The Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station is a versatile and reliable power source designed for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those seeking backup power during emergencies. With its compact design, multiple output options, and long-lasting battery, the Explorer 290 offers a convenient solution for powering your devices wherever you go. In this review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Jackery Explorer 290 to help you determine if it’s the right portable power station for your needs.
In this Jackery Explorer 290 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Jackery Explorer 290 is designed with portability and durability in mind, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness.
Compact and Portable Design
The Jackery Explorer 290 features a compact design that’s easy to carry and store. Weighing just 6.6 pounds and equipped with a sturdy handle, the Explorer 290 is designed for maximum portability. Its small footprint makes it easy to pack in a car, RV, or even a backpack, ensuring you can access reliable power anywhere. The rugged exterior is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with reinforced corners and a durable casing that protects the internal components from bumps and drops.
User-Friendly Interface
The Explorer 290’s front panel is thoughtfully designed with a simple and intuitive layout. The power station features a clear LCD screen that displays important information such as battery level, input/output status, and estimated runtime. The control buttons are easy to access, allowing you to power the unit on or off quickly, switch between output modes, and activate the built-in LED flashlight. The user-friendly interface ensures you can easily operate the power station, even in low-light conditions.
Power Output and Versatility
The Jackery Explorer 290 offers a range of output options that make it versatile enough to power various devices, from small electronics to larger appliances.
Multiple Output Ports
The Jackery Explorer 290 has multiple output ports, allowing you to simultaneously charge and power a wide range of devices. The power station includes:
- 1 AC outlet (110V, 200W, 400W peak): Ideal for powering small appliances, laptops, and other electronics that require a standard AC outlet.
- 2 USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A each): Perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB-powered devices.
- 1 12V car port (12V, 10A): Suitable for powering car accessories, coolers, and other 12V devices.
The variety of output options makes the Explorer 290 a versatile power source for camping trips, road trips, and emergencies. Whether you need to charge your phone, run a small fan, or keep your laptop powered, the Explorer 290 covers you.
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The Explorer 290 features a pure sine wave inverter, which provides clean and stable power safe for sensitive electronics such as laptops, medical devices, and CPAP machines. Unlike modified sine wave inverters, which can produce power spikes and fluctuations, the pure sine wave inverter in the Explorer 290 ensures smooth and consistent power delivery, reducing the risk of damage to your devices. This makes the Explorer 290 an excellent choice for users who need reliable power for their most important electronics.
Battery Capacity and Charging
The Jackery Explorer 290 is designed to provide long-lasting power and offers multiple charging options to keep it ready for your next adventure.
High-Capacity Battery
The Explorer 290 has a 290Wh (watt-hour) lithium-ion battery, providing ample power to keep your devices running for extended periods. The high-capacity battery can charge a smartphone up to 17 times, a laptop up to 4 times, or run a small appliance like a mini-fridge for several hours. The battery’s large capacity makes it ideal for multi-day trips, outdoor activities, and emergency power backup. The Explorer 290’s battery is also designed for long-term reliability, with a lifespan of over 500 charging cycles.
Multiple Charging Options
The Jackery Explorer 290 offers several convenient ways to recharge its battery, ensuring that you can keep it powered up no matter where you are:
- Solar Charging: The Explorer 290 is compatible with Jackery’s SolarSaga 60W or 100W solar panels (sold separately), allowing you to recharge the power station using the sun’s energy. This eco-friendly option is perfect for off-grid adventures and extended trips.
- AC Wall Charging: You can charge the Explorer 290 using the included AC adapter by plugging it into a standard wall outlet. A full charge takes approximately 7.5 hours.
- Car Charging: The Explorer 290 can also be recharged using the included car charger, making it easy to top up the battery while on the road. A full charge via car charging takes about 8 hours.
The flexibility of these charging options ensures that the Explorer 290 is always ready to provide power when you need it most.
Performance and Reliability
The Jackery Explorer 290 delivers reliable performance, making it a dependable power source for various applications.
Quiet Operation
One of the standout features of the Explorer 290 is its quiet operation. Unlike traditional gas-powered generators, which can be noisy and produce fumes, the Explorer 290 operates silently and emits no harmful emissions. This makes it ideal for use in quiet environments such as campsites, RV parks, and home offices. The silent operation also ensures that the power station won’t disturb your peace, whether enjoying a night under the stars or working remotely.
Safe and Reliable Power
The Explorer 290 is designed with safety in mind, featuring built-in protections against overcharging, over-discharging, and short-circuiting. The power station’s Battery Management System (BMS) continuously monitors the health and status of the battery, ensuring safe and reliable operation. The pure sine wave inverter also provides clean and stable power, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronics. Whether powering essential devices during an emergency or charging your gadgets on a camping trip, you can trust the Explorer 290 to deliver safe and reliable power.
Value for Money
The Jackery Explorer 290 offers a compelling combination of portability, versatility, and reliability, making it an excellent value for those needing a portable power solution.
Affordable Price Point
Priced competitively within the portable power station market, the Explorer 290 offers excellent value for its features and capabilities. While larger and more powerful options are available, the Explorer 290 balances capacity, portability, and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for users who need a reliable power source for outdoor activities, road trips, or emergency preparedness without breaking the bank.
Long-Term Durability
With its durable construction, high-quality components, and reliable performance, the Jackery Explorer 290 is built to last. The power station’s robust design ensures that it can withstand the demands of outdoor use, while the long-lasting battery provides years of dependable service. For users who prioritize quality and reliability, the Explorer 290 offers long-term value, making it a smart investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and portable design for easy transportation and storage.
- Multiple output ports for powering a variety of devices simultaneously.
- Pure sine wave inverter for clean and stable power delivery.
- High-capacity battery with multiple charging options.
- Quiet operation with no emissions, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
- Limited AC output may not be sufficient for high-wattage devices.
- Solar panels sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
Conclusion
The Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station is a versatile and reliable power source perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, and emergency backup. With its compact design, multiple output options, and long-lasting battery, the Explorer 290 provides the convenience and peace of mind you need when you’re off the grid or facing a power outage. Whether you’re a camper, traveler, or looking to stay prepared for emergencies, the Jackery Explorer 290 offers a well-rounded, affordable solution that won’t disappoint.
Summary of Jackery Explorer 290 Features
Feature | Description |
Battery Capacity | 290Wh lithium-ion battery |
Output Ports | 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A ports, 1 12V car port |
Inverter Type | Pure sine wave inverter |
Weight | 6.6 pounds |
Best For | Camping, road trips, emergency power, outdoor activities |
Jackery Explorer 290 FAQ
What is the capacity of the Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Solar Generator?
The Jackery Explorer 290 has a power capacity of 290 watt-hours (Wh).
How many devices can the Jackery Explorer 290 charge simultaneously?
It can charge up to four devices at the same time.
What types of devices can I power with the Jackery Explorer 290?
You can power small devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, drones, lights, and CPAP machines.