The Growatt HELIOS 3600 is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.9 to 3.8. The Growatt HELIOS 3600 leads on value, solar input and charging speed. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus wins on AC output. The Growatt HELIOS 3600 costs $1,829.27 less ($1,198.98 vs $3,028.25).
A 3.7 kWh home backup station for buyers who want 240V from one unit and the option to grow toward whole-home backup. At the Amazon price it is one of the cheaper ways to get that much LiFePO4 capacity.
Amazon $1,198.98 Growatt $1,599A 5kWh, 240V home-backup system for households that want to power large appliances through a transfer switch.
Amazon $3,028.25 Jackery $3,149Prices 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.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every home backup portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Growatt HELIOS 3600 | Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 96 $0.33 per rated Wh | 54 $0.60 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, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 37 3,600 W continuous AC | 100 7,200 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 32 0-100% on AC in 3 h | 16 0-100% on AC in 3 h 30 min |
| Portability 10% | 67 82 Wh per kg (99 lb (45 kg)) | 68 83 Wh per kg (134.5 lb (61 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 46 2,000 W max solar input | 10 1,200 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 100 UPS (20 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app |
| Growatt HELIOS 3600 | Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 3,686 Wh | 5,040 Wh |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 4,000 4000+ cycles; end-of-life capacity not stated | 4,000 to 70%+ |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes, up to 60,000 Wh |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 3,600 W | 7,200 W (14,400 W surge) |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 4,500 W | - |
| AC outlets | 6 total | 6 total |
| 120V 20A outlets (NEMA 5-20R) | 4 | 4 |
| RV 30A outlet (TT-30R) | 1 | - |
| 120/240V 30A twist-lock (NEMA L14-30R) | - | 1 |
| 120/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R) | - | 1 |
| 240V 20A outlet (NEMA 6-20R) | 1 | - |
| USB-C ports | 4 (up to 100 W each) | 2 (up to 100 W each) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| DC5521 ports | 2 | - |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (20 ms switchover) | Yes (20 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 1,800 W | - |
| Full AC charge time | 3 h (About 3 h from 120V at 1800W, or 1.5 h from 240V at 3600W (manufacturer)) | 3 h 30 min (3.5 hr from a 120V 15A outlet; 1.7 hr through the Smart Transfer Switch) |
| Max solar input | 2,000 W | 1,200 W |
| Solar input voltage | 12-60V | 2 x 16-60V DC8mm low-PV (1,200W) + 135-450V 15A high-PV (wattage not published) |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 99 lb (45 kg) | 134.5 lb (61 kg) |
| Dimensions | 20.4 x 12.3 x 16.5 in | 16.5 x 15.5 x 25 in |
| App | myGro app (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) | Jackery app |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
