The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is a high-performance yet portable power station designed for powering devices and appliances on the go. With a substantial 1500 watt-hours of power capacity supplied by efficient nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries, it provides reliable off-grid power while remaining lightweight and compact compared to alternatives.
The Explorer 1500 Pro stands out for its combination of ample capacity to run devices for extended periods, excellent charge and recharge speeds, and thoughtful design touches that enhance portability. With the ability to recharge via wall outlet, car adapter, or solar panels, along with a robust set of outlets and ports, it’s built to handle a wide range of scenarios from backyard camping to power outages.
While the lack of app support and battery cycle rating may give some prospective buyers pause, overall the Explorer 1500 Pro hits the sweet spot of power, portability, and functionality for a portable power station. This review will take a deep dive into the key features, test performance results, pros and cons, ideal use cases, and alternatives to consider.
Key Specs and Features
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro portable power station stands out for its excellent performance in a lightweight, compact package. Here are the key specs and features:
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Lightweight yet high capacity – The Explorer 1500 Pro weighs only 37.5 pounds, yet offers a substantial 1500 watt-hours of power capacity. Compared to similar products like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X which weighs 45.8 pounds, the Explorer 1500 Pro provides significantly more watts per pound.
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AC and USB power outputs – The unit has 3 AC outlets providing a total of 1800 watts of continuous power, plus 2 USB-A ports and 2 100W USB-C ports. This versatile power output can charge laptops, phones, small appliances, power tools and more.
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Fast solar charging – With solar input up to 1400W, the Explorer 1500 Pro can charge from 0 to 80% in around 2 hours when paired with 3 x 200W solar panels. This quick solar charging makes the unit ideal for off-grid use.
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Lithium-ion NMC battery – The Explorer 1500 Pro uses a lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack. NMC offers a balance between energy density, power delivery, safety and cost.
Performance Evaluation
The Explorer 1500 Pro performed very efficiently in tests conducted by our product experts, particularly under higher wattage loads. When powering a 200W AC load, the unit operated at 81% efficiency. This increased to 83% efficiency with an 800W AC load. Under a 60W DC load, the efficiency was measured at 89%.
The Explorer 1500 Pro’s charging performance is also impressive. When tested from an empty battery to full charge, our experts recorded a total recharge time of about 107 minutes. This swift charging speed can be attributed to the unit’s maximum solar input rating of 1400W.
Overall, the results clearly demonstrate the Explorer 1500 Pro’s strengths in powering medium to high-draw devices efficiently, combined with its ability to recharge rapidly when connected to solar panels. This level of performance exceeds many comparable products in the 1500Wh portable power station category.
Comparison to Similar Products
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro stands out when compared to other similar portable power stations like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. The most noticeable difference is in regards to the weight – the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro weighs 37.5 pounds, which is over 8 pounds lighter than the 45.9 pound Goal Zero Yeti 1500X.
Despite being much lighter, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro offers comparable performance specifications to the Yeti 1500X. Both provide 1500 watt-hours of power capacity, solar charging inputs up to 1400W, and roughly 1000+ cycles before the battery capacity drops below 80%.
In terms of outlets, the Explorer 1500 Pro offers a very similar set – 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 USB-C ports. The Yeti 1500X does have a slight edge when it comes to DC outlets with 4 available, compared to the 2 DC outlets on the Explorer 1500 Pro.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro manages to achieve nearly identical performance specs to the popular Yeti 1500X, while shaving over 8 pounds off the total weight. This makes it a lighter and more portable option for off-grid power and outdoor adventures. Those who prioritize low weight without sacrificing substantial power capacity would be wise to give the Explorer 1500 Pro strong consideration over bulkier models like the Yeti 1500X.
Pros of the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro stands out for its lightweight yet high-capacity design and fast charging capabilities.
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Lightweight for the Capacity: The Explorer 1500 Pro packs 1500 watt-hours of power into a compact 37.5 pound unit. Comparable products like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X weigh significantly more at 45 pounds. The Jackery’s low weight makes it ideal for camping, RVs, and other portable power needs where every pound matters.
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High Performance Considering the Compact Size: Despite its small form factor, the Explorer 1500 Pro can deliver an impressive 1500 watts of continuous power thanks to its advanced NMC lithium-ion battery. This gives it enough juice to handle most appliances and power tools on the go.
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Fast Charging From Empty to Full: With the right power source, the Explorer 1500 Pro can charge from 0% to 100% in as little as 107 minutes. This rapid charging performance means you’ll wait less time to top up the power station and get back to using it. The quick charge time is a standout feature compared to similar products.
Cons and Limitations
Despite the excellent performance, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro suffers from some drawbacks that could be limiting for certain users:
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Lack of app support – Unlike many competitors, the Explorer 1500 Pro does not offer any mobile or desktop app support. This means users cannot customize power station shut-off times, update firmware, or remotely monitor battery status. For a new portable power station in 2023, app connectivity has become an expected feature that Jackery has overlooked with this model.
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Battery cycle rating – The lithium-ion battery used in the Explorer 1500 Pro is rated for 1,000 cycles before capacity degrades to 80%. While not terrible, this is lower than the 2,000+ cycles offered by power stations using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. For users who plan to use the power station routinely for many years, the lower cycle rating could force an earlier battery replacement.
Accessories Included
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro comes with several useful accessories to help you get powered up quickly.
Cables
The power station includes a standard AC charging cable that you can plug into a wall outlet to recharge the internal battery. This allows you to top up the Explorer 1500 Pro from any 120V power source.
It also comes with a 12V car charging cable that plugs into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet, letting you charge the unit on the go. The car adapter makes the Explorer 1500 Pro easy to keep topped off even when away from home.
Adapters
To harness solar power, the Explorer 1500 Pro provides two 8mm charging adapters. These allow you to connect compatible solar panels to the power station and recharge the battery through sunlight.
With the right solar panels, you can rely solely on renewable solar energy to run your devices off-grid using the Explorer 1500 Pro.
Bag
An included mesh accessory bag provides safe storage for the cables, adapters, and other accessories that come with the power station. The bag makes it easy to keep all the components together when traveling or storing the Explorer 1500 Pro.
Having the key cables, adapters, and accessory bag included right in the box makes setting up and charging the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro quick and convenient.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is a great portable power station choice for many users, there are some alternative products in the same category to consider as well:
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Goal Zero Yeti 1500X – The Yeti 1500X offers a few advantages like app connectivity and LFP battery chemistry rated for more cycles. However, it’s also significantly heavier at 46 lbs vs the Explorer’s 37.5 lbs. The Yeti delivers 1500W of power output, identical to the Jackery. Those wanting maximum longevity may prefer the Goal Zero.
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Anker 757 PowerHouse – For a more budget-friendly choice, the Anker 757 sells for hundreds less than the Explorer 1500 Pro while still providing 1500 watts of power. It lacks the fast charging speed of the Jackery and is a bit larger in size though. The LCD display is more basic as well. Still, for lighter duty usage, it could suffice.
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Bluetti AC200P – The AC200P is smaller and more portable than the Jackery 1500 Pro at just 16.5 pounds. But it also offers less capacity at 2000Wh vs 1500Wh. This makes it better suited for powering smaller devices and shorter off-grid adventures. For large appliances, the Explorer 1500 Pro’s extra capacity is worthwhile.
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EcoFlow Delta Pro – The Delta Pro matches the 1500 watt output of the Jackery and delivers similar fast charging speed. It includes LFP battery chemistry as well for longevity. The companion app allows remote control and monitoring. But it comes at a higher price point than the Explorer 1500 Pro.
Ideal Uses for the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is well-suited for several off-grid use cases where reliable portable power is needed. Its ample capacity, light weight, and multiple outlet options make it a versatile choice for:
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Off-grid power – With 1500 watt-hours of capacity, the Explorer 1500 Pro can provide backup electricity for cabins, RVs, tiny homes, and other off-grid applications. It can power essential appliances and electronics when living off the electric grid.
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Camping and RVing – When camping or RVing, the Explorer 1500 Pro can silently power lighting, refrigeration, electronics, and small appliances. This eliminates the need for loud, gas-powered generators.
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Emergency preparedness – During power outages at home, the Explorer 1500 Pro can keep the lights on, run medical devices, charge phones/laptops, and power other essentials. Its long runtime makes it a reliable emergency power source.
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Events and festivals – The Explorer 1500 Pro provides clean, quiet power for food trucks, stages, lighting, and tech equipment at outdoor events and festivals. It’s much less disruptive than fossil fuel generators.
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Outdoor recreation – For tailgating, fishing, hunting, boating and other outdoor activities, the Explorer 1500 Pro can power gear like electric coolers, grills, lights, electric bikes, and more to enhance the experience.
With its robust 1500 watt-hour capacity, multiple outlets, and lightweight portable design, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is a versatile power station well-suited for off-grid, emergency, and outdoor power needs.
Conclusion
The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-capacity, lightweight portable power station that can deliver ample power to run appliances, power tools, medical devices, and other electronics on-the-go or during power outages.
While the lack of app connectivity is a downside, the Explorer 1500 Pro makes up for it with its best-in-class performance per pound, ability to recharge impressively fast, and overall thoughtful design. For most individuals and families prioritizing portability over app features, the Explorer 1500 Pro is easy to recommend. Its 1500 watt-hours of capacity, multiple outlets, fast recharge speed, and lighter weight than competitors make it a compelling package.
However, customers who rely heavily on app integration for monitoring and customization may want to consider alternatives like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. But they’ll have to be willing to accept a heavier product. For anyone not needing app connectivity, the Explorer 1500 Pro stands out as a top choice in the portable power station market. Its unmatched performance per pound makes it the perfect blend of high capacity and lightweight portability.