As someone who lives the RV life full-time and relies heavily on portable power, I’ve had my fair share of experience with power stations. Over the years, I’ve tested several brands, but two have really stood out—Bluetti EB3A and Jackery Explorer 300. And yes, I personally own both of these little workhorses, so this comparison isn’t just based on specs—I’ve used them on the road, in campgrounds, during power outages, and everywhere in between.
So if you’re on the fence about which one to choose, grab a cup of coffee and let’s chat. I’ll walk you through how these two stack up in real-world use.
Disclosure: I own both of these power stations. I purchased these myself. There are affiliate links in this post.
Table of Contents
- Why Portable Power Stations Matter (Especially for RVers)
- The Breakdown: Bluetti EB3A vs. Jackery Explorer 300
- What I Love (and Don’t Love) About Each
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Why Portable Power Stations Matter (Especially for RVers)
Whether you’re boondocking in the desert or just need backup power during a campground blackout, a solid power station can make life a lot easier. They’re silent, compact, and incredibly versatile—letting you charge your phones, laptops, drones, or even run small appliances.
With that in mind, I picked up both the Bluetti EB3A and the Jackery Explorer 300 to see which one delivers the most value for us RV folks. Spoiler: they both have their strengths!
The Breakdown: Bluetti EB3A vs. Jackery Explorer 300
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to give you the essentials quickly:
What I Love (and Don’t Love) About Each
🟦 Bluetti EB3A: Power in a Punch
This thing is a beast for its size. I was honestly shocked the first time I powered my laptop, charged my drone, and ran a fan—all at once—without it breaking a sweat. The 600W output is a game-changer if you plan to power more demanding gear.
- Pros:
- Super-fast charging via AC wall outlet (about 1.5 hours!)
- 100W USB-C port is fantastic for laptops
- LiFePO₄ battery means it’ll last for years
- Wireless charging pad is a nice bonus
- Cons:
- A bit heavier and larger than Jackery
- Cooling fan can kick in and get a little noisy during high loads
🟧 Jackery Explorer 300: Lightweight & Reliable
Jackery has built a rock-solid reputation, and I’ll admit—it’s hard not to love how simple this unit is. It’s been my go-to for day hikes and quick overnight trips because of how light and compact it is.
- Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to pack
- Clean design with intuitive interface
- Reliable and consistent performance
- Great for smaller electronics and quick top-offs
- Cons:
- Only 300W output, so not for power-hungry devices and would not power my portable macerator used for dumping while moochdocking
- Slower recharge time
- No wireless charging or high-watt USB-C
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which one is better for boondocking?
If you’re boondocking often, the Bluetti EB3A wins for its higher power output and fast recharge speed—especially if you’re using solar panels.
Q: Can either run a coffee maker or microwave?
Not really. Most coffee makers and microwaves pull 1000+ watts. The EB3A might handle a small coffee maker for a few minutes, but I wouldn’t rely on either for those heavy loads.
Q: What solar panels work with these?
I use a 120W foldable solar panel with both. Bluetti supports up to 200W input, so it’ll recharge faster than the Jackery. Just make sure to check connector compatibility or grab an adapter if needed.
Q: Which one is safer for indoor use?
Both are safe indoors—no fumes, no gas, and no noise. However, Bluetti’s LiFePO₄ battery is considered safer and more stable over time.
Q: Do you really need both?
Honestly, if you’re like me and live full-time in an RV, having both is a luxury I really enjoy. I use the Bluetti for heavier tasks and the Jackery as a backup or grab-and-go option.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for more power, faster charging, and long-term durability, the Bluetti EB3A is hard to beat. It’s a powerhouse in a small box and built to last.
But if portability, simplicity, and weight are your top priorities, the Jackery Explorer 300 is still an awesome choice.
Having both has given me a lot of flexibility depending on where I’m headed and what I need to charge. You really can’t go wrong with either—but understanding your power needs will help you pick the best one for your adventures.
👉 Thinking about picking one up? Check out the Bluetti EB3A or other Bluetti products to support the blog at no extra cost to you!
If you have questions about how I use these in daily RV life, drop a comment—I’m always happy to help fellow RVers figure this stuff out.
Whether you’re powering up in the middle of nowhere or just want some backup juice for your devices, both the Bluetti EB3A and Jackery Explorer 300 have earned their spot in my RV. Hope this breakdown helped clear things up for you!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
About the Author
Jim has 3.5 years of experience living and traveling full-time in an RV. From “moochdocking” with family and friends to navigating the financial intricacies of RV life, he shares practical advice rooted in firsthand experience. His goal is to help fellow adventurers embrace the RV lifestyle with confidence and ease.
I really appreciated the hands-on comparison between the Bluetti EB3A and the Jackery Explorer 300. I’ve used the Jackery 300 for short weekend camping trips and found it super reliable for charging phones, lights, and even a small fan. It’s lightweight and easy to store, which makes a big difference when space is tight. I’m wondering though, have you noticed any major performance differences when running devices with higher wattage, especially over longer trips?
Thanks for the kind words! I agree—the Jackery 300 is super handy for short trips and light loads. When it comes to higher-wattage devices over longer periods, I’ve noticed the Bluetti EB3A has a bit of an edge with its higher output capacity (600W vs. Jackery’s 300W) and faster recharging. That extra power can be a real plus if you’re running gear like a laptop, portable fridge, or CPAP overnight. Both are great units, but the EB3A just offers a bit more flexibility in those higher-demand scenarios.