The Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1500 are two portable lithium battery power stations that can provide emergency power during an outage or electricity on the go for camping and outdoor adventures. Both models offer similar core functionality – the ability to store electricity from an outlet or solar panels in an integrated battery pack, then channel it to devices and appliances plugged into AC outlets, USB ports, and 12V DC ports on the unit.
But with its larger battery capacity and higher peak wattage, the brand new Explorer 1500 is an upgrade over the older Explorer 1000 in several key areas. In this comparison review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the differences between these two Jackery battery stations to help you determine which model is the better buy for your needs and budget.
Some of the key questions we’ll answer:
- How much larger and heavier is the Explorer 1500?
- What extra outputs and faster charging does the 1500 provide?
- Do the displays differ, and what info do they convey?
- How do the included power adapters compare?
- What use cases does each model serve best?
- And most importantly, which Jackery Explorer model ultimately offers the best value and performance?
Let’s dive in and explore how the Explorer 1000 and 1500 compare!
Disclosures
I want to make it clear upfront that the Jackery products shown here were provided to me for free by Jackery. They did not require a positive review or place any constraints on my testing and evaluation. Everything I share comes from my own experience and perspective as a typical homeowner and weekend camper, not someone preparing for emergencies or extended off-grid use. I aim to provide my honest thoughts on how these products perform for real-world use cases. Even though I didn’t pay for these units myself, I still evaluate them as I would any product I purchased with my own money. I strive to give you the information you need to make your own informed decision if these battery backups are right for your situation.
My Perspective
As a typical homeowner, I’m not a hardcore camper or “prepper” stockpiling for emergencies. I don’t plan to take these battery packs on rugged overlanding trips or rely on them during a zombie apocalypse. My perspective is simply that of a suburban dad and husband who might buy one of these Jackery units in case we lose power, to keep the fridge and some devices running. I also envision using it for a few family camping trips each summer, when we do some casual car camping and need a way to charge phones or run small appliances and lights at the site. That’s the mindset I’m coming from in comparing the Explorer 1000 and 1500 – determining which one makes the most sense for power outages and weekend family camping trips from the average guy’s view.
Terminology
The Jackery units are often referred to as “solar generators,” but that term can be misleading. Traditional gas generators run on gasoline or propane, and can deliver their maximum rated wattage continuously as long as you keep refueling them. The Jackery units have a battery that must be recharged, either by the sun or an outlet, and can only deliver their peak wattage for 1-2 hours before the battery is depleted.
Although the term is technically accurate since you can connect solar panels to recharge them, “solar generator” implies capabilities that battery banks like the Jackery don’t have. A better term is “portable power station” or “solar battery backup.”
The advantages of the Jackery units over a gas generator include:
- No noise
- No fumes
- Easy maintenance
- Clean energy when recharged by solar
- Safe for indoor use
The disadvantages compared to a gas generator:
- Limited run time at peak wattage
- Must be recharged regularly
- Not capable of continuous high power output
So while the Jackery units aren’t a complete substitute for a gas generator in every situation, they excel in silent, fume-free, eco-friendly power generation. Their limitations are offset by incredible convenience and flexibility.
Comparing Size and Weight
These are big devices, with the 1000 being a good size unit that is fairly heavy. The 1500 is even larger in all dimensions, with everything “turned to 11”. The 1500 is bigger and heavier than the 1000 in every way.
The 1500 is about 50% larger in power rating, so I assume there’s about 50% more batteries inside, leading to 50% more weight. As a typical 6 foot tall American male of average strength, I can lift the 1000 and move it around, but it’s not something I’d want to carry more than a few tenths of a mile.
The 1500 is even heavier and larger – it’s a real strain for me to lift. You definitely wouldn’t want to have to move the 1500 very far. The increased power means increased battery capacity, which equates to increased weight. So if you’re considering these, don’t just look at price – consider the weight as an important factor too.
Comparing Outputs
The Explorer 1000 and Explorer 1500 have very similar outputs, with only a few minor differences.
On the AC side, which is the typical wall outlet, both units have 3 plugs. Jackery’s AC outlets are nicely spaced so you can fit larger AC adapters without issues.
Interestingly, the Explorer 1500 has 20 amp AC outlets – an industrial outlet with a small plug off to the side. This allows you to run large, high-power floor cleaners or other devices requiring 20 amps of 120 volt electricity. The Explorer 1000 does not have the 20 amp AC outlets.
For DC output, both units have a 12 volt DC car outlet (once known as a cigarette lighter plug). The Explorer 1500 has this output on the top with a separate on/off switch, which helps with cable management.
The two units have very comparable outputs overall, with the higher capacity 20 amp AC outlets being the main difference on the Explorer 1500. Both provide the power you need for most emergencies and camping/outdoor uses.
Comparing Displays
The display on the 1500 is vastly improved from the 1000 and provides key additional information. The 1000 has a simple LCD display showing battery percentage, input/output wattage, and a battery fill bar. The 1500 has a color LCD display that is easier to read, with large print for the battery percentage.
More importantly, the 1500 display estimates remaining run time and time to full charge – two crucial pieces of information missing on the 1000. When you have devices plugged into the 1500, it estimates how long the battery will last before needing recharge. This run time estimate is extremely useful in an emergency power outage situation. Similarly, when you connect the 1500 to charge, it estimates the hours remaining until fully charged. This allows you to easily tell if you’ll get a full charge before an impending storm hits.
Overall, the improved display adds significant functionality to the 1500 that is lacking on the 1000. The runtime estimates provide vital information to help consumers best utilize these backup power stations.
Comparing Charging
The Jackery 1500 charges significantly faster than the Jackery 1000 due to its higher voltage input. The 1500 has a 48V input compared to the 1000’s 24V input. This allows the 1500 to absorb charge at nearly double the rate of the 1000.
When plugged in, the 1500’s display will show an input around 300W while the 1000 only reaches around 150W. Despite having 50% more capacity, the 1500 is able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately the same time as the 1000.
This faster charging capability could be advantageous for users who want to maximize solar absorption during daylight hours. It also helps prepare for potential outages, allowing you to charge the 1500 in just a few hours before a storm hits.
The downside is that the 1500 requires different charging accessories than previous Jackery products. So if you already own a 1000, your existing cables won’t directly work with the 1500 without an adapter.
Overall, the 1500’s increased input voltage unlocks much faster charging compared to the 1000 model. This results in more flexibility and preparation time before power outages.
Comparing Adapters
The Jackery 1500 comes with a different set of power adapters compared to the 1000 model. This is due to the 1500 having a higher voltage 48V input, whereas the 1000 uses a 24V input.
The AC power adapter that comes with the 1500 is much larger than the 1000’s adapter. It’s bigger in all dimensions – height, width, and depth. The 1500’s power brick weighs more as well. On the plus side, the larger 1500 adapter has rubber feet on the bottom to help keep it stable.
Despite the larger size, the 1500’s power adapter can charge the unit much faster than the 1000’s adapter. This is thanks to the higher voltage 48V input. So the 1500 can charge from 0 to 100% faster, despite having 50% more battery capacity.
The 1500 also includes a different 12V car charger. The input and output plugs are slightly different sizes. This means the accessories and chargers from the 1000 model won’t directly work with the 1500.
To combat this, the 1500 includes a special adapter in the box. This adapter allows you to use the older 1000 model accessories and solar panels with the 1500. It converts the voltages appropriately so everything works together.
The downside is if you already own an older Jackery 1000 and wanted to use the same solar panels or accessories, you would need to order the special adapter separately. Or use the included adapter which takes up one of the 1500’s inputs.
So in summary, the Jackery 1500 requires different power adapters and accessories due to the change in voltage and charging system. This enables much faster charging speeds. But it does mean repurchasing some accessories or adapters if upgrading from an older 1000 model.
Use Cases for the Jackery Explorer 1000 vs 1500
When deciding between the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1500, it’s important to consider how you plan to use the solar generator. These two models are best suited for different use cases:
Home Backup Power
The Explorer 1500 is better optimized as a home backup power source thanks to its larger battery capacity and higher power output. With 50% more battery capacity than the 1000 model, the 1500 can handle high-draw appliances for longer during a power outage. Devices with heating elements or motors, like space heaters, hot plates, and refrigerators, drain batteries quickly. The extra capacity of the 1500 gives you significantly more runtime for these appliances.
The 1500’s upgraded power output (rated at 200W higher than the 1000 model) also provides more headroom to operate multiple devices simultaneously. If you need to power heating, refrigeration, lighting, and electronics during an extended outage, the 1500 gives you more power budget to work with. Its ability to recharge rapidly is also a major plus – you can better take advantage of any temporary grid power to top off the battery.
Overall, the Explorer 1500 is the superior choice as a backup power station for a full household thanks to its expanded energy storage and power delivery capabilities.
Portable Camping and Outdoor Use
On the other hand, the Explorer 1000 may be the better choice for portable applications like camping and outdoor recreation. At nearly 50% lighter than the 1500, the 1000 model is vastly easier to carry by hand. You can comfortably lift and move it in and out of your vehicle, hike short distances with it, and position it where needed at a campsite or tailgate party.
The 1000 has plenty of capacity for keeping phones, tablets, lights, fans, and small appliances charged. It can even handle occasional use of portable stoves, mini-fridges, or electric blankets. For most recreational uses, the 1000 delivers more than enough power while being a manageable weight and size.
If you plan to take your solar generator on the go frequently, the lighter 1000 model is likely the better fit thanks to its easier portability.
Which Should You Buy?
The choice between the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1500 comes down to a few key factors like intended use case, budget, and portability.
Weight and Size Considerations
The Explorer 1500 is significantly heavier and larger than the 1000 model. The 1500 weighs about 30 pounds, while the 1000 is around 20 pounds. The 1500 is also bigger in all dimensions – about 50% larger overall.
This increased weight and size is due to the 1500 having 50% more battery capacity than the 1000. More batteries = more power and runtime, but also more weight to carry around.
If you plan to take your Jackery unit camping, hiking, or use it in other portable scenarios, the extra bulk of the 1500 may be an issue. The 1000 is still somewhat heavy at 20 pounds, but considerably easier to transport than the much larger 1500 model.
On the other hand, if your Jackery will primarily stay at home as an emergency backup or be used for off-grid van-life, the increased weight may not be a big factor in your buying decision.
The 50% larger battery capacity of the 1500 also means 50% more runtime for your devices during an outage. So if you have a large family or want to run high-draw appliances like electric blankets or hot plates, the 1500 may be the better pick despite its size.
Ultimately the choice comes down to your particular use case. If portability is paramount, lean toward the 1000 for easier transport. If maximum power is more important, get the 1500.
Unique Features of the Jackery 1500
The Jackery 1500 has some unique features that help it stand out from the 1000 model.
Improved Display
The display on the 1500 is vastly improved over the 1000 model. It features a color screen with large, easy to read numbers. The display provides key information like battery percentage, input and output wattage, and most importantly, runtime estimates.
When the 1500 is charging, it will estimate the time remaining until fully charged. When you have devices connected and drawing power, it will estimate the battery runtime remaining before it needs recharging. These runtime estimates are extremely helpful for planning and ensuring you get the most out of the battery capacity.
Higher Efficiency Charging
The Jackery 1500 can charge faster than the 1000 model. It has a higher voltage 48V input, compared to 24V on the 1000. This allows the 1500 to charge at up to 500W, nearly double the speed of the 1000.
So if you only have a few hours before a storm to charge up, the 1500 can absorb more power faster, despite having 50% more battery capacity than the 1000 model. The higher efficiency charging provides more flexibility.
The 1500’s unique features like the improved display and faster charging demonstrate the key upgrades over the 1000 model. These additions enhance the usability and provide a better overall user experience.
Downsides
The jackery 1500 has a couple downsides compared to the 1000 worth considering. First, the 1500 only has one USB-C port. With USB-C becoming the new standard for phones, tablets, and laptops, having just a single USB-C port is quite limiting. You can use adapters to plug into the AC outlets, but that takes up an outlet and loses some efficiency converting from DC to AC back to DC.
The 1000 has two dedicated USB-C ports and two standard USB ports, so it provides more USB charging capacity overall. For a newer unit, more USB-C would have been better on the 1500. The 1500 does add a 12V car outlet with its own switch, but in terms of USB, it surprisingly took a step back.
Second is the proprietary charging inputs. The 1500 uses a new 48V input instead of 24V like the 1000. So you need new proprietary adapters to charge it. The included adapter lets you connect old solar panels, but you still need new wall and car charging adapters. If you already owned a 1000, your existing cables won’t work on the 1500 which is inconvenient.
While the higher voltage charges faster, it does lock you into jackery’s ecosystem. For folks with existing solar panels or accessories, the lack of backwards compatibility is a drawback versus the 1000 which works with standard aftermarket panels and cables.
Final Verdict
When choosing between the two Jackery models, it really comes down to your intended use case.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is likely the better choice if portability is your top priority. At only 22 lbs, it’s significantly lighter and more compact than the Explorer 1500. This makes it much easier to take camping, hiking, or on other mobile adventures. While you sacrifice some battery capacity compared to the 1500, the 1000 still provides plenty of power for most needs when on the go. You’ll easily get multiple charges for phones, laptops, cameras, and other USB-powered devices. With 1000 watts of AC output, you can even run small appliances intermittently.
On the other hand, the Jackery Explorer 1500 is preferable for home or emergency backup needs. Its larger battery capacity provides 50% more power than the 1000 model. This translates to 50% longer runtime when powering devices. If you need to run high-draw appliances like space heaters for extended periods during an outage, the 1500 is up to the task. And during normal conditions, it can serve as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your essential electronics. The fast recharging capabilities also make the 1500 a great choice for areas prone to storms or disasters. You can replenish its reserves quickly before or after an outage event. Just keep in mind that the increased capacity comes at the cost of size, weight, and price. The 1500 tips the scales at over 30 lbs, so mobility is limited.
So in summary, if you want maximum portability, get the Jackery Explorer 1000. But if home backup is your goal, go with the Explorer 1500 for its superior battery capacity and recharging speed. Consider how you intend to use your Jackery unit, and choose the model best aligned with your needs.
Closing Thoughts
Both the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1500 are excellent portable power stations that can keep your devices charged and running during power outages or off-grid adventures. When deciding between these two models, the key factors to consider are:
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Power capacity – The 1500 has a 50% larger battery capacity, providing 50% more power and longer runtime. This is ideal if you have high power needs or multi-day outages.
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Portability – The 1000 is significantly lighter and more compact. It’s easier to move around and transport for things like camping trips. The 1500 is a real beast in size and weight.
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Charging speed – The 1500 can charge twice as fast as the 1000, which is useful if you need to quickly top it off before a storm.
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Display – The 1500 has a fancier color display showing charge time estimates. The 1000’s display is more basic.
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Price – The 1500 will likely cost 15-50% more based on Jackery’s normal pricing model. Only pay more if the extra capacity is worth it for your needs.
Overall, for moderate emergency power needs, the 1000 hits the sweet spot on price, weight, and capacity for most households. But the 1500’s extra juice can be worthwhile for extended outages or running high-draw appliances and tools. Either model will make power failures less stressful and keep you powered up off-grid.