When it comes to lightweight and ultra-portable power stations, the Bluetti EB3A vs Jackery Explorer 240 stand out as two of the most recognized models in the sub-300Wh category. These compact solar generators are engineered for convenience, fast recharging, and powering essential gear during outdoor activities, power outages, and light off-grid living.
While both are affordable and practical for casual users, they differ significantly in battery technology, output performance, and charging speeds. This in-depth comparison explores all key features to determine which compact power station offers the best value for portable power users.
Contents
Differences Bluetti EB3A vs Jackery Explorer 240
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Battery Capacity, Chemistry, and Lifespan
The Bluetti EB3A is built with a 268Wh LiFePO₄ battery, offering excellent cycle durability rated at 2,500+ charges to 80% capacity. LiFePO₄ chemistry provides superior thermal stability, safety, and long-term reliability—especially critical for users who will cycle their power station frequently, such as vanlifers, weekend campers, or those needing frequent emergency backup.
In comparison, the Jackery Explorer 240 houses a 240Wh NMC battery, which delivers slightly less usable energy and is only rated for 500+ cycles to 80% capacity. While NMC batteries typically allow for lighter weight, they degrade faster with regular usage and are less suited for high-frequency cycling or extended service life.
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
Bluetti takes the lead with a larger capacity, better battery chemistry, and a much longer lifecycle—making it the better choice for regular users and long-term investment.
Power Output and Device Compatibility
The Bluetti EB3A significantly outperforms its rival with a 600W AC output and 1,200W surge capacity, giving it the capability to run a wide range of electronics including laptops, CPAP machines, drones, routers, small fridges, and even mini power tools. The unit includes two AC outlets and a pure sine wave inverter, ensuring stable output for sensitive electronics.
The Jackery Explorer 240, by comparison, offers a modest 200W output and a 400W surge limit, making it best suited for low-power devices such as smartphones, GoPros, fans, and LED lights. It is not capable of running anything that exceeds 200W continuously, which eliminates many appliances from compatibility.
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
Bluetti offers three times the output power and double the surge handling, making it vastly more versatile for both casual and emergency scenarios.
Charging Speed and Solar Input
Charging efficiency is another area where Bluetti excels. The EB3A supports 430W AC charging, which fills the battery from 0 to 100% in about 1.3 hours. Additionally, it supports 200W solar input via MPPT, meaning it can recharge entirely from the sun in about 1.5–2 hours under optimal conditions. It also offers dual charging (solar + AC), which can dramatically cut recharge times in hybrid use.
The Jackery Explorer 240 is limited to 65W AC input, resulting in a full recharge time of around 6.5 hours. Its 50W solar input capability is also significantly lower, requiring nearly a full day of strong sunlight for complete recharging. For off-grid users or those relying on rapid top-ups, this slower recharge performance is a major limitation.
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
With faster wall charging, superior solar input, and dual-input support, Bluetti is clearly the more efficient power station for daily and off-grid usage.
Ports and Output Variety
The Bluetti EB3A is equipped with a rich selection of ports: two AC outlets, one 100W USB-C PD port, two USB-A ports, one 12V car outlet, two DC5521 ports, and a wireless charging pad on top. This layout enables users to charge phones, laptops, routers, LED panels, cameras, and small appliances simultaneously. The inclusion of a 100W USB-C port is especially valuable for modern laptops and tablets.
The Jackery Explorer 240 is limited to one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and one 12V car outlet. It lacks USB-C, wireless charging, or multiple AC sockets, making it less suited for multitasking or charging newer electronics that require higher power delivery.
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
Bluetti offers a superior range of outputs and modern ports, supporting multiple devices and a wider range of use cases in a compact footprint.
Portability and Weight
The Jackery Explorer 240, weighing just 3 kg (6.6 lbs), is one of the lightest portable power stations in its class. Its compact size and single-handle design make it extremely easy to carry, ideal for quick trips, lightweight travel, and minimalist setups.
The Bluetti EB3A is slightly heavier at 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs) due to its larger battery and advanced internals, but it remains highly portable. The trade-off in weight is minimal considering the added capacity, output power, and faster charging technology.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 240
For users prioritizing ultra-lightweight portability above all else, Jackery holds the edge. However, the weight difference is modest and comes with significant performance compromises.
Connectivity and Smart Features
The Bluetti EB3A includes Bluetooth connectivity and is fully compatible with the Bluetti app, allowing users to monitor battery levels, control output ports, update firmware, and adjust charge/discharge settings remotely. This feature is valuable for users who manage their systems from a tent, vehicle, or remote cabin.
The Jackery Explorer 240 offers no wireless connectivity or app support. All monitoring and control must be done directly on the LCD screen, which provides basic real-time data but no advanced configuration or remote access.
Winner: Bluetti EB3A
With smart app integration and remote control, Bluetti provides a modern and connected user experience that Jackery does not offer.
Quick Rundown Of Bluetti EB3A
Quick Rundown Of Jackery Explorer 240
Conclusion
Choose Bluetti EB3A if you want a more powerful, faster-charging, feature-rich power station with a longer-lasting battery and smart functionality. It’s ideal for users needing to power a wide array of devices efficiently and consistently, especially in off-grid or frequent-use situations.
Choose Jackery Explorer 240 if you prioritize lightweight portability for basic tasks like phone and light device charging, and you’re okay with slower charging, fewer ports, and a shorter battery life.
Overall Winner: Bluetti EB3A
With superior battery technology, higher output, faster charging, better ports, and modern smart features, the Bluetti EB3A stands out as the far more capable and future-ready compact power station for both everyday and emergency use.