Jackery Explorer 240 Review vs Jackery 500 & 300

Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by Rod Olivares

If you are looking for a quiet, easy-to-use portable power source, you may want to consider a lithium power station.

Portable power devices are ideal for many situations. Whether you’re camping or need an emergency power supply, a portable power source can be a lifesaver.

Lithium power stations and mini generators are quickly becoming the favorite of campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency preppers alike. Weighing in at only 6.6 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station lives up to its name by being extremely easy to carry. It is ideal for camping, outdoor recreation, tailgating, or any other outdoor activity.

In this Jackery Explorer 240 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this device that lets you have power on the go.

Jackery 240 Unboxing vs 160 and 300

In my unboxing video of my Jackery 240, I compare it in size and weight to the new Jackery 300 and the older, smaller, Jackery Explorer 160:

Jackery 240 Power Station Features

The Jackery Explorer is a portable Lithium power station. At only 6.6 pounds, it is a compact and lightweight battery station that you can transport easily.

The power station is suitable for outdoor activities, camping, and preparing for emergencies. The Explorer comes with multiple powering ports:

• 2 USB ports
• AC outlet
• DC 12V car output
• 60W solar panel for sustainable charging (optional)

The kit also comes with an AC adaptor, AC cable, a user guide, and a DC to 12V cable.

The 240 portable also comes with a battery management system (BMS). With the BMS, the design protects the device from short circuits and enables temperature and voltage control. An LCD screen will display the charge status.

Charging and Recharging

The Jackery portable power station can recharge anything from electronic devices, such as phones or tablets, to small appliances, such as mini-fridges.

The Explorer 240 recharges three ways for ultimate convenience:

1. You can plug the Jackery 240 into a standard AC wall outlet.
2. Users also have the option of charging with a 12V car outlet.
3. There is also the option of purchasing an optional 60W SolarSaga Jackery solar panel. The solar panel power ensures a reliable source of portable power while camping or hiking.

The time it takes to charge the device to full power will vary depending on your chosen method. With an AC wall outlet or the 12V car adaptor, charging will take an estimated eight hours. The solar panels (with full sun) will take ten hours.

Longevity

The Jackery Explorer 240 can last on a full charge anywhere from 3 to 6 months. The battery life depends on what you power. As an example, you can fully charge your smartphone over 17 times.

Batteries

The Jackery Explorer 240 features a lithium-ion power station with a 240Wh (16.8Ah) battery capacity. The benefit of using lithium-ion batteries is that you can charge and recharge them hundreds of times, ensuring the Explorer 240 portable device’s longevity. This ion battery also tends to be much more stable than other types.

The Explorer 240 features an easy-to-read LCD screen that shows your battery and charge status. This display updates promptly, so you can monitor the amount of power remaining in the station. This screen also features a backlight if you are reading in direct sunlight.

Indoor Use

One of the best features of this portable power station is that you can safely operate it indoors. If you find yourself stuck without power due to a natural disaster or another emergency, you don’t have to worry about relocating to utilize your Jackery.

If you do end up leaving your home, you can quickly and easily transport your 240 portable power station and optional solar panels. The device is also reliable if you need to charge a radio to tune into a local emergency radio station.

What Can a Jackery 240 Power?

You can use your Jakery explorer 240 to power a wide range of mainstream electronics, small appliances, etc. These include:

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Cameras
• Laptops
• Mini fridges
• Drones
• USB small fan
• CPAP machine

This adaptability is especially important when you are in an emergency. If this is the case, you can use the Jackery Explorer 240 to charge any devices or appliances you might need in an emergency. If you’re looking to have a source of portable power while camping, there is also the option of charging recreational devices.

User Manual and Warranty

You can find the manual for the Explorer 240 here.

Every Jackery 240 power station comes with a 2-year warranty. With proper care and maintenance, you can count on enjoying all the benefits of your power station for years to come.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

With nearly three thousand reviews on Amazon at the time of this article, the Jackery 240 holds an impressive five-star rating. About 95% of all reviews are in the 4-5 star range.

After examining the few negative reviews, the issues seem to vary with no typical problems due to the device itself. Overall, the Jackery Explorer proves itself to be an incredibly impressive device.

Jackery 240 vs. Jackery 500

If you’re looking for something with a little more juice, the Jackery 500 could be an excellent alternative to the Jackery 240.

Both devices boast tremendous power, efficiency, portability, and a two-year warranty. However, the Jackery 500 can charge more robust devices and for longer. For example, in one cycle, the Jackery 240 can charge a smartphone 17 times. The Jackery 500 can fully charge a smartphone 34 times. The Explorer 500 can charge:

• Smartphones
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Mini-fridges
• Cameras
• Drones
• USB Fans

Here are some specifications for the Jackery 500:

• Peak Capacity: 518Wh (21.6V, 24Ah) 144,400 mAh / 3.6V
• Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
• Shelf-life: Charges every 3 to 6 months
• Safety Features: BMS; protection from short circuits and over-voltage
• Time to Recharge: 7.5 hours if you charge with an AC wall outlet, and around 9.5 if you charge with either the 12V car adaptor or the Saga 100W solar panel (optional).

However, if you are looking for newer features like a USB-C output port, check out the new Jackery 300. While more expensive than the older 240 models, you’ll get more capacity in nearly the same size.

FAQs

Can All Ports in the Jackery Be in Use at the Same Time?

Yes. The device functions via pass-through charging, which means you can use all ports while charging. You can simultaneously operate the ports from the wall outlet and solar panel (if you have sufficient sun power). However, if you do use all the ports, it will reduce your charging speed slightly. The charging rate also depends on the types of devices that you are charging.

Is the Jackery Compatible with US Outlets

Yes. The Jackery Explorer 240 portable charger follows the US standard outlet design to ensure your devices’ safe connection.

Is It Safe to Leave Devices Plugged in for Prolonged Periods?

You can leave your devices plugged in without continually monitoring them. As another safety measure, the Explorer 240 will turn off automatically at the 6-hour mark to save power.

Will the Explorer 240 Protect Sensitive Devices?

Yes. The Explorer 240 portable power station utilizes a pure sine wave. This method produces clean and stable electricity. No pure sine wave inverter damages devices like cameras, laptops, and cameras by generating any unstable power.

In What Situations Can You Use the Jackery?

You can use the Jackery in any situation where you don’t have a reliable source of power. Since it is also safe to use indoors, you can utilize it at any level of crisis or situation.

Going on a nice camping or hiking trip is probably the most common reason to invest in a quality portable power station. It lets you keep your smartphone charged in an emergency or your camera powered to take plenty of nature-based photos.

You can also use the Jackery during cookouts or tailgate parties. It will power radios, speakers, and anything you might need.

Lastly, this device will keep you prepared for emergencies. If you lose power for an extended period, you can use this portable power device to charge things your smartphone, a mini-fridge, and even a CPAP machine.

Pros & Cons

Like with all devices, the Jackery 240 has both pros and cons, depending on how you intend to use it.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Compatible with most mainstream electronics
• Multiple power options
• Two-year warranty
• Uses lithium batteries
• LCD screen
• Can use all ports at one time
• Has three options when recharging
• Power lasts anywhere from 3-6 months

Cons

• Solar panel not included in the initial purchase
• Slower charge times with the solar panel
• Not waterproof
• Cannot be taken on an airplane
• Confirmed only to be able to power one type of cooler for 24 hours

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Overall, the Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station is a worthy purchase. Not only is it useful as a portable power source and can be easily transported, but it has many features that make this power station both effective and safe. By offering multiple ports, including the option to recharge via solar panel, and being equipped to charge multiple devices at one time, you’re certainly getting a compelling product that goes above and beyond.

If you don’t have to worry about a budget, go for the newer Jackery 300, but the Jackery 240 is a good value right now because of the newer model. So you might be able to pick one up pretty cheap.