Goal Zero Yeti 500X vs Bluetti EB3A
Same bench, same derating, same five axes. Our pick: Bluetti EB3A (WattScore 81 vs 72) — but the right answer depends on which spec you're buying for. The table settles it.
Goal Zero
Yeti 500X
legacy pick, weak inverter for its size
$300–$700 · NMC
| Spec | Goal Zero Yeti 500X | Bluetti EB3A |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 505 Wh ◂ | 268 Wh |
| AC output | 300 W | 600 W ◂ |
| Surge | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Weight | 12.9 lb | 10.1 lb ◂ |
| Solar input | 180 W | 200 W ◂ |
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| USB-C ports | 2 ◂ | 1 |
| Chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Fast charge to 80% | — | 45 min |
Modeled runtime, reference loads
Full-Size Refrigerator · 150W
Modern 18–22 cu ft units average 100–200W while the compressor runs, cycling roughly a third of each hour. The 1,000W+ startup surge is what disqualifies small stations — capacity is rarely the first problem.
CPAP Machine (no humidifier) · 40W
A bare CPAP draws 30–60W. Turning on the heated humidifier roughly triples draw to ~90–150W — budget for it if you use one. Use the DC adapter where available; it skips inverter losses and buys ~20% more runtime.
The verdict
Buy the Bluetti EB3A if you want the better all-rounder — it takes the WattScore 81 to 72 on our bench, and it's the stronger pick for strongest inverter under $300.
The Goal Zero Yeti 500X still makes sense if its strengths line up with your use case — it's positioned as legacy pick, weak inverter for its size, and per-row wins in the table above show exactly where it pulls ahead. Cross-check both against your actual loads with the runtime calculator before deciding.