Jackery Explorer 550 vs 500 | Product Comparison

Jackery is one of the most well-known brands in the portable power station industry, and two of its popular products are the Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550. These products are well-designed and user-friendly charging solutions for homeowners, campers, and avid travelers.

While both Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 serve the same purpose of charging home or outdoor appliances, there is a slight difference between the battery capacities. Jackery Explorer 500 features a lithium-ion battery of 518Wh capacity, whereas Jackery Explorer 550 has a battery capacity of 550Wh.

However, that's not the only difference between the Jackery Explorer 500 and the Jackery Explorer 550. In this ultimate Jackery 550 vs. 500 guide, we will focus on how these portable power stations stack up against each other.

Comparison Chart of Jackery Explorer 550 and 500

Jackery's portable power station series shares a unique visual style across all models. The Jackery Explorer 500 model offers a solid battery life with a weight of 13.3 lbs, making it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use.

The Jackery Explorer 550 model effectively has a higher battery capacity of 550Wh and weighs a little higher, around 13.8 lbs. Both models have easy-to-carry handles, so you don't have to worry about transporting or setting up the power station.

This detailed Jackery 550 vs. 500 guide will reveal the features, technical aspects, and recharging time of both these power stations.

Features/Specs Comparison

Both models offer a range of features but differ in the maximum wattage, with the Jackery Explorer 550 providing greater power capacity and the ability to charge high-watt appliances. They both have a compact and portable design that makes them excellent choices for outdoor excursions.

While these powerful power stations by Jackery can keep small electronic devices like cameras, phones, fans, and tablets charged, they are both well suited for charging medical appliances like CPAP machines during camping or in the event of a power outage. The following table will compare the technical aspects of Jackery 550 vs. 500.

Recharging Time

While choosing the best battery backup, you'll need to understand how fast it can be recharged. This aspect becomes even more critical when you're on an outdoor trip. The same goes when deciding between Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550.

Both Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 are compatible with different charging methods like Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, car adapters, and wall outlets; the difference lies in the recharging time.

For example, Jackery Explorer 550 takes 8 hours to be recharged using Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels. In contrast, the Jackery Explorer 500 takes 9.5 hours with the same solar panel. The table reveals the different recharging times of Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550.

Jackery Explorer 550 vs. 500 in Different Using Scenes

Both the Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 are portable power stations with the ability to be charged with free solar energy, but there are specific notable differences between the two products. The main difference lies in the battery capacity, weight, power, and other technical factors.

Camping Appliances

The best battery backup for outdoor camping should be lighter, compact, and even easy to carry. Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 have a built-in handle and compact design, which makes them an excellent choice for campers. The ultimate choice between the Jackery Explorer 500 and the Jackery Explorer 550 will directly depend on what you are looking for.

Product image: Use Jackery Explorer 500 to charge a laptop, phone, lights, and projector.

For example, if you want a lightweight and compact battery backup, you may choose the Jackery Explorer 500, as it is lighter than the Jackery Explorer 550. In contrast, those looking for a power station with high capacity can choose the Jackery Explorer 550 over the Jackery Explorer 500. Here is the table that focuses on different appliances and their running time using both power stations.

Power Outage/Home Appliances

Besides using these portable power stations for camping and outdoor trips, you can even use them in the event of a power outage. Since they are mid-size battery backups and have mid-size battery capacity, they are ideal for supplying electricity for a few hours.

If you want to power electrical devices for long hours, you may consider larger battery backups like Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro or the expandable Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus. They can charge 99% of your home or outdoor appliances, ensuring a steady supply of most devices.

Outdoor Working Appliances

Jackery power stations are also ideal for a  comfortable outdoor working experience. You can charge outdoor working appliances like phones, cameras, drones, speakers, lights, and even laptops. The Battery Management System of the battery backups ensures a steady electricity supply to your appliances.

What's impressive about Jackery portable power stations is their higher battery cycle life. For example, even after completing 1000 charge cycles, the Jackery Explorer 550 will have 80% battery capacity. In contrast, the Jackery Explorer 500 will still have 80% battery capacity even after completing 500 charge cycles.

Product image: Use the portable Jackery Explorer 500 to charge a phone.

It's clear from the Jackery 550 vs. 500 guide that both these power stations have an ergonomic design, industry-level BMS technology, and easy-to-carry handles. Investing in any of these power stations might be an intelligent choice to charge appliances on trips or even at home.

Conclusion

From this Jackery 550 vs. 500 guide, Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 feature multiple output ports to charge high-power appliances like mini-refrigerators, TVs, CPAP machines, air pumps, and more. They are compact and lightweight in design, which makes them an even more favorable choice for road trips and RV camping.

Both Jackery Explorer 500 and Jackery Explorer 550 have a pure sine wave inverter and an intelligent BMS (Battery Management System) to deliver steady power to the electrical devices. Regardless of which portable power station you choose, you'll have to worry about charging appliances.