Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review (Lithium Portable Power Station)

Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review: Goal Zero is the company that was the main catalyst for the portable power station segment about 15 years ago. This included the first lithium-ion powered unit which started the current battle between solar generators. Goal Zero is one of the most well-known brands in the world of portable power.

The category leaders often fall behind competitors when it comes to features. This was apparent in the Yeti 1500X, a portable electric power source. Yeti 1500X offers solid fundamentals from the longest-running brand of portable electric power units.

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is the best-selling large portable power station. It’s located at the mid-point between the small Yeti 200X, and the more substantial 106-pound Yeti 6000X (which is, ironically, roughly the same size as the Yeti cooler (there’s no connection to the brands).

There are a lot of pages on the technical specifications that come with the Yeti 1500X alone, but to avoid infuriating our non-electricians we’ll limit it to. It has 1,516 watts of power (140.4 amp hours with 10.8 voltages).

Most of you are familiar with milliamps which is the standard measurement used for power banks that are small and flashlight batteries. Yeti 1500X capacity is more than 140,000 milliamps. Here’s a quick overview of the performance of a couple of popular gadgets:

  • Smartphone (12Wh) – – 127 recharges
  • Laptop (50Wh) (50Wh) – 31 recharges
  • Headlamp (5Wh) Recharges 303 times
  • 42″ LED TV (100W) 15 hours
  • Mini Fridge (35W) 44 hours
  • Full-Size Refrigerator (65W) – 21 hours

In terms of practicality, it’s not a replacement for an entire house generator, however, this unit weighs 46 pounds and can keep the family’s tiny electronics running for up to a week.

It will also keep your fridge or any other big appliances on for long enough to last through the majority of short blackouts in your neighborhood.

Pros

  • Metal body with a rugged look
  • Quiet performance
  • It is possible to leave the plugin
  • Modular expansion

Cons

  • Very slow charge rates for AC when using included charging devices.
  • The app is basic
  • Insufficient AC ports.
  • USB-C only allows 60-watt output
Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station - Yeti 1500X w/ 1,516 Watt Hours Battery Capacity, USB Ports & AC Inverter - Includes Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel, For Camping, Outdoor, Off-Grid & Home Use
  • Power. Anything. Anywhere. This portable backup power supply is versatile enough...
  • 10 Versatile Ports, 1,516 Wh Capacity: Power most small and large appliances and...
  • Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the Boulder 100 Briefcase: Turn your Yeti...
  • Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized...
  • This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet,...

Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X design and specifications

Battery Capacity:
1,516 watt-hours (10.8 volts, 140.4 amp-hours)

Battery Type:
Lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC)

Operating Temperature:
32-104 degrees F

Dimensions:
15.3 inches x 10.2 9.4 x 10.4 inches

Weight:
46 pounds

Inputs (AC or Solar):
1x 600W high-power charging port, 2x 150W 8mm charging ports

Outputs:
2x AC outlets, 1x USB-C PD port (input or output), 1x USB-C QC port, 2x USB-A ports, 2x 6mm accessory ports, 1x 12V car port, 2x high-power ports, 1x Goal Zero expansion module port

MSRP:

$2,000 (or $2,200 if you use the Boulder 100 solar briefcase)

This robust, well-constructed unit has a powerful 1,500-watt capacity inside an aluminum-bodied shell.

If you require just some extra power to get through an outage for a camping excursion, 1500 watt-hours might be a good option according to us.

You’ll get 50% more power than standard 1,000-watt-hour power plants, but it still keeps the weight to the tiniest of weights, which is 45 pounds.

As you progress to the more powerful 2,000-watt-hour or 3,000-watt-hour models, you begin seeking a cart with wheels and another person to help move the “portable” power station around.

In terms of ports In ports, in ports, the Yeti 1500X features what you’d expect from a mix of DC and AC ports. In terms of DC output, it comes with the 12-volt “cigarette” power plug, an array of 6mm DC outputs, and a set of Powerpole connectors that support up to 300 watts of output.

To charge small devices to charge your devices, this Yeti 1500X features a pair of USB-A ports, as well as two USB-C ports.

The top charge rate that you can get from one of the Yeti 1500X’s USB-C ports is sixty Watts, which is enough for laptops with smaller capacities.

The USB-C port is compatible with QuickCharge 3+ for up 20 watts, while the second one supports USB Power Delivery for up to 60 watts.

This is fine for the majority of thin and light laptops, such as the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro 13 however, larger power-hungry laptops like the XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16 will charge at a lower rate because Yeti 1500X Yeti 1500X don’t support the USB-PD 100-watt charge rate.

The good thing is that you are able to plug your laptop’s AC adapter into the AC inverter, however, 60 watts aren’t much for this type of device.

For AC it comes with two of the familiar Type A wallplugs running off the inverter that is pure sine wave. This is also off the beaten path in terms of plug counts since comparable models generally have more.

Yeti somewhat makes up for the fewer ports by offering a higher average output of around 2,000 watts and the capacity to surge up to 3,500 watts.

The models that are competing from EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti come with a selection of three to 6 AC Wall plugs however generally, they are rated around 1,800 watts.

Certain models competing with each other have advanced limits on higher watts too. For instance, Bluetti’s EcoFlow Delta 2 along with Bluetti’s latest AC180 come with modes that allow continuous operation of 2,700 power by lowering their voltages.

These modes are best suited to items that don’t have a problem running at lower voltages like an electric space heater and electric kettle.

To charge ports for charging, The Yeti 1500X features two DC ports and Anderson Powerpole. Each port can be equipped with multiple inputs to charge from different sources like solar sources or AC.

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X performance

Is The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Worth It? Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review

Our team tested Yeti 1500X before I write this Goal Zero Yeti 1500x review article. Our tests measured an average efficiency of 83 percent of 1,267 watt-hours from the Yeti 1500X under a 200-watt constant load. However, efficiency drops when a load is higher than 800 watts up to 1,093 watts-hours which is 72 percent.

This is roughly in line with EcoFlow’s Delta 2–not fantastic, however, not bad. Both models are outperformed by Jackery’s brand new Explorer Pro 1500, which we measured at 81 % under 200 watts and an even higher 83 % under the load of 800 watts. In all, it’s a bit above the standard for performance.

The Yeti 1500X is compatible with both Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi, and the user experience is good, but not as comprehensive as its competitors.

For instance, you can’t alter the time that the device automatically turns off ports when it is not being used. You can upgrade firmware with the app, however, this is crucial for any future updates.

Time required to charge Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

We were not surprised by the inverter. It displayed stunning pure sine waves in our oscilloscope. The place where the Yeti 1500X really shines is in the charging circuit.

Contrary to the majority of its top-of-the-line competitors, which incorporate charging circuits, the Yeti 1500X uses an external laptop-style power circuit that allows charging of up to 120 Watts.

The charger is able to be used on the outside of the unit or in the compartment for storage at the top (where another charging port is also located.)

If 120 watts does not seem like much but it’s actually not. In fact, taking the device from empty to fully charged can be a long 12.5 hours to charge using the charger that came with it.

Goal Zero sells a heftier 600-watt charger ($200) which cuts the charging time to just three hours however, it’s not as fast as its rivals.

The EcoFlow Delta 2, for instance, is able to charge at around 1,200 watts (1,600 with the Delta 2 Extra Battery attached) The same is true for the brand-new Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro. Bluetti’s latest AC180 can power upwards of 1,440 watts when in its Turbo mode when needed.

It basically means that rival units can go from being empty to full within an hour or less when operating off of the AC.

If you are experiencing an extended outage and you are able to drive to your workplace or to a relative’s home and have the ability to recharge, this will mean less wait time than those of the Yeti 1500X.

Solar charging is in line with competitors with a maximum charge rate that is 600 watts.

We also discovered that, of all our power sources, the Yeti 1500X was perhaps the highest self-discharge rate with power dipping a couple of percent over a month’s being in.

The good thing is, however, it is Goal Zero recommends you keep the Yeti 1500X connected whenever it is possible.

It’s quite different than other brands, who generally recommend disconnecting the wall when the device is fully charged, but not to plug them in for the duration of time.

This means that instead of the battery being at 50 percent or even more in an emergency in an emergency, this Yeti 1500X is able to be kept in full charge at all times.

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station - Yeti 1500X w/ 1,516 Watt Hours Battery Capacity, USB Ports & AC Inverter - Includes Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel, For Camping, Outdoor, Off-Grid & Home Use
  • Power. Anything. Anywhere. This portable backup power supply is versatile enough...
  • 10 Versatile Ports, 1,516 Wh Capacity: Power most small and large appliances and...
  • Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the Boulder 100 Briefcase: Turn your Yeti...
  • Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized...
  • This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet,...

Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What kind of battery does the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X use?

The battery chemistry that is used in Yeti 1500X’s battery chemistry Yeti 1500X could also be thought of as negative in comparison to the latest products. Utilizing lithium-ion NMC cells The Yeti 1500X is rated at 500 cycles and 80 percent capacity. That is a bit low compared to Jackery Explorer 1500s 1,500 cycles (also making use of NMC chemical composition).

This is even more abysmal when compared to models like Bluetti AC180 or the EcoFlow Delta 2 or Bluetti AC180 that utilize lithium iron phosphate or LFP batteries. They are classified as having 3,000 cycles or 80 percent.

If this scares you too much, think about the fact that a majority of people don’t use any power source that often in normal usage.

If you’re like the majority purchasing it for the unexpected or camping, or for occasionally, they need the power of equipment from a wall outlet If you’re like most, the Yeti 1500X will give you many years of reliable service.

In fact, you can expect it to last longer than the life of your smartphone or laptop that uses the same batteries, but with much more harsh charging cycles.

However, for those who plan to cycle a power plant, like in an off-grid vehicle life, yes, a battery that has longer duty cycles could be the best choice.

Unboxing The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X And Its Initial Issues

When we received our first Yeti 1500X tester unit in this Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review, we took the decision that we would fully charge it on its first attempt. It didn’t happen smoothly.

We put the charge “brick” in the accessory tray, on top of the Yeti and then plugged it into the wall, and then walked away for approximately 90 minutes.

The cover with the flip-up feature was left open, and this unit charged inside a temperature of 78 degrees air-conditioned room. However, when we returned to find that the brick was hot to the touch and it was no longer charging.

The brick was so hot that it created a hole was created in the plastic tray that was underneath it. After this incident, it was discovered that the Yeti began to exhibit bizarre behavior, like loudly chirping every couple of minutes.

We phoned Goal Zero and spoke to an extremely friendly and sympathetic customer service representative who guided us through some tests on the phone.

It was ultimately discovered that the Yeti was required to be exchanged for a brand-new unit covered by warranty.

The good news is that Goal Zero quickly shipped us an alternative Yeti as well as a new charger. Everything was working normally this time.

A representative of the company stated that the high temperature could be the result of the power brick being defective, and added that this is the first time they’ve witnessed a brick fail in this manner. However, we didn’t have any other issues after that.

Testing The Yeti

Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Lithium Portable Power Station Review

We used for a few months this Yeti 1500X, both around the house as well as in remote locations. It was able to power a range of USB devices that included radios, phone flashlights, and camera battery chargers.

Two five-volt 2.4A Ports for USB A, an 18W USB-C Quick Charge (QC) port and a 60W USB power delivery (PD) port are able to take care of most small to medium electronic devices effortlessly.

In the garage In the garage, in the garage, Yeti was able to power a Dremel drill, and a huge shop vac, without making a snort. Inside the home, we tried it with multiple fans, a television, and a blender, as well as an espresso maker computer charger, and even a mini fridge with no issues.

Oddly enough, the only acceptable device that we could find that caused the Yeti problem was a car camping air mattress inflator, which was connected through the 12V DC car accessory port.

The pump was marked as 8A, which was less than the port’s maximum draw of 13A. However, it still triggered the circuit protection feature of the Yeti which would result in a red light flashing on the output button for the device.

It is possible that activating the pump resulted in an instantaneous spike over its claimed 8A rating. Fortunately, the process of it’s not necessary to worry about the throwing of a breaker or replacement of an exploded fuse. just press the button, and observe the light change to a white-red hue.

It’s important to note that the Yeti was able to run an air pump similar to one that was connected to its AC wall outlets which are inverters and so, you should select the right mattress inflator when you plan to utilize the Yeti to go camping in your car.

If you have installed the Goal Zero app on your smartphone, you are able to pair it to the Yeti to check the status of charging or control preferences, enable or deactivate ports, as well as upgrade the firmware of the device. It can be done from close by via Bluetooth or from anywhere using WiFi Direct Connect.

To increase the flexibility of the Yeti We bought a few additional accessories.

The first is that first, the Yeti Roll Cart would be highly suggested for anyone planning to utilize the power station in anything other than an upright location. It allows you to move the 46-pound power station considerably simpler.

We also received the two Goal Zero Light-A-Life 350 LED lanterns They come with an integrated, daisy-chainable power cord as well as carabiners.

They are perfect for hanging in an awning or tent close to the Yeti and are capable of producing 350 lumens of white light for a long time.

An 800W power source for a wall will make it possible to charge the Yeti within just three hours, compared to 14 hours using the normal wall charger.

For a complete off-grid-capable set-up, we combined our Yeti 1500X with a Goal Zero Boulder 100 Solar Briefcase.

It is comprised of two panels with a 50W power source welded to form a sturdy aluminum frame. To transport it easily it could fold in half, and then be stored inside a canvas bag included.

If our Yeti has to be filled off, we simply unfold our “briefcase,” prop up the stand, tilt the panel towards the sun, then connect the 8mm cable.

The display on the LCD of the Yeti displays the amount of power the panel is generating and also the estimated time to be fully charged.

Under ideal conditions, Goal Zero says the Boulder 100 will fully recharge the Yeti 1500X within 18 to 36 hours. If you have several panels you can connect them to recharge the Yeti more quickly.

Is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X worth it?

If this all sounds as if it’s a disadvantage in comparison to upstart competitors. Let us highlight how Goal Zero’s expertise can be a benefit.

For instance, we like the fact that the top of the unit opens up to reveal a large storage compartment. It’s large enough to accommodate the 120-watt charger cable, as well as additional cords for solar panels, USB devices, or other accessories you’re not likely to be able to lose.

We’d like other models to be able to follow in the footsteps of Goal Zero. The compartment is big enough to accommodate the well-written manual, we appreciate the fact that Goal Zero knows those manuals will be lost, so the compartment has critical specifications as well as basics you’ll require in the field, which are printed at the bottom inside the cover.

The compartment can be reconfigured to accept a Goal Zero Expansion Module Port which allows The Yeti 1500X to connect one of the company’s low-cost YetiTank Extension Batteries.

The Yeti batteries are made with less sophisticated chemicals and weigh more however sealed lead acid batteries have a lower cost per Kilowatt-hour.

For instance, whereas a power station with 3,500 watts of capacity with lithium-ion batteries could cost you $3500 however, a 4,800-watt-hour YetiTank will cost you around $2,000. With the 1,500 watts-hours from the Yeti 1500X, it’s enough power to run the most vital (not including HVAC) HVAC systems in the typical home.

In addition, instead of using extension cables to connect your house, Goal Zero actually sells a Yeti Home Integration Kit that electricians can install to the system, and you can manage the entire house. This is a pretty advanced feature if you’re willing to spend the money.

Another area that demonstrates Goal Zero’s experience over time is the sound or lack thereof. Very compact and power-dense charging stations typically have a snarling fan sound even with light loads (we’re watching EcoFlow, EcoFlow).

It’s a great device. Yeti 1500X has two fans However, we didn’t hear them kick in and off, which isn’t the case with some of the competitors. Therefore, if you’d like to operate your CPAP machine with no noise in the evening, the Yeti 1500X can do it well.

In the final analysis, it’s the Yeti 1500X may not quite possess the fancy features of its competitors, but if all you require is to make your fridge energy-efficient in the event of a power outage or charge laptops while on the move the Yeti 1500X brings solid performance and sturdy build quality and some amazing functional features and solid reliability of the longest-running name in portable power sources.

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station - Yeti 1500X w/ 1,516 Watt Hours Battery Capacity, USB Ports & AC Inverter - Includes Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel, For Camping, Outdoor, Off-Grid & Home Use
  • Power. Anything. Anywhere. This portable backup power supply is versatile enough...
  • 10 Versatile Ports, 1,516 Wh Capacity: Power most small and large appliances and...
  • Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the Boulder 100 Briefcase: Turn your Yeti...
  • Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized...
  • This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet,...

Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

How long will a goal zero Yeti 1500X last?

The time of runtime for goal zero yeti 1500X is 28 hrs.

How many years will a Goal Zero Yeti last?

Yeti Lithium batteries are designed to last for 500 cycles up to 80 percent capacity. That means that after 500 complete life cycles ranging from 100% to 0%, you’ll still have around 80% capacity. We are expecting to have well over 2000 life cycles for the unit.

What can Yeti 1500X run?

The Yeti 1500X from Goal Zero boasts a whopping 1,516 watts of power, which is enough to power a large frig for 21 hours.

How many watt hours is a Yeti 1500X?

This Yeti 1500X power source provides the ideal 1,516-watt hours for all projects, whether outdoors or indoors. The power station is strong enough to back up the home circuit, yet lightweight enough to travel to work sites or incorporate into a van design.

How do I turn off my Yeti 1500X?

To shut off Yeti 1500X to turn off the device, press while holding the power button for a few seconds until the display turns off.

Conclusion: Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review

After overcoming the issue with warranty exchanges that we experienced in the first Yeti We were amazed by the power and the ease of use the power station has to offer.

While it is certainly possible to connect a few automobile batteries to make an emergency energy source at a lower cost, however, you’ll have to put much time and effort into the task, which will not be as mobile.

Its Yeti 1500X is easy to take apart and put inside the trunk of your car and we found it to be extremely helpful on weekend camping and road trips.

The display shows precisely how much power is remaining and the length of time the gadget (or devices) will run in the event that an electrical circuit becomes overloaded, the integrated protection features make it simple to identify the issue and then reset the port using one button click.

Goal Zero’s vast collection of accessories and parts can be easily expanded the capabilities of this power station by integrated systems to solar panels for your car or even your house.

Similar to clean water flowing from the tap an efficient supply of electricity isn’t an unimportant convenience. It’s a resource that you’ll appreciate once you’ve had to do without it.

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station - Yeti 1500X w/ 1,516 Watt Hours Battery Capacity, USB Ports & AC Inverter - Includes Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel, For Camping, Outdoor, Off-Grid & Home Use
  • Power. Anything. Anywhere. This portable backup power supply is versatile enough...
  • 10 Versatile Ports, 1,516 Wh Capacity: Power most small and large appliances and...
  • Recharge Fully in 18-36 Hours with the Boulder 100 Briefcase: Turn your Yeti...
  • Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized...
  • This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet,...

Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Dibyajyoti Bordoloi (CS, MBA Finance & Accounting) is the founder of CageHeaven.com. He is a Practising Company Secretary and a real estate and stock market investor. He is the owner of CS Bordoloi and Associates. He is a commerce graduate from Darrang College, Tezpur, Assam. Later on, he pursued his higher studies at the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and completed his MBA (Finance) degree from Guwahati University. With over 16 years of experience in finance and accounting, he teaches personal finance to non-technical common people like you how to do it the right way. He is a proud member of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (North-East India). He is also a successful Investor and Trader in Equities and Real Estate.