Pros & Cons

Pros

Works well with small devices like laptops, phones, cordless tools, etc.
Works best for loads less than 150W.
USB output is perfect to charge phones and iPods.
Using battery cables gives perfect charge.
Good technical support.

Cons

In few cases bad units were received by customers.
In few cases the inverter went bad in few months.
Low quality cigarette lighter plug.
Doesn't work well when used continuously with high loads.

Review Summary

This is the summary of consumer reviews for Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output. The BoolPool rating for this product is Good, with 3.90 stars, and the price range is $27-$55.

The Cobra CPI 480 is a 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC power inverter that provides 400 Watts of power handling and 800 Watts of peak power. This inverter can be connected to the car battery or directly into the cigarette lighter socket. This product comes with a cigarette lighter plug.

According to most reviewers this inverter works well with small devices like laptops, phones, iPods, cordless tools, Christmas lights, etc. Cigarette lighter socket works great when using for loads less than 150W. Using battery cables also gives perfect charge. Reviewers also like the USB output that is used to charge phones, iPods, laptops, etc.

It is recommended to use direct battery connection (instead of cigarette lighter socket) with load over 150Watt. In few cases there was problem with load more than 150W. Few reviewers also complained having received bad units or units went bad within few months of use. Some reviewers also praised technical support provided by the company.

User Voice

Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output

Can be plugged into cigarette lighter socket Comes with cigarette lighter plug

Review Group #: 1 Rating :

4.00 stars 24 Reviews See Details

Works well to charge battery, cordless tools, phones, and run laptops

Review Group #: 2 Rating :

4.00 stars 12 Reviews See Details

Decent product from Cobra

Review Group #: 3 Rating :

3.50 stars 14 Reviews See Details

Use direct battery connection over 150watt loads

Review Group #: 4 Rating :

3.00 stars 15 Reviews See Details

Works well to power the laptop

Review Group #: 5 Rating :

4.50 stars 15 Reviews See Details

Few bad units Good tech support

Review Group #: 6 Rating :

4.00 stars 19 Reviews See Details

Works great with Christmas lights and small devices/tools

Review Group #: 7 Rating :

3.50 stars 19 Reviews See Details

Less than 150 watts plugged into car 12 volt socket works great Using battery cables also gives perfect charge Sometimes there is problem with more than 150W

Review Group #: 8 Rating :

4.50 stars 20 Reviews See Details