The Jackery Explorer 240 and Jackery Explorer 300 are two of the most popular portable power stations for outdoor activities and emergency power. As entry-level models in Jackery’s line-up of portable power stations, they deliver solid performance at an affordable price point.
The Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 provide a compact, portable solution for powering small appliances, electronics, and tools on-the-go. Equipped with pure sine wave AC outlets, USB ports, a car outlet, and more, they can handle everything from smartphones and laptops to mini coolers, CPAP machines, and electric pumps. Their integrated lithium-ion batteries offer capacity ranging from 240 watt hours on the Explorer 240 to 293 watt hours on the Explorer 300. This gives them the ability to deliver 200-300 watts of power, with 400-500 watt surge capability, to keep your essential devices powered up anywhere.
While the Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 share some key features, they also have differences that enable each model to better meet certain needs. The Explorer 300 provides more power, ports, and battery capacity. But the Explorer 240 weighs less at 6.6 lbs versus the Explorer 300 at 7 lbs, making it easier to take on the go. In this guide, we’ll cover the key specs, usage scenarios, and pros and cons of each model to help you determine which Jackery Explorer is the best match for your power needs.
Battery Capacity
The Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 have different battery capacities to suit different needs. The key differences are:
-
The Explorer 240 has a 240 watt-hour (Wh) battery capacity. This smaller capacity makes it lighter and more portable for travel and outdoor use. The 240Wh battery can power small appliances and electronics for around 6-10 hours.
-
The Explorer 300 has a 293 watt-hour battery capacity, which is over 20% higher than the Explorer 240. The extra capacity allows the Explorer 300 to run appliances and electronics for extended periods between charges. You can get around 8-12 hours from the 293Wh battery.
So in summary, the Explorer 240 is better for lighter and more portable power needs, while the Explorer 300 has the advantage for longer off-grid power applications where extended runtime is important. The nearly 300Wh battery allows it to handle more devices and longer usage times when relying fully on the power station away from wall outlets.
Output Power
The Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 have different output power capabilities which impact what devices and appliances they can run.
The Explorer 240 has a peak output of 200 watts, with a 400 watt surge capability. This means it can continuously supply 200 watts to devices, but can handle surges up to 400 watts. This is enough power to charge smartphones, laptops, small appliances like mini coolers and blenders, and run things like LED lights and small fans.
The Explorer 300 has more power with a 300 watt continuous output and 500 watt surge capacity. The higher output allows the Explorer 300 to run larger devices like full-size portable refrigerators, electric grills and hot plates, some small TVs, and power tools like an electric drill or circular saw. The 300 watt continuous power ensures stable running of those appliances, while the 500 watt surge can accommodate peak power demands when starting up some electric motors or tools.
So in summary, the Explorer 300 can handle larger loads and briefly supply more power for motor-driven appliances, while the Explorer 240 is better suited for smaller electronics and devices. Their different output specs make the Explorers suited to different uses cases and power needs when away from shore power.
Recharge Time
The Explorer 240 and 300 have different recharge times depending on the charging method.
The Explorer 240 charges faster when using a solar panel. Its 240Wh battery size means it can go from 0% to 100% charge in about 8 hours with a 60W solar panel. In comparison, the Explorer 300’s larger 293Wh battery takes around 10 hours to fully recharge from solar.
However, when charging from an AC wall outlet or car charger, the Explorer 300 actually charges faster due to its higher input rating of 100W vs the Explorer 240’s 60W input. The 300 can charge from 0-80% in just over 2 hours using the maximum AC input, while the 240 takes over 3 hours.
So in summary – the Explorer 240 has a faster solar recharge time, while the 300 recharges quicker when plugged into wall or car outlet. This makes the 240 better for off-grid solar charging, while the 300 can take advantage of AC power to reduce downtime between uses.
Weight
The Jackery Explorer 240 weighs in at a lightweight 3kg or 6.6 lbs, while the Jackery Explorer 300 is just slightly heavier at 3.2kg or 7.05 lbs.
The 240’s lighter weight makes it a bit easier to carry around and pack for travel or outdoor excursions. At 3kg, it’s still compact and portable enough for backpacking trips and other activities where every ounce counts.
In comparison, the 300 is only 0.2kg or around 5 ounces heavier, so it’s not a huge difference. But for the traveler or hiker looking to go ultralight, the Explorer 240 has a slight edge in portability.
The Explorer 300’s extra battery capacity does add a bit more bulk and weight, but it may be worth it for the additional power. Unless you need an ultra-compact power station, the small difference in weight shouldn’t be a major deciding factor between the two models. Both are still highly portable power stations suitable for a wide range of applications.
Camping Use
The Jackery Explorer 300’s extra battery capacity makes it better suited for powering appliances and devices when camping compared to the Explorer 240. With 293Wh versus just 240Wh, the Explorer 300 can run small appliances like mini refrigerators, fans, string lights, and CPAP machines significantly longer before needing to be recharged. This extra runtime is extremely useful when camping in remote locations without access to power. The Explorer 300 can potentially keep devices and appliances powered for 1-3 days whereas the Explorer 240 may only last 1-2 days. This ability to run high-drain devices for a longer duration makes the Explorer 300 the preferable choice for campers who need steady power for essential appliances and electronics.
The Explorer 300’s extra output capacity also enables it to handle devices with higher wattage without disruption. For example, some mini-fridges have starting wattages over 200W which could potentially overload the Explorer 240’s 200W limit but be handled just fine by the 300W output of the Explorer 300. For these reasons, the Explorer 300’s increased battery capacity, output, and overall runtime makes it the better power station option for most camping needs. Its ability to reliably run appliances and devices for longer periods of time gives campers greater flexibility and less concern over running out of power.
For Power Outages
The Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 can provide limited backup power during electricity outages, but should not be relied upon as a primary power source. The Explorer 300 will be able to power small appliances and devices for a longer period of time thanks to its larger 293Wh battery capacity compared to the Explorer 240’s 240Wh capacity.
During a several hour outage, the Explorer 300 could potentially power a router, some lights, and charge smartphones 2-3 times from its full charge. The Explorer 240 may only provide power to maintain internet and minimal lighting for 3-4 hours before needing recharging. For larger devices like refrigerators or medical devices, a gasoline generator with higher continuous wattage output would be required.
Both units can recharge from solar, but slow and intermittent recharging could prolong runtimes slightly in an outage situation. With their limited power output of 200-300W, the Jackery Explorer models are best suited for short term, small scale power outages rather than long term or whole home backup. Their portable and silent operation makes them convenient over loud gas generators, but the tradeoff is much less power output overall.
Outdoor Work Use
The Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 provide convenient power solutions for a variety of outdoor work scenarios. With multiple USB ports and AC outlets, they can easily charge phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronic gear on the go.
The Explorer 240 and 300 are compact and lightweight enough to throw in a backpack or take to a remote shoot location. Just connect your devices and keep working. TheExplorer 240 provides 240Wh, while the Explorer 300 offers 293Wh, so there is sufficient power capacity for operating and recharging small electronics all day long.
Both units can be recharged via solar panels, which makes them ideal for use off-grid. Whether you need to edit photos and videos in the field, stay connected on long hikes, or power equipment at a remote worksite, the Jackery Explorer 240 and 300 allow you to bring reliable power anywhere. With efficient charging and multiple output ports, they are versatile power stations for working productively outdoors.
Conclusion
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 300 is the more powerful model with the most battery capacity, output power, and ports. The key advantages of the Explorer 300 include:
-
293Wh battery capacity compared to 240Wh in the Explorer 240. This gives the 300 about 20% more capacity.
-
300W output and 500W surge power versus 200W/400W in the Explorer 240. The Explorer 300 can handle more high-power devices.
-
More output ports – the 300 has a 300W pure sine wave AC outlet, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a 12V car port. The 240 lacks the AC outlet.
-
With more power available, the Explorer 300 can run small appliances and electronics longer on a single charge compared to the Explorer 240.
For portable power needs while camping or during short outages, the extra capacity and power of the Jackery Explorer 300 makes it the better choice if you require more runtime. However, the Explorer 240 is lighter at 6.6 lbs versus 7 lbs for the 300. The 240 may be preferable for very portable uses where every ounce counts.
Summary
The Jackery Explorer 300 and Explorer 240 offer similar functionality as portable power stations, but have some key differences.
The Explorer 300 packs more power with its 293Wh battery capacity, 300W AC output, and 500W surge capability. This extra power capacity allows it to run appliances longer and handle appliances with higher power demands. The multiple outlets make it easy to connect multiple devices at once. For those needing serious off-grid power for lights, small appliances, and electronics, the Explorer 300 is the better choice.
On the other hand, the Explorer 240 has a lighter and more compact design at 6.6 pounds. The 240Wh battery and 200W AC output provide sufficient power for basic needs, while still being easy to carry around. For those looking for a portable power station for occasional use or short outdoor excursions, the Explorer 240 offers similar capabilities in a lighter package. Its faster solar recharging also makes it ideal for renewable charging on the go.
So in summary, the Jackery Explorer 300 prioritizes maximum power in a portable form factor, while the Explorer 240 favors light weight and fast charging for ultra-portability. Deciding between the two comes down to your power needs versus desire for easy transport when on the move.