The Jackery Explorer 300 and 500 are two of the company’s most popular portable power stations. These lithium-ion battery packs can power your devices on the go and serve as backup power sources for your home. With similar features but different capacities, it can be tricky to choose between the 300 and 500 models.
This comparison guide looks at the key specs, capabilities, and prices of the Jackery Explorer 300 versus the Jackery Explorer 500. We’ll compare the usable battery capacity, charging speeds, output ports, and other factors. By the end, you’ll know which Jackery model is the better fit for your needs and budget. Whether you need a compact explorer for day trips or a high-capacity power station for home backup power, this Jackery 300 vs 500 comparison has you covered.
Battery Usable Capacity
When it comes to battery capacity, the Jackery Explorer 500 really shines with its massive 518 Wh lithium-ion battery. This gives the Explorer 500 the ability to charge phones over 20 times, run small appliances, and power electronics while off-grid camping.
The Jackery Explorer 300 packs a decent but much smaller 288 Wh lithium-ion battery. You’ll get fewer charges out of the 300, but it’s still enough for lighting, small appliances, and electronics during power outages or weekend camping trips.
If you need to power high-drain devices for extended periods of time, the Jackery Explorer 500’s extra 230 Wh of capacity makes it the clear winner. But if your power needs are more modest, the Explorer 300 provides sufficient off-grid power in a smaller, more portable package.
Battery Technology
Jackery’s Explorer portable power stations have relied on lithium NMC battery technology ever since their original models were released. Both the Jackery Explorer 300 and 500 feature high-quality NMC battery cells that provide excellent performance.
NMC stands for nickel-manganese-cobalt, which are the key elements used in the cathode material. This battery chemistry offers a balance of energy density, power delivery, safety, and cycle life. The energy density enables decent capacity without excessive weight, while stability is enhanced compared to lithium polymer designs.
When it comes to the Explorer 300 vs 500 comparison, the NMC battery type remains identical across both models. Users don’t have to worry about any discrepancy in quality or safety of the core battery components. Jackery continues to choose excellent cell suppliers and manufacturers for the Explorer range.
While the NMC chemistry is the same, factors like cell configuration can impact overall battery performance. But both models deliver superb real-world results that live up to Jackery’s standards. So NMC battery technology remains a strong common denominator between the Explorer 300 and 500 power stations.
Recharging Rates
The Jackery Explorer 300 has superior recharging rates compared to the Jackery 500. This is thanks to the Explorer 300’s upgraded battery technology.
The Jackery 300 can recharge from 0 to 80% in just 1.8 hours when using the maximum 200W input. The Explorer 500 takes around 3.5 hours to recharge to 80% with its maximum input of 220W. So the 300 charges nearly twice as fast despite having a lower max input rating.
Another advantage of the Jackery 300 is that it offers dual recharging. You can simultaneously recharge the Explorer 300 via solar and AC power. This lets you combine a solar panel and wall outlet to achieve the fastest possible recharge time. The Jackery 500 does not support dual recharging – you have to pick solar or AC.
For solar recharging, the 300 is again the winner. It can recharge from solar at up to 200W with an optional solar blanket. The 500 maxes out at 160W solar input. So the 300 can utilize more powerful solar panels and harvest more watts from the sun.
In summary, the Jackery Explorer 300 recharges significantly faster whether using AC power or solar panels. It also uniquely offers dual recharging from both AC and solar simultaneously. The Jackery 500 simply can’t match the 300’s excellent recharging capabilities.
Output Ports
The Jackery Explorer 500 features more total output ports than the 300, with 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, a car charging port, and a DC input. However, the Jackery Explorer 300 has greater charging flexibility and key advantages in its output abilities.
The Jackery 300 includes 1 pure sine wave AC outlet, capable of powering sensitive electronics like laptops. It also has 2 full speed USB-A ports, 1 USB-C PD port, and 1 QC 3.0 port.
The addition of USB-C Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 gives the 300 faster charging speeds and compatibility with more devices. For example, USB-C PD can charge a MacBook Pro, and QC 3.0 can rapidly charge smartphones.
While the 500 has a higher total wattage across its ports, the 300’s 60W USB-C and 18W QC port provide more than enough power for phones, tablets, and even full-size laptops. The USB-C and QC ports make the 300 more versatile and future-proof as more devices adopt those standards.
In summary, the Jackery 500 simply has more ports, while the 300 has fewer but more advanced ports optimized for portable power needs. Unless you need multiple AC outlets, the 300’s USB-C PD and QC capabilities provide faster, more flexible charging options.
Jackery Explorer 300 vs 500 Specifications Comparison
Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown of the key specifications for the Jackery Explorer 300 and 500 portable power stations:
| Specification | Jackery Explorer 300 | Jackery Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 288Wh | 518Wh |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion NMC | Lithium-ion NMC |
| AC Output | 300W (600W Surge) | 500W (1000W Surge) |
| USB-A Outputs | 2x 5V/2.4A Max | 2x 5V/2.4A Max |
| USB-C Output | 45W Power Delivery | N/A |
| DC5521 Output | 12V/10A | 12V/10A |
| Solar Input | 200W Max | 200W Max |
| AC Charging | 200W | 500W |
| Car Charging | 12V/10A | 12V/10A |
| Dimensions | 9.1 x 5.1 x 7.8 in | 11.5 x 7.7 x 9.3 in |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 13.3 lbs |
The key differences are:
- The Jackery 500 has a higher 518Wh capacity compared to 288Wh on the 300
- The 300 has a 45W USB-C PD port, the 500 does not have USB-C
- The 500 has a higher 500W AC charging input over 200W on the 300
- The 500 is larger and heavier than the more portable 300
So in summary, the Jackery 500 has more overall power capacity, while the 300 has more advanced charging and output options in a more compact form factor. Choose based on your power needs versus desire for portability.
Which is Better? The Jackery Explorer 300 vs 500
The Jackery Explorer 300 and 500 both have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other. Here is a quick rundown of the key differences:
The Jackery Explorer 300 has some technology advantages over the 500:
- It has a faster recharging time, thanks to the dual charging capability. You can charge the 300 via solar and AC power simultaneously to juice up quickly.
- The 300 supports more advanced Power Delivery and Quick Charge output, allowing you to fast charge high-end devices like smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops.
However, the Jackery Explorer 500 has a significant capacity advantage:
- The 500 packs in 518Wh vs only 309Wh on the 300 model.
- That extra capacity means the 500 can power more devices for longer periods of time before needing to be recharged.
So in summary:
The Jackery 300 brings more technology like advanced charging and outputs to the table. But the 500 simply stores more raw power capacity.
If you need to run high-drain devices and want the latest fast charging options, the 300 makes more sense. But if you just want to power more stuff over longer periods, the higher capacity 500 is likely the better choice.
Pricing and Availability
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted supply chains globally, making some consumer electronics difficult to find. This includes portable power stations like the Jackery Explorer 300 and 500.
When in stock, the Jackery Explorer 300 retails for $299, while the Jackery Explorer 500 sells for $449. However, due to demand outweighing supply, you may find inflated prices from 3rd party sellers.
The best places to buy directly from the manufacturer are Amazon and Jackery’s website. Jackery may offer discounts or bundle deals on their site, so check both places to find the best price.
Sign up for notifications on Amazon or Jackery’s website to get alerts when the models are back in stock. With some patience, you should be able to buy the Explorer 300 or 500 at MSRP without paying over list price.
Conclusion
Overall, either the Jackery Explorer 300 or 500 can be a great choice depending on your needs and priorities.
The Jackery Explorer 300 is recommended for most users who need a lightweight, compact power station for smaller devices and appliances. Its upgraded technology like USB-C PD and QC 3.0 allow it to charge small electronics faster. The dual charging capability also makes recharging the 300 very quick and flexible. While the capacity is lower at 300Wh, it’s still sufficient for phones, cameras, drones, small appliances like mini-fridges, and can even run things like CPAP machines. Unless you have high-power needs, the 300 hits a nice sweet spot of portability, features and recharging speed.
On the other hand, the Jackery Explorer 500 may be preferred by users who need to run medium-sized appliances or require a higher capacity battery overall. With 518Wh, the 500 can handle things like mini-fridges for longer periods, run small TVs, or power medical devices. It also provides more standard output ports like AC and multiple USB-As. But the lack of advanced USB-C PD and Quick Charge does mean slower charging times for newer devices. And the larger size and weight make the 500 less portable than the 300. So if raw power and capacity are the priority, and advanced charging isn’t as important, the 500 may be the better choice.