The Jackery Explorer 880 and 1000 are two of the company’s flagship portable power stations. These portable lithium batteries allow you to store and transport electricity, providing a versatile source of power whether you’re camping, working outdoors, or experiencing a power outage at home.
Both models offer robust power supply and battery life in a compact form factor. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth examining if you’re trying to decide which is better for your needs. This article provides a detailed comparison of the Jackery Explorer 880 and 1000 power stations across specifications, charging, and usage scenarios.
Battery Capacity
The Jackery Explorer portable power stations come in two main models – the Explorer 880 and the Explorer 1000. The key difference between these two models is their battery capacity.
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The Explorer 880 has an 880Wh lithium-ion battery. This gives it enough capacity to charge most smartphones over 20 times, run small appliances, and even charge laptops multiple times. The 880Wh battery makes the Explorer 880 a lightweight and portable option.
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The Explorer 1000 model has a larger 1002Wh lithium-ion battery. This extra capacity allows it to charge and run more devices on a single charge. You can expect to charge a smartphone over 30 times or run appliances like mini-fridges for several hours. The tradeoff is the Explorer 1000 weighs more than the 880 model.
Both portable power stations offer excellent battery capacity compared to smaller generators and power banks. The Explorer 880 provides a nice medium-weight option, while the Explorer 1000 is ideal for longer off-grid power needs.
Power Output
The Explorer 880 and 1000 both offer robust power output capabilities.
The Explorer 880 has 1000W (2000W surge) power output from its Pure Sine Wave AC outlet. This high power output allows you to run most appliances and power tools, even those with high start-up wattage requirements. With 1000 watts available, you can confidently operate items like refrigerators, blenders, power saws and more.
Similarly, the Explorer 1000 also provides 1000W (2000W surge) power output. This identical power capacity means you can run all the same high-draw appliances and tools with the Explorer 1000 model. Both portable power stations offer more than enough output for most users’ needs during power outages, on camping trips, at outdoor events or on road trips.
So when it comes to power output, the Explorer 880 and 1000 are evenly matched. You get equal performance and flexibility no matter which Jackery model you choose.
Size and Weight
The Explorer 880 and 1000 have noticeable differences when it comes to size and weight. The Explorer 880 is more portable and compact, weighing only 22 lbs. With dimensions of 7.4 x 5.2 x 6.3 inches, the Explorer 880 is easy to carry and can fit in tight spaces like car trunks.
On the other hand, the Explorer 1000 is heavier and larger. It tips the scales at 33 lbs, which is over 50% heavier than the Explorer 880. The Explorer 1000 measures 13.46 x 9.2 x 11.22 inches, making it less maneuverable and harder to transport.
If having a lightweight, easily portable power station is important, the 22 lb Explorer 880 may be the better choice. But for larger power needs, the increased battery capacity of the 33 lb Explorer 1000 could be worth the additional heft. It comes down to the priorities of use – portability versus higher power capacity.
Recharging Comparison
The Explorer 880 and 1000 can both be recharged via solar panels, AC wall outlets, and a car’s 12V outlet. However, the Explorer 880 generally recharges faster due to its smaller battery capacity.
Solar Charging
With the standard 100W solar panel, the Explorer 880 can recharge from 0% to 100% in around 7 hours. The Explorer 1000 takes approximately 12 hours to fully recharge from solar. The 880’s lower capacity battery allows it to juice up quicker from solar.
AC Outlet Charging
Charging from a wall outlet, the Explorer 880 hits a full charge in around 4.5 hours. Meanwhile, the 1000 model takes about 7.5 hours to reach 100% over AC. So again, the smaller 880 battery gives it a recharging time advantage indoors.
Car Charging
Finally, when using a car’s 12V outlet, the Explorer 880 can charge from empty to full in approximately 5 hours. The Explorer 1000 requires around 8 hours to hit 100% via a car’s cigarette lighter port. The 880 consistently bests the 1000 for recharge times across power sources.
So in summary, while the 1000 model packs in more battery capacity, the 880 recharges much faster from solar, AC, and automobile outlets. This gives the 880 an edge for users who need to frequently top up the charge.
Camping Usage
Both the Jackery Explorer 880 and 1000 work great for powering appliances and devices while camping, though the Explorer 1000’s larger battery capacity allows it to run high-draw appliances for longer.
When camping, the Explorer power stations can power important appliances like:
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Portable fridge – Fridges usually draw 50-100 watts. The Explorer 880 can run a 50W fridge for around 14 hours, while the 1000 can run it for over 22 hours.
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Lights and fans – LED camp lights and fans usually need 20-30 watts. The Explorer 880 provides over 35 hours of light/fan usage, while the 1000 offers over 55 hours.
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Electric grill or hot plate – Grills and hot plates often draw 800-1500 watts. The 880 can grill for around 1.5 hours on a single charge, while the 1000 can grill for over 2.5 hours.
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CPAP machine – Sleep apnea machines need around 30 watts. Both models can easily power a CPAP all night, with the 1000 lasting 1.5 times longer.
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Phone/tablet charging – Phones and tablets only require 5-10 watts. Either Explorer unit can charge mobile devices dozens of times before draining the battery.
So for weekend camping trips, the lighter 880 model provides more than enough power. But for extended off-grid camping or powering multiple high-draw appliances, the Explorer 1000’s extra battery capacity is worthwhile.
Power Outage Usage
The Jackery Explorer power stations can provide backup power during electricity outages to keep your essential home appliances and electronics running.
The Explorer 1000 has a larger 1,002Wh capacity battery which can power more devices for longer durations. With 1,000 watts of power output, it can operate a mini fridge for up to 8 hours, WiFi router for 19 hours, CPAP machine for 14 hours. You can even connect it to a solar panel for unlimited runtime.
With an 880Wh battery, the Explorer 880 can run key appliances like a mini fridge for 5 hours, fans for over 24 hours. It also has 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports and a USB-C port to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The pure sine wave inverter allows safe charging of sensitive electronics.
Both portable power stations offer lcd displays to track remaining charge and power draw. Their compact form factors make them easy to move and position around the house. If faced with multi-day outages, the Explorer 1000’s extra capacity provides more substantial backup power.
Outdoor Work Usage
The Jackery Explorer portable power stations provide robust power for operating tools and equipment in outdoor work scenarios. Their pure sine wave AC outlets and high power capacity make them well-suited for powering high-draw outdoor power tools.
When using tools like table saws, miter saws, and circular saws that require 15 amps or more, the Explorer 1000 really shines. With a 1000 watt rated power supply and 2000 watt surge capacity, you’ll have plenty of juice to keep your saws spinning and drills drilling without tripping the overload protection. The Explorer 880 may struggle a bit more with high-draw tools, but can still run most equipment fine.
Both units can also run air compressors, pressure washers, and water pumps without issue. So whether you need to run power at a remote job site or just work on projects around the house, the Explorer portable power stations have you covered. Just make sure to pay attention to the rated wattage of your tools versus the capacity of the power station. As long as you don’t exceed the ratings, you’ll have reliable portable power when and where you need it.
Conclusion
Both the Jackery Explorer 880 and 1000 are great portable power station options, with just a few key differences between them. This article compared the two models across battery capacity, power output, size and weight, recharging times, and usage scenarios.
In summary, the Explorer 1000 has a larger battery capacity, but the Explorer 880 is lighter and more portable. The 1000 can power more devices and appliances, while the 880 recharges faster. For camping and outdoor use, the 880 may be preferable for its lighter weight. The 1000 works better for emergency power needs during home power outages due to the extra capacity.
Overall, the choice comes down to your power needs and preference for a lighter or higher capacity model. Both Explorer models deliver robust, reliable power with fast recharging capabilities from solar or wall outlets. Those needing to run more high-drain appliances may want to choose the Explorer 1000 with its extra battery capacity. But the Explorer 880 offers impressive performance in a lighter package for mobility. Whichever you choose, you can be confident in getting a high-quality, versatile portable power station for many off-grid power needs.