Goal Zero Yeti 1500x: An In-Depth REVIEW

Table of Contents – Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review

• What is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x?
• Features of the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x
• Who is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x useful for?
• In-Dept Field Testing
• Comparison: Yeti 1500x vs. Yeti 1000x
• Pros and Cons
• Other User Reviews and Feedback
• What about the alternatives?
• Pricing & Value for Money
• Accessories and Additional Products
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x?

The Yeti 1500x from Goal Zero is a mid range portable power station that can power a variety of appliances.

Goal Zero is one of the first brands that started developing portable power stations. Since 2009 they have became one of the biggest brands in portable power systems.

The brands is known for their high quality products.

The Yeti 1500x was already released a few years ago. Back then it came with some industry leading features. But is it still worth your bucks or are there better alternatives on today’s market?

We’ll answer this questions in our review.

Features of the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x

Battery Capacity & Power

Back in the day when the Yeti 1500x came out it was considered a high capacity portable power station.

Today, we would rather say it’s a mid range capacity power station.

The Yeti 1500x has an energy capacity of 1516Wh which means it will be able to power an appliance of 1516 Watts for an hour.

This is in theory of course because every portable power station will have a lower actual capacity.

This is because of ghost drainage caused for instance by the inverter itself that also consumes power. Later on, we test this in our efficiency test.

The Yeti 1500x can power devices up to 2000W in total, with surge up to 3500W.

With these power specs you’ll have enough capacity to use it for mid- to high range appliances in different circumstances.

However, the Yeti 1500x only has 2 AC outlets, which is rather limited considering today’s comparable models in the mid range.

There is an option to expand the battery capacity with an extra battery. Under the hood you would have to unscrew a panel so that the port for the extra battery connection becomes accessible.

In our opinion, this is a bit of a hassle since other models have this option available without having to unscrew parts on the unit.

Ports and Connectivity

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500x features a wide range of ports and outlets. This makes it versatile for both charge and power options.

The regulated Anderson ports also make it possible for using it in more customizable setups such as van builds. You could even plug it into your home grid system by using the additional Yeti Home Integration Kit.

It also has a USB-C PD port for fast charging and a 12V car port.

As mentioned above it comes with only 2 AC outlets which can be an issue. Of course, one could always connect a power strip to one of the 2 AC outlets.

However, for a portable power station this size and price range we expect more AC outlets nowadays.

Here is a list of all the in-and out ports:

• 2x 120V AC inverter
• 12V car port
• 2x 6mm output ports
• 8mm charge port
• high power charge port
• 12V high power port (Anderson)
• USB-C PD Port fast charge
• 2x USB-A Port
• USB-C port
• Anderson port (under the hood)

Battery Lifespan

The battery of the Yeti 1500x is an NMC battery.

These kind of batteries are known to be smaller and lighter compared to other types like LFP batteries. On the other hand, LFP batteries tend to have a much longer life cycle.

However, NMC batteries have evolved over the past years gaining more life cycles.

We’ve seen this on the ZERO BREEZE ElecHive 2200 for instance which has an NMC battery that lasts over 2000 life cycles. This comes close to LFP batteries seen on some EcoFlow models for example.

The NMC battery of the Yeti 1500x has only 500 cycles until 80% efficiency. This is rather limited compared to some models today.

Usability and Design

The Yeti 1500x has an aluminium housing. Most other portable power station on the market have a plastic housing.

This is an advantage for battery performance since the aluminium housing will prevent that the battery will overheat while operating even without the fans turned on.

In addition, the housing is also more rugged and can take more rough handling compared to plastic housing models.

The display is very user friendly, showing only the information that you need to know such as power in & out and battery percentage.

Portability

With a weight of 45.64 lbs, the Yeti 1500x is definitely not the lightest mid range model on the market but also not the heaviest.

It’s stil quite portable given its size and weight.

The two handles on the sides also contribute to portability. A nice extra is the storage for the wall charger for instance at the top.

However, this makes it a bit more delicate if you want to stack some other stuff on top of the unit.

Who is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x useful for?

The Yeti 1500x from Goal Zero has all the features to be useful in various occasions.

More likely, you will use it for camping, tailgaiting or van/RV use.

It can also be used as a backup power system for power outages at home. You could use it out of the box to power appliances at home or plug it into your home grid system via the additional Yeti Home Grid Integration Kit.

In-Dept Field Testing

How did we test?

We’ve put the Yeti 1500x through our standardized protocol of tests. This includes an AC discharge test, moderate device test, heavy device test, extreme load test, solar charge test and (fast) charge test.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The first impression of the Yeti 1500x is that it’s a rugged build portable power station. The aluminium housing definitely gives it a high end feel.

However, the design is a bit retro and not as neat and clean compared to other power stations (IOHO).

Inside the box:

• Yeti 1500x power station
• 120W wall charger
• User manual

AC Discharge Test

In our AC discharge efficiency test we evaluated the power station’s real-world energy output using a 250W small heater as the load.

This steady draw simulates typical power consumption and helps to measure the device’s discharge efficiency compared to its rated capacity of 1516Wh.

Initial findings indicated approximately 91% efficiency, factoring in conversion losses inherent in lithium NMC batteries.

This is an outstanding result and showcased consistent power delivery and stable performance throughout the discharge.

Moderate Device Test

In the moderate device test we assessed the power station’s AC performance by running an 870W toaster continuously for 3 minutes.

This setup is designed to test how well the device handles a mid-range power draw and simulates real-life usage conditions for common appliances.

After 3 minutes the battery level dropped with 3%.

During the test, the power station maintained stable output and efficiently powered the device without interruptions.

This demonstrated its capability to support household appliances effectively within its 2000W output capacity.

Heavy Device Test

For the heavy device test we used a 870W toaster and 800W microwave to push the power station close to its upper output limit.

This test lasted 3 minutes and evaluated the unit’s capability under high-load conditions and battery capacity dropped by 6%.

The power station successfully delivered consistent power without any faults or shutdowns, showcasing its robust design for heavy-duty use within its 2000W continuous output rating.

The power delivery was smooth, with no noticeable voltage sag.

This proves its reliability when powering energy-intensive appliances typical of real-world scenarios.

Extreme Load Test

In our extreme load test, we combined the use of an 870W toaster, an 800W microwave, and a 1500W hair dryer simultaneously.

This rigorous test put the power station’s 2000W continuous output limit to the challenge with a total load of approximately 3170W.

The power station managed to deliver for a brief duration before tripping its safety mechanism.

It shows that while it can handle heavy, combined usage close to its surge capacity of 3500W, prolonged operation above 2000W isn’t sustainable for continuous use.

Solar Charging Test

In our solar charging test we used two 100W portable solar panels under ideal sunlight conditions.

The power station managed to reach a full charge from 0-100% in approximately 9 hours.

The system’s MPPT charge controller ensured optimized charging by maximizing the output of the solar panels during this period.

AC Charge Test

In the AC charging test, we evaluated the power station’s performance using the 120W power supply included in the package.

It fully recharged from 0-100% in approximately 14 hours, consistent with the specified time frame.

The test highlighted the reliability of the included power supply for gradual overnight charging.

Additionally, when using a 230W add-on charger, the station completed the charge in about 7 hours, while the 600W add-on charger reduced this to a swift 3 hours.

However, it’s disappointment that the fast wall charger doesn’t come standard in the box like other models.

In today’s standards 14 hours for a full charge is just way too long.

Pros and Cons

Pros of the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x:

• Versatile Charging Options: Multiple ways to recharge, including AC wall chargers and solar panels, offer flexibility.
• High Power Output: Handles heavy and extreme load tests efficiently, supporting devices up to 2000W.
• Durable Build: Solid construction suitable for outdoor and emergency use.
• Port Variety: Multiple AC, USB, and DC outputs for diverse charging needs.

Cons of the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x:

• Heavier Weight: At 45.64 lbs, it is less portable for solo travelers.
• Long Charge Time with Standard Adapter: 14-hour recharge time with the included 120W charger.
• Limited Lifecycles: 500 cycles to 80% capacity may impact long-term usage.

Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review

A good quality and rugged build portable power station that is capable of charging wide range of appliances.

Best Price

Comparison: Yeti 1500x vs. Yeti 1000x

On a limited budget or you just don’t need that much power or capacity? Then the smaller brother of the Yeti 1500x may be a good choice.

The Yeti 1000x has almost all the outlets and ports but comes with a smaller energy capacity and power capability, respectively 983Wh and 1500W.

Other User Reviews and Feedback

Other users rate the Yeti 1500+ with very good scores. They give an average of 4.4 stars out of 5 with the majority giving 5 stars.

However, some users state that they faced some failing features while using the station.

What about the alternatives?

If you are looking for alternatives with similar battery capacity and power features then we can recommend the Bluetti AC180 or the BioLite BaseCharge 1500+.

If you need more power or capacity take a look at the EcoFlow Delta Max 2 or ZERO BREEZE ElecHive 2200.

Pricing & Value for Money

The price/value ratio of the Yeti 1500 is not bad. It’s a solid build portable power station that will cover you for a lot of adventures to come.

Although it comes with quality features, there are still some aspects where it gets beaten by its competitors on today’s market.

Think about the limited life cycle, standard 120W wall charger, limited AC outlets,…

Accessories and Additional Products

• Solar panels
• Home Integration Kit
• 600W wall charger

FAQs – Yeti 1500x Review

How long does a Yeti 1500X last?

The Yeti 1500X can last between 500 to 800 charge cycles, depending on usage and conditions.

How long does a Goal Zero Yeti last?

Goal Zero Yeti units typically last 3-5 years with proper maintenance, depending on how often they are used and charged.

Can you leave a Goal Zero plugged in all the time?

It’s generally safe to keep a Goal Zero Yeti plugged in, but regular charging/discharging cycles are recommended to prolong battery life.

How much does a Yeti 1500X weigh?

The Yeti 1500X weighs around 45 lbs (20.4 kg).

Why does Yeti stay so cold?

The Yeti is designed with thermal management systems to keep internal temperatures low and prevent overheating.

Can you charge a Goal Zero Yeti with a gas generator?

Yes, you can charge a Goal Zero Yeti with a gas generator using the appropriate AC charging cables.

Is Bluetti better than Goal Zero?

Bluetti and Goal Zero both offer reliable portable power stations, but Bluetti generally provides higher capacity and faster charging options for the price.

Where is Goal Zero Yeti made?

Goal Zero Yetis are made in China.

Can the Yeti 1000 power a refrigerator?

Yes, the Yeti 1000 can power a small refrigerator for several hours, depending on its energy consumption.

How to charge Goal Zero 1500X?

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X can be charged using an AC outlet, car charger, or solar panels.

How do I turn off the Yeti 1500X?

To turn off the Yeti 1500X, simply press and hold the power button for a few seconds.

Should I keep my Yeti plugged in?

It’s safe to keep your Yeti plugged in occasionally, but it’s recommended to periodically discharge and recharge to maintain battery health.

Conclusion: Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Review

To conclude our Goal Zero Yeti 1500X review we can say that this unit offers some good features, such as a large capacity, multiple output ports, and reliable performance under various load conditions.

However, some specs seem to be a bit outdated compared to newer models on the market.

It’s a bit heavy and its (solar) charging can take time.

However, it’s still a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable portable power station.

If you’re seeking a portable energy solution for off-grid living, camping, or emergency preparedness, the Yeti 1500X is worth considering.

Finally, alternatives like Bluetti may offer better value for money in some cases.

Discover if it ranks in our TOP 10 Best Portable Power Stations.