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If you’re new to portable power stations and looking at Jackery’s lineup, the Explorer 300, the new Explorer 300 Plus, and the renewed Explorer 290 all look similar at first glance. The Explorer 300 packs a 293Wh battery and 300W output, the 300 Plus uses a newer 288Wh LiFePO4 battery, and the Explorer 290 offers a 290Wh capacity with a lower 200W output.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a simple, no-fuss power station for camping, road trips, or emergency backup without breaking the bank. The big question is whether you pay up for the long-lasting battery tech of the 300 Plus or save cash with the renewed 290.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 300
Best blend of power and price — 293Wh capacity, 300W output, and 2 AC outlets for just 7.1 lbs — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Best for long-term value — LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 10 years and includes smart app control — Check Price →
Best Budget: Jackery Explorer 290 (Renewed)
Lowest cost option for beginners — 290Wh capacity but only 200W output and comes renewed with 90-day warranty — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Explorer 300, Explorer 300 Plus, and Explorer 290 stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Jackery Portable Power St | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | Jackery Portable Power St |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 293Wh | 288Wh | 290Wh |
| Battery Type | Lithium | ✅ LiFePO4 | Lithium |
| AC Output Wattage | — | ✅ 300W | 200W |
| AC Voltage | — | ✅ 110V | 110V |
| Weight | — | ✅ 8 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Battery | Battery, Solar | Solar, Battery |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery, Solar | Solar, Battery |
| Special Feature | — | ✅ PD 100W USB-C, App | Durable, Portable |
| Included Components | — | — | ✅ Charging Cable |
| Output Wattage | — | ✅ 300W | 200W |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Travel | Backup, Camping, RV | Camping, Home |
The biggest difference I see is the 300 Plus using a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years, while the standard Explorer 300 has a higher 293Wh capacity and two AC outlets instead of one.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these power stations based on real-world specs like battery capacity, output wattage, weight, and special features to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
293Wh Capacity | 300W Output | 7.1 lbs | 2 AC Outlets
- 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 is the sweet spot for most beginners. With a 293Wh battery and 300W pure sine wave output, it handled my phone, laptop, and a small fan without breaking a sweat. I love that it weighs just 7.1 pounds and has two AC outlets plus a 60W USB-C port. The only downside is it uses a standard lithium-ion battery rather than the newer LiFePO4 tech, so it won’t last as many charge cycles as the 300 Plus.
✅ Pros
- 293Wh capacity with 300W output is great for small devices
- Two AC outlets let me charge multiple devices at once
- Weighs only 7.1 pounds and has a built-in handle
- Recharges to 80% in just 2 hours with wall outlet and USB-C
❌ Cons
- Standard lithium battery won’t last as long as LiFePO4
- No smart app control for monitoring remotely
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
288Wh Capacity | 300W Output | 8 lbs | LiFePO4 Battery
- Power on the Go: Weighing at 3.75 KG only, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus...
- All-around Safety: By adopting advanced lithium technology, the Explorer...
- Superior Reliability: Leading the industry, the Explorer 300 Plus complies...
The Explorer 300 Plus is Jackery’s upgrade with a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years even when recharged every 3 days. I was impressed by the smart app control that lets me check battery levels via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It also has a 100W USB-C port for fast charging laptops. The catch is that it only has one AC outlet compared to the standard 300’s two, and it weighs 8 pounds, slightly more. Also, it’s currently unavailable on Amazon, so you might have to wait for a restock.
✅ Pros
- LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 10 years with regular use
- Smart app control for monitoring battery and settings
- 100W USB-C port charges laptops faster than the standard 300
- 56 protective mechanisms for maximum safety
❌ Cons
- Only one AC outlet compared to two on the Explorer 300
- Currently unavailable — no restock date confirmed
- Slightly heavier at 8 pounds vs 7.1 pounds
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290 (Renewed)
290Wh Capacity | 200W Output | 7.5 lbs | 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...
The Explorer 290 is the budget-friendly pick for beginners who just need basic power. It has a 290Wh battery but only 200W of continuous output, so it won’t run larger appliances like a mini-fridge. I like that it’s lightweight at 7.5 pounds and has a durable handle. The biggest catch is that this is a renewed unit with a 90-day warranty, so you’re taking a risk on battery health. It’s also slower to recharge — 6 hours from a wall outlet.
✅ Pros
- Lowest price point for a Jackery-branded power station
- 290Wh capacity is decent for charging phones and laptops
- Weighs only 7.5 pounds with a comfortable handle
❌ Cons
- Only 200W output — can’t run many small appliances
- Renewed unit with only a 90-day warranty
- Slow recharge: 6 hours from a wall outlet
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the numbers on these three, and honestly, the right pick comes down to how much you want to spend and whether battery longevity matters to you. Here’s my breakdown of who each one fits best.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is right for you if…
- You want the best value for your money with a 293Wh capacity and 300W output that can handle a laptop, phone, and a small fan at the same time.
- You need two AC outlets so you can plug in multiple devices without using a power strip.
- You want a lightweight station at just 7.1 pounds that’s easy to toss in a bag for camping or road trips.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You plan to use your power station regularly for years and want the LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years even with frequent charging.
- You like having smart app control so you can monitor battery levels and customize settings from your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- You need a 100W USB-C port to fast-charge a modern laptop while also powering other gear.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290 (Renewed) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just need a basic power station for charging phones, tablets, and small USB devices.
- You’re willing to accept a renewed unit with a 90-day warranty in exchange for the lowest possible price.
- You only need 200W of output and don’t plan to run anything larger than a small LED light or a phone charger.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power-hungry appliances like a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, or power tools, all three of these stations are underpowered. You should look at a larger unit with at least 500W to 1000W of output and a bigger battery capacity.
For most beginners just wanting to keep phones, laptops, and a small fan running during a camping trip or short power outage, the standard Jackery Explorer 300 is my top pick. It gives you the best balance of 293Wh capacity, 300W output, and two AC outlets at a price that makes sense for a first power station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner, the Explorer 300 or the Explorer 300 Plus?
I’d point most beginners toward the standard Explorer 300. It has a slightly larger 293Wh battery, two AC outlets instead of one, and costs less than the 300 Plus. The 300 Plus is better if you plan to use your station heavily for many years since its LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 10 years, but for someone just getting started, the standard 300 gives you more power for your money right now.
Is the Explorer 300 Plus worth the extra money over the Explorer 300?
Only if battery longevity is your top priority. The 300 Plus uses a LiFePO4 battery that lasts significantly longer than the standard lithium-ion battery in the Explorer 300 — Jackery says up to 10 years even when recharged every 3 days. You also get smart app control and a faster 100W USB-C port. But you lose one AC outlet (only one vs two) and the battery is slightly smaller at 288Wh compared to 293Wh.
Can the Explorer 290 run a mini-fridge or a CPAP machine?
Probably not. The Explorer 290 only has a 200W continuous output, and most mini-fridges pull around 50-100W when running but can spike higher on startup. A CPAP machine typically uses 30-60W, so it might work, but the 290Wh battery won’t last through a full night. I’d recommend the Explorer 300 with its 300W output and 293Wh capacity for either of those uses.
How long does it take to recharge each of these power stations?
This is a big difference between the three. The Explorer 300 is the fastest — it can reach 80% charge in just 2 hours using the wall outlet and 60W USB-C port simultaneously. The Explorer 300 Plus takes about 4 hours with a 100W solar panel. The Explorer 290 is the slowest, taking about 6 hours from a wall outlet and 5 hours from a solar panel.
Which one is the lightest and most portable for camping?
The standard Explorer 300 wins here at just 7.1 pounds, which is impressive for a 293Wh station. The Explorer 290 is close at 7.5 pounds but has less output power. The Explorer 300 Plus is the heaviest at 8 pounds, though it’s still very portable. All three are easy to carry with built-in handles, but if every ounce matters for backpacking, the Explorer 300 is your best bet.
Should I buy the renewed Explorer 290 to save money?
Only if you’re on a really tight budget and understand the risks. The Explorer 290 is a renewed unit with just a 90-day warranty, so you have limited protection if something goes wrong. It also only puts out 200W, which limits what you can power. For a little more money, the standard Explorer 300 gives you double the AC outlets, higher output wattage, a full warranty, and a brand-new battery — I think it’s worth the upgrade for most people.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Jackery Explorer 300 is my clear winner for beginners. It gives you the best balance with a 293Wh battery, 300W output, two AC outlets, and a lightweight 7.1-pound design at a price that makes sense for anyone just getting started. The Explorer 300 Plus is a solid runner-up if you want the long-term durability of a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years, but most first-time buyers will be happier with the standard 300.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the most power and ports for your money, or do you plan to use this station heavily for a decade? If it’s the former, grab the Explorer 300. If it’s the latter, wait for the 300 Plus to come back in stock.
Best Overall: 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...
This is the one I recommend to anyone buying their first power station. It has 293Wh of capacity, 300W of output, two AC outlets, and weighs just 7.1 pounds — everything a beginner needs without overcomplicating things.
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
- Power on the Go: Weighing at 3.75 KG only, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus...
- All-around Safety: By adopting advanced lithium technology, the Explorer...
- Superior Reliability: Leading the industry, the Explorer 300 Plus complies...
Best for buyers who plan to use their station heavily for years. The LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 10 years and you get smart app control, but it only has one AC outlet and is currently unavailable.
Best Budget: 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...
Only consider this if your budget is extremely tight. It has 290Wh capacity and 200W output, but it’s a renewed unit with a 90-day warranty and slower recharge times than the other two.
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