Jackery Explorer 500 vs Ampace Andes 1500
Side-by-side on the specs that decide it — surge, capacity, runtime and price.
Both models' specs verified against manufacturer listings · Last updated
The short answer
Jackery Explorer 500 costs $500 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on what you need to run.
- Ampace Andes 1500 holds 182% more energy (1462Wh vs 518Wh), so it runs the same load proportionally longer.
- Ampace Andes 1500 has 2600W more surge headroom (3600W vs 1000W) — that decides whether a fridge, pump or AC compressor will actually start.
- Jackery Explorer 500 is 23.5 lb lighter (13.3 lb vs 36.8 lb).
- Ampace Andes 1500 uses LiFePO4 while the other uses NMC — roughly double the usable cycle life.
- Ampace Andes 1500 is rated for 3,000 cycles vs 500 — meaningful if you cycle it daily.
If you plan to cycle the battery daily, think twice about the Jackery Explorer 500. Its NMC cells are rated for 500 cycles against the LiFePO4 rival's longer life — over years of regular use that's the more expensive unit, whatever the sticker says.
A long-running compact that's now firmly dated: one AC outlet, no USB-C, Li-ion cells and a very slow recharge. Only its ubiquity keeps it around.
Best for: Light, occasional device charging when found cheap.
Where it falls short:
- ~500 cycles
- One AC outlet, no USB-C
- 7.5-hour recharge
Backed by an Amperex/CATL cell pedigree, the Andes 1500 stands out on charge speed — 0-80% in well under an hour — and a light 36.8 lb for 1.5kWh.
Best for: Buyers who prize fast charging and low weight at 1.5kWh.
Where it falls short:
- Newer brand with a thinner track record
- Not expandable
| Spec | Jackery Explorer 500 | Ampace Andes 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $999 |
| Capacity | 518 Wh | 1462 Wh |
| Continuous output | 500 W | 2000 W |
| Surge output | 1000 W | 3600 W |
| Battery | NMC | LiFePO4 |
| Rated cycles | 500 | 3,000 |
| Weight (lighter wins) | 13.3 lb | 36.8 lb |
| Max solar | 100 W | 1000 W |
| Recharge time (faster wins) | 7h 30m | 55 min |
Runtime head-to-head
| Appliance | Jackery Explorer 500 | Ampace Andes 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 7.3 hrs | 20.7 hrs |
| Mini fridge | 14.0 hrs | 39.5 hrs |
| Chest freezer | 5.5 hrs | 15.5 hrs |
| CPAP machine | 11.0 hrs | 31.1 hrs |
| Sump pump | ❌ | 1.6 hrs |