Jackery Explorer 100 vs Jackery Explorer 500
We compare the Jackery Explorer 100 and the Jackery Explorer 500 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Jackery Explorer 100 | Jackery Explorer 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Best for | Phones, laptops and light camping use | Camping, day trips and powering essentials during outages |
| Not ideal for | Running fridges or power tools | Whole-home backup without a much larger system |
| Brand | Jackery | Jackery |
Capacity and What It Powers
Jackery Explorer 100
With a 99Wh capacity in this portable power station (JE-100A), this portable power bank is built for small electronics rather than heavy appliances. Its maximum rated output is 128W, which suits short, reliable charging bursts for devices such as phones and tablets. Manufacturer claims state it can fully charge a Phone 6 times and a tablet twice. With a limited capacity, higher-draw devices may drain it faster than expected, so lighter loads match its intended use.
Jackery Explorer 500
With a 518Wh lithium-ion battery and a rated 500W AC output, the Jackery is mainly suited to running common home and camping electronics rather than high-draw appliances. It can run AC devices that need a stable supply, such as a TV, and it also supports smaller loads via its car and USB connections. Limits apply for higher-watt equipment, since the station is capped at 500W AC and 1000W surge at peak. Its 518Wh capacity fits short sessions for lights, electronics and car accessories.
Output and Ports
Jackery Explorer 100
Output and ports on the Jackery (JE-100A) centre on charging rather than powering power-hungry appliances. The rated output reaches 128W, so it is suited to recharging small electronics rather than running larger loads. The unit includes two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, supporting charging three devices at once. It also supports PD, AFC, QC, and PPS protocols, helping compatibility across a wider range of chargers. For sustained use with bigger devices, the output limits are reflected in the portable power station pros and cons.
Jackery Explorer 500
Output and ports are built around the Explorer 500's main AC outlet and its lower-voltage charging options. The standard pure sine wave AC socket supplies 230V and is rated at 500W, with a 1000W peak surge. For smaller devices, it includes a 12V/10A carport plus three USB ports rated at 5V, 2.4A each, supporting phones, laptops and car accessories. The layout is straightforward for setup, but it is best to check device requirements, since only the AC output is clearly specified as 500W for continuous use.
Recharging and Solar
Jackery Explorer 100
Recharging the Jackery (JE-100A) is about how quickly its 99Wh battery can refill using either wall power or solar, with the charging speed depending on the chosen method. For the portable power station, wall charging uses 100W dual PD 3.0, supporting up to 70% in 1 hour and a full recharge in 1.8 hours. Solar charging uses the Jackery Explorer 100 solar generator approach, paired with a 1 SolarSaga 100W panel, reaching 0 - 70% in 1 hour and full in 2 hours. Actual charging time can vary with sun strength, clouds, and panel placement.
Jackery Explorer 500
Recharging is as important as running devices, and the Explorer 500 is built for flexible charging where power is needed. It can recharge from a wall outlet, a car outlet, or a generator, and it works as the portable power station solar generator. With up to 100 W solar input, pairing it with the Jackery W panel can take about 9.5 hours to recharge, although recharge time varies by location, temperature and weather. For readers comparing the best solar generator options in the UK, solar input is most practical when sunlight is consistent, while mains charging is faster when conditions are poor.
Battery Type and Lifespan
Jackery Explorer 100
The Jackery (JE-100A) uses a LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate battery. This chemistry is selected for long life and durability, and in the portable power station market it is positioned around a cycle-focused lifespan with a typical rating of 3,000+ cycles. The manufacturer also states the battery can retain about 80% capacity after 2,000 cycles, which is relevant for repeated daily use. LiFePO4 cells are generally more tolerant than some alternative lithium chemistries, but actual outcomes depend on charging habits and temperature, so lifespan still hinges on proper charging.
Jackery Explorer 500
Inside the portable power station sits a lithium-ion battery with a 518Wh capacity, and that capacity largely determines how much time it can run devices before it needs a recharge. The battery acts as the main energy store, so battery lifespan depends on how often it is fully cycled and how heat is managed. The unit includes temperature protection and protections for overcharge, short circuit, overcurrent, and overpower, which can help reduce unsafe electrical stress.
Portability and Build
Jackery Explorer 100
Portability is central to the expected use of a small power bank, and the Jackery (JE-100A) is built around that goal. At about 0.96 kilograms and palm-sized dimensions (9 x 9 x 13 cm), it is easier to carry than larger units, including on trips and commutes. The manufacturer also says it meets aviation carrying standards, which can help with travel planning. Build is compact and simple on these points. For buyers comparing the portable power station price, weight and size are the clearest portability indicators.
Jackery Explorer 500
How portable is the Jackery Explorer 500 in everyday use? The build is compact and practical, weighing 6 kilograms and measuring 10L x 10W x 10H millimetres (as stated). That size makes it easier to carry to a campsite or load into an RV, even when space is tight. It also includes standard ports for AC, 12V, and USB, so setup is straightforward. The Jackery price may affect purchase decisions, but the overall portability supports its use as a portable power station for camping.
Who Is This Power Station For?
Jackery Explorer 100
For whom does this portable power station (JE-100A) make the most sense? It suits travellers who want a portable power station for camping, particularly for powering phones, tablets and small devices, thanks to its 99Wh capacity and up to 128W rated output. It is also a practical choice for short trips and light emergency backup, since it supports multiple charging protocols and can charge up to three devices at once. People asking if the Jackery is any good should note it is 0.96 kg, palm-sized, and recharges in about 2 hours via wall or solar.
Jackery Explorer 500
Who is the portable power station for? It suits people who want a portable power station for outdoor use with solar panel charging, particularly RV-ers and campers. With a 518Wh capacity and a 230V 500W pure sine wave AC output (1000W surge peak), it fits common devices such as TVs, chargers, laptops and small appliances. It also supports car-related use via its 12V/10A and USB ports, which can power items like car coolers, vacuums and air pumps. Anyone asking whether the Jackery is any good should expect best results when driving moderate loads.
Jackery Explorer 100: pros
- 99Wh capacity
- 128W rated output
- Long-life LiFePO4 battery
- Solar-ready (up to 100W solar input)
- Recharges in about 2 hours
Cons
- Solar panel usually sold separately
- Not a substitute for whole-home backup
Jackery Explorer 500: pros
- 518Wh capacity
- 500W rated output (1000W surge peak)
- Solar-ready (up to 100W solar input)
- Quiet, fume-free portable power
Cons
- Solar panel usually sold separately
- Not a substitute for whole-home backup
Our verdict
Our pick is the Jackery Explorer 500 (our score 9.2/10) - A practical portable power station with 518Wh capacity and solar charging, best matched to the device wattages and runtime you actually need. The Jackery Explorer 100 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.