Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This Deal
What do hunting trips, weekend camping adventures, and sudden power outages all have in common? They’re all scenarios in which a portable power station would come in handy. These devices offer the easiest access to power off the grid, and right now, Amazon has a great deal on one of the best portable power stations from Jackery, a trusted brand in this space.
Amazon has the Jackery Explorer 500 on sale for just $299, a massive 40% discount from its normal price of $499. This portable power station is a clear favorite with over 2,200 five-star ratings, and it’s also the No. 11 bestselling model in Amazon’s outdoor generators category. The category is dominated by Jackery products—the Explorer 300 and Explorer 1000 are the No. 1 and No. 2 bestsellers, respectively. This unit is a great middle option between those two.
Jackery Explorer 500, $299 (was $499) on Amazon
What Shoppers Should Know
- Sizes Available: The Explorer 500 is available as a standalone unit for $299. You can also get a bundle that includes a solar panel for $469 (a 41% discount) or a bundle that includes a fast charger for $429 (a 28% discount).
- Output Power: 500 watts
- Output Types: 3 USB-A ports, 2 DC ports, 1 110-volt AC outlet, and 1 car port
- Power Source: Onboard rechargeable 518-watt-hour battery
- Dimensions: 11.8 inches by 7.6 inches by 9.2 inches
- Weight: 13.3 pounds
The Explorer 500 features a 518-watt-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery that’s rated for up to 500 watts of output, giving you lots of capacity to charge phones, run a camp fan, or power a portable fridge. The LED display gives you a clear view of the battery’s charge status, output power, and input power if it’s charging (the Explorer 500 will charge up via a wall outlet or car plug in about 5.5 hours). The suite of outlets, including a standard 110-volt AC outlet and multiple USB-A ports, allows you to plug in a wide variety of devices.
The Explorer 500 was designed for outdoor use, and shoppers really appreciate its portability. An integrated carry handle makes it easy to move around, and the exterior frame is sturdy and offers good protection for the battery and sensitive internal electronics.
What Shoppers Are Saying
Shoppers are heaping praise on the Explorer 500 for its top-notch build quality and overall usefulness. One called it “powerful, portable, and easy to use,” and another highlighted its “rugged and compact” design, noting it’s “superior to other portable power units you might find on Amazon.”
Other shoppers felt the 500 hit a sweet spot in terms of capacity and output. One shopper called it the “Goldilocks of power—not too big and not too small. Just right.”
“For anyone living on the road, camping, or just wanting backup power, this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” another reviewer wrote. “The best investment you’ll ever make in portable power—period.”
Jackery portable power stations are bestsellers for a reason—these units are built tough and work well. At just $299, the Explorer 500 gives you 500 watts of power for about 60 cents per watt, which is a nearly unbeatable deal compared to other power stations on the market. Don’t snooze on this one: Grab yours today before Amazon sells out (or bumps the price back up).