Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 518 Wh | Explorer 500 leads
Explorer 300 Plus 288 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
Explorer 500: +230 Wh (+80.0%).
Explorer 300 Plus vs Explorer 500
VS
300W
Running power
500W
288 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
8.4 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between two compact Jackery stations for light-duty portable power. The Explorer 500 delivers 500W of running output and 518.4 Wh of capacity, nearly doubling the 300 Plus on both counts. That extra headroom lets it power 20 out of 53 tested devices versus 17 for the smaller unit.
Every device the 300 Plus can run, the 500 handles too, so you are not giving up any coverage by stepping up. The 500 also surges to 1000W, helping it start small motors and compressors the 300 Plus cannot touch at 600W. On the other side, the 300 Plus uses LFP chemistry rated for 3,000 cycles, far outlasting the 500's 800-cycle cell.
It also weighs just 8.4 lbs compared to 13.2 lbs, making it noticeably easier to toss in a daypack or carry to a campsite.
Overall Winner
Explorer 500
Powers 20 of 53 tested devices vs 17 for Explorer 300 Plus
Home backup: Explorer 500 RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Tie
Choose Explorer 300 Plus if...
- + Portability matters for your setup
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,000 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
Choose Explorer 500 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: 500 W | Explorer 500 leads
Explorer 300 Plus 300 W
Explorer 500 500 W
Explorer 500: +200 W (+66.7%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,000 W | Explorer 500 leads
Explorer 300 Plus 600 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
Explorer 500: +400 W (+66.7%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 8.4 lbs | Explorer 300 Plus leads
Explorer 300 Plus 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Explorer 300 Plus: -4.9 lbs (36.7% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | Explorer 300 Plus leads
Explorer 300 Plus 3,000 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
Explorer 300 Plus: +2,200 cycles (+275.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 3 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 17 · Differences: 6% (3/53) · Neither can run: 33
Neither can run · 33 devices
These devices exceed both stations on running power and surge.
Laser Printer
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Space Heater (1,500W)
Window AC (8,000 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
2-Slice Bread Toaster
Coffee Maker
Digital Air Fryer
Electric Skillet
Electric Stove (Single Burner)
Electric Water Kettle
Instant Pot (6 Qt)
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Rice Cooker
Toaster Oven
Electric Clothes Dryer
Dishwasher
Washing Machine
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
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 | Explorer 300 Plus | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 288 Wh | 518.4 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 300 W | 500 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 600 W | 1,000 W ✓ |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) ✓ | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) |
| Energy Density | 75.8 Wh/kg | 86.4 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | ultralight | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
Explorer 300 Plus
Faster Max solar input 100 W
Connector Proprietary
Full charge time ~4.4h
Compatible panels 4/20
MPPT: 12-27V
Explorer 500
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 300 PlusExplorer 500
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
1/71/7
1/7
1/7
| Device | Explorer 300 Plus | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 2.4h | Safe | 4.4h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | Explorer 300 Plus | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
1/111/11
1/11
1/11
| Device | Explorer 300 Plus | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Tight | 0.7h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
1/41/4
1/4
1/4
| Device | Explorer 300 Plus | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 1h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
2/44/4
2/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
4/64/6
4/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology
The Bottom Line
Pick the Explorer 300 Plus if longevity and portability matter most; its 3,000-cycle LFP battery and 8.4 lb frame suit hikers and weekend campers who only need to charge phones, laptops, and LED lights. The Explorer 500 fits buyers who need to run higher-draw appliances like a small blender or mini fridge, thanks to its 500W output and broader device coverage. With a score of 40 to 33, the Explorer 500 is the stronger overall pick for anyone who values versatility over minimal weight.
Explorer 300 Plus vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 has higher battery capacity (518.4 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
Explorer 300 Plus has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 500?
Explorer 300 Plus is lighter at 8.4 lbs vs 13.2 lbs. Explorer 300 Plus is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 500 powers 20 of 53 tested devices, compared to 17 for Explorer 300 Plus.