Anyone on the market for a reliable backup power generator should be familiar with Jackery. The legendary manufacturer has a bulletproof reputation for designing products that are both hard-working and user friendly, sporting the signature Jackery orange and black aesthetic.
The company’s Explorer line offers a wide range of models that make it easy to find the perfect power station to fit your individual needs, from emergency household power to camping and traveling and everything in between.
Note: Jackery recently released an upgraded version of Explorer 1000 which is smarter and better than the existing one, you may check it out here
In this article, we will be comparing the Jackery 500 and 1000 Explorer series power stations.
Related: 7 Best Portable Power Stations
The exact products that we are comparing in this article are as below,
| PREVIEW | PRODUCT VARIANT | |
 |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, 518Wh Outdoor Solar… | Buy Here |
 |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar… | Buy Here |
First Impressions
Jackery’s Explorer series share a unique visual style across all models, sporting a smart orange and black color palette that is immediately recognizable. The Jackery Explorer 500 model offers a solid battery life that fills an intermediate niche, allowing it to be used both inside and outside the home and weighs a manageable 13.3 lbs.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 model effectively doubles the reserve power capacity of its smaller counterpart and weighs a heftier 22.04 lbs. Both models come with a built-in carry handle that makes transporting and setting the power station up a simple task.
| Jackery 500 | Jackery 1000 | |
|
AC Power Outlets
|
1X AC 110V | 3X AC 110V |
| USB Ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-C Ports | None | 3 |
| DC Port | 1X 12V Car Port | 1X 12V Car Port |
| Digital Display | Yes | Yes |
|
AC/DC On/Off Switch
|
Yes | Yes |
|
Weight
|
13.3lbs | 22lbs |
|
Dimension
|
11.84 X 7.59 X 9.20in | 13.1 X 9.2 X 11.1 in |
|
Supports UPS Mode
|
No | No |
|
Perfect for
|
Roadtrips, camping, short oudoor adventures | Home, workshop, mobile workers, outdoor adventures |
Battery and Power Capacities
As you can see, both models offer similar features but differ greatly in the maximum wattage, with the Jackery Explorer 1000 offering a greater power capacity and the ability to charge higher wattage devices.
In contrast, the Jackery Explorer 500 sports a more compact design that makes it more ideal for outdoor excursions like camping, cross-country traveling, and other activities that may keep you away from a wall outlet for an extended period of time.
While both power stations offer more than enough battery capacity to keep electronic devices like laptop computers, tablets, and cell phones charged, they are both well suited to the task of maintaining medical equipment like CPAP machines in the event of a power outage. Consider the chart below to determine which unit meets the needs of your electronic devices.
| Jackery 500 | Jackery 1000 | |
| Power | 500W | 1000W |
| Battery Capacity | 518Wh (24Ah, 21.6V)
Lithium-ion Battery |
1002Wh (46.4Ah, 21.6V) Lithium-ion Battery |
| Surge | 1000W | 2000W |
| Solar/DC Input | 500W Max | 1000W Max |
Charging Time (0 to 80%)
One question that often comes up when considering whether or not to invest in a power station is, “Can this unit be charged with a solar panel, and if so, how long does it take to charge completely?” Naturally, both of the models on review today are 100% compatible with any solar panel, and both units include the necessary cable. Both units also include a car charger cable, so right out of the box, you are able to begin powering up the station without needing to invest in additional hardware.
Foldable solar panels are best suited for portable battery generators, here are our recommendations
Additionally, Jackery’s solid engineering allows for seamless pass-through charging, meaning that powering your devices while also charging the power station itself is entirely safe and feasible.
| Jackery 500 | Jackery 1000 | |
| Wall Outlet | 5.5 Hours | 5.5 Hours |
| Solar Power | 7.5 Hours | 6.5 Hours |
| Car Outlet | 5.5 Hours | 11.5 Hours |
Appliance Runtime
The Explorer 500 model is lighter, takes less time to charge from a 12 volt car outlet, and is easier to store away given its smaller dimensions.
The Jackery Explorer 1000, however, really shines as a backup power station for use in the home, as it can easily handle the demands of higher powered devices such as electric grills and other kitchen appliances.
| Jackery 500 | Jackery 1000 | |
| Blender (500W) | 50 Minutes | 2 Hours |
|
Electric Blanket (100W)
|
3.9 Hours | 8 Hours |
| Air Pump (50W) | 8 Hours | 16 Hours |
| Mini Fridge (60W) | 9 Hours | 17 Hours |
|
Heated Travel Mug (100W)
|
9.5 Charges | 20 Charges |
| Drone (60W) | 9 Charges | 17 Charges |
| Camera (10W) | 25 Charges | 50 Charges |
| Phone (10W) | 50 Charges | 100 Charges |
| TV (60W) | 7.5 Hours | 13 Hours |
| Light (5W) | 30+ Hours | 70+ Hours |
| Laptop (80W) | 4+ Charges | 8+ Charges |
| CPAP (60W) | ~1.5 nights with humidifier and ~ 6 nights without humidifier | ~2.7 nights with humidifier and ~ 11 nights without humidifier |
| Electric Grill (900W) | No | 50 Minutes |
| Coffee Maker (550W) | No | 90 Minutes |
|
Pressure Cooker (900W)
|
No | 50 Minutes |
* Values are approximate. The exact backup duration varies by age of the battery, device characteristics, etc.
Jackery Explorer 500 / 1000 – which one to consider?
As you can see, both of these Explorer models offer a robust power supply with an exceptional battery capacity. While the Explorer 1000 model is larger and heavier than its smaller counterpart, it is still not difficult to travel with.
Looking for a whole-home power station? Check out our review of Ecoflow Delta PRO
If you look closely, two explorer 500s will give you more capacity and cost less than an explorer 1000. But please note that you cannot combine two explorer power stations either in series or parallel. Some models offer such connections but these won’t.
With that being said, choosing between 500 and 1000 models should be easy. If you are planning to use the battery station for small electronics and want to be able to carry it effortlessly, Jackery Explorer 500 is a great option for you. It is a good entry-level solar generator too.
On the flip side, if your devices are over 500 watts and want to have a longer backup duration, Jackery Explorer 1000 is the option. With 1kWh battery, you can power almost any personal electronics for at least an hour. This is a great multipurpose battery station.
- LONG LASTING ENDURANCE: The Explorer 500 portable power station is built...
- SUPPORT PASS-THROUGH CHARGING: This power station features 1* AC outlet...
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY: Same size as a basketball, this Explorer 500 is...
- Clean and Unlimited Solar Energy: 100% green energy with smart MPPT...
- Easy to Use: The ergonomic shape of the handle grants an ease grip. And use...
- Safe & Reliable for Outdoor Camping: Features industry-leading cylindrical...
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Links / Images from Amazon PAAPI
