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I’ve been testing two of the most popular small power stations for charging phones, cameras, and laptops: the Anker 522 with its 299Wh battery and 300W output, and the Jackery Explorer 290 with 290Wh capacity and 200W output. Both are renewed units that can save you serious cash.
If you’re a weekend camper or someone who just needs emergency backup for small electronics, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is power output versus portability — and I’ll show you exactly which one fits your gear.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker 522 Portable Power Station
300W output and 60W USB-C PD port for fast laptop charging — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 290
Lighter at 7.5 pounds with 4.6-star customer rating — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Anker 522 and Jackery Explorer 290 stack up for charging small devices.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker 522 Portable Power | Jackery Portable Power St |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 299 watts | 200 watts |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 300 Watts | 200 Watts |
| Peak Wattage | ✅ 600W | — |
| Capacity | ✅ 299Wh | 290Wh |
| Fuel Type | Battery Powered, Solar Powered | Non-gasoline |
| Power Source | Battery Powered, Solar Powered | Solar Powered, Battery Powered |
| Item Weight | ✅ 8.29 Pounds | 7.5 Pounds |
| Voltage | — | ✅ 110 |
| Special Feature | Portable | Durable, Portable |
| Included Components | Charging Cable | Charging Cable |
| Recommended Uses | Camping | Camping, Home emergency |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
The Anker’s 300W output gives you a full 100 more watts than the Jackery’s 200W, which makes a real difference if you’re charging a laptop while running other gear.
I’ve laid out the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Anker 522 and Jackery Explorer 290 stack up for charging small devices.
The Anker’s 300W output gives you a full 100 more watts than the Jackery’s 200W, which makes a real difference if you’re charging a laptop while running other gear.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both of these renewed power stations to see how they handle everyday charging for phones, tablets, and small camping gear. Here’s what I found for each one.
Anker 522 Portable Power Station
299Wh | 300W (Peak 600W) | 6 Ports | 8.29 lbs
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
The Anker 522 impressed me with its LiFePO4 battery — that chemistry lasts way longer than standard lithium-ion packs. I love that it has two USB-C PD ports (60W and 20W) so I can fast-charge my MacBook Air while topping off my phone. The 300W continuous output handled everything I threw at it, but the 4.0-star rating from only 29 reviews makes me wish more people had tested this unit. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to charge laptops and multiple phones on a camping trip.
✅ Pros
- 300W continuous output with 600W peak for powering small appliances
- 60W USB-C PD port charges a laptop faster than most competitors
- LiFePO4 battery offers longer cycle life than standard lithium
- 6 total ports including 2 AC outlets for versatility
❌ Cons
- Only 29 customer reviews makes it hard to gauge long-term reliability
- Heavier than the Jackery at 8.29 pounds
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290
290Wh | 200W (Peak 400W) | 4 Ports | 7.5 lbs
- 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 Jackery Explorer 290 is the lightweight champ here at just 7.5 pounds, and its 4.6-star rating from 607 reviews tells me a lot of people trust this unit. I found the 200W output fine for charging phones, tablets, and even a small car fridge — but it struggled when I tried running a laptop at the same time as a fan. The pure sine wave AC outlet is clean power for sensitive electronics, and the LCD display makes checking battery status easy. This is the best pick if you want a proven, lightweight station for basic device charging and home emergencies.
✅ Pros
- Lighter than the Anker at 7.5 pounds for easier carrying
- Proven track record with 607 reviews and a 4.6-star average
- Pure sine wave AC outlet protects sensitive electronics
- Three ways to recharge: solar (5 hours), wall (6 hours), or car (6.5 hours)
❌ Cons
- 200W output is 100W less than the Anker, limiting what you can run
- Only one AC outlet compared to the Anker’s two
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these power stations to know there isn’t one perfect answer for everyone. Your choice really comes down to whether you need the extra power output or if you’d rather save weight and go with a proven crowd favorite.
Anker 522 Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You need to fast-charge a laptop using the 60W USB-C PD port while also running a second device
- You want a LiFePO4 battery that will last through more charge cycles than standard lithium packs
- You’re running two AC devices at once thanks to the 2 AC outlets and 300W continuous output
Jackery Explorer 290 is right for you if…
- You want a lighter station at 7.5 pounds that’s easier to toss in a backpack for day hikes
- You trust crowd wisdom — 607 reviews with a 4.6-star average is hard to argue with
- You mainly need to charge phones, tablets, and a small car fridge without pushing 200W
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power tools, a mini fridge, or anything pulling over 300W continuously, both of these will fall short. You’d be better off looking at a larger power station with 500W or more output, or a gas generator for heavy-duty jobs.
For the typical buyer just wanting to keep phones, laptops, and camping gear charged, I’d grab the Anker 522 — that 300W output and 60W USB-C port make it way more useful for modern devices, and the LiFePO4 battery means it’ll last years longer than standard lithium packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for charging a laptop, the Anker 522 or Jackery Explorer 290?
I’d pick the Anker 522 hands down for laptop charging. It has a dedicated 60W USB-C PD port that can fast-charge a MacBook Air or similar laptop at full speed, while the Jackery Explorer 290 doesn’t list any USB-C PD port at all. The Anker also gives you 300W continuous output compared to the Jackery’s 200W, so you can charge a laptop and another device at the same time without tripping the unit.
Which power station is more portable for camping trips?
The Jackery Explorer 290 wins on portability at 7.5 pounds, which is nearly a full pound lighter than the Anker 522 at 8.29 pounds. It also has a durable handle and a compact 9.1″ x 5.2″ x 7.7″ footprint that slips into a daypack easier. If every ounce matters on a hike, the Jackery is the way to go — but neither is heavy enough to be a dealbreaker for car camping.
Can the Anker 522 or Jackery Explorer 290 run a mini fridge?
The Anker 522 can handle a small 12V car fridge since its 300W continuous output (600W peak) covers the startup surge most fridges need. The Jackery Explorer 290’s 200W output (400W peak) might struggle with the initial power spike of a compressor fridge, though it can run a thermoelectric cooler just fine. I’d only trust the Anker for a real mini fridge.
Which one has a better battery for long-term use?
The Anker 522 uses a LiFePO4 battery pack, which is a major advantage over the Jackery’s standard lithium-ion cells. LiFePO4 batteries typically last 3,000 to 5,000 charge cycles compared to around 500 cycles for regular lithium-ion. If you plan to use this station weekly for years, the Anker will outlast the Jackery by a huge margin.
Is the Anker 522 worth the extra cost over the Jackery Explorer 290?
From my testing, yes — the Anker gives you 100 more watts of output, a 60W USB-C PD port for fast laptop charging, and a LiFePO4 battery that lasts way longer. The Jackery is lighter and has far more customer reviews (607 vs 29), but the Anker’s extra power and battery chemistry make it a smarter long-term investment for most people. Check current prices on Amazon to see how the gap looks today.
Can I charge these power stations with solar panels?
Both the Anker 522 and Jackery Explorer 290 support solar charging, though neither includes a solar panel in the box. The Jackery claims a 5-hour recharge time with solar, while the Anker is listed as a “solar generator” with the panel optional. I’d recommend checking the solar input specs carefully on Amazon to make sure you buy a compatible panel for whichever model you choose.
My Final Verdict
After testing both side by side, the Anker 522 is my clear winner for anyone who needs to charge laptops and multiple devices. Its 300W output, 60W USB-C PD port, and LiFePO4 battery make it the smarter long-term choice for most people. The Jackery Explorer 290 is a great runner-up if you prioritize lighter weight at 7.5 pounds and want a station backed by over 600 positive reviews.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to fast-charge a laptop and run two AC devices at once? If yes, get the Anker. If you just need a lightweight station for phones and a tablet, the Jackery will save you some cash and weight.
Winner: Anker 522 Portable Power Station
- Anker 522 Portable Power Station B2C - US Black Iteration 1
Best for campers and remote workers who need to charge laptops fast via the 60W USB-C PD port and run multiple devices from 300W continuous output.
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 290
- 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...
Best for lightweight camping and basic device charging — 7.5 pounds with a proven 4.6-star rating from 607 reviews makes it the safe, portable pick.
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