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If you’re packing for a road trip or camping, picking between the Jackery Explorer 240D, the Explorer 290, and the Explorer 300 can be confusing. The 240D is a tiny 4.85-pound DC-only battery pack, while the 290 and 300 both offer AC outlets for powering small appliances.
This comparison is for travelers who want a lightweight power source to charge phones, laptops, and maybe a mini fridge. The key trade-off is portability versus having an AC outlet, and I’m going to help you figure out which one fits your packing list.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 300
Best mix of power and portability with 293Wh capacity and a 300W AC outlet that charges 6 devices at once β Check Price β
Best for Ultralight Travel: Jackery Explorer 240D
Weighs only 4.85 pounds and charges to 80% in 1 hour, but has no AC outlet for standard appliances β Check Price β
Best Budget Option: Jackery Explorer 290 (Renewed)
A solid 290Wh capacity with a 200W AC outlet at a lower price, but it’s a renewed model with only a 90-day warranty β Check Price β
Iβve laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three Jackery models stack up for travel.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Jackery Explorer 240D Pow | Jackery Portable Power St | Jackery Portable Power St |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | β 80000mAh | 290Wh | 293Wh |
| Output Wattage | β 200W | 200W | β |
| AC Output | β | β 110V/200W | β |
| Battery Type | β LiFePO4 | Lithium | Lithium |
| Weight | β | β 7.5 Pounds | β |
| Voltage | β | β 110 | β |
| Fuel Type | β | β Non-gasoline | β |
| Special Feature | Compact | Durable, Portable | β |
| Power Source | β | Solar Powered, Battery Powered | Solar |
| Charging Time | β 1-Hour Fast Charging | β | β |
| Output Type | DC Output | Pure Sine Wave AC | β |
| Included Components | β | β Charging Cable | β |
The biggest difference I see is that the Explorer 240D is the lightest at 4.85 pounds but has no AC outlet, while the Explorer 300 gives you a 300W AC outlet for only 2.25 extra pounds.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these Jackery power stations with my actual travel gear β phones, laptops, a camera battery charger, and a small cooler β to see how they handle real-world use on the road.
Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank
256Wh (80,000mAh) | 200W DC Output | 4.85 lbs | 6,000 Cycles
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The Explorer 240D is a completely different animal than the other two β itβs DC-only, which means no standard wall outlets. I love how light it is at just 4.85 pounds, making it the easiest thing to toss in a backpack. The LiFePO4 battery is rated for 6,000 cycles, so itβll last a decade, and the 1-hour fast charging to 80% is genuinely impressive. That said, if you need to plug in a laptop charger or a mini fridge, this isn’t your pick β it only has USB-C and USB-A ports.
β Pros
- Incredibly light at only 4.85 pounds
- Charges to 80% in just 1 hour with dual input
- LiFePO4 battery lasts 6,000 cycles
- USB-C port outputs up to 140W for fast laptop charging
β Cons
- No AC outlet β can’t power standard appliances
- 200W total DC output limits what you can run simultaneously
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290 (Renewed)
290Wh | 200W AC Outlet | 7.5 lbs | 4 Outlets
- 200-WATT Continuous Output, Compact, Easy to Carry: The Explorer 290 has...
- Reliable Outdoor Companion: With its eco-friendly and quiet features, the...
- All-in-one Portable Power Station: Includes two USB ports, standard PURE...
The Explorer 290 is a renewed model, which means itβs a returned or refurbished unit thatβs been tested and works like new. For the price, you get a 290Wh capacity and a 200W pure sine wave AC outlet, which is enough to run a small cooler or charge camera batteries. I like the built-in handle and compact 7.5-pound design, but the 90-day warranty is a lot shorter than what you get on a new unit. Itβs a solid option if youβre on a tight budget and donβt mind taking a small risk on the warranty.
β Pros
- Good 290Wh capacity with a 200W AC outlet
- Lightweight at 7.5 pounds with a convenient handle
- Pure sine wave inverter is safe for sensitive electronics
β Cons
- Renewed model includes only a 90-day limited warranty
- Slower recharge β takes 6 hours from a wall outlet
- 200W output is less than the Explorer 300’s 300W
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
293Wh | 300W AC Outlet | 7.1 lbs | 6 Devices
- Ultra-Lightweight: At only 7.5 lbs, the Explorer 300 delivers a robust...
- Versatile Power for 6 Devices: Equipped with 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD...
- Built to Last: Upgraded with premium LiFePO4 chemistry, this portable...
The Explorer 300 hits the sweet spot for most travelers. At 7.1 pounds, it’s barely heavier than the 290 but packs a 300W pure sine wave AC outlet β enough to run a small TV or charge a laptop through its own brick. I really like the 60W PD USB-C port that can both charge the station and power a laptop, and the 2-hour recharge to 80% is fast for an AC power station. With over 9,000 bought in the past month and a 4.6-star rating from nearly 11,000 reviews, it’s the proven choice. The only downside is it uses a standard lithium-ion battery, not the longer-lasting LiFePO4 chemistry of the 240D.
β Pros
- 300W AC outlet can power most small appliances
- Only 7.1 pounds β very portable for its power
- Recharges to 80% in just 2 hours via AC + USB-C
- Charges up to 6 devices at once
β Cons
- Lithium-ion battery, not as long-lasting as LiFePO4
- Heavier than the 240D for backpacking
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three, and the right pick really comes down to how you travel and what gear you’re bringing. Here’s who each model is made for.
Jackery Explorer 240D is right for you if…
- You pack ultralight and every ounce matters β this is only 4.85 pounds
- You only need to charge phones, tablets, laptops, and GoPros via USB-C (up to 140W)
- You want a battery that will last a decade with 6,000 charge cycles
Jackery Explorer 290 (Renewed) is right for you if…
- Your budget is tight and you need an AC outlet to power small gear like a car fridge
- You’re okay with a 90-day warranty on a renewed unit and don’t mind slower 6-hour wall charging
- You want a 200W pure sine wave inverter but don’t need to run anything over that limit
Jackery Explorer 300 is right for you if…
- You need a 300W AC outlet to charge laptops, run a small TV, or power a CPAP machine
- You want the best balance of power and portability at just 7.1 pounds
- You like fast 2-hour recharging and the ability to charge 6 devices at once
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power-hungry gear like a full-size refrigerator, a space heater, or power tools, skip these small portable stations entirely. You’ll want a larger unit with at least 500W to 1000W of output, like the Jackery Explorer 1000 or a traditional gas generator.
For most travelers who just need to keep phones, laptops, cameras, and a small cooler running, the Explorer 300 is my top pick. It gives you the most useful power in a lightweight package that’s easy to toss in the trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for travel, the Explorer 240D or the Explorer 300?
For most travel, I’d pick the Explorer 300. It’s only 2.25 pounds heavier than the 240D, but that extra weight gives you a 300W AC outlet that can power a laptop charger, a small TV, or a CPAP machine. The 240D is better only if you’re backpacking and every ounce counts β it’s 4.85 pounds versus 7.1 pounds.
Is the Explorer 240D worth the extra money over the Explorer 290?
That depends on what you need. The 240D uses a LiFePO4 battery that lasts 6,000 cycles and charges to 80% in just 1 hour, while the 290 uses a standard lithium battery and takes 6 hours to recharge. But the 240D has no AC outlet, so if you need to plug in a standard appliance, the 290 is the better buy despite the slower charging.
Can the Explorer 240D charge a laptop?
Yes, absolutely. The 240D has a USB-C port that outputs up to 140W, which is more than enough to charge most laptops including MacBook Pros and Dell XPS models. Just keep in mind it’s DC-only, so you need a USB-C cable β you can’t plug in a standard laptop power brick.
Which Jackery is best for camping with a mini fridge?
Go with the Explorer 300. It has a 293Wh capacity and a 300W AC outlet, which is enough to run a small 12V car fridge for several hours. The 240D won’t work because it has no AC outlet, and the 290’s 200W output might struggle with some fridge startup surges.
How long does each model take to fully recharge?
The Explorer 240D is the fastest β it reaches 80% in just 1 hour using dual USB-C and AC-DC input. The Explorer 300 takes about 2 hours to hit 80% when you use the wall outlet and 60W USB-C port simultaneously. The Explorer 290 is the slowest at 6 hours from a wall outlet, which is a big difference if you need to top up quickly between campsites.
Which model has the longest battery lifespan?
The Explorer 240D wins this category hands down. Its LiFePO4 battery is rated to maintain at least 70% capacity after 6,000 charge cycles, which means it’ll last around 10 years of regular use. The Explorer 300 and Explorer 290 use standard lithium-ion batteries that typically last 500 to 1,000 cycles before noticeable degradation.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner for travel is the Jackery Explorer 300. It gives you a 300W AC outlet and 293Wh capacity in a 7.1-pound package, which is the sweet spot for most road trips and camping trips. The runner-up is the Explorer 240D if you prioritize ultralight packing at 4.85 pounds and only need USB-C charging for phones and laptops.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need a standard wall outlet? If yes, get the Explorer 300. If you can live with USB-C only and want the lightest possible battery, grab the 240D.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 300
- Ultra-Lightweight: At only 7.5 lbs, the Explorer 300 delivers a robust...
- Versatile Power for 6 Devices: Equipped with 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD...
- Built to Last: Upgraded with premium LiFePO4 chemistry, this portable...
Best for most travelers who need a reliable AC outlet for laptops, small appliances, or CPAP machines. The 300W output and 2-hour recharge make it the most versatile pick.
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 240D
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Perfect for ultralight backpackers who only need USB-C charging. At 4.85 pounds with a LiFePO4 battery that lasts 6,000 cycles, it’s built for the long haul.
Budget Pick: Jackery Explorer 290 (Renewed)
- 200-WATT Continuous Output, Compact, Easy to Carry: The Explorer 290 has...
- Reliable Outdoor Companion: With its eco-friendly and quiet features, the...
- All-in-one Portable Power Station: Includes two USB ports, standard PURE...
A solid choice if you’re on a tight budget and need a 200W AC outlet. Just remember it’s a renewed model with a 90-day warranty and takes 6 hours to recharge.
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