Out of seemingly nowhere, there are more options for portable batteries on the market than ever before. This hot category requires little research and know-how, as not all batteries are created equal. How much power you “really” need is a significant factor in deciding on one of these pricey power sources. We met the Yoshino team at Outdoor Retailer and got a quick look at their impressive range of power systems, and we just got our hands on the baby of the lineup for a test run.
The Yoshino B330 SST Solid-State Portable Power Station is a cutting-edge power solution designed for those who require minimal power to charge items like cell phones, tablets, speakers, electric grills, etc., on short trips or weekend adventures. We used the B330 in our backyard and a weekend camping trip to power up our Sonos Move speaker, a Victrola Revolution Go turntable, and our phones over a weekend trip. We never ran out of power, and the onboard LED light was also super helpful when the sun started to set.
Design and Build Quality:
Right out of the box, the Yoshino B330 SST impresses with its modern and rugged design. The unit is constructed with high-quality materials that exude durability and sturdiness. The compact and portable design ensures it won’t take up excessive space in your gear, while the reinforced casing protects the internal components from the elements and impacts during transport. The B330 is light and features an ergonomic handle and onboard LED light that most batteries do not include. For the price point of $350, it’s by far the best-designed/built speaker in its class.
Battery Capacity and Charging Options:
The B330 SST comes equipped with a powerful Solid State LiNCM battery with a capacity of 241Wh. This impressive battery capacity at such a small size translates to extended power availability for various devices around the house during a power outage or on short trips where power is unavailable. We found that the power station provided ample juice to recharge smartphones, tablets, cameras, and even small appliances like our speaker and portable turntable.
In terms of charging options, the Yoshino B330 SST offers multiple inputs to replenish its power reserves. It can be charged through a traditional AC wall outlet, a 12V car charger, or compatible solar panels (sold separately). This versatile charging capability ensures you can recharge it wherever you find yourself, from the comfort of your home to the remotest campsites. We used the traditional AC port to charge ours and have not tested the solar panel or other charging capabilities.
Charging it out of a standard home wall socket provides the fastest and most efficient method, but it’s nice that you have various options for mobile and off-grid power-ups.
Output Ports and Inverter:
The B330 SST has various output ports to cater to different device requirements. It features two 120V AC outlets, three USB-A ports, one standard USB-C port, one USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) support, and two 12V DC outputs. Including the USB-C PD port is a notable highlight as it allows for fast charging of PD-compatible devices like laptops and certain smartphones.
The built-in pure sine wave inverter ensures a stable and clean power output, making it safe for sensitive electronics and appliances. Throughout our testing, we experienced no voltage fluctuations or issues with the power delivery, and all our devices ran smoothly without any hiccups.
User-Friendly Interface and Display + App:
The intuitive control panel on the front of the B330 SST provides easy access to essential functions. The LCD screen displays real-time information about the battery level, input/output wattage, and other vital statistics, informing you about the power station’s status. Navigating through the settings and monitoring power usage was straightforward, even for someone unfamiliar with power stations.
Yoshino also offers a companion app for Apple/Android devices, giving you another layer of control and energy use metrics.
Safety Features:
Yoshino has prioritized safety in the B330 SST. The power station incorporates multiple safety mechanisms, such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, and over-temperature protection. These features provide peace of mind, ensuring that your valuable devices and the power station itself remain safe during operation. We had the battery out in the hot sun (90+ degrees), and it held tough, while our iPhone overheated in about five minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Yoshino B330 SST Solid-State Portable Power Station impresses on multiple fronts. Its rugged build, ample battery capacity, versatile charging options, and an array of output ports make it an outstanding choice for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. Including USB-C PD and the pure sine wave inverter showcase the attention to detail and dedication to providing a top-notch user experience. If you seek a reliable and feature-rich portable power station to power your outdoor escapades or handle emergencies, the Yoshino B330 SST is a commendable investment that won’t disappoint.
If you want more power, you can check out Yoshino’s other models here; they also come in 660W, 2000W, and 4000W models.
What we liked:
– Great design and robust build
– Fantastic price
– On board LED light
– Great mobile App
– Plenty of ins and outs for the size
What we didn’t like:
– We would prefer a 500W model versus a 330, and to go up from there.
Rating 5/5 – This is about as good as it get for the $350 price point.
Specs:
- Battery Type: Solid-State Li-NCM
- Pass-through Charging: Yes
- Cycle Life: 2500 Cycles to 80% Capacity
- Shelf Life: Recharge to 80% Every 3-6 Months
- APP Control: Yes
- LED Light Bar: Yes
- Discharge Temperature: 14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
- Charging Temperature: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
- Working Humidity: Maximum 90%
Ever since I was a little kid, I have been obsessed with media. It sounds strange, I know. When I was just 9-years-old, I created a newspaper and offered my mother the job of editor, which she happily accepted. Distribution was small but that didn’t deter me—I had the Citizen Kane virus. And then at age 23, I started another publication called BPM CULTURE Magazine (eventually dropping the word "Culture"), which evolved into a media company called Overamerica Media Group. I found myself in the media business because I love sharing information—telling great stories, sharing ideas and most importantly, informing people about great music! Like most ‘creative types,’ I dabbled in just about everything—from DJing, to producing, and even to creating a record label. And my list of other interests (hobbies) goes on and on; I will leave that for my autobiography. After Overamerica, I spent some time on the client side in fashion, then consulting for various start-ups, only to lead me back to where I started—a start-up media company. It all happened over dinner one night, a friend said why don’t you start up another magazine about EDM—Magnetic was born.
