Bluetti vs Jackery
Portable power stations are an excellent alternative to traditional solar systems. Over the past five years working as a solar system installer, I’ve been asked countless times about the differences between many products, including Bluetti and Jackery.
This article will review the portable Bluetti and Jackery power station product ranges specifically, and it’s worth mentioning that both brands also make solar panels and sell solar generator kits.
The main differences between Bluetti and Jackery portable power stations are:
- Bluetti’s battery tech allows significantly more lifetime charging cycles than Jackery’s.
- Bluetti charges faster than the Jackery as it uses a lithium-ion phosphate battery.
- Jackery offers more model choices.
- Bluetti offers more accessories than the Jackery.
Which Is Better: Bluetti or Jackery?
Bluetti and Jackery are both quality brands offering portability, making them ideal for applications requiring AC power.
Uses such as camping, powering items in an RV, vehicle, or boat, supplying power to medical equipment, and even supplying power in disasters come to mind.
Bluetti presents a sleek, cube-shaped power station equipped with a convenient fold-away handle and an intelligent color display that provides essential data in a range of vibrant colors.
Meanwhile, Jackery boasts a distinctive black exterior accented with eye-catching orange details and a fixed-position carry handle, giving it its signature look.
While Jackery’s display is more straightforward, providing essential information at a glance, Bluetti stands out with more outlet ports, enhancing its versatility.
Furthermore, select Bluetti models offer Wi-Fi connectivity via their app, enabling remote monitoring of the station’s performance.
The most significant difference is the batteries used in the two power stations. The Lithium-ion phosphate batteries offer 2500 plus cycles, while the Jackery Lithium-ion batteries only offer 500 plus cycles before needing replacement.
Bluetti has a clear edge in battery longevity and charges faster via AC outlets, cigarette lighters, or solar panels compared to Jackery.
In summary, Bluetti emerges as the superior choice, boasting modern designs, consistently higher battery capacity across its range, and an impressive battery lifespan. Jackery is the way to go for basic and reliable options if you’re seeking budget-friendly, portable power stations.
Comparison Of Bluetti And Jackery
Bluetti and Jackery offer various models catering to a vast number of applications. Jackery offers nine models providing power delivery options ranging from the Explorer 160 to the top of the Explorer 2000 Pro model.
Bluetti offers five portable power station models ranging from EBCA – 600 watt to AC200P – 2000 watt. All models are solar-compatible. Bluetti offers an innovative option that allows additional batteries to be added to the 200AC MAX model, increasing its storage capacity.
The appliances you intend to power using the portable solar generators will determine the model or size of the generator you need.
We have compared two of the most popular models of each brand, the Bluetti AC60 and Jackery 500, to give you a deeper idea of their differences.
Power Station Models
| Bluetti | Jackery |
|---|---|
| EB3A 600 Watt | Explorer 160 |
| EB55 700 Watt | Explorer 240 |
| EB70S 800 Watt | Explorer 500 |
| AC180 1800 Watt | Explorer 1000 |
| AC200P 2000 Watt | Explorer 1000 Pro |
| AC200 MAX (Expandable) | Explorer 1500 |
| AC300 Inverter Module (Requires B300 Batteries) | Explorer 1500 Pro |
| Explorer 2000 Pro |
Bluetti models range from the 600-watt output to the 2000-watt portable unit. The AC300 Inverter module is offered for use in residential applications such as powering a home, RV, or small business premises and is sold separately from the battery.
Jackery offers a broader variety of models ranging from 160-watt to 2000-watt outputs. And they recently added the Explorer 3000 Pro aimed at powering a home. But their bread and butter is smaller power generators to power appliances during camping and road trips.
Available Charging Options
Both manufacturers use internal batteries to store energy when available. The stored energy can then be used to power a multitude of appliances. What is powered by the power station is dictated by the capacity of the inverter and battery.
But Bluetti power stations offer a pass-through feature that allows the station to be used while the unit is charging without waiting for the battery to be sufficiently charged.
Each offers various charging options to ensure the power station is always ready for use, no matter where you may find yourself. Let’s explore the charging options further.
AC Charging
Bluetti and Jackery units have a power cord that permits charging directly from an AC outlet. The charging time is fastest when utilizing grid power to charge the battery for both makes of power stations.
As I touched on earlier, Bluetti’s battery tech has the edge over Jackery regarding faster charging speed due to the different battery technologies used in the units. In terms of time, the Bluetti batteries may take longer to fully charge due to the larger batteries used in the units.
When charging the Bluetti using a combination of Solar and AC, the charging time for the largest batteries is reduced to 2.5 hours.
Car Charging
Bluetti and Jackery provide standard car charging cables. Using the 12V cigarette lighter socket, this method is handy but slower, taking up to seven hours (for the largest battery).
It’s a valuable option when grid or solar is unavailable, but regularly starting the donor vehicle is recommended to prevent battery drain.
Solar Charging
Adding solar panels to a power station as a charging option for the battery brings out the best in these systems. Solar panels are sold as part of the package or as separate accessories.
Solar panels make portable power stations and off-grid power generators, significantly enhancing portable battery storage’s versatility. Panels are the ideal solution to charge the generator when the power station is used where grid power or even vehicle battery charging is not an option.
The Jackery and the Bluetti have custom-made solar panels for use with the units. The size and wattage generated by the solar panels differ according to the station’s rated output.
Bluetti (Bluetti branded solar panels) solar panels range from 63W to 420W, while Jackery (SolarSaga) offers Solar Panels ranging from 60W to 200W. The solar panels are portable, fold up for easy storage, and have fold-out stands, making them easy to set up.
Bluetti panels are fitted with standard MC4 connectors, which makes it possible to use any correctly sized solar panel with the power stations. Jackery solar panels use Anderson-type connectors, limiting the solar panels that can be used with the Jackery’s.
Jackery and Bluetti units are supplied with the appropriate DC connector cables that link the power stations and their respective solar panels.
Technical Specifications And Features
Although both sell excellent products, their specifications do vary. From their respective product offerings, Bluetti has focused on the larger Power Stations, starting at 600W output through to sizeable domestic power plants used to power homes.
Jackery focuses mainly on portable power stations, starting their range at 160W output, which is excellent for running a light or two and charging mobile phones, laptops, and such.
| Technical Specifications | Bluetti | Jackery |
|---|---|---|
| Inverter Type | Pure Sign wave | Pure Sign wave |
| Battery Capacity | 22.3AH to 40Ah | 11.6Ah to 50Ah |
| Power Output | 600W to 2000W | 160W to 2000W |
| Battery Type | LiFePo4 | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Cycles | 2500 to 3500 | 500 to 1000 |
| Output Ports | 9 to 17 | 5 |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Yes | No |
| Weight | 10lbs (4.5kg) to 60.6lbs (27.5kg) | 3.97lbs (1.8kg) to 43lbs (19.5kg) |
| Solar Input, Max | 700W | 60W to 800W |
| Standard Accessories | Car, AC, and DC Cords | Car, AC, and DC cords |
| Charging Options | 7 | 3 |
| Charging Time AC Outlet | 3.5 to 6 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Charging Time 12V Outlet | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging Time Solar Panel | 3.5 hours | 2.5 to 14.5 hours |
| Color Options | Various | 1 |
| Built-In Light | No | Yes |
| Smart Control and Monitoring App | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 2 to 4 Years | 3 with a 2-year optional extension |
Regarding the standard offering, the Jackery 2000 Pro model offers the largest battery capacity at 50Ah. However, despite its 1000 plus expected battery cycles, which is double that of its smaller power station siblings, it falls short of the Bluetti’s 3500 maximum battery cycles.
Bluetti offers charging from the solar panels and the grid simultaneously, which is a great feature when you require fast charging of the battery.
The Bluetti power stations offer the Bluetti App, which allows remote monitoring of the power stations’ performance and vital statistics such as the batteries’ state of charge. The App is a great feature to have if Wi-Fi connectivity is available.
Frequently Asked
What’s the price difference?
The pricing indicated on the Jackery home page starts at $320, to the top of the range AC200 Pro, including 6 x 200w solar panels for $6200.
Bluetti portable power stations offer excellent value, with the E3BA 600w power station costing about $300 plus another $150 for the 68w Solar panel. The top-of-the-range AC200P costs around $1600, then add to that $1100 for the 420W solar array. Great value, indeed.
Are there other brands to consider?
The mobile power station market is fiercely competitive, given the wide range of uses the stations allow. Bluetti and Jackery are market leaders in their fields and are regularly used to similar benchmark products.
Other brands like Ecoflow and Goal Zero are right up there with them, and you should compare them side-by-side when you’re shopping around.
Personally, I am a fan of EF, and you can look at these articles about Ecoflow and Bluetti, Goal Zero and Bluetti to assist your buying decisions.
Is there a warranty and customer support?
Bluetti and Jackery have been around for many years. Both the companies are US-based, with Bluetti operating out of Las Vegas and Jackery based in Fremont, California.
Jackery and Bluetti offer various product warranties depending on the model of the generator. Jackery power stations are covered by warranties ranging from 24 months to 60 months when the extended warranty is chosen. Bluetti warranties range from 24 to 48 months.
In the reviews read in our research, Jackery has excellent after-sales customer support. Bluetti also offers superior customer support, with the only complaint found being that warranty repairs took a long time to resolve.
Both companies offer online and direct contact support to their customers worldwide. Local distribution networks are well established, so no matter which part of the world you buy a Bluetti or Jackery power station, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
What accessories can I add?
Bluetti has extensive accessories for their power stations, ranging from various AC and DC cables, Extension cables, car charging cables, and Solar panels.
Jackery offers several practical accessories, such as a carry case for the power station unit, extension cables, an automobile battery charging cable, and solar panels.
How to take care of your Bluetti or Jackery
Preserving the battery, given it is the heart of the system and storage device, is vital to ensuring its longevity. Jackery recommends that the battery not be discharged below 20% (80% Depth of discharge) when storing the unit for an extended period.
Like any electronic device, care should be taken not to handle the units in a way that may damage them. They’re mobile and built to withstand knocks and bumps, but care should be exercised.
In terms of water resistance, both power station models are IP65 rated, meaning they’re water resistant. Submerging or leaving the units in the rain or snow is not advised.
Always use Bluetti and Jackery with their recommended accessories, like the proper solar panel wattage. Overloading beyond the rated power can harm battery life and risk damaging the inverter.
Final Verdict
Bluetti and Jackery power stations are excellent quality products backed up with comparative warranties.
Bluetti power stations offer slightly larger stations from the get-go, while Jackery caters to the end user, requiring only the bare minimum backup power through to the 2000-watt station.
Both brands can be used with solar panels and offer several battery charging options such as solar, AC, car charging, and a combination of solar and AC in the case of the Bluetti.
Bluetti batteries offer significantly more cycles, directly affecting the power station’s useful life before replacing the battery. Bluetti offers more output ports than Jackery, and the AC200 MAX model is modular, which is a great feature.
