BLUETTI’s Elite 400 and Apex 300 are both large, wheeled LiFePO4 units for home backup, but they’re built for different jobs. Per BLUETTI’s US manuals and store, the Elite 400 holds more energy, 3,840Wh, and costs less, at $1,399. The Apex 300 holds 2,764.8Wh, costs $1,599, and adds 120V/240V output, a 3,840W inverter and expansion with add-on batteries. Prices are from BLUETTI’s US store on October 17, 2026; the Elite 400 page also noted that the unit “ships from late November.” Here is how to decide between them.
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BLUETTI Elite 400 on BLUETTI.com · BLUETTI Apex 300 on Amazon
We haven’t tested these side by side on camera yet. Specs below are from BLUETTI’s Elite 400 user manual (US), the Apex 300 user manual V1.1 and BLUETTI’s product pages. Runtime and cost-per-Wh figures are our own math.
The Core Trade-Off
Think of it this way. The Elite 400 is a big, sealed battery on wheels: lots of energy for the money and simple 120V outlets, plus USB and a 12V port built in. The Apex 300 is the base of a home system. It has less energy in the box but far more output, 240V, RV and generator-style outlets, and the ability to add battery packs over time.
| Question | Elite 400 | Apex 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Most energy per dollar? | Yes: about $0.36/Wh | About $0.58/Wh (our math) |
| Can it power 240V loads (well pump, dryer)? | No (120V only) | Yes |
| Can I add batteries later? | Not listed in the manual | Yes, up to six B300K packs |
| USB and 12V ports in the box? | Yes | No (sold as an add-on hub) |
| RV-style 30A outlet? | Not listed | Yes |
| Fastest UPS? | 15ms | Zero-delay on specific outlets |
Spec Comparison
| Spec | BLUETTI Elite 400 | BLUETTI Apex 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,840Wh LiFePO4 (100Ah) | 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 (51.2V, 54Ah) |
| Rated AC output | 2,600W, 120V | 3,840W, 120V/240V |
| AC outlets | 120V household outlets | 4 x NEMA 5-20R, 1 x TT-30R, 1 x L14-50R |
| USB / 12V | 2 x USB-A (15W), 2 x USB-C (100W), 12V/10A car outlet | None built in |
| Max AC charging (US) | 1,800W | Matches its full inverter rating (50A input) |
| Solar input | 1,000W, 12–60V, 20A, one XT60 | 2 x XT60, 1,200W each, 12–60V, 20A |
| AC + solar together | 2,800W (US) | Same cap as AC alone |
| UPS switchover | 15ms | 0ms (specific outlets, 240V setup) or 20ms or less |
| Self-consumption | About 15W in the manual’s runtime formula; BLUETTI’s page lists 3W standby | About 20W (manual) |
| Weight | About 85.98 lb (39 kg) | About 83.78 lb (38 kg) |
| Size | 16.8 x 11.3 x 19.3 in | 20.67 x 12.87 x 12.6 in |
| Charge / discharge temperature | 32–104°F / -4–104°F | 32–104°F / -4–104°F |
| BLUETTI US price | $1,399 | $1,599 |
Charging Modes Compared
Both offer three AC charging modes (Standard, a fast mode and Silent), set in the app. The numbers differ quite a bit.
| Mode | Elite 400 AC input (US) | Elite 400 time | Apex 300 AC input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (default) | 1,200W | About 3 h 35 min to full | 1,440W |
| Fast (Turbo) | 1,800W | 80% in about 1 h 55 min | Full inverter rating (80% in about 45 min in mild temperatures) |
| Silent | 1,000W | About 3 h 52 min | 500W |
BLUETTI’s Elite 400 page also advertises 0 to 80% in 70 minutes when AC and solar charge together at 2,800W, and AC alone to 80% in 1.9 hours (full in 2.5 hours). The bigger unit’s top charging rate needs its high-power 50A input. A standard 15A wall outlet tops out around 1,800W for either unit. Real-world wall charging at home will be closer than the headline numbers suggest.
Solar: One Port vs Two
The Elite 400 takes up to 1,000W through a single XT60 at 12V to 60V and 20A. Here’s the catch (our math): 1,000W divided by 20A means the array has to operate near 50V to hit the full rating, and its open-circuit voltage must stay under 60V even on cold mornings. In practice, two 12V-class panels in series (about 44V Voc, 36V operating) top out around 720W at 20A, so most real setups will land somewhat below 1,000W. Check your panels’ Voc and Vmp before wiring.
The 2,764.8Wh model doubles up with two solar ports at 1,200W each, for 2,400W total in its fastest mode. That suits a permanent ground-mount or roof array. For panel matching tips, see series vs parallel wiring.
Runtime With Typical Home Loads (Estimates)
Using BLUETTI’s manual formulas: for the Elite 400, capacity x 95% depth of discharge x 92% inverter efficiency, divided by (load + 15W self-consumption). For its rival, the same calculation with 90% efficiency and 20W.
| Load (assumed average) | Elite 400 | Apex 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator, 60W average | ~45 hours | ~30 hours |
| Fridge + router + lights + TV, 250W | ~12.7 hours | ~8.8 hours |
| Window AC, 500W | ~6.5 hours | ~4.5 hours |
| Space heater, 1,500W | ~2.2 hours | ~1.6 hours |
| Well pump 240V, 1,000W running | Not possible (120V only) | ~2.3 hours |
On a single charge, the Elite 400’s extra 1,075Wh gives roughly 40% more runtime at any load it can run. Its rival catches up only once you add expansion packs, up to about 19.4kWh total per BLUETTI.
Which Outlets Do You Actually Need?
Choose the Elite 400 If…
- You’ll plug appliances in directly with extension cords: fridge, freezer, router, CPAP, sump pump, lamps.
- You want phones and laptops to charge straight from the unit’s USB-C ports.
- Your loads stay under 2,600W at once.
- Your budget is firm and you want the most stored energy for it.
Choose the Apex 300 If…
- You need 240V for a well pump, a dryer or a transfer switch feeding both legs of a panel.
- You run an RV with a TT-30 inlet and want to plug the coach in directly.
- You plan to grow the system with add-on batteries over time.
- You want zero-delay switchover for sensitive electronics, which BLUETTI ties to a specific 240V setup.
Leaning toward the expandable option? Our full review covers setup in detail, and our DELTA Pro comparison and AC300 comparison weigh it against other modular systems. For a smaller BLUETTI rolling unit, see our Elite 300 review.
Living With Them
- Moving them: both weigh around 84 to 86 lb. The Elite 400’s telescopic handle and wheels make it the easier one to roll from a closet to the kitchen.
- Footprint: the Elite 400 is taller and narrower (19.3 in tall). Its rival is lower and longer, which suits sliding into an RV bay or under a shelf.
- Idle drain: BLUETTI’s page says the Elite 400 has only 3W standby, which helps it hold charge between outages. Its ECO modes can shut off outputs under light load, so BLUETTI’s manual says to disable ECO mode for fridges and lights.
- Indoor only: the Elite 400 is rated IP20. Keep either unit dry.
Elite 400 Features Worth a Closer Look
Power Lifting
Off by default. When you turn it on, the Elite 400 can run pure resistive loads rated from 2,600W to 3,900W, like kettles, electric blankets and hair dryers, while still delivering a maximum of 2,600W. The appliance simply runs a bit cooler or slower. BLUETTI warns it is not for motors or compressors, which can start at two to four times their running watts.
ECO Modes
AC-ECO and DC-ECO shut off outputs after a period of low or no load, with the threshold and timer set in the app. They can’t run while the unit charges from AC. BLUETTI’s own advice: disable ECO for refrigerators and lights, which draw little but must stay on.
Car and Generator Charging
BLUETTI’s page lists car charging at up to 1,000W with its separate Car + Solar Dual Charger, for a full charge in about 4.2 hours. That’s a useful option for overlanders. For generators, the manual recommends a pure sine wave unit and a grid-adaptive setting that helps the charger tolerate less stable generator power.
UPS Modes
Standard mode keeps the battery topped up from solar first, then the grid, and switches to battery within 15ms if the grid drops. Time Control mode charges off-peak and powers your devices from the battery during peak hours, which can trim bills on time-of-use rates.
FAQ
Which holds more energy?
The Elite 400, by about 1,075Wh. The other model can exceed it once you add expansion batteries.
Can the Elite 400 run 240V appliances?
No. Its US AC output is 120V. For split-phase 240V you need the expandable model’s 50A outlet.
Which charges faster?
The expandable model, given a 50A high-power source. On a regular 15A wall outlet, both are limited to roughly 1,800W.
Which one has USB-C ports?
The Elite 400 has two 100W USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and a 12V car outlet built in. The other unit needs a separate hub accessory for USB and 12V.
What is Power Lifting on the Elite 400?
A mode that lets it run resistive loads like kettles and hair dryers rated between 2,600W and 3,900W by limiting delivered power to 2,600W. It’s off by default and isn’t for motors or compressors.
Which is better for an RV?
The 2,764.8Wh model, thanks to its 30A RV outlet and lower profile. The Elite 400 works too, but you’d need an adapter setup from household outlets.
Bottom Line
Buy the BLUETTI Elite 400 for the most backup energy per dollar in a simple, rolling 120V package with USB and 12V built in. Buy the BLUETTI Apex 300 if you need 240V, RV and generator-style outlets, very fast charging, a 0ms UPS option or a system that grows with extra batteries. For apartment and plug-in home backup, the Elite 400 is the easier fit. For whole-circuit or off-grid builds, the Apex 300 is the more capable base.