Anyone who owns a home enjoys camping or works remotely should consider owning a portable power station, like the Andes 1500 from Ampace, for example. This ultra-efficient, sustainable power station is backed by major players in the battery manufacturing industry, and after putting it to the test, I can say it delivers quality portable power in a number of helpful ways.
You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.
Hands-on with the Andes 1500 Power Station from Ampace
The Ampace Andes 1500 only comes in one color, but there are several different bundles available containing solar charging panels of varying wattage. The smallest package, which includes the power station only, has an MSRP of $999. However, Ampace often offers sales and discounts, so be sure to keep an eye on pricing.
Features at a glance:
- 1,462 watt-hour (Wh) capacity
- 2,400W output power (up to 3,600W using A-Boost mode)
- Features 13 output ports:
- 4x USB-A Ports (12W)
- 2x USB-C Ports (100W)
- 1x Car Outlet (120W)
- 2x DC5521 Output Ports (120W)
- 4x AC Sockets (2,400W)
- Power Station can be recharged using AC Plug, Car Plug, or Solar Panel (sold separately)
- Wall Charge: 55 minutes with A-Boost
- Car Charge: 16 hours
- Solar Charge: 3-5 hours
- Lithium Iron Phosphate battery chemistry enables faster charging
- Up to 50% faster than similar competitive models
- Andes 1500 can endure 6,000 charging cycles with an approximate lifespan of 10+ years
- That’s 12x more charging cycles than some competitors
- Each purchase comes with a 5-year warranty
9to5Toys’ take
The Andes 1500 from Ampace is a 1,462 Wh power station housing Lithium Iron Phosphate battery cells, which can recharge the station faster than other cell chemistries. Ampace results from a joint venture between Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) and the world’s leading battery manufacturer, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited).
As such, this Ampace portable power station features advanced battery technology and a slew of other components to help it stand out in a crowded energy storage system (ESS) market. For example, the Andes 1500 is powered by SiCPrime technology, which helps improve its charging efficiency and thermal conductivity for better heat dissipation and reduced energy loss. All while maintaining a lower fan noise (<30dB) for less distracting sounds while operating.
The entire haul is shown in the image above. The package is simple but includes everything you need to get started, including AC and Car charging cords, a carrying bag, and user manuals. Setting everything up was as easy as unboxing everything and laying it all out.
First, I had to charge the power station. As mentioned above, this power station can replenish its battery using a car adapter or solar panels, but I chose the quickest route using a standard 120V plug in my home.
As you will see in my video review below, green light bars on top of the Ampace Andes 1500 show the power station’s charging progress, but the front display screen (pictured above) provides more detailed specs, including charge rate and progress percentage.
The Ampace Andes 1500 has 13 outlets for powering your devices, including 4xAC ports, 2x100W USB-C ports, and 4x18W USB-A ports. There’s also an extra battery port in case you want to stack your stored energy in case of power outages. Furthermore, this Ampace portable power station can charge 13 devices at once at an AC output of 2,400W and can power 99% of your household appliances up to 3,600W if needed.
At 36.8 pounds, the Andes 1500 is easily portable but may require two hands to carry. It’s not the most portable power station I’ve encountered, but that’s the trade-off for more energy storage. Still, under 37 pounds is relatively light for a model this large, so I’d say the Andes 1500 can still travel with you to most places. You’d probably want something smaller if you’re backpacking.
For power outages, Ampace has also added a flashlight feature that varies in brightness and can be a strobe for emergencies or dance parties. Another cool feature is your ability to monitor and control all of the Andes 1500’s power usage from anywhere using the Ampace app.
To test this Ampace power station, I plugged my entire office setup into it, including my laptop, monitor, standing desk, and phone. Even with all those devices, I had plenty of open plugs available if needed, and by the Andes 1500 estimates, I could have powered everything for 19 straight hours.
Overall, the Ampace Andes 1500 is a powerful and efficient portable power station that can handle all your energy needs, whether you need peace of mind in an emergency or portable power for remote working, camping, or just watching a movie in the backyard.
Its ten-year lifespan and 5-year warranty are added bonuses and speak to the quality of this product. This particular portable power station usually costs $1,399, but Ampace often runs sales you’ll want to keep an eye on.
If you’d like to learn more about the Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station, watch my full video review to see it in action.
Buy the Ampace Andes 1500 Portable Power Station
FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links
Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!
