Portable power stations like those from Jackery have become increasingly popular for outdoor enthusiasts and overlanders who need to power appliances and devices off-grid. Jackery is one of the leading brands in this market, offering a range of models at different power capacities.
Two of their most popular units are the Jackery 500 and Jackery 1000. The Jackery 500 is a 518Wh lithium battery pack weighing in at 13 lbs. It offers 500W AC power, 100W USB-C, dual USB-A ports, a 12V car port, and can recharge small devices over 45 times on a single charge. The larger Jackery 1000 packs a 1002Wh capacity with 1000W AC power in a portable 22 lb unit.
For those needing portable power off-grid, a common dilemma is whether to get one larger capacity model like the Jackery 1000 or two smaller units like the 500s. The 1000 offers more power capacity and output in one package, while having two 500s allows you to spread them out and offers redundancy if one fails. This article will compare the pros and cons of the two approaches to help overlanders decide what best fits their needs and budget. We’ll look at use case examples, charging and maintenance factors, and provide recommendations based on different needs.
Jackery 500 Specs and Features
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 is a lithium-ion battery pack that provides portable power for outdoor activities and emergencies. Here are the key specs and features of the Jackery 500:
- Output: 500 watts continuous, 800 watts surge
- Capacity: 518Wh lithium-ion battery
- Size: 7.1 x 5.2 x 7.9 inches
- Weight: 13.32 pounds
- Ports and Outlets: 1x AC outlet, 2x USB-C ports, 2x USB-A ports, 12V car port
- Charging: Charges in 8 hours with the included AC adapter. Can charge from solar panels (sold separately).
- Special Features: LCD display shows battery percentage, wattage usage, and input/output status. Provides pass through charging. Rugged and compact design.
The Jackery 500 is designed to be portable and provide power for phones, laptops, small appliances, lights, and other devices while camping, tailgating, during power outages, or any time you need power on the go. The 500 watt output can power most small electronics and mini-fridges.
Jackery 1000 Specs and Features
The Jackery 1000 is the largest model in Jackery’s Explorer line. Here are the key specs and features:
- Output: 1000W pure sine wave AC outlet, can power most appliances and electronics including refrigerators, coffee makers, etc.
- Capacity: 1002Wh lithium-ion battery
- Size: 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Ports: 1x pure sine wave AC outlet (1000W), 2x USB-C ports, 2x USB-A ports, 12V car port
- Charging: Recharges from 0-100% in 7.5 hours with the included 30W charging brick. Can charge 2x faster with an optional 60W solar charger (sold separately).
- Special Features: Advanced BMS battery management system for safe operation. Rugged, durable exterior. LCD display shows exact percentage remaining. Can be charged via solar, AC outlet, or 12V car outlet.
The Jackery 1000 provides a hefty 1000 watt-hours of capacity, making it well suited for powering larger devices and appliances on camping or overlanding trips off-grid. The pure sine wave AC outlet can handle sensitive electronics without issue. Overall an excellent balance of high capacity and power with portability.
Pros of the Jackery 1000
The Jackery 1000 has a higher total capacity at 1,002Wh versus 500Wh per unit for the Jackery 500. This allows the Jackery 1000 to power more devices simultaneously for longer periods of time. With a single unit, you can power small appliances like mini-fridges, coffee makers, and CPAP machines in addition to charging laptops, phones, cameras, and other electronics.
Having one larger battery pack is also easier to transport and manage versus two smaller units. You only need to keep track of recharging and maintaining one Jackery 1000 versus two 500s. This consolidated capacity in a single unit means there are fewer components to pack and set up while camping or overlanding.
The larger capacity of the Jackery 1000 makes it convenient to power a wide range of devices on a single charge. With 1,002 watt hours available, you likely won’t need to worry about topping up the Jackery as often on longer trips. The higher capacity and versatility of the Jackery 1000 are strong advantages over using two separate 500s.
Pros of the Jackery 500s
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More modular and portable
- The Jackery 500 units are half the size and weight of the Jackery 1000. At only 13 pounds, the 500 models are much easier to store, transport, and move around. You can spread out the weight by carrying two 500s instead of one bulky 1000.
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Redundancy if one fails
- Running two 500s gives you redundancy that you don’t get with a single 1000 unit. If one 500 fails or gets damaged, you still have the power from the second 500. With the 1000, if that unit goes down you’re left with nothing.
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Can charge each separately
- With two 500s, you can charge each one independently. This allows you to efficiently charge one off solar during the day, while charging the other via the car or wall outlet at night. It also allows you to dedicate one 500 to high draw devices like refrigerators, while using the second 500 for lower draw needs like phones and laptops.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between purchasing one Jackery 1000 or two Jackery 500 power stations, there are several key factors to take into account:
Power Needs
Consider how many devices you need to charge and their typical power draw. The Jackery 1000 has a 1002Wh capacity, while each Jackery 500 has a 518Wh capacity. If you need to simultaneously charge multiple high-powered devices like refrigerators, AC units, or electric cooktops, the extra capacity of the Jackery 1000 may be required. For lighter needs like phones, laptops, and lights, two Jackery 500s may provide sufficient runtime.
Portability
The Jackery 1000 weighs 22 lbs, while each Jackery 500 weighs 13 lbs. Two Jackery 500s will be more portable and easier to carry around than one Jackery 1000 if you plan to move your power station frequently. The 1000 may be preferable for stationary setups.
Budget
Currently the Jackery 1000 retails for $999 while each Jackery 500 retails for $549. Purchasing two 500s will cost $200 more than a single 1000 unit. Consider how much your budget allows.
Expandability
A nice benefit of having two 500s is the ability to chain them together to get 1000Wh capacity. This also creates redundancy if one unit fails. With the 1000, your power is limited to its sole output. Two 500s allows scaling up power in the future too by adding more units.
Use Case Examples
Here are some common use cases to consider when deciding between the Jackery 1000 or two 500s:
Light Weekend Camping Trip
The Jackery 1000 provides plenty of power for quick weekend trips. You can easily power lights, a mini fridge, phones, tablets, and other small devices for 1-2 nights of camping. The 1000 watt capacity means you may only need to recharge it once via solar, car, or wall outlet.
The two 500s also provide ample power for short trips. You gain redundancy in case one battery fails or doesn’t charge properly. The two units are more portable and spread out the weight if you need to carry your power source over longer distances from your vehicle to the campsite.
Extended Overlanding Trip Off-Grid
For longer durations off-grid, the dual 500s have some advantages. First, you can drain one completely while still having a backup unit with power. Second, you can recharge each 500 independently via solar, staggering the process for shorter recharge times. With 1000 watts total, you have plenty of capacity for essentials like fridge, lights, phones, laptops, etc for many days off-grid.
The Jackery 1000 also works for overlanding, though you lose the redundancy of two separate units. The 1000 may require more careful power budgeting to avoid draining it too quickly. But with fast recharge capabilities, you can top it off periodically via solar, alt vehicle charging, or generators.
Emergency Power Outage Kit
In an emergency power outage at home, either the 1000 or two 500s can provide backup electricity for essentials. The 1000 gives you more capacity for bigger loads like mini fridges or medical devices. The 500s let you separate critical loads across two units to safeguard against any single failure. The 500s may also be easier to store in multiple locations or transport if needed.
Overall both options can work for emergency backup power. Consider your expected load and the importance of redundancy vs raw capacity and pick the best option.
Charging and Maintenance
The Jackery 500 and 1000 can both be charged via AC wall outlet, a 12V car outlet, or solar panels.
For solar charging, the Jackery 500 is compatible with solar panels up to 80W, while the Jackery 1000 can handle solar panels up to 200W. With maximum solar input, the 500 can charge from 0-100% in about 8 hours in ideal conditions. The 1000 can charge fully in about 7 hours with 200W solar.
To maintain battery health and maximize lifespan, it’s recommended to avoid fully depleting the Jackery battery before recharging. The lithium-ion batteries used in the Jackery units prefer partial discharges and frequent recharges over being drained to 0%.
It’s also best practice to store the Jackery units indoors in moderate temperature conditions when not in use. Extreme heat or cold while in storage can degrade battery performance over time. Periodically using the Jackery generators can also help exercise the batteries and keep them functional.
Overall, with proper care and maintenance, the Jackery 500 and 1000 batteries can provide hundreds of charge cycles while retaining 80% or more of original capacity. Following the usage and storage guidelines will help maximize battery health and longevity.
Summary and Recommendations
When deciding between purchasing one Jackery 1000 or two Jackery 500 portable power stations, there are several key factors to weigh:
Recap of Pros and Cons
Jackery 1000 Pros:
- Higher total power capacity (1002Wh vs 2x 500Wh = 1000Wh total for two 500s)
- Can power more devices simultaneously with its larger pure sine wave AC outlet (1000W on the 1000 vs 500W per 500 unit)
- Single integrated unit, easier to transport and manage
Jackery 500 Pros:
- More affordable since two 500s = approximately the price of one 1000
- Can split up the power sources for separate uses or redundancy
- Each 500 is lighter and easier to carry than one large 1000 unit
Jackery 1000 Cons:
- More expensive upfront cost
- Heavier and bulkier to transport
Jackery 500 Cons:
- Lower total power capacity
- Each unit can power fewer devices simultaneously
Ideal Use Case Examples
The Jackery 1000 shines when you need to:
- Power high-draw devices like induction cooktops, large power tools, etc.
- Run multiple devices simultaneously for long periods of time
- Camp off-grid for 5+ days without recharging
Two Jackery 500s pair better when you:
- Want redundancy in separate power packs
- Need to split up your power supply into different areas
- Are on a tighter budget or don’t need 1000+ watt hours capacity
General Tips
- Calculate your average power draw in watts to determine the right capacity
- Consider future power needs as more devices may be added
- Two 500s provide flexibility but require double the charging maintenance
- The 1000’s pure sine wave outlet can better handle sensitive electronics
Let me know if you would like me to expand or modify the section in any way.
Conclusion
Selecting the right portable power solution for your needs is an important decision when preparing for an off-grid adventure. Both the Jackery 500 and Jackery 1000 have unique pros and cons to consider based on your intended use case, budget, and charging capabilities.
The key factors to weigh are the power output needs for your devices, the physical size and portability preference, ability to link units together for more power, effort required to recharge the units after depletion, and total budget or cost. Think through your typical gadget needs during a trip and whether you anticipate needing higher capacity quick bursts or consistent lower wattage over many hours or days.
For some, the versatility and modular nature of two 500s makes sense over a single large 1000 unit. For others, the higher capacity and single integrated unit of the 1000 is preferred over managing multiple devices. Take time to evaluate your personal needs and usage factors before deciding between the Jackery 1000 or two 500s as your preferred portable power station. With the right choice for your situation, you’ll enjoy the freedom of reliable off-grid power when overlanding and exploring remote destinations.