Jackery Explorer 240W Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a portable power station that provides high-capacity battery backup power on the go. It's an ideal power solution for outdoor activities, camping, RVs, and emergency power outages.

Key features of the Jackery Explorer 240 include:

• Compact size at 6.6 x 5.2 x 7.1 inches and lightweight at only 6.6 pounds
• 240 watt hours (Wh) lithium battery capacity
• 200 watt continuous AC power and 400 watt surge AC power
• 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port
• Can charge laptops, phones, cameras, camping appliances, and more
• Features an easy-to-read LED display showing battery percentage
• Recharges in just under 8 hours with the included 30W adapter

With its versatile power output, portable form factor, and robust battery capacity, the Jackery Explorer 240 provides reliable off-grid power for a variety of needs. Its compact size makes it easy to take on the go for powering devices on camping trips, outdoor excursions, or as an emergency backup power source at home.

Design

The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station has a compact and portable design optimized for mobility and durability. With dimensions of 6.6 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches and weighing just 4 pounds, this power station can easily fit into a backpack or carry bag. The exterior is made of a durable plastic shell that helps protect the internal battery and components from bumps or drops while on the go. Four small rubber feet keep the unit stable when placed on flat surfaces. Despite its lightweight and compact size, the Explorer 240 feels sturdy and solid. The hard plastic case inspires confidence that this portable power station will hold up well to the rigors of travel and outdoor use. Overall, the thoughtful design focuses on portability and durability, making the Jackery Explorer 240 an ideal choice for camping, RV trips, or emergency power needs.

Battery Capacity

The Jackery Explorer 240 features a 240 watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This provides plenty of capacity for off-grid power needs in a compact, portable form factor.

The 240Wh battery has enough capacity to charge smartphones over 15 times, a DSLR camera over 5 times, or run a mini fridge for up to 4 hours. For camping and outdoor adventures, it can power small devices like lights, fans, and speakers for multiple days without recharging.

Battery life varies depending on the wattage draw of connected devices. With an average 50 watt draw, the Explorer 240 can provide close to 5 hours of continuous power. Higher wattage devices like blenders, pressure washers or hair dryers will deplete the battery faster while lower draw lights, phones and tablets can extend runtime further.

The lithium-ion cells hold a charge when not in use for over a year so the Explorer 240 is always ready for your next off-grid power need. With its substantial 240Wh capacity, the Jackery Explorer 240 provides reliable portable power in a small, easy to carry unit.

Output Ports

The Jackery Explorer 240 has a versatile array of output ports to power and charge your devices. It features:

• A 110V 300W AC outlet. This provides enough power for most small appliances and electronics like laptops, mini-fridges, speakers, and lamps. It can supply a max of 300 watts.

• A USB-C port rated for 18W. This allows for fast charging of larger devices like tablets, newer phones, and some smaller laptops.

• Two USB-A ports rated for 12W each. These standard USB ports can charge smartphones, cameras, and other USB-powered gadgets.

With this range of AC and DC outputs, the Explorer 240 can power and charge most modern devices. The higher wattage AC outlet and USB-C port provide enough juice for more power-hungry electronics and rapid charging. While the two USB-A ports are ideal for topping up mobile devices and smaller gadgets on the go.

Charging

The Jackery Explorer 240 has several convenient charging options that allow you to keep it powered up no matter where you are.

You can charge it from a wall outlet in about 7-8 hours using the included AC adapter. This makes it easy to fully recharge overnight so it's ready to go the next day.

For on-the-go charging, you can plug it into your car's 12V outlet using the included car charger. A full charge takes around 10 hours this way, which makes it very convenient for road trips or camping trips when you have access to your vehicle.

The Explorer 240 also has an integrated solar input so you can directly connect solar panels. With an 18W solar panel, you can expect a full charge in around 12 hours. This gives you an endless power source during outdoor adventures as long as there is sunlight. Larger solar panels can charge it even faster.

The variety of charging options makes the Jackery Explorer 240 highly versatile. You can effectively keep it topped up at home, in your car, or using solar power outdoors.

Applications

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a versatile power station that can be used in a variety of situations. Its compact size and quiet operation make it ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, RVs, and other outdoor activities. With 240 watt-hours of battery capacity, it can easily power and recharge smartphones, tablets, laptops, CPAP machines, and small appliances like blenders and mini-fridges.

The Jackery Explorer 240 shines during power outages at home. Keep your essential devices and appliances running when the electricity goes out. Charge up phones, run a lamp, watch TV, or brew coffee while waiting for utility service to resume. With the Explorer 240, you'll be prepared and more comfortable during blackouts from storms or grid failures.

When you need portable power on the go, the Jackery Explorer 240 has you covered. It's great for road trips when you want to stay powered up in the car or at rest stops. When outdoors, it can provide off-grid power at the campsite, cabin, or lakeside retreat. Wherever your travels take you, the Explorer 240 lets you keep small devices charged and running.

LED Flashlight - Convenience and Brightness When You Need It

The Jackery Explorer 240 features a convenient built-in LED flashlight located on the top of the device. This LED flashlight provides a surprisingly bright light that can be invaluable in emergency situations or anytime you need illumination at night.

The LED flashlight has three brightness modes - low, medium, and high. On low mode, it provides enough light to see keyholes or read a book. Medium mode amps up the brightness for navigating campsites or looking under furniture. The high mode is extremely bright, easily lighting up a large room or entire campsite. This high mode would be ideal if the power went out and you needed to find your way around without bumping into things.

The convenience of having the LED flashlight integrated right on the power station itself means you don't have to fumble around looking for a separate flashlight. Whenever you need some quick illumination, just turn the Jackery Explorer 240 on and flip the switch for the LED light. The location on top of the device makes it easy to point the light where you need it.

Having a high quality LED flashlight built into the power station adds another layer of usefulness, especially for outdoor activities like camping or hiking where you might be off the grid. The Jackery Explorer 240 gives you power for your devices and equipment plus an emergency light source when needed.

Pros

• Compact, portable size: The Jackery Explorer 240 is remarkably compact for the amount of power it packs. Weighing only 6.6 pounds, it's smaller than a standard car battery yet provides 240 watts of power thanks to its high-capacity lithium battery. The Explorer 240 is easy to tuck into a backpack, luggage, or car trunk for portable power on the go.

• Good battery capacity: The lithium battery has a capacity of 240 watt-hours, which is enough to charge smartphones over 20 times or a laptop 2-3 times. While not an indefinite power supply, 240 watt-hours is sufficient for most travelers' needs for charging devices like phones, tablets, small speakers, and drones while camping or during a power outage.

• Variety of output ports: The Jackery Explorer 240 features an AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and one DC car port. This allows you to directly plug in and charge most laptops, phones, tablets, small appliances like fans or lamps, and even 12V devices like car tire pumps. The AC and USB ports provide shared 240 watts, while the car port is limited to 120 watts max.

• Fast charging: The Explorer 240 can be fully recharged in less than 5 hours with the included 30W charging adapter. The fast charging time makes it easy to top up the battery overnight or during a long drive. The Jackery can also be recharged from a car outlet or solar panel (sold separately). This versatility makes the Jackery convenient for on-the-go power.

Cons

The Jackery Explorer 240 has a few drawbacks to consider:

• Pricey for the capacity - At around $250, the 240 watt-hour battery capacity is decent but you can get larger power stations in this price range. The cost per watt-hour is higher than some competitors.

• No wireless charging - The Explorer 240 lacks wireless charging capabilities. You need to physically plug devices in to charge them. Some newer power stations include wireless charging pads.

• Fan noise when charging - The internal cooling fan kicks on when the Explorer is charging or in use. The fan noise is audible in quiet environments. Some users find it distracting, especially at night.

Overall the Explorer 240 is a solid portable power station but the price, lack of wireless charging, and fan noise are factors to weigh. Customers need to decide if the premium Jackery brand and quality is worth the trade-offs. More affordable power stations with larger capacities exist, albeit often with cheaper build quality.

Conclusion

The Jackery Explorer 240W portable power station is an impressive product that delivers solid performance for powering and charging devices on the go. With a 240 watt-hour lithium-ion battery, it provides plenty of capacity to charge smartphones, tablets, and even small appliances when you don't have access to the grid.

The Jackery performed well in testing. It charged up quickly when connected to AC power, and maintained steady output when powering devices. The LCD screen and multiple ports make it easy to monitor status and connect various electronics. The compact, durable design is also convenient for travel and outdoor use.

In terms of downsides, the lack of solar charging may limit the battery maintenance options for some users. The LCD screen could also be brighter for outdoor visibility. However, these are minor shortcomings for an overall excellent portable power station.

With its reliable performance and generous battery capacity, the Jackery Explorer 240W is easy to recommend for RV trips, camping, outdoor events, and emergency power needs. It provides a versatile, convenient solution for powering devices off-grid. For those seeking a portable power station that balances performance, features and price, the Jackery Explorer 240W is an outstanding choice worth considering.