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Explorer 300 — What Is It?
Explorer 300 — What Is It?
- Battery: 293 Wh lithium-ion
- Weight: ~7.1 lb (3.2 kg)
- Inverter Output: 300W AC (500W peak)
- Ports:
- 2 × AC outlet
- 1 × USB-C (60W PD)
- 1 × USB-A Quick Charge 3.0
- 1 × Car (12V) port
- Recharge Time: ~2 hours to 80% using wall + 60W USB-C
- Cycle Life: ~500 cycles to 80%+ (for its battery chemistry)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very portable — easy to carry for camping or travel
- Multiple outputs: good for small electronics, laptops, cameras, drones
- Pass-through charging mode (can charge while outputting) — useful as a UPS-like tool
- Good safety via BMS: over-voltage, short-circuit protection
Cons:
- Only 300W output — won't run very heavy appliances
- In real-world tests, inverter efficiency can reduce usable power
- Solar panel not included in the base model
- Limited cycle life vs LiFePO4 alternatives
Comparing the Three Explorer 300 Options
Here's a breakdown of the three configurations you're considering:
| Option | What You Get | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Explorer 300 | Just the power station + AC + car charger | Minimalist users, occasional camping, emergency phone/laptop charging | Must buy solar panel separately if you want off-grid charging |
| Solar Bundle (E300 + 100W Panel) | Explorer 300 + Jackery SolarSaga 100W panel | Off-grid camping, solar setups | Higher upfront cost; solar panel takes space and adds weight |
| Fast-Charger Bundle (E300 + 102W GaN) | Explorer 300 + 102W GaN fast charger | Frequent travel, quick recharges before a trip or after use | Charger cost added; doesn't affect runtime, just recharge speed |
Real-World Use Cases
Camping Trip: If you're heading out for a weekend trip and want to power lights, a speaker, or charge a laptop, the solar bundle is a very smart pick.
Emergency Power Kit: The base model is compact enough to store for blackouts; with 293Wh, it can run several devices for hours.
Frequent Travel: With the fast charger bundle, you can recharge the station quickly between uses — ideal if you're on the go.
How the Explorer 300 Compares to Bigger Power Stations
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
- Capacity: ~1070 Wh
- Battery Chemistry: LiFePO₄, which typically lasts more cycles
- Output: 1,500W continuous
- Recharge & Portability Trade-off: Much higher capacity but heavier and more expensive; ideal if you need to power bigger devices or appliances
EcoFlow Delta 2
- Capacity: ~1024 Wh
- Output: 1,800W AC, with faster charging via X-Stream technology
- Best Use: For very demanding applications — like running power tools, multiple appliances, or a whole small setup during outages
Recommendation — Which One Should You Buy?
- Buy the base Explorer 300 if you want something light, portable, and for occasional use.
- Choose the solar bundle if you're into off-grid trips or camping without reliable outlets.
- Go for the fast-charger bundle if you want to recharge quickly and don't mind spending more on the charger.
- Don't need just 293Wh? Consider stepping up to the Explorer 1000 v2 or EcoFlow Delta 2 for more capacity and power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the Explorer 300 run a mini fridge?
A: Yes, but only for a limited time. With a 293Wh battery and 300W AC output, you'll need to be careful with how much power the fridge draws.
Q: How long does the Explorer 300 take to fully recharge?
A: About 2 hours to get to 80% when using wall adapter + 60W USB-C PD at the same time.
Q: How many times can I charge a phone/laptop with it?
A: It depends on the device, but the Explorer 300 is capable of handling several devices — phones, laptops, cameras — because of its multi-port layout.
Q: Is the solar panel in the bundle the same one Jackery sells separately?
A: Yes, the 100W SolarSaga panel is compatible and uses Jackery's MPPT controller to maximize solar charging.
If you want a versatile, reliable, and portable power source, the Jackery Explorer 300 in any of these three configurations is a strong contender. Think about how you'll use it: for camping? Go solar. For fast recharges? The GaN charger helps a lot. For lightweight backup power? The base model works well.
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