Jackery Explorer 500
518 Wh · 500 W output · NMC · $499
✅ Specs verified against the manufacturer's official listing — source · Last checked
Our verdict
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.
What we like
- 13.3 lb
- Simple and reliable
Where it falls short
- ~500 cycles
- One AC outlet, no USB-C
- 7.5-hour recharge
Full specifications
| Capacity | 518 Wh |
|---|---|
| Continuous output | 500 W |
| Surge output | 1000 W |
| Battery chemistry | NMC |
| Rated cycles | 500 |
| Weight | 13.3 lb |
| Max solar input | 100 W |
| Recharge (AC) | 7h 30m |
| Expandable | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What can the Jackery Explorer 500 run?
| Appliance | Can start it? | Est. runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | ✅ Yes | 7.3 hrs |
| Mini fridge | ✅ Yes | 14.0 hrs |
| Chest freezer | ✅ Yes | 5.5 hrs |
| CPAP machine | ✅ Yes | 11.0 hrs |
| Sump pump | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| Well pump (1/2 HP) | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| Space heater | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| Window AC (8k BTU) | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| Microwave | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| Coffee maker | ❌ Surge too high | — |
| TV (55" LED) | ✅ Yes | 4.4 hrs |
| Laptop | ✅ Yes | 6.8 hrs |
| Phone charger | ✅ Yes | 22.0 hrs |
| CPAP + humidifier | ✅ Yes | 4.9 hrs |
| Fridge plus essentials | ✅ Yes | 4.4 hrs |
| 12V RV fridge | ✅ Yes | 24.5 hrs |
| Starlink | ✅ Yes | 7.3 hrs |
| Electric blanket | ✅ Yes | 14.7 hrs |
Runtime = (capacity × 0.85 inverter efficiency) ÷ appliance watts. Refrigerator assumes a 40% compressor duty cycle. Real-world results vary.