Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,042 Wh | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
Explorer 2000 v2 2,042 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,524 Wh (+293.9%).
Explorer 2000 v2 vs Explorer 500
VS
2,200W
Running power
500W
2,042 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
39.5 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison pairs two Jackery stations at opposite ends of the capacity spectrum, aimed at buyers deciding between serious home backup power and lightweight portability. The Explorer 2000 v2 delivers 2200W of running power and 2042 Wh of battery capacity, enough to handle 45 out of 53 devices in our compatibility testing.
The Explorer 500 managed just 20 of those same 53 devices, limited by its 500W output and 518.4 Wh battery. LFP chemistry in the 2000 v2 provides roughly 4000 charge cycles, five times the 800-cycle rating of the 500.
A 20ms UPS function on the larger unit adds home-backup utility the 500 lacks entirely. The tradeoff is weight: at 13.2 lbs, the Explorer 500 is less than a third the 39.5 lbs of its bigger sibling, making it far easier to pack for camping or day trips.
Overall Winner
Explorer 2000 v2
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500
Home backup: Explorer 2000 v2 RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Explorer 2000 v2
Choose Explorer 2000 v2 if...
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 4,000 cycles)
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Choose Explorer 500 if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 40)
- + You want faster solar recharging
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
Explorer 2000 v2 2,200 W
Explorer 500 500 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,700 W (+340.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,400 W | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
Explorer 2000 v2 4,400 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +3,400 W (+340.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.2 lbs | Explorer 500 leads
Explorer 2000 v2 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Explorer 500: -26.2 lbs (66.5% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,000 cycles | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
Explorer 2000 v2 4,000 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
Explorer 2000 v2: +3,200 cycles (+400.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 25 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 47% (25/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only Explorer 2000 v2 can run 25
2-Slice Bread Toaster Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Coffee Maker Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Digital Air Fryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Skillet Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Stove (Single Burner) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Water Kettle Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Instant Pot (6 Qt) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Microwave Oven (1000W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Toaster Oven Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker Explorer 500: Running shortfall
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Space Heater (1,500W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Window AC (8,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Dishwasher Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Washing Machine Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) Explorer 500: Running shortfall
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) Explorer 500: Surge shortfall
Professional Hair Dryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Laser Printer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Electric Clothes Dryer
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Explorer 2000 v2 | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,042 Wh ✓ | 518.4 Wh |
| Running Power | 2,200 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 4,400 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 114.1 Wh/kg ✓ | 86.4 Wh/kg |
| Portability Tier | portable | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 4,000 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
Explorer 2000 v2
Max solar input 400 W
Connector DC8020
Full charge time ~14.6h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 16-60V
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
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
Explorer 2000 v2Explorer 500
Emergency(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
6/71/7
6/7
1/7
| Device | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 17.2h | Safe | 4.4h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Safe | 1.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Safe | 1.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Tight | 1.1h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 2h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 7.9h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
11/111/11
11/11
1/11
| Device | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.9h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Safe | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 1.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 4.8h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 6.9h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 1.1h | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/64/6
5/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
2/50/5
2/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
Buyers who need whole-room or home backup coverage should pick the Explorer 2000 v2. Its 2200W output, 4000-cycle LFP battery, and 85% device pass rate (45 of 53) make it the stronger all-around station.
The Explorer 500 fits travelers and minimalists who prioritize a grab-and-go form factor and only need to charge phones, laptops, or small appliances. Our pick is the Explorer 2000 v2, scoring 88 to the 500's 40.
Explorer 2000 v2 vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, Explorer 2000 v2 or Explorer 500?
Explorer 2000 v2 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, Explorer 2000 v2 or Explorer 500?
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?
Explorer 500 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, Explorer 2000 v2 or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 is lighter at 13.2 lbs vs 39.5 lbs. Explorer 500 is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 2000 v2 powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.
Q Does Explorer 2000 v2 or Explorer 500 have UPS mode for power outages?
Only Explorer 2000 v2 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.