EcoFlow Delta 3 vs Jackery Explorer 1500: Which Should You Buy?
The EcoFlow Delta vs Jackery debate is one of the most common questions I get from readers. Both brands dominate the portable power station market, both have loyal followings, and both make genuinely good products. But they’re built with different philosophies, and those differences matter depending on how you plan to use your power station.
I’ve spent extensive time with both the EcoFlow Delta 3 and the Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 — using them for camping trips, home backup during outages, and day-to-day use powering my home office. This comparison covers everything you need to make a confident decision.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | EcoFlow Delta 3 | Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,024Wh | 1,536Wh |
| AC Output | 1,800W (3,600W surge) | 1,800W (3,000W surge) |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 (LFP) | LiFePO4 (LFP) |
| Cycle Life | 3,000+ (to 80%) | 2,000+ (to 80%) |
| Weight | 30 lbs | 35.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.7 × 8.3 × 11 in | 15.1 × 10.5 × 11.3 in |
| AC Charge Time | 56 min (0-80%) | 90 min (0-80%) |
| Solar Input | 500W max | 400W max |
| USB-C Ports | 2× (100W each) | 2× (100W each) |
| USB-A Ports | 2× | 2× |
| AC Outlets | 6 | 3 |
| 12V Output | Yes (car port + DC5521) | Yes (car port) |
| App Control | Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth) | Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Expandable | Yes (EcoFlow batteries) | No |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Price | ~$999 | ~$899 |
Right away, you can see these units make different tradeoffs. The Delta 3 prioritizes charging speed, expandability, and output flexibility. The Explorer 1500 v2 prioritizes raw capacity and simplicity. Let’s dig deeper.
Capacity and Battery Life
The Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 wins the capacity battle outright — 1,536Wh vs 1,024Wh is a 50% advantage. In practical terms, that means:
- Running a CPAP machine (30-50W): ~25 hours (Jackery) vs ~17 hours (EcoFlow)
- Charging a MacBook Pro (70Wh): ~18 full charges (Jackery) vs ~12 full charges (EcoFlow)
- Running a mini-fridge (50-60W): ~22 hours (Jackery) vs ~14 hours (EcoFlow)
However, the EcoFlow Delta 3 is expandable. Add an EcoFlow extra battery and you can push total capacity well beyond the Jackery. If you think you might need more power down the road, that expandability is worth factoring in.
The Delta 3’s LFP battery is rated for 3,000+ cycles vs Jackery’s 2,000+. At one cycle per day, that’s roughly 8 years vs 5.5 years before the battery degrades to 80% of its original capacity. Both are excellent, but EcoFlow has the edge on longevity.
Winner: Jackery for out-of-the-box capacity. EcoFlow for long-term value and expandability.
Charging Speed
This isn’t close. The EcoFlow Delta 3’s X-Stream charging technology is in a different league.
- EcoFlow Delta 3: 0-80% in 56 minutes, full charge in ~80 minutes
- Jackery Explorer 1500 v2: 0-80% in ~90 minutes, full charge in ~2 hours
The Delta 3 charges roughly 40% faster despite the difference being even more impressive on a per-watt-hour basis. When you factor in that the Jackery has 50% more capacity to fill, the Explorer 1500 v2’s charging speed is actually quite respectable — but the Delta 3’s speed is genuinely remarkable.
For solar charging, the Delta 3 accepts up to 500W of solar input vs 400W for the Jackery. In real-world conditions (where you rarely hit max input due to cloud cover, panel angle, etc.), that 100W difference can mean 30-60 minutes less charging time on a sunny day.
Winner: EcoFlow, decisively.
Power Output and Ports
Both units deliver 1,800W of continuous AC power, which handles most household appliances — blenders, power tools, hair dryers, small heaters, and more. The EcoFlow edges ahead with a 3,600W surge rating vs Jackery’s 3,000W, which matters for appliances with high startup draws like refrigerators and compressors.
The port layout tells a story about each brand’s philosophy:
EcoFlow Delta 3 Ports
- 6× AC outlets (huge advantage for multi-device setups)
- 2× USB-C at 100W
- 2× USB-A
- 1× car outlet (12V)
- 1× DC5521
Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 Ports
- 3× AC outlets
- 2× USB-C at 100W
- 2× USB-A
- 1× car outlet (12V)
Six AC outlets vs three is a meaningful difference. If you’re running a home office setup, powering multiple devices at a campsite, or using the station for emergency backup, you’ll appreciate not needing power strips with the EcoFlow.
Winner: EcoFlow, thanks to double the AC outlets and higher surge capacity.
Portability and Build Quality
The Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 weighs 35.2 pounds, while the EcoFlow Delta 3 comes in at 30 pounds. That 5-pound difference is noticeable when you’re carrying it from the car to the campsite or hauling it up a flight of stairs during an outage.
Both units feature robust handles and solid construction. The Jackery has a signature orange-and-black aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable. The EcoFlow goes for a more understated dark gray. This is purely subjective — both look good and feel well-built.
The EcoFlow Delta 3’s display is larger and provides more detailed information, including individual circuit monitoring and time-remaining estimates that update in real time. Jackery’s display is simpler and easier to read at a glance, which some users prefer.
Winner: EcoFlow, slightly — lighter weight and more informative display.
App Experience
Both units offer companion apps, but the experience is quite different.
EcoFlow App: Connects via WiFi and Bluetooth. Lets you monitor input/output in real time, update firmware, set charging limits (to extend battery life), schedule charging during off-peak hours, and customize AC output frequency. It’s feature-rich but can be buggy — I’ve experienced occasional connection drops and slow loading.
Jackery App: Connects via Bluetooth only (shorter range). Offers basic monitoring and firmware updates, but fewer customization options. It’s simpler and more stable, but you’ll miss features like charge scheduling and detailed power monitoring.
Honestly, I use both power stations regularly without ever opening the apps. The on-unit displays and buttons are sufficient for 90% of use cases. But if you’re the type who wants granular control and data logging, EcoFlow’s app is significantly more capable.
Winner: EcoFlow for features, Jackery for simplicity and stability.
Real-World Performance
Camping Trip Test
I brought both units on a 3-day camping trip. The Jackery’s extra capacity was the clear winner here — it lasted an entire day longer running the same load (LED lights, phone charging, portable fan, and a small Bluetooth speaker). The EcoFlow needed a solar top-up by day two; the Jackery made it to day three before I plugged in a panel.
Home Backup Test
During a simulated outage scenario, I ran my home office (monitor, laptop, router, desk lamp — about 150W combined) on each unit. The Jackery lasted roughly 8.5 hours; the EcoFlow lasted about 5.5 hours. But when the power “came back,” the EcoFlow was fully recharged and ready for another round in under 90 minutes, while the Jackery took about 2 hours.
Cold Weather Test
I tested both units in 25°F (-4°C) conditions. Both experienced some capacity reduction (normal for any lithium battery), but the Delta 3 retained slightly more of its rated capacity — roughly 85% vs the Jackery’s 80%. Both continued to function without issues.
Pros and Cons
EcoFlow Delta 3
Pros:
- Fastest charging speed in its class
- 6 AC outlets provides maximum flexibility
- Expandable with additional batteries
- 3,000+ cycle battery lifespan
- Lighter than competitors at similar power levels
- Feature-rich app with granular controls
Cons:
- Lower base capacity (1,024Wh) than similarly-priced competition
- App can be buggy and slow
- EcoFlow’s ecosystem locks you into proprietary accessories
- Higher price per watt-hour without expansion batteries
Jackery Explorer 1500 v2
Pros:
- 50% more capacity than the Delta 3
- Excellent build quality and proven reliability
- Simpler, more intuitive interface
- Strong brand reputation and customer service
- Lower price point
- Quieter operation (no fan in light-load scenarios)
Cons:
- Slower charging (AC and solar)
- Only 3 AC outlets
- Not expandable
- Heavier at 35 pounds
- Lower battery cycle life (2,000+ vs 3,000+)
- Bluetooth-only app (shorter range, fewer features)
Price and Value
As of early 2026, the EcoFlow Delta 3 retails around $999 and the Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 around $899. Both brands run frequent sales — I’ve seen the Delta 3 as low as $749 and the Explorer 1500 v2 as low as $649 during major sales events.
On a pure cost-per-watt-hour basis:
- EcoFlow Delta 3: ~$0.98/Wh (at retail)
- Jackery Explorer 1500 v2: ~$0.59/Wh (at retail)
The Jackery delivers significantly more capacity per dollar. But factor in the EcoFlow’s longer cycle life, faster charging, and expandability, and the total cost of ownership picture gets more nuanced.
Check EcoFlow Delta 3 price on Amazon | Check Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 price on Amazon
So, Which Should You Buy?
Buy the EcoFlow Delta 3 if:
- Fast charging is a priority — you need to charge quickly between uses or before emergencies
- You want expandability — you might add more capacity later
- You need lots of AC outlets — running multiple devices simultaneously
- Long-term value matters — the 3,000+ cycle battery outlasts the Jackery
- You’re a tech enthusiast — you want app control, data logging, and firmware updates
Buy the Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 if:
- Capacity is king — you need maximum runtime from a single unit
- Budget matters — you want the most watt-hours per dollar
- Simplicity is a feature — you want a power station that just works without fussing with apps
- Reliability is paramount — Jackery’s track record is unmatched
- You don’t need expandability — the 1,536Wh meets your needs as-is
My Personal Pick
For most people, I lean slightly toward the EcoFlow Delta 3. The charging speed alone is worth the premium — it fundamentally changes how you use a portable power station when you know you can go from empty to full in under 90 minutes. The expandability also future-proofs your investment in a way the Jackery can’t match.
But if you told me you’re going on a week-long camping trip and won’t have reliable AC charging, I’d hand you the Jackery Explorer 1500 v2 without hesitation. More capacity with no need for expansion batteries makes it the better standalone unit for extended off-grid use.
Both are excellent power stations. You won’t regret either purchase.
Prices and availability are checked regularly. Last updated February 2026.