The EcoFlow River 3 vs Jackery Explorer 300 represent two compact yet capable portable power stations built for mobility, convenience, and versatility. Designed to support outdoor enthusiasts, content creators, and emergency power users, both units cater to lightweight applications while offering reliable energy on demand. Despite being in the same power class, they differ significantly in charging speed, battery chemistry, port variety, and long-term usability.
In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate every key performance metric to identify which of these portable power stations delivers more practical value and power efficiency for real-world users.
Contents
Differences EcoFlow River 3 vs Jackery Explorer 300
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Battery Capacity, Expandability, and Battery Lifespan
The Jackery Explorer 300 holds a slight advantage in raw capacity with 293Wh, compared to the 245Wh in the EcoFlow River 3. This allows the Jackery to run connected devices for a longer duration on a single charge, particularly useful when powering LED lights, camera gear, or small fans over extended periods.
However, the EcoFlow River 3 leads significantly in terms of battery lifespan and chemistry. It uses LiFePO₄ (LFP) battery cells, rated for over 3,000 charge cycles to 80% capacity, giving it a functional life up to six times longer than the Jackery Explorer 300, which uses NMC chemistry rated for 500 cycles. For users who intend to charge their station regularly, this difference has major implications in long-term value and reliability.
Neither model supports external battery expansion, so the included capacity defines total use per charge.
Winner: EcoFlow River 3
While Jackery provides more energy per cycle, the River 3’s superior LFP chemistry and much longer cycle life make it the better investment for frequent, long-term use.
Power Output and Device Compatibility
Both the EcoFlow River 3 and Jackery Explorer 300 deliver 300W of continuous AC power, supporting essential electronics such as laptops, tablets, camera batteries, projectors, CPAP machines, routers, and camping appliances. The River 3 includes a 600W surge rating, while the Jackery Explorer 300 offers 500W surge, giving EcoFlow the ability to handle slightly higher startup loads such as portable blenders or mini air pumps.
Each station includes pure sine wave AC output, protecting sensitive electronics. The River 3 is designed with two AC outlets, compared to one AC outlet on the Explorer 300. This allows users to plug in multiple devices without needing external power strips.
Additionally, EcoFlow’s X-Boost technology enables the River 3 to run appliances that typically require up to 600W by automatically reducing voltage output to stay within the 300W power budget. Jackery lacks an equivalent feature.
Winner: EcoFlow River 3
Higher surge capacity, dual AC ports, and smart output optimization give the River 3 an edge in flexibility and supported devices.
Charging Speed and Input Options
One of the defining advantages of the EcoFlow River 3 is its charging speed. With 360W of AC input, the River 3 recharges from 0–100% in just 60 minutes, allowing users to quickly refuel their system between trips, during brief stopovers, or while using solar or generator power in remote locations.
By comparison, the Jackery Explorer 300 charges much slower at 90W AC input, requiring approximately 4.5 hours to fully recharge. For users who need their station ready in a hurry, the difference is substantial.
Both models support solar charging via MPPT, with the River 3 allowing up to 110W and the Explorer 300 rated at 100W. In real-world conditions, this makes little difference, but EcoFlow’s faster AC charge time and broader voltage range for solar input make it more versatile with different panels and sunlight conditions.
The River 3 also supports 12V and 24V car charging, whereas the Explorer 300 supports only 12V, limiting its flexibility in RV or truck applications.
Winner: EcoFlow River 3
Faster AC charging, broader solar compatibility, and better vehicle input options position the River 3 as the more adaptable unit for varied charging scenarios.
Portability and Physical Design
The Jackery Explorer 300 weighs 3.2 kg, slightly lighter than the 3.4 kg of the EcoFlow River 3. While this weight difference is minimal, Jackery’s design is slightly more compact in width, which may benefit users with very tight storage needs.
EcoFlow balances this with a more ergonomic design, modern display, and central top-mounted handle that improves carrying balance. Its layout is clean and efficient, with ports positioned for optimal usability. The River 3 also offers more internal cooling airflow, helping it perform better under continuous heavy loads.
Winner: Tie
Jackery is marginally more compact and lighter, while EcoFlow offers better design and handling. Both are easy to transport and suitable for mobile lifestyles.
Connectivity and Smart Features
The EcoFlow River 3 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, integrating seamlessly with the EcoFlow mobile app. Through the app, users can view real-time input and output power, battery levels, charge/discharge schedules, firmware updates, and device usage history.
In contrast, the Jackery Explorer 300 does not include any smart features, app integration, or remote monitoring capability. All power tracking must be done via the physical display, which is basic but functional.
Winner: EcoFlow River 3
The addition of smart controls, monitoring, and scheduling via a mobile app makes it far more capable and user-friendly in today’s connected world.
Ports and Output Variety
The EcoFlow River 3 includes a wide array of outputs for maximum versatility. It features two AC outlets, two USB-A ports, one 60W USB-C PD port, and one 12V car port. This layout supports charging laptops, smartphones, drones, LED lights, and small appliances simultaneously.
The Jackery Explorer 300 is equipped with one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, one 60W USB-C port, and a 12V car port. While it matches EcoFlow on USB-C power output, the limited number of AC ports can restrict simultaneous usage, especially when combining AC and DC loads.
Winner: EcoFlow River 3
With an extra AC outlet and the same high-speed USB-C, the River 3 supports more devices simultaneously and is better suited for multi-device workflows.
Quick Rundown Of EcoFlow River 3
Quick Rundown Of Jackery Explorer 300
Conclusion
Choose the Jackery Explorer 300 if you need a slightly higher battery capacity and prefer a simple, plug-and-play device without smart features. It’s well-suited for occasional users, light travel, and basic home backup with minimal complexity.
Choose the EcoFlow River 3 if you want faster charging, smarter controls, more output ports, and long-term reliability from a safer and longer-lasting battery. It’s the better solution for users who value efficiency, app control, and a forward-looking portable power setup.
Overall Winner: EcoFlow River 3
With superior charging speed, LFP battery longevity, smart app integration, better port variety, and enhanced surge handling, the EcoFlow River 3 outperforms the Jackery Explorer 300 across nearly every major metric—making it the top choice for modern portable power users.