Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Review

As a photographer or videographer, you’ll often find that you need to work away from the studio; the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is a portable power station that enables you to have all of those home comforts of studio life out in the field.

What makes the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro stand out is the impressive 1800W maximum power output; what this means in real terms is that it can provide ample power for cameras, lighting, laptops, and even a small kettle, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs reliable power on location.

In terms of specifications, this power station boasts a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1512Wh (43.2V 35Ah) that can power up to eight devices simultaneously with one device per socket or port. It has two AC outlets with a maximum output of 1800W (3600W peak), two USB-C ports with a maximum output of 100W, and one car charger and one quick charge 3.0 USB-A port with a maximum output of 18W. Additionally, it has both AC and DC input ports for charging and comes with a range of charging options, including an AC adapter, a 12V car adapter, and solar panels.

What sets the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro apart from other portable power stations is its rugged and durable design, which is perfect for outdoor use although it isn’t weather proof. The power station is made from materials that have proved physically tough through-out the test. The physical knocks and bangs that the power station has been subjected to throughout the test are coupled with the technical material specifications which include UL 94V-0 fireproof material and a multi-duct design for improved heat dissipation which helps it run quietly for most situations.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is an excellent choice when you need a portable and reliable power source for your equipment. Its build quality features is robust with a durable design that can withstand a bit more than most. With the large foldable handle, it’s relatively easy to carry and move around when on or getting to a location.

The 1800W output provides plenty of power for your cameras, lighting, laptops, and even small appliances such as a kettle or low powered heater.

During testing, I found that the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro was able to provide ample power to all of my equipment, including cameras, lighting, and laptops. The 1500W capacity is just enough to see through the day with some heavy computer use and coffee drinking. The handle makes it very easy for you to move it around, and it was used as the main power source for the Canon EOS R5 C, which is power-hungry.

The two 100W PD ports are a standout feature, allowing you to charge your cameras and laptops simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for those using the latest cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 C and my MacBook Pro M1. When you’re back at the studio, the charging times are fast, with the unit taking around an hour and a half to top up fully. On-site, a 350W panel was used to keep the unit topped up throughout the day, as the weather was sunny with clouds the input from the pannels varied greatly through the day.

Some of the weaker points around the design are the small display and simple monitoring, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is very much a plug-in and go option. However, you can see the charge left on the bright clear screen on the front and the powerdraw. The lack of detailed feedback is a minor issue compared to the overall performance of the unit, and you’ll find that it provides you with the power you need for all your photo and video shoot requirements.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is an impressive power station that’s perfect for photographers and videographers who need a portable and reliable power source for their equipment. The build quality is excellent, with a rugged design that can withstand more than most and the large, foldable handle that makes it easy to move and carry around. While it’s relatively heavy, the design makes it easy enough to move around on set or lug to location.

One of the downsides of this power station is that the output options are limited to only two AC sockets. However, it’s easy to add an extension cable to give you more AC options, and the 1800W output provides plenty of power for cameras, lighting, laptops, and even a small sub 1500w kettle.

I did find that I needed to keep an eye on the display to check the power draw, as the 1800W can disappear rapidly with multiple devices being powered, even for a short blast such as using the kettle.

The two 100W PD ports are a standout feature, allowing for simultaneous charging or the powering of cameras and laptops, making it an ideal choice for those using the latest cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 C and laptop like my MacBook Pro.

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro feels tougher than most and has a design that makes it look and feel outdoorsy. It’s a good all-around choice for photographers and videographers, and it can stand up to more than a knock or two. It’s not actually water-resistant, but it’s solid.

The LCD info display could be more detailed, but it does the job of providing basic monitoring of the power status. Charging times when back at the studio were fast, with the unit taking around an hour and a half to top up fully. On-site, a 350W panel was used to keep the unit topped up throughout the day.

Overall, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro is a great power station that charges quickly and provides the power you need for your photo and video shoot requirements. Its robust design makes it an excellent option for use on-site, and the two 100W PD ports are handy for powering cameras and laptops. While the LCD info display could be a little more detailed, it does the job and provides basic monitoring of the power status. The 1800W output ensures that plenty of cameras and accessories can all be plugged in at the same time, and the unit is a good solid companion for any photo or video shoot where additional power is needed.