If you’re in the market for a portable battery to power your computer away from the grid (or many other uses), you may be puzzled by the array of options. From 100+ pound behemoths that can run your camper for a week to pocket-size phone chargers that will do nothing more than charge a phone or headlamp, the range of sizes can be daunting.
The Jackery Explorer 300 should be high on the list of the best portable battery units for many people. With a reasonably useful 300 W of storage, a compact form, and a weight of just 7.1 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a great size for vast applications.
In short: The Jackery Explorer 300 ($280) is a versatile, midsize battery perfect for powering small devices like computers, phones, and cameras. It’s light and compact and works great. However, consumers may consider a $20 upgrade to the Plus version for a longer lifespan and faster charging.
Shopping for a smaller portable power bank? Check out our full guide to hiking-size batteries here.
- Capacity: 293 Wh
- Weight: 7.1 lbs.
- Size: 9.1" x 5.2" x7.8"
- Inputs: AC (with included charger), DC (24V⎓3.75A), USB-C
- Outputs: AC Output(x2): 110V, 60Hz, 300W (500W peak); USB-A output(x1): 5V⎓2.4A quick charge 3.0(x1), 18W Max; USB-C Output(x1): 60W max, (5V, 9V, 12V up to 3A); car port (x1): 12V⎓10A
- Included cables: AC cable, car charge cable
Pros
- Compact
- Light
- Versatile
- Good value
Cons
- Lithium-ion has shorter lifespan than lithium-iron
- Step up to the Explorer 300 Plus for small cost
Jackery Explorer 300 Review
I’ve been using the Jackery Explorer 300 for more than a year. In that time, it’s powered my computer more than anything else. It’s the battery I grab when I know I’m going off-grid for a day or working at the park to get some extra sunshine.
That’s because, while I use several other chargers to power my portable refrigerator or take to my elk camp remote work location for weeks on end, the modest Jackery is so much easier to lug around. In my day-to-day use, I rarely need the deep well of power that bigger, heavier, more expensive batteries provide.
For so many folks, the Jackery Explorer 300 will be just right.
The Explorer 300 has two 100V, 300W pure sine-wave outlets. These work great for charging laptops and other mid-size devices. They do have a limit, though. They can handle tools like hand drills with power up to 500W surge. They’re great for electric devices like computers.
However, the draw is too high for larger tools like skill saws or electric heaters and will trip the device’s surge protector.
For example, my electric fireplace will kick the protector in about 10 seconds. This small unit won’t run big appliances. But for many people, that is no issue at all. If you mostly want to run computers and charge USB-A and USB-C devices, it’s about perfect.
Realistically, it’s a solid power supply for the following use cases:
- To power a computer for one or two charges — enough to work away from a power outlet for one day.
- To recharge cellphones several times.
- As an emergency backup for portable refrigerators.
- As a camp power hub, recharge several small portable devices for multiple days.
- Many other uses where a modest battery unit will do the job.
Interface, Recharging
The Explorer 300 uses a lithium-ion battery. That’s an important note, as lithium-ion batteries have slightly outdated chemistry compared with lithium-ion batteries, which have faster recharge times and longer lifespans. And it’s worth noting that Jackery also makes the Explorer 300 Plus, which has a lithium-iron battery. It costs more and is slightly heavier, but will give you a longer lifespan and recharges much faster.
But for now, let’s focus on the Explorer 300. My favorite aspect of this battery is its utility for size. It weighs just 7.1 pounds. It is relatively small and fits in lots of nooks and crannies in my car or truck. I have larger, more powerful batteries as well, and for long trips, I love them.
But the Explorer 300 is fantastic for shorter trips where you need a battery with enough power to recharge laptops, cameras, or light tools but not huge power to run them for multiple days. For example, it is the perfect battery for a day of off-grid work, powering a computer and cellphone for a remote connection from a trailhead.
It’s not going to run your electric cooler for very long, but it will run your computer for a day, recharge your camera, and still have the juice to charge your phone. It doesn’t recharge super fast — it takes 4.5 hours from a wall charger. But it will recharge nearly as fast with a solar panel or car charger (5 hours).
It’s a good, reasonably priced battery at $280.
Jackery Explorer 300 vs. Plus Version
Now, the downside: for $20 more, you can buy the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, which recharges in 2 hours and weighs just 1 pound more. And the Plus version, with its lithium-iron battery, will last for 3,000 cycles, versus just 500 from the standard Explorer 300.
So, if it were my money, I’d probably go with the 300 Plus. It’s a very similar battery in terms of size but has better performance in several ways.
Fortunately, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a great product that proves the brand can build a great portable charging unit. And it happens to make another one that is likely even better.
