The Goal Zero Yeti 500 rates 3.7 among small portable power stations; the Jackery Explorer 500 v2 rates 3.4 among mid-size ones. The Jackery Explorer 500 v2 costs $140.95 less ($359 vs $499.95).
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 $499.95A small, light LiFePO4 station for camping, CPAP and keeping a router up through short outages.
Amazon $359Prices 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.
These two sit in different size classes (small and mid-size), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | Jackery Explorer 500 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 25% | 52 $1.00 per rated Wh | 53 $0.70 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 100 LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty | 100 LiFePO4, 6,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 72 500 W continuous AC | 0 500 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 82 0-100% on AC in 1 h 24 min | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 43 68 Wh per kg (16.1 lb (7.3 kg)) | 81 90 Wh per kg (12.6 lb (5.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 29 200 W max solar input | 28 200 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 75 UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app | 55 UPS (10 ms), 100 W USB-C |
| Goal Zero Yeti 500 | Jackery Explorer 500 v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 499.2 Wh | 512 Wh |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 4,000 to 80% | 6,000 to 70%+ |
| Expandable | No | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 500 W (1,000 W surge) | 500 W (1,000 W surge) |
| AC outlets | 2 total | 2 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 2 | - |
| 120V 20A outlets (NEMA 5-20R) | - | 2 |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | - |
| USB-C ports | 2 (up to 100 W each) | 2 (up to 100 W each) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 1 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (20 ms switchover) | Yes (10 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 500 W | - |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h 24 min (1.4 h in fast mode, 500W (manufacturer spec table; product copy says 90 min); ships in 240W low mode, about 3 h) | - |
| Max solar input | 200 W | 200 W |
| Solar input voltage | 8mm 12.3-28V, up to 10A | 16-60V (1 x DC8020 input, shared with car input) |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 16.1 lb (7.3 kg) | 12.6 lb (5.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 11.32 x 7.82 x 7.8 in | 31.1 x 20.5 x 15.7 cm |
| App | Goal Zero Power app | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
