Jackery Explorer 500 Review – Best Portable Power Station for Camping & Emergencies
- Mike J
- May 29, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 21

This site may contain affiliate links from trusted national partners. I may receive compensation at no cost to you if purchases are made.
Jackery Explorer 500 review
In today's world, having a portable power station is essential for outdoor adventures, camping trips, or emergency situations. Bee Free Outdoors will provide a comprehensive review of the Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station, exploring its features, performance, and why it's a reliable companion for your power needs on the go.
Why choose the Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station offers a compact and efficient solution to keep your devices charged and essential appliances running, even when you're off the grid.
We have owned our Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station for approximately five years now. This device has been a lifesaver and is worth every penny. I recommend Jackery to anyone who is in the market for a portable power station. In our opinion this is the best portable power station, and after three years it still works perfectly, just like it did the day we bought it.
We have use our Jackery Explorer 500 to charge batteries for other devices, GoPro, cell phones, fans, a CPAP, and our TV. Another great feature is that you can continue using the device even while it is charging.
Pros and Cons of the Jackery 500 Explorer

User-Friendly LCD Display:
The built-in LCD screen provides real-time information on the remaining battery life and the power input/output, ensuring you're always in control of your energy consumption. This transparency allows you to manage your devices efficiently.
Durable
We have field tested our Jackery Explorer 500 and it excels in every environment. It has accompanied us through scorching summer heat and freezing winter cold, yet continues to perform exceptionally well. Despite being banged around and accidentally dropped, the Jackery power bank endures rough treatment and continues to function effectively.
Power Capacity and Output: Keep Your Devices Running
The Jackery Explorer 500 features 518 Wh of power. It has 1 AC outlet, 2 DC ports, 1 car port, and 3 USB-A ports and one input charger. The unit has a weight of 13.3 pounds, making it quite heavy and likely to add significant weight to a backpack during a hike to a campsite.
Jackery Charging Options: Flexibility for Any Situation

We purchased the 100-Watt Solar panel as well, which gives us piece of mind of always being able to charge our Jackery.
You can purchase the same model below directly from Amazon.
Here is the link. Jackery 100 Watt Solar Panel

Real World Field Test Results
Of course, the higher wattage of the device you are using, the quicker it will drain your stored power on your station. I can power my CPAP using the humidifier, and charge two cell phones all at the same time throughout the night, and still have 30% battery remaining on the Jackery when I wake up in the morning. According to Jackery; Working time = 500Wh* 0.85 / operating power of your device. For reference, assuming power consumption of your device is 60W (might be a box fan), working time will be 500Wh*0.85/60w=7hrs (rough calculated). The Jackery has a nice carry handle and extremely durable. It will operate in temperatures of 14°- 104°.

Jackery makes various other models such as the 240-Watt, 300-Watt, 1000-Watt, 1500 Watt, and a massive 3000 Watt. For pricing purposes, you can expect about a dollar a Watt when you purchase one of these devices.
Purchase Jackery Explorer 500 directly from Amazon. Click links below.
Jackery Explorer 300 - Smaller model than the one we reviewed.
Jackery Explorer 500 - The model we reviewed
Jackery Explorer 1000 - Big Power X 2.
Final Verdict of the Jackery 500 Explorer
The Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station is a versatile and reliable portable power solution that is designed to meet your power needs on the go. With its compact and portable design, it allows you to unleash power wherever your adventures take you. The power station offers a substantial power capacity and multiple output options to keep your devices charged and essential appliances running, ensuring you stay connected even when off the grid.
Its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, while its durable construction ensures it can withstand the demands of outdoor environments. The Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station provides peace of mind with its built-in safety features, protecting both your devices and the power station itself.
Whether you're camping, traveling, or preparing for emergencies, the Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station is a reliable companion that provides convenience and peace of mind. With its impressive performance and portability, it enables you to stay powered up and connected to the things that matter most.
So, if you love the outdoors and need power; check out the Jackery power station.







Comments