Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,070 Wh | Explorer 1000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh
Explorer 1000 v2 1,070 Wh
Explorer 1000 v2: +558 Wh (+109.0%).
RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 1000 v2
VS
500W
Running power
1,500W
512 Wh
Battery
1,070 Wh
13.4 lbs
Weight
23.8 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between a lightweight 512 Wh portable unit and a higher-capacity 1070 Wh station for camping, tailgating, or home backup. The Explorer 1000 v2 delivers 1500W of running power with 3000W surge, powering 33 out of 53 tested devices compared to 20 for the RIVER 2 Max.
That gap matters if you need to run higher-draw appliances like space heaters, small AC units, or full-size blenders. Jackery's unit also supports UPS functionality with a 20 ms switchover, making it a viable option for keeping networking gear or a mini fridge online during outages.
The tradeoff is weight and portability: the RIVER 2 Max comes in at just 13.4 lbs, roughly 10 lbs lighter, and its 3.3-hour solar charge time is less than half the Explorer's 7.6 hours, a real advantage for hikers and overlanders who need fast turnaround from a single panel.
Overall Winner
Explorer 1000 v2
Powers 33 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for RIVER 2 Max
Home backup: Explorer 1000 v2 RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Tie
Choose RIVER 2 Max if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 24)
- + You want faster solar recharging
Choose Explorer 1000 v2 if...
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
- + 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: 1,500 W | Explorer 1000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 500 W
Explorer 1000 v2 1,500 W
Explorer 1000 v2: +1,000 W (+200.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 W | Explorer 1000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W
Explorer 1000 v2 3,000 W
Explorer 1000 v2: +2,000 W (+200.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.4 lbs | RIVER 2 Max leads
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
Explorer 1000 v2 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg)
RIVER 2 Max: -10.4 lbs (43.5% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,000 cycles | Explorer 1000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles
Explorer 1000 v2 4,000 cycles
Explorer 1000 v2: +1,000 cycles (+33.3%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 13 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 25% (13/53) · Neither can run: 20
Only Explorer 1000 v2 can run 13
2-Slice Bread Toaster RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Skillet RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Water Kettle RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Instant Pot (6 Qt) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Space Heater (1,500W) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Window AC (8,000 BTU) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Washing Machine RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) RIVER 2 Max: Surge shortfall
Laser Printer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 20 devices
These devices exceed both stations on running power and surge.
Coffee Maker
Digital Air Fryer
Electric Stove (Single Burner)
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Toaster Oven
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Electric Clothes Dryer
Dishwasher
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Professional Hair Dryer
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 | RIVER 2 Max | Explorer 1000 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 512 Wh | 1,070 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 500 W | 1,500 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 1,000 W | 3,000 W ✓ |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) ✓ | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Energy Density | 83.9 Wh/kg | 99.1 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | ultralight | portable |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 | 4,000 ✓ |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | No | Yes (20 ms) |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
RIVER 2 Max
Faster Max solar input 220 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.3h
Compatible panels 17/20
MPPT: 11-50V
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
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
RIVER 2 MaxExplorer 1000 v2
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 1000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 2.2h | Safe | 4.7h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Fail | N/A | Soft Start | 0.7h |
Entertainment(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
1/74/7
1/7
4/7
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 1000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 4.3h | Safe | 9h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Fail | N/A | Soft Start | 0.9h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.7h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.5h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.1h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 1000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 2h | Safe | 4.2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
1/116/11
1/11
6/11
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 1000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.5h |
| Coffee Maker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.5h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.5h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Fail | N/A | Tight | 0.5h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.8h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 1.2h | Safe | 2.5h |
| Toaster Oven | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
1/42/4
1/4
2/4
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 1000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 1.7h | Safe | 3.6h |
| Washing Machine | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.6h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
4/65/6
4/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
Pick the RIVER 2 Max if low weight and fast solar recharging are your priorities and your loads stay under 500W. Choose the Explorer 1000 v2 if you need the extra capacity, 1500W output, and broader device coverage for home backup or base-camp use.
With a score of 61 versus 40 and compatibility with 13 more devices, the Explorer 1000 v2 is the stronger overall pick for most buyers. In our 53-device benchmark, RIVER 2 Max powers 20 devices and Explorer 1000 v2 powers 33.
RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 1000 v2 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 1000 v2?
Explorer 1000 v2 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 1000 v2?
Explorer 1000 v2 has higher battery capacity (1,070 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
RIVER 2 Max has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 1000 v2?
RIVER 2 Max is lighter at 13.4 lbs vs 23.8 lbs. RIVER 2 Max is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 1000 v2 powers 33 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for RIVER 2 Max.
Q Does RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 1000 v2 have UPS mode for power outages?
Only Explorer 1000 v2 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.