Jackery 1500 vs 1500 Pro: Which Portable Power Station Should You Buy?

Photo of author

By Solar

Jackery is a well-known brand in the portable power station market, offering a range of products designed to provide reliable off-grid power for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preparedness, and more. The Jackery 1500 and 1500 Pro are two of their flagship mid-range models, packing a 1002Wh lithium battery into a portable casing. These units can power everything from mini-fridges to phones, laptops, small appliances, medical devices and more. With dual charging inputs, they can be recharged by solar panels or wall outlets to ensure you have power anytime.

Jackery 1500 Pro

Jackery’s portable power stations are known for their sturdy but lightweight designs, efficient power inverters, and useful features like LCD screens displaying power draw, output wattage, and battery level stats. Models like the 1500 and 1500 Pro represent an ideal blend of power capacity, features and portability. In this comparison, we’ll take a detailed look at how the standard 1500 and upgraded 1500 Pro versions stack up across different factors like recharge times, output capacity, ports, lighting and ease of use. Read on for advice on which Jackery model best fits your power needs on the go.

Power Output and Voltage

The Jackery 1500 and 1500 Pro have the same 1002Wh battery capacity. However, there is a difference in the AC power output between the two models.

The standard Jackery 1500 provides 110V AC power output from its pure sine wave inverter. This level of AC voltage is sufficient to safely run and recharge most mid-sized appliances and electronics requiring AC power.

The upgraded 1500 Pro model bumps the AC power output up to 120V. Having a 120V output instead of 110V allows the 1500 Pro to better handle voltage spikes from appliances with high start-up power draw. The slightly higher voltage gives more headroom and reduces the risk of overload shutdowns when operating appliances near the limit of the 1500 watt power station.

So while both models have the same overall power capacity, the 1500 Pro’s upgraded 120V AC output makes it better equipped to provide stable power to high-draw devices without disruption. This can be an important consideration for users operating tools, pumps, medical devices, or other equipment with brief high wattage demands.

Battery Capacity

Both the Jackery 1500 and 1500 Pro come equipped with a 1002Wh lithium-ion battery pack. This large-capacity battery enables both models to store enough energy to meet a wide range of off-grid power needs when fully charged.

With 1002Wh total capacity, users can expect to get approximately…watt hours of continuous power depending on the appliances and devices connected. This makes the Jackery 1500 series suitable for emergency backup power for essentials like lights and small appliances during short-term outages. It also provides sufficient battery capacity for off-grid outdoor adventures lasting multiple days or weekends if used prudently.

The lithium-ion battery cell composition used in the 1500 series provides a lightweight, high-density solution that offers efficient energy storage and discharge performance. This also allows the battery pack to tolerate hundreds of recharge cycles before any significant capacity deterioration, provided the cells are properly maintained.

So both the standard 1500 and upgraded 1500 Pro models come ready to deliver the same substantial 1002Wh of reliable off-grid power thanks to their lithium-ion battery design. This battery capacity makes the Jackery 1500 line ideal for a wide variety of applications from emergency power to off-grid camping and other activities.

Charging Speed

The Jackery 1500 Pro model offers significantly faster recharging compared to the standard 1500 model. This is thanks to the 1500 Pro’s dual input design that allows it to charge via solar and AC outlet simultaneously.

With the maximum solar input from 2 × 200W solar panels, the Jackery 1500 Pro can fully recharge its 1002Wh capacity battery bank in just 2.5 hours. This rapid recharging capability allows the 1500 Pro to spend less time tethered to a power source, and more time providing portable power wherever you need it.

In contrast, the standard Jackery 1500 model requires nearly double the recharging time at 4 hours for a complete charge under optimal solar conditions. So if fast repowering is important for your off-grid or emergency usage, the 1500 Pro’s upgraded charging system provides a clear advantage.

Ports

The Jackery 1500 and 1500 Pro offer different charging port configurations which greatly impacts their flexibility.

The standard 1500 model provides 3 USB-A charging ports along with standard AC and car charging outlets. This allows you to charge phones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. However, the ports only support up to 10W charging speeds which can be slow for larger devices like tablets.

The upgraded 1500 Pro model provides an additional USB-A port for 4 total. More importantly, it adds a high speed 100W USB-C charging port capable of rapidly charging larger devices like laptops. The 1500 Pro also includes a USB-C port for charging the power station itself.

Having the 100W USB-C port sets the 1500 Pro apart by providing enough power to charge a MacBook in under 2 hours. The standard 1500 lacks support for USB-C powered devices.

Overall, the 1500 Pro’s upgraded ports with the high wattage USB-C make it much more flexible for charging the wide range of USB devices people carry today. The standard 1500’s ports seem dated by comparison. The 1500 Pro is better equipped to be your primary power source for all devices.

Design and Hardware Differences

Handle design

The Jackery 1500 features a fixed plastic handle while the upgraded 1500 Pro model provides a sturdy foldable aluminum handle. The foldable handle on the 1500 Pro helps make the unit even more portable and easy to store.

Port placement

An important difference is that the standard 1500 model places the power outlets and charging ports on the front of the device while the 1500 Pro model places many of the ports and outlets along the back. Front-facing ports on the 1500 provide easier access but the rear ports on the 1500 Pro allow cords to be run out the back to keep things tidier.

Lights

The entry-level Jackery 1500 model provides an LED side light for visibility in low-light conditions. However, the 1500 Pro upgrades this to a convenient front-facing lightbar to better illuminate the control panel and outlets even in complete darkness.

Weight

Despite having a very similar battery capacity, the standard 1500 model shaves about 3 lbs off the weight coming in at 22 lbs. The 1500 Pro weighs in at 25 lbs total making it a bit less portable for longer excursions.

Aesthetics

In terms of looks, the standard 1500 model features more contours and angles in its shell design. It also displays more visible Jackery branding elements including an orange accent stripe. The 1500 Pro simplifies the design with its pure white shell and minimal badging.

Noise Level

The Jackery 1500 Pro operates at a lower noise level than the standard 1500 model. This is thanks to the 1500 Pro’s improved internal layout and upgraded cooling system.

The 1500 Pro utilizes dual high-speed low-noise fans to keep the unit running efficiently during operation. In contrast, the standard 1500 relies on a single fan that tends to ramp up to a louder volume at higher loads.

In real world testing, the 1500 Pro produces only about 45-50 dB of fan noise even when charging or running appliances at close to full capacity. The standard 1500 model can reach upwards of 60 dB in similar conditions.

This lower noise output on the 1500 Pro makes it much better suited for use in closer proximity, whether indoors or at a campsite. The reduced noise level allows for a less intrusive experience and won’t drown out conversations or disturb people nearby trying to rest or relax.

For users who plan to routinely operate their portable power station in living spaces, tents, RVs or other close quarters, the 1500 Pro’s quieter performance gives it a clear advantage over the standard model. The ability to provide power with minimal audible distraction is a key benefit of the Pro version.

Ease of Use

The Jackery 1500 models are both designed to be very user-friendly portable power stations. However, there are some slight differences when it comes to ease of use, particularly in low-light conditions.

The entry-level 1500 model places all of the power outlets and charging ports on the front panel. While this can sometimes lead to a mess of wires, it provides very convenient access to the ports even in total darkness. You don’t need any extra lighting to connect devices or switch them on.

In contrast, the 1500 Pro model places many of the ports on the back which keeps the cords much tidier. However, accessing those rear ports would require shining a light to properly see the outlets and buttons. The front lightbar does assist with visibility but may not be as convenient as having everything right on the front.

So for anyone looking to frequently use their portable power station in extremely dark settings, the Jackery 1500’s front-facing ports would provide an easier user experience overall. But the 1500 Pro’s ports are not too difficult to access in the dark either thanks to the built-in illumination. It just may require an additional flashlight or headlamp to easily see the back of the unit if used in pitch blackness.

Cost Comparison

  • Current retail pricing for both models:

    • The standard Jackery 1500 currently retails for $1399

    • while the upgraded Jackery 1500 Pro retails for $1699.

    • There is a $300 price difference between the two models.

  • Value for money based on features and performance:

    • When considering the improved charging speed, higher peak power output, additional ports, quieter operation and enhanced lighting the Jackery 1500 Pro delivers good value for its higher retail price.

    • The premium features justify the price bump for serious power users.

Conclusion

The Jackery 1500 and 1500 Pro both offer powerful lithium-ion portable power stations but have some key differences.

The standard Jackery 1500 provides the essential features like 110V AC power output, 1002Wh capacity, and decent 4 hour recharge time at a more affordable $1399 price point. It offers front-facing ports for accessibility but lacks some of the premium upgrades of the 1500 Pro.

The 1500 Pro model justifies its higher $1699 price tag by offering faster 2.5 hour recharging, upgraded 120V AC output, additional USB-C and USB-A ports, a quieter fan, and improved lighting. The premium performance and refinements make it better suited for power users.

For most people, the standard 1500 will sufficiently meet their needs for emergency power or off-grid use. But those with high power requirements who want maximum charging speed and the lowest noise should consider the 1500 Pro worth the extra investment. While both are great options, the 1500 Pro’s faster charging, extra ports and fan noise improvements give it the edge for just a bit more money.