Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,042 Wh | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
AC180 1,152 Wh
Explorer 2000 v2 2,042 Wh
Explorer 2000 v2: +890 Wh (+77.3%).
AC180 vs Explorer 2000 v2
VS
1,800W
Running power
2,200W
1,152 Wh
Battery
2,042 Wh
36.2 lbs
Weight
39.5 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing a midsize Bluetti unit against a larger Jackery for off-grid trips, home backup, or extended outages. The Explorer 2000 v2 packs 2042 Wh of capacity and 2200W of running power, nearly doubling the AC180's 1152 Wh and outpacing its 1800W output.
That extra headroom shows in device coverage: the Jackery powered 45 of 53 tested devices versus 39 for the Bluetti, and its 4400W surge handles heavy startup loads from tools or compressors. Battery longevity also tips toward the Explorer 2000 v2, rated for 4000 LFP cycles compared to 3500.
The AC180 does fight back on solar recharge speed, topping off in roughly 4.1 hours at 500W input while the Jackery needs up to 14.6 hours at its 400W max. Weight is close at 36.2 lbs versus 39.5 lbs, so portability is nearly a wash.
Overall Winner
Explorer 2000 v2
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 39 for AC180
Home backup: Explorer 2000 v2 RV / mobile: Explorer 2000 v2 Solar: AC180
Explorer 2000 v2 wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose AC180 if...
- + Portability matters for your setup
- + You want faster solar recharging
Choose Explorer 2000 v2 if...
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
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.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,200 W | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
AC180 1,800 W
Explorer 2000 v2 2,200 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +400 W (+22.2%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,400 W | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
AC180 2,700 W
Explorer 2000 v2 4,400 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,700 W (+63.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 36.2 lbs | AC180 leads
AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
Explorer 2000 v2 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg)
AC180: -3.3 lbs (8.4% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,000 cycles | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
AC180 3,500 cycles
Explorer 2000 v2 4,000 cycles
Explorer 2000 v2: +500 cycles (+14.3%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 6 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 39 · Differences: 11% (6/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only Explorer 2000 v2 can run 6
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) AC180: Needs soft-start
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) AC180: Needs soft-start
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill AC180: Surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) AC180: Surge shortfall
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) AC180: Needs soft-start
Microwave Oven (1000W) AC180: Running shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC180 | Explorer 2000 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,152 Wh | 2,042 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 1,800 W | 2,200 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W | 4,400 W ✓ |
| Weight | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) ✓ | 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) |
| Energy Density | 70.2 Wh/kg | 114.1 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 2000 v2
Max solar input 400 W
Connector DC8020
Full charge time ~14.6h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 16-60V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC180Explorer 2000 v2
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 5h | Safe | 8.9h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Safe | 1.3h |
Entertainment(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/76/7
4/7
6/7
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 9.7h | Safe | 17.2h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Safe | 1.7h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.8h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Tight | 1.1h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 2h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 7.9h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/1111/11
10/11
11/11
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.9h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.5h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.7h |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 1.5h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.7h | Safe | 4.8h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
Large Appliances(4)
3/43/4
3/4
3/4
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.9h | Safe | 6.9h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.1h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/65/6
5/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/52/5
0/5
2/5
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The Bottom Line
Pick the AC180 if fast solar charging is your priority and your loads stay under 1800W; its 4.1-hour recharge time is a genuine advantage for daytime solar cycling. Choose the Explorer 2000 v2 if you need broader device support, higher output, and a bigger energy reserve for overnight runs or full-home backup. With a compatibility score of 88 versus 73.5, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is the stronger overall pick for most buyers.
AC180 vs Explorer 2000 v2 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or Explorer 2000 v2?
Explorer 2000 v2 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or Explorer 2000 v2?
Explorer 2000 v2 has higher battery capacity (2,042 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 2000 v2?
AC180 is lighter at 36.2 lbs vs 39.5 lbs. AC180 is rated portable for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 2000 v2 powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 39 for AC180.