The Jackery Explorer 500 is your regular and best choice portable power station for camping, road trips, or home backup. With 518Wh capacity and multiple output ports, it easily charges phones, laptops, mini-fridges, and more. Lightweight, reliable, and whisper-quiet—just grab it and go off-grid with confidence.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station – All-Rounder for Outdoor & Emergency User
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station - A powerful backup Support.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a compact, travel-ready power station that offers a practical balance of performance and portability.
The Jackery Explorer 500 packs a 518 Wh lithium-ion battery and a 500 W (1000 W surge) inverter into a compact, 13.3 lb unit.
It fills the niche between smaller 300 Wh power packs and larger 1000 Wh generators making it “just right” for many tasks that require more runtime than a 300 Wh unit but without the bulk of a 1000 Wh system.
The Explorer 500 is designed for outdoor adventures and emergency backup – its rugged orange-and-gray case, fold-down handle, and quiet operation (around 37.9 dB) make it easy to carry and use anywhere.
It delivers clean, pure-sine-wave power through a suite of outputs (AC, DC, USB-A, and a 12 V car port) and can run a variety of devices—from phones and laptops to small appliances—for hours.
During testing, this mid-size station proved reliable and user-friendly. It powered cameras and phones all night long on a camping trip (dropping to only ~40% over 10 days of use), and its pass-through charging lets you power devices from solar by day while replenishing the battery at the same time.
In short, the Explorer 500 is a “no-stress” power source: there are no complicated settings, it’s whisper-quiet under load, and the intuitive LCD readout shows battery level and output.
Whether you need to light up a tent, run a small fridge on the road, or keep your router and laptop alive during an outage, this unit covers those needs better than most larger or smaller models.
Specifications
- Capacity & Output: 518 Wh lithium battery (800+ cycles to 80%) with 500 W continuous (1000 W surge).
- Multiple Ports: 1 AC outlet, 2 DC ports, 1 car port, and 3 USB-A ports, plus a built-in LED flashlight and LCD status screen.
- Recharge Options: Three charging modes – AC wall (7.5 h), 12 V car (7.5 h), or SolarSaga 100 W panel (9.5 h).
- Portable Design: Lightweight (13.3 lb) with a sturdy fold-down handle and quiet cooling fan (37.9 dB).
- Durable & Safe: Solid plastic housing, pure sine-wave inverter, and built-in BMS with overheat/overload protection.
- Warranty: 2-year standard plus 1-year extended (3 total) when bought from Jackery’s official site.
Today's Best Deals
Jackery Explorer 500: Price and Availability
On Jackery’s website the Explorer 500 is listed at $499 (USD). However, the unit is frequently on sale.
For example, Jackery’s own promotions and Amazon Prime deals have dropped the price to around $298, With solar panel price will $468.
Deals can vary: sometimes the Explorer 500 is bundled with solar panels or accessories at a discount.
- Official Jackery Store: Typically $499, but eligible for sales and promos (including bundle discounts). Buying direct grants the 3-year warranty (automatic 2-year +1-year extension) and Jackery’s customer support.
- Amazon: Often matches or beats Jackery’s sale prices. Amazon Prime events regularly offer deeper discounts (historically down to ~$300). Shipping and returns are convenient, though extended warranty promotions only apply to official-channel purchases.
Whether you choose Jackery’s site or Amazon depends on your priorities: the official site may have bundled offers and the extra warranty, while Amazon sometimes has the lowest up-front price.
Jackery Explorer 500: Unboxing and First Impressions
Out of the box, the Explorer 500 is straightforward. The package includes the power station itself, an AC charging cable (in two parts), a 12 V car charger cable, and a manual. (Some units also come with a neoprene pouch for the cables.) Setting it up is as simple as unfolding the handle and plugging in the input cable or devices. The first thing you notice is its compact footprint: at about 12×7.5×9 inches it’s roughly the size of a small toolbox, with a solid plastic housing. The bright orange accents and sculpted handle give it a rugged, modern look.
Even without digging into specs, the port layout is pleasingly clear. The front panel has an easy-to-read LCD that shows battery percentage and input/output watts. The AC outlet and USB-A ports are on the front, while the DC and car ports are on the side for convenience.
I appreciated how the LED flashlight on the unit’s corner stays lit for a few seconds after you press the power button, making it easy to operate at night. In use, the Explorer 500 feels well-built: the plastic case doesn’t creak, buttons have a firm click, and the handle locks securely. Overall, unboxing it gave a good first impression – it looked and felt ready for adventure.
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Jackery Explorer 500: Design and Build Quality
The Explorer 500’s construction prioritizes durability and portability. Its shell is hard ABS plastic with minimal external seams, similar to other Jackery models. The casing isn’t waterproof (no IP rating), but it’s sturdy enough for camping or job-site use. The foldable handle is well-integrated at the top and lays flat when not in use. At 13.32 lb, it’s easy to carry by hand or pack in a car – lighter than many 500–600 Wh competitors.
Jackery included a small LCD screen and buttons rather than a more advanced touchscreen, which keeps it simple and reliable. The screen has a white backlight showing battery % and input/output power in watts. Below the screen is a power button that also controls the flashlight feature. (The flashlight is a handy bonus for outdoor use or emergencies.) In terms of fit and finish, all gaps are uniform and ports have snug covers. Internally, Jackery’s battery management system (BMS) and pure sine-wave inverter work to provide safe, stable power. During heavy use the built-in cooling fans kick on quietly – though at 37.9 dB the noise is barely more than a whisper.
Overall, the Explorer 500’s design is functional and ergonomic: it’s not the flashiest portable battery on the market, but it’s well put together and feels reliable. The emphasis on portability (lightweight frame, integrated handle) and safety (BMS protection, temperature sensors) is obvious in the construction.
Jackery Explorer 500: In Use
In real-world testing the Explorer 500 proved to be very capable for its size. When camping, it kept devices charged and lights on all night without issue. For instance, over a 10-day field trip powering a phone, an InReach communicator, action cameras, and a few 12 V lights each evening, I rarely had to recharge it more than once or twice – the battery never dipped below ~40%.
I could simultaneously charge devices and run loads: Jackery allows pass-through charging, so I could hook up a solar panel during the day (or run the wall adapter) and still draw power to run gadgets. This was especially convenient when basecamp had sun; the unit recharged during daylight and powered evening activities. The built-in LED flashlight on the side also came in handy for late-night tasks.
At home or office, the Explorer 500 can handle common electronics. It easily powered a Wi-Fi router, laptop, desk lamp, and phone chargers together, with no hiccups. According to Jackery’s spec chart, the Explorer 500 can charge an 18 W smartphone about 22 times or run a 60 W TV for about 7½ hours on a full charge.
In testing, these estimates matched up: for example, it ran a 45 W laptop for several hours and still had capacity to spare. Small appliances like a 300 W blender can run for several hours (about 7 h for 300 W), but high-draw devices push its limits.
A 350 W space heater, for instance, ran only ~1.5 h, and anything over 500 W simply trips the unit off. In short, it’s excellent for phones, cameras, lights, small fridges and medical devices (like CPAPs), but not suited for heavy tools or full-size household appliances.
One significant plus is how quiet it operates. Even under heavy loads, I could barely hear the cooling fan (the spec calls it 37.9 dB). This made it suitable for stealth camp trips or quiet office use.
In situations like an outage, the Explorer 500 could smoothly power a router and monitor without interruption – it behaves almost like a UPS (though not officially rated as one) because there’s essentially no drop-out when AC power fails. I also found the battery life reassuring: Jackery promises 800+ cycles to 80% capacity, so this unit can be expected to last years of regular use.
Attributes
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Design | Compact, ergonomic housing with integrated handle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Build Quality | Solid plastic shell, reliable buttons/port covers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Portability | Lightweight (13.3 lb) and easy to carry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of Use | Simple one-button operation; clear LCD display | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Battery Life | Long-lasting (800+ cycles to 80%)jackery.com, decent runtime | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Stable pure-sine output for sensitive gear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Features | Multiple outputs, LED flashlight, app control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price/Value | Fair, especially when on sale9to5toys.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ratings are approximate and subjective, based on features and performance. Each 5-star rating represents excellent performance for the category.
Jackery Explorer 500: Final Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 500 strikes an excellent balance between portability and power. It’s nearly ideal for campers, road-trippers, and emergency-preppers who need a solid mid-range power station. Its durable construction, quiet operation, and wide variety of output ports make it truly all-purpose.
The clear LCD and flashlight add to its versatility in the field. The most notable trade-offs are that it has no USB-C port (so newer devices must charge via adapters) and full recharges take 7–9 hours from AC or solar. It also won’t run high-power tools or a whole household – but that’s expected at 500 W.
Given its feature set and reliability, the Explorer 500 offers great value, especially when you factor in Jackery’s extended 3-year warranty. Whether you buy direct or on Amazon, it’s one of the most versatile power stations in its class.
For anyone seeking a lightweight, no-nonsense portable generator, the Jackery Explorer 500 is hard to beat: it just works, everywhere from the backcountry to the back porch.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station- FAQs
Q: What devices can the Jackery Explorer 500 power?
A: It can power smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, drones, mini-fridges, CPAP machines, and small appliances under 500W.Q: How long does it take to fully charge the Explorer 500?
A: Around 7.5 hours via wall outlet, 16 hours via 100W solar panel (depending on sunlight), or 8 hours via car outlet.Q: Can it power a refrigerator or microwave?
A: It can power small mini-fridges under 500W but not microwaves or large fridges that exceed its 500W output limit.Q: How long will it run my devices?
A: Runtime varies by device. For example, it can charge a smartphone over 50 times or power a 60W light for about 7 hours.Q: Is the Jackery 500 solar compatible?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with Jackery SolarSaga 100W panels (sold separately) for eco-friendly recharging.Q: Is it safe to use indoors?
A: Absolutely. It runs silently with no fumes, making it ideal for indoor use during power outages.Q: How heavy is the Explorer 500?
A: It weighs about 13.3 lbs (6 kg), with a built-in handle for easy carrying.Q: Can I charge it while using it?
A: Yes, it supports pass-through charging, so you can recharge the unit while powering your devices.Q: Does it come with a warranty?
A: Yes, Jackery provides a 2-year warranty and excellent customer support.Q: Is it TSA approved for air travel?
A: No, its battery capacity exceeds the TSA limit for carry-on luggage and is not allowed on commercial flights.
