Varta VP500
(3 reviews)
With a 537Wh LFP battery, solar or car charging and a built-in wireless charging pad, the Varta VP500 delivers reliable backup power anywhere.
Characteristics
- Capacity: 537Wh (LiFePO4 battery, 2500 rated cycles)
- AC output: 700W, 1400W peak (2 sockets, 220-240V)
- Charging: Outlet, solar (200W max) or car, 80% in 2h with Dual-Charge
- Weight: 16.5 lb / 7.5 kg (10.8 x 7.9 x 8.0 in)
- Wireless charging pad and emergency light, safe LFP chemistry
Detailed overview: Varta VP500 portable power station
With the VP500, Varta makes its first move into portable power stations, a category long dominated by brands built around nomadic power. The result rests on a solid foundation: a 537Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) battery, known for its thermal safety and longevity (up to 2500 rated cycles, meaning several years of regular use before capacity fades), housed in a compact 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) unit.
On power, the VP500 delivers 700W continuous and up to 1400W peak through its two AC sockets (220-240V), enough for most everyday devices (laptop, router, small fridge, light power tools) without pushing beyond what a good household outlet can handle. Connectivity includes a 100W USB-C port for fast charging, four USB-A ports, two DC5521 outputs, a 12V cigarette lighter socket and, unusually for this price bracket, a built-in wireless charging pad on top for setting down a smartphone directly.
Charging works three ways: from an outlet with the included adapter, via solar power (up to 200W through the dedicated input, compatible with the Varta VS200 panel), or from a car's cigarette lighter. The Dual-Charge function combines outlet and solar power to reach 80% in around two hours. An LCD screen constantly shows charge level, incoming and outgoing power, and overload or temperature warnings. An emergency light is also built into the side of the unit, a genuine bonus during a night-time power outage.
Once charged, the VP500 holds its energy for several months, making it a dependable reserve to keep in a closet for unexpected outages. What it lacks are features found on more specialized brands: no mobile app, no Bluetooth, no true UPS function with automatic switchover during an outage. For occasional backup power, camping, light DIY work or a festival, it nonetheless remains a serious, reassuring option thanks to its safe LFP chemistry and the backing of a well-established German brand.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics
Battery and capacity
| Rated capacity?Total stored energy in watt-hours. The higher the figure, the longer the runtime. | 537 Wh |
|---|---|
| Max capacity (with extensions)?Total capacity reachable by adding extra batteries. | 537 Wh |
| Expandable capacity?Whether capacity can be increased with add-on batteries. | No |
| Removable battery?The main battery can be removed or replaced by the user. | No |
| Battery chemistry?LiFePO4 (LFP) lasts far longer and is safer than NMC. | LFP (LiFePO4) |
| Charge cycles?Number of full charges before capacity drops to the stated threshold. | 2500 cycles |
AC output
| Continuous AC power?Power the unit can sustain continuously on its 230 V outlets. | 700 W |
|---|---|
| Surge power?Brief peak tolerated when starting motor or compressor devices. | 1400 W |
| AC voltage / frequency?Voltage and frequency of the AC output (230 V / 50 Hz in Europe). | 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Number of 230 V AC outlets?Number of mains outlets available on the unit. | 2 |
| RV / TT-30 outlet?Dedicated 30 A outlet for North-American style RVs. | No |
Recharging
| Max AC charging power?Maximum power drawn from a wall socket; higher means faster charging. | 200 W |
|---|---|
| Max solar input?Maximum solar power accepted at the input (PV panels). | 200 W |
| Accepted solar voltage?Panel voltage range compatible with the solar input. | 12 to 28 V |
| Max solar current?Maximum current accepted on the solar input. | 8 A |
| MPPT controllers?Number of independent MPPT solar inputs (yield optimisation). | 1 |
| Vehicle charging (12/24 V)?Can be charged from a vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket. | Yes |
Ports and connectors
| USB-C ports?Number of USB-C ports and the fastest port's power (laptops, phones). | 1 × 100 W |
|---|---|
| USB-A ports?Number of USB-A ports and maximum power (small devices). | 4 × 15 W |
| 12 V output (car socket)?12 V cigarette-lighter output and its power (coolers, pumps…). | Yes (120 W) |
| Other DC outputs?Additional DC connectors (Anderson, DC5521, XT60…). | DC5521 |
Portability
| Weight?Net weight of the unit, battery included. | 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H)?Overall size of the unit in millimetres. | 10.8 × 7.9 × 8 in (275 × 200 × 202 mm) |
| Form factor?Portable (hand-carried), transportable (heavy), or wheeled. | Portable |
| Wheels?Built-in wheels for moving the unit. | No |
| Telescopic handle?Retractable handle like a wheeled suitcase. | No |
Safety and environment
| Discharge temperature?Temperature range in which the unit can deliver power. | -4 to 104 °F (-20 to 40 °C) |
|---|---|
| Charge temperature?Temperature range in which the unit can be recharged. | 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
Backup / UPS
| UPS / EPS mode?Automatic switch to battery on a mains outage (backup). | No |
|---|
Noise and thermal
| Quiet mode?Setting that limits fan noise, often by capping charge power. | No |
|---|---|
| Self-heating battery?Battery pre-heating to allow charging in cold weather. | No |
Display and connectivity
| Display?Type of screen showing power, runtime and alerts. | LCD |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth?Bluetooth link for nearby control. | No |
| Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi connection for remote control and monitoring. | No |
| Mobile app?iOS / Android app to control the unit. | No |
| Local control (no cloud)?Control possible over Bluetooth without an account or internet. | No |
| Solar connector?Connector type of the solar input (XT60, Anderson, MC4…). | XT60 |
Availability and warranty
| Market launch?Date the model first became available on the European market. Useful to place its generation: technology moves fast in this segment, and a device several years old may be at the end of its commercial life. | June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 2 years |
User manual / Instructions for use (PDF)
⚡ How long will this power station run a device?
With 537 Wh, the Varta VP500 external battery runs a fridge (50 W) for ~9h10 or an LED TV (90 W) for ~5h05.
| Home | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Fan (45 W) | ~10h |
| Freezer (60 W) | ~7h35 |
| Dehumidifier (300 W) | ~1h30 |
| Washing machine (500 W) | ~55 min |
| Outdoor & workshop | Runtime |
|---|---|
| LED lighting (10 W) | ~46h |
| Water pump (60 W) | ~7h35 |
| E-scooter (charging) (100 W) | ~4h35 |
| Sander (300 W) | ~1h30 |
Rough estimate: real consumption varies, and very power-hungry appliances (heating elements) must stay below the output power.
What is this power station best for?
-
Camping & Tent Ideal
With three charging methods (mains, solar up to 200W, or car cigarette lighter) and a built-in wireless charging pad, the VP500 is well suited to camping. Its 537Wh runs a cool box, evening lighting and charges the whole group's devices, while 700W (1400W peak) occasionally allows a kettle or a small hotplate. The emergency light built into the side of the unit proves genuinely useful once night falls, without needing a separate flashlight. Its LiFePO4 battery holds its charge for months, a real plus for occasional use: it's ready straight from the closet, with no last-minute top-up needed. For recharging in the wild, the 200W solar input accepts the foldable Varta VS200 panel to top up autonomy during the day. At 16.5 lb (7.5 kg), it stays reasonable to carry from the trunk to the tent. The one limitation: no app or remote monitoring, everything is controlled from the LCD screen on the unit itself.
-
Events & Market stalls Suitable
Varta's launch announcement explicitly cites festivals as a use case for the VP500, and the profile fits: its 537Wh and built-in wireless charging pad charge smartphones, Bluetooth speakers and small hotplates without relying on an outlet that's hard to find on site. Its two AC sockets (220-240V) and four USB-A ports cover several devices at once, handy in a group. The LFP battery holds its charge for months, so it's ready straight out of the bag. The logical limit for extended event use: 700W continuous isn't enough for professional sound systems or heavier equipment.
-
Job site & Tools Suitable
On a small job site or for DIY work with no outlet nearby, the VP500 delivers 700W continuous (1400W peak), enough for a drill, sander or site lighting, but not for very demanding tools like a powerful circular saw. Its 537Wh covers several hours of intermittent use, and charging from the cigarette lighter tops it up between trips. At 16.5 lb (7.5 kg), it moves easily from one work spot to another. The lack of an RV outlet or dedicated inverter makes it more of a backup solution than proper professional site equipment.
-
Home & Power cuts Suitable
During a power outage, the VP500 covers the essentials: its LiFePO4 battery holds its charge for months, ready to use without monitoring, and its 537Wh powers the router, lighting or phone charging via the wireless pad or USB ports for several hours. Its 700W (1400W peak) can handle a small fridge or an occasionally demanding appliance. Important limitation: it has no UPS function with automatic switchover, so it must be plugged in manually once an outage is noticed, unlike stations designed specifically for home backup power.
-
Road trip & Car Suitable
On a road trip, the VP500 charges directly from the car's cigarette lighter while driving (via the included cable), and tops up its 537Wh with solar power at sunny stops through its dedicated 200W input. Its 700W runs a mini-fridge, device charging or extra lighting at rest stops, and the wireless charging pad saves hunting for a cable at every stop. Compact (16.5 lb / 7.5 kg, 10.8 x 7.9 x 8.0 in / 275 x 200 x 202 mm), it fits easily in the trunk. Without Bluetooth or an app, charge status is only shown on the LCD screen directly on the unit.
Our team's recommendations based on the model's capacity, output power and weight.
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
We put the VP500 through its paces to see what Varta's first power station brings to the table, a brand best known for its batteries. The safety side impressed us: LFP chemistry inspires confidence, and the wireless charging pad on top is a genuinely nice touch day to day, just setting your phone down without hunting for a cable feels good. Solar charging worked well with a suitable panel, and the built-in emergency light on the side proved handy during a night-time outage. What we missed was any app or Bluetooth for remote monitoring, increasingly standard among competitors at this price. The 700W continuous output covers the essentials (laptop, router, small fridge) but not a genuinely power-hungry appliance. One thing worth watching: distribution is currently exclusive to Amazon.de in Germany, with availability that fluctuates and no confirmed US listing yet. For occasional backup power or light camping, it does the job reliably.
Frequently asked questions: Varta VP500 portable power station
Thanks to its LiFePO4 battery, the VP500 retains its energy for several months after a full charge, making it a reliable reserve for unexpected power outages, ready whenever needed.
Yes, via its dedicated input accepting up to 200W (12-28V, 8A max), compatible with the foldable Varta VS200 panel. Combined with outlet power via Dual-Charge, it reaches 80% in around 2 hours.
With 700W continuous output (1400W peak), it runs a laptop, router, small fridge, lighting or light power tools. Very demanding appliances (powerful hot plates, large household appliances) exceed its capacity.
No. Unlike some competitors, the VP500 offers neither Bluetooth nor an app: everything is controlled via the buttons and the built-in LCD screen.
As of this review, it is sold exclusively through Amazon.de in Germany, with no confirmed US listing. Availability fluctuates even there, so check current stock before ordering.
Need help choosing?
Other products in the "Versatile power stations" category
Aferiy P010
See price (3)
512Wh and 800W (1600W surge) in a 14.3 lb (6.5 kg)/14.3lb frame, UL/FCC/PSE certified for the US market, backed by up to a 7 year Aferiy warranty.
Aferiy P180
See price (7)
1024Wh expandable up to 5120Wh, 1800W (3600W peak) across four AC outlets, UL listed and under 30dB: the Aferiy P180 aims for quiet, flexible backup.
Aferiy P210
See price (7)
With 2048 Wh, 2400 W (up to 4800 W peak), a LiFePO4 battery and a 7-year warranty, the Aferiy P210 targets the best capacity-to-price ratio on the market.
Allpowers R1500 LITE
$389.00
1056Wh and 1600W (3200W peak), 15ms UPS and 35dB quiet operation: the versatile power station for campervans, home backup or job sites.
Published on 04/09/2026