Our Verdict
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 Wins

Its 518Wh capacity and 500W AC output surpass the EnginStar's 296Wh and 300W. Choose EnginStar for extreme portability at 6.5 lbs or if two AC outlets are essential for your lighter devices.
Bottom Line: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 is the better choice. Its 518Wh capacity and 500W AC output surpass the EnginStar's 296Wh and 300W.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Battery Capacity
43% lessAC Output
40% lessAC Outlets
100% moreUSB-A Ports
67% lessWeight
51% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
EnginStar
- AC Outlets: 100% higher (2 vs 1)
- Weight: 51% lower (6.5 vs 13.3)
Jackery
- Battery Capacity: 43% higher (296 vs 518)
- AC Output: 40% higher (300 vs 500)
- USB-A Ports: 67% higher (1 vs 3)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy EnginStar if...
EnginStar Portable Power Station
The EnginStar Portable Power Station 300W is ideal for the budget-conscious user prioritizing extreme portability and basic power needs. If you're a casual camper, day-tripper, or need a lightweight emergency backup for essential small devices like phones, laptops, and a CPAP machine, its 6.5 lbs weight and 296Wh capacity are perfect. Its 300W pure sine wave AC output protects sensitive electronics, and having two AC outlets offers great flexibility for concurrent charging. This unit is excellent for those who don't need extensive power but value a compact, easy-to-carry solution for short excursions.
Buy Jackery if...
Jackery Portable Power Station
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 is best suited for individuals requiring greater power capacity and output for longer outdoor adventures or more demanding home backup scenarios. If you plan extended camping, RV trips, or need to run appliances up to 500W, its 518Wh capacity and 500W continuous AC output are superior. It's ideal for those who value prolonged device usage and the ability to power larger items, even if it means a slightly heavier (13.3 lbs) unit and a higher price point. Pass-through charging is also a valuable feature for continuous use.
Spec Comparison
11 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $299 |
| Rating | 4.3(1.4k) | 4.6(9.8k) |
| Capacity Wh | 296W | 518W |
| Chemistry | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| AC Output Watts | 300W | 500W |
| Dc Ports | 2 | 2 |
| AC Outlets | 2 | 1 |
| Cycle Life | 1000 | — |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | 13.3 lbs |
| USB A Ports | 1 | 3 |
| USB C Ports | 1 | — |
| Model Number | R300 | — |
| Peak Output Watts | — | 1000W |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
EnginStar Portable Power
- Lightweight 6.5 lbs for easy portability
- 300W pure sine wave AC output protects devices
- 8 output ports charge multiple items concurrently
- Three recharge methods: wall, car, solar panel
- Solar panel not included; separate purchase required
- Max 65W input speed; slower full recharge
- Requires charging every 2-3 months for upkeep
Jackery Portable Power
- 518Wh capacity for extended device power.
- 500W continuous AC output, 1000W peak.
- Multiple outputs: 1 AC, 3 USB-A, 2 DC, 1 car.
- Supports pass-through charging function.
- Only one 110V AC outlet provided.
- Solar panel for charging is sold separately.
- Lacks modern USB-C Power Delivery ports.
- 500W AC limit may not run all heavy appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which is better for extended off-grid use?
The Jackery Explorer 500 is better with its 518Wh capacity and 500W AC output, providing more power for longer durations compared to the EnginStar's 296Wh and 300W.
What's the main difference in power output capabilities?
The Jackery Explorer 500 delivers 500W continuous AC output and 518Wh capacity. The EnginStar R300 offers 300W AC output and 296Wh capacity. Jackery provides significantly more power for demanding devices.
Which power station is more portable?
The EnginStar R300 is considerably more portable, weighing only 6.5 lbs. The Jackery Explorer 500 weighs 13.3 lbs. For maximum ease of transport, the EnginStar is the clear choice.
Does either unit offer modern USB-C charging?
The EnginStar R300 includes one USB-C port, which is a modern connectivity option. The Jackery Explorer 500 does not have any USB-C ports, only USB-A.
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!


























