DJI Power 1000 Review: Is the Power Worth the Clunky Connection?

DJI Power 1000: A Power Station With a Drone-Specific Edge

DJI, the undisputed king of the drone market, is venturing into the portable power station domain with its Power 1000 and the smaller Power 500. But is this a natural crossover for the company, or is it a niche play designed to cater to its existing drone-owning customers? In this in-depth review, we unravel the Power 1000’s features, strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, who it’s best suited for.

DJI’s Unique Approach to Portable Power

The Power 1000 sets itself apart by offering a powerful 2200W AC inverter, a rare feat in a package as compact as this, coupled with a modest 1024Wh battery crafted from safe and long-lasting LFP cells. Additionally, it becomes one of the first power stations to sport dual USB-C PD 3.1 outputs, delivering a remarkable 140W each.

However, DJI takes a rather unconventional route by opting out of standard input and output ports found on most power stations. Instead, they introduce a versatile "Smart DC" (SDC) port, allowing for added functionality through proprietary adapters. While this approach keeps the device portable, it necessitates the purchase of additional cables for various needs, like charging solar panels, powering accessories, or even charging compatible DJI drones.

Fast Charging for DJI Drones – The Power 1000’s Ace

The Power 1000 is particularly adept at rapidly charging a select range of DJI drones, including the Matrice 30 series, Air 3, Mavic 3 series, and Inspire 3. For instance, charging the Air 3’s battery using the Power 1000’s SDC cable takes precedence over other DJI charging solutions due to its blistering speed.

"In my testing, both SDC ports charge the Air 3’s battery at up to 124W, according to the display on the Power 1000, just shy of the 125W DJI quotes."

While the maximum charge rate is only reached briefly, the Power 1000 still outperforms DJI’s own 100W USB-C chargers. Charging from 0 to 90% takes a commendable 34 minutes, but the final 10% takes an additional 19 minutes. Therefore, a full charge from 0 to 100% takes 53 minutes, exceeding the 44 minutes advertised by DJI, but still a significant improvement over other charging methods.

Powering the Essentials – Beyond Just Drones

The Power 1000 isn’t limited to just charging drones; it’s capable of powering a wide array of devices, including:

• Portable 3-in-1 fridge, freezer, and ice maker for over two days.
• Starlink Mini for approximately a day.
• 16-inch MacBook Pro up to 10 times.
• DJI Air 3’s battery around 13 times.
• Small microwave for over an hour.
• Medium Instant Pot for about 1.5 hours.

This versatility makes the Power 1000 a valuable asset for various scenarios, from camping trips and road trips to power outages and remote work situations.

Limitations and Considerations

While the Power 1000 excels in certain areas, it’s not without its drawbacks:

• Dongle Life: Expanding the Power 1000’s functionality requires purchasing numerous proprietary adapters from DJI, adding to the overall cost and potentially creating a messy tangle of cables.
• Limited Temperature Range: Fast charging the 1024Wh battery has a narrow temperature range, potentially throttling charging even when the unit is idle.
• No App Integration: There’s no app for remotely managing or monitoring the Power 1000. While a Mac or Windows app exists for firmware updates, the process can be cumbersome.
• Solar Charging Considerations: The Power 1000’s SDC-to-MPPT solar adapter has a theoretical 400W input. However, its input range (12-30V) is insufficient for a single 400W panel, potentially leading to damage. DJI recommends using 100W panels for safer operation.

Who’s it For?

The target audience for the Power 1000 seems to be a tightrope walk between drone enthusiasts and those seeking a general-purpose power station. If you’re a professional content creator already owning a compatible DJI drone, the Power 1000 presents a compelling choice, particularly for its fast charging capabilities.

However, those seeking a full-featured solar generator with abundant inputs and outputs may find the reliance on proprietary adapters and other limitations a tad restrictive, especially considering the numerous competing options on the market.

The Competition

The Power 1000 sits at a price point of $599, competing with a variety of power stations. It’s more expensive than the EcoFlow Delta 2 ($499), which offers a comparable battery capacity but a less powerful inverter. It’s slightly cheaper than the Bluetti AC180 ($650), boasting a similar output wattage but with a smaller battery. However, both competitors include standard ports without the need for additional adapters.

Final Thoughts

The DJI Power 1000 is a formidable power station, particularly for owners of compatible DJI drones. Its fast charging capabilities and impressive AC output make it a valuable addition to their workflow. However, its reliance on proprietary adapters and limitations in solar compatibility may deter users seeking a more versatile and universally compatible power solution. If you’re deeply invested in the DJI drone ecosystem, the Power 1000 might be your perfect match. Otherwise, you might find other options on the market better suited to your needs.

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