Our Verdict
The Ampace Andes 600 Pro is a portable, relatively high-capacity power station that costs a little more than budget alternatives but proves its worth when it comes to performance. With enough ports to power and recharge the majority of commonly used devices, I rarely found myself wanting, although a little more overall capacity would have been nice.
For
- Excellent surge capability
- Fast and flexible charging
- Lightweight and compact
Against
- The handle is a bit obtrusive
- Small (ish) capacity
- EU sockets
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I live in the back end of nowhere, and every so often, with increasing frequency, we get power cuts. Until recently, I would have told you that I was prepared – I have a drawer containing torches, matches, and candles after all. It's far from a fully equipped bunker, but I thought it was enough.
But when the power was inexplicably cut off recently, what I ended up craving was not things that could produce light (although that's helpful – for scaring away foxes, I suppose); what I really felt like I was lacking was a source of power. Something that would keep my creative projects rolling forward. No client wants to hear that you couldn't deliver because of a power cut, do they?!
Ampace Andes 600 Pro: Key specifications
Total Capacity: | 584Wh |
Output: | Continuous AC Output: 600W and Peak/Surge Output: 1800W |
Ports: | 2x AC, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 2-DC Outlets |
Dimensions: | 28.5 x 20.9 x 21.4 cm (11.2 x 8.2 x 8.4 in) |
Weight: | 7.6 kg (16.8 lbs) |
Display: | LCD Screen |
Design and Build
- AC and USB ports to suit a wide range of devices
- Rugged and robust build
- Bright LCD screen
First up, the ports. You'll want to make sure you have the right number and distribution to cover all your vital tech. With two standard EU AC sockets and a selection of USB ports, I had sufficient options to keep my camera batteries, laptop, phone, and a range of camera accessories fully charged. If you're in the UK or US, then you'll need a couple of adaptors for the AC sockets, just saying.
Moving on to materials, the Andes 600 Pro utilises a high-density, fire-retardant polycarbonate shell that is sufficiently rugged and robust for use in the field. Not that you'll expect this piece of kit to stay in pristine condition, but it's good to know it can take a knock or two. For added good measure, it's also resistant to fingerprints thanks to its matte finish. No one likes a grubby piece of tech, do they!
Weighing in at 7.6 kg (16.8 lbs), it manages to balance high energy density and ease of carry, aided by a solid handle located at the top. A couple of improvements to the handle would be a padded section on the underside of the handle and a foldaway mechanism, although neither are dealbreakers. The device also features a set of mechanical buttons, which provide a seriously satisfying tactile feedback that elevates it beyond more budget alternatives.
The LCD screen displays all the necessary readouts, including battery percentage, input power, output power, remaining runtime, and even warning alerts should things start overheating. The layout is nicely laid out with plenty of breathing room between items. The screen is also bright enough to be legible during direct sunlight. The built-in LED light bar on the rear is a neat touch, which helps while filming when it's dark.
Internally, Ampace has separated the battery cells from the internal electronics with a dedicated cooling channel. This significantly improves heat dissipation and helps to maintain a stable operating temperature, which ultimately extends the lifespan of the internal LiFePO4 cells.
Design score: 4.5/5
Features and performance
- Fast charging of a range of devices
- Quick and easy recharge
- Retains 80% capacity after over 2,000 cycles
Let's begin with charging devices. The port that I used most often was the 100W USB-C, a perfect fast-charging solution for my MacBook Pro. At these speeds, my laptop could charge to 50% in about 30 minutes and a full charge in between one and a half and two hours. This was ideal for when I needed to edit on the go or reply to emails during breaks.
The second USB-C port is limited to 60W, but that was more than enough for my phone or small USB-C-powered lighting accessories. Not that you would, but if you were to use it just to charge your phone, then you could expect it to perform up to 40 recharges before the power station's battery is fully discharged.
The two AC outlets are capable of handling small high-draw appliances such as a small heater or kettle, although if you're on a shoot, you're more likely to use these for keeping camera batteries recharged or lighting accessories powered. Obviously, the more you're charging, the quicker the unit will discharge. Thankfully, it's possible to charge and discharge at the same tim,e so if you're close to your car during filming, then you can keep power flowing in.
Speaking of recharging, thanks to its A-Boost technology, the power station is capable of recharging to 80 per cent in just one hour or in three to four hours if you're using a 200W solar input. If it's a car you're using, then that's a little slower, although you can still go from 0 to 100 per cent in around five hours.
All this talk of recharging is a nice segue to talk about long-term performance. Not that I was able to test this, but the company claims that the unit retains 80% capacity after over 2,000 cycles. That's five and a half years of performance, assuming you were to discharge and recharge it every single day.
The Andes 600 Pro was a joy to use and so quiet I wouldn't have known it was working, save for the lit-up LCD. At time,s I craved a higher battery capacity, but at this weight and siz,e it's unrealistic to expect anything more.
Features score: 4/5
Performance score: 4.5/5
Price
The Ampace Andes 600 Pro typically retails for approximately £399/$449, although regular discounts make it even more affordable. While it sits at a slightly higher price point per watt-hour than budget competitors, you're really paying a little extra for excellent surge power, professional-grade cooling, and a high level of durability.
Value score: 4/5
Who's it for?
- Filmmakers and producers
- Camera enthusiasts and campers!
The Andes 600 Pro is a flexible piece of kit that will appeal to a wide range of users, including in-the-field filmmakers and producers who need to keep everyone's laptops and monitors running. It will also appeal to anyone who wants a little bit of backup power at home or when out camping. Its lightweight and compact size make it ideal for throwing (not literally) in the boot or a footwell.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Design and build: | A robust and well-built unit with an abundance of ports. | 4.5/5 |
Features: | Fast charging, excellent cooling, and broad port selection. | 4/5 |
Performance: | Fast, quiet, and portable – perfect for filming on the go. | 4.5/5 |
Value: | More affordable alternatives are available but not with these features. | 4/5 |
Buy it if...
- You're regularly running out of power on set
- You have to carry dozens of batteries just to get through a shoot
- You need a portable power station
Don't buy it if...
- You need maximum capacity
- You don't like using power adapters (it has EU sockets)
- You could survive with a beefy power bank instead
out of 10
The Ampace Andes 600 Pro is a portable, relatively high-capacity power station that costs a little more than budget alternatives but proves its worth when it comes to performance. With enough ports to power and recharge the majority of commonly used devices, I rarely found myself wanting, although a little more overall capacity would have been nice.
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