Portable power stations are one of the best appliances you can ever come across. It works as an emergency kit in case you are suffering from power outages and even during blackouts. Moreover, if you are someone like me who loves camping, trekking, etc. then a portable power station manufactured by Jackery and Goal Zero can be a lifesaver for you.
Are you perhaps thinking that these are fuel-based generators? Well, they are not. Although their usefulness and primary purpose align with fuel-based generators, these portable power stations offer much cleaner energy. Not to mention, they are much quieter and offer portability as well.
Do you know that you can receive another significant advantage from these portable appliances? During emergencies, your access to fuel can be limited, which means you will be unable to use fuel-based generators after a point in time. However, if you are using a Jackery portable power station or a Goal Zero power station, you won’t need to worry about the same. This is because these power stations generate energy from solar panel setups while lithium-ion batteries are used to store the energy making their utilization quotient even more flexible.
Alternatively, you can also use these power stations to save up on your utility bills. If you use it for a few hours every day you will be able to save a lot of money. Goal Zero vs Jackery are two brands that are the most renowned ones in this industry and most people prefer using the power stations manufactured by these two companies.
In this article, our main objective will be to find out Jackery vs Goal Zero – which brand is the best when it comes to portable power stations and which can be preferable depending on your requirements and situations.
Goal Zero Vs Jackery: Things to consider before purchasing a portable power station
Indeed, people often get confused when it comes to choosing the best between Goal Zero Vs Jackery. However, a lot of us are unaware of the factors we need to consider before purchasing a power station. Knowing these factors is more important than zeroing in on the best among the most renowned brands in the industry.
Hence, before we move on to determine “Goal Zero Vs Jackery, which one is better?” Let us focus on knowing what you should take into consideration before deciding to buy a portable power station for yourself.
Handling the wattage
For portable power stations, the maximum power remains between 3000 watts to 5000 watts. However, this is not the regular power supply that you will receive consistently from the power station which is why you will have to focus on its limit of managing continuous power.
In case the power station comes with a lithium-ion battery then the range you should look out for is 550 watts to 1100 watts. This is enough to supply power to large devices such as microwaves, power tools, vacuums, etc. along with devices like tablets and laptops.
Charging options
Although the portable power stations can be charged using a wall outlet they are also compatible with solar energy and that is the reason why you can use solar panels to easily charge the power stations. Using solar energy is a straightforward, popular, and cost-effective way to accumulate energy in these power stations.
Level of noise
Generators can be smelly, and extremely noisy. Not to mention they also release poisonous gases. However, with portable power stations, you won’t have to worry about these kinds of problems because they are energy efficient, silent, and eco-friendly. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
A lot of portable power stations come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for ease of usage. Moreover, the apps introduced by the companies can help you monitor the current status of the power stations. There is a display option available in models through which you can observe the power consumption along with where it is being used. Power stations with all these features can make things easier for you.
Safety options
A lot of power stations come with SOS signals and powerful flashlights that can help you out during power outages. You can also keep it inside your tent, RV, home, etc. because they don’t release any kind of smoke or fumes. If you are using medical devices at night, you can also use these portable power stations and keep them safely beside your bed.
Plugs and ports
The portable power station comes with multiple ports and plugs which are sufficient for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and large devices. For example, Goal Zero Yeti 200X comes with 4 USB slots along with 3 separate ports.
Goal Zero Vs Jackery: Which brand has the best portable power station?
Power stations have become extremely popular among people because of their various features and benefits. Nevertheless, a lot of people get confused when it comes to purchasing the best portable power stations that will meet all of their requirements. This is specifically because of Goal Zero and Jackery, these two companies have made quite a name for themselves in this portable power station market.
If you are someone who is facing similar problems then you don’t have to worry about the same anymore. In this article, we will discuss some of the best portable power stations manufactured by Jackery vs Goal Zero and try to find out which brand is the best among these two.
Jackery Explorer 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium
About Jackery Explorer 500
Jackery Explorer 500 comes with a battery management system which makes the power station more efficient than any other power station with the same capabilities. With a wattage capacity of 500 watts, you can use this power station to recharge or run a TV, fan, mini cooler, projector, etc. There are a total of 7 ports available in this product and the battery capacity of the Jackery Explorer 500 is 518Wh. The incorporation of an MPPT charge controller in this portable power station makes it a unique product.
About Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium has the ability to 7 devices simultaneously. The total output wattage of this power station is 1200 watts. You can use this device to power up smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, mini-fridges, and other small devices. Moreover, there are a total of 7 USB ports available in this power station.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium charges faster than any other portable power station and the maximum output it can offer is 88 watts. The size of this portable device is also compact and it comes with a portable which means you can keep it anywhere you want to.
List of solar panels that can be used in both devices
The following solar panels can be used in both devices for recharging
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
- Rockpals 100W,
- Jackery SolarSaga 60W
In case you are using solar panels MC4 connectors then you should opt for
- Renogy 50W
- Renogy 100W
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 500 | Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium |
| Wattage Capacity | 500 watts | 1200 watts |
| Battery Capacity | 518Wh | — |
| Ports | 7 Ports | 7 USB Ports |
| Charging Speed | Efficient charging | Faster charging |
| Versatility | TV, fan, mini cooler, projector, etc. | Smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, mini-fridges, and other small devices |
| Solar Panel Compatibility | Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, Rockpals 100W, Jackery SolarSaga 60W, Renogy 50W, Renogy 100W | —- |
| Size | — | Compact |
| Additional Features | Battery management system, MPPT charge controller | — |
Which one is the better choice?
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium charges faster than Jackery Explorer 500 but its battery capacity is lesser than Explorer 500. In case you want to use a mini cooler or even fridge, then opting for Jackery Explorer 500 would be the best option. The Jackery Explorer 500 also comes with a car charger which is why people who regularly go camping, hiking, use an RV, etc. opt for Jackery Explorer 500.
Jackery Explorer 1000 and Goal Zero Yeti 1000X
About Jackery Explorer 1000
Jackery Explorer 1000 is a compact power station with an efficient charging option. With the help of two 100W solar panels (preferably Jackery SolarSaga 100W), you can charge up the entire power station within 6 hours or less. It is an ideal product if you want to go camping or travel. You can also use it during power outages at your home. There are a total of 8 ports avail in Jackery Explorer 1000 and it has successfully passed the UL drop test. Most importantly, you won’t hear any noise while using this power station for charging.
About Goal Zero Yeti 1000X
The battery size of the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X is extremely high and it is comparatively more powerful than similar models with the same specs. It is an extremely versatile power station that can power up multiple appliances and kitchen tools. The inbuilt MPPT system of this product increases the solar input by 30% which is why it charges so much faster using solar panels. You can monitor every single detail in this power station through its monitor.
List of solar panels that can be used in both devices
The following solar panels can be used in both devices for recharging
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W
- Rockpals 100W,
- Jackery SolarSaga 60W
In case you are using solar panels MC4 connectors then you should opt for
- Renogy 50W
- Renogy 100W
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 1000 | Goal Zero Yeti 1000X |
| Charging Time | 6 hours or less | Faster charging |
| Solar Panel Compatibility | Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, Jackery SolarSaga 100W, Rockpals 100W, Jackery SolarSaga 60W, Renogy 50W, Renogy 100W | — |
| Ports | 8 Ports | No ports |
| Noise Level | No Noise | — |
| Battery Size | High Battery Size | — |
| Versatility | Camping, travel, power outages | Multiple appliances, kitchen tools |
| Monitoring | — | Monitor available |
| UL Drop Test | Successfully passed | — |
Which one is the better choice?
Among these two products, Goal Zero Yeti 1000X is a far superior option because it has lots of additional features that can benefit you a lot. For example, you can run a microwave using the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X but Jackery Explorer 1000 is not sufficient enough to operate the same. Similarly, you can also increase the input capacity of Goal Zero Yeti 1000X because of its MPPT system.
Jackery Explorer 160 and Goal Zero Yeti 200X
About Jackery Explorer 160
Jackery Explorer 160 is a lightweight portable power station that is perfect for road trips, camping, etc. There are a total of 5 power outlets (a pair of USB-A ports, an AC outlet, a standard DC 12V port, and a USB-C port.) available in this power station and the wattage capacity of this outdoor green power solution is 500 watts. You can easily recharge Jackery Explorer 160 using solar panels within 4.5 hours. It also has a flashlight feature which can be used in outdoor camping or emergencies.
About Goal Zero Yeti 200X
Goal Yeti 200X is the perfect portable power station to power up small and medium size appliances. It has a powerful inverter and the power station itself can charge laptops, drones, cameras, smartphones, etc. The wattage capacity of Goal Yeti 200X is 200 watts. This power station has a total of 7 ports (an 18W USB-C port, a 120V AC outlet, a 12V port, a pair of 2.4A USB Type-A ports, and a 6mm 12V port) with an enormous battery capacity.
List of solar panels that can be used in both devices
The following solar panels can be used in both devices for recharging
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
- Rockpals 100W,
- Jackery SolarSaga 60W
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 160 | Goal Zero Yeti 200X |
| Power Station Type | Lightweight | Portable |
| Recommended Usage | Road trips, camping, etc. | Powering small to medium-sized appliances |
| Power Outlets | 5 outlets | 7 outlets |
| Outlet Types | USB-A, AC, DC 12V, USB-C | USB-C, AC, 12V, USB Type-A, 6mm 12V |
| Wattage Capacity | 500 watts | 200 watts |
| Recharge Time | 4.5 hours (via solar panels) | Not specified |
| Additional Features | Flashlight | Not specified |
| Solar Panels Compatible | Jackery SolarSaga 60W | Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, Rockpals 100W, Jackery SolarSaga 60W |
Why is Jackery Explorer 160 a better choice?
If we are to compare Jackery vs Goal Zero models, then Jackery Explorer 160 becomes a better choice due to the power station being lightweight, incorporating a flashlight and there is a car charger available as well. You can also closely monitor the battery percentage of the Jackery Explorer 160.
Jackery Explorer 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500X
About Jackery Explorer 500
The battery capacity of the Jackery Explorer 500 is higher than any other model with similar specifications. You may use this power outlet to recharge or power a 500-watt-capable TV, fan, micro cooler, projector, etc. If the devices you will power up needs more than 300W electricity then Jackery Explorer 500 is the ideal option for you. The Jackery Explorer 500 has 7 ports accessible with a battery capacity of 518Wh. The device also has an inbuilt flash light.
About Goal Zero Yeti 500X
One of the easy-to-use portable power stations is Goal Zero Yeti 500X. It is a high-capacity power station that can power up fridges, and drones, along with small devices such as smartphones, cameras, etc. There are a total of four different port options available in this power station through which you can easily power a lot of appliances. An advanced multi-sensor battery management system has been used while designing this product which makes sure that the Lithium battery receives protection.
List of solar panels that can be used in both devices
The following solar panels can be used in both devices for recharging
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
- Rockpals 100W,
- Jackery SolarSaga 60W
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 500 | Goal Zero Yeti 500X |
| Power Station Type | Portable | Portable |
| Recommended Usage | Powering devices like TVs, fans, projectors, etc. | Powering fridges, drones, smartphones, cameras, etc. |
| Power Outlets | 7 outlets | 4 outlets |
| Outlet Types | AC, DC, USB-A, USB-C | AC, DC, USB Type-A, USB-C |
| Wattage Capacity | Not specified | Not specified |
| Battery Capacity | 518Wh | Not specified |
| Additional Features | Flashlight | Advanced multi-sensor battery management system |
| Solar Panels Compatible | Jackery SolarSaga 60W | Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, Rockpals 100W, Jackery SolarSaga 60W |
Which one is the better choice?
The inverter of Jackery Explorer 500 is more powerful than Goal Zero Yeti 500X but you can still opt for Goal Zero Yeti 500X if you want to power gaming consoles, laptops, TVs, etc. If we compare the above-mentioned models then Goal Zero Yeti 500X is a better choice because of an extra AC outlet, compact design, and better monitoring screen.
Final words
To be honest, there is no definite answer to the question “Jackery vs Goal Zero | Which is the Best Portable Power Station?” because both of them have their very own unique features along with advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it all comes down to individual requirements and that is the reason why some models of Jackery or Goal Zero may seem better than others but both of them are exceptional brands that make excellent quality products.
Frequently asked questions
What is better than Jackery?
Jackery and Goal Zero are two of the most prominent power station manufacturers to date. The power stations produced by these two companies are simply phenomenal and offer the best features in the industry. Some of the best products manufactured by these two companies are Jackery Explorer 2000 and the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X.
Is Jackery the best brand?
Yes, Jackery is one of the best brands when it comes to power stations. It is widely popular for producing some of the best portable power station models such as Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, Jackery Explorer 1000, Jackery Explorer 160, etc. These power stations can be used on road trips, in emergencies, campings, hiking, etc.
Is Goal Zero Made in the USA?
Although the design and engineering of the Goal Zero power station models are done in Utah state, USA. They are manufactured in factories in China.
Why buy a Jackery?
If you are searching for an efficient and affordable power solution during your trekking or road trips then Jackery portable power stations are the perfect solution. For example, we can look at the Jackery Explorer 1000 model. A top-notch solar generator for basic power needs, the Explorer 1000 features a 1002Wh lithium battery, along with a 1000W inverter, and solar charging.
What is the most powerful Jackery?
If we are to discuss the most powerful model of Jackery then we need to mention the Jackery Explorer 1000. This power station can impart 1000W of power (2000W surge power) through various output ports. The overall capacity of this power station is 1002Wh.
We have conducted in-depth research on every product before writing down their details and it applies to both Goal Zero and Jackery Portable Power Stations. Moreover, the questions answered in the FAQ section have been taken from the ‘People also ask’ section of Google.
