Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,024 Wh | Explorer 3000 Pro leads
AC180 1,152 Wh
Explorer 3000 Pro 3,024 Wh
Explorer 3000 Pro: +1,872 Wh (+162.5%).
AC180 vs Explorer 3000 Pro
VS
1,800W
Running power
3,000W
1,152 Wh
Battery
3,024 Wh
36.2 lbs
Weight
63.9 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing a midsize portable unit against a high-capacity powerhouse for home backup, off-grid stays, or heavy appliance use. The Explorer 3000 Pro delivers 3000W of running power and 3024 Wh of capacity, nearly triple the AC180's 1152 Wh.
That gap shows up in device coverage: the Jackery powered 47 of 53 tested devices versus 39 for the Bluetti, earning a compatibility score of 93 to 73.5. Surge capacity tells a similar story, with the Explorer 3000 Pro hitting 6000W compared to 2700W on the AC180.
Solar input peaks at 1400W on the Jackery, though its larger battery still needs roughly 10.8 hours for a full solar charge. The AC180 counters with LFP chemistry rated for 3500 cycles, 20ms UPS switching, and a far lighter 36.2-pound frame that suits grab-and-go scenarios.
Overall Winner
Explorer 3000 Pro
Powers 47 of 53 tested devices vs 39 for AC180
Home backup: Explorer 3000 Pro RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Tie
Choose AC180 if...
- + Portability matters (36 lbs vs 64)
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,500 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
Choose Explorer 3000 Pro if...
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 W | Explorer 3000 Pro leads
AC180 1,800 W
Explorer 3000 Pro 3,000 W
Explorer 3000 Pro: +1,200 W (+66.7%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 6,000 W | Explorer 3000 Pro leads
AC180 2,700 W
Explorer 3000 Pro 6,000 W
Explorer 3000 Pro: +3,300 W (+122.2%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 36.2 lbs | AC180 leads
AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
Explorer 3000 Pro 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg)
AC180: -27.8 lbs (43.4% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 cycles | AC180 leads
AC180 3,500 cycles
Explorer 3000 Pro 2,000 cycles
AC180: +1,500 cycles (+75.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 8 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 39 · Differences: 15% (8/53) · Neither can run: 6
Only Explorer 3000 Pro can run 8
Circular Saw (Corded) AC180: Surge shortfall
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill AC180: Surge shortfall
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch) AC180: Surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) AC180: Surge shortfall
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) AC180: Needs soft-start
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) AC180: Needs soft-start
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) AC180: Needs soft-start
Microwave Oven (1000W) AC180: Running shortfall
Neither can run · 6 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC180 | Explorer 3000 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,152 Wh | 3,024 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 1,800 W | 3,000 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W | 6,000 W ✓ |
| Weight | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) ✓ | 63.9 lbs (29.0 kg) |
| Energy Density | 70.2 Wh/kg | 104.3 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | heavy |
| Chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Cycle Life | 3,500 ✓ | 2,000 |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC180
Faster Max solar input 500 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~4.1h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 12-60V
Explorer 3000 Pro
Max solar input 1,400 W
Connector DC8020
Full charge time ~10.8h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 17.5-60V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC180Explorer 3000 Pro
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 3000 Pro | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 5h | Safe | 13.2h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Safe | 1.9h |
Entertainment(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/76/7
4/7
6/7
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 3000 Pro | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 9.7h | Safe | 25.5h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Safe | 2.5h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.8h | Safe | 2h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Safe | 1.6h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 3h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 3000 Pro | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 11.8h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/1111/11
10/11
11/11
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 3000 Pro | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1.3h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.5h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.1h |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 2.2h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.7h | Safe | 7.1h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 1.2h |
Large Appliances(4)
3/43/4
3/4
3/4
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | Explorer 3000 Pro | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.9h | Safe | 10.2h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.6h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/65/6
5/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/54/5
0/5
4/5
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The Bottom Line
The AC180 fits buyers who need a lighter, longer-lasting unit for moderate loads, weekend camping, or basic UPS protection at home. The Explorer 3000 Pro is the pick for anyone running high-draw appliances, extended outages, or larger off-grid setups where capacity and wattage matter most.
With stronger device coverage and nearly three times the stored energy, the Explorer 3000 Pro is the clear winner of this matchup. In our 53-device benchmark, AC180 powers 39 devices and Explorer 3000 Pro powers 47.
AC180 vs Explorer 3000 Pro FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or Explorer 3000 Pro?
Explorer 3000 Pro is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or Explorer 3000 Pro?
Explorer 3000 Pro has higher battery capacity (3,024 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
AC180 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, AC180 or Explorer 3000 Pro?
AC180 is lighter at 36.2 lbs vs 63.9 lbs. AC180 is rated portable for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 3000 Pro powers 47 of 53 tested devices, compared to 39 for AC180.
Q Does AC180 or Explorer 3000 Pro have UPS mode for power outages?
Only AC180 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.