Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 518 Wh | Explorer 500 leads
EB3A 268.8 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
Explorer 500: +250 Wh (+92.9%).
EB3A vs Explorer 500
600W
Running power
500W
268.8 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
10.1 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between two compact, non-expandable portable power stations in the sub-600W class. The Bluetti EB3A edges ahead with 600W of running power and 1200W surge capacity, giving it a slight device-coverage advantage (21 of 53 tested devices vs. 20 for the Explorer 500).
Its LFP battery chemistry delivers roughly 2,500 charge cycles, more than three times the Explorer 500's 800-cycle rating, which translates to a significantly longer usable lifespan. Solar recharging is also faster on the EB3A: a 200W max input fills the battery in about 2.4 hours, while the Explorer 500 tops out at 112.5W and needs around 6.6 hours.
The tradeoff is capacity. The Jackery Explorer 500 packs 518.4 Wh into a 13.2 lb frame, nearly doubling the EB3A's 268.8 Wh, so it can keep devices running considerably longer between charges.
Overall Winner
EB3A
Powers 21 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500
Home backup: Explorer 500 RV / mobile: Explorer 500 Solar: EB3A
EB3A wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose EB3A if...
- + Portability matters for your setup
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 2,500 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + You want broader device compatibility
Choose Explorer 500 if...
- + 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: 600 W | EB3A leads
EB3A 600 W
Explorer 500 500 W
EB3A: +100 W (+20.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,200 W | EB3A leads
EB3A 1,200 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
EB3A: +200 W (+20.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 10.1 lbs | EB3A leads
EB3A 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
EB3A: -3.1 lbs (23.3% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,500 cycles | EB3A leads
EB3A 2,500 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
EB3A: +1,700 cycles (+212.5%).
Compatibility Coverage
These two stations produce the same result on 52 of 53 devices. There is 1 difference.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 2% (1/53) · Neither can run: 32
Neither can run · 32 devices
These devices exceed both stations on running power and surge.
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Space Heater (1,500W)
Window AC (8,000 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
2-Slice Bread Toaster
Coffee Maker
Digital Air Fryer
Electric Skillet
Electric Stove (Single Burner)
Electric Water Kettle
Instant Pot (6 Qt)
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Toaster Oven
Rice Cooker
Electric Clothes Dryer
Dishwasher
Washing Machine
Professional Hair Dryer
Circular Saw (Corded)
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Laser Printer
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | EB3A | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 268.8 Wh | 518.4 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 600 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 1,200 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) ✓ | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) |
| Energy Density | 58.4 Wh/kg | 86.4 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | ultralight | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 2,500 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
EB3A
Faster Max solar input 200 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~2.4h
Compatible panels 6/20
MPPT: 12-28V
Explorer 500
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.
EB3AExplorer 500
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
1/71/7
1/7
1/7
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | EB3A | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 1h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
1/111/11
1/11
1/11
| Device | EB3A | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
1/41/4
1/4
1/4
| Device | EB3A | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Fail | N/A | 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)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology
The Bottom Line
Pick the EB3A if cycle longevity, faster solar charging, and slightly higher wattage matter more than total stored energy. Go with the Explorer 500 if you need close to twice the battery capacity and can accept a heavier unit with fewer lifetime cycles.
Overall, the EB3A wins this matchup on the strength of its longer-lasting LFP cells, quicker solar turnaround, and broader device compatibility. In our 53-device benchmark, EB3A powers 21 devices and Explorer 500 powers 20.
EB3A vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, EB3A or Explorer 500?
EB3A is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, EB3A or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 has higher battery capacity (518.4 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
EB3A has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, EB3A or Explorer 500?
EB3A is lighter at 10.1 lbs vs 13.2 lbs. EB3A is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
EB3A powers 21 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.