With 518Wh of battery capacity and many output options, it can keep your essential devices charged when you’re away from traditional power sources. After extensive testing, I found the Explorer 500 to be a well-designed and capable portable power solution, though it does have a few minor drawbacks to consider.
Design and Build Quality
The Explorer 500 has a rugged yet sleek design that balances portability with durability. Measuring 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 inches and weighing 13.3 pounds, this involves the size of a small cooler.
The solid plastic housing feels sturdy, and the integrated handle makes it easy to carry.
Orange accents give it a sporty look that fits well with outdoor gear.
On the front panel, you’ll find all the ports and controls, including:
- 110V AC outlet (500W, 1000W peak)
- 3 USB-A ports
- 12V car port
- 2 DC outputs
- Input charging port
- Power button
- LCD display
The backlit LCD screen is easy to read and displays useful information like battery percentage, input/output wattage, and estimated runtime. Overall, the Explorer 500 has a thoughtful, user-friendly design.
Power Capacity and Output Options
With 518 watt-hours of battery capacity, the Explorer 500 can power a wide range of devices:
| Device | Estimated Runtime |
|---|---|
| Smartphone | 40+ charges |
| Laptop | 7-8 charges |
| Mini fridge | 8-10 hours |
| LED light | 50+ hours |
The 110V AC outlet can handle devices up to 500W, with a 1000W surge capacity for brief power spikes. This covers most small appliances and electronics.
The three USB ports are handy for charging phones and tablets, while the 12V car port works well for car accessories or portable fridges.
I was able to simultaneously charge my laptop, phone, and camera batteries while powering a small fan – the Explorer 500 handled the load without issue. The pure sine wave inverter provides clean power suitable for sensitive electronics.
Charging Options
The Explorer 500 can be recharged in three ways:
- AC wall outlet (7-8 hours)
- 12V car outlet (7-8 hours)
- Solar panel (9-10 hours with 100W panel)
The ability to recharge via solar is a great feature for extended off-grid use. Jackery sells compatible 100W solar panels, though third-party panels can also work with the right adapter.
One minor complaint is that the charging speed is somewhat slow compared to some competitors. A faster charging option would be nice, especially when trying to recharge between uses while camping.
Real-World Performance
I tested the Explorer 500 on a 3-day camping trip, using it to power my laptop, charge phones and camera batteries, and run LED lights in the evening. It easily handled all my power needs for the entire trip without requiring a recharge.
The fan only kicks on under heavier loads, so operation is very quiet. I appreciated the pass-through charging capability, which allows you to use the power station while it’s being recharged.
In an at-home test, I was able to run a 32″ LED TV for about 6 hours on a full charge. It also powered my CPAP machine for 3 full nights.
The Explorer 500 delivers reliable performance for it’s size and capacity.
Pros:
- Compact, portable design
- Multiple charging/output options
- Pure sine wave inverter
- Informative LCD display
- Quiet operation
- Solar charging capability
- Pass-through charging
Cons:
- Somewhat slow charging speed
- No USB-C ports
- Expensive compared to lower capacity options
Value and Alternatives
At around $500, the Explorer 500 isn’t cheap. However, it’s build quality, features, and performance justify the price for those who need reliable portable power.
Jackery’s 2-year warranty also adds peace of mind.
For those who need less capacity, the smaller Jackery Explorer 300 offers similar features in a more compact package. If you need more power, the Explorer 1000 doubles the capacity and output.
Goal Zero and Bluetti offer comparable power stations worth considering. The Goal Zero Yeti 500X has slightly higher output (300W continuous), while the Bluetti EB55 offers faster charging.
However, the Explorer 500 holds it’s own against the competition in terms of overall design and usability.
Who Should Buy the Jackery Explorer 500?
The Explorer 500 is ideal for:
- Weekend campers and road trippers
- Van lifers and RV enthusiasts
- Outdoor event organizers
- Emergency preparedness
- Anyone needing reliable off-grid power
It’s overkill for basic phone/tablet charging, but perfect for powering laptops, CPAP machines, small appliances, and other higher-draw devices away from traditional power sources.
Final Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a well-designed portable power station that delivers on it’s promises. While not the cheapest option, it’s combination of power capacity, output options, and overall usability make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone needing a reliable source of off-grid power.
Despite minor quibbles about charging speed, the Explorer 500 earns a strong recommendation.
My Personal Experience with the Jackery Explorer 500
Real-World Usage and Performance
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Jackery Explorer 500 and it’s versatility in various outdoor scenarios. I’ve used this power station on many camping trips, during power outages at home, and even for outdoor events.
It’s compact size and robust build quality have made it a reliable companion for all my off-grid power needs.
One of the standout features I’ve come to appreciate is the pure sine wave inverter. This has allowed me to power sensitive electronics like my laptop and camera equipment without any issues.
During a recent weekend camping trip, I was able to keep my DSLR batteries charged, run a small fan in my tent, and even power a portable projector for an impromptu movie night under the stars.
The LCD display has been particularly useful, providing clear information about battery levels and power consumption. This has helped me manage my power usage more effectively, especially on longer trips where I needed to ration the available energy.
Charging Experience
While the charging speed isn’t the fastest I’ve seen, I’ve found it to be adequate for my needs. I typically charge the Explorer 500 overnight when camping, and it’s always ready to go by morning. The solar charging option has been a game-changer for extended trips.
I purchased a compatible 100W solar panel, and on sunny days, I can keep the power station topped up without needing access to a wall outlet.
Noise Levels and Heat Management
One aspect I particularly appreciate is how quiet the Explorer 500 operates. The fan only kicks in under heavy loads, and even then, it’s not overly intrusive.
I’ve used it to power a CPAP machine at night without any disturbance.
Heat management also seems well-designed, as the unit has never felt excessively warm, even after prolonged use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Jackery Explorer 500 battery last?
The battery life depends on what you’re powering, but in my experience, it can run a mini-fridge for 8-10 hours, charge a smartphone 40+ times, or power a laptop for 7-8 full charges.
Can the Jackery Explorer 500 power a refrigerator?
It can power a mini-fridge or small refrigerator, but it’s not suitable for full-size home refrigerators because of their high power draw.
Is the Jackery Explorer 500 waterproof?
While it’s built to be durable, it’s not waterproof. I always make sure to keep it protected from rain and excessive moisture.
Can you use the Jackery Explorer 500 while it’s charging?
Yes, it supports pass-through charging, allowing you to use the power station while it’s being recharged.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Explorer 500 has been excellent for my needs, it’s important to note it’s limitations. The 500W continuous output (1000W surge) means it’s not suitable for high-draw appliances like hair dryers or electric kettles.
I’ve also found that the lack of USB-C ports is a minor inconvenience, as more of my devices are moving towards this standard.
For those considering the Explorer 500, it’s worth thinking about your specific power needs. If you primarily need to charge small devices like phones and tablets, a smaller capacity power station might be more cost-effective. Conversely, if you need to power larger appliances or require more capacity, you might want to look at Jackery’s higher-capacity models.
Jackery Explorer 500 Summary
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a reliable, versatile portable power station that strikes a good balance between capacity, portability, and output options. It’s 518Wh battery capacity is sufficient for most camping and emergency backup needs, while the variety of output ports confirms compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Key strengths include:
- Robust build quality
- User-friendly design with informative LCD display
- Pure sine wave inverter for clean power output
- Multiple charging options, including solar
- Quiet operation
Areas for improvement:
- Charging speed could be faster
- Addition of USB-C ports would enhance versatility
My Thoughts
After extensive use in various scenarios, I can confidently say that the Jackery Explorer 500 has become an essential part of my outdoor gear. It’s provided peace of mind during power outages and enhanced my camping experiences by allowing me to bring some comforts of home into the wilderness.
While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, I believe the build quality, reliability, and overall performance justify the investment for those who frequently need portable power. It’s particularly well-suited for weekend campers, van lifers, and anyone who wants a dependable backup power source.
Maximizing Your Portable Power Experience with the Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a compact powerhouse that’ll keep your devices charged when you’re off the grid. With 518Wh of battery capacity, it’s designed to meet your essential power needs during outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
You’ll appreciate the Explorer 500’s rugged yet sleek design. At 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 inches and 13.3 pounds, this involves the size of a small cooler – easy to pack in your car or carry to your campsite.
The solid plastic housing can take a beating, and the integrated handle makes it a breeze to transport.
The front panel is where all the action happens. You’ve got a 110V AC outlet that can handle devices up to 500W (with a 1000W surge capacity for those power-hungry appliances), three USB-A ports for your phones and tablets, a 12V car port for your portable fridge or car accessories, and two DC outputs for various other devices.
The backlit LCD screen is a game-changer, showing you battery percentage, input/output wattage, and estimated runtime at a glance.
Let’s talk power capacity. With 518 watt-hours, you can charge your smartphone over 40 times, keep your laptop running for 7-8 full charges, or power a mini-fridge for 8-10 hours.
On a recent camping trip, I simultaneously charged my laptop, phone, and camera batteries while running a small fan – the Explorer 500 didn’t even break a sweat.
Charging the Explorer 500 is flexible. You can plug it into a wall outlet or your car’s 12V socket, both taking about 7-8 hours for a full charge.
If you’re really going off-grid, hook it up to a 100W solar panel and let the sun do the work in about 9-10 hours.
While the charging speed isn’t the fastest on the market, it’s usually not an issue if you plan ahead and charge overnight.
The pure sine wave inverter is a standout feature. It provides clean, stable power that’s safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and cameras.
This means you can work on your digital nomad projects or edit photos without worrying about power fluctuations damaging your gear.
During a recent power outage, the Explorer 500 proved it’s worth. It kept my CPAP machine running for three full nights and powered a 32″ LED TV for about 6 hours.
The quiet operation is a big plus – the fan only kicks in under heavy loads, so you won’t be disturbed while sleeping or working.
One minor drawback is the lack of USB-C ports. As more devices adopt this standard, you might find yourself needing adapters.
Also, at around $500, it’s not the cheapest option out there.
However, the build quality, features, and performance justify the price if you frequently need reliable portable power.
The Explorer 500 is perfect for weekend campers, van lifers, outdoor event organizers, or anyone preparing for emergencies. It’s overkill if you just need to charge a phone, but it’s ideal for powering laptops, CPAP machines, small appliances, and other higher-draw devices away from traditional power sources.
In real-world use, the Explorer 500 consistently delivers. On a three-day camping trip, it handled all my power needs without requiring a recharge.
The pass-through charging capability is a nice touch, allowing you to use the power station while it’s being recharged.
To get the most out of your Explorer 500, consider your power needs carefully. Estimate the wattage of the devices you’ll be using and plan accordingly.
The LCD display is your friend here – keep an eye on it to manage your power consumption effectively.
For extended off-grid use, investing in a compatible solar panel is a smart move.