Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station Review

Looking for a reliable and portable power solution for camping, off-grid living, or emergency backup?
The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is a compact and versatile unit that can power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to mini-fridges and CPAP machines.
Your Key to Untethered Adventures
The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is a compact powerhouse that brings the convenience of home electricity to the great outdoors!
Imagine having the freedom to power your electronics, appliances, and devices wherever your adventures take you.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a game-changer for camping, road trips, off-grid living, and even emergency preparedness.
This little unit is packed with a 518 watt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 500-watt pure sine wave inverter, giving you clean and reliable power for a multitude of uses.
You can keep your phone charged, your laptop powered, and even run a mini-fridge or CPAP machine with ease.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is designed for portability, weighing in at just over 13 pounds and about the size of a basketball.
It’s also incredibly user-friendly, with a clear LCD screen displaying charge/discharge rates and battery status.
Whether you’re enjoying a weekend camping trip, boondocking in your RV, or simply preparing for unexpected power outages, the Jackery Explorer 500 is your reliable companion.

Key Features and Specifications
500W – Output 5708_bfdb00-34> |
518Wh – Capacity 5708_54758f-70> |
- 518Wh Capacity: The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518 watt-hour lithium-ion battery. This capacity can power a variety of devices for hours, making it suitable for camping, road trips, and emergency backup power.
- 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter: This power station includes a 500-watt pure sine wave inverter, providing clean and stable power for sensitive electronics. The surge power is 1000W.
- Multiple Output Ports: The Jackery Explorer 500 is equipped with multiple output ports to meet various charging needs. This includes a 110V AC outlet, three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and one car port.
- Lightweight and Portable Design: Weighing in at 13.3 pounds and about the size of a basketball, the Jackery 500 is designed for portability. It features a solid handle for easy carrying.
- Multiple Recharging Options: You can recharge the Jackery Explorer 500 in several ways, including via a wall outlet, a car outlet, or a solar panel (sold separately). It takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charge via an AC wall outlet or a car port. It takes about 9.5 hours to fully charge using a Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel (sold separately).

Advantages
- Versatility: The Jackery Explorer 500 is a versatile power solution for various applications, including camping, road trips, off-grid living, and emergency backup power. It can power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to mini-fridges and CPAP machines.
- Portability: The unit is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. It weighs 13.3 pounds and is about the size of a basketball, featuring a solid handle for easy carrying.
- User-Friendliness: The Jackery Explorer 500 features a simple and intuitive design, with a clear LCD screen that displays essential information like charge/discharge rates and battery status.
- Safety: The Explorer 500 incorporates a Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharging, over-discharging, over-voltage, short circuits, and overheating. It also utilizes a pure sine wave inverter, which provides clean and stable power for sensitive electronics.
- Pass-Through Charging: You can use the Explorer 500 to charge devices while it is being recharged simultaneously. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency, particularly in situations where access to a power outlet is limited.
Limitations
- Limited Power Output: The Jackery Explorer 500 has a continuous power output of 500 watts and a peak output of 1000 watts. This means that it can’t power appliances that require more than 500 watts like larger kitchen appliances, air conditioners, or space heaters. While you can charge small appliances like car refrigerators, you may need to consider higher-capacity models like the Jackery Explorer 1000 for larger power needs.
- Relatively Slow Solar Recharge Time: Although it can be charged by a solar panel, the recharge time with a single 100 watt solar panel takes approximately 9.5 hours. If you need faster solar charging, consider pairing multiple panels for a faster charge, or a higher wattage solar panel (sold separately).
- No Built-In Wireless Charging or Bluetooth Connectivity: The current Jackery Explorer 500 model does not support wireless charging for smartphones or other devices. It also lacks Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you cannot control or monitor the power station remotely.

Use Cases and Reviews
- Camping and Outdoor Adventures: The Jackery Explorer 500 is an ideal power solution for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. It can power lights, fans, small appliances, and electronics, providing a reliable source of off-grid electricity. One reviewer shared, “I love the small Jackery Explorer 500W charging station setup with my Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel. The Explorer 500W is compact portable power and offers safe charging…The built-in backlit LCD screen displays charge/discharge rates, battery state of charge and rated at 500 cycles to 80%. It’s temperature rating is 32F-104F which meets my camping needs.”
- Road Trips and RV Living: Many reviewers use the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station to power devices and appliances while on road trips or living in their RVs. The unit can provide a convenient source of electricity for charging phones, laptops, running a small fridge, or even powering a CPAP machine overnight. One reviewer noted, “I’ve been a car camper most of my life…needing to upgrade my vehicle recently, I decided to see what was available for ‘portable’ power…The other purpose I had for the battery was to power a small 12V fan inside my vehicle to keep my doggies cool during the warmer weather…After reading lots of reviews, I chose the Jackery Explorer 500…”
- Emergency Preparedness: The Jackery Explorer 500 is a valuable tool for emergency preparedness, providing backup power during power outages caused by storms, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. It can keep essential appliances running, such as lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment, ensuring safety and comfort during emergencies.
- Remote Work and Off-Grid Living: With its portable design and multiple output ports, the Jackery 500 enables remote work and off-grid living. It can power laptops, Wi-Fi routers, and other essential devices, providing a reliable source of electricity for work or leisure in locations without access to grid power.
- Photography and Videography: The Jackery Explorer 500 is a popular choice among photographers and videographers for powering equipment in outdoor locations. It can run cameras, lights, laptops for editing, and other devices, allowing for extended shooting sessions without the need for traditional power sources. One reviewer remarked, “…it’s incredibly portable (very solid weight to power ratio)…One of the main reasons we sprung for this is its ability to be paired with a solar panel to charge it in that way – this is an option that is only available on higher end units. For those who are true camping off the grid for an extended period of time this is essential and lets you not have to draw from your vehicles power.”

Jackery as a Brand
- Jackery is a California-based corporation founded in 2012. The company was born with a vision to bring green energy to all and focuses on offering clean, reliable portable power solutions.
- Industry Leader: Jackery is recognized as a pioneer and leader in the portable power station market, launching its first product in 2016 and consistently innovating since then.
- Sustainable Energy Focus: Jackery promotes the use of sustainable energy and has received awards for its eco-friendly products.
- Global Presence: The company has a strong global presence with offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Jackery Explorer 500: Powering Your Freedom, One Adventure at a Time!
The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station proves to be a reliable and versatile power solution for a wide range of applications.
Its 518Wh capacity and 500W pure sine wave inverter can keep your essential devices running for hours, whether you’re camping, on a road trip, experiencing a power outage, or working remotely.
The multiple output ports cater to diverse charging needs, accommodating everything from smartphones and laptops to mini-fridges and CPAP machines.
What sets the Jackery Explorer 500 apart is its commitment to user-friendliness.
The intuitive design, clear LCD screen, and multiple recharging options make it a breeze to use and recharge.
While it may not be suitable for powering high-wattage appliances or offering the fastest solar recharge time, the Jackery Explorer 500 excels in portability, safety, and ease of use, making it an excellent investment for anyone seeking a reliable and convenient portable power source.
The rave reviews from campers, RV enthusiasts, photographers, and emergency preparedness-minded individuals speak volumes about its performance and dependability.
The Jackery Explorer 500 empowers you to embrace off-grid living, explore new horizons, and stay prepared for the unexpected, all while enjoying the comforts of modern technology.
Ready to experience the freedom and convenience of portable power?
You’ll be amazed at the possibilities it unlocks for your adventures, travels, and everyday life.
Grab your own Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station today!