Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,024 Wh | DELTA 2 leads
DELTA 2 1,024 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
DELTA 2: +506 Wh (+97.5%).
DELTA 2 vs Explorer 500
1,800W
Running power
500W
1,024 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
26.5 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing raw capability against portability in a portable power station. The DELTA 2 delivers 1800W of running power and 1024 Wh of capacity, making it suited for home backup loads and higher-draw appliances. The Explorer 500 tops out at 500W and 518.4 Wh, roughly half the stored energy and a third of the output.
In device compatibility testing across 53 products, the DELTA 2 powered 39 while the Explorer 500 handled 20, giving the EcoFlow unit nearly twice the coverage. LFP chemistry in the DELTA 2 provides around 3000 charge cycles versus 800 for the Jackery, a significant longevity gap. Solar recharge is faster on the DELTA 2 as well, reaching full in about 3.7 hours with up to 500W input compared to 6.6 hours and 112.5W max on the Explorer 500.
The tradeoff is weight: at 13.2 lbs, the Explorer 500 is almost exactly half the DELTA 2's 26.5 lbs, a real advantage for hiking or travel.
Overall Winner
DELTA 2
Powers 39 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500
Home backup: DELTA 2 RV / mobile: Explorer 500 Solar: DELTA 2
DELTA 2 wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose DELTA 2 if...
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,000 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 27)
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: 1,800 W | DELTA 2 leads
DELTA 2 1,800 W
Explorer 500 500 W
DELTA 2: +1,300 W (+260.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,700 W | DELTA 2 leads
DELTA 2 2,700 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
DELTA 2: +1,700 W (+170.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.2 lbs | Explorer 500 leads
DELTA 2 26.5 lbs (12.0 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Explorer 500: -13.2 lbs (50.0% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | DELTA 2 leads
DELTA 2 3,000 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
DELTA 2: +2,200 cycles (+275.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 19 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 36% (19/53) · Neither can run: 14
Only DELTA 2 can run 19
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
Toaster Oven Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker Explorer 500: Running shortfall
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) 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
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 · 14 devices
These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | DELTA 2 | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,024 Wh ✓ | 518.4 Wh |
| Running Power | 1,800 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12.0 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 85.3 Wh/kg | 86.4 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
DELTA 2
Faster Max solar input 500 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.7h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 11-60V
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.
DELTA 2Explorer 500
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
| Device | DELTA 2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 2.3h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Fail | N/A |
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/71/7
4/7
1/7
| Device | DELTA 2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 8.6h | Safe | 4.4h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | DELTA 2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/111/11
10/11
1/11
| Device | DELTA 2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.4h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | DELTA 2 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.5h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | 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)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
The DELTA 2 is the right pick for anyone who needs serious home backup power, broad device coverage, or fast solar charging with expandable capacity. The Explorer 500 makes sense for lightweight, grab-and-go use where you only need to run small electronics and keeping pack weight low matters most. Overall, the DELTA 2 wins this matchup with a score of 73.5 to 40, earning the recommendation for most buyers who can handle the extra weight.
DELTA 2 vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, DELTA 2 or Explorer 500?
DELTA 2 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, DELTA 2 or Explorer 500?
DELTA 2 has higher battery capacity (1,024 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
DELTA 2 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, DELTA 2 or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 is lighter at 13.2 lbs vs 26.5 lbs. Explorer 500 is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
DELTA 2 powers 39 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of DELTA 2 or Explorer 500?
Only DELTA 2 supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. Explorer 500 is limited to its built-in 518.4 Wh.