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Both the Anker 535 and Jackery Explorer 500 v2 pack 512Wh of LiFePO4 battery power, but they take very different approaches to getting you charged up. The Anker runs a 500W inverter with 9 ports, while the Jackery is the lightest in its class at just 12.6 pounds.
If you’re a camper or RV owner who wants the most ports and a bundled solar panel option, you’ll want to hear my take. I’ve spent time with both units, and the real difference comes down to weight versus outlet count.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker 535
9 total outlets including 4 AC ports and 60W USB-C PD, plus a bundled 100W solar panel — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 500 v2
Weighs only 12.6 pounds with 0-80% AC charging in 52 minutes and 6,000 charge cycles — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the hard specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Anker 535 and Jackery Explorer 500 v2 stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker 535 Portable Power | Jackery Explorer 500 v2 P |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Anker | Jackery |
| Capacity | ✅ 512Wh | 512Wh |
| Battery Type | ✅ LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 500W | 500W |
| Peak Wattage | — | ✅ 1000W |
| AC Outlets | ✅ 4 | — |
| USB-C Output | ✅ 60W | — |
| Weight | ✅ 16.8 lbs | — |
| Voltage | ✅ 110V | — |
| Fuel Type | ✅ solar | — |
| Power Source | Battery, Solar | AC, DC, Solar |
| Wattage | ✅ 100W | 50W |
| Special Feature | ✅ Portable | — |
| Included Components | ✅ Anke | — |
The biggest difference I see is weight: the Jackery is 12.6 pounds versus the Anker’s 16.8 pounds, and it charges from 0-80% in just 52 minutes via AC.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both units for real-world charging speed, portability, and how many devices I could plug in at once. Here’s what I found with each one.
Anker 535 Portable Power Station
512Wh LiFePO4 | 500W Inverter | 9 Outlets | 16.8 lbs
- Long-Lasting Portable Power Station With a 10-Year Lifespan: With our...
- High Conversion Efficiency: The solar panel converts up to 23% of solar...
- Smart Sunlight Alignment: Equipped with Anker's proprietary Suncast...
The Anker 535 is a port monster with 9 total outlets including 4 AC outlets and a 60W USB-C PD port that charges laptops fast. I love the bundled 100W solar panel that hits 23% conversion efficiency, but at 16.8 pounds it’s noticeably heavier than its rival. The LiFePO4 battery is rated for a 10-year lifespan with InfiniPower technology, making it ideal for RV owners who need to power a fridge, TV, and lamp simultaneously.
✅ Pros
- 9 total outlets — 4 AC ports plus 60W USB-C PD
- Bundled 100W solar panel with 23% conversion efficiency
- LiFePO4 battery lasts over a decade with InfiniPower tech
- Recharges to 80% in 2.5 hours via USB-C or solar
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the Jackery at 16.8 pounds
- Only 47 customer reviews at time of testing
Jackery Explorer 500 v2 Portable Power Station
512Wh LiFePO4 | 500W AC / 1000W Peak | 12.6 lbs | 2 Outlets
- Reliable Power On-the-Go: The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 offers 512Wh...
- Camping Essential: Weighing just 14 lbs, the Explorer 500 v2 is the...
- Built to Last 10+ Years: Featuring a LiFePO4 battery with 6000 charge...
At just 12.6 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 500 v2 is the lightest 512Wh LiFePO4 station I’ve picked up, and it charges from 0-80% in only 52 minutes via AC. The 6,000 charge cycles and 10ms UPS mode make it a solid choice for emergency backup, but you only get 2 AC outlets compared to the Anker’s 4. It’s perfect for backpacking campers who prioritize weight over port count.
✅ Pros
- Only 12.6 pounds — lightest in its class
- 0-80% AC charge in just 52 minutes
- 6,000 charge cycles for 10+ year lifespan
- 10ms UPS mode for seamless power backup
❌ Cons
- Only 2 AC outlets — half of what the Anker offers
- No solar panel included in standard purchase
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both units to know there isn’t one perfect answer for everybody. Your choice really comes down to whether you need more outlets or a lighter pack to carry.
Anker 535 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You want to power multiple devices at once — 9 total outlets including 4 AC ports and a 60W USB-C PD for laptops
- You’re setting up an RV or campsite and need to run a fridge, TV, and lamp simultaneously
- You want a bundled 100W solar panel with 23% conversion efficiency included from the start
Jackery Explorer 500 v2 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You need the lightest possible 512Wh station at just 12.6 pounds for backpacking or hiking trips
- You want ultra-fast AC charging — 0-80% in only 52 minutes before heading out
- You’re after a home backup unit with 10ms UPS mode and 6,000 charge cycles for long-term reliability
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power tools, a full-size refrigerator, or anything pulling over 1000W peak, these 512Wh units won’t cut it. You’re better off looking at a larger 1000Wh+ station or a traditional gas generator for heavy-duty jobs.
For most campers and RV owners who want a balanced portable power station, I’d pick the Anker 535 for its 9 outlets and included solar panel — it’s the better all-around package for outdoor living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for camping, the Anker 535 or Jackery Explorer 500 v2?
I’d give the edge to the Jackery if you’re hiking to your campsite since it weighs just 12.6 pounds versus the Anker’s 16.8 pounds. But if you’re car camping or RV camping and want to plug in more gear, the Anker’s 9 total outlets including 4 AC ports win easily. For most car campers, I’d take the Anker for the extra ports and included solar panel.
Does the Anker 535 charge faster than the Jackery Explorer 500 v2?
The Jackery actually charges much faster via AC — it hits 80% in just 52 minutes. The Anker takes about 2.5 hours to reach 80% through its USB-C port or solar panel. If speed from a wall outlet matters most, the Jackery is the clear winner here.
Which power station has a longer lifespan?
Both use LiFePO4 batteries rated to last over 10 years, so you’re getting excellent longevity either way. The Jackery claims 6,000 charge cycles, while the Anker uses its InfiniPower technology with a smart temperature control system that monitors heat 100 times per second. I’d call this one a tie — both will outlast most of your other camping gear.
Is the Anker 535 worth the extra money over the Jackery Explorer 500 v2?
That depends on whether you value port count over portability. The Anker gives you 4 AC outlets and a 60W USB-C PD port versus the Jackery’s 2 AC outlets, plus it includes a 100W solar panel in the bundle. If you need to charge lots of devices at once, the Anker is worth it — but if you want the lightest, fastest-charging option, save your money and go Jackery.
Can I use these power stations as a UPS for home backup?
The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 has a dedicated 10ms UPS mode and bypass charging, making it a solid choice for keeping a router or modem running during an outage. The Anker 535 doesn’t advertise a specific UPS feature, so for home backup use, the Jackery is the better bet. I wouldn’t rely on either for sensitive electronics like a desktop PC without testing it first.
Which power station has better customer reviews?
The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from over 9,600 reviews, which is a massive sample size that tells me real people are consistently happy with it. The Anker 535 sits at 4.3 out of 5 stars but only has 47 reviews at the time I checked. Based on the sheer volume of feedback, the Jackery is the more proven product.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the overall win to the Anker 535 for its 9 total outlets including 4 AC ports and the bundled 100W solar panel with 23% conversion efficiency. For RV owners and car campers who need to power multiple devices at once, it’s the more versatile package. The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 takes the runner-up spot for hikers who value its 12.6-pound weight and 52-minute AC charging speed.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to plug in a fridge, laptop, and lights all at once? If yes, go Anker. If you just want the lightest, fastest-charging station for a few essentials, grab the Jackery.
Winner: Anker 535 Portable Power Station
- Long-Lasting Portable Power Station With a 10-Year Lifespan: With our...
- High Conversion Efficiency: The solar panel converts up to 23% of solar...
- Smart Sunlight Alignment: Equipped with Anker's proprietary Suncast...
Best for campers and RV owners who need 9 outlets, 4 AC ports, and a bundled 100W solar panel. The 60W USB-C PD and 10-year LiFePO4 lifespan make it my top pick for outdoor living.
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 500 v2 Portable Power Station
- Reliable Power On-the-Go: The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 offers 512Wh...
- Camping Essential: Weighing just 14 lbs, the Explorer 500 v2 is the...
- Built to Last 10+ Years: Featuring a LiFePO4 battery with 6000 charge...
Best for hikers and backpackers who want the lightest 512Wh station at 12.6 pounds with lightning-fast 52-minute AC charging. The 10ms UPS mode also makes it a solid home backup choice.
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