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Jackery Explorer 300vsJackery Explorer 500

Both the Jackery Explorer 300 and Jackery Explorer 500 come from Jackery, but they target different use cases. The Jackery Explorer 500 offers 518Wh of capacity — 225Wh more than its sibling. Below we break down every specification to help you decide which Jackery model fits your power needs.

Jackery Explorer 300

Jackery Explorer 300

Jackery

$189

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Jackery Explorer 500

Jackery Explorer 500

Jackery

$299

Buy on Amazon

Specifications Comparison

Capacity
293 Wh
518 Wh
Continuous Output
300 W
500 W
Surge Power
500 W
1,000 W
Battery Type
Li-ion
Li-ion
Cycle Life
500 cycles
500 cycles
Charge Time
2 hours
7.5 hours
Weight
7.1 lbs
13.3 lbs
Dimensions
9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 in
11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 in
Price
$189
$299
Rating
4.6/5
4.6/5

Key Differences Explained

Battery Capacity

The Jackery Explorer 500 packs 518Wh — 1.8x the Jackery Explorer 300's 293Wh. That extra 225Wh means significantly longer runtime for appliances like mini-fridges, CPAP machines, or power tools.

Output Power

With 500W continuous output, the Jackery Explorer 500 can handle heavier loads than the Jackery Explorer 300's 300W. This matters for high-draw appliances like microwaves, hair dryers, or power tools that demand consistent wattage.

Cost per Watt-Hour

At $0.58/Wh, the Jackery Explorer 500 offers 11% better value per watt-hour than the Jackery Explorer 300 ($0.65/Wh). This metric helps you understand the raw cost of stored energy, regardless of other features.

Portability

At 7.1 lbs, the Jackery Explorer 300 is 6.2 lbs lighter than the Jackery Explorer 500 (13.3 lbs). For camping, tailgating, or emergency kits where you need to carry your power station, that weight difference adds up quickly.

Choose Jackery Explorer 300 if...

  • Budget is a priority — save $110 compared to the Jackery Explorer 500
  • Portability matters — at 7.1 lbs, it's 6.2 lbs lighter
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Choose Jackery Explorer 500 if...

  • You need maximum battery capacity — 518Wh gives you 77% more runtime than the Jackery Explorer 300
  • You need to power high-wattage appliances up to 500W
Read Full Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Jackery Explorer 300 or Jackery Explorer 500?
It depends on your needs. The Jackery Explorer 300 offers 293Wh capacity with 300W output at around $189. The Jackery Explorer 500 provides 518Wh and 500W for about $299. Choose the Jackery Explorer 500 for more capacity, or the Jackery Explorer 300 for better value.
Can the Jackery Explorer 300 or Jackery Explorer 500 power a refrigerator?
A typical residential refrigerator draws 100-400W running and 1,200W surge. The Jackery Explorer 300 (300W continuous, 500W surge) may struggle with larger fridges. The Jackery Explorer 500 (500W, 1,000W surge) can handle most fridges.
How long will the Jackery Explorer 300 and Jackery Explorer 500 last on a single charge?
Runtime depends on your load. At 100W draw: the Jackery Explorer 300 (293Wh) runs approximately 2.5 hours, while the Jackery Explorer 500 (518Wh) runs about 4.4 hours. At 500W draw: 0.5 hours vs 0.9 hours respectively (accounting for ~85% inverter efficiency).

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