Critique of Jackery Explorer 500 in the UK - A word of caution before purchase...
In the realm of portable power solutions, the Jackery Explorer 500 stands as a formidable choice for those seeking a balance between power capacity, portability, and versatility. This review delves into the pros and cons of this American-made power station, which has been a market leader in the US and Chinese markets for many years and made its mark in the UK and European market from about 2021.
Pros
Large Battery Capacity
The Jackery Explorer 500 boasts a 518Wh lithium-ion battery, sufficient to power small to medium appliances like mini-fridges, air pumps, and TVs for extended periods. This makes it an ideal companion for camping, road trips, or outdoor use.
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The power station's pure sine wave inverter ensures stable and clean AC power output, capable of delivering 500W continuously and 1000W surge. This feature is beneficial for sensitive electronics, providing a safe and reliable power source.
Portability
Weighing around 3.5 kg (about 7.7 lbs) and compact in size, comparable to a basketball, the Explorer 500 is surprisingly portable. Its solid ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, making it a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Multiple Recharging Options
The Explorer 500 offers flexibility in recharging, with options including wall outlet, car outlet, generator, or solar panels (Jackery SolarSaga 100W sold separately). It also features a built-in MPPT charge controller for efficient solar charging.
Versatile Output Ports
With a variety of output ports, the Explorer 500 caters to various device types. It includes 1 AC outlet, 3 USB-A ports, 2 DC ports, and a car port, ensuring you can power most laptops, phones, iPads, cameras, and drones.
Useful Features for Outdoors
The Explorer 500 comes equipped with an SOS light feature, beneficial for emergencies while camping. This torch with a blinking function serves as a practical addition to the power station.
Cons
Limited AC Outlets
One potential drawback is the limited number of AC outlets, with only one available. This could restrict the ability to power multiple appliances simultaneously.
No USB-C Ports
While the Explorer 500 offers multiple USB-A ports, it lacks USB-C output, which is increasingly standard for fast charging modern devices.
Weight
Though lightweight compared to many alternatives, the Explorer 500's weight of around 3.5 kg may be considered heavy for ultra-light backpacking.
Solar Panel Not Included
While the Explorer 500 supports solar recharging, it requires purchasing solar panels separately to enable this feature, adding to the total cost.
In conclusion, the Jackery Explorer 500 is a reliable and portable power station ideal for camping, outdoor activities, and short-term power needs where a moderate capacity with multiple port options is enough. However, it may not suit users needing multiple AC outlets or USB-C charging directly.
[1] Jackery Explorer 500 Product Page: https://www.jackery.com/uk/explorer-500 [2] Jackery Explorer 500 User Manual: https://www.jackery.com/uk/support/downloads/explorer-500 [3] Jackery Explorer 500 Review: https://www.gizmodo.co.uk/review/jackery-explorer-500-portable-power-station-review-2018-08/ [4] Jackery Explorer 500 FAQ: https://www.jackery.com/uk/support/faqs/explorer-500
- If you're in need of a power solution that caters to home-and-garden gadgets, lifestyle essentials, or technology devices, the portability and versatility of the Jackery Explorer 500 might be just the help you need for your next power outage or camping trip.
- When seeking technology solutions for your home, you may find the Jackery Explorer 500's large battery capacity and multiple output ports beneficial, as they make it suitable for powering everything from small appliances and sensitive electronics to various lifestyle and home-and-garden gadgets.
