Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Jackery has been busy expanding its new V2 line of its best portable power stations, ranging from the flagship Explorer 3000 down to the compact Explorer 240. Now, we’re looking at one of the smallest in the family — the Jackery Explorer 500 v2, paired with the SolarSaga 100W portable solar panels.
This setup is designed for users who want serious off-grid capability without the bulk or weight of a full-size generator. Compact, quiet, and built with the same attention to detail Jackery is known for, it aims to balance performance and portability.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Packaging
The Explorer 500 arrived in Jackery’s familiar plain shipping box, with a glossy orange inner carton for presentation. Inside, the power station was well-protected with cardboard corner bumpers and foam inserts. Included were the IEC13 AC charging cable and a user manual — simple, straightforward, and nicely packaged.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Design and Build
Out of the box, the Explorer 500 measures 311 × 205 × 157 mm and weighs 5.7 kg, making it a manageable size for travel or outdoor work.
Features at a Glance – Explorer 500
512Wh capacity from LiFePO₄ batteries
500W continuous output
2 × AC sockets (230V, max combined 500W)
1 × USB-A (18W max)
2 × USB-C (1 × 100W, 1 × 30W)
0–100% charge in just 1.3 hours via AC
Multiple charging options (AC, DC, solar, car)
Fast 10ms response UPS with multiple operating modes
Compared to the larger Jackery Explorer 2000 or Jackery Explorer 3000 models, it feels feather-light, and the large fold-out carry handle makes it easy to move around.
All the output sockets, control buttons, and display are neatly positioned on the front panel. On this UK model, you’ll find:
2 × 230V AC sockets (max 500W combined)
1 × USB-A (18W)
2 × USB-C (100W and 30W)
1 × 12V car socket (10A)
The AC and DC inputs are located on the right-hand side. Overall, the layout is clean, intuitive, and practical.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Charging
Using the Explorer 500 is refreshingly straightforward. Out of the box, the battery was at 28%, and when plugged into the mains via the AC cable, it began charging immediately. A full charge from that level took just under an hour, which aligns closely with Jackery’s claimed 1.3-hour full charge time.
It’s great to see Jackery continuing to rely on standard, widely available cables instead of proprietary chargers.
Alternative charging options include solar, a 12V vehicle socket, or a DC8020 input (11–60V, up to 10.5A / 200W). While DC8020 connectors aren’t as common as XT60 or XT90 standards, third-party adapters are easy to find.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: SolarSaga 100 Portable Solar Panels
As part of the bundle, I tested the Jackery SolarSaga 100 — the smaller sibling of the SolarSaga 200 reviewed earlier this year. With an advertised efficiency of 25%, I tested it on a clear November afternoon with low but bright sunlight.
Features at a Glance – SolarSaga 100W
Folded: 61 × 55.2 × 3.5 cm (24 × 21.7 × 1.4 in)
Unfolded: 122 × 55.2 × 2.0 cm (48 × 21.7 × 0.8 in)
Weight: 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)
Setup, as with most folding panels, takes a few minutes, but Jackery’s attention to usability stands out. The build quality feels excellent, and the two-pin proprietary connector — while not standard — is actually a time-saver compared to traditional MC4 connections. It’s quicker, cleaner, and less fiddly.
A small junction box includes USB-A and USB-C ports, letting you charge small devices directly, no power station required.
The kickstands fold neatly away, and the panels are held closed by strong magnetic clasps rather than cheap snaps — a premium touch. The panels are a bit stiff when new but loosen with use.
A clever angle indicator helps you align with the sun, and under test conditions, the SolarSaga 100 produced a consistent 88W average output. That’s enough to fully recharge the Explorer 500 in around six hours — realistic and impressive for a 100W panel.
Overall, it’s a well-designed, travel-friendly solar panel that feels perfectly matched to the Explorer 500’s capabilities.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Display
The status screen provides all the essentials at a glance: state of charge, input/output wattage, voltage, and AC frequency. It’s small but bright, crisp, and perfectly legible even in direct sunlight — ideal for outdoor use when you need quick, accurate readouts.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Performance – AC and USB/DC
In everyday use, the Explorer 500 feels like a mini powerhouse. It comfortably powered a range of small household devices, including a milk frother, mini fan, and LED lighting, staying well within its 500W continuous output limit.
High-draw appliances like coffee machines or kettles are beyond its reach, though its 1,000W surge rating helps absorb brief startup spikes.
The USB section performs flawlessly, charging phones, tablets, laptops, and power banks simultaneously without issue. However, only two USB-C ports and one USB-A feel slightly limiting given the available front-panel space — an extra USB-C port would have been welcome.
The 12V car socket remains useful for certain accessories, though it’s increasingly outdated as USB-based standards take over.
A small auto-shutoff switch cuts power when draw falls below a set threshold — a handy energy-saving feature. Meanwhile, the built-in LED light offers dim, bright, and SOS modes, useful for emergencies or camping.
One omission is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. While some will appreciate the simplicity, others might miss app-based control or monitoring, which competitors increasingly offer.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: UPS Mode
Jackery claims a <10ms response time for the Explorer 500’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mode — and in testing, it lived up to the promise.
Connected to a home office setup drawing around 220W, the power handover was seamless when the mains was cut — no flicker, reboot, or delay.
That said, the limited battery capacity means run-time is short. For brief outages or safe shutdowns, it’s excellent. But it’s not a substitute for a larger backup power system if you need sustained uptime.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Pricing and Value
As of writing, the Jackery Explorer 500 retails for £269 on the UK Jackery Store, while the SolarSaga 100 bundle is priced at £399. Purchased separately, the SolarSaga costs £169, so the bundle saves you £39 overall.
It’s not a huge discount, but given the build quality, ease of use, and strong integration between the two products, it’s still solid value for anyone seeking a portable, all-in-one solar power setup.
Jackery Explorer 500 v2: Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 may sit on the smaller end of Jackery’s power station lineup, but don’t let that fool you — it’s a seriously capable, well-balanced performer. While the larger models offer more muscle, the 500 hits a sweet spot between power, portability, and price.
Paired with the SolarSaga 100, it forms a genuinely self-sufficient off-grid system for camping, van life, or emergency use.
Yes, there are limitations — the modest port selection and lack of app connectivity are mild drawbacks — but for users who value simplicity, dependability, and premium build quality, the Explorer 500 delivers exactly what it promises.
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RHQX3sUmbbYUiceV9jhjPL-2430-80.jpg
Source link
desire.athow@futurenet.com (Desire Athow)
