but power stations do not need aerodynamics. Overall, it is simple enough to look like any power station but has enough design features to get a second look.
Portability
Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, the Yeti 500X manages to pack plenty of power in less than 13lbs weight, almost the same as the Goal Zero Yeti 150. A sturdy handle, some level of weather resistance, and compact size make it easy to carry this device. It is not comparable to a 20,000 mAh power bank, but it is amazingly portable for almost 25 times greater capacity.
What We Like
The 500X is one of the smallest looking Yetis from Goal Zero. Don’t be fooled by its size though; it packs enough juice to power a wide variety of small to medium devices, even TVs and mini-fridges. Our favorite part about this device is its flexibility to charge and be charged from pretty much everything you can think of. Whether you need something for your backyard parties, adventure outings, or simply as a reliable backup power source for power outages, the Yeti 500X does not disappoint. If you are looking for something cheaper and don’t mind some weight, check out our Goal Zero Yeti 400 review.
Pros:
- Compact and rugged
- Multiple ways to charge
- Six types of output ports
- Easy-to-use
Cons:
- High cost
- No water resistance
