When it comes to lightweight and portable power stations built for everyday convenience, the Anker 521 vs Jackery Explorer 300 sit at the top of the entry-level category. These compact units cater to users who need off-grid energy to power devices while camping, working remotely, traveling, or preparing for emergencies. While both models serve similar purposes, they differ in their internal technology, battery lifespan, recharging performance, and smart feature sets.
This comprehensive comparison examines each of these power stations across every essential category to determine which one offers better functionality, value, and long-term usability for mobile energy users.
Contents
Differences Anker 521 vs Jackery Explorer 300
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Battery Capacity, Chemistry, and Lifespan
The Jackery Explorer 300 has a modest edge in raw battery capacity with 293Wh, compared to the 256Wh offered by the Anker 521 PowerHouse. This means the Explorer 300 will provide slightly longer runtimes per charge when running the same devices. However, battery size is just one part of the equation.
The most critical advantage of the Anker 521 is its use of LiFePO₄ (LFP) battery chemistry, which supports over 3,000 charge cycles before dropping to 80% capacity. This is significantly more durable than the Jackery Explorer 300’s NMC battery, which provides only 500 cycles before the same level of degradation. For users who plan to use their power station regularly—whether daily or multiple times a week—the Anker 521 will last many times longer before requiring replacement.
Both models are non-expandable and fixed in their capacity, so longevity and battery resilience are key for long-term satisfaction.
Winner: Anker 521 PowerHouse
Though the Jackery offers a larger battery upfront, the Anker’s LFP chemistry and extended battery lifespan make it the better long-term investment.
AC Power Output and Device Compatibility
The Jackery Explorer 300 delivers 300W of continuous AC output with a 500W surge, giving it the ability to power more demanding devices like CPAP machines, car fridges, projectors, or high-wattage LED lights. It comes with one pure sine wave AC outlet and handles moderate-load electronics comfortably.
The Anker 521 is rated for 200W of continuous AC power with a 450W surge capacity. This lower output means it is best suited for small appliances like smartphones, tablets, wireless routers, fans, cameras, and laptop charging. It includes two AC outlets, providing more flexibility for multi-device usage, even if the total power budget is slightly lower.
For users who regularly power heavier appliances or multiple AC devices simultaneously, the Explorer 300 provides more wattage, while the Anker 521 favors safer, smaller load operations over longer periods.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 300
With a higher power output and surge threshold, the Explorer 300 is more capable of running mid-level AC devices reliably.
Charging Speed and Solar Performance
The Jackery Explorer 300 charges via AC at 90W, taking approximately 4.5 hours to recharge fully. It supports solar input up to 100W through its MPPT controller, allowing for solar recharge in 4–6 hours, depending on weather and panel performance.
The Anker 521 PowerHouse supports 65W AC charging, which also results in a full recharge in around 4.5 hours. Its solar input is rated at 65W, which is lower than Jackery’s, and supports panels with voltage input up to 28V. This makes solar charging slower on the Anker unit and more sensitive to suboptimal sunlight conditions.
Both units support 12V car charging, making them suitable for on-the-road power replenishment, though neither supports 24V input or rapid DC charging.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 300
Faster charging through both AC and solar, along with higher input ceiling, make the Jackery more versatile and time-efficient in power recovery.
Portability and Physical Form Factor
The Anker 521 weighs 3.7 kg, while the Jackery Explorer 300 is lighter at 3.2 kg. The Explorer 300 also has a more compact and flatter footprint, making it slightly easier to store in vehicle compartments or travel bags.
The Anker 521, while slightly bulkier, has a more vertical form factor that can be easier to grip and lift from tight spaces. Both units include top-mounted carry handles and strong outer casing suitable for outdoor environments.
Aesthetically, the Jackery’s orange-gray design has become a familiar sight among outdoor users, while the Anker 521 sports a minimalist industrial design with a clean digital display and blue accents.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 300
Lighter and more compact, the Explorer 300 has a slight edge in pure portability, though the difference is minor for most use cases.
Smart Features and App Integration
Neither the Anker 521 nor the Jackery Explorer 300 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile app integration. Both models rely entirely on manual operation through physical buttons and a built-in display screen. These units are designed for simplicity, targeting users who prefer plug-and-play operation over wireless control.
Winner: Tie
Both units are evenly matched here, offering straightforward, no-frills operation without remote connectivity.
Ports and Output Options
The Anker 521 PowerHouse includes two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, one 60W USB-C port, and one 12V car outlet. The inclusion of two AC ports is especially valuable for users who need to run multiple AC devices at once, despite the lower output limit.
The Jackery Explorer 300 features one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, one 60W USB-C port, and a 12V car outlet. While it offers slightly fewer AC ports, it makes up for this with its higher wattage handling capacity.
Both units support 60W USB-C Power Delivery, enabling fast charging for modern laptops, tablets, drones, and cameras.
Winner: Anker 521 PowerHouse
With more AC ports and an identical USB-C PD output, the Anker offers greater connectivity for multi-device users.
Quick Rundown Of Anker 521
Quick Rundown Of Jackery Explorer 300
Conclusion
Choose the Jackery Explorer 300 if you need more output power, faster charging, and longer runtimes per cycle. It is better suited for users running CPAP machines, car refrigerators, or multiple high-consumption devices, especially on short trips or occasional usage.
Choose the Anker 521 PowerHouse if you prioritize battery longevity, dual AC outlet flexibility, and long-term reliability. It’s ideal for users who rely on a power station frequently, expect long service life, and need flexible connectivity for multiple low-wattage devices.
Overall Winner: Anker 521 PowerHouse
Though the Jackery Explorer 300 delivers more power and capacity, the Anker 521 wins with a longer-lasting LFP battery, more output ports, and better future-proofing—making it the superior choice for users who value durability and everyday flexibility in a compact, portable power station.