Jackery Explorer Models Compared: 100 Plus to 5000 Plus

Pick a Jackery Explorer by watt-hours first, then by weight. The 100 Plus, 240 v2 and 300 v2 suit phones, lights and day trips. The 1000 v2 is the camping and CPAP size. The 1500 v2, 2000 v2 and 3000 v2 cover a fridge and essentials in an outage. The 5000 Plus is Jackery’s home backup unit.

Jackery Explorer lineup at a glance

Specs from Jackery’s own product and regional pages, checked October 2026. Jackery’s pages sometimes differ on weight, so check the spec sheet for the model you buy.

Watt-hours set how long a unit runs. Watts set what it can start and run at once. A 1,500 W space heater, for example, needs at least the 1000 v2’s 1,500 W rating, and it would drain that unit’s 1,070 Wh in well under an hour. Match both numbers to your heaviest load and your longest outage or trip, and see what size solar generator you need to add them up. Our EcoFlow vs Jackery vs Bluetti comparison sets the 1000 v2 and 2000 v2 against rival brands, and Goal Zero Yeti models compared covers the Yeti range.

Small Jackery Explorer models for phones, lights and day trips

The Explorer 100 Plus, 240 v2 and 300 v2 are the carry-anywhere sizes. The 100 Plus holds 99 Wh, and Jackery says it is small enough to take aboard a plane, which puts it closer to a large power bank than a generator. Its product page lists two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, with no AC outlet, so pick a bigger model if you need a wall-style outlet.

The Explorer 240 v2 holds 256 Wh and the 300 v2 288 Wh, each with 300 W of output. Jackery rates the 240 v2’s LiFePO4 battery at 3,000 cycles and the 300 v2’s at 4,000 or more. Either unit runs phones, a laptop, a camera and LED lights for a weekend, but not a coffee maker or a hair dryer.

Jackery Explorer 500 and 500 v2: the old and new mid-size

The original Explorer 500 is an older mid-size model. Jackery lists 518 Wh, 500 W with a 1,000 W surge, and NMC lithium-ion cells, with about 7.5 hours to charge from a wall outlet. Most of these units now sell used or refurbished.

The Explorer 500 v2 keeps the 500 W output but moves to LiFePO4 cells at 512 Wh. Jackery’s UK pages list about 1.3 hours to charge from the wall, 6,000 cycles and about 5.7 kg (12.6 lb). Those figures come from Jackery’s UK site, so check the US listing for the same specs before you shop. For what the chemistry change means, read LiFePO4 vs NMC power stations.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 vs 1000 Plus

Both 1 kWh class Jackery models suit camping, a CPAP and short outages, but they trade weight for expansion. The 1000 v2 is the lighter unit at 23.8 lb, with 1,070 Wh and 1,500 W. The 1000 Plus weighs about 32 lb but holds 1,264 Wh and puts out 2,000 W. Jackery built it to take up to three Battery Pack 1000 Plus modules for about 5 kWh, though its US site now lists that battery pack as discontinued.

Choose the 1000 v2 to carry it to a campsite. Choose the 1000 Plus for more output, or if you can find the add-on battery packs to grow it into a home backup system later. Our guide to what a 1000Wh power station can run has runtimes for both. For camping use, the best solar generator for camping pairs small units with panels and a 12 V fridge.

Large Jackery Explorer models for home backup

The Explorer 1500 v2, 2000 v2 and 3000 v2 are the outage sizes. The 1500 v2 lists 1,536 Wh and 2,000 W at about 32 lb, which Jackery calls the world’s smallest and lightest 1.5 kWh LiFePO4 unit. The 2000 v2 lists 2,042 Wh and 2,200 W. The 3000 v2 lists 3,072 Wh, 3,600 W continuous and 7,200 W surge, with wheels for its weight of about 59.5 lb. Those 3000 v2 figures come from Jackery’s UK site; its US site lists the HomePower 3000 with the same 3,072 Wh, 3,600 W and 7,200 W surge.

The Explorer 5000 Plus is a different class. Jackery lists 5,040 Wh, 7,200 W and both 120 V and 240 V output, at about 134.5 lb. At that weight it is a home backup unit, not one to carry to a campsite. Our home backup guide explains how to size this class of unit.

Buying a used or refurbished Jackery Explorer

Older Explorer models are common on resale sites. Check which cells a used unit has: NMC models such as the original Explorer 500 carry lower cycle ratings than the LiFePO4 v2 and Plus lines. Ask for the number of charge cycles if the app or screen shows it, and confirm the seller’s return window. Our guide to whether refurbished power stations are worth it covers warranties. Other brands and sizes are in the power stations section.