The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is a portable power station that delivers impressive power and functionality, making it a strong competitor in the market. This in-depth review delves into its design, performance, features, and overall value, comparing it to similar products like the Anker F3800 and EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses, examining its capacity, charging capabilities, connectivity options, and ease of use. From its robust build quality to its impressive power output, we assess whether the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus truly lives up to its potential.This review will cover everything from the user experience and design features, including the portability and ease of access to its various ports, to a comprehensive analysis of its performance under both normal and heavy loads. We’ll detail the charging times, explore the compatibility with solar panels, and discuss the effectiveness of its included accessories, such as the smart transfer switch. Ultimately, we'll determine if the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is the right portable power solution for your needs, weighing its advantages against its minor drawbacks to provide a balanced and informative assessment.
Pros And Cons
- Good design, easy to move
- Includes a 12V car socket
- High solar input (4000 watts)
- Fast charging with high-wattage solar panels
- Good performance in testing
- Quiet operation
- Accurate calculator on website
- Good price, competitive with similar products
- 50 amp plug only provides 30 amp service
- Small opening on side door limits access to solar inputs
- Awkwardly placed handle underneath
- No light
- 240V charging requires separate smart transfer switch
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Design and Build Quality
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus boasts a sleek and practical design, closely resembling the popular Anker F3800. Its portability is enhanced by strategically placed wheels and a sturdy, retractable handle. The overall build quality feels premium, making it a visually appealing and functional addition to any space.
The inclusion of a 12V car socket is a welcome feature often omitted in larger power stations. This is particularly beneficial for powering 12V appliances like refrigerators, maximizing battery life by bypassing the inversion process.
However, one minor drawback is the absence of pre-drilled holes for cable management. Users need to drill their own holes, adding a small amount of DIY work to the setup.
Power and Performance
The 5040Wh battery and 7200W inverter provide ample power for most household appliances. The unit supports both 120V and 240V AC output directly. While the advertised charge time is a bit optimistic for 120V wall outlets (around 3 hours and 20 minutes in testing), the 4000W solar input allows for impressively fast charging.
During testing, the unit performed well under heavy loads, though not quite reaching its advertised 14,000W surge capacity. It consistently handled significant loads (up to 8000W for 30 seconds) without tripping. It could get larger appliances running, demonstrating its capability to handle high-power demands.
Idle power consumption is relatively high at 58 watts per hour. While this is better than older models, it means a noticeable reduction in runtime compared to the theoretical battery capacity.
Features and Accessories
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus offers an array of connectivity options, including four 120V outlets, multiple USB ports, and a 12V car outlet. A notable accessory is Jackery's smart transfer switch, acting as a sub-panel enabling peak shaving and seamless backup power during outages.
The smart transfer switch can accommodate multiple 5000 Plus units and expansion batteries, providing a comprehensive home backup solution. The ease of integration with the transfer switch makes this a valuable option.
The relatively high solar input (4000W) allows for quick recharging, making it particularly suitable for off-grid or solar-powered applications. However, the limited opening angle of the side door housing the solar inputs makes accessing the MC4 connectors somewhat cumbersome.
Overall Conclusion and Value
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus offers a compelling balance of power, features, and price. It outperforms the Anker F3800 while remaining more affordable than the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, filling a crucial gap in the market.
While minor design flaws (e.g., limited access to solar inputs, awkward placement of the bottom handle, absence of a built-in light) detract slightly from the overall experience, the strong performance and thoughtful features largely outweigh these shortcomings.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is a strong contender in the portable power station market, offering excellent value for its price point. It's a great option for those seeking a powerful, portable power solution that can handle a variety of situations.