In the highly competitive world of mid-size portable power stations, two names dominate the 1kWh category: the Anker SOLIX C1000 vs Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus. Both models are premium offerings from top-tier brands, designed to power everything from essential electronics to heavy-duty appliances in off-grid scenarios, home backup setups, and outdoor adventures. With compact form factors, efficient charging systems, and high output capacity, these two power stations offer a lot—but their differences in battery chemistry, expandability, charging performance, and smart features are significant.
This comprehensive comparison breaks down every key performance category to help determine which of these powerhouse units delivers superior value, versatility, and long-term performance for discerning users.
Contents
Differences Anker SOLIX C1000 vs Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Battery Capacity, Expandability, and Lifespan
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus offers a clear advantage in capacity and scalability. With 1,264Wh of base capacity, it already edges out the 1,056Wh in the Anker SOLIX C1000. However, what sets the Jackery apart is its expandability—you can connect up to three external battery packs, expanding its total capacity to a massive 5,048Wh. This makes the 1000 Plus ideal for users who need extended runtime for RV trips, home emergency power, or solar-based living.
Both models use LiFePO₄ (LFP) battery chemistry, offering long-lasting performance and enhanced safety. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is rated for 4,000 cycles to 70% capacity, slightly more than the 3,000+ cycles to 80% of the Anker C1000. While the end-of-life benchmark differs (70% vs. 80%), both units provide exceptional longevity compared to traditional NMC-based power stations.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
With higher base capacity, greater expandability, and marginally longer cycle life, Jackery wins this category for users who prioritize runtime and scalability.
Power Output and Device Compatibility
The Anker SOLIX C1000 delivers 1,800W of continuous AC power and handles surges up to 2,400W, making it highly capable for high-draw appliances such as microwaves, kettles, induction cooktops, or power tools. Its six AC outlets provide plenty of room for multi-device setups, and Anker’s internal voltage stabilization ensures smooth output for sensitive electronics.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus goes even further, with a 2,000W AC output and a massive 4,000W surge capacity. This enables users to power nearly all household appliances including toasters, hairdryers, and small air conditioners. The difference in surge capacity can be critical in scenarios where appliances have high startup wattage.
Both stations include pure sine wave inverters and support a wide variety of AC and DC devices, but Jackery’s extra margin gives it more headroom for demanding appliances.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
More output and higher surge threshold make it better suited for power-intensive appliances and multiple simultaneous loads.
Charging Speed and Efficiency
One of the biggest strengths of the Anker SOLIX C1000 is its blazing-fast AC recharge speed. With 1,300W AC input, it can go from 0 to 100% in just 58 minutes—a performance benchmark that dramatically reduces downtime. This is ideal for users with limited time to recharge at home, or who rely on generator or shore power during travel.
In contrast, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus supports 400W AC charging, recharging from 0 to 100% in roughly 2 hours. While respectable, it’s notably slower than Anker’s near-instant turnaround.
In terms of solar input, Jackery wins with 800W MPPT support, while Anker tops out at 600W. For off-grid solar setups, Jackery’s higher wattage means faster recharging and better performance in cloudy or winter conditions when maximizing input matters most.
Winner: Anker SOLIX C1000 (AC charging), Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus (solar charging)
For users prioritizing grid charging speed, Anker dominates. For solar-first users, Jackery’s higher solar input wins.
Portability and Physical Design
The Anker SOLIX C1000 weighs 12.9 kg, making it 1.6 kg lighter than the 14.5 kg Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus. This weight difference is noticeable when lifting the unit into a vehicle, carrying it long distances, or moving it between rooms. Anker’s compact, rectangular design with smooth edges and an integrated carry handle enhances its portability.
Jackery’s design is slightly bulkier and taller but includes stackable compatibility with external batteries and solar panel docking setups, which can be an advantage in semi-permanent setups like RVs or cabins.
Winner: Anker SOLIX C1000
Lighter weight and a more portable design make it better for users who prioritize mobility.
Smart Features and App Integration
Both units support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity through dedicated mobile apps—Anker App for SOLIX C1000 and Jackery App for the Explorer 1000 Plus. These apps allow users to monitor input/output, control port activation, schedule charging times, and receive firmware updates.
While both apps are functional, the Anker App interface is more intuitive and responsive, with smoother real-time updates and a cleaner dashboard layout. Jackery’s app is slightly more basic but still covers core functionality.
Winner: Anker SOLIX C1000
With a more polished app experience, Anker provides a better smart control system, especially for mobile and remote users.
Ports and Output Variety
The Anker SOLIX C1000 offers excellent port variety with six AC outlets, two 100W USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a 12V car outlet. This provides users with modern, high-speed charging and the flexibility to run multiple AC devices simultaneously.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus includes four AC outlets, two 100W USB-C ports, two 18W USB-A ports, and a 12V car outlet. While the USB-A ports are slightly higher-rated than Anker’s, the Anker wins with more AC outlets—which can be critical when powering several appliances at once.
Winner: Anker SOLIX C1000
More AC ports and equally powerful USB-C options make it the superior choice for users with diverse charging needs.
Quick Rundown Of Anker SOLIX C1000
Quick Rundown Of Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
Conclusion
Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus if you need maximum capacity, expansion potential, high output, and excellent solar performance. It’s the perfect option for off-grid cabins, RV travelers, or home backup systems where runtime and appliance compatibility are top priorities.
Choose the Anker SOLIX C1000 if you value ultra-fast AC charging, superior portability, more outlets, and sleek app control. It’s ideal for mobile professionals, weekend campers, and tech-savvy users who want maximum convenience and long-term durability in a compact form.
Overall Winner: Anker SOLIX C1000
While the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus wins in scalability and raw power, the SOLIX C1000 strikes the best balance between speed, portability, performance, and usability—making it the smarter choice for most users in the 1kWh category.