This is my Bluetti vs Jackery power station match up.
A smaller power station is great as a backup in larger RVs and an excellent main power source in small campers.
Mid range and large power stations are capable of running much bigger RV equipment.
Whatever your needs, having a reliable main or backup power source for your RV is always a good thing.
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300 Watt Power Stations: Bluetti vs Jackery
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
Bluetti EB3A
Jackery 300
Build Quality
Output & Efficiency
Features & Functions
User Reviews
Value For Money
Build Quality
Build Quality
The Bluetti EB3A is well manufactured with the casing and handle feeling robust and heavy duty.
The display has been upgraded on this model, and now relays more information on the easy to read display.
Build Quality
As you would expect from Jackery, the build quality of the Explorer 300 is very high.
The Jackery looks and feels like a very durable piece of kit, with the trademark carry handle and tough silicone feet.
Build Quality Winner:
Output & Efficiency
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 268 Wh |
Output Wattage | 600 w (Max) |
Dimensions | 10″ x 7″ x 8″ |
Weight | 10.14 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 1 Hr |
Car Charge Time | 2.5 Hrs |
Solar Charge Time | 3.7 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 9 |
Solar Compatible | Yes (200W) |
Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
Battery Life | 2500+ Cycles |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 293 Wh |
Output Wattage | 500 w (Max) |
Dimensions | 9.1″ x 5.2″ x 7.8″ |
Weight | 7.1 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 4 Hrs |
Car Charge Time | 5 Hrs |
Solar Charge Time | 5 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 7 |
Solar Compatible | Yes |
Battery Type | Lithium |
Battery Life | 500+ Cycles |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Output & Efficiency Winner:
Features & Functions
Features & Functions
The Bluetti EB3A features 2 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port, 1 x 12v car charge port, and 2 x plug in outlets. Both AC ports will put out 120 watts.
On the top of the unit is a wireless charging port. Also on the top is a collapsible handle, one of the few small power stations to have one.
The EB3A has an excellent data display screen, and there is also a small LED light on the front of the unit.
Charging is via a single cord which plugs directly into the unit (no external power brick to worry about).
Features & Functions
The upgraded Jackery 300 has a built-in solar charge controller and has 6 power ports. It has 2 x USB-A ports, one being a fast charge 3.0 port. It also has a 12V car charge port and 2 x AC plug in outlets.
The unit does have a built in MPPT solar controller which is compatible with Jackery’s 100w solar panel set up.
It’s possible to charge the Jackery 300 with the Jackery 100w solar panel in around 3 hours.
The two outlets for the AC inverter will provide a very reliable 110 volts at a constant 60 hz.
Features & Functions Winner:
User Reviews
User Reviews
Overall, customer feedback for the Bluetti EB3A is good.
Pros
- Fast Charge Option
- Built In Solar Controller
- Bluetooth & App
- Wireless Charger
- Flashlight
Cons
- Noisy Fan
- Sub Standard UPS Mode
User Reviews
Overall, customer feedback for the Jackery Explorer 300 is excellent.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very Stable Output
- High Build Quality
- Very Fast Solar Charge
- Good Stable Output
Cons
- Only Jackery Solar Compatible
- Expensive
User Reviews Winner:
Value For Money
Value For Money
For an entry level power station, the Bluetti EB3A is packed with lots of features.
Although some features fall slightly short, I believe the Bluetti EB3A is a good return on investment.
Value For Money
The Jackery 300 is a very well made unit. While it lacks some of the features that its competitors have, what you do get is industry leading output and quality.
With the Jackery 300 you are paying for quality not quantity.
Value For Money Winner:
300 Watt Power Station Winner – Verdict
500 Watt Power Stations – Bluetti vs Jackery
Winner: Bluetti EB55
Bluetti EB55
Jackery 500
Build Quality
Output & Efficiency
Features & Functions
User Reviews
Value For Money
Build Quality
Build Quality
The build quality of the EB55 is very good. The buttons and fittings are low profile, and the casing feels very durable.
Bluetti have added some extra design features, but they haven’t compromised on quality.
Build Quality
Jackery are known for their build quality, and the Explorer 500 is no exception. This power station is built to last.
It is built with the outdoors in mind and the features it does have perform very well.
Build Quality Winner:
Output & Efficiency
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 537 Wh |
Output Wattage | 700 w |
Dimensions | 10.9″ x 7.8″ x 7.9″ |
Weight | 16.5 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 3.2 Hrs |
Car Charge Time | 6.1 Hrs |
Solar Charge Time | 3 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 13 |
Solar Compatible | Yes |
Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
Battery Life | 2500+ Cycles |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 518 Wh |
Output Wattage | 500 w |
Dimensions | 11.8″ x 7.6″ x 9.2″ |
Weight | 13.3 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 7 -8 Hrs |
Car Charge Time | 7.5 Hrs |
Solar Charge Time | 9.5 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 8 |
Solar Compatible | Yes |
Battery Type | Lithium |
Battery Life | 500 Cycles |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Output & Efficiency Winner:
Features & Functions
Features & Functions
The Bluetti EB55 features a total of 13 outputs. On the top of the unit is a wireless charging point. There are 4 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port, 4 x AC plug in ports and 1x 12v car charge port.
The EB55 also has dual charge ports – solar and AC. This gives the EB55 an industry leading 400 watts of charge capability. With dual ports, it’s possible to charge the unit in around 2 hours.
Although more data would be beneficial, the display on the EB55 is clear and easy to read.
You will be able to use any brand of solar panel with this power station, and it accepts up to 225 watts solar input.
Features & Functions
The Explorer 500 has 3 x USB-A ports, 1 x AC plug in port, 2 x DC ports, 1 x 12V car charge port and 1 input charge point. On the side of the unit there is a really handy LED flashlight.
You can also charge the Jackery 500 via the 12V car charge port, which is a great feature. You can recharge on the way to the next destination. Via the 12V socket this will take around 14 hrs from flat.
Plugged into AC, the 500 will charge in around 7- 8 hrs at 100W.
It’s possible to charge the Explorer 500 and charge / run devices at the same time.
A nice feature is the auto backlight display.
Features & Functions Winner:
User Reviews
User Reviews
Overall, customer feedback is very good.
Pros
- Fast Charge
- Good Build Quality
- Dual Charge Ports
- 2500+ Cycles
- Diffused LED Light
Cons
- Data Lacking On Display
User Reviews
Overall, customer feedback is very good.
Pros
- LED Flashlight
- Lifetime Tech Support
- Car Socket Charging
- Excellent Build Quality
- Intelligent BMS System
Cons
- No USB – C Port
User Reviews Winner:
Value For Money
Value For Money
The Bluetti EB55 is an excellent power station with plenty of industry leading features and functions.
Compared to similar power stations in its class, you are definitely getting more for your money.
Value For Money
With the Jackery 500 you are paying for quality and reliability.
It may not have some of the extra features a lot of its rivals have, but everything on the Jackery 500 performs reliably and very well.
Value For Money Winner:
500 Watt Power Station – Overall Winner
1000 Watt Power Stations – Bluetti vs Jackery
Winner: Bluetti AC180
Bluetti AC180
Jackery 1000
Build Quality
Output & Efficiency
Features & Functions
User Reviews
Value For Money
Build Quality
Build Quality
The build quality of the Bluetti AC180 overall is very good.
The design is well thought out from the rubber cap for the 12V car charge port to the double handles for transport.
Build Quality
The Explorer 1000 is another well built power station from Jackery.
It’s made of rugged abs plastic, and aimed at hardcore campers and overlanders. Definitely a reliable unit.
Build Quality Winner:
Output & Efficiency
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 1152 Wh |
Output Wattage | 1800 |
Dimensions | 13.4″ x 9.7″ x 12.5″ |
Weight | 37.4 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 1.8 Hrs |
Car Charge Time | 12.5 |
Solar Charge Time | 3.3 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 10 |
Solar Compatible | Yes |
Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
Battery Life | 3500+ Cycles |
Warranty | 5 Years |
Output & Efficiency
Capacity | 1002 Wh |
Output Wattage | 1000 |
Dimensions | 13 x 9.2″ x 11″ |
Weight | 22 lbs |
AC Charge Time | 7.5 Hrs |
Car Charge Time | 14 Hrs |
Solar Charge Time | 10 Hrs |
Power Outlets | 10 |
Solar Compatible | Yes |
Battery Type | Lithium |
Battery Life | 500+ Cycles |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Output & Efficiency Winner:
Features & Functions
Features & Functions
The Bluetti AC180 has 4 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C Port, 4 x AC outlets, 1 x car charge port and a wireless charging pad on the top of the unit.
The AC180 has a built-in MPPT solar charge controller, intelligent BMS and also supports pass through charging.
If you can muster the maximum 500 watts of solar input, this power station will charge in only 3 hrs. This unit also has a silent charging option when being charged via solar.
You can access almost all the functions and settings from the Bluetti app, which although can be a little confusing at times, is very useful.
Bluetti offers an industry leading 5 year warranty with the AC180.
Features & Functions
The very popular Jackery 1000 has 2 x USB-A ports, 2 x USB-C ports, 3 x AC outlets and 1 x 12V charge port.
This unit has an inbuilt MPPT solar charge controller. In ideal conditions you can be fully charged via a 200W panel in 6.5 hrs.
You’ll find a flashlight on the side, and as usual on a Jackery unit, the display is very good.
The Explorer 1000 supports pass through charging, (charge and use at the same time) and the low power protection time has been extended. It is now 12 hrs before the unit shuts down if it doesn’t detect power draw.
This means you’ll be able to run 12V fridges 24/7 without any fear of power cut off. A great improvement from Jackery.
Features & Functions Winner:
User Reviews
User Reviews
Overall, user reviews for the Bluetti AC180 are very good.
Pros
- Silent Solar Recharge
- Fast UPS Mode
- Turbo Charge Mode
- 1800 Watt Inverter
- 5 Year Warranty
Cons
- Noisy In Certain Modes
User Reviews
Overall, user reviews for the Jackery 1000 are excellent.
Pros
- 12 Hr Low Power Shut Off
- Good Build Quality
- Lightweight For Size
- Lifetime Tech Support
- Very Durable
Cons
- Long Charge Time
User Reviews Winner:
Value For Money
Value For Money
I believe the Bluetti AC180 is definitely good value for money. The features and output of this unit speak for themselves.
What you get for your money exceeds most competitors of the AC180.
Value For Money
In this matchup, I would say once again that you are paying for the Jackery reputation and reliability.
If you value this over performance and function, then the Jackery 1000 is for you. It’s still a great choice.
Value For Money Winner:
1000 Watt Power Station – Overall Winner
Verdict
Jackery has a well deserved reputation for making robust and reliable products. However, in this Bluetti vs Jackery match up, Bluetti is my choice.
In my experience, charge speed, charging options and output wattage are all major considerations for RV use.
Bluetti comes out on top in all these areas.
Although Bluetti may not have the Jackery reputation (yet), any of their power stations featured here would be a great choice.
My Choices: Bluetti vs Jackery
300 Watt Power Station | Bluetti EB3A |
500 Watt Power Station | Bluetti EB55 |
1000 Watt Power Station | Bluetti AC180 |
Please see my review of some of the best portable solar panels, and how to work out wattage and run times for RV appliances.
A great resource for all things Bluetti is the Bluetti Forum.
Power Saving Tips
If any of your devices support USB charging, use a USB power station outlet to charge it. DC to DC charging is about 25% more power efficient than using an AC power brick plugged into an AC power station outlet.
You can massively improve the cycle life of your power station by not discharging it below 25%, and not charging above around 80%.
Please check out my other equipment reviews.
See how we rate products in our reviews here.
FAQ’s
Can A Solar Generator Be Used While Charging?
Yes, most good solar generators will support this function. Look for “pass through charging” in the power station product description.