Bluetti Handsfree Review – Portable Power For Tech Specialists
The Bluetti Handsfree is a compact and transportable “Power Station in a Backpack” but does it deliver for hobbyists and campers? Keep reading to find out…
What we like about the Bluetti Handsfree: Plenty of power; Well-built; Thoughtful backpack design with lots of storage pockets, compartments and loops.
What we don’t like about the Bluetti Handsfree: It can feel heavy; More velcro on inner compartments would be welcome
Bluetti Handsfree 1
Bluetti Handsfree 2
Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount
The Bluetti Handsfree power station and backpack is a very interesting new product design from those masters of innovation Bluetti, and is quite unlike anything we’ve seen before in the product space. It consists of a sleek, slimline power station paired with a heavily engineered backpack and seems to be aimed squarely at tech specialists who need to both safely transport and charge equipment while on the move.
There are two versions of the Handsfree available for sale:
- The Bluetti Handsfree 1 is a 300W power station with a 42L backpack
- The Bluetti Handsfree 2 is a 700W power station with a 60L backpack
We were luckily sent both models to test over a couple of months, and have had a very in depth period of testing the features and performance in a variety of household and camping scenarios.
Read on to find out what we thought of them, and which you should go for if you’re looking for very portable power!
Watch the Indepth Bluetti Handsfree Review On YouTube
So who is the Bluetti Handsfree for?
In today’s world, portable power is essential for photographers, drone operators, tech specialists, and content creators who work in remote locations or need power on the go. Standard power banks may be enough to recharge small devices like phones, but equipment like cameras, drones, and laptops require a more capable solution.
The Bluetti Handsfree immediately differentiates itself from standard power banks by incorporating an AC inverter which is great for plugging in gear which needs mains power. The camping community could also benefit from this feature.
Handsfree Design and Features
As discussed above, the Bluetti Hansdfree integrates a high-capacity battery into a backpack, allowing users to charge devices while on the move. The backpack includes quick-access side openings aligned with the power station’s output ports, enabling direct charging without removing the unit. A U-shaped opening provides access for charging and ventilation to help prevent overheating.
The power station can charge up to five devices at once, making it suitable for users who need to power multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously. The backpack’s modular storage system allows for gear organization and an ergonomic, load-bearing design that helps distribute its hefty weight for comfort during extended use.
The name ‘Handsfree’ hints at the convenience of charging your devices while the backpack is still on your back. At first, we couldn’t find an obvious way to do this, since all the devices are securely tucked inside the storage compartment. But after some trial and error, we uncovered a solution—well, at least a workaround of sorts! Curious to see how it works? Check out the charging on the move section lower down the page for all the details.
Additional straps and loops create attachment points that provide flexibility for carrying extra equipment like tents or solar panels. The backpack is designed to be weather-resistant, with a splash-proof construction and an included rain cover to protect stored items.
This setup is intended for users who need both power and storage in a single system, reducing the need for separate battery packs or generators while in the field. It may be useful for extended outdoor activities, mobile workstations, camping or off-grid situations where power access is limited.
Let’s take a closer look at the Bluetti Handsfree portable power station and backpack individually to see what they are made of, examining how they integrate, their key features, and how well they meet the needs of those who rely on portable power to charge their gear.
Bluetti Handsfree Differences Between V1 & V2
There are two versions of Bluetti Handsfree, V1 and V2. They look pretty much the same in terms of overall look and style as you can see in the image above.
The key distinction as you may now suspect is size and power.
In overall dimensions, the V2 model is 31% taller than V1 while delivering twice the AC output offering significantly more power (700W vs 300W) with only a modest increase in size. The same can be said for the weight. V2 is one-third heavier for twice the power.
Both models share the same core hardware and software features, maintaining a similar design and functionality. The layout remains fundamentally the same, with identical display, buttons and input/output ports on both versions of the power station.
- For a more detailed in-depth look at the physical power station differences jump down the page to key differences between V1 & V2 Bluetti Handsfree Combinations.
- To see images of the difference in size and layout of the hardware features jump to hardware size and layout comparison.
- Not forgetting the backpack differences. Jump to key differences between V1 & V2 Bluetti Handsfree Combinations section on this page.
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Bluetti Handsfree Power Station Design & Build Quality
The Bluetti Handsfree takes a different approach from conventional portable power stations, moving away from the typical bulky, box-like design. Instead, it features a slimmer, more elongated form factor that allows it to fit neatly inside the specially designed backpack. This design in our opinion makes it more practical for users who need to transport power on foot rather than just moving it between vehicles or workstations.
The outer casing has a grey matt finish, with rubber feet on the bottom for stability when placed upright. Additional rubberized padded feet on one side allow it to be laid flat to make it more stable. This side position allows easy placement of a laptop on top or it can be used as a drone take-off platform perhaps.
The main side panel is structured for ease of access through the side flap of the backpack, featuring the main display, a power button for both AC and DC outputs, two high-power USB-C ports (100W each), two USB-A ports (15W total), and an XT60 (solar/DC) input. The opposite side panel houses the AC out socket¹, an AC input port (cable supplied), and an earthing screw for additional grounding in cases where a plug socket’s built-in grounding is questionable².
The power station incorporates a status display, providing real-time battery percentage, estimated runtime, and input/output power levels. The display is clear, intuitive, functional and well-organised, offering all necessary information at a glance.
Another well-designed power station from Bluetti in our opinion with a clear display and plenty of ports.
Note¹: The Bluetti Handsfree Power Station comes with a standard UK 3-pin plug socket when purchased from the Bluetti UK website.
Note²: When charging the power station via a standard UK or EU socket, additional grounding is generally unnecessary as these sockets include built-in earth connections for safe operation. However, if the integrity of the socket is uncertain, the power station’s grounding point can be used as an extra precaution.
Charging the Bluetti Handsfree Power Station
The Bluetti Handsfree Power Station is provided with all the charging cables needed to charge the power station via AC, DC or solar. With any of the charging methods, once the Bluetti Power Station is fully charged it will automatically stop charging to prevent overcharge and the Bluetti will shut itself down after one minute of inactivity. There are two cables in the box…
- A cable with a standard 3-pin UK plug
- A cable with both a 12V/24V cigarette-style plug and a Bluetti solar plug
AC
When purchasing the Bluetti in the UK it will arrive with the standard UK 3-pin plug that can be used in any home or campsite. When using the Bluetti app you can set a turbo charge mode that gives an 80% charge in 45 minutes.
AC charge times
V1 45 mins(80%) / 1.5H（100%）
V2 45min (80%) / 1.3Hours (100%)
DC
Bluetti provides a cable with a cigarette lighter-style plug that can be used to charge the Bluetti from a car, caravan, camper etc. that has a 12V/24V cigarette lighter socket.
DC charge times
V1 3.2Hours (12V) / 1.8Hours (24V)
v2 5.8Hours (12V) / 3.1 Hours(24V)
Solar
The Bluetti Handsfree does not come with a solar panel but one can be purchased separately. The Bluetti Solar charging has some intelligence behind it. The Handsfree power station automatically begins charging when it detects solar input. In low-light conditions, it shuts off within a minute to conserve energy. This system is meant to optimize solar efficiency, ensuring continuous charging even on cloudy days and helping to extend battery life during extended use. With all the cloudy days in the UK, this should help keep things running smoothly.
Solar charge times
V1 = 1.5 Hours (200W), 3.5 Hours (100W), 6 Hours (60W)
V2 = 2 Hours (350W), 3 Hours (120W), 6 Hours (60W)
Solar charging performance depends on weather conditions and can vary significantly based on sunlight intensity, panel angle, direct exposure to the sun, and cloud cover. This means in the UK solar charging times can be longer than those quoted by Bluetti due to our amazing weather variations.
The difference in input watts is because V2 can cope with higher input of up to 350W when solar charging.
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Charging Equipment With Bluetti Handsfree Power Station
Bluetti states that you can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously. You can in fact charge more if you have a multi-port adapter for the USB ports, assuming the connected devices are less than the port max output. For example, you could get 3 fast-charge mobile phones charging from the C Type 100W port using a multiport adapter.
You can charge up devices while on the move, as we tried this out for ourselves. The flaps on the sides of the backpack give access to all the AC and DC output ports on the power station. Cables can reach the ports from the equipment storage compartment and also the space above the power pack but it may mean running cables outside of the backpack. See the section charging While Moving for more information on this topic. Just be careful of overheating if items are snuggly wrapped while on charge. Equipment generally needs good ventilation to avoid damage.
Power Lifting Mode Explained
The Bluetti Handsfree Power Station features a Power Lifting Mode. Power Lifting Mode allows the Bluetti Handsfree power station to handle pure resistive loads higher than the power station’s max rated output power. This makes it possible to run appliances with a high-wattage without tripping the power station. Power lifting mode is disabled by default, so it will need to be enabled before a higher power device is plugged in, or it can cause damage.
- Bluetti Handsfree 1 can handle appliances between 300W & 450W, even though the power station’s max rated power is 300W. The maximum output power remains at 300W.
- Bluetti Handsfree 2 can handle appliances between 700W & 1200W, even though the power station’s max rated power is 700W. The maximum output power remains at 700W.
It is important to note that the actual output power will still not exceed the power station’s maximum output power rating. It just won’t harm the power station if you plug in an appliance with a higher rating up to the max uplifting mode allowance (resistive loads only). For more information see a separate article
Example charge times
| V1 | V2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 3 (18Wh) | 10 Times | ||
| DJI Air 3 (62.6Wh) | 3 Times | DJI Mavic 3 (77Wh) | 5 Times |
| DJI FPV (44.4Wh) | 5 Times | DJI FPV (44.4Wh) | 10 Times |
| Camera (10Wh) | 15 Times | Camera (10Wh) | 23 Times |
| Phone (15Wh) | 12 Times | Phone (15Wh) | 18 Times |
| Laptop (60Wh) | 4 Times | Laptop (60Wh) | 7 Times |
| LED light(10W) | 21.77 Hours | LED light(10W) | 41.47 Hours |
| GoPro (7Wh) | 19 Times | GoPro (7Wh) | 27 Times |
Bluetti Handsfree – Charging Equipment While Moving
Let’s address the elephant in the room—there’s no direct access from the equipment storage area to the power station compartment. So, how do you charge your gadgets on the move?
Bluetti may have left out access between these two compartments for good reason. Storing chargeable devices in a padded, enclosed space with no ventilation could risk overheating, potential damage, or even fire. While this is just our speculation, it’s something to consider.
You’ll need to assess whether it’s safe to charge your gear while stored away. If you’re confident your device won’t overheat, here are a couple of ways to access your power station for charging directly from the backpack.
Charging from above the power station
For better airflow while charging, there’s a generous space directly above the power station inside the backpack. Cables can be neatly routed through from top to bottom, keeping everything contained within the bag.
If ventilation is a concern, simply leave the top zip open—though obviously, not in wet weather.
In the image, a projector and a Bose speaker are shown charging. For demonstration purposes, they’re sticking out, but both actually fit inside with the zip fully closed.
The flap covering the output ports closes completely, thanks to the flexible rubber U-shaped side vent. However, a right-angled USB connector would make for a neater fit, especially if airflow isn’t an issue and you want all zips secured.
Charging from the equipment storage compartment
To make charging more convenient while keeping your gear secure, position the zips on the equipment storage area near the Bluetti Power Station’s output ports. Then, adjust the zips on the U-shaped flap covering the ports so they align closely.
By leaving a small gap between the zips, you can route charging cables from your devices to the power station without fully opening the bag. This method helps keep everything contained, reduces exposure to dust or moisture, and maintains the backpack’s overall structure while in use. Keep in mind overheating!
In the image, two cables are connected to the DC ports, while another is routed around to the AC supply—requiring a slightly higher zip position. Depending on your setup, you may need to adjust the zips accordingly to balance accessibility with protection. This setup is a practical way to charge multiple devices on the move while keeping cables tidy and organized.
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Bluetti Handsfree 1 vs Bluetti Handsfree 2 – Whats In The Box
- Bluetti Handsfree Rucksack
- UK AC charging cable
- DC/Solar charging cable
- Warranty card
- Instruction manual
Bluetti Handsfree 1 vs Bluetti Handsfree 2 – Summary of Key Differences
- Version 2 has a significantly higher capacity (512Wh vs. 268.8Wh)
- Version 2 has more power output (700W vs. 300W) and a higher lifting power (1200W vs. 450W)
- Version 2 supports higher input AC (600W vs. 300W) and solar (350W vs. 200W)
- Version 2 is heavier (7.5kg vs. 5kg) and larger in size
- Version 1 charges faster via solar and car charging, while Version 2 has a slightly faster full AC charge time
Bluetti Handsfree 1 and Bluetti Handsfree 2 Specs – Identical
| Specification | Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | |||
| Life Cycles | 4000+ Cycles to 80% Original Capacity | |||
| Shelf-life | Recharge to 80% Every 3-6 Months | |||
| Management System | MPPT Controller, BMS, etc | |||
| USB-C Output | 100W x 2 | |||
| USB-A Output | 15W total | |||
| Pass-through Charging | Yes | |||
| UPS Switching Time | ≤20ms | |||
| Charging Temperature | 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F | |||
| Discharging Temperature | -20°C to 40°C / -4°F to 104°F | |||
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 40°C / -4°F to 104°F | |||
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Bluetti Handsfree 1 vs Bluetti Handsfree 2 Specs – Differences
| Specification | Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 268.8Wh | 512Wh |
| Power Output | 300W | 700W |
| Lifting Power | 450W | 1200W |
| AC Output | 300W total | 700W total |
| AC Input | 300W Max. | 600W Max. |
| Solar Input | 200W Max. | 350W Max. |
| AC Charging Time (80%) | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| AC Charging Time (100%) | 1.5 Hours | 1.3 Hours |
| Solar Charging Time | 1.5 Hours (200W) | 2 Hours (350W) |
| Car Charging (12V) | 3.2 Hours | 5.8 Hours |
| Car Charging (24V) | 1.8 Hours | 3.1 Hours |
| Weight | About 5kg / 11lbs | About 7.5kg / 16.5lbs |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 286.5mm × 95mm × 280mm (11.3in × 3.7in × 11in) | 305mm × 105mm × 385mm (12in × 4.1in × 15.2in) |
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Bluetti Handsfree Backpack Design & Materials
The Bluetti Handsfree Backpack is constructed from a durable polyester material, providing resistance to wear and light water exposure. The fabric has a slightly reinforced feel, with added padding in key areas to protect both the power station and other stored equipment. The external zips feature a water-resistant lining, reducing the risk of moisture entering the compartments, and a dedicated storm cover is included for added protection.
The layout of the backpack is structured for both practicality and organization. The front section contains multiple pouches for small accessories, including an area designed for identification badges and stationery. Adjustable straps and loops on the front provide attachment points for securing extra gear, such as tripods, portable solar panels, or rolled-up clothing.
Internally, the backpack is divided into three main sections:
- Personal Storage Area: Designed for clothing, toiletries, and general travel essentials, this compartment includes mesh dividers and compression straps to keep items in place.
- Equipment Compartment: Customizable with padded dividers, allowing users to configure space for drones, cameras, and other electronics. The laptop sleeve is spacious enough to fit both a 13” and 15” laptop simultaneously.
- Power Station Compartment: A dedicated, snug-fitting section holds the power station securely in place. It features hook-and-loop straps to prevent movement and has vented access panels that align with the power station’s input and output ports. These allow users to plug in and charge devices without removing the power station from the bag.
Ergonomics & Carrying Comfort
Despite its large capacity, the backpack is designed to distribute weight as evenly as possible. The shoulder straps are thickly padded and adjustable, while additional waist and chest straps help balance the load. Small storage pouches are integrated into the waist strap for quick access to essentials like keys or cables. A fixed GoPro mount is built into the left strap, adding a convenient feature for action camera users.
One notable aspect of the design is the absence of a rigid internal frame. While this reduces the overall weight of the backpack itself, it also means that the power station plays a structural role in maintaining the bag’s shape. Some users may find that a built-in support frame or an option for wheels and a retractable handle would improve usability, particularly for long-distance carrying.
Waterproof Resistant or Waterproof?
The backpack is made out of a water-resistant material and also has zips with a TPU-like material which covers the zip’s teeth helping to waterproof the main point of ingress for this type of bag. This combination provides a good level of protection against light rain and short showers.
For a longer sustained period of rain, Bluetti has provided a rain cover in the waistband side pocket of the backpack. It is a very bright lemon / green colour. The cover is very much like many other backpack covers and fits snuggly around the Bluetti backpack to keep everything dry. However, since there is no attachment point securing the cover to the bag, it’s worth noting that in strong winds, there is a small risk of it coming loose. That said, its snug fit should keep it in place under normal conditions.
I think the main point here is, while the backpack is well-made and offers solid water resistance, no soft bag can be entirely waterproof—especially in extreme weather. If you’re carrying valuable electronics or sensitive gear, an extra layer of protection, such as individual zip-seal poly bags, can provide added peace of mind in heavy rain or harsh conditions.
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Bluetti Handsfree 1 vs Bluetti Handsfree 2 Backpack – Differences
So, what are the differences between the two versions of the backpack? The short answer – very little.
Since I couldn’t find official measurements on the Bluetti website or in the instruction manual, I had to grab a measuring tape and do some DIY stats. The V1 and V2 backpacks are nearly identical, with both featuring the same design elements and functionality.
The only notable difference is that the V2 backpack is approximately 10cm taller to accommodate the larger power station.
| Dimension | V1 | V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 48cm | 58cm |
| Width | 32cm | 34cm |
| Depth | 28cm | 30cm |
| Expanded Depth | 35cm | 37cm |
| Volumn | 42 Litres | 60 Litres |
| Load | 30kg | 30kg |
Bluetti Handsfree Backpack – Features & Storage
Both versions of the Bluetti Handsfree Backpack offer a well-organized and practical storage system designed for users who need portable power and equipment storage in a single carrying solution.
Both bags have all of the features listed below.
Main Compartments
The backpack is divided into three primary compartments, each tailored for specific storage needs:
Clothing & Personal Effects
- Two V-shaped elasticated straps keep contents like your waterproof jacket secure.
- Expandable zip adds approximately 7cm of extra height for increased storage capacity.
- Ideal for overnight trips or carrying extra essential clothing.
Adjustable Equipment Storage
- Fully padded compartment with adjustable Velcro-secured dividers. Although not configurable enough, in my opinion. It could have velcro on every section to make this fully configurable.
- Designed to accommodate cameras, drones, binoculars, gaming devices (Nintendo Switch), GoPros, and other fragile equipment.
- Includes a dedicated padded laptop sleeve suitable for most standard laptops.
Power Station Compartment
- Custom-fitted section securely holds the Bluetti Handsfree power station.
- Built-in space for charging cables and accessories.
- Zipped side flaps provide direct access to the power station’s input/output ports, allowing for charging without removal.
Front Storage Pockets
Three front-facing pockets provide convenient access to smaller essentials:
- Top Pocket – Zipped compartment for quick-access items.
- Middle Pocket – Velcro-fastened compartment with external loops for attaching small accessories.
- Bottom Pocket – Zipped compartment with an organizer strip, ideal for storing a notepad, pens, or small tools.
External Attachment & Utility Features
For additional carrying options, the backpack is equipped with:
- A camera attachment on the shoulder strap for GoPro type camera.
- Four small loops along the edges for extra hanging space.
- Two adjustable heavy-duty front straps with clips, suitable for securing a camera tripod, walking poles, or climbing gear.
- Two bottom adjustable straps for attaching a sleeping bag, jacket, or rolled-up coat.
- Walking pole loops and securing straps for added stability.
- Mesh water bottle pockets on both sides for easy hydration access.
Security & Comfort Features
- Combination Lock – A built-in locking system at the top secures the zips of the equipment storage compartment for added security.
- Waist Straps – Includes two pockets, one of which contains a waterproof rain cover for weather protection. Large enough to store a smartphone or small essentials.
- Top Carry Handle – Reinforced for easy handling when the bag isn’t being worn.
- Side Flap Holders – Two loops on either side allow the side flaps to remain open, providing easy access to the power station.
In my opinion, this is a thoughtfully designed backpack that helps ensure a secure, organized, and convenient carrying experience for tech specialists. This Bluetti Handsfree combo will enable them to get further into the wilderness and still have real, portable power to charge up their gear.
What could be better?
My big design request to Bluetti would be to add additional velcro to the equipment storage compartment. Preferably on every side of the padded sections so that it can be fully configured for various-sized items. Sticky backed velcro can be purchased online, so it’s no big deal at the end of the day.
Bluetti Handsfree 1 Bluetti Handsfree 2 Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount at checkout
Summary and Conclusions
The Bluetti Handsfree is a niche product, ideal for tech specialists such as drone operators, photographers, and content creators who need to carry and charge a lot of equipment in remote locations. The camera attachment on the shoulder strap is particularly appreciated. However, the Velcro in the equipment compartment could be improved by adding strips on all side panels to allow for full customization. Users can add their own sticky back Velcro if needed.
One downside is the lack of an attachment for the rain cover, which could easily get lost or blown away. Additionally, the Bluetti Handsfree cannot be used as a carry-on for planes, and its weight makes it unsuitable for day hikes for those who don’t need AC power or could use a lower output power bank instead.
Despite these drawbacks, the combination of the AC port and reasonably high output power, along with its flat design, makes it a good portable companion for those who need it.
Questions and Answers
See our other page for more information: Q & A
Bluetti Handsfree 1
Bluetti Handsfree 2
Use code BLUETTIMarc for an extra 5% discount
