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 and the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 are evenly matched, rated 4.4 and 4.4. The BLUETTI AC180 leads on value, AC output and features. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 wins on portability. The BLUETTI AC180 costs $50 less ($449 vs $499).
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
#3 in Mid-sizeFull review
A light, simple 1kWh LiFePO4 station for campers and short outages who value portability over outlet count and expansion.
Amazon $499 Jackery $499$499
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 $0.47 per rated Wh), AC output (1,800 W continuous AC vs 1,500 W continuous AC) and features (UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app).
- Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 for portability (99 Wh per kg (23.8 lb (10.8 kg)) vs 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg))).
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 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value 25% | 95 $0.39 per rated Wh | 84 $0.47 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 72 86% of rated capacity delivered (2 tests) | 74 86% of rated capacity delivered (2 tests) |
| 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 | 70 1,500 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h |
| Portability 10% | 49 72 Wh per kg (35.3 lb (16 kg)) | 98 99 Wh per kg (23.8 lb (10.8 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 33 500 W max solar input | 26 400 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 75 UPS (20 ms), 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 v2
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutdoorGearLab | 910 Wh | 85% | Light-bar load bank at roughly 80% of rated AC output, 100% to shutdown. Measured charging rate 563 Wh/hr (about 1.6 hr full recharge). |
| The Solar Lab | - | 87.5% | 1,479W load ran 37.5 minutes versus 43 minutes expected from rated capacity. |
Specifications
| BLUETTI AC180 | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 1,152 Wh | 1,070 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 988 Wh (86%) | 923 Wh (86%) |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,500 | 4,000 to 70%+ |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 1,800 W (2,700 W surge) | 1,500 W (3,000 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 | 1 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (20 ms switchover) | Yes (20 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 1,440 W | - |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h (0-80% in 45 min (manufacturer)) | 1 h (60 min with Emergency Super Charge enabled in the app; 1.58 hr standard) |
| Max solar input | 500 W | 400 W |
| Solar input voltage | - | 12-60V (2 x DC 8mm inputs) |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 35.3 lb (16 kg) | 23.8 lb (10.8 kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.7 x 12.5 in | 12.87 x 8.82 x 9.72 in |
| App | Bluetooth | Jackery app |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |