AC180 vs Explorer 1000 v2

Bluetti

AC180

Check on Amazon Official Site

Jackery

Explorer 1000 v2

Check on Amazon Official Site

1,800W

Running power

1,500W

1,152 Wh

Battery

1,070 Wh

36.2 lbs

Weight

23.8 lbs

At a Glance

This comparison targets buyers weighing two mid-capacity LFP portable power stations for home backup, camping, or off-grid solar setups. The Bluetti AC180 delivers 1800W of running power and 1152 Wh of capacity, while the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 sits at 1500W and 1070 Wh. That 300W gap matters in practice: the AC180 powered 39 of 53 tested devices versus 33 for the Explorer 1000 v2, giving it noticeably broader device coverage.

Solar recharge speed also separates them. With a 500W max solar input, the AC180 can refill in roughly 4.1 hours compared to 7.6 hours for the Jackery at 400W input. The tradeoff is weight.

At 23.8 lbs, the Explorer 1000 v2 is over 12 pounds lighter than the 36.2 lb AC180, a real factor for anyone hauling a unit between campsites or into a vehicle.

Overall Winner

AC180

Powers 39 of 53 tested devices vs 33 for Explorer 1000 v2

Home backup: AC180 RV / mobile: Explorer 1000 v2 Solar: AC180

AC180 wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.

Choose AC180 if...

+ You want faster solar recharging
+ You want broader device compatibility

Choose Explorer 1000 v2 if...

+ Portability matters (24 lbs vs 36)

Spec Snapshot

Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.

Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.

Capacity

Higher is better | Scale max: 1,152 Wh | AC180 leads

AC180 1,152 Wh

Explorer 1000 v2 1,070 Wh

AC180: +82 Wh (+7.7%).

Running Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 1,800 W | AC180 leads

AC180 1,800 W

Explorer 1000 v2 1,500 W

AC180: +300 W (+20.0%).

Surge Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 W | Explorer 1000 v2 leads

AC180 2,700 W

Explorer 1000 v2 3,000 W

Explorer 1000 v2: +300 W (+11.1%).

Weight

Lower is better | Scale best: 23.8 lbs | Explorer 1000 v2 leads

AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)

Explorer 1000 v2 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg)

Explorer 1000 v2: -12.3 lbs (34.1% lighter).

Battery Life

Higher is better | Scale max: 4,000 cycles | Explorer 1000 v2 leads

AC180 3,500 cycles

Explorer 1000 v2 4,000 cycles

Explorer 1000 v2: +500 cycles (+14.3%).

Where Compatibility Actually Differs

Out of 53 devices tested, 6 show a different result between these two stations.

Same result: 89%

Both can run: 33 · Differences: 11% (6/53) · Neither can run: 14

Only AC180 can run 6

Coffee Maker Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Digital Air Fryer Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Electric Stove (Single Burner) Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Toaster Oven Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Dishwasher Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Professional Hair Dryer Explorer 1000 v2: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Neither can run · 14 devices

These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.

Microwave Oven (1000W)

Electric Clothes Dryer

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Central AC (3-Ton)

Dehumidifier (70 Pint)

Portable AC (12,000 BTU)

Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)

Well Pump (1 HP)

RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)

Circular Saw (Corded)

Corded Drill / Hammer Drill

Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)

Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)

Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)

Full Specs Comparison

Spec	AC180	Explorer 1000 v2
Capacity	1,152 Wh ✓	1,070 Wh
Running Power	1,800 W ✓	1,500 W
Surge Power	2,700 W	3,000 W ✓
Weight	36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)	23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) ✓
Energy Density	70.2 Wh/kg	99.1 Wh/kg ✓
Portability Tier	portable	portable
Chemistry	LFP	LFP
Cycle Life	3,500	4,000 ✓
Expandable	No	No
UPS	Yes (20 ms)	Yes (20 ms)
AC Voltage	120V	120V

Solar Charging

Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.

AC180

Faster

Max solar input 500 W

Connector DC7909

Full charge time ~4.1h

Compatible panels 19/20

MPPT: 12-60V

Explorer 1000 v2

Max solar input 400 W

Connector DC8020

Full charge time ~7.6h

Compatible panels 19/20

MPPT: 16-60V

Charge speed comparison

~4.1h

~7.6h

Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)

Device Compatibility

All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.

AC180Explorer 1000 v2

Emergency(2)

1/2

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.)	Safe	5h	Safe	4.7h
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)	Soft Start	0.7h	Soft Start	0.7h

Entertainment(2)

2/2

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)	Safe	0.8h	Safe	0.7h
Television	Safe	4.7h	Safe	4.4h

EV & Transportation(2)

2/2

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
E-Bike Battery Charger	Safe	4h	Safe	3.7h
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)	Safe	0.6h	Tight	0.5h

Heating & Cooling(7)

4/7

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Box Fan (20-inch)	Safe	9.7h	Safe	9h
Central AC (3-Ton)	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)	Soft Start	0.9h	Soft Start	0.9h
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)	Tight	0.8h	Safe	0.7h
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)	Soft Start	0.6h	Fail	N/A
Space Heater (1,500W)	Safe	0.5h	Tight	0.5h
Window AC (8,000 BTU)	Safe	1.1h	Safe	1.1h

Home Infrastructure(3)

1/3

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A
Garage Door Opener (Residential)	Safe	4.5h	Safe	4.2h
Well Pump (1 HP)	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A

Kitchen Appliances(11)

10/11

6/11

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
2-Slice Bread Toaster	Safe	0.5h	Tight	0.5h
Coffee Maker	Safe	0.5h	Fail	N/A
Digital Air Fryer	Tight	0.5h	Fail	N/A
Electric Skillet	Safe	0.5h	Tight	0.5h
Electric Stove (Single Burner)	Tight	0.4h	Fail	N/A
Electric Water Kettle	Safe	0.5h	Tight	0.5h
Instant Pot (6 Qt)	Safe	0.6h	Tight	0.5h
Microwave Oven (1000W)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Rice Cooker	Safe	0.9h	Safe	0.8h
Slow Cooker	Safe	2.7h	Safe	2.5h
Toaster Oven	Tight	0.4h	Fail	N/A

Large Appliances(4)

3/4

2/4

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Dishwasher	Tight	0.4h	Fail	N/A
Electric Clothes Dryer	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A
French Door Refrigerator	Safe	3.9h	Safe	3.6h
Washing Machine	Safe	0.6h	Safe	0.6h

Medical(4)

4/4

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
CPAP Machine	Safe	14.4h	Safe	13.4h
Electric Wheelchair Charger	Safe	2.4h	Safe	2.2h
Medical Nebulizer Machine	Safe	7.3h	Safe	6.8h
Portable Oxygen Concentrator	Safe	2.3h	Safe	2.1h

Outdoor & RV(6)

5/6

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Pellet Grill	Safe	8.4h	Safe	7.8h
Portable Electric Cooler	Safe	13.4h	Safe	12.5h
Portable Fan	Safe	13.2h	Safe	12.3h
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)	Safe	2.2h	Safe	2.1h
Portable Projector	Safe	4h	Safe	3.7h
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Personal Care(2)

2/2

1/2

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Electric Blanket	Safe	4.5h	Safe	4.2h
Professional Hair Dryer	Tight	0.5h	Fail	N/A

Power Tools(5)

0/5

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Circular Saw (Corded)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Work from Home(5)

5/5

Device	AC180	Runtime	Explorer 1000 v2	Runtime
Laptop	Safe	2.2h	Safe	2.1h
Laser Printer	Safe	1.1h	Safe	1.1h
Monitor (27-inch LCD)	Safe	14.7h	Safe	13.6h
Starlink System	Safe	8.1h	Safe	7.5h
WiFi Router	Safe	10.8h	Safe	10h

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The Bottom Line

Choose the AC180 if you need higher running wattage, faster solar charging, and the widest device compatibility from this pairing. Pick the Explorer 1000 v2 if low weight is your top priority and your gear stays within its 1500W output, since it also edges ahead on cycle life at 4000 versus 3500 cycles. Overall, the AC180 earns the win with a score of 73.5 to 61, making it the stronger all-around performer for most home backup and solar use cases.

AC180 vs Explorer 1000 v2 FAQ

Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or Explorer 1000 v2?

AC180 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.

Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or Explorer 1000 v2?

AC180 has higher battery capacity (1,152 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.

Q Which charges faster with solar panels?

AC180 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.

Q Which is more portable, AC180 or Explorer 1000 v2?

Explorer 1000 v2 is lighter at 23.8 lbs vs 36.2 lbs. Explorer 1000 v2 is rated portable for portability.

Q How many devices can each power station run?

AC180 powers 39 of 53 tested devices, compared to 33 for Explorer 1000 v2.