Jackery Explorer 300 review

Check the status first

This review covers the original Jackery Explorer 300. Jackery's own Explorer 300 page now carries the note that the product shown is not available for purchase, with a sign-up for availability. Jackery's US menu lists an Explorer 300 v2 (288 Wh, 300 W) alongside it, and lists the 293 Wh Explorer 300 again under refurbished stock. Jackery's pages do not use the word replaced, so we can only say the maker is now steering buyers to newer models. Check the exact model and seller before you order.

This is a researched review, not a tested one. It relies on Jackery's Explorer 300 page and its user manual, version JAK-UM-V1.0. Some retail listings give different port and surge figures, so we use the manual.

What it is and who it suits

The manual lists a 293.8 Wh lithium-ion battery in a box that weighs 7.1 pounds and measures 9.1 by 5.2 by 7.8 inches. Outputs are AC, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port with Power Delivery and a 12-volt car port. It suits a household that wants phones, a Wi-Fi router, a few lights or a laptop going through an evening outage.

Output and run time

Jackery rates the AC output at 300 watts continuous with a 500-watt peak. The manual says that if total output goes above 300 watts, the unit shuts off. Its formula for run time is 293 Wh times 0.85, divided by the watts your device draws. By that formula a 10-watt router would run for roughly 25 hours, while a 60-watt laptop charger would last under 5 hours. For anything bigger, such as a refrigerator, read our guide to running a refrigerator from a power station first.

The manual also says the unit turns itself off after 12 hours if it is powering less than 10 watts.

Recharging, storage and battery care

Jackery lists about 4.5 hours from a wall charger, 5 hours from a car charger and about 5.5 hours from a 100-watt solar panel, depending on weather. The cycle life is 800 cycles to 80 percent or more of capacity. Charging is rated for 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and discharging for 14 to 104 degrees.

Jackery says to charge it fully before storage. Its warranty terms state that the battery cell is not covered unless you charge it fully within seven days of purchase and at least once every 3 months after that. The warranty period is 24 months, which becomes 36 months when you register the product. Ready.gov's power outage page says to plan for batteries and other alternative power sources.

Limits

The manual says this model cannot act as a UPS, because you must press its power button to turn on the AC, USB or DC output. It does allow pass-through charging, but Jackery does not suggest it because it can shorten battery life. A router will therefore not switch over automatically when the grid drops. Jackery's manual says it is safe to use indoors. Anyone who relies on powered medical equipment should read our medical devices and power outages guide first.

How it compares

On our power stations page the Explorer 300 is the smallest of the Jackery picks. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 lists 1,070 Wh, 1,500 W and LiFePO4 cells for 23.8 pounds. Among lighter rivals, the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 lists 288 Wh, 600 W and LiFePO4 at 9.48 pounds, and the ALLPOWERS VOLIX P300 lists 256 Wh and 300 W at 7.9 pounds. Both list LiFePO4 cells, while the Explorer 300's manual lists lithium-ion.

Verdict

A light, simple box for phone, router and lamp charging, with a clearly written manual. Skip it if you want to run a refrigerator, a CPAP overnight or anything that needs automatic switchover, or if you want a battery chemistry rated beyond 800 cycles.

Is the Jackery Explorer 300 still made?

Jackery's own Explorer 300 page says the product shown is not available for purchase, and its menu lists an Explorer 300 v2 at 288 Wh and 300 W. Jackery does not say in so many words that one replaces the other, so confirm the model on any listing.

How long will it run a Wi-Fi router?

Jackery's formula is 293 Wh times 0.85 divided by the device's watts. For a router drawing 10 watts that works out to roughly 25 hours, but check your router's label, because real draw varies and the unit powers off after 12 hours below 10 watts.

Can I leave it plugged in so it is full when the power goes out?

Jackery's manual says yes, keeping it plugged in does not damage the battery. It also asks you to charge it at least once every 3 months to keep the battery cell covered by the warranty.