BLUETTI AC180
#2 in Mid-sizeFull review
A heavy but efficient older 1.1kWh LiFePO4 unit that remains a strong value buy when discounted; the Elite 100 V2 is its lighter replacement.
Amazon $449$449
The BLUETTI AC180 is the better portable power station overall, rated 4.4 to 4.2. The BLUETTI AC180 leads on value, charging speed and features. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus wins on portability and solar input. The BLUETTI AC180 costs $170 less ($449 vs $619).
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
#10 in Mid-sizeFull review
A 1.26kWh LiFePO4 station with strong output for campers and outage prep, though its expansion battery is getting hard to find.
Jackery $619$619
Prices were last checked October 20, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the BLUETTI AC180 for value ($0.39 per rated Wh vs $0.49 per rated Wh), charging speed (0-100% on AC in 1 h vs 0-100% on AC in 1 h 42 min) and features (UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs expandable, 100 W USB-C, app).
- Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus for portability (87 Wh per kg (32 lb (14.5 kg)) vs 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg))) and solar input (800 W max solar input vs 500 W max solar input).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | BLUETTI AC180 | Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value 25% | 95 $0.39 per rated Wh | 81 $0.49 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 72 86% of rated capacity delivered (2 tests) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 96 LiFePO4, 3,500 cycles, 5-year warranty | 100 LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 82 1,800 W continuous AC | 88 2,000 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 73 0-100% on AC in 1 h 42 min |
| Portability 10% | 49 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg)) | 77 87 Wh per kg (32 lb (14.5 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 33 500 W max solar input | 57 800 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 65 expandable, 100 W USB-C, app |
Independent capacity tests
BLUETTI AC180
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCWorld | 970 Wh | 84% | 800W space-heater load. |
| PCWorld | 1,007 Wh | 87% | 200W incandescent-bulb load. |
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| BLUETTI AC180 | Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 1,152 Wh | 1,264 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 988 Wh (86%) | - |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,500 | 4,000 to 70%+ |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes, up to 5,056 Wh |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 1,800 W (2,700 W surge) | 2,000 W (4,000 W surge) |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 2,700 W | - |
| AC outlets | 4 total | 3 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 4 | - |
| 120V 20A outlets (NEMA 5-20R) | - | 3 |
| USB-C ports | 1 (100 W) | 2 (up to 100 W each) |
| USB-A ports | 4 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (20 ms switchover) | - |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 1,440 W | - |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h (0-80% in 45 min (manufacturer)) | 1 h 42 min (1.7 hr from a wall outlet (15A max input)) |
| Max solar input | 500 W | 800 W |
| Solar input voltage | - | 12-60V (2 x DC 8mm inputs) |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 35.3 lb (16 kg) | 32 lb (14.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.7 x 12.5 in | 14 x 10.24 x 11.14 in |
| App | Bluetooth | Jackery app (WiFi/Bluetooth) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |