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Top 3 Jackery Explorer 500 Alternatives (For LESS!) | Buyer's Guide

Top 3 Jackery Explorer 500 Alternatives (For LESS!)  Buyer's Guide

Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary

The article compares the Jackery Explorer 500 to alternative solar generators, suggesting that while the Jackery is convenient for camping, there are better options in terms of price and features. The Jackery, priced at $499, competes with models like the RockPals 500, Lion Energy Safari LT 500, and Renogy Phoenix Solar Generator, all offering different advantages.

The RockPals 500 is slightly cheaper than the Jackery, with a larger battery, lighter weight, and faster charging times. The Lion Energy 500 offers durability and a longer lifespan, although with slightly less battery life. The Renogy Phoenix 300 is lighter and more portable but has less power capacity. For those willing to splurge, the EcoFlow Delta 1300 offers almost three times the battery capacity of the Jackery, a larger inverter, more plug-in options, and quicker charging times. In summary, while the Jackery Explorer 500 is a popular choice, there are several alternatives that offer better value and performance depending on your needs.

Introduction

If you are looking for a portable, solar powered battery, then you may be considering the Jackery Explorer 500.  Although we have noted that the Jackery is a convenient solar generator for camping or tailgating, it is worth considering your alternative options as the Jackery Explorer 500 may not be your best option.

Currently, the Jackery Explorer 500 is listed for $499, direct from their website.  At this price point, there are many other options for solar generators that outperform the Jackery in one way or another.  In this article, I am going to highlight three great Jackery Explorer 500 alternatives that will save you money (and frustration) on your next portable power station. 

1. RockPals 500 Portable Solar Generator

Rockpals

The RockPals 500 solar generator retails for slightly less than the Jackery 500, and is also packed with premium, bonus features.  To start, the 520wH battery is slightly larger than the 518wH battery in the Jackery, however the entire unit weighs over a pound less.  Plus, it takes less time to charge via solar panels, AC or DC electricity!  

The RockPals 520 also has a much larger variety of outlets to use.  With two AC (wall) outlets, 4 USB ports (1 type C), and 2 DC outlets, you can charge more devices simultaneously.  Like the Jackery, the RockPals 520 has a 500W/1000W output potential and a built in LED flashlight.

 

Learn more about the RockPals 540

2. Lion Energy Safari LT 500

Lion Energy

Although the Jackery 500 is extremely convenient, the Lion Energy 500 may just about have it beat.  Built to last, and only weighing 11 pounds, the Lion Energy 500 is a highly capable solar generator that comes at a similar price point as the Jackery.  

The most exciting things to note about the Lion Energy 500 are the unit’s shelf and cycle life.  Rated for over 1000 charge cycles (over 3 years of daily use), Lion Energy delivers one of the longest lasting, small portable generators available today.  Plus, this product has a shelf life of over a year, which means that the Lion Energy 500 is a great backup source of power for emergencies.  Although the battery life is slightly less than the Jackery 500, the Lion Energy 500 charges faster and has the same output capacity, with even more outlet options.  

 

Get more details on the Lion Energy 500

3. Renogy Phoenix Solar Generator

Renogy

If you do not need a ton of power, but want a convenient source of electricity for camping, festivals, or tailgating, the Renogy Phoenix 300 is a great choice.  This shockingly light (6.4 lbs) solar generator is great proof that a little bit of power can go a long way.

It is true that Jackery 500 can power more things, longer than the Renogy Phoenix.  The Phoenix is limited by a 200W inverter and a 337wH battery.  With that said, the Phoenix is still a high powered machine that can run portable CPAP for 28 hours, charge smartphones 21 times, or laptops 5 times.  It also has 2 AC outlets (1 more than the Jackery) and a D-Tap port, which makes it perfect for charging digital cameras or handheld gaming devices.  

Check out the Renogy Phoenix 300 

Splurge option: EcoFlow Delta 1300

ecoflow delta

Of course, as a solar generator enthusiast, I am always going to recommend you consider splurging and investing in a great, reliable piece of equipment.  If you are interested in the Jackery 500 for long-lasting portable power, then why not consider upgrading to something even more capable?  The EcoFlow Delta 1300 is one of our most popular solar generators, and for good reason.

To start, the EcoFlow Delta has a battery capacity that is almost three times as large as the Jackery 500 at 1300wH.  The Delta has over triple the output capacity of the Jackery with a built-in 1800W inverter, and also has many more plug-in options.  Although the EcoFlow Delta weighs 30 lbs, it can power more things (even a small AC unit) for longer than the Jackery 500.  

Plus, the Delta can charge it’s massive battery in as little as 2 hours, when plugged into an AC (wall) outlet.  If you were considering the Jackery as a convenient way to bring power on the go, the Delta can be charged ridiculously quicker and will last longer when charging your devices.

 

Learn more about the EcoFlow Delta 1300

A Quick Overview of the Jackery Explorer 500 

Jackery

The Jackery 500, from Honda, is one of the most recognized brand names in small, portable solar power generators.  The Jackery 500 is a lightweight and convenient option to power things like laptops, lights, speakers, phones, CPAP machines, or televisions.  Whereas it is a great little machine, the Jackery 500 is simply not the best option for a long term power solution.  The Jackery is limited in lifespan, and hindered by slow charging and limited output options. 

Pros of the Jackery Explorer 500

  • 500W Inverter is powerful enough for most small electronic devices.
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Cons of the Jackery Explorer 500

  • Limited Plug-in Options:  Only 1 AC (Wall) Outlet and no USB class C
  • Approximate 9 hour solar charge time for only 518wH of storage
  • 7.5 hour AC (wall) outlet & 11.5 hour DC (car) outlet charge time
  • Only 500 lifecycles guaranteed at 80% capacity

Final Jackery Explorer 500 Thoughts:

Ultimately, there are plenty of great solar generators on the market that are affordable, lightweight solutions for portable, renewable energy.  If you were considering the Jackery 500, I hope that this article helped outline some of the alternatives you may not have explored.  Whether you are after more power, less cost, or greater reliability, we have plenty of solar generators available for your consideration.

Jackery

See also top 3 battery powered outlets

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Comments

Robert Brown - August 19, 2024

I just purchased the 500 through Walmart at a lot cheaper price than you quoted. So far happy with it. But the power supply or brick as some people call it seems to run on the hot side with charging the power station. Use the power station to power a small refrigerator in my SUV which it does a great job.

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