With power outages and natural disasters on the rise, portable power stations have become an essential item for emergency preparedness. Two of the most popular options are the Jackery Explorer 1000 and the upgraded 1000 Pro models. This article provides a detailed comparison of the two Jackery power stations to help consumers understand the key differences and determine which is the better choice for their needs. The newer 1000 Pro aims to improve upon the original 1000 with faster charging speeds, upgraded components, and a sleeker design. We’ll break down the included accessories, features, charging comparison, and price point so readers can make an informed purchasing decision between these high-capacity solar generators.
What’s Included in Each
The Explorer 1000 and 1000 Pro come with slightly different accessories. Here’s what’s in the box with each model:
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Jackery Explorer 1000
- Power station
- Car charger cable
- AC cable
- Parallel charging cable
- User manual
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
- Power station
- Car charger cable
- AC cable
- DC adapter
- User manual
Both contain the core power station unit and basic charging cables. The key difference is the 1000 Pro substitutes the parallel charging cable for a DC adapter. The DC adapter allows direct charging through solar panels, while the parallel cable only enables connecting two Jackery devices together.
Design Differences
The Explorer 1000 Pro has a sleeker, more aesthetic design compared to the original 1000 model. Jackery gave the Pro version a makeover with rounded edges and a redesigned top handle for easy lifting and portability.
While the dimensions are nearly identical, the 1000 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches and 22 lbs, versus the 1000 at 12.2 x 7.8 x 9.3 inches and 21 lbs. The minor size and weight increase is due to the upgraded battery capacity.
Overall, the 1000 Pro aims for a clean, minimalist look with the Jackery logo printed across the top and side. The smoothly rounded corners give it a softer profile compared to the rectangular 1000 model. The upgraded design matches the improvements under the hood, making the Pro look and perform like a premium, high-end portable power station.
Feature Differences
The Explorer 1000 Pro includes several upgraded features over the standard 1000 model. Some of the key differences include:
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Fast charging ports – The 1000 Pro has quick charge USB-C and USB-A ports that can charge small devices like smartphones much faster than the normal USB ports on the 1000. This allows you to quickly top up your phone battery when off-grid.
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Double the battery life cycles – The lithium battery inside the 1000 Pro is rated for 1000 cycles versus just 500 cycles in the 1000 model. This means you can recharge the 1000 Pro almost twice as many times throughout its lifespan before battery degradation.
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Extra 1 year warranty – Jackery provides a 3 year limited warranty on the 1000 Pro but just 2 years for the 1000 model. The extra year of coverage provides more peace of mind.
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Upgraded LCD display – The 1000 Pro has a smart LCD display that provides more detailed information and statistics on power usage and remaining battery life. It offers improved insights compared to the basic LCD on the 1000.
Charging Comparison
The Explorer 1000 Pro has a major advantage when it comes to charging speed thanks to its upgraded power system. It can charge about 3 times faster than the regular 1000 model from both solar and wall outlets.
Specifically, the 1000 Pro can recharge to 80% capacity in just 1.2 hours from solar compared to 4 hours for the 1000. And it can fully recharge from 0 to 100% in just 1.8 hours plugged into AC power, versus 5-6 hours for the 1000.
This dramatically faster charging makes the 1000 Pro far better suited for outdoor recreational use and emergency preparedness situations where you often need to quickly top up the power station’s capacity. For example, when car camping or tailgating, the 1000 Pro could gain a substantial amount of charge from solar during the day, then be ready to fully recharge overnight on AC.
The faster charging capabilities also make the 1000 Pro better for using high-draw appliances like mini-fridges, blenders, power tools, etc. You can run the appliance, then quickly replenish the drained battery capacity. This helps maximize the power station’s runtime for short-term high power needs.
Overall, the 3x faster charging is a major advantage of the 1000 Pro, making it the superior choice for situations where rapid recharging from solar or wall power is valuable. The fast charging abilities enable more flexible ongoing use for outdoor recreation or emergency home backup power.
Price Comparison
When looking at the price difference between the two models, the Explorer 1000 Pro is just $100 more than the regular 1000 model. Given the upgrades and improvements the Pro version provides, this small price bump seems very worthwhile.
The Explorer 1000 normally retails for $999, while the Pro model sells for $1099. So you’re only paying an extra 10% more for the Pro, but getting significantly faster charging speeds, a nicer design, longer battery life cycles, and an extra year of warranty coverage.
For such a minimal price difference, the 1000 Pro is clearly the better value and investment. The upgrades and improvements make that extra $100 an easy choice for most customers. Given the faster charging capabilities, longer 3 year warranty, and overall enhancements, the 1000 Pro is the obvious pick in terms of price and value.
Conclusion
After reviewing the key differences between the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 Pro power stations, the author’s recommendation is clear – go with the Pro model if it fits your budget. The 1000 Pro provides faster charging speeds, a more premium design, double the battery life cycles, and an extended 3 year warranty for just a $100 price bump.
For most use cases, the upgrades and improved charging speed of the 1000 Pro make it well worth the extra cost. The ability to fully recharge around 3 times faster via solar or wall outlet is a major advantage for outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, and emergency preparedness. This enables you to get back up and running quicker when off-grid.
The Pro’s refined look, redesigned handle, and smart LCD screen also give it a more high-end, aesthetic appeal compared to the regular 1000 model. And with double the battery cycles and 3 year warranty, it provides longer-term peace of mind as well.
Unless saving $100 is your top priority, the author highly recommends choosing the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro for its faster charging, elegant design, and improved durability. The upgrades and features provide great additional value that make the 1000 Pro the clear winner between the two models.