Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,048 Wh | AC200MAX leads
AC200MAX 2,048 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
AC200MAX: +1,530 Wh (+295.1%).
AC200MAX vs Explorer 500
VS
2,200W
Running power
500W
2,048 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
61.9 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers trying to decide between a large-capacity home backup unit and a lightweight portable option. The AC200MAX delivers 2200W of running power and 2048 Wh of battery capacity, while the Explorer 500 tops out at 500W and 518.4 Wh. That gap shows up clearly in device coverage: the Bluetti powered 45 out of 53 tested devices compared to just 20 for the Jackery.
Battery longevity also favors the AC200MAX, with LFP chemistry rated for 3500 cycles versus 800 for the Explorer 500. Solar input tells a similar story, as the Bluetti accepts up to 900W across 20 compatible panels, making off-grid recharging far more practical. The tradeoff is size and weight.
At 13.2 lbs, the Explorer 500 is roughly a fifth the weight of the 61.9 lb AC200MAX, a real advantage for hikers, car campers, and anyone prioritizing grab-and-go convenience.
Overall Winner
AC200MAX
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500
Home backup: AC200MAX RV / mobile: Explorer 500 Solar: AC200MAX
AC200MAX wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose AC200MAX if...
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,500 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Choose Explorer 500 if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 62)
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: 2,200 W | AC200MAX leads
AC200MAX 2,200 W
Explorer 500 500 W
AC200MAX: +1,700 W (+340.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,800 W | AC200MAX leads
AC200MAX 4,800 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
AC200MAX: +3,800 W (+380.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.2 lbs | Explorer 500 leads
AC200MAX 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Explorer 500: -48.7 lbs (78.6% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 cycles | AC200MAX leads
AC200MAX 3,500 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
AC200MAX: +2,700 cycles (+337.5%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 25 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 47% (25/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only AC200MAX can run 25
2-Slice Bread Toaster Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Coffee Maker Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Digital Air Fryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Skillet Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Stove (Single Burner) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Water Kettle Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Instant Pot (6 Qt) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Microwave Oven (1000W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Toaster Oven Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker Explorer 500: Running shortfall
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Space Heater (1,500W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Window AC (8,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Dishwasher Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Washing Machine Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) Explorer 500: Running shortfall
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) Explorer 500: Surge shortfall
Professional Hair Dryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Laser Printer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Electric Clothes Dryer
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC200MAX | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,048 Wh ✓ | 518.4 Wh |
| Running Power | 2,200 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 4,800 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 72.9 Wh/kg | 86.4 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | heavy | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 3,500 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC200MAX
Max solar input 900 W
Connector Proprietary
Full charge time ~7.3h
Compatible panels 20/20
MPPT: 10-145V
Explorer 500
Faster Max solar input 112.5 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~6.6h
Compatible panels 12/20
MPPT: 12-30V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC200MAXExplorer 500
Emergency(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
6/71/7
6/7
1/7
| Device | AC200MAX | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 17.3h | Safe | 4.4h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Safe | 1.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Safe | 1.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Tight | 1.1h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 2h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC200MAX | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 8h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
11/111/11
11/11
1/11
| Device | AC200MAX | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.9h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Safe | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 1.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 4.8h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | AC200MAX | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 6.9h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 1.1h | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/64/6
5/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
2/50/5
2/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
Choose the AC200MAX if you need serious home backup power, broad device compatibility, and long-term durability from an expandable LFP system rated for 3500 cycles. The Explorer 500 makes sense for travelers and minimalists who only need to run small electronics and value a unit light enough to carry with one hand. With a score of 88.5 versus 40, the AC200MAX is the clear winner for most buyers who can manage its weight.
AC200MAX vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC200MAX or Explorer 500?
AC200MAX is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC200MAX or Explorer 500?
AC200MAX has higher battery capacity (2,048 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
Explorer 500 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, AC200MAX or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 is lighter at 13.2 lbs vs 61.9 lbs. Explorer 500 is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
AC200MAX powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC200MAX or Explorer 500?
Only AC200MAX supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. Explorer 500 is limited to its built-in 518.4 Wh.