Portable power has become an essential part of modern life. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, preparing for unexpected blackouts, or looking for a reliable energy source for road trips, a portable power station can be a game-changer. Among the many options available, the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station consistently stands out as a top choice.
With its 518Wh lithium-ion battery pack, 500W output, and lightweight design, the Explorer 500 is marketed as the perfect balance between portability and performance. But does it truly live up to the hype?
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Jackery Explorer 500: features, specifications, performance, real-world use cases, pros and cons, comparisons with competitors, and whether it’s worth your investment in 2025.
Overview of the Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a mid-sized portable power station designed for people who need reliable energy on the go. With 518 watt-hours of capacity, a 500W continuous output (1000W peak), and a weight of just 13.3 pounds, it’s light enough to carry but powerful enough to run small appliances and charge multiple devices.
It’s marketed for camping, road trips, RVs, tailgating, and emergency home backup. The compact design makes it easy to transport, while the range of ports ensures compatibility with everything from smartphones and laptops to mini-fridges and CPAP machines.
Key Specifications and Technical Details
Here’s a breakdown of the Explorer 500’s specs:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Capacity | 518Wh |
| Output Power | 500W continuous, 1000W peak |
| Ports | 1× AC (110V), 3× USB-A, 2× DC, 1× car port |
| Weight | 13.3 lbs (6.0 kg) |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ × 7.6″ × 9.2″ |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Current Rating | 24A |
| Engine/Controller | MPPT charge controller |
| Special Features | Pass-through charging, quiet operation, low maintenance |
| Color | Black |
| Included Accessories | AC adapter, car charger cable, user manual |
Design and Portability
One of Jackery’s strengths is design, and the Explorer 500 proves it.
- Compact build: Roughly the size of a basketball, it fits easily in a car trunk, camper, or closet.
- Carrying handle: Solid, comfortable, and sturdy enough for frequent transport.
- Lightweight: At 13.3 pounds, it’s portable but still heavy enough to feel durable.
- Aesthetics: Modern black design with clear labeling on all ports, making it user-friendly even for beginners.
Ports and Power Output
The Explorer 500 offers a versatile set of outputs:
- AC Outlet (110V, 500W continuous / 1000W peak): Runs small appliances like laptops, TVs, mini-fridges, and CPAP machines.
- USB-A Ports (×3): For phones, tablets, cameras, drones, and other electronics.
- DC Ports (×2): For car accessories or devices that use DC input.
- Car Port (×1): Standard 12V car socket for coolers or portable air compressors.
This mix ensures you can run multiple devices simultaneously, whether you’re camping or riding out a blackout.
Battery Performance and Management System
The 518Wh lithium-ion battery is engineered for longevity and stability.
- Battery Management System (BMS): Protects against overvoltage, short circuits, and temperature fluctuations.
- Lifecycle: Designed for long-term use with hundreds of charge/discharge cycles.
- Power efficiency: High conversion rates mean less wasted energy.
Users report reliable performance for several years when maintained properly.
Charging Options (AC, Car, Solar)
One of the Explorer 500’s biggest strengths is charging flexibility:
- AC Outlet (Wall Plug): Recharges in ~7–8 hours.
- Car Charger: Recharges in ~8–10 hours while driving.
- Solar Charging: With Jackery SolarSaga 100W panels, recharges in ~9.5 hours (1 panel) or ~7 hours (2 panels under optimal sunlight).
This makes it an excellent choice for off-grid and outdoor use.
Pass-Through Charging Explained
The Explorer 500 supports pass-through charging, meaning you can charge devices while the station itself is being recharged. This is especially useful for continuous use in camping or emergencies, though it can slightly reduce overall battery longevity.
Noise, Maintenance, and Eco-Friendliness
Unlike gas generators, the Explorer 500 is:
- Whisper quiet – only faint fan noise under load.
- Low maintenance – no fuel, oil, or moving parts.
- Eco-friendly – zero emissions, perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
This makes it suitable for both camping tents and apartments.
What’s Included in the Box
- 1× Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
- 1× AC adapter & cable
- 1× Car charger cable
- 1× User manual
Optional accessories (sold separately): Jackery SolarSaga panels, carrying case.
Best Use Cases for the Explorer 500
- Camping trips – Power lights, fans, and cooking gear.
- Road trips – Charge electronics and run small appliances.
- RV living – Supplement power without running noisy generators.
- Emergency backup – Keep phones, radios, and medical equipment running.
- Work outdoors – Power tools, laptops, and cameras.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Multiple ports for versatility.
- Pass-through charging.
- Quiet and eco-friendly.
- Reliable Jackery build quality.
Cons:
- Cannot power high-wattage devices (microwaves, space heaters).
- Only one AC outlet.
- Slower charging unless paired with solar panels.
- No USB-C PD port (older design compared to newer models).
Comparison: Explorer 500 vs. Other Jackery Models
| Model | Capacity | Output | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 300 | 293Wh | 300W | 7 lbs | Ultralight travel |
| Explorer 500 | 518Wh | 500W | 13.3 lbs | Balanced portability & power |
| Explorer 1000 | 1002Wh | 1000W | 22 lbs | Larger appliances, longer trips |
| Explorer 1500 | 1534Wh | 1800W | 35 lbs | Heavy-duty camping, RV use |
The Explorer 500 is the sweet spot for casual users who need reliable but portable power.
Comparison: Explorer 500 vs. Competitors
| Brand/Model | Capacity | Output | Weight | Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 500 | 518Wh | 500W | 13.3 lbs | ~$499 | Lightweight, proven brand |
| Bluetti EB55 | 537Wh | 700W | 16.5 lbs | ~$499 | More output, heavier |
| EcoFlow River Pro | 720Wh | 600W | 16.8 lbs | ~$599 | Faster charging |
| Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 505Wh | 300W | 12.9 lbs | ~$699 | Premium build, fewer watts |
Price and Value for Money
- Typical retail price: $499–$599.
- Good balance between affordability and features.
- Cheaper than larger models but far more capable than entry-level power banks.
For its capacity, brand reliability, and performance, the Explorer 500 is one of the best-value mid-range portable power stations.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Positive: Users love the portability, reliability, and ease of use. Works flawlessly for camping and emergencies.
- Criticism: Some wish it included USB-C PD ports or more AC outlets. Others find solar charging slower than expected.
Overall ratings consistently hover around 4.7–4.8 stars out of 5.
Who Should Buy the Jackery Explorer 500?
- Campers, hikers, and road trippers.
- RV users needing supplemental power.
- Homeowners wanting affordable backup for essentials.
- Outdoor workers or content creators.
- Anyone needing quiet, eco-friendly portable power.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Explorer 500
- Pair with Jackery SolarSaga panels for renewable charging.
- Use pass-through charging during long camping sessions.
- Keep battery between 20–80% for optimal lifespan.
- Avoid running devices over 500W (like heaters or hairdryers).
Final Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 500 is one of the best mid-range portable power stations in 2025. With 518Wh capacity, 500W output, lightweight portability, and versatile charging options, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and convenience.
It may not power heavy-duty appliances, but for camping, emergency backup, and road trips, it’s tough to beat. If you’re looking for reliability, ease of use, and value for money, the Explorer 500 remains a top recommendation.
Bottom line: If you want a trusted, portable, solar-ready power station for under $600, the Jackery Explorer 500 is worth every penny.