Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400: The Two Base Variants of Goal Zero’s First-Gen Yeti Power Stations

Are you looking at buying an affordable, base unit of Goal Zero Yeti solar generators? We have the two low-end models of the Yeti series here. Even though Goal Zero upgraded its Yeti line multiple times, its old-gen variants are still on the market. Stay tuned for our Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400 comparison so that you can easily find the best of the base variants of the Yeti original series.

Goal Zero Yeti is a line-up of award-winning portable solar power stations. The American brand has this much-touted Yeti series in three generations. Though portable power stations, they turn out to be amazing solar power generators as you attach them to suitable solar chargers, which the brand itself offers in some models.

As you know, the first-gen Goal Zero Yeti feature lead-acid batteries inside. Meanwhile, the new models of the series have advanced and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries.

Along with increased charging cycles, they can make the power stations rather lightweight and easy to move on your trips or in an emergency. However, the old-gen Yetis are still available on the market with a lot of takers.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400: What to Buy?

Certainly, both the Yeti power stations are super good for outdoor and emergency applications. They tout portable designs with stronger and durable carrying handles. So, if you are looking to buy portable power stations, they are both good, but the weight may be a point of concern for you.

Of course, compared to their lithium alternatives from Goal Zero or other brands, Yeti 150 and 400 are a bit heftier. That is quite obvious because they carry weighty lead-acid batteries. However, if you want lead-acid power stations at rather attractive prices, you can go ahead and get a variant as per your needs.

In our Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400 face-off, first, we would like to explore the key specs. Yeti 150 is an entry-level variant of the line-up with a 168Wh battery capacity. Meanwhile, Yeti 400 is a 396Wh power station, and they respectively come with 80W and 300W power inverters that surge at 160W and 600W. We would like to check out the other things in detail below so you can identify them clearly.

Form Factor and Size

Goal Zero famously follows an exclusive design for its series of power stations. So, both Yeti 150 and Yeti 400 look nearly the same at a glance. As you see, it comes up in a beautiful blend of grey, silver, and green shade. Of course, the devices are very compact and portable with sturdy handles for easy moving.

In other words, besides the storage capacity, power output, and size, both the Yeti machines look the same. When that said, I don’t dismiss the fact that they incorporate a different number of charging outlets, display sizes, weight, and more. Anyway, check out the current price of Yeti 150 below.

When it comes to the size, the low-end Yeti 150 evidently has a small and compact size. Specifically, it has a size of 7.8 x 6.8 x 5.8 in and a weight of 12 pounds. Meanwhile, Yeti 400 is a little bit bulkier at 8 x 10.2 x 8 in and it scales up to 29 pounds.

That said, if you are a regular camper or outdoor enthusiast and want to power up small devices, Yeti 150 is your cup of tea. If you have more devices to power up and recharge, Yeti 400 is the right choice. If you are making the trip in a campervan, RV, or trailer, additional size and weight won’t disturb you.

Power and Performance

Obviously, it is the key area where Yeti 150 and Yeti 400 are two completely different products. As you see, these are two variants of Yeti with different capacities. The entry-level Yeti 150 is equipped with a 168Wh lead-acid 14Ah @ 12V battery. The included power inverter is an 80W unit that can surge 160 watts.

Meanwhile, Yeti 400 equips a 396Wh lead-acid battery of 33Ah capacity at 12V. It integrates an inverter of 300W that can offer 600W surge power. Interestingly, a unit of Yeti 400 can support up to seven devices at the same time. It is when the basic Yeti 150 can only support five gadgets at a time.

That said, for increased output and storage, Yeti 400 can be your choice. But for better portability, Yeti 150 can be your pick. Both are from Goal Zero and hailing from the same first-generation of its products. It is up to you to decide on the two models of the base variants of the Goal Zero lead-acid series.

Of course, these two devices have different purposes. The small one is ideal for individual campers as well as small groups, while the big one is recommended for big groups and families. You may be able to carry Yeti 150 by hand, but it is not easy for an individual camper to take a Yeti 400 along easily.

Output and Input Ports

When it comes to the charging ports, both models highlight all essential options. First, let us check out the AC sockets. As you see, Yeti 150 has only a single AC socket, which is a 110V 80W unit. Meanwhile, its top-variant has dual 110V AC sockets with 300W output.

Meanwhile, they have multiple USB and DC ports as well. Yeti 150 comes up with a pair of 5V USB ports up to 2.1A, a 6mm 12V port, and a 12V cigarette lighter charger. Yeti 400 also has the same USB and DC units, other than an extra 6mm port and a 12V Power Pole chaining port up to 33A (400W max).

Yes, both the devices miss out on USB-C or other fast charging ports. By the way, regarding the input ports, Yeti 150 comes with an 8mm input port of 14-29V, up to 5A, which can support PV panels up to 60W max. The same one is a 10A port with Yeti 400, which supports solar input up to 120 watts.

Compatible Solar Chargers

Being solar-based power stations, you need compatible solar chargers for both devices. Basically, they are like regular power stations that you can charge from a car outlet or wall socket other than solar. But if you want to use them off-the-grid, solar is the only way to power them up to keep you powered in the wild.

Anyway, when it comes to solar chargers, Goal Zero itself offers you a number of options. You don’t need to look for another brand for a solar charger. Of course, the power stations work with other solar chargers if you have the required adapters and connectors. But Goal Zero’s solar chargers, which are available in two series – Nomad and Boulder – are indeed perfect choices for the Yeti power stations.

Goal Zero Nomad Solar Chargers

As you know, Nomad is a series of folding solar chargers from Goal Zero. It comes in many options in two generations, ranging from 7W to 100W. That is, you can easily find a suitable model for both Yeti 150 and Yeti 400. Here, we would like to recommend to you the 50W variant of the Nomad solar chargers, which is part of the new series of Nomad chargers.

Well, Nomad 50 is a 50W 18-22V solar panel made with highly efficient mono solar cells to ensure a high conversion rate. As you see in the picture below, it is available in four folds that you can easily close down after use to make it a handy unit. Check out the latest price of the product on the link below.

The solar charger comes with an 8mm charging cable and a USB port. The USB port makes it charge even your handsets and other devices directly under the sun with no power station. That is why it is also a ready-to-use solar charger, which weighs just 6.85 lbs and fits most places at 17 x 53 x 1.5 in once unfolded.

The solar charger is also available in 20W and 10W options. The 20W is a three-fold one, while the 10W is a two-fold one. All the solar chargers work with the power stations, but the small ones may take more time. The Nomad series is also available in the old generation, starting from a 7W basic unit, by the way.

Goal Zero Boulder Solar Chargers

The Nomad folding solar chargers are good for travel and other portable uses. If you want to fix the power station somewhere permanently, maybe in an RV, camper, trailer, or remote cabin, a Boulder solar charger is a more reliable choice. Goal Zero Boulder is also available in multiple series, ranging from 50W to 200W.

Anyway, here, we would like to recommend to you a 100W of Boulder. Fine, the 100W option is available in two models; regular and suitcase. If you go with the regular, that is perfect for permanent installation, while the suitcase one, as its name suggests, is somewhat portable too.

The Boulder charger is made with highly efficient mono solar cells. Tempered glass and rigid aluminum frames are other attractions of the solar panel, which has a highly durable and weather-resistant profile. You can pug it directly to your power stations with no extra cables and a charge controller.

As you see, it comes with a kickstand. So, you can place it anywhere strongly and securely to grab as much solar energy as possible. The Boulder series has also got 50W, 100W Briefcase, and 200W Briefcase variants to meet the requirements and budget of all types of customers.

Build Quality

Goal Zero follows a very strict rule to ensure top-notch build quality of its product line-up. The American firm does not compromise when it comes to quality. See, as most of its products are designed for outdoor or emergency power needs, they should be durable and long-lasting.

Indeed, you have the Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400 devices with high build quality and perfection. Goal Zero has used the finest materials to ensure premium quality for both its solar generators and solar chargers. So, you have nothing to worry about picking a unit of Goal Zero product.

Final Thoughts

That has been our take on Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400. It is not a big deal to find a winner out of the duo. It is because they are two devices of different capacities from a brand that sells high-quality power stations.

So, it is not about picking up a model as the winner, but taking a decision on buying a model that matches your requirements. We hope our Goal Zero Yeti 150 Vs 400 comparison will help you find the best choice. Share your thoughts in the comments below.