Goal Zero Yeti 500 vs Jackery Explorer 300: Which to Buy

The Jackery Explorer 300 and the Goal Zero Yeti 500 are evenly matched, rated 3.7 and 3.7. The Jackery Explorer 300 leads on portability and value. The Goal Zero Yeti 500 wins on AC output, features and battery life. The Jackery Explorer 300 costs $240.95 less ($259 vs $499.95).

Higher rated

Jackery Explorer 300

#6 in Small3.7Full review

A small, light LiFePO4 station for charging phones, laptops and cameras while camping or through a short outage.

Amazon $259 Jackery $289

$259

Goal Zero Yeti 500

#7 in Small3.7Full review

For outdoor use where weather resistance matters, with enough capacity for a weekend of lights, devices and a small fridge; buyers after value per watt-hour can do better elsewhere.

Amazon Goal Zero $499.95

$499.95

Prices were last checked October 24, 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 Jackery Explorer 300 for portability (86 Wh per kg (7.5 lb (3.4 kg)) vs 68 Wh per kg (16.1 lb (7.3 kg))) and value ($0.89 per rated Wh vs $1.00 per rated Wh).
Choose the Goal Zero Yeti 500 for AC output (500 W continuous AC vs 300 W continuous AC), features (UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app vs 100 W USB-C) and battery life (LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 3-year warranty).

Scores side by side

Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.

Factor weight	Jackery Explorer 300	Goal Zero Yeti 500
Overall rating	3.7/5	3.7/5
Value 25%	62 $0.89 per rated Wh	52 $1.00 per rated Wh
Tested capacity 15%	87 89% of rated capacity delivered (1 test)	50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used)
Battery life 15%	90 LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 3-year warranty	100 LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty
AC output 15%	41 300 W continuous AC	72 500 W continuous AC
Charging speed 10%	50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used)	82 0-100% on AC in 1 h 24 min
Portability 10%	74 86 Wh per kg (7.5 lb (3.4 kg))	43 68 Wh per kg (16.1 lb (7.3 kg))
Solar input 5%	50 solar input not published (neutral score used)	29 200 W max solar input
Features 5%	20 100 W USB-C	75 UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app

Independent capacity tests

Jackery Explorer 300

Tested by	Usable AC energy	Of rated	Conditions
OutdoorGearLab	260 Wh	89%	AC output test; load not stated. The spec table gives 260 Wh (89% usable) while the body text says 247 Wh. Measured charging speed 74 Wh/hr (about 4 hr full recharge).