Jackery Explorer 1000 Review: Learn Why I Think This Could Be The Best One
In this Jackery Explorer 1000 review, you’ll get to know everything about this great portable power station. That includes this unit’s package contents, recharging options, and input and output ports. I’ll also be recommending the best solar panel for the Explorer 1000.
Apart from reviewing the Explorer 1000, I’ll be comparing this portable power station with the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X, Rockpals 1000W, and two other power banks. If you feel that the Explorer 1000 doesn’t meet your requirements, the alternatives might come in handy.
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The Summary
The Jackery Explorer 1000 would help your devices stay charged for days with its excellent battery capacity, efficient AC inverter, and multiple output ports. If you came here looking for a powerful, portable power generator, that is a great all-rounder, the Explorer 1000 might be right for you.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Review
What’s In The Box?
- Jackery Explorer 1000
- SolarSaga parallel adapter case
- Car charger cable
- AC & AC cable (2 parts)
- User manual
Weight and Build
The Jackery Explorer 1000 weighs just over 22 lbs (10 kg). This makes it almost twice as heavy as the Explorer 500 and four times heavier than the Explorer 240. Its massive weight is the reason why, despite having a sturdy handle at the top, the Explorer 1000 isn’t ultra-portable.
A multiple-inch backlit screen with a display button adorns the middle of its front-facing control panel. It’s neighbored on its right side by the input section. One which contains a connection for the solar panels (more on this below) and a barrel adapter for the wall charger.
Below the screen and the input section, from left to right, you’ll first come across the DC connections. These include a 12V port, one USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. Of the two USB-A ports, one is the standard 5V/2.4A, while the other is Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0).
Then there are the AC connections. There are three of them and all share the same power button. The distance between the AC ports is big enough to let you plug in three switches simultaneously. Unlike the 12V port, AC ports don’t have a dust cover.
For products bought through Jackery.com, the company offers free shipping within the US, a 24-month warranty, free replacements and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Find out more here
Battery and Ports
The Explorer 1000 packs an uber-powerful 1002Wh, Lithium-ion battery. Jackery claims that the battery will retain at least 80% of its capacity for the first 500 cycles. As is the case with other Jackery power stations, a Battery Management System (BMS) is also on offer.
You can count on the BMS to protect this power station against over-charging, over-current, and under-current. If you ever plug in a device that draws more power than this unit’s battery could supply, the BMS will kick off, shutting down the Explorer 1000 within seconds.
As stated in the previous section, this unit has its fair share of ports. It boasts 3x AC ports, 1x USB-C port, and 2x USB-A ports. One of which is the standard 5V/2.4A, while the other is Quick Charge 3.0. You also get a 12V (10A) car output and a 12V-30V DC input.
You might be pleased to note that all the AC ports are pure sine wave outlets. This means you can count on them to safely juice up your sensitive electronics, such as laptops, computer monitors, and televisions, something modified sine wave outlets cannot do.
Recharging Options
You have three options to recharge the Explorer 1000:
- AC adaptor – 7 hours
- 12V car adapter – 14 hours
- Compatible Solar Panel – 16 hours under full sunlight
Other Notable Features
Here are other stand-out features of the Explorer 1000:
- Built-in MPPT charge controller. Compared with the PWM solar charge controller, the MPPT charge controller offers up to 30% higher charging efficiency. That, in turn, explains why the Explorer 1000 takes only 8 hours to go from zero to a hundred percent charging.
- Pure sine-wave inverter. Pure sine-wave inverters are a must-have if you’re planning to charge sensitive equipment, newer televisions, and appliances with AC power with your power station. Without them, there’s a risk of your devices crashing or burning out.
- Supports pass-through charging. Nobody likes waiting for their power station to recharge before it could juice up their devices. Pass-through charging is therefore essential. It lets the Explorer 1000 juice up your devices while it’s being recharged itself.
- Three grounded AC outlets. Check out other portable power stations on the market, even those costing twice as much, and you’d realize not many of them offer three AC outlets. That it does boast 3x AC outlets gives a major boost to the Explorer 1000’s reputation.
Pros and Cons
The Jackery Explorer 1000 offers various sought-after features. These include three grounded outlets, support for pass-through charging, and potentially unlimited power. At the same time, this unit’s high asking price and bulky build might put off its potential customers.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Jackery Explorer 1000:
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pros
- Three grounded AC outlets
- Supports pass-through charging
- Packs a pure sine-wave inverter
- Offers potentially unlimited power
- Light, compared to other 1000W power stations
Jackery Explorer 1000 Cons
- Average price point
- Offers fewer outlets than some of its competitors
Best Solar Panel for Jackery Explorer 1000
The Jackery SolarSaga 100W is the best solar panel for Explorer 1000. Jackery claims that two SolarSaga 100W solar panels can completely charge the Explorer 1000 in less than 8 hours. But my experience tells me that the panels take twice the stated time (16 hours) to fully charge the Explorer 1000.
The SolarSaga 100W comes with top-of-the-line monocrystalline solar cells. These solar cells boast an eye-watering efficiency of 23%. Their laminated upper surface helps keep their efficiency intact by preventing dirt, debris, and rain from sticking to the solar cells.
I was surprised to see how easily the SolarSaga 100W connects to the Explorer 1000. Just take out the included SolarSaga parallel adapter cable, hook one of its ends into the power station, and the other into the solar panel. Done correctly, the process shouldn’t take more than a minute.
Besides juicing up portable power stations, the SolarSaga 100W can charge other devices two. It features three pure sine-wave inverters, two USB-C outlets, and one USB-A QC 3.0 outlet. And if you buy it from Jackery’s website, you’ll get an extra year on top of the 2-year manufacturer warranty.
How It Compares With Other Portable Power Stations
Jackery Explorer 1000 Vs. Goal Zero Yeti 1000X
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X
- Power: 983 Wh
- Weight: 31.7 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15.25″ x 10.23″ x 9.86″
- Ratings: 5.0⭐ out of 13 reviews on REI
- Similarities: Both the Explorer 1000 and Yeti 1000x offer similar battery capacities (1000Wh vs. 983 Wh). They also have the same number of USB-A ports (2). Each is backed by a 24-months manufacturer warranty and could be charged in three different ways.
- Where the Explorer 1000 fares better: Not only does it cost $400 less than the Yeti 1000X, the Explorer 1000 also weighs less than its competitor. But to be fair, the Yeti 1000X offsets some of its added pounds with its two handles (the Explorer 1000 has only one).
- Where the Yeti 1000X fares better: The Yeti 1000X offers higher continuous power (1,500W vs. 1000W), higher surge capacity (3000W vs. 2000W), and one extra USB-C port. That means you can charge more devices (and more powerful devices) with this unit.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Vs. Rockpals 1000W
Rockpals 1000W
- Power: 1048 Wh
- Weight: 35.3 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15.55″ x 8.46″ x 9.44″
- Ratings: 3.9⭐ out of 28 reviews on Amazon
- Similarities: Both the Explorer 1000 and Rockpals 1000W offer the same continuous power, can be recharged with solar energy, and are backed by 2-year warranties. They both use lithium-ion batteries and feature two side vents to prevent heat build-up.
- Where the Explorer 1000 fares better: The Explorer 1000 offers one extra recharging option (car adapter). It also has a higher surge capacity (2000W vs. 1048W) of the two power stations. Plus, it weighs less (22lbs vs. 35lbs) and is, therefore, easier to carry.
- Where the Rockpals 1000W fares better: The Explorer 1000 offers 8 USB-A ports to the 2 you get from the Explorer 1000. It also offers more AC ports (4 vs. 3) than its competitor. Despite that, this model is more pocket-friendly of the two – it costs $400 fewer than the Explorer 1000.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Vs. Ecoflow Delta 1000
EcoFlow Delta 1000
- Power: 1008 Wh
- Weight: 30.9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15.7″ x 8.3″ x 10.6″
- Ratings: 4.8⭐ out of 227 reviews on Home Depot
- Similarities: Both these portable power stations have similar capacity lithium-ion batteries. Each can last up to 500 recharging cycles while maintaining up to 80% efficiency. And you can charge both using a compatible solar panel, AC adapter, or car adapter.
- Where the Explorer 1000 fares better: The Explorer 1000 not only weighs less (22lbs vs. 30.9lbs), but it is also more compact of the two power stations. This makes it much easier to carry and, therefore, a better option if your outdoor trip involves much walking.
- Where the Ecoflow Delta 1000 fares better: This portable power station offers higher continuous (1800W vs. 1000W) and surge (3,300W vs. 2,000W) capacities. It also provides more AC outlets (6 vs. 3), and USB-A ports (4 vs. 2) and costs $100 less than the Explorer 1000.
Jackery Explorer 500 Vs. Jackery Explorer 1000 Vs. Jackery Explorer 1500
When comparing these three portable power stations, we have to keep in mind your requirements. For low-wattage appliances such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the Jackery 500 will be more than enough. Plus, its lightweight build gives you another reason to go for this model.
However, if you intend to juice up power-hungry appliances such as electric tea kettles, low-wattage electric grills, and coffee makers, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is worth a shot. Especially if you’re going to the woods for the weekend or day trips.
The Explorer 1500 is a must-have for anyone who regularly travels around the country in their RV. This portable powerhouse also deserves your attention if you want something that could keep all your devices (big or small) juiced up for a weeklong camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Jackery 1000 last?
The Jackery 1000’s battery is rated to last up to 500 cycles. With that, you should expect this portable power station to last 2 – 3 years.
How many solar panels does it take to charge a Jackery 1000?
According to Jackery, two SolarSaga 1000W solar panels will take up to 8 hours under full sun to charge the Explorer 1000.
Can Jackery 1000 run a heater?
Yes. The Jackery Explorer 1000 could run high-demand appliances like a portable heater.
How long does a Jackery 1000 battery last?
The Jackery Explorer 1000’s battery is rated to last 500 cycles.
Is Jackery a good generator?
Definitely. The Jackery Explorer 1000 is an excellent generator boasting various sought-after features. These include a built-in MPPT controller, a pure sine-wave inverter, and three AC outlets. You also get multiple USB (A&C) ports with this portable power generator.
How long does it take to charge a Jackery 1000 with solar panels?
While Jackery claims that two SolarSaga 1000W solar panels can fully charge the Explorer 1000 in 8 hours under full sun, my experience suggests that it would take at least two full days of sun (or 16 hours) for the solar panels to take this power station from zero to a hundred percent.
Can a Jackery 1000 power a refrigerator?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 can run a residential refrigerator rated at 1000W or less for up to 7 hours.
How many times can Jackery 1000 charge an electric cooler?
Given that an average electric cooler is rated at 150 – 300 watts, the Explorer 1000 can charge a standard electric cooler 3 – 5 times, provided the power station is fully charged.
Can you use Jackery 1000 while charging?
Yes. The Jackery 1000 can juice up other devices while it’s being recharged. That’s because it has the ‘pass-through’ charging feature.
Check out the video review
Jackery Explorer Comparison Table
This table compares the main differences between Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations
| Jackery Model | Capacity | Weight, lbs | Dimensions, in | AC Recharge time | Solar Recharge Time | Compatible Solar Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 160 | 167Wh | 3.97 | 7.4 x 4.5 x 6.7 | 5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | SolarSaga 60W |
| Explorer 240 | 240Wh | 6.6 | 9.05 x 5.24 x 7.87 | 5.5 Hours | 7 Hours | SolarSaga 60W |
| Explorer 300 | 293Wh | 7.1 | 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 | 4.5 Hours | 5 Hours | SolarSaga 100W |
| Explorer 500 | 518Wh | 13.32 | 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 | 7.5 Hours | 9.5 Hours | SolarSaga 100W |
| Explorer 1000 | 1002Wh | 22.04 | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 | 7 Hours | 8 Hours | SolarSaga 100W |
| Explorer 1000 Pro | 1002Wh | 25.35 | 13.39 x 10.32 x 10.06 | 1.8 Hours | 1.8 Hours | SolarSaga 200W |
| Explorer 1500 Pro | 1512Wh | 37.4 | 15.1 x 10.6 x 12.1 | 2 Hours | 4 Hours | SolarSaga 100W |
| Explorer 2000 Pro | 2160Wh | 43 | 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 | 2 Hours | 4 Hours | SolarSaga 200W |
| Explorer 3000 Pro | 3024Wh | 63.93 | 18.6 x 14.1 x 14.7 | 2.4 Hours | 3-4 Hours | SolarSaga 200W |
Portable power station guides
Use this table to find out all the reviews I made about the best portable power stations in the industry.
