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GeneratorChecker

AC200L vs Explorer 500

AC200L

Bluetti

AC200L

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VS
Explorer 500

Jackery

Explorer 500

Check on Amazon Official Site
2,400W
Running power
500W
2,048 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
62.4 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs

At a Glance

This comparison targets buyers deciding between a full-size home backup station and a lightweight portable unit. The AC200L delivers 2,400W of running power and 2,048 Wh of capacity, enough to handle 43 out of 53 devices tested in our compatibility checks.

The Explorer 500 managed just 20 of those same 53 devices, limited by its 500W output and 518.4 Wh battery. LFP chemistry gives the AC200L roughly 3,000 charge cycles versus around 800 for the Explorer 500, and Bluetti's unit accepts up to 1,200W of solar input for faster off-grid recharging.

Expansion battery support on the AC200L adds even more flexibility for extended outages. The tradeoff is size: the Explorer 500 weighs only 13.2 lbs compared to 62.4 lbs for the AC200L, making it far easier to toss in a car for camping or day trips.

AC200L

Overall Winner

AC200L

Powers 43 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500

Home backup: AC200L RV / mobile: Explorer 500 Solar: AC200L

AC200L wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.

Choose AC200L if...

  • + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,000 cycles)
  • + You want faster solar recharging
  • + You want future battery expansion
  • + You want broader device compatibility
  • + You need all-day runtime headroom

Choose Explorer 500 if...

  • + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 62)

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: 2,048 Wh | AC200L leads
AC200L 2,048 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh

AC200L: +1,530 Wh (+295.1%).

Running Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 2,400 W | AC200L leads
AC200L 2,400 W
Explorer 500 500 W

AC200L: +1,900 W (+380.0%).

Surge Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,600 W | AC200L leads
AC200L 3,600 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W

AC200L: +2,600 W (+260.0%).

Weight

Lower is better | Scale best: 13.2 lbs | Explorer 500 leads
AC200L 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)

Explorer 500: -49.2 lbs (78.8% lighter).

Battery Life

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | AC200L leads
AC200L 3,000 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles

AC200L: +2,200 cycles (+275.0%).

Where Compatibility Actually Differs

Out of 53 devices tested, 23 show a different result between these two stations.

Same result: 57%

Both can run: 20 · Differences: 43% (23/53) · Neither can run: 10

Only AC200L can run 23

2-Slice Bread Toaster Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Coffee Maker Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Digital Air Fryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Skillet Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Stove (Single Burner) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Water Kettle Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Instant Pot (6 Qt) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Microwave Oven (1000W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Toaster Oven Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Rice Cooker Explorer 500: Running shortfall

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Dehumidifier (70 Pint) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Space Heater (1,500W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Window AC (8,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Dishwasher Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Washing Machine Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Sump Pump (1/2 HP) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) Explorer 500: Running shortfall

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EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) Explorer 500: Surge shortfall

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Professional Hair Dryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Corded Drill / Hammer Drill Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Laser Printer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall

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Neither can run · 10 devices

These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.

Central AC (3-Ton)

Portable AC (12,000 BTU)

Electric Clothes Dryer

RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)

Circular Saw (Corded)

Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)

Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)

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

Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)

Well Pump (1 HP)

Full Specs Comparison

Spec AC200L Explorer 500
Capacity 2,048 Wh ✓ 518.4 Wh
Running Power 2,400 W ✓ 500 W
Surge Power 3,600 W ✓ 1,000 W
Weight 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg) 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) ✓
Energy Density 72.4 Wh/kg 86.4 Wh/kg ✓
Portability Tier heavy ultralight
Chemistry LFP Other
Cycle Life 3,000 ✓ 800
Expandable Yes No
UPS No No
AC Voltage 120V 120V

Solar Charging

Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.

AC200L

Max solar input 1,200 W
Connector Proprietary
Full charge time ~7.3h
Compatible panels 20/20

MPPT: 12-145V

Explorer 500

Faster
Max solar input 112.5 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~6.6h
Compatible panels 12/20

MPPT: 12-30V

Charge speed comparison

~7.3h
~6.6h

Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)

Device Compatibility

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

AC200LExplorer 500

Emergency(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.)Safe9hSafe2.3h
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)Tight1.3hFailN/A

Entertainment(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)Safe1.4hFailN/A
TelevisionSafe8.4hSafe2.1h

EV & Transportation(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
E-Bike Battery ChargerSafe7.2hSafe1.8h
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)Safe1hFailN/A

Heating & Cooling(7)

5/7
1/7
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Box Fan (20-inch)Safe17.3hSafe4.4h
Central AC (3-Ton)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)Tight1.7hFailN/A
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)Safe1.4hFailN/A
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)Soft Start1.1hFailN/A
Space Heater (1,500W)Safe1hFailN/A
Window AC (8,000 BTU)Safe2hFailN/A

Home Infrastructure(3)

1/3
1/3
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Garage Door Opener (Residential)Safe8hSafe2h
Well Pump (1 HP)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A

Kitchen Appliances(11)

11/11
1/11
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
2-Slice Bread ToasterSafe1hFailN/A
Coffee MakerSafe0.9hFailN/A
Digital Air FryerSafe0.8hFailN/A
Electric SkilletSafe1hFailN/A
Electric Stove (Single Burner)Safe0.8hFailN/A
Electric Water KettleSafe1hFailN/A
Instant Pot (6 Qt)Safe1hFailN/A
Microwave Oven (1000W)Safe0.7hFailN/A
Rice CookerSafe1.5hFailN/A
Slow CookerSafe4.8hSafe1.2h
Toaster OvenSafe0.8hFailN/A

Large Appliances(4)

3/4
1/4
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
DishwasherSafe0.8hFailN/A
Electric Clothes DryerVoltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
French Door RefrigeratorSafe6.9hSafe1.8h
Washing MachineSafe1.1hFailN/A

Medical(4)

4/4
4/4
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
CPAP MachineSafe25.6hSafe6.5h
Electric Wheelchair ChargerSafe4.2hSafe1.1h
Medical Nebulizer MachineSafe13hSafe3.3h
Portable Oxygen ConcentratorSafe4.1hSafe1h

Outdoor & RV(6)

5/6
4/6
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Pellet GrillSafe14.9hSafe3.8h
Portable Electric CoolerSafe23.9hSafe6h
Portable FanSafe23.5hSafe5.9h
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)Safe4hFailN/A
Portable ProjectorSafe7.2hSafe1.8h
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)FailN/AFailN/A

Personal Care(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Electric BlanketSafe8hSafe2h
Professional Hair DryerSafe0.8hFailN/A

Power Tools(5)

1/5
0/5
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
Circular Saw (Corded)FailN/AFailN/A
Corded Drill / Hammer DrillTight1.3hFailN/A
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)FailN/AFailN/A
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)FailN/AFailN/A
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)FailN/AFailN/A

Work from Home(5)

5/5
4/5
DeviceAC200LRuntimeExplorer 500Runtime
LaptopSafe4hSafe1h
Laser PrinterSafe2hFailN/A
Monitor (27-inch LCD)Safe26.1hSafe6.6h
Starlink SystemSafe14.3hSafe3.6h
WiFi RouterSafe19.1hSafe4.8h

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology

The Bottom Line

Buyers who need serious home backup power, broad device coverage, or a solar-ready system with long cycle life should pick the AC200L. The Explorer 500 suits travelers and minimalists who prioritize portability over capacity and only need to run small electronics.

With a score of 83.5 versus 40 and more than twice the device compatibility, the AC200L is the clear winner of this matchup. In our 53-device benchmark, AC200L powers 43 devices and Explorer 500 powers 20.

AC200L vs Explorer 500 FAQ

Q Which is better for home backup, AC200L or Explorer 500?

AC200L is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.

Q Which has longer runtime, AC200L or Explorer 500?

AC200L has higher battery capacity (2,048 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.

Q Which charges faster with solar panels?

Explorer 500 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.

Q Which is more portable, AC200L or Explorer 500?

Explorer 500 is lighter at 13.2 lbs vs 62.4 lbs. Explorer 500 is rated ultralight for portability.

Q How many devices can each power station run?

AC200L powers 43 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.

Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC200L or Explorer 500?

Only AC200L supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. Explorer 500 is limited to its built-in 518.4 Wh.