Power inverters turn car batteries into universal power supplies. By turning DC current into AC current, you can attach a power inverter to a car battery and use it to charge almost anything. This makes the power inverter ideal for RV and camping use.
When looking for a power inverter, you want to make sure you buy the best one for your needs. They come in a variety of watts, with 400 taking its place near the middle of the road. Most of these power inverters range in price between $30 and $50, with fluctuations based around on-going sales.
Here, we will review five 400 watt power inverters, including the pros and cons of each one. Stay tuned for our top pick at the end.
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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AMPEAK 400W Power Inverter
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BESTEK 400W Car Power Inverter
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VOLTCUBE 400W Power Inverter
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MICHELIN XR1 Power Source
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TWING 400W Power Inverter
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1. AMPEAK 400W Power Inverter
Starting off our list, the AMPEAK 400 Watt Power Inverter meets users’ needs in nearly every environment. Ideal for AC household appliances, you can run your TV, charge your laptop or power your speakers with this AMPEAK inverter.
Including battery clips and a cigarette plug, you can use this inverter in and out of your vehicle. Two AC outlets and two 3.1A USB ports allow for four simultaneous devices. The 3.1A rating on the USB ports allows for fast charging on most devices.
Its 400 watt design includes a surge capacity of 800 watts to protect your devices. Plus, in the event of overload, you can easily remove and replace both 35 amp fuses. Complete with automatic shutdown, the AMPEAK keeps safety as a top priority.
With a lightweight and compact design, users can find a place for this inverter anywhere. And the 26 inch cigarette port cable allows for an extended reach. A built-in cooling fan allows the device to continue operating at peak efficiency.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact: only 2.01 pounds!
- 18-month warranty
- Access to 24/7 customer support
- Fast charging from USB ports
- Replaceable fuses
- Excellent safety features
CONS
- Fan can get noisy
2. BESTEK 400W Car Power Inverter
The BESTEK 400 watt power inverter features four 2.4A USB ports and two 110 volt outlets. This allows for up to six devices plugged in simultaneously. Like other 400 watt inverters, it can power computers, smartphones, refrigerators, TVs and more.
Safety features include a built-in fan, short circuit, overload and over-current protection. Plus, its replaceable 30A/32V fuses make for easier maintenance. It converts 12V DC power to 110V AC power.
The BESTEK provides up to 1000 watts of peak power and 400 watts of continuous power. You can use battery cable clips or the cigarette port plug-in to reach your power source. The battery cables are two feet long, and the cigarette port cable is three feet long for maximum reach.
This inverter features an 18-month warranty and reactive customer service through point of purchase and social media.
PROS
- “MultiProtect” technology: intelligent protection against overloads and shorts
- High wattage peak performance
- Built-in fan
- 18-month warranty
- Four USB ports
- Long power source cables
CONS
- Noisy fan: runs at full speed whenever device is on
- Must be connected directly to battery via alligator clips for full power capability
3. VOLTCUBE 400W Power Inverter
This 12V DC to 110V AC inverter offers 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of peak power. Two AC power outlets and two 2.4A USB ports allow for four devices plugged in at once. Use this inverter for TVs, laptops and other household appliances.
Safety features include a built-in fan, two replaceable 30 amp fuses, over/under voltage and short circuit protection. Plus, the whole VOLTCUBE device features a honeycomb design for both durability and style.
Like most inverters, the VOLTCUBE also includes both a cigarette port cable and alligator clips. Use the alligator clips when you require more than 150 watts of power. The alligator clip cables are about 20 inches long and the cigarette port cable measures 14 inches.
What the alligator clips lack in cable length they make up for with high-quality materials.
With a lightweight and compact design, you can put the VOLTCUBE wherever you need it to go. Its aluminum body protects it from falls and other impacts.
PROS
- High-quality materials
- Durable and compact design
- Digital premium chipset for surge and over/under load protection
- 12 month warranty, lifetime customer support
- Silent cooling fan
- High quality components
CONS
- Short power connection cables
- Internal replaceable fuses complicates maintenance
4. MICHELIN XR1 Power Source
The XR1 Power Source gives its users six different tools in one. Besides its use as a power inverter, it includes a jump starter, air compressor, AM/FM radio, LED work light and bluetooth speaker. This makes the Michelin Power Source a complete tool for your car and RV.
As a power inverter alone, the XR1 comes in as the least powerful on our list. Rated at only 200 watts with a surge capability of 400 watts, this cannot power too many devices simultaneously. It includes only one 2.1A USB port and two AC outlets, for a total of three power ports.
Built as a Jack of all trades, the XR1 provides you with peace of mind that it can cover your unexpected travel emergencies. However, that universal coverage leaves many gaps in its performance. For instance, many users report issues with its air compressor capabilities.
Still, this power source gives its buyers plenty of features at a decent price. So while it may not max out in any one category, it can solve plenty of small problems.
PROS
- Six-in-one tool and power source
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Nice design and compact, considering all of its features
CONS
- USB port does not fast charge
- Problems with air pump
- Low wattage power inverter
5. TWING 400W Power Inverter
The last inverter on our list, this one returns to the 12V DC to 110V AC as the others. Designed to compensate for 400 watts of continuous power and 600 watts of peak power, the TWING converter has the lowest peak power level of all pure power inverters listed. Use it to charge laptops, smartphones and run household appliances.
It includes two 2.4A USB ports and only one AC power outlet. Its limited power ports and lower peak performance level reduces its performance. This inverter works best for those only needing to power a few appliances at once.
Safety features include a cooling fan, two mini slip fuses, protection against short circuiting, over/under load and overheating. The fan automatically adjusts its speeds to provide adequate airflow.
A built-in LED display shows DC input voltage, USB input voltage, and USB input current. It includes both the cigaere port cable and alligator clip cables.
Shining in customer service, the TWING power inverter comes with a 24 month warranty. Plus, 24/7 customer support allows you to feel confident in the product at all times.
Its size does not allow for as many devices as other 400 watt inverters. Still, the TWING comes in on the cheaper side of the spectrum and delivers in its smaller range.
PROS
- Lightweight: lightest on our list at only 1.85 pounds
- Safety features include automatically adjusting fan
- LED display
- Patented design extends product’s lifetime
- 24 month warranty and 24/7 support
CONS
- Fuses not as easy to replace
- Lower power peak at 600 watts
- Only one AC power outlet
How Many Amps Can a 400 Watt Inverter Run?
A 400 watt inverter has a maximum amp input range of 26 to 38 amps, depending on its maximum peak wattage capabilities. Its output amp range rests around 3.2 to 3.8 amps.
What Can a 400 Watt Power Inverter Run
A 400 watt power inverter can run most common household appliances. This includes things like lights, chargers, TVs, game consoles and other similar appliances. Sometimes a power inverter can handle refrigerators, but this depends on the exact model.
Most power inverters can run either directly from the battery or through the cigarette port. When running more than 150 watts, you cannot use the cigarette port and must instead draw power directly from the battery.
Some inverters offer fast charging USB ports depending on the port’s rating. Always check the power requirements of all appliances before using a power inverter to keep from overloading it.
Conclusion: Overall Recommendation
When choosing a power inverter, we recommend the AMPEAK 400W Power Inverter. This power inverter offers all the adequate features you require from a power inverter, giving it the most practicality. Users mostly complain about the cooling fan, but it only runs when an appliance draws power from it.
With dual 3.1A USB ports, this inverter features the best fast charging USB capabilities. Additionally, its superb safety features and 35 amp fuses allow for extra reliability. This inverter will protect all the devices you hook it up to.
This power inverter does not lack in any of the necessary features. It gives you solid performance, a good warranty and a sleek design. Therefore, the AMPEAK 400 Watt Power Inverter can satisfy nearly everyone’s needs without sacrificing anything.
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