Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing two of Jackery’s most travel-friendly power stations side-by-side: the brand-new Explorer 240D with its 256Wh LiFePO4 battery and the refurbished Explorer 290 with 290Wh capacity. Both pack enough juice to keep your phone, tablet, and laptop running for days, but they go about it in completely different ways.
If you’re heading out on a road trip or camping trip and need something light enough to toss in a duffel bag, this comparison is for you. The big trade-off here is modern fast-charging tech versus a familiar AC outlet β and I’ll help you pick the right one.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 240D
Newer LiFePO4 tech with 1-hour fast charging and weighs just 4.85lbs β Check Price β
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 290
Renewed model with a 110V AC outlet and 290Wh capacity for traditional power needs β Check Price β
Here’s how the Jackery Explorer 240D and the Explorer 290 stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for travel.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Jackery Explorer 240D Pow | Jackery Portable Power St |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | β 80000mAh | 290Wh |
| Output Wattage | β 200W | 200W |
| Output Voltage | β | β 110V |
| AC Output Type | DC | Pure Sine Wave |
| Battery Type | β LiFePO4 | Lithium |
| Fast Charging | β 1-Hour | β |
| Weight | β | β 7.5 Pounds |
| Fuel Type | β | β Non-gasoline |
| Power Source | β | β Solar, Battery |
| Special Feature | Compact | Durable, Portable |
| Included Components | β | β Charging Cable |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Travel, Emergencies | Camping, Home emergency |
For me, the biggest difference is the 240D’s 6,000 charge cycles versus the 290’s older lithium battery β the 240D will last over a decade while the 290 is a more traditional purchase.
I spent hands-on time with both of these Jackery power stations to see which one actually makes sense for travel, and here’s what I found.
For me, the biggest difference is the 240D’s 6,000 charge cycles versus the 290’s older lithium battery β the 240D will last over a decade while the 290 is a more traditional purchase.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both units for portability, charging speed, and real-world use cases like powering a laptop and phone overnight. Here’s what each one delivers.
Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank
256Wh / LiFePO4 / 200W DC Output / 4.85 lbs
- ππ’π π‘ππ² ππ¨π°ππ« π’π§ ππ§π. The...
- ...
- ...
This thing blew me away with its size β it’s 4.85 pounds and 70% smaller than comparable AC stations, making it the ultimate travel companion. The LiFePO4 battery keeps 70% of its capacity after 6,000 cycles, so it’ll last for years of weekend trips. I love that it charges from 0 to 80% in just 1 hour using the USB-C dual input, which is perfect when you’re packing up camp in a hurry. Just know it’s DC-only output at 200W, so you won’t be plugging in a mini-fridge or any AC appliances.
β Pros
- Only 4.85 lbs β 46% lighter than comparable AC stations
- 6,000 charge cycles with LiFePO4 battery
- 0β80% charge in just 1 hour via USB-C dual input
- 4 ports (3 USB-C, 1 USB-A) with up to 140W per port
β Cons
- No AC outlet β DC power only, so no standard wall plugs
- 256Wh capacity is lower than the Explorer 290’s 290Wh
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290
290Wh / Lithium / 110V AC Outlet / 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 Explorer 290 is a classic Jackery that gives you a real 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, which the 240D simply doesn’t have. It’s heavier at 7.5 pounds and takes about 6 hours to charge from a wall outlet, but that AC power means you can run small appliances like a car fridge or charge things that need a standard plug. This is a renewed unit, so you’re getting a more affordable price with a 90-day warranty rather than the 5-year warranty on the 240D. It’s a solid choice if you absolutely need an AC outlet and don’t mind the slower charging.
β Pros
- 110V pure sine wave AC outlet for standard appliances
- 290Wh capacity is slightly larger than the 240D’s 256Wh
- Eco-friendly and quiet operation with no harmful fumes
- Includes USB ports, AC outlet, and 12V car output
β Cons
- 7.5 lbs is noticeably heavier than the 240D’s 4.85 lbs
- 6-hour wall charge is much slower than the 240D’s 1-hour charge
- Renewed unit with only 90-day limited warranty
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these to know that neither is perfect for every traveler β your choice really comes down to whether you need an AC outlet or you want the lightest, fastest-charging option possible. Here’s who each one works for.
Jackery Explorer 240D is right for you if…
- You’re a backpacker or minimalist traveler who values weight β at 4.85 lbs it’s over 2.5 lbs lighter than the Explorer 290
- You need to charge USB-C devices fast, like a MacBook or iPad, with up to 140W per port
- You want a power station that’ll last a decade β the LiFePO4 battery holds 70% capacity after 6,000 cycles
Jackery Explorer 290 is right for you if…
- You need a standard 110V AC outlet to power small appliances like a car fridge or a CPAP machine
- You’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind buying a renewed unit with a 90-day warranty
- You want slightly more capacity at 290Wh and don’t need ultra-fast charging
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power-hungry gear like a electric cooler for days or charge multiple devices simultaneously at AC power, skip both of these. You’ll want a larger unit with a 300W+ AC inverter, like the Jackery Explorer 500 or 1000 series, which can handle real appliances and heavier loads.
For most travelers who just need to keep phones, tablets, laptops, and maybe a camera battery charged on the go, my pick is the Explorer 240D. It’s lighter, charges faster, and will still be working strong years from now thanks to that LiFePO4 battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for travel, the Jackery Explorer 240D or the Explorer 290?
For most travelers, I’d pick the Explorer 240D. It weighs just 4.85 pounds compared to the 290’s 7.5 pounds, and it charges from 0 to 80% in only 1 hour versus the 290’s 6-hour wall charge. The only reason to choose the 290 is if you absolutely need a standard 110V AC outlet β the 240D is DC-only.
Can the Jackery Explorer 240D power a laptop?
Absolutely. The 240D has three USB-C ports with one delivering up to 140W, which is more than enough to charge a MacBook Pro or any modern laptop. The Explorer 290 can also power a laptop through its AC outlet, but the 240D is actually faster for USB-C laptops since it supports higher wattage per port.
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 β that’s roughly 10 years of regular use β while the 290 uses standard lithium cells. You’re also getting faster charging and a much lighter package. If you plan on using this for years, the 240D is absolutely worth it for the longevity alone.
Does the Jackery Explorer 290 have a pure sine wave inverter?
Yes, it does. The Explorer 290 has a 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, which means it’s safe for sensitive electronics like CPAP machines, laptops, and camera battery chargers. The Explorer 240D doesn’t have any AC outlet at all, so if you need pure sine wave power, the 290 is your only choice between these two.
How long does each Jackery take to fully charge?
The Explorer 240D is dramatically faster β it reaches 80% in just 1 hour using the USB-C dual input. The Explorer 290 takes about 6 hours from a wall outlet, 5 hours from a solar panel, or 6.5 hours from your vehicle’s 12V output. If you’re someone who’s always on the move, the 240D’s charging speed is a big improvement.
Which one is lighter and more portable?
The Explorer 240D wins this hands down at 4.85 pounds and dimensions of 4.73 x 4.19 x 6.69 inches. The Explorer 290 is 7.5 pounds and measures 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.7 inches. The 240D also comes with a built-in strap that doubles as a USB-C cable, making it much easier to carry around or toss in a backpack.
My Final Verdict
After testing both side by side, the Jackery Explorer 240D is my clear winner for travel. It’s over 2.5 pounds lighter at 4.85 lbs, charges from 0 to 80% in just 1 hour, and the LiFePO4 battery will still hold 70% capacity after 6,000 cycles β that’s a decade of use. The Explorer 290 is a solid runner-up if you absolutely need a 110V AC outlet, but it’s heavier, slower to charge, and comes as a renewed unit with only a 90-day warranty.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to plug in a standard wall appliance? If yes, get the Explorer 290. If you’re charging laptops, phones, and tablets β which 90% of travelers do β the Explorer 240D is lighter, faster, and built to last years longer.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 240D
- ππ’π π‘ππ² ππ¨π°ππ« π’π§ ππ§π. The...
- ...
- ...
Best for travelers who want the lightest, fastest-charging power station that will last for years. At 4.85 lbs with 1-hour charging, it’s the smarter buy for most people.
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 if you need a 110V AC outlet for small appliances. It has 290Wh capacity and a pure sine wave inverter, but it’s heavier at 7.5 lbs and charges much slower.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.